Harbor security funding urged
A panel convened to study the state's readiness to handle the ripple effects of war in Iraq is recommending that the Legislature approve additional funds for harbor security upgrades.The recommendation, similar to one approved soon after the Sept. 11 attacks, was one of three made yesterday by the House committee on war preparedness.
The committee also recommended extending unemployment and medical benefits to workers laid off in the event of war and wants to urge the federal government to break up large contracts into smaller pacts so local companies can compete for them.
"I know we're waiting, at this point in time, on what the nation is going to do," said House Vice Speaker Sylvia Luke (D, Pacific Heights-Punchbowl), the committee's chairwoman.
"We will regroup again once the war breaks out," Luke said.
The committee previously recommended that in the event of war, Gov. Linda Lingle should lead a delegation to Asia to urge travelers to visit Hawaii and reassure them that the state is a safe destination.
Lingle has said it's too early to determine whether it would be feasible for her to head such a delegation at a time when she would be needed in Hawaii.
OVERTURNED TRUCK SNARLS TRAFFIC
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DEAN SENSUI / DSENSUI@STARBULLETIN.COM
A pickup truck overturned at the intersection of Alakea and Beretania streets yesterday afternoon. Police closed off portions of Alakea and Beretania as a crew came in to clear away the truck, as well as two other cars, and it was the cause of a few traffic snarls in the vicinity.
>> Capt. Richard J. Nolan, Jr., commanding officer of the USS Chosin, was the second commanding officer of the USS Cole, from 1997 to 1999. He was stationed at the Surface Warfare Officers School in Newport, R.I., when the Cole was attacked in Yemen. He is returning to the Persian Gulf on the Chosin for the first time since he was deployed there as commanding officer of the Cole. A story on Page A1 on Sunday incorrectly stated that Nolan was stationed on the USS Cole when it was attacked. Corrections and clarifications
>> Punahou senior Matt Culver, a second-team all-state boys soccer selection a year ago, didn't play this year and was incorrectly listed as an honorable mention in this year's all-state team that ran on Page B10 Sunday.
>> The Speech-to-Speech phone service for hearing and speech-impaired people is part of the overall Telephone Relay Service provided by Verizon Hawaii. The STS service is provided through a third party. A Verizon Hawaii spokeswoman said the company is getting out of the overall Telecommunications Relay Service business because of anticipated changes in Federal Communications Commission requirements regarding services for the disabled. A story on Page A5 on March 10 was not clear on this.
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
HONOLULU
Kalihi man arrrested in bribe attempt
A 27-year-old Kalihi man was arrested on suspicion that he tried to bribe his former girlfriend in an effort to keep her from testifying against him at a Family Court hearing yesterday.The former girlfriend, 23, told police that she was offered money in exchange for not attending the hearing.
The hearing stemmed from her complaint that he violated a temporary restraining order. She said he violated the order by calling and visiting her. He also threatened to kill their son, she said.
The suspect was released pending further investigation.
Kaimuki man allegedly is robbed of his safe
Honolulu police are looking for two men who allegedly robbed a Kaimuki man of his safe yesterday morning.Police said at 3:30 a.m. the victim answered his front door and was greeted by a male acquaintance. As he allowed the acquaintance into his home a second man wearing a ski mask and holding a revolver also entered, police said.
Both men then demanded that the victim give them his safe and money from his wallet, police said. After taking both items, the suspects fled the area.
LEEWARD OAHU
Female hitchhiker, 31, reports sexual assault
A 31-year-old woman reported being sexually assaulted in Waianae Monday night, according to police.The victim said that at around 8:30 p.m. she had accepted a ride from an adult male suspect and was taken to an unknown location where she was sexually assaulted. Police had made no arrests in the case last night.
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[The Courts]
Drunken driver gets 7 years for killing cop
The Hawaii Paroling Authority has ordered a Michigan man convicted of driving drunk and killing Honolulu Police Officer Dannygriggs Padayao to spend at least seven years in prison before he can seek parole.Michael Coulter, 24, had pleaded guilty in July to first-degree negligent homicide. He admitted causing the death of Padayao by operating a vehicle negligently while under the influence of alcohol, then fled the scene of the accident. Both offenses are punishable by 10-year terms.
Coulter had asked the parole board at a hearing earlier this month that he serve no more than three years. Padayao's family had requested that he serve the full 10 years.
Padayao, 46, an 18-year HPD veteran, was laying flares at the scene of a car crash in Kahaluu on April 30, 2001, when a speeding truck struck him, throwing him into the path of another car traveling in the opposite direction.
Kauai Freight officials face tax fraud charges
LIHUE >> The two principal officers of Kauai Freight Service Inc., one of the largest trucking companies on Kauai, have been indicted on charges of tax evasion, theft and failure to file tax returns, the state Department of Taxation announced yesterday.Stephen Girald and his wife Ashlet Girald each face up to 22 years in prison and fines totaling $300,000. The company is facing fines totaling $700,000.
A Kauai grand jury handed down the indictments charging the Giralds with:
>> Failing to file public service company tax returns for 1999 and 2000.Stephen Girald had no comment yesterday.
>> Failing to file general excise tax returns for 1998 and 1999.
>> Failing to file withholding tax returns for 1998, 1999 and 2000.
>> Theft for failing to pay over withholding taxes on employees' wages to the state Tax Department.
>> Tax evasion by falsifying business records and concealing income and assets of Kauai Freight Service Inc.
