Kauai mayor agrees to eatery smoking ban
LIHUE >> Mayor Maryanne Kusaka has agreed to sign the County Council bill prohibiting smoking in some areas of restaurants, her office announced yesterday.Kusaka, who has been attending a travel agents convention, was scheduled to work today.
Her office said it was unclear when she would sign the measure. It would become law in January.
The bill, passed two weeks ago, prohibits smoking in eating establishments. It excludes outdoor dining areas, bars in restaurants when no food is being served and stand-alone bars and nightclubs.
The bill is similar to restrictions passed earlier this year on Oahu and Maui.
Part of Kaena Point to reopen to the public
Public access across the Air Force's Kaena Point tracking station will be reinstated beginning tomorrow for hikers, campers and hunters.Public access for hunting, hiking and camping in the Kuaokala Game management area and Mokuleia hunting area have been closed since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Hunters accessing these areas will need to have a state of Hawaii hunting license and photo identification.
Hikers and campers will need to have a Land Division permit.
Vehicles also are subject to search by Air Force officials, and drivers must be able to produce current vehicle registration, safety inspection and insurance documentation.
Puu Waa Waa hunting info available at forum
Information about bird hunting in the Puu Waa Waa game management area will be available at an informal "field forum" from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Unit J hunter check-in station on the Big Island.For more information, call the Kona conservation enforcement office of the state Department of Land & Natural Resources at 327-4960 or the Waimea Forestry Division office at 887-6063.
Putzulu sworn in as HPD deputy chief
Paul Putzulu was sworn in yesterday as the Honolulu Police Department's second deputy chief in charge of field operations.He fills the vacancy created when former Deputy Chief Robert Au retired last month to take a job with the Transportation Security Administration on Maui.
Putzulu was formerly assistant chief of HPD's executive bureau, a post to which he was promoted in April.
His promotion to deputy chief is effective Sunday.
Robert Prasser was sworn in yesterday to take Putzulu's place.
His promotion to assistant chief from major is also effective Sunday.
Army Corps sets out to repair flood damage
HILO >> The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has awarded a contract for more than $3.7 million to repair damage done by the flooding of Nov. 1 and 2, 2000, the Corps announced.The money will be used to repair four projects. Three originally built by the Corps will be repaired entirely at Corps expense. A fourth, built by Hawaii County in the Waiakea Uka area of Hilo, will be funded 80 percent by the Corps with the remainder to be paid by the county.
Although the projects were damaged, they "performed admirably" during the flooding, preventing damage to other structures, the Corps said.
For example, the Alenaio Stream project through downtown Hilo cost $15.7 million but came close to paying for itself in the flooding by preventing $12.2 million in damage. Two other projects were the Wailoa River channel in Hilo, which was clogged with sediment including large boulders, and the Paauau Stream project in Pahala.
During the flooding, 30 inches of rain fell in Hilo and 37 inches in Pahala.
Supreme Court suspends isle lawyer
The Supreme Court of Hawaii has suspended attorney R. Richard Ichihashi from practicing law because he failed to cooperate with the Office of Disciplinary Counsel in an investigation of a client's complaint.Ichihashi's license is suspended until further order of the Supreme Court.
Ex-attorney resigns in lieu of discipline
The state Supreme Court granted former Honolulu attorney Eugene P. Ventayen's request of Oct. 25 to resign from the practice of law in lieu of discipline.The Supreme Court views resignation in lieu of discipline as a disbarment should the attorney seek to be reinstated later.
Ventayen was suspended by the Supreme Court Aug. 27, 1999, because he failed to cooperate with Office of Disciplinary Counsel investigations of his conduct in three cases.
Caregivers get chance to improve health
Strategies to help caregivers maintain their emotional and physical health will be presented at a conference, Carousel of Care, Nov. 16 at the Ohana Keauhou Beach Hotel, Kailua-Kona.The Hawaii County Office of Aging and Hawaii Community Caregiver Network are sponsoring the event for caregivers, family members and professionals.
Respite care, in-home and on-site, is available. The cost of the conference, including lunch, is $18.
For more information, call 808-327-3597.
HIV/AIDS fund-raiser to be held Saturday
Gregory House Programs, which provides housing and services to HIV/AIDS patients, will hold a spaghetti dinner fund-raiser, "Buono Mangiare," from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday at St. Patrick School auditorium, 1124 7th Ave., Kaimuki.The event will feature entertainment, door prizes, a silent auction and celebrity guests. All proceeds will benefit the agency's seven housing programs.
The nonprofit corporation was established in 1988 under the name Ho'omana'olana. It is assisting more than 220 people and their families each month through its shelter, rent subsidy, emergency assistance, temporary shelter, housing opportunities and other programs.
Tickets for "Buono Mangiare," costing $20, may be purchased in advance at the agency's office, 770 Kapiolani Blvd., Suite 503, or by calling 592-9022. Tickets also will be available at the door.
Hospice Hawaii seeks volunteers
Hospice Hawaii is seeking volunteers to provide comfort and support to terminally ill patients and their families.Interested people must complete a free 20-hour training program scheduled over three days at Hospice Hawaii, 860 Iwilei Road.
The next training program: Nov. 20, 6 to 10 p.m.; Nov. 23, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Nov. 30, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
"Volunteers are vital to fulfilling Hospice Hawaii's mission to care for patients facing the end of life," said Judy Winner, director of volunteer services. "By sharing their time and themselves, they help the patients and families we serve to live fuller lives." To sign up for volunteer training, call Deborah Ball of the Volunteer Department, 924-9255. More information about hospice services and bereavement support also can be obtained at that number.
'Hugged Your Keiki?' stickers are available
"Have You Hugged Your Keiki Today?" bumper stickers are available free from the Mental Health Association Hawaii under sponsorship of the Bank of Hawaii.To obtain a bumper sticker, send a business-size, self-addressed, stamped envelope to the association, 200 N. Vineyard Blvd. No. 300, Honolulu, HI 96817.
Opportunities offered in medical careers
Students from a disadvantaged background who are interested in a medical career are invited to apply for the University of Hawaii-Manoa's 2003-2004 Imi Ho'ola Post-Baccalaureate Program.Since 1973 the 12-month program has provided opportunities to more than 370 people from Hawaii, Guam, Micronesia and American Samoa. It offers educational experiences that prepare participants for challenges of medical school, integrating concepts in sciences and humanities and developing communication and problem-solving skills.
Participants develop critical thinking and learning skills through seminars, lectures and workshops, interaction with other students and faculty and health-care professionals.
The application deadline is Dec. 31. Eligible candidates must "have strong potential," be "highly motivated" and "have demonstrated a commitment to serve areas of need in Hawaii and the Pacific," according to the John A. Burns Medical School.
Anyone interested may call Roy Inouye or Dr. Nanette Judd at 956-3466 or write to University of Hawaii-Manoa, John A. Burns School of Medicine, Imi Ho'ola Post-Baccalaureate Program, 1960 East-West Road, Biomed C-203, Honolulu, HI 96822.
Red Cross sponsoring nurse assistant training
The American Red Cross's last evening class of the year for its Nurse Assistant Training Course will be held Nov. 20-Dec. 23 at its headquarters, 4155 Diamond Head Road.Students who register before Nov. 15 will receive a $50 Thanksgiving discount off the regular tuition of $675. A $200 nonrefundable deposit is required.
The class spans five weeks, including three evenings a week for a four-week classroom training session and practical experience the last week. Classes are from 4 to 9 p.m.
Applicants must be CPR-certified to be accepted into the program. Enrollment is limited to 12 students.
The state-licensed vocational training program prepares people for jobs in the health-care industry, specifically in a long-term health-care setting. Graduates are prepared to take the state examination to become certified nurse assistants.
To register or obtain more information, call 734-2101.
BACK TO TOP |
[Taking Notice]
HONORS
>> Hawaii State Auditor Marion Higa has received the Association of Government Accountants' William R. Snodgrass Distinguished Leadership Award. Her office has received recognition after detailed review since 1992 by the National State Auditors Association.>> Ginger Sandell has been named chief financial officer at Hawaii Preparatory Academy, replacing Laurie Ainslie, who left the school to spend more time with her family. Sandell was most recently regional financial officer with Hawaii Health Systems Corporation at the Kona Community Hospital in Kealakekua.
>> Constantinos S. Papacostas, civil engineering professor at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, was recently elected to the executive board of the National Local Transportation Assistance Program Association. Papacostas, also director of the Hawaii Local Transportation Assistance program, will be representing Region 9, which includes Arizona, California, Nevada and Hawaii.
>> Irachel Chantilly Mers, of Maui, is one of 46 high school students in the country who graduated from the FBI National Academy Associates Youth Leadership Program.
>> The Honolulu Fire Department honored Battalion Chief Eric Adams Jr. as manager of the year. Terry Raquedan and Fire Capts. Dennis Lewis and Glenn Solem were named employees of the year.
>> Easter Seals Hawaii has recognized the following individuals and an organization for their outstanding support of people with disabilities:
Hugh Yoshida, former University of Hawaii athletic director, and Eric Miyasaki, Nissan president and CEO, received the Laulima Award;
Paul Ables of Hawaii Insurers Council, the Chairman's Award;
The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, the Dwane Brenneman Humanitarian Award;
Anastasia Keller-Collins and Wendy Correa, program managers at Easter Seals, the President's Award;
Don Robbs of Cox Communications, the Fred Ida Stewardship Award;
KHON TV2's Ron Mizutani and Bob Pritchard, the Equality, Dignity and Independence Advocacy Award;
Ted McAneeley of Mauna Kea Resorts, Tom Moffat of Tom Moffat Productions and Leighton Tseu of Matson Navigation Co., the Community Service Award;
Eric Miyasaki, the VIP Ilima Award of Excellence; and
Author Lois Yamanaka, Rookie of the Year.
>> Cheryl Tamura has been promoted from account supervisor to director of public relations at Bright Light Marketing Group Inc., a public relations and marketing firm. She joined the firm in 1997 and has more than 17 years of public relations experience at St. Francis Medical Center, Becker Communications and Neiman Marcus Hawaii.
>> Honolulu attorney Richard Turbin is the first graduate of Harvard University School of Law to receive its Traphagen Distinguished Alumni Speaker Award. Turbin, a 1969 graduate, is also the first plaintiffs personal injury attorney to receive the honor, according to Harvard. He was also elected chair of the Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section of the American Bar Association. He was a public defender in the early 1970s.
>> Employees of the Hawaii State Judiciary and groups that have made outstanding contributions to the state court system include:
Meritorious Service Award -- Vera Tabe, Court Support Services Branch, Kauai; Jeanne Taketa, Fiscal Division, District Court, Oahu.
Group awards -- Children & Youth Services Branch, Family Court, Oahu; Program Specialists, Family Court, Oahu.
Spirit of the Judiciary Awards -- Liesje Cattaneo, Adult Probation Division, Oahu; Gayle Miyamoto, Traffic Violations Bureau, District Court, Maui; Spencer Lee, Adult Probation Division, Oahu; Andrew Nagata, Office of the Public Guardian, Maui, Administration; Glenn Tsutahara, Court Services Section, District Court, Big Island.
Certificates of commendation -- Mabel Asato, Detention Services Branch, Family Court, Oahu; Glen Yorimoto, Office of the Deputy Chief Court Administrator, District Court, Oahu; Adult Probation Division, Supervision Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, Oahu.
|
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. Corrections and clarifications
Police, Fire, Courts
By Star-Bulletin staffHonolulu Police Department Crimestoppers
CRIMESTOPPERS
This $7,000 barbecue smoker was stolen last month in Kaimuki.
HPD seeks thieves with culinary dreams
Honolulu police want help finding a $7,000 barbecue smoker that was stolen last month in Kaimuki.Police said the Southern Yankee Pit Smoker was chained to a pole behind the Top of the Hill restaurant (formerly Kaimuki Inn) at 3579 Waialae Ave. on Oct. 13.
Police said that sometime between 3 a.m. and 2 p.m., the suspect or suspects cut the chain and hauled the trailer away.
The smoker is described as navy blue with a silver trim, about 4 feet high and 4 feet long.
Police said this particular pit smoker is the only one of its kind on Oahu.
Anyone with information may call Detective Kenny Toriki at 529-3863 or CrimeStoppers at 955-8300 or *CRIME on a cellular phone.
