Newswatch
By Star-Bulletin Staff
Case heads to Israel as part of delegation
Hawaii Congressman Ed Case left for Israel yesterday as part of one of the largest congressional delegations ever to visit Israel and talk with Israeli and Palestinian leaders about prospects for peace in the Middle East.The delegation of 29 members of the House will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas, as well as members of the Israeli Parliament.
"This visit to Israel will provide insight into a region that is the key to so much of our nation's foreign policy," Case said.
"In the wake of the war against Iraq, our nation needs to refocus our attention and rededicate our commitment to the Middle East peace process."
The delegation will meet with defense and economic experts, peace process negotiators and leaders from religious and political groups in Israel.
They will also visit military bases, universities, hospitals and centers for Ethiopian and Russian immigrants.
Thieves get away with Postal Service box
VOLCANO, Hawaii >> Someone in Volcano village on the Big Island stole a U.S. Postal Service mail box Saturday night or early Sunday last week, says Honolulu postal inspector Kathryn Derwey.This was a full-sized, chest height, heavy gauge metal box that was bolted to the ground, Derwey said.
The area is well lit at night, but the thief removed the lights, she said. She didn't have information on exactly how the box was removed.
And why anyone would steal it is unclear. The last mail pickup of the day had already taken place, so few letters would have been inside. Vandals have spray-painted graffiti in the past, but nothing this extreme has happened before, Derwey said.
The Postal Service is offering a reward up to $10,000 for information leading to the prosecution of anyone involved, she said.
Police Sgt. Mitchell Kanehailua said the post office area in the community of about 2,200 is not a high crime area because it is well lit. "It's unusual, but stranger things have happened," he said.
Ko Olina Training Fund taking applicants
Residents from Honokai Hale through Kaena Point who wish to complete educational or vocational training in the visitor industry can apply for scholarships and grants from the Ko Olina Training Fund.Scholarship applications will be available at the Sunset on the Beach festivities at Maili Beach Park in Waianae from 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Forgiveness Day gets grant from isle center
The Hawaii Center for Attitudinal Healing has received $5,000 from the Hawaii Community Foundation's Okamura Fund to support its International Forgiveness Day Festival from 1 to 4:30 p.m. today at the East-West Center.Participants will include Hiroshima survivor Takashi Tanemori, founder of the Silkworm Peace Institute, performers Eth-Noh-Tec from San Francisco, and entertainer Frank DeLima, founder of the School Enrichment Program.
Ho'oponopono, Hawaiian tradition of forgiveness, will be featured, as well as displays, music and crafts.
Various community groups will participate in the festival, organized by Merton Chinen, board member for the Center for Attitudinal Healing, community youth specialist and coordinator of the Forgiveness Lifeskills Project.
The goal is to increase public understanding of forgiveness as a healing skill for personal and community change.
Samoan Council to present Flag Day
The Council of Samoan Chiefs and Orators presents Samoan Flag Day in Hawaii on Saturday at Keehi Lagoon Park from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.The event, commemorating the first time the American flag was raised in American Samoa in 1900, includes a flag raising ceremony, parade, entertainment, speeches from dignitaries, cultural games and a rugby championship. For more information call, 497-0878.
Police, Fire, CourtsBy Star-Bulletin staff
NEIGHBOR ISLANDS
Driver attacked in car after confrontation
Police charged a 29-year-old Hilo man with criminal property damage and other offenses after he allegedly shattered the glass of another man's car, poked him in the eye and bit him on the cheek.Tyson Reavis, 29, also was charged Thursday with drug possession and firearm violations. Police said they found drug residue, a loaded .22-caliber rifle and ammunition in his pickup truck. His bail is $50,000.
Police said Reavis confronted a driver Tuesday at the intersection of Volcano Highway and Keaau-Pahoa Highway, police said.
Police charge man in Hilo bank robbery
Big Island police charged the man who was chased down by a bank employee, a bank customer and passing motorists after he allegedly robbed a bank on Tuesday.Barry Brenton Powers, of no permanent address, was charged with second-degree robbery on Thursday.
Powers is being held in the Hilo police cellblock in lieu of $25,000 bail.
Honolulu Police Department Crimestoppers
