Newswatch
Police, Fire, Courts
By Star-Bulletin Staff
Aki's attorney looking to toss out statements
The attorney for accused killer Christopher Aki is asking a state judge to throw out statements his client made to police admitting to the murder of his girlfriend's 11-year-old sister.Aki, 20, is awaiting trial for last December's murder of Kahealani Indreginal. Police said Aki made two statements. In his first statement, police said Aki admitted picking up Indreginal at the Puuwai Momi Housing complex Dec. 10 but implicated two acquaintances in the fatal beating. Police said Aki later recanted that statement and told them he was the one who beat Indreginal and left her to die off the Aiea Loop Trail where her body was found three days later.
Aki's lawyer, deputy public defender Todd Eddins, is asking the court to throw out all statements his client made to police because they failed to advise Aki of his constitutional right against self-incrimination. A hearing on the request is scheduled for later this month.
Fireworks permit total sees a surge this year
A total of 166 fireworks permits to celebrate Fourth of July were sold at satellite city halls islandwide as of 3 p.m. yesterday, compared with 139 permits sold last year.The total number of firework permits, however, may increase because satellite city halls at Pearlridge Center, Ala Moana Center and Windward Mall did not report their final totals to the city until they closed at 5 p.m.
Fire Capt. Kenison Tejada said the Honolulu Fire Department is prepared for the Fourth of July weekend.
"Traditionally, holidays are busy for us," said Tejada. "We have measures in place if we need to put out more people out in the field."
City Council resolution questions Patriot Act
The City Council joined dozens of cities across the nation this week by voting 7-2 in favor of a resolution raising questions about the threat to civil liberties by the anti-terrorism powers in the U.S.A. Patriot Act.The Council heard from several people in support of the measure, lambasting the act, which was passed after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
"This shreds the Bill of Rights," attorney Wayson Chow said.
But Waikiki resident Michael Peters called the measure a "feel good" resolution that will only weaken Honolulu. "I can't believe the City Council is taking up this issue," he said.
Police, Fire, Courts
By Star-Bulletin staffNEIGHBOR ISLANDS
Big Isle police seek armed robbery suspect
Big Island police want help identifying the masked gunman who robbed two men in Hilo on June 23.Police said the two victims were in Hilo's Lanakila Houselots area when a man in a hooded jacket and his face covered took out two handguns, ordered them to lie down on the ground and stole $2,200 in cash before fleeing on foot.
Leeward Oahu 4 suspects still sought in baseball bat beating
Police are searching for four men who allegedly beat another man with baseball bats yesterday in Waipahu.According to police, the 33-year-old victim was on Pupupane Street when he got into an argument with a group of men in a van. Five men got out of the van and beat the victim with baseball bats, said police.
When officers arrived at the scene, the five men had already left. However, police caught up with one of the suspects after an eyewitness to the attack identified him. He was arrested for second-degree attempted murder.
EAST OAHU
Deadly collision closes highway near Blowhole
Honolulu police closed Kalanianaole Highway in both directions for several hours yesterday after a fatal head-on motor vehicle collision near Lanai Lookout.Police said the accident happened at 5:10 p.m. and that one person was killed. Police turned traffic around at Hanauma Bay and the Blowhole. Details about the accident were not immediately available.
Brush fire threatens Kalama Valley houses
Honolulu firefighters spent several hours trying to contain a brush fire close to homes in Kalama Valley yesterday evening.The fire was first reported at 4:40 p.m. near Kalina Place and Kealahou Street.
Witnesses said flames traveled up Kamehame Ridge quickly and before too long had burned a path about three-fourths of a mile up the mountain.
The blaze started about 50 feet from homes on Kalina Place but did not threaten homes on the top of the ridge, said fire officials. The fire was contained by 6:35 p.m.
Honolulu Police Department Crimestoppers
