Dolphin euthanized despite intense effort
The 4-month-old female spotted dolphin stranded Christmas Day at Pokai Bay has died despite an intense effort to save her, officials said this morning.The dolphin, which suffered from pneumonia, was euthanized by veterinarians late last night at the Mammal Research rehabilitation facility at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe, where she had been cared for since Christmas.
The dolphin had become weak, disoriented and unable to swim, according to a statement from the Marine base and the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration.
"Veterinarians, biologists and volunteers offered all possible medical treatment and decided that for humane considerations it was best to euthanize the dolphin," the statement said. Veterinarians will conduct an investigation to learn more about the dolphin's illness, it said.
The dolphin, stranded at Pokai Bay in Waianae, was spotted by divers on Christmas.
Officials did not know whether the pneumonia was the cause of her stranding.
Few baby dolphins survive in such cases, Margaret Akamine, protected-species coordinator at NOAA, had said earlier.
FAA says China Airlines jet was not a threat
Federal Aviation Administration officials say a China Airlines jumbo jet was slightly off course as it approached Honolulu Airport on Saturday, but not enough to substantiate high-rise residents' claims that the plane was dangerously close.Allen Kenitzer, an FAA spokesman, said the Boeing 747 was less than a mile off course.
"It was on a different approach than would have been normal," Kenitzer said. He said the plane normally would have remained on course above the ocean, but would not speculate why it flew slightly further inland.
Residents of a 41-story building near Waikiki say the jet was much closer.
Some residents told television station KITV the plane came within 30 feet of the building and that one of its wings passed over the fourth-floor recreation deck.
A call placed to the airline's office at Honolulu Airport seeking comment went unanswered.
Due to Hawaii's clear weather, pilots conducted a visual approach to the airport to determine the aircraft's altitude and heading, said FAA representative Tweet Coleman. Many times, pilots will ask for a visual approach because Hawaii's weather is so nice, Coleman said.
Kenitzer said a full investigation, including a look at air traffic data, would be conducted to determine why the plane was off course.
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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
NORTH SHORE
5 people injured when 2 motorcycles hit car
Five people were taken to two hospitals after two motorcycles hit a car in Haleiwa yesterday.The accident occurred at the Joseph Leong interchange and Kamehameha Highway at about 2:12 p.m.
Emergency Medical Services' District Chief Bobby Pedro said two male motorcyclists, 20 and 28, struck a sedan. The vehicle, occupied by three women, was in front of the motorcyclists when it made a left turn.
Pedro said the motorcyclists suffered head injuries and fractured arms and legs and were flown in serious condition to the Queen's Medical Center. Both men were wearing helmets.
A 55-year-old car passenger who suffered chest injuries was also flown to Queen's in serious condition. Pedro said the 56-year-old driver and another passenger, 87, were taken in stable condition to Wahiawa General Hospital.
HONOLULU
Kalihi woman, 24, killed when car hits pillar
A 24-year-old Kalihi woman was killed yesterday in a car accident in Mapunapuna.Police said the woman and a 24-year-old Kalihi man were traveling eastbound on Nimitz Highway when their car crossed the median and crashed into the concrete pillar near Ahua Street about 3 a.m.
Both were taken to the Queen's Medical Center, where the woman was pronounced dead. A Queen's nursing supervisor said the man was listed in serious condition.
Police said speed and alcohol are possible factors.
Stabbing suspect and victim are hospitalized
Police arrested a 26-year-old man this morning following a stabbing in downtown Honolulu.Both the suspect and victim, a 33-year-old man, were taken to Queen's Medical Center for treatment for injuries, which police said were not serious.
Police said the victim was stabbed in the abdomen about 2:30 a.m., trying to break up a fight outside a bar at the corner of Maunakea Street and Nimitz Highway. The suspect fled but was arrested, walking near the downtown police substation. Queen's did not release information on the condition of the men.
Central Oahu
Man critically injured after being hit by car
A 59-year-old man was in critical condition at Queen's Medical Center this morning from injuries he suffered after being hit by a car as he crossed Kamehameha Highway in Wahiawa.Police said the man was trying to cross the highway fronting Zippy's Restaurant at about 4 a.m., when a car struck him. The man was not in a crosswalk. The driver of the car, a 39-year-old Haleiwa woman, was not injured. The man was taken to Wahiawa General Hospital, then transferred to Queen's.
Leeward Oahu
Missing Waianae hiker reached by cell phone
Rescuers made contact this morning with a 58-year-old Makiki man who failed to return from a group hike in Waianae yesterday.They reached him on his cellular telephone at 8:45 a.m. but were still trying to establish his location.
"He said he fell off the trail and is stuck in a tree," said Capt. Richard Soo, Honolulu Fire Department spokesman.
The man indicated that he may have a broken collar bone and a broken leg.
Police and firefighters launched a search for the man this morning, after the man's wife called police to report him missing overnight. Firefighters got the call about 2 a.m., Soo said. The man went on a members-only hike with the Hawaiian Trail and Mountain Club on the Kamaileunu Trail at the back of Waianae Valley yesterday.
West Oahu
Man with knife robs Ewa Beach 7-Eleven
Police are looking for a man who robbed the Ewa Beach 7-Eleven store at knifepoint this morning.The store cashier told police the suspect entered the store at 3:15 a.m. and asked for some change.
When she opened the register the man brandished a knife and demanded money. He fled on foot after taking money from the register.
The robber is believed to be in his late-30s, 6-feet tall with a slim build and balding. He was wearing a beige hooded sweater and dark pants.
