30 nations declare support for U.S. in war
WASHINGTON >> Thirty nations have declared their support for the United States in any war with Iraq and 15 other nations have given their backing privately, Secretary of State Colin Powell said today.The State Department released the list of 30 countries. Spokesman Richard Boucher said some of them "may put troops on the ground," while others would take on other roles, such as assisting in a defense against the use of chemical or biological weapons or permitting allied combat planes to fly over their territory.
Boucher did not specify which countries would send troops to fight. But Britain is known to have contributed about 45,000 troops, Australia has offered 2,000 and Poland, 200. Albania has offered 70 soldiers for noncombat roles, and Romania contributed 278 non-combat experts in demining, in chemical and biological decontamination and military police.
Pearl submarine sails on secret mission
A nuclear submarine left Pearl Harbor yesterday, but the Navy is not saying exactly where it will be deployed during the current Iraqi crisis.The Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Pasadena and its crew of 130 sailors sailed on a six-month deployment, and its mission is "the global war on terrorism or possible contingencies elsewhere in the world," the Navy said.
Cmdr. Donald Fritts Jr., USS Pasadena commanding officer, said: "Over the past six months, Pasadena has been involved in some fairly rigorous preparations.
Japan's premier backs Bush on Iraq attack
TOKYO >> Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi said his government will support any U.S. decision to attack Iraq if Saddam Hussein ignores an ultimatum to leave the country within 48 hours."Our alliance with the U.S. takes priority. There is still a chance for a peaceful solution, but if it comes to war, we will back the U.S.," Koizumi said.
However, Japan will not send troops to fight, Koizumi said.
Mexican president expresses 'regrets'
MEXICO CITY >> President Vicente Fox said yesterday he "regrets" that the Iraq conflict appears headed for war, but said that Mexico's opposition to military action will not strain important relations with America."Mexico reiterates its support for the multilateral route to solve conflicts and regrets the path to war," Fox said.
France says planned action lacks legitimacy
PARIS >> France said today the world did not back President Bush's ultimatum.The office of French President Jacques Chirac said the U.N. Security Council opposed the move.
"Whatever the objective pursued, France recalls that only the Security Council has the authority to justify the use of force," the Elysee presidential palace said.
Turkey revisits issue of U.S. staging area
ISTANBUL, Turkey >> Turkish leaders said yesterday they were ready to press ahead with a measure to allow the U.S. military to use Turkey as a staging area for a war against Iraq.Deputy Prime Minister Abdullatif Sener said the Cabinet would discuss authorization for American troops today, and Parliament could take up the measure tomorrow, private NTV television reported.
[ TAKING NOTICE ]
HomeStreet gives computers to 2 schools
HomeStreet Bank has donated 24 computers to two Hawaii public schools, Hokulani Elementary in Honolulu and Chiefess Kapiolani Elementary School in Hilo.The bank's Honolulu branch gave Hokulani Elementary two servers and 18 computers for classrooms. HomeStreet's Hilo branch provided six computers and one server for use in Kapiolani School's learning center.
HMSA presents 2003 Ola Pono Awards
The Hawaii Medical Service Association has presented its 2003 Ola Pono Awards to the following in recognition of their effort to make Hawaii drug-free:>> Jessie Marques, a community volunteer/organizer in Kau
>> Wally Lau, of Neighborhood Place of Kona
>> Kealakehe Neighborhood Watch of Kailua-Kona, which received the Hau Blossom Award
>> Clyde Yamamoto, coordinator of at-risk students at Waimanalo Elementary and Intermediate School
>> Hui Malama O Ke Kai of Waimanalo, an after-school program at Blanch Pope and Waimanalo elementary schools
>> Kaneohe Comprehensive Student Support Team. Members of the Kaneohe team are Jocelyn Ige-Donnelly, Kristie Araki, Jeanne Bissen, Wendi Wong, Ruby Smits, Charlayne Holliday and Joyce Okubo.
Awards
In recognition of the "More Community" fund-raising success of five Macy's stores in Hawaii, parent company Macy's West awarded $5,000 to each store to give to charities.Windward Mall Macy's gave $5,000 to Hale Ola, a spouse abuse center. Macy's in Kahala Mall, downtown Honolulu and Pearlridge Mall each donated $5,000 to the Aloha United Way. Prince Kuhio Plaza Macy's in Hilo gave $5,000 to Hawaii Island United Way.
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>> Robert C. Schmitt wrote Sunday's "Hawaiian Moment" on Page A2. Another author was named incorrectly for the article about the earliest operatic performances in Honolulu. 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 Editor Frank Bridgewater at 529-4791 or email him at fbridgewater@starbulletin.com.
Police, Fire, Courts
By Star-Bulletin staffHonolulu Police Department Crimestoppers
LEEWARD OAHU
Fire in Maili damages Quonset hut residence
Fire caused an estimated $10,000 damage to a Maili Quonset hut and a small attachment yesterday afternoon, a fire official said.Firefighters were initially dispatched at 12:13 p.m. to what they were told was a brush fire at the intersection of Kaukama and Puupuu roads, said fire Capt. Kenison Tejada.
"Then we got a call back that the house was burning," he said.
No one was home at the time of the fire.
A woman, approximately in her 30s, and a baby who lived there planned to stay with relatives last night, Tejada said.
WAIKIKI
Report of forced entry brings burglary arrest
Police arrested a 26-year-old man for first-degree burglary after he allegedly forced his way into his ex-girlfriend's Waikiki apartment Sunday night and took items that supposedly belonged to him.The man demanded to be let in, but the 26-year-old woman refused to allow him into the Hobron Lane apartment, police said.
He allegedly pushed his way in, shoved her against the wall and threatened her, then left with the items at about 11:30 p.m.
Police later arrested the man at his apartment.
NEIGHBOR ISLANDS
Big Isle records a drop in fatal auto accidents
Fatal accidents on the Big Island are down 80 percent, with two so far this year compared with 10 at this time last year.One of the fatalities this year has been attributed to drunken driving, compared with four during the same period last year.
There has been a 14 percent decrease in the number of people arrested on the Big Island for drunken driving.
So far this year, police have arrested 148 people for drunken driving, compared with 172 during the same period last year.
Police arrested 17 motorists for drunken driving from March 10 through Sunday.
