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UH lab gets $800.000 for work on reefs

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration awarded two grants totaling more than $800,000 to the University of Hawaii-Manoa's Kewalo Marine Laboratory for research on coral reef protection.

The research projects spearheaded by Robert Richmond will focus on effects of land pollution on coastal reefs and how to better manage human activities in areas that feed into the ocean.

Researchers are also working on developing forensic tools called biomarkers, which will allow scientists to detect stress on coral at early stages, before corals die. The early detection may allow opportunities for saving the animals that reside on coral reefs.

Maui Land to donate land for health care

KAPALUA, Maui » Maui Land & Pineapple Co. has agreed to donate up to 15 acres of land in Kapalua to Maui Memorial Medical Center, the two companies said yesterday in a joint news release.

Medical center CEO Wesley Lo said the land would be used for a new facility to provide acute and urgent health-care services needed by the West Maui community.

Lo said the first phase of the facility is expected to be for emergency care. Plans call for the facility to expand into acute and long-term care areas, as well as complementary and alternative care.

"Our goal is to get the emergency care here first, and then work towards meeting West Maui's comprehensive health-care needs, including acute care, long-term care and integrated medicine," Lo said. "The 15 acres donated by ML&P will also allow us to grow comfortably to meet the needs of the community."

David Cole, chairman, president and CEO of Maui Land & Pine, said the medical center's plans fit with the company's plans for a lifelong wellness community at Pulelehua.

"We envision future services offered in conjunction with other health and wellness partners, including programs with traditional healers, medical schools, Miraval Kapalua (a health and wellness community) and private medical practitioners," Cole said.

Korean Americans to honor leaders

The Korean American Foundation will honor Korean-American community leaders in its inaugural "Light of the Orient" banquet on Thursday.

The awards dinner, held at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki, will celebrate the 102nd anniversary of the arrival of Koreans in America.

The celebration will feature a silent auction and live entertainment. More than 500 people are expected to attend.

The foundation will honor Hawaii Mayor Harry Kim, Honolulu Councilwoman Ann Kobayashi, Korean community advocates Agnes Rho Chun, the Rev. Tongjin Samuel Lee, Frank Min and Evelyn Choi Shon.

Tickets start at $75. Sponsorships are available. Call 275-3002. For more information call 275-3020.

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Police, Fire, Courts



By Star-Bulletin staff

WEST OAHU

Drifting car critically injures pedestrian

A 36-year-old man remains in the Queen's Medical Center with critical injuries after he was struck by a car while walking along Farrington Highway early yesterday morning.

The man, for whom police had no local address, was walking westbound on the north shoulder of Farrington Highway at 3:58 a.m., when a tan 2003 Chevrolet Impala sedan struck him.

The car, driven by a 25-year-old Nanakuli man, was heading westbound in the northernmost lane of the highway when it apparently drifted onto the shoulder about 120 feet west of Lualei Place and hit the pedestrian, police said.

The pedestrian had multiple, critical injuries and was taken by helicopter to Queen's.

Police said the driver was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.

1-car crash leaves man critically injured

Honolulu police were investigating a single-car accident at Hakimo Road near Farrington Highway about 8:40 p.m. yesterday.

A male victim in very critical condition was taken by ambulance to the Waianae Comprehensive Health Center.