Enrollment up at Big Island public schools
HILO >> It looks as if public school enrollment on the Big Island may be increasing for the first time in four years.As of Aug. 30, slightly more than 25,000 students were enrolled, up from 24,931 last school year, according to Rosemary Kawamoto, personnel specialist in the Department of Education's Hawaii District office.
Big Island enrollment reached its peak in 1997 when more than 29,000 students attended class.
Then, after at least 10 years of increasing enrollment, the figure dropped to 28,528 in 1998, and the number has continued to decline until now.
Last year, the DOE reported statewide public school enrollment had been in decline since the 1995-96 school year.
Student group looks to boost voter numbers
The Hawaii State Student Council is seeking to increase voter registration by encouraging those 18 years or older to vote and by registering students 16 and 17 years of age to register and participate in Kids Voting.The council will also join with Freedom's Answer, a nationwide organization dedicated to publicizing the importance of voting, in recruiting voters beginning Sept. 11.
Council members will go into their communities to help community members and students in their schools learn about registering to vote. The group aims to sign up entire schools as blocks and have the community participate in events such as "Adopt a Block," in which they will support people in going out to vote.
>> Delmer Edmonds Jr. was released from prison after new DNA evidence excluded him as a suspect in the 1975 rape and murder of Dawn "Dede" Bustamante. He was not convicted of murder. A photo caption on Page A7 of yesterday's paper had incorrect information. Corrections and clarifications
The Honolulu Star-Bulletin strives to make its news report fair and accurate. If you have a question or comment about news coverage, call Managing Editor Frank Bridgewater at 529-4791 or email him at fbridgewater@starbulletin.com.
Police, Fire, Courts
By Star-Bulletin staffHonolulu Police Department Crimestoppers
LEEWARD OAHU
Woman killed by car on Makakilo Drive
A 61-year-old woman was struck by a car and killed when she attempted to cross Makakilo Drive on a curve with no crosswalk at about 6:40 a.m. yesterday, police reported.A 20-year-old man driving a 1978 Camaro was traveling northwest on Makakilo Drive, about two-tenths of a mile northwest of Palailai Street, when the woman stepped into the road from a grass median, police said.
The woman was pronounced dead at the scene. The Medical Examiner's office said her identity hadn't yet been determined.
Police said speed and alcohol weren't involved in the accident.
This is the 45th traffic fatality this year on Oahu compared to 56 at this time last year, police said.
WAIKIKI
Another girl captured after Kailua escape
Police caught another teenage escapee in Waikiki early yesterday, out of 10 girls who escaped last week from a Hawaii Youth Correctional Facility cottage.An anonymous tip led to the capture of 17-year-old Tiare Perez, police said.
Perez was one of three escapees identified by police because she was considered dangerous.
Five escapees were arrested earlier this week. Four remain at large.
The 10 teenagers overpowered two guards employed by Child and Family Services Aug. 31, ripped phone wires from the wall, stole guard radios, facility and van keys and fled in a van, found later along Keolu Drive in Enchanted Lake.
Lifeguards rescue dozens from water
City lifeguards rescued dozens of people in the water yesterday, although they had no major rescues.On the east side of Oahu alone, the Ocean Safety Division counted 24 rescues.
In the Waikiki-Ala Moana area, there were seven rescues and five assists by the personal water craft, and several more by lifeguards.
The west side saw a total of six rescues with a lot of preventive work.
Surf at Waikiki and Sandy Beach was at 2 to 3 feet yesterday.
The North Shore was calm and had no problems.
"Just another day at the beach," said one Ocean Safety Division officer.
