Newswatch
22% of stores found to sell booze to minors
More than three-quarters of Hawaii stores that were checked refused to sell alcohol to minors, according to a new report.For the study, "2003 Survey of Retail Alcohol Sales to Underage Persons," the state Department of Health and Mothers Against Drunk Driving sent youths under age 21 to try to buy alcohol from 396 randomly selected stores.
A total of 310 stores, or 78 percent, refused sales to the youths, while 86 stores, or 22 percent, sold to the minors.
A police officer who observed the transactions issued a citation to store clerks at businesses that failed to comply with the law.
"The compliance check program focuses on retail stores, but it is critically important that all adults refrain from selling or providing alcohol to youth under the age of 21," said Carol McNamee, MADD-Hawaii founder and spokeswoman. "Preventing youth from drinking before they reach 21 is one of the most important ways to save lives in Hawaii."
In Honolulu, selling alcohol to a minor is a misdemeanor and carries a maximum fine of $2,000 and up to a year in jail. The store owner or licensee also faces a maximum penalty of $2,000 and revocation or suspension of the liquor license.
Free flu shots offered Saturday in Chinatown
The Bainum Foundation, established by the parents of former City Councilman Duke Bainum, will sponsor free flu vaccinations Saturday at the Maunakea Marketplace in Chinatown.The flu clinic will take place 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the central courtyard of the marketplace. Vaccines are free for HMSA members 18 years and older, Medicare (Part B) members 65 and older, and those with no insurance.
Bainum, a physician, and his brother, Dr. Tim Bainum, as well as nurses through ISI Health Enhancement Services, will administer the shots.
Hickam will light up holiday tower today
Hickam Air Force Base will hold its 34th annual lighting of the Freedom Tower, transforming it into a 171-foot holiday tree today.Col. Raymond Torres, 15th Airlift Wing commander, will flip the switch at dusk, turning on 8,000 multicolored lights strung from the base to the top of the concrete tower, a former emergency water supply facility.
Police, Fire, Courts
By Star-Bulletin staffHONOLULU
Makiki sexual assault victim describes suspect
Honolulu police are asking for the public's help in finding a man suspected of sexually assaulting a 20-year-old woman during a burglary in Makiki earlier this week.
Police said the suspect broke into the victim's locked apartment at about 2 a.m. Monday and took jewelry, compact discs and other items. The suspect sexually assaulted the victim while she was sleeping, then fled after she woke up.
The suspect is described as from his teens to early 20s, 5 feet 5 inches tall, 130 pounds, with a slim build, black hair in a ponytail and shaven on both sides of his head.
The suspect was last seen wearing a black T-shirt with a flower print across the chest, beige shorts, shoes, and was carrying a blue backpack with the Dave & Buster's logo on it, which was stolen from the victim's apartment.
Anyone with information about this case may call Detective Vincente Domingo at 529-3995. Anonymous calls may also be made to CrimeStoppers at 955-8300 or by dialing *CRIME on a cellular phone.
HPD stolen-items site helps Kaneohe victim
Honolulu detectives have traced about $20,000 worth of stolen jewelry to a burglary victim in Kaneohe, police said.The 149 stolen items include Tahitian black pearls and gold Hawaiian rings, bracelets and pendants stolen in early September from the victim's home.
Police said the victim identified her items after seeing pictures of them posted on the Police Department Web site Monday.
Police still have many unclaimed items posted on their Web site. A link to view the stolen property, seized during a September investigation, can be found at www.honolulupd.org.
Palama man arrested for alleged assault
A 32-year-old Palama man was arrested Monday for allegedly assaulting his brother on Thanksgiving, police said.The suspect's 17-year-old brother told police he had been assaulted by his brother in Waimanalo after an argument about 5:15 a.m. Thursday.
Police found the suspect yesterday, chased him on foot and arrested him for investigation of abuse of a household member.
Downtown fight turns into knifing, HPD says
Police arrested a 29-year-old man for allegedly stabbing a 52-year-old man during a fight in downtown Honolulu Monday.Police said the two men were talking when the younger man punched the older man in the face and ran. The victim chased him down, and the two began fighting at River and Pauahi streets sometime before 4 p.m., police said. The suspect pulled out a knife and stabbed the victim, police said.
The two men were still fighting when police arrived. Bystanders pointed out the suspect, and he was arrested for second-degree attempted murder. Police said the injury to the victim was not serious.
LEEWARD OAHU
Waipahu man missing and needs medication
Police are asking for the public's help in finding a mentally challenged Waipahu man in need of medication.
Dino Fajardo, 38, was last seen at 6 p.m. Nov. 21 at his Kahuapaa Street home, police said.
Fajardo needs medication to avoid becoming disoriented. He often rides the bus and is known to ask people for cigarettes or money to buy cigarettes.
Fajardo is Filipino, 5 feet 6, weighs 160 pounds, has short black hair and brown eyes, and was wearing a beige shirt, black shorts and athletic shoes.
Anyone with information may call investigator Mary Aragones at 529-3064. Anonymous calls can be made to CrimeStoppers at 955-8300 or *CRIME on a cell phone.
CENTRAL OAHU
Wahiawa girl, 13, alleges sex assault
A 17-year-old boy was arrested Monday for allegedly sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl in Wahiawa, according to police.The girl told police the suspect was an acquaintance. The suspect was arrested for suspicion of first-degree sexual assault and released pending investigation.
Wahiawa man accused of sexual assault
A 30-year-old Wahiawa man was in police custody for allegedly sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl.Police said the victim was sexually assaulted on Nov. 25 by an acquaintance.
The suspect was arrested for suspicion of third-degree sexual assault at 5:35 p.m. Monday at his home.
Honolulu Police Department Crimestoppers
