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Star-Bulletin staff and wire
THE FUTURE LEARNS
ABOUT JEWISH PAST
BARRY MARKOWITZ / SPECIAL TO THE STAR-BULLETIN
Sarah and Adam Simmons, of the Temple Emanu-El School of Jewish Studies, Nuuanu, learned that brick making was one of the all-day duties performed by Jewish slaves in Egypt prior to the Exodus, an event celebrated worldwide yearly at this time during the Passover holiday.
Easter plants allowed at Cemetery of Pacific
Potted plants and artificial flowers for Easter may be placed at National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific grave sites beginning tomorrow, the Department of Veterans Affairs has announced. The items will be removed April 19.The department also said that permanent plantings, vigil lights, glass objects and toys, including pinwheels and balloons, are not allowed at grave sites.
Drought status lifted for Upcountry Maui
WAILUKU » Maui County Mayor Alan Arakawa has lifted a drought declaration for the Valley Isle's Upcountry region that was in force since Dec. 4, 2002.Arakawa said last week that Upcountry reservoirs were at or near capacity and that the flow at Wailoa along East Maui was at 161.6 million gallons a day, or 80.9 percent of capacity.
Month-long road fix expected on Big Isle
It will take most of the month to fix a section of the Big Island's Akoni Pule Highway that was washed out during heavy rains in early March.Hawaiian Dredging Construction Co. was awarded the state contract to work on the highway's problem section near mile post 23.
A one-lane detour at Hospital Road will remain open until work on the highway is complete April 28.
City fielding survey to improve bus service
The city has kicked off a six-month bus ridership survey.Officials say the on-board survey is aimed at improving the efficiency of the city bus.
Passengers on buses could be asked to fill out a survey form while riding. All forms will be collected while on board the buses.
Kids to hear of danger of drunken driving
An alcohol education advocate will speak at four Oahu high schools this week to make kids more aware of the dangers of drinking and driving.Brandon Silveria has traveled around the country talking about the night he crashed his car into a tree because he was drunk. The accident left him with severe brain injuries that required years of rehabilitation.
The state Department of Education, the Honolulu Police Department and several private groups are sponsoring the talks.
Silveria will speak from 9 to 10 a.m. today at Kahuku High School, at Roosevelt High School tomorrow from 9:50 to 10:50 a.m., at Kaimuki High School on Wednesday from 11 to 11:50 a.m. and at Leilehua High School on Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
For more information, call Education Department specialist Blain Shinno at 733-9141, ext. 321.
[ BRIEFLY ]
Hawaii Red Cross looking for volunteers
The Hawaii chapter of the American Red Cross is seeking volunteers to help perform critical services in the community.Chief Operating Officer Cassandra Ely said volunteers "are the backbone of our services. When there is a fire in the middle of the night or when we need help in raising awareness or funds, the volunteers are there."
She said the Hawaii Chapter has about 3,000 volunteers statewide, but more are needed in four main areas and departments: disaster services, fund raising, general office support and as volunteer health and safety services instructors.
Volunteers are asked to make a commitment of at least three months. For information, call 734-2101 or see www.hawaiiredcross.org.
Local unions to hold construction forums
Representatives from two local building unions and the University of Hawaii's civil engineering program will hold forums this month to talk about how to make construction a career.The 50-minute discussions will be at 9:30 a.m. Thursday at Ewa Beach Public and School Library and at 10 a.m. April 16 at Kalihi-Palama Public Library. Admittance is free.
Denis Mactogone, of the Hawaii Carpenters Union, and Allan Los Banos, of the Masons Union, will speak on their respective apprenticeship programs. Randy Akiona, of UH-Manoa's civil engineering program, will describe his department's contractor track.
The panels are made possible by a grant from the Building Industry Labor Association of Hawaii.
Aquatic ecologist will present free seminar
Aquatic ecologist Ron Englund will discuss tomorrow his investigations of the effects of stream flow restoration on native aquatic life in Waipio Valley on the Big Island.The talk is part of a monthly research series at Bishop Museum, 1525 Bernice St.
Englund is leading a three-year study on the impact of water flow restoration to streams providing water for Hiilawe Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in Hawaii.
All seminars are free and open to the public. They are at 4 p.m. in the museum's Paki Conference Room. For more information, call 847-3511 or visit www.bishopmuseum.org.
Police, Fire, Courts
By Star-Bulletin staffWINDWARD OAHU
Police are looking for two males who allegedly attempted to sexually assault a 23-year-old woman.
Woman escapes alleged sex assaultThe victim told police that she was waiting at a bus stop in Kahaluu sometime between 10 p.m. Saturday and 12:30 a.m. yesterday when the two suspects, ages 16 and 23, drove up and offered her a ride home.
Police said the victim agreed and got into the vehicle. The suspects drove to a secluded area at the Old Pali Road and attempted to sexually assault her, police added.
A motorist in a passing vehicle heard the victim scream and stopped further down the road. Police said the victim was able to escape and was picked up by the motorist as the suspects fled.
HONOLULU
Police arrested a 31-year-old man Saturday after he allegedly kidnapped his girlfriend and threatened to rape her.
Man allegedly kidnaps girlfriendPolice said the suspect and his girlfriend, 37, were both at the Mai Tai Bar in Ala Moana Center about 10:30 p.m. Saturday.
Police said the suspect followed the woman and put her in his vehicle. He allegedly told her that he was going to rape her and hold her against her will.
Police said she was able to escape and called police.
The 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of kidnapping and abuse of a household member. The case is pending investigation.
Honolulu Police Department Crimestoppers
