Hawaii census figures boosted by 25,974
The official 2000 census count for Hawaii is now 1,237,511, not 1,211,537.According to the numbers released this week, the 2000 U.S. census missed an estimated 3.2 million people nationwide, mostly minorities, including an estimated 25,974 in Hawaii.
Counts across the nation also were revised.
Los Angeles County and Cook County, Ill., which includes Chicago, were among the places with the highest minority undercounts of children and adults.
Census Bureau officials released undercount data after a federal appeals court ruled earlier this year that the public was entitled to see the numbers under open-government laws. But the officials issued a disclaimer, saying the figures were the product of flawed statistical adjustment methods and that they were no better than the unadjusted numbers.
OHA sends state bill for $10.3 million
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs hopes that the check is in the mail soon now that it has sent Gov. Linda Lingle a letter demanding immediate payment of $10.3 million in undisputed revenue from ceded lands.Yesterday's five-page letter, signed by Chairwoman Haunani Apoliona, details OHA's position on the revenue dispute, the legal history behind those payments and why the money should be remitted.
OHA officials said earlier this week they intended to send such a letter.
Apoliona also challenged Lingle to follow through on a pledge made during her gubernatorial campaign to immediately transfer the money to OHA from the state's claims and settlement funds.
Lingle had said it was important the governor work swiftly to restore funding, and should not wait to go to the Legislature.
$4 million raised to battle leukemia
About 1,700 runners in tomorrow's Honolulu Marathon raised more than $4 million to help find a cure for leukemia.They were recruited through the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's "Team in Training" program.
The program offers coaching, training and travel opportunities for people to run in marathons worldwide on behalf of leukemia or lymphoma patients.
The runners will wear a wristband with a patient's name. Each one raised at least $3,500 toward the goal.
A pasta party is planned tonight at the Hawai'i Convention Center for participants to load carbohydrates.
Alberto Salazaar, legendary marathon runner, is guest speaker.
|
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
[ COURTS ]
Juvenile convicted in man's beating death
A juvenile accused of participating in the fatal beating of a Waianae man has been convicted of recklessly causing the death of 35-year-old William Van Winkle in July 2001.Victor Faagau went on trial for second-degree murder before Circuit Judge Sandra Simms in September. The jury-waived trial was held over a period of three months, and Simms found him guilty yesterday of the lesser offense of manslaughter.
In explaining her findings, Simms said she did not find the testimony of Faagau credible. She said the most compelling evidence at trial came from Faagau's friends. "Faagau repeatedly stomped, kicked, beat and killed Mr. Van Winkle in a random, wild, ice-induced high to stomp and kick for the fun of it," she said.
Faagau had testified that he had hit Van Winkle twice in the arm and later kicked him twice in the leg. Van Winkle died of blunt head trauma and also suffered a broken neck.
On Sept. 17, co-defendant Branden Adkins pleaded guilty on the eve of trial to second-degree murder after admitting that he kicked Van Winkle's head and body and knowingly caused his death.
Other witnesses testified it was Adkins' idea that night to "bang" people -- beating people up for fun and robbing them.
Simms said yesterday that Faagau appeared to be following the lead of Adkins, who prosecutors believe was more culpable. Faagau, who was 15 at the time of the incident, was tried as an adult. He faces a maximum 20 years' imprisonment when sentenced April 22.
Adkins will be sentenced Feb. 11. He faces life with the possibility of parole.
The two were among a group of teens accused of confronting Van Winkle at Waianae District Park during the early morning hours of July 14, 2001, and taking turns beating him.
A jogger later found Van Winkle's beaten body, naked from the waist down, on the basketball courts.
Three other juveniles who were with Adkins and Faagau that night were arrested in connection with Van Winkle's death. Their cases were adjudicated in Family Court.
Sierra Club tourism suit lacks standing
The Sierra Club does not have standing to sue the Hawaii Tourism Authority to force it to study the impact tourism has on Hawaii's environment before spending millions to market the state, the Hawaii Supreme Court ruled yesterday.The Tourism Authority had awarded a three-year, $114 million contract to the Hawaii Visitors Convention Bureau in September 1999 to market Hawaii as a tourist destination.
The Sierra Club had sued the Hawaii Tourism Authority in January 2000 asking it to conduct an environmental assessment and disclose to the public the impact of tourism growth before spending taxpayer dollars to market the state.
Jeff Mikulina, director of the Sierra Club's Hawaii chapter, said yesterday the group disagrees with the decision.
In the ruling, Justice Simeon Acoba wrote that the Sierra Club failed to establish that its members would suffer actual harm as a result of the marketing contract or that spending marketing dollars would bring more visitors to Hawaii.
Keith Vieira, Hawaii Tourism Authority board member, said he is glad the court has settled the issue. But regardless of the ruling, he said they need to be continually conscious of the impact tourism has on the community and environment and would be foolish not to make sure their goals are sensitive to the community's concerns.
