Newswatch
Police, Fire, Courts

By Star-Bulletin Staff

Expect delays on Kalanianaole

The state Department of Transportation will be intermittently closing lanes on Kalanianaole Highway between the upper and lower Makapuu lookouts tomorrow as part of the Makapuu rock-fall project.

The 20-minute lane closures will be used instead of contraflow lanes between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Motorists are advised to allow extra travel time or take an alternate route.

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Corrections and clarifications >> Phil Spector has been arrested but not been convicted in the shooting death of Lana Clarkson. A headline on Page D2 yesterday did not make that clear. 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.

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Police, Fire, Courts



By Star-Bulletin staff

Honolulu Police Department Crimestoppers

CRIMESTOPPERS Police are looking for the person who robbed the Moanalua Chevron on Feb. 20.

CRIMESTOPPERS Nabarrete robbery suspect: Sought in connection with a holdup on Jan. 22

HONOLULU

HPD seeks suspect in six robberies

Police are looking for a man believed to have robbed six gas station and convenience stores since January.

Police said the businesses were robbed under similar circumstances: A man entered, pretended to buy something, then brandished a handgun and demanded money.

The six businesses are: Nabarrete Store, 1141 Waipahu St., robbed Jan. 22; Benton's Middle Street Chevron,1305 Middle St., robbed Jan. 23; Mel-Chien Store, 618 Kalihi St., robbed Feb. 11; Nani Mini Market, 428 Kalihi St.; Rainbow Country Liquors, 2298 Waialae Ave.; Moanalua Chevron, 986 Valkenburgh St.; all three robbed Feb. 20.

The robber was described as in his late teens to late 20s, 5 feet 5 to 5 feet 9, 140 to 160 pounds, with slim build, short black hair and tan complexion.

Investigators said there could be more than one robber involved. If that's the case, the robbers have similar appearances.

Anyone with information may contact Lt. Ray Quon at 529-3006 or CrimeStoppers at 955-8300.

Kakaako employees sick after acid spill

Two employees of Nordstrom Rack in Kakaako were taken to Queen's Medical Center yesterday following an acid spill in the store, fire officials said.

Both victims suffered shortness of breath and nausea, according to Emergency Medical Services.

The store, at 330 Kamakee St., had not yet opened when about a gallon of hydrochloric acid spilled about 8:18 a.m., said HFD spokesman Capt. Kenison Tejada. An employee poured water on the spilled acid, which caused it to produce vapors that entered the air-conditioning system, Tejada said.

Police arrest man in purse-snatching

Police arrested a man yesterday in connection with a purse-snatching on Feb. 8.

Police said a woman was robbed while walking into the driveway of her Victoria Street residence. A man approached her from behind, pushed her down and took her purse.

Police said the victim provided them with the license plate number of the getaway vehicle.

NEIGHBOR ISLANDS

Grassland fires halted in Kau District

PAHALA, Hawaii >> Hawaii County firefighters contained a coastal grassland fire below Pahala in the Kau District yesterday while state Forestry Division firefighters continued fighting an upland forest fire northeast of the town.

The coastal fire, covering 2,000 acres, came within half a mile of a macadamia orchid but four bulldozers and water drops from a helicopter halted the flames, fire officials said. The fire was contained at 3 p.m.

The upland blaze extended to 1,825 acres but fire officials said they expect to contain it today. Three bulldozers and two helicopters were deployed yesterday to bring it under control.

Officials suspect lightning strikes Sunday caused both fires.