Maui Humane Society lays off 7 employees
WAILUKU >> The Maui Humane Society has laid off about 21 percent of its work force because of declining operating revenues.Claire Sheehan, shelter manager, said the seven workers laid off Tuesday included a full-time assistant manager and six part-time employees, including two office workers and four people who worked in the kennels.
The organization said the downturn in the economy since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks adversely affected donations, creating a shortfall of $160,000 in the $1.35 million budget and leaving nothing in reserve.
Sheehan said the organization, which has 25 workers remaining, is renegotiating a contract with the county for services, including the capture of stray animals.
The county contributes $860,000 annually, and the remainder comes from private donations.
Pharmacist indicted for false tax returns
An Oahu grand jury has indicted a Honolulu pharmacist for filing false tax returns over a three-year period.Bonnie Prebula was charged Tuesday with allegedly filing fraudulent returns for 1998, 1999 and 2000. She was also charged with second-degree theft. Prebula allegedly claimed she paid her withholding taxes when she did not, officials said. By doing so, she received tax refunds to which she was not entitled.
She faces fines of up to $100,000 for each false return and/or imprisonment of up to three years. Second-degree theft is punishable by a five-year prison term and a fine of $10,000.
Lingle, Aiona to join the Walk for Diabetes
Gov. Linda Lingle and Lt. Gov. Duke Aiona are expected as participants in the fourth Chevron Hawaii's Walk for Diabetes at Kapiolani Park, marking the end of Hawaii Diabetes Awareness Week.More than 75,000 islanders are diagnosed with diabetes, according to the Hawaii State Diabetes Prevention and Control Program. As many as 25,000 more may have it and not be aware of it.
Donations collected by walkers will be used for diabetes research and public education in Hawaii. Participants who collect $75 or more will earn WALK T-shirts and other prizes, and a chance to win a round trip for two to Los Angeles or Ontario on Hawaiian Airlines.
All walkers will be eligible to win a year's supply of Chevron gasoline, valued at $1,000.
Registration forms for the Saturday walk -- either 1.8-mile or 2.3-mile -- can be picked up in advance at Chevron stations, Good Neighbor, Longs Drugs, Safeway, Times and Queen's pharmacies.
Registration forms also are available by calling 947-5979 or online at diabetes.org/walk.
The walk begins at 8 a.m., with on-site registration beginning at 7 a.m. and warm-up at 7:30 a.m. For more information, call the Diabetes Association, 947-5979.
Kaiser doctor to speak on managing arthritis
Dr. James McKoy, Kaiser Permanente chief rheumatologist and Arthritis Foundation volunteer, will give a free lecture on "How to Manage Your Arthritis Before It Manages You" from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday at Maui Community College.Participants are asked to call the Arthritis Foundation at 800-462-0743 to reserve a seat because of limited seating in the college's science Lecture Hall.
McKoy also discusses "Positive Steps Toward Living with Arthritis" during a support group series the fourth Monday of each month at 2:30 p.m. at the Kaiser Moanalua Medical Center, second-floor conference room.
Non-Kaiser members are welcome to the free lecture. For more information, call 596-2900.
Residents may donate blood at various sites
Oahu residents are urged to donate blood at the following Blood Bank of Hawaii drives next month:
>> Tuesday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Leeward Community College.Donors must be 18 or older, weigh 110 pounds or more, be in good health and provide valid photo identification.
>> Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Honolulu Community College.
>> April 6, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Victoria Ward Village Shops.
>> April 8, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Kapiolani Community College.
>> April 12, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Windward Mall (Macy's wing across from Foot Locker).
>> April 13, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Pearl City Shopping Center.
>> April 19, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Town Center of Mililani.
>> April 20, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Kahala Mall.
>> April 27, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Hawaii Towne Center.
>> April 28, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., University of Hawaii-Manoa Residence Halls.
>> April 29, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., UH-Manoa Residence Halls.
>> April 30, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Kaimuki Municipal Parking Lot, at 10th and Harding avenues.For more information or appointments, call 845-9966 or see www.bbh.org.
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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 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
CENTRAL OAHU
Armed men wake up man to steal his wallet
Two men, armed with knives, a hammer and a screwdriver, went into a Mililani home today, woke up a resident and demanded his wallet, police said.The victim, 21, reported that he was awakened about 2:30 a.m. in his Waikalani Place home. One robber brandished two knives and the other robber had a screw driver and a hammer, police said.
The two men escorted him to his car to get money from his wallet, police said. A third robber, who had a handgun, was near the car, the victim reported.
The victim was escorted back into his home before the robbers fled, police said.
WAIKIKI
Robbery suspect says cash he took was his
Honolulu police arrested a 35-year-old man for robbery and kidnapping investigation after he took money from a woman and attacked her at a Waikiki bar.The suspect told police the woman stole money from Da Smoke House at 444 Hobron Lane and he tried to recover the money. He found her at a nearby bar where he took money from her bag, police said.
The woman confronted him, and he hit her in the face and dragged her to her car nearby, police said.
Woman, 35, alleges theft and kidnapping
Honolulu police arrested a man for allegedly robbing a Waikiki woman and dragging her to her car yesterday.Police said the 35-year-old man was in a Waikiki liquor store when he allegedly took money out of the victim's bag. The victim then confronted the suspect as he tried to leave, was struck in the face and then dragged to her vehicle, which was parked outside, police said.
Police later arrested the man for robbery and kidnapping.
HONOLULU
University Avenue Bank of Hawaii robbed
Police are looking for a man who robbed Bank of Hawaii at 1010 University Ave. about 2:30 p.m. yesterday.Police said the robber used a demand note and fled with an undisclosed amount of money.
The robber is described as in his 20s with fair complexion. He was wearing a baseball cap, a short-sleeve shirt and carrying a backpack.
2 suspects allegedly flashed gun and knife
Honolulu police arrested two males, ages 17 and 19, after the two women they were with said the males threatened them with a gun and a knife early yesterday morning.Police said the victims, also 17 and 19, were with the suspects along Gulick Avenue when they saw the older suspect pull out a gun and the younger one appear to pull out a knife. Both suspects then fled the scene but were arrested later.
HPD makes arrest in Liliha assault
Honolulu police arrested a man yesterday for allegedly breaking into a woman's Liliha business and assaulting her.Police said the suspect, a 29-year-old man, entered the establishment about 4:45 p.m. and started acting strangely, according to the owner, a 47-year old woman. The suspect was asked to leave, but when the victim saw him returning a short time later, she locked her door, police said.
Police said the suspect then forced his way in and attacked her.
NEIGHBOR ISLANDS
Residents escape as crowded house burns
OCEAN VIEW, Hawaii >> Fire destroyed a 400-square-foot home in Ocean View shortly before 10 p.m. yesterday, fire officials said.Details of the fire were not available immediately but officials said 10 occupants of the home all escaped without injuries.
Damage was estimated at $40,000. The cause of the fire was under investigation.
