Newswatch
Police, Fire, Courts
Star-Bulletin staff and wire
Mite infestation closes Big Isle sports complex
HONOKAA, Hawaii >> A mite infestation at Hawaii County's Honokaa Sports Complex has forced the closure of playing fields for three weeks, the county Department of Parks and Recreation announced.The department had been receiving numerous complaints about the microscopic, spider-like creatures, said parks head Patricia Engelhard.
The tiny creatures cause a rash or itching which can be treated with soap and water and usually disappears in a few days but occasionally causes an allergic reaction, she said.
Mites feed on larvae that feed on the pods of koa trees. They seem to especially like the current hot, dry weather, Engelhard said. Their life cycle ends in three weeks, so the fields will be opened again around Oct. 24.
Knife allegedly used in pharmacy robbery
WAILUKU >> A Maui man faces arraignment on Oct. 14 on a first-degree robbery charge involving the alleged use of a knife at a pharmacy in Kmart in Kahului.Maui District Judge Reinette Cooper yesterday ruled at a preliminary hearing that there was enough evidence to have Mitchell Vladimir stand trial. His bail was continued at $50,000.
Maui police have alleged that a man tried unsuccessfully to enter the pharmacy through a rear door and later pulled out a knife at the front counter, in an apparent attempt to steal drugs, at about 10:30 a.m. Monday.
Vladimir was arrested at his Upcountry residence, less than nine hours after the incident.
Awareness push marks Fire Prevention Week
Honolulu firefighters hope to encourage fire-safety awareness with a number of events this month at shopping centers and schools.The 2003 Fire Prevention Week campaign, which will begin Sunday, aims to get residents installing smoke alarms in their homes and practicing escape plans in case of fire. According to the National Fire Protection Agency, smoke alarms reduce the chance of dying in a fire by nearly half.
"When there is a fire, you may only have two minutes to get out of the home," said Honolulu Fire Department Chief Attilio K. Leonardi. "Taking a few moments to inspect your home and correct common fire hazards can make a real difference."
The department will be giving presentations at Maunawili, Kipapa and Kaimiloa elementary schools. They will also have promotional booths at Pearlridge Center today from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center on Tuesday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Ala Moana Center on Friday from 6 to 7 p.m. and Windward Mall on Oct. 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Some key safety tips from the campaign are:
>> Install a smoke detector and test it monthly.
>> Practice at least two escape routes with family members.
>> Escape a burning home first, then call 911 from a neighbor's house.
>> Never open doors that are hot to touch.
>> Designate a meeting place outside in case of fire.
[ TAKING NOTICE ]
>> The University of Hawaii at Manoa College of Business has appointed Antoinette "Toni" Kruse as career services advisor in the Office of Internships and Career Development, and Mary Dumas as marketing coordinator for graduate programs.
>> Lynn Haia, an elementary school teacher at Montessori Community School in Makiki, will be one of 200 to participate in the Fulbright Memorial Fund Teacher Program in Tokyo.
>> Unity Crayons, a non-profit group of local artists, performers, musicians and promoters that provides entertainment for fund-raisers, organized an event that raised $900 for Hale Kipa, Inc., a non-profit which helps youth and their families. Six local bands -- including Penny Lane, Vas, 86 List, Dork, 2 Face 4, Upstanding Youth, and Olivia -- performed at the Waialua Community Center in Haleiwa.
>> The Harold K.L. Castle Foundation has awarded $176,000 to the YWCA of Oahu for capital improvements to Camp Kokokahi in Kaneohe. Funds will be used to purchase and install bleachers in the Midkiff Gymnasium and to pay initial expenses for reconstruction of the Kokokahi pier.
The YWCA also received two grants for Camp $tart-Up, an eight-day financial literacy and entrepreneurial camp for teen girls, ages 14 to 19, from the Bernice and Conrad Von Hamm Fund ($4,000) and Hawaii Charities ($5,000).
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Police, Fire, Courts
By Star-Bulletin staffHONOLULU
Honolulu police are looking for a robbery suspect who hit the Kalihi branch of First Hawaiian Bank yesterday.
Police look for suspect in robbery at bankPolice said the suspect robbed the bank at 2250 N. King St. at 4 p.m.
The suspect is described as a male in his 30s, 5-foot 6-inches tall, about 140 pounds, with a mustache and beard. He was last seen wearing a mustard-colored shirt.
NEIGHBOR ISLANDS
Big Island firefighters helped put out a Kaumana home that was fully engulfed in flames yesterday afternoon.
Big Isle home gutted by afternoon blazeFire officials said the fire was first reported at 1:33 p.m. and located at 599 Country Club Drive. When firefighters arrived on scene, they found a two-story wooden home gutted by flames, and that the heat had caused a storage shed about 20 feet away to also catch on fire.
Firefighters brought flames under control 22 minutes later, but the fire still caused an estimated $450,000 in property damage.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Honolulu Police Department Crimestoppers
