Honolulu Star-Bulletin Hawaii News

2 men sought in Waipahu carjacking

Police are looking for two men in their mid-20s who allegedly robbed a man of his car at gunpoint in Waipahu last night.

The victim, 35, told police he was waiting for a friend on the Waipio Access Bridge when the two men approached him at about 10:40 p.m.

One of the suspects brandished a handgun and demanded the key to the manÕs vehicle, police said. The two suspects then drove off in the vehicle, police said.

The victim was not injured.

Big Islanders asked to conserve water

Four Big Island water systems that serve about 2,000 customers are asking for voluntary reduction of water use by at least 10 percent.

Dry weather and higher-than-normal water use spurred the call for conservation.

"It's been a real dry summer for the east side of the island," said Clyde Young, a mechanical engineer with the Hawaii County Department of Water Supply.

Last week, about 400 customers served by the Laupahoehoe system in North Hilo and 1,400 customers of the Haina system in Hamakua were asked to conserve. The Hawaii County Department of Water Supply also reminded 70 customers in Makapala-Niulu in North Kohala and 170 customers at Kukuihaele in South Kohala to keep usage down. Agricultural users are asked to water from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.

The Laupahoehoe system has had its primary well under repair since May. A backup well can't keep up with demand, and up to 50,000 gallons of water are trucked in daily, said Billy Yamamoto, a water service district supervisor.

If the dry weather continues and usage doesn't decrease, the department may institute mandatory restrictions.

Conference to look at caring for the disabled

Hospice Hawaii Inc. and other community organizations will hold a conference Wednesday to address issues related to clients with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Registration will begin at 7 a.m., with talks from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Japanese Chamber of Commerce on the theme "Supporting Family Caregivers."

Educators Matthew Janicki and DiAnn Davies Baxley, with the Center for Intellectual Disabilities at the State University of New York at Albany, will be among key speakers.

Topics will include "Dementia in Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities," "End-of-Life Care Choices" and "Long-Term Planning for our Developmentally and Intellectually Disabled Adult Children."

Other organizations involved are ARC of Hawaii, Easter Seals Hawaii, Executive Office on Aging, Hawaii Waiver Providers Association, Office of the Public Guardian and the Disability and Communication Access Board.

The cost is $35. For more information, call 791-8080, ext. 300, or Maria Elena Brown at 924-9255, ext. 8011.

Annual bazaar benefits Kuakini Foundation

The Kuakini Medical Center Auxiliary is holding its annual bazaar Oct. 1-2 as a fund-raiser for the Kuakini Foundation.

The event will be held in the Hale Pulama Mau Auditorium, running from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Oct. 1 and from 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 2.

Sushi, home-baked goods, books, plants and handmade crafts will be among the bargain-priced items for sale.

Those who would like to help with the bazaar may call Kuakini's Volunteer Services Department at 547-9184.

Kuakini Foundation and Kuakini Medical Center are subsidiaries of Kuakini Health System.

Community group wins $75,000 grant

A Leeward Oahu organization is getting a $75,000 federal grant to continue to reduce and prevent substance abuse among youth in Ewa Beach.

Money from the grant will be used by EWAlution to:

» Increase the number of high school youth receiving substance abuse intervention through counseling, case management, youth development activities and community-service opportunities.
» Recognize and reinforce positive choices, academic achievement and community service with the "Making Choices" program.
» Collaborate with Weed and Seed officials to implement at least two community policing and neighborhood restoration projects.
» Increase the sustainability of EWAlution efforts by establishing a committee to identify opportunities for collaboration with other agencies.

[Taking Notice]

» The Maui Police Department's 62nd Police Recruit Class has given awards to Christopher Gantala for Outstanding Recruit and Scholastic Achievement; Barry McKay, the Neil T. Endo Firearms award; Kyle Bishaw-Juario, the M. Cecil "Rusty" Dickson award for Physical Fitness; and David Potter, Best Notebook.

Class officers include Steven Gunderson, president; Christopher Gantala, vice president; Corrine Chang, secretary; Frank Abreu, sergeant-at-arms; and Heather Gilroy, treasurer.

» Catholic Charities Hawaii has been accredited by the Council on Accreditation by meeting the highest national standards and delivering the best quality services to the community. The organization's programs serve more than 25,000 people every year.

» The 25th annual Pan-Pacific Festival, sponsored in part by the Matsuri in Hawaii Advisory Committee and the Hawaii Tourism Authority, has given its 2004 Silversword Award for Cultural Excellence to Gertrude Tsutsumi, founder of the Onoe Kikunobu Dance Company.

"Taking Notice" also runs on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Police, Fire, Courts

By Star-Bulletin staff

LEEWARD OAHU

Woman dies after crash on H-1 freeway

A 43-year-old Makakilo woman was killed after her car was hit twice by other vehicles while traveling westbound on the H-1 freeway yesterday morning.

Police said the collision took place just east of the Makakilo Drive overpass at 11:36 a.m. She was driving a 2004 Nissan Sentra when she pulled into the right lane and slowed down.

A trailing semi-truck turned to avoid the Sentra but instead hit the right back corner of the car, sending it spinning into the far left lane. Another vehicle, a 1990 Nissan Pathfinder, then crashed into the Sentra.

The driver of the Sentra was taken to the St. Francis West Medical Center in critical condition and was later pronounced dead. The couple in the Pathfinder were identified as a 44-year-old man and a 41-year old woman from Waianae. Both were taken to the Queen's Medical Center in critical condition but were later upgraded to serious condition.

Police said the driver of the semi-truck was not injured.

Yesterday's collision marks the 46th traffic fatality of the year.

WINDWARD OAHU

Beauty queen charged with dealing in 'ice'

A former Miss Hawaii USA was charged with selling crystal methamphetamine yesterday after being arrested in a three-month-long investigation by Honolulu police.

Tiffini Hercules and her husband, John Limahai Jr., were both charged with promoting dangerous drugs and drug paraphernalia last night. Kailua police arrested the couple Tuesday morning on a Kailua street and then later raided a house on Paulele Street where both had been staying off and on.

Hercules was crowned Miss Hawaii USA in 1998 and went on to compete in the national Miss USA Pageant in Louisiana.

When police arrested her, she was found with about $1,000 worth of crystal meth on her, a small quantity of rock cocaine and marijuana, and a digital scale.

Hercules is being held in lieu of $15,000 bail, while Limahai is being held in lieu of $25,000 bail.

Honolulu Police Department Crimestoppers

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Newswatch Star-Bulletin staff and wire 2 men sought in Waipahu carjacking Police are looking for two men in their mid-20s who allegedly robbed a man of his car at gunpoint in Waipahu last night. The victim, 35, told police he was waiting for a friend on the Waipio Access Bridge when the two men approached him at about 10:40 p.m. One of the suspects brandished a handgun and demanded the key to the manÕs vehicle, police said. The two suspects then drove off in the vehicle, police said. The victim was not injured. Big Islanders asked to conserve water Four Big Island water systems that serve about 2,000 customers are asking for voluntary reduction of water use by at least 10 percent. Dry weather and higher-than-normal water use spurred the call for conservation. "It's been a real dry summer for the east side of the island," said Clyde Young, a mechanical engineer with the Hawaii County Department of Water Supply. Last week, about 400 customers served by the Laupahoehoe system in North Hilo and 1,400 customers of the Haina system in Hamakua were asked to conserve. The Hawaii County Department of Water Supply also reminded 70 customers in Makapala-Niulu in North Kohala and 170 customers at Kukuihaele in South Kohala to keep usage down. Agricultural users are asked to water from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. The Laupahoehoe system has had its primary well under repair since May. A backup well can't keep up with demand, and up to 50,000 gallons of water are trucked in daily, said Billy Yamamoto, a water service district supervisor. If the dry weather continues and usage doesn't decrease, the department may institute mandatory restrictions. Conference to look at caring for the disabled Hospice Hawaii Inc. and other community organizations will hold a conference Wednesday to address issues related to clients with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Registration will begin at 7 a.m., with talks from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Japanese Chamber of Commerce on the theme "Supporting Family Caregivers." Educators Matthew Janicki and DiAnn Davies Baxley, with the Center for Intellectual Disabilities at the State University of New York at Albany, will be among key speakers. Topics will include "Dementia in Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities," "End-of-Life Care Choices" and "Long-Term Planning for our Developmentally and Intellectually Disabled Adult Children." Other organizations involved are ARC of Hawaii, Easter Seals Hawaii, Executive Office on Aging, Hawaii Waiver Providers Association, Office of the Public Guardian and the Disability and Communication Access Board. The cost is $35. For more information, call 791-8080, ext. 300, or Maria Elena Brown at 924-9255, ext. 8011. Annual bazaar benefits Kuakini Foundation The Kuakini Medical Center Auxiliary is holding its annual bazaar Oct. 1-2 as a fund-raiser for the Kuakini Foundation. The event will be held in the Hale Pulama Mau Auditorium, running from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Oct. 1 and from 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 2. Sushi, home-baked goods, books, plants and handmade crafts will be among the bargain-priced items for sale. Those who would like to help with the bazaar may call Kuakini's Volunteer Services Department at 547-9184. Kuakini Foundation and Kuakini Medical Center are subsidiaries of Kuakini Health System. Community group wins $75,000 grant A Leeward Oahu organization is getting a $75,000 federal grant to continue to reduce and prevent substance abuse among youth in Ewa Beach. Money from the grant will be used by EWAlution to: » Increase the number of high school youth receiving substance abuse intervention through counseling, case management, youth development activities and community-service opportunities. » Recognize and reinforce positive choices, academic achievement and community service with the "Making Choices" program. » Collaborate with Weed and Seed officials to implement at least two community policing and neighborhood restoration projects. » Increase the sustainability of EWAlution efforts by establishing a committee to identify opportunities for collaboration with other agencies. BACK TO TOP \| [Taking Notice] » The Maui Police Department's 62nd Police Recruit Class has given awards to Christopher Gantala for Outstanding Recruit and Scholastic Achievement; Barry McKay, the Neil T. Endo Firearms award; Kyle Bishaw-Juario, the M. Cecil "Rusty" Dickson award for Physical Fitness; and David Potter, Best Notebook. Class officers include Steven Gunderson, president; Christopher Gantala, vice president; Corrine Chang, secretary; Frank Abreu, sergeant-at-arms; and Heather Gilroy, treasurer. » Catholic Charities Hawaii has been accredited by the Council on Accreditation by meeting the highest national standards and delivering the best quality services to the community. The organization's programs serve more than 25,000 people every year. » The 25th annual Pan-Pacific Festival, sponsored in part by the Matsuri in Hawaii Advisory Committee and the Hawaii Tourism Authority, has given its 2004 Silversword Award for Cultural Excellence to Gertrude Tsutsumi, founder of the Onoe Kikunobu Dance Company. "Taking Notice" also runs on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Police, Fire, Courts By Star-Bulletin staff LEEWARD OAHU Woman dies after crash on H-1 freeway A 43-year-old Makakilo woman was killed after her car was hit twice by other vehicles while traveling westbound on the H-1 freeway yesterday morning. Police said the collision took place just east of the Makakilo Drive overpass at 11:36 a.m. She was driving a 2004 Nissan Sentra when she pulled into the right lane and slowed down. A trailing semi-truck turned to avoid the Sentra but instead hit the right back corner of the car, sending it spinning into the far left lane. Another vehicle, a 1990 Nissan Pathfinder, then crashed into the Sentra. The driver of the Sentra was taken to the St. Francis West Medical Center in critical condition and was later pronounced dead. The couple in the Pathfinder were identified as a 44-year-old man and a 41-year old woman from Waianae. Both were taken to the Queen's Medical Center in critical condition but were later upgraded to serious condition. Police said the driver of the semi-truck was not injured. Yesterday's collision marks the 46th traffic fatality of the year. WINDWARD OAHU Beauty queen charged with dealing in 'ice' A former Miss Hawaii USA was charged with selling crystal methamphetamine yesterday after being arrested in a three-month-long investigation by Honolulu police. Tiffini Hercules and her husband, John Limahai Jr., were both charged with promoting dangerous drugs and drug paraphernalia last night. Kailua police arrested the couple Tuesday morning on a Kailua street and then later raided a house on Paulele Street where both had been staying off and on. Hercules was crowned Miss Hawaii USA in 1998 and went on to compete in the national Miss USA Pageant in Louisiana. When police arrested her, she was found with about $1,000 worth of crystal meth on her, a small quantity of rock cocaine and marijuana, and a digital scale. Hercules is being held in lieu of $15,000 bail, while Limahai is being held in lieu of $25,000 bail. Honolulu Police Department Crimestoppers	— ADVERTISEMENTS — — ADVERTISEMENTS —