Newswatch
Police, Fire, Courts
Star-Bulletin staff and wire
Tax Department sends out incorrect notices
The state Department of Taxation has mistakenly sent out late-payment notices to a number of residents who filed their income tax returns early but paid the taxes due close to the April 20 deadline.The notices were sent out Wednesday -- before all the payments had been processed -- to 10,000 residents, some of whom had already paid their taxes.
On its hot line, the department attributed the mistake to an automation glitch. In a news release issued yesterday afternoon, the department said it regrets the inconvenience and has taken steps to ensure it will not happen in the future.
The department said that payments made on or close to April 20 should be processed by late May. Second billing notices will be sent out in early June to those who have an outstanding balance.
Taxpayers who filed early and paid later should not put a stop payment on their checks until the second round of notices are mailed out, the department said. Also, those who do not receive a billing notice in early June can assume their payment has been received.
The department's Taxpayer Services Branch can be reached at 587-4242 or toll-free 800-222-3229.
New rules for cabbies at airport go into effect
New rules regarding taxicab pickups at Honolulu Airport went into effect at midnight, despite protests from hundreds of cabbies.Circuit Judge Victoria Marks denied a motion to halt the implementation today of new regulations by AMB Industries Inc., which took over the contract to manage taxis at the airport. Plaintiffs' attorney Pat Jaress said the cab drivers' concerns include having to sign an "oath" that they will adhere to certain guidelines, having to submit to vehicle inspections every time they make a trip to the airport, and the elimination of taxi driver's option of paying a monthly $400 fee to operate at the airport. Instead, taxi drivers must pay a $4 fee for each pickup.
Jaress said, however, that the judge granted taxi drivers a partial victory by saying they did not have to sign the agreement provided by AMB. He also said it is unclear as to whether AMB can enforce any of their new rules without cabbies' signatures.
"All they want to do is pick up rides at the airport," he said. "They've got a whole book of new rules. ... Whether they're going to try and enforce it or not, I know our guys didn't agree to it."
[ TAKING NOTICE ]
» Fay Jones has been named a 2003 outstanding new volunteer by the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. She was selected from more than 1,000 nominees nationwide. She created a new design for a race application, newspaper ads, race T-shirts and a video public service announcement that had a Hawaiian look and feel.
» The USS Missouri Memorial Association has promoted Tracey Hirokane to international sales manager. She has worked at the Missouri for nearly five years as inside sales manager, and reservations and ticket supervisor.
» The Aloha Council of the Boy Scouts of America has honored 14 volunteer leaders with its Silver Beaver Award for distinguished service to youths.
The recipients are:
William Coffey, district commissioner for the Kamehameha District; Maunahina Conrandt, Roundtable chair for the Kona Coast District; Orvel Dykes, of the Koolau District; Michael J. Fisch, Aloha Council vice president and president-elect (2005 to 2006); Robert S. Hann, new council vice president; Moses Kealamakia, chartered organization representative with the Pukahi District; Teuichi Kohashi, of the Pukahi District Committee; Vilison Kotobalavu, advisor to a Venture Crew in the Koolau District; John McMillan, member of the Kamehameha District recruiting team; Greg Naganuma, immediate past chairman of Kauai District; Joaquin Pete Nieves, cubmaster in the Kaala District; Clayton Pang, a scoutmaster in the Kapiolani District; Harold Pukahi, member of the Koolau District Committee; and Thelma Tyusaki, vice chair of programs and activities for the Hamakua/Kohala District.
Police, Fire, Courts
By Star-Bulletin staffHONOLULU
Police arrested an 18-year-old Honolulu man after he allegedly punched a 46-year-old Pauoa woman outside her home in an attempt to get to her 16-year-old son.
Man allegedly assaults mom shielding her sonPolice said the suspect, accompanied by four others, went to the house shortly before 11 p.m. Wednesday calling for the boy to come out.
He then threatened to kill both the mom and the son, according to a police report.
The mother went outside, and the suspect punched her and kicked in the door to get to the son, police said.
The suspect's friends pulled him back before officers arrived, police said.
Police arrested him for first-degree burglary, third-degree assault, harassment of a police officer and terroristic threatening.
Police also arrested a 17-year-old friend of the suspect for harassment of a police officer and a drug offense after he allegedly tossed a packet of marijuana as officers arrived. Police said he pushed an officer while the 18-year-old jumped the officer from behind.
[ THE COURTS ]
City agrees to post new sign at blowhole
The city has reached a settlement with the family of an 18-year-old California youth who died two years ago at the Halona Blowhole in East Oahu.The city has agreed to post another warning sign at the popular tourist attraction, closer to the natural water spout.
"It should be on the ledge, and it should tell people at least what it is and to stay away from it," family attorney James Krueger said.
Daniel Dick, of Sylmar, Calif., drowned June 30, 2002, after falling into the blowhole.
Witnesses said they saw him straddle the hole and then be tossed into the air by the force of the water before falling into the hole. His body was recovered the next day.
"While he was there, there was no geysering, so there's nothing to tell him except an absent sign that he was in harm's way," Krueger said.
The lawsuit said the state and city were negligent in not posting warning signs of any potential danger that existed on the rocky area near the attraction or on the shoreline separating Sandy Beach and the blowhole.
The settlement, which still must be approved by the City Council, does not include any money. It also does not include installing a grate cover, which the family has said could prevent a similar tragedy in the future.
Jury decides in favor of Super Brawl champ
A jury has found Super Brawl champion Egan Inoue not guilty of charges he threatened and choked his wife during an argument last October.Inoue, 38, had been charged with second-degree terroristic threatening and abuse of a household member -- both misdemeanors punishable by a year in jail.
Inoue had testified his wife was upset with him and that he was only trying to fend her off and protect himself when she tried to knee him, said his attorney Howard Luke.
"He's happy that it's over and hopes he can go on with his life," Luke said. "I am hopeful that the speedy verdict of acquittal will help to redeem his reputation in the public eye."
Deputy Prosecutor Susan Won could not be reached for comment.
Jury indicts Hilo man on drug, gun charges
A federal grand jury has indicted a 31-year-old Big Island man who was arrested Dec. 31 in a Hilo drug bust.Steven M. Tonga Jr. was charged with three drug counts, including possessing with the intent to distribute five grams of methamphetamine. He was also charged on two firearm-related offenses.
Tonga was on parole at the time of the raid. He was found with a Smith & Wesson .357 Magnum revolver and a .22-caliber revolver, according to the indictment.
Honolulu Police Department Crimestoppers
