Newswatch
Police, Fire, Courts
By Star-Bulletin Staff
FIREFIGHTERS BATTLE BLAZE AT FORT SHAFTER
KEN IGE / KIGE@STARBULLETIN.COM
A group of Honolulu firefighters assisted federal firefighters in combating a brush fire yesterday at Fort Shafter. Army officials said the fire started at 1:15 p.m. and was reported under control at 2:45 p.m. The fire burned two acres but did not cause any injuries or property damage.
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Hale Makua, nurses reach tentative deal
WAILUKU >> The union representing registered nurses at Hale Makua on Maui has tentatively agreed to a three-year contract that includes a 16 percent wage increase.The Hawaii Nurses Association, representing 31 Hale Makua nurses, reached a tentative deal on Wednesday, the first day of talks arranged by federal mediator Carol Catanzariti.
The contract for the nurses at Hale Makua's skilled nursing and long-term care facilities at Kahului and its Home Health Care Unit serving all of Maui expired June 30. Hale Makua provides services to about 500 clients.
The top hourly wage for nurses is $24.66 at Hale Makua. A ratification vote was not immediately scheduled.
Part of H-2 closed today and tomorrow
A portion of the H-2 freeway will be closed for maintenance repairs today and tomorrow.About a mile of the right northbound lane of the H-2 freeway from the H-1/H-2 freeway interchange will be closed from 10:30 p.m. today to 6:30 a.m. tomorrow.
The northbound H-2 onramp from Kamehameha Highway near Sam's Club will be closed during the same period.
Motorists are advised to use caution while driving through the work area and to allow extra travel time or to take an alternate route.
Volcanoes park to hold yearly cultural festival
HILO >> Visitors can learn how to trace their genealogy or take a ride on a Hawaiian holua sled when Hawaii Volcanoes National Park holds its 23rd annual Kilauea Cultural Festival tomorrow, said ranger Joni Mae Makuakane-Jarrell.The event from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. is free, and park admission fees are also waived tomorrow. The activities will take place on the lawn of Kilauea Military Camp within the park.
Both the holua sled and the genealogy studies are new this year, Makuakane-Jarrell said. Other activities include tattooing, fishing techniques, canoe building, drum making, creation of ti leaf capes and slippers, beating of kapa, poi pounding and woodcarving.
For more information, call 808-985-6011.
Blood Bank announces blood drive locations
The Blood Bank of Hawaii will be holding blood drives on Oahu at the following times and places:
>> Tomorrow, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Hawaii Kai.Donors must be in good health, at least 18 years old and weigh 110 pounds or more to give blood. Donors must bring a valid photo identification card. To make an appointment or for more information, call the Blood Bank of Hawaii at 845-9966 or visit the Web site www.bbh.org.
>> Sunday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Big Kmart in Kapolei.
>> July 20, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Kahala Mall.
>> July 21, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, Queen Liliuokalani Center Rooms 411 and 412, and from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Laie Shopping Center.
>> July 26, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Macy's wing at Windward Mall, and from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Town Center of Mililani.
Police, Fire, Courts
By Star-Bulletin staffWAIKIKI
Failed robbery attempt leads to man's arrest
Police arrested a 22-year-old man and were looking for a 16-year-old boy in connection with the attempted robbery of a visitor at a Waikiki hotel last month.The victim, a 21-year-old man, told police he was confronted by two males as he exited an elevator at the Ohana Waikiki West on June 26. He said the males pushed him against a wall and demanded money, but he was able to break free and run to his father's room.
The suspects caught up with the man and again demanded money, police said. The father heard the commotion, looked out of his door and told his wife to call police.
The suspects fled but were later identified.
EAST OAHU
Teen allegedly sparks blaze with firecracker
Police arrested a 14-year-old boy for allegedly throwing a firecracker into dry brush and starting the fire in Kalama Valley in Hawaii Kai on July 3.Police said the boy threw a lit firecracker into brush behind Kalina Place, igniting a fire that swept across the mountainside.
Although no homes were threatened or evacuated, firefighters and a helicopter battled the blaze for several hours.
The boy was arrested July 3 for investigation of third-degree criminal property damage, and will undergo juvenile counseling, according to police.
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Court reinstates suspended lawyer
Honolulu attorney Thomas Foley has been reinstated to practice law by the Hawaii Supreme Court, pending payment of dues and registration fees.The high court had suspended Foley, 55, from the practice of law for five years in 1997 after he pleaded no contest to first-degree negligent homicide and negligent injury for causing the death of Ho Pin Tsai, 33, and seriously injuring his wife, Thianh Luu, while driving drunk in January 1995.
Foley, who had a 1986 drunken-driving conviction and a drunken-driving arrest in 1990, was ordered to spend a minimum of six of 10 years in prison. But then-Gov. Ben Cayetano pardoned Foley in July 2000, saying he was a model inmate and an exemplary participant in the work furlough program and did not belong in jail.
Guard pleads guilty to possession of 'ice'
A Halawa prison guard has pleaded guilty to possessing two ounces of crystal methamphetamine with intent to smuggle it into prison.Melvin Moisa, 25, entered his plea yesterday in U.S. District Court. He was arrested in April after an unidentified person delivered two ounces of "ice" and $2,000 to Moisa in Kailua. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Seabright said Moisa had planned to deliver the methamphetamine to one or more inmates.
Moisa, an adult corrections officer for nearly two years, faces a mandatory 10-year prison term when sentenced Dec. 15. He is free on bond.
Honolulu Police Department Crimestoppers
