Newswatch
Star-Bulletin staff and wire
Hokule'a due to depart today for Kure Atoll
The Hokule'a voyaging canoe was expected to launch today, after two weeks of waiting for the right winds to sail to the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands from Kauai, a spokeswoman for the Polynesian Voyaging Society said.The departure was postponed again yesterday.
The traditional Hawaiian voyaging canoe will making the trip to the older, "kupuna" islands of the Hawaiian archipelago with the goal of bringing back lessons on taking better care of the main Hawaiian Islands.
One crew will make the trip northward to Kure Island and a second crew will return with the Hokule'a. During the journey, the crew will speak to students several times a day via satellite connections.
Deal in fatal beating gives man life term
HILO >> A North Kona man accused in the beating death of an acquaintance is to be sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole under a plea agreement with prosecutors, according to court documents.Casey Cameron Eason, 29, of Kona Highlands, at first pleaded innocent to a charge of second-degree murder in the death of Michael Rhett Hackmeyer, 39, of Kailua-Kona.
He changed his plea to "no contest" in exchange for prosecutors dropping the classification of the crime as "especially heinous," according to recently released court documents. The provision carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison with no chance of parole.
Fingerprints were used to identify Hackmeyer, whose partially decomposed body was found April 10, 2003, along the road to Makalawena Beach. Earlier in the day, Hackmeyer's family reported he had been missing since April 1. An autopsy determined he died of severe head injuries.
According to the court records, the two men were friends who sold cocaine in Kona, and fought after getting into an argument.
Punchbowl traffic to change for holiday
One-way traffic controls will be in effect at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific beginning Friday through Memorial Day.Tour agencies have been asked to avoid visiting the cemetery at Punchbowl during Memorial Day weekend to allow for easy access by the families of those buried there.
A police officer will be stationed at key intersections at Tantalus and Puowaina drives, Puowaina Drive and Hookui Street, and Hookui and Auwaiolimu streets to keep traffic flowing smoothly.
Inside the cemetery, the current two-way road system will be one-way during the Memorial Day weekend.
During the Mayor's Memorial Day Service on May 31 at 8:30 a.m., the public is encouraged to use the shuttle bus because of limited parking.
Police, Fire, Courts
By Star-Bulletin staffLEEWARD OAHU
Shots from rifle lead to charges against dad
A 54-year-old Mapunapuna man who fired several rifle shots at his son in Waimalu on Wednesday was charged with first-degree reckless endangerment yesterday.Peti Teofilo Sr. is being held on $50,000 bond.
His son, 34, sustained minor injuries from glass shattered by multiple gunshots during an argument between the two about 5 p.m. Wednesday on Kanuku Street.
The younger man was in a truck when his father allegedly fired the rifle several times, shattering the vehicle's windows. At least a half-dozen shots were fired at the truck, police said.
Accident leaves girl in critical condition
A 2-year-old Kapolei girl was in critical condition at the Queen's Medical Center yesterday after a car backed up into her, the Honolulu Fire Department reported.The incident occurred at a 91-1020 Halana St. home, according to a dispatcher.
Emergency crews were called to the scene just before 12:50 p.m. and transported the girl by ambulance to the hospital.
Kailua man dies after ocean incident
A 52-year-old Kailua man died Friday evening at Oneula Beach Park on Barbers Point.Witnesses told police the man was diving near shore about 7:10 p.m. when he apparently experienced a problem and called for help.
By the time bystanders were able to bring the man to shore, he was unconscious.
Police said he was taken to nearby hospital but could not be revived.
Nanakuli High teen accused of threats
A 16-year-old Nanakuli High School student threatened a Waipahu High School security guard with a knife Friday morning, police said.The 47-year-old officer had just finished escorting the student off campus when he was allegedly threatened.
The student was released pending further investigation.
WAIKIKI
Man, 38, allegedly receives knife threat
A 38-year-old man told police he was threatened with a knife by a 59-year-old man in Waikiki at 4:45 a.m. Friday.The victim said he was standing on a rock wall watching surf when the second man yelled and threatened to stab him.
The suspect was arrested, police said.
WINDWARD OAHU
Tourist narrowly escapes drowning
A 24-year-old visitor from Japan nearly drowned off Makai Pier near Waimanalo yesterday afternoon, police said.The incident occurred about 10:40 a.m. The woman was unconscious on the beach, but emergency crews were able to revive her before taking her to the Castle Medical Center.
Honolulu Police Department Crimestoppers
