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Libraries must install Net filter by June 30
To comply with federal law, Hawaii's public libraries plan to install an Internet filter on their computers by June 30 to block Web sites considered "harmful to minors," but adult patrons may request that it be disabled.The move is necessary for the library system to continue receiving federal funds. State Librarian Jo Ann Schindler said yesterday that the software filter has been ordered but not yet received, so it is hard to gauge how it will perform.
"We all know that filters are not 100 percent in either direction," she said. "There are still some sites that will come through that may be offensive. It may very well block some legitimate research sites that people would want to get to."
She said library staff will monitor the new product. The Children's Internet Protection Act, passed in 2000 and upheld last year by the U.S. Supreme Court, requires public libraries receiving federal aid to install software filters on their computers to block images that are obscene, contain child pornography or are "harmful to minors."
The American Library Association objected to the law on free-speech grounds, arguing that legitimate research sites, for example, could be blocked by the filter.
Library patrons 17 years and older who want to have the filter disabled should alert a librarian. In any case, Hawaii library rules prohibit the display of pornographic images.
Free skin cancer tests offered at exposition
Free skin cancer screening will be offered at the fifth annual Sun Protection Exposition, sponsored by the Hawaii Skin Cancer Coalition, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. next Saturday at Ala Moana Center.Physician members of the Hawaii Dermatological Society and Hawaii Ophthalmological Society will provide the screenings.
Dr. Kevin Mott, vice president of the Dermatological Society, said more than 7,000 islanders are diagnosed with skin cancer annually, and about 250 have melanoma, the most severe type.
"Exposure to the sun's ultraviolet rays appears to be the most important environmental factor in the development of skin cancer," he said.
The exposition will feature music, games, door prizes, local entertainers -- including Brickwood Galuteria as master of ceremonies and Hypersquad -- and skin cancer education materials.
For more information, call the Cancer Information Service of Hawaii toll-free at 800-4-CANCER or the American Cancer Society at 800-ACS-2345.
Wash and pet your dog at Mililani fund-raiser
Pet owners can treat their dogs to a day of pampering in the annual Dog Wash & Pet Day, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. next Saturday at Mililani Recreation Center III.Dogs can enjoy washing, drying and grooming services as well as free dog food samples, photos and a fetch contest. More than 70 dogs were primped and pampered at last year's event.
Donations will go to the Hawaiian Humane Society, which will have an informational booth with animal behavior program coordinator Marty Hutchins answering questions about pet behavior.
For more information on the Hawaiian Humane Society, visit www.hawaiianhumane.org.
[ TAKING NOTICE ]
» Hawaii Pacific University students Virginia Hocutt, who is majoring in justice administration, and Han Nee Chong, who is pursuing a master's degree in communication, received the Robert E. Black Award for Excellence, worth $1,000, for community service.
Other outstanding student awardees include Hang Hing Lee, Summer L.P. Martin, Kathy Jo Hansen, Pauline Njoroge, Edward Mere, Lauren Aimee Graham, Treva Greig, Michelle Yuriko, Mervill Pinpin, Ednalyn Sangel, Theresa C. Majinge, Julie Ji Eun Ahn, Charles Chacko, Deep Chopra, Samuya Somasekhar, Wasma Srinivasan, Christina Cabebe, Elizabell Melendrez, Kwan Yee Queenie Ho, Dawn T. Tanaka, Aela Vely-Jouffe, Svaia Matal'au, Drane Lott, Gidado Yahaya, Christina Hawkes and Karin Voellmer.
» Maemae School, in the Nuuanu-Kalihi, area has been recognized for its outstanding efforts in the Aloha United Way's recent "Student Aloha" campaign. The students raised almost $3,000, and Maemae was the top fund-raising public school in the state for 2003-2004.
» Duke's Kauai restaurant honored science teacher Kathy Jones, of Island School, as its Educator of the Quarter for the second quarter. The head of the science department, Jones was selected by her peers for her enthusiasm and dedication and for challenging students to learn new skills.
Police, Fire, Courts
By Star-Bulletin staffLEEWARD OAHU
Police arrested a 22-year-old man yesterday suspected of hijacking a car containing three female teenagers in Waianae in May.
Police arrest suspect in Waianae carjackingThe suspect is one of three men who allegedly pulled an 18-year-old woman and two 16-year-old girls from their car at 10:55 p.m. May 12 at 86-809 Puuhulu Road.
The suspects then drove off with the car.
Yesterday, the suspect was positively identified, and police arrested him for second-degree robbery.
WAIKIKI
Police arrested a 29-year-old man Thursday morning for allegedly attacking a 13-year-old boy in Waikiki.
13-year-old boy hurt in morning assaultPolice said the boy was walking at about 4:40 a.m. when the suspect attacked him. A passerby broke up the incident quickly, police said.
The suspect followed the boy as he walked up Kuhio Avenue, grabbed him and threw him against a parked vehicle.
Nearby police officers responded and arrested the man for second- and third-degree assault.
Police said the boy received a fracture to his upper left arm from being thrown against the vehicle.
Honolulu Police Department Crimestoppers
