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Police, Fire, Courts
Star-Bulletin staff and wire
MAKING AN IMPRINT
CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARBULLETIN.COM
Jocelyn Nestell, left, and Lisandro Nobilo put their palms into paint then printed them onto an anti-violence banner. The event at the University of Hawaii-Manoa's Campus Center courtyard yesterday launched the "Take Back the Night" campaign on campus, part of an international rally unifying men, women and children in an awareness against violence.
State pins UH death on bacterial infection
State health officials believe a bacterial infection caused the death of a University of Hawaii student last month.Travis Mitsuda, 21, developed a cough and a rash during spring break and he died on March 25, family members said.
As a precaution, health officials have given antibiotics to 90 people who came in contact with Mitsuda before his death. But no other cases were reported.
"I don't think there is a reason for fear at all in this situation," state epidemiologist Paul Effler said. "You have an isolated incident of an almost expected sporadic case given our state's population."
Health officials have not identified the bacteria, however, they say it might be meningococus -- a common bacteria that is rarely fatal.
The state has sent tissue samples to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The death came as a surprise to family and friends. Mitsuda, a former UH baseball player, was considered healthy with no previous health problems.
His funeral was held Saturday.
"It's still shocking even now and obviously you feel for his parents, family and friends. He was close with a lot of kids on our team, and I think they are the same way; I don't know if it's set in yet," UH baseball coach Mike Trepasso said.
Councilman Gabbard to challenge Ed Case
City Councilman Mike Gabbard has filed nomination papers to run as a Republican for Congress against incumbent Democratic U.S. Rep. Ed Case.Gabbard was campaigning on the neighbor islands yesterday and was unavailable for comment, an aide said.
Gabbard filed Friday to run in the 2nd Congressional District (rural Oahu and the neighbor islands).
Gabbard's term for his 1st Council District seat, which runs from Ewa to Makua, ends this year.
Some of the names mentioned as possible candidates for his Council seat include Gabbard's wife, Carol, a Board of Education member, his daughter, state Rep. Tulsi Gabbard Tamayo and former Councilman John DeSoto.
Robert Walker retiring from Castle Medical
Robert Walker will retire June 30 as president and chief executive officer of Castle Medical Center.Walker has administered the 157-bed Windward Oahu facility for seven years. He said health and family concerns prompted his decision to retire.
"Castle Medical Center is a place that will always be dear to us," he said. "Looking back on my time here, it will be difficult to leave this hospital and the people who have made Castle 'home' for my family and me."
Walker and his wife, Sue, have three adult children and three grandchildren.
John Monge, Castle vice president of operations, and Dr. Steven Lum, chief of staff, praised Walker for his leadership and compassion.
"He's one of the finest persons I've ever known and has been an outstanding mentor to me," Monge said.
Larry Dodds, senior vice president of Adventist Health and Castle board chairman, will work with the board to choose a successor to Walker.
Kamehameha Parade volunteers sought
Volunteers are needed to help with the 88th annual King Kamehameha Celebration Floral Parade on June 12.Also, lei stringers are needed for statue decoration ceremonies June 11.
Those who are interested in parade positions -- such as the pa'u riders, marching bands, marching units, decorated vehicles and float units -- and craft and food vendors on parade day should apply to the King Kamehameha Celebration Commission by calling 586-0333, fax 586-0335 or e-mail kkcc@state.hi.us .
The commission has selected Kahauanu Lake, a kupuna and cultural resource in the Hawaiian community, as its grand marshal. Lake formed the Kahauanu Lake Trio in 1955, and has won the Na Hoku Hanohano Award twice. He also received the Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts Lifetime Achievement Award.
City to host egg hunt at Koko Head park
The city will sponsor an "Easter Eggstravaganza" egg hunt at Koko Head District Park on Saturday. Admission is free.Registration for the hunt is at 9:30 a.m. and the hunt starts at 10 a.m., followed by games and other activities. All participants should be 12 years of age or under. All participants will receive goodie bags.
The sponsor is the Koko Head Complex, comprising Aina Haina Community Park, Kamilo Iki Community Park and Koko Head District Park.
For more information, call Arlene Ling at 395-3096.
Police, Fire, Courts
By Star-Bulletin staffHONOLULU
Suspect sought in robbery at Liliha bank
A man robbed the Liliha branch of American Savings Bank of an undisclosed amount of money about 5:45 p.m. yesterday after passing a note to a teller saying he had a weapon.The suspect is described as a male in his 40s, 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighing 160 pounds. He was wearing a red and yellow baseball cap and a blue shirt with black stripes.
Anyone with information is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 955-8300 or *CRIME on a cellular phone.
WAIKIKI
Woman, 84, in hospital after being hit by van
An 84-year-old woman was taken to the Queen's Medical Center in critical condition after she was struck by a van at 9:42 a.m. at Kuhio Avenue and Launiu Street in Waikiki.Police closed Kuhio Avenue between Kalaimoku and Kaiolu streets for several hours.
LEEWARD OAHU
Sex assault reported by woman in Pearl City
Police are looking for a man who sexually assaulted a 57-year-old woman Sunday night.Police said the woman was walking on Kuala Street behind Sam's Club in Pearl City about 10 p.m. as the suspect was walking in the opposite direction. The suspect then pulled her into a grassy area and sexually assaulted her, police said.
The victim was taken to Kapiolani Medical Center for observation. Police said the suspect used a towel to cover his face when he assaulted the victim.
Honolulu Police Department Crimestoppers
