Newswatch
Police, Fire, Courts
Star-Bulletin staff and wire
State tax revenues jump 29% in April
State tax revenues in April rose 29 percent from a year ago as the effects of last month's Oahu concrete workers' strike were offset by a strong economy, according to the Tax Department.The state general fund collected $300.7 million during April, $68 million more than a year earlier. However, state officials noted that collections in April 2003 were abnormally low, which accounted for most of last month's year-over-year increase.
Through the first 10 months of the fiscal year, the state has collected $2.8 billion, or 7.7 percent, more than at the same point in 2003.
Box jellyfish advisory issued through Friday
A box jellyfish advisory was issued between today and Friday by the Ocean Safety Division.The influx of box jellyfish is expected to peak tomorrow and dissipate on Saturday.
The most commonly affected areas are Waikiki Beach, Kuhio Beach (section Ewa of the Kapahulu groin), Ala Moana Beach, Hanauma Bay, Pokai Bay, Makaha Beach and Waimea Bay. Occasional sightings or stings from box jellyfish have also occurred on the north and west shore beaches.
Norwalk virus cases still dwindling in Vegas
The rate of new Norwalk virus cases in Las Vegas fell sharply last week, raising hopes that the outbreak may soon be declared over.Two complaints were reported between May 1 and May 7, compared with 10 complaints reported between April 24 and April 30, said David Tonelli, spokesman for the Clark County Health District.
"Things are looking really good. ... We're looking at that to be sustained over a month," said Tonelli.
A total of 1,673 complaints were reported between Dec. 3 and Monday. Those who reported contracting the illness visited or stayed at the California Hotel & Casino, a popular spot for Hawaii visitors.
Health officials will consider the outbreak over when they see four complaints or less each week over a month.
Police, Fire, Courts
By Star-Bulletin staffHONOLULU
Kaneohe man allegedly tries to drown officer
Police charged a 23-year-old Kaneohe man Monday with first-degree attempted murder for allegedly trying to kill a police officer by holding his head underwater.Daniel Burgess was also charged with two counts of assaulting a police officer.
Police said Burgess was acting disorderly when officers responded to Keehi Boat Harbor near Sand Island at about 8:50 p.m. Saturday.
He held one officer's head underwater and punched another officer when they tried to arrest him, police said. Burgess was being held in lieu of $150,000 bail.
Kaimuki man arrested for alleged sex assault
Police charged a 42-year-old Kaimuki man Monday with sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl.Jay Douglas McLaren was charged with seven counts of third-degree sexual assault.
The victim told her mother that she was sexually assaulted by the suspect on numerous occasions.
The mother notified police, and McLaren was arrested Sunday at his home.
Bail was set at $75,000.
NEIGHBOR ISLANDS
Big Isle police describe e-mail and call scams
Big Island police are warning residents about two scams, one involving e-mail and another involving the telephone.The e-mail scam is from Nigeria where the intended victims get an e-mail from "Tony Williams" telling them that an unknown relative has died and left them several million dollars in a will. The victims are then asked to supply their bank account numbers so the "inheritance" can be deposited into the account.
In the phone scam, which police said targets the elderly, victims get a call from "John Taylor" in Jamaica who claims he is an official of the "International Sweepstakes Corp." Police said Taylor tells the victims they have won several million dollars in a sweepstakes but to collect the money they must send him $1,200 for handling charges.
Acting Lt. Greg Esteban warned residents to "never believe anyone who promises you'll receive large amounts of money if you send him money in advance of payment."
Esteban also said residents should never give out personal financial information, such as bank account numbers, to strangers.
Honolulu Police Department Crimestoppers
