$5.7 million available to isles to fight terror
The federal government is making $5.7 million available to the state of Hawaii to help local public safety officials cover the cost of anti-terrorism efforts, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.The money is part of $566 million in grants available to states to help cover the cost of anti-terrorism efforts.
"This money is an important step in getting states and localities better prepared to deal with potential terrorist incidents," said Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge.
Specific amounts will be distributed to states and U.S. territories based on population, with the largest share -- $45 million -- going to California.
State governments will determine how to distribute the money to cities and counties, said Homeland Security Department spokesman Gordon Johndroe.
Local officials can spend the funds on equipment, training or exercises used in countering terrorism.
Application forms for the grants were posted on the Internet yesterday. States have until April 22 to submit the forms. Once the applications are submitted and reviewed, funds will be available in about three weeks.
Highway by Makapuu is closed temporarily
The state closed Kalanianaole Highway at Makapuu for about an hour yesterday after a heavy downpour raised concern about the site of previous rockfalls.There was no rockslide, said a Department of Transportation spokesman, but Highway Division engineers went to the area to assess the situation because of flash flooding in the area. A police spokesman said small rocks slid onto the roadway.
The stretch of road between Hawaii Kai Golf Course and Sea Life Park was closed from 2:30 to 3:45 p.m.
Metal mesh and fencing were installed in November to deter rockslides. Royal Contracting Co. also removed the rocky overhang 200 feet above the roadway in the remedial project that required road closures daily for three weeks. A more permanent fix for the hazard is being planned by the Transportation Department.
According to the National Weather Service, 1.37 inches of rainfall fell in that area between noon and 5 p.m. yesterday.
>> Rep. Case announces academy nominations
[ TAKING NOTICE ]
U.S. Congressman Ed Case has announced the following nominees to U.S service academies for the class entering in July:
AIR FORCE ACADEMY>> Benjamin Katsuo Johnson, of Hilo High School, and Chase Sy-Fuu Lee, of McKinley High School, were named delegates to the 41st Annual United States Senate Youth Program. They each won an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, from last Saturday through today, and a $5,000 college scholarship.
Musashi A. de la Cruz, Lanai High School; Matthew F. Reiley, home school, Maui, first alternate; Kelly L. Hasegawa, Hilo High, second alternate.NAVAL ACADEMY
David H. Carter, Kalaheo High; Ikaika Sheehan, Kamehameha Schools, first alternate; Kevin J. Lenahan, Punahou, second alternate.MILITARY ACADEMY
Reyan P.E. Pulido, St. Anthony High, first principal; Andrew P. Amigleo, Punahou, first alternate; Melvic B. Malanog, Leilehua High, second principal; Brian D. Ehrenheim, Roosevelt High, first alternate; Kurt Y. Okumura, Kalaheo High, second alternate.MERCHANT MARINE ACADEMY
Timothy W. Dolan, Maryknoll High, in addition to Andrew P. Amigleo, Kurt Y. Okumura and Reyan P.E. Pulido, whose nominations were announced previously.>> Hawaii Pacific University art professor Jerome Feldman is one of five speakers selected to appear at the Ruth K. Franklin Symposium on the Arts of Africa, Oceania and the Americas at Stanford University.
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>> George Williams Jr., who pleaded not guilty to first-degree theft of a utility service, is a former employee of the Honolulu Board of Water Supply. A brief on Page A7 yesterday incorrectly reported that he was still a board employee. 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
HONOLULU
Veteran postal worker accused of mail theft
A longtime postal employee was arrested yesterday on federal charges of stealing mail and possessing stolen mail.Walter Hayashi, 46, of Honolulu, allegedly stole mail from the Honolulu Airport Post Office while employed as a distribution clerk, according to an indictment.
He also allegedly possessed stolen mail, including federal income tax refund checks, credit cards, letters containing personal identification numbers for credit cards and bank cards, and letters with Internet passwords to brokerage accounts.
Hayashi has been charged with two counts of stealing and attempting to steal mail, four counts of possessing stolen mail, two counts of retaining and concealing stolen U.S. Treasury checks, and one count of possessing unauthorized access devices, said U.S. Attorney Edward Kubo Jr.
Hayashi faces a maximum of five years' imprisonment and a $250,000 fine for each of the six counts of stealing and attempting to steal mail and possessing stolen mail.
He also faces a maximum 10-year prison term and a fine of up to $250,000 on each of the retaining and unauthorized access devices counts.
NEIGHBOR ISLANDS
Big Isle police looking for missing Puna man
Big Island police are searching for a 48-year-old Puna man who failed to return home from Kona on Thursday.Gary Bailey, of Hawaiian Acres subdivision, was last seen about 4 p.m. Thursday driving an Alpha Electric Supply Co. pickup truck in Kona.
He is described as 5 feet 10, 175 pounds with short blond hair and blue eyes.
Anyone with information is asked to call Officer Iris McGuire, of the Puna Patrol, at 966-5835 or 935-3511.
Police search for boy on contempt warrant
The Hawaii County Police Department is searching for a 17-year-old boy wanted on a contempt warrant issued by Family Court.Police said Charles N. Ishii fled from a court-ordered placement program on Oahu in January and is believed to be on the Big Island. Ishii is described as Japanese, 5 feet 6, 155 pounds, having a medium build, tan complexion, black hair and has been known to highlight his hair and brown eyes.
Call Detective John Ancheta of the Hilo Juvenile Aid Section at 961-2276 or the police nonemergency telephone number at 935-3311, or make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona.
WINDWARD OAHU
Teen alleges rape by mom's boyfriend
Police have arrested a 37-year-old Kaneohe man for allegedly sexually assaulting his girlfriend's 15-year-old daughter.Police said the girl reported the sexual abuse had been going on since last month.
Police arrested the man at 5:40 p.m. yesterday on two counts of first-degree sexual assault and two traffic warrants.
Students arrested in terroristic threat
Two 15-year-old Castle High School students were arrested about 1:20 p.m. yesterday for allegedly threatening to shoot a school security officer.Police said the school safety manager tried to stop an argument between a girl and a boy, and they then turned on him and threatened to shoot him.
The students were arrested on two counts of first-degree terroristic threatening.
