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Maryknoll teacher named national finalist

Maryknoll High School teacher Lance Suzuki has been named one of five finalists for the 2005 NASDAQ National Teaching Awards recognizing outstanding economics educators.

Suzuki wins $10,000 for being named the Western region winner and could receive an additional $15,000 if he wins the national award.

The NASDAQ competition selected Suzuki in recognition of his lesson on how the federal budget is developed and approved by Congress and the president. Students were required to role-play as the president, Cabinet members, members of the media and Congress.

Suzuki also wins an all-expenses-paid trip to New York for an awards ceremony on Monday, at which cash prizes will be disbursed and the national winner announced.

Suzuki also was Hawaii's 2003 Economics Teacher of the Year.

HPU's Intercultural Day takes place next week

Hawaii Pacific University will celebrate the diversity of its student population at its 21st annual Intercultural Day next Friday on Fort Street Mall.

The 10 a.m.-4 p.m. event is free and open to the public.

Cultural exhibits starting at 10 a.m., a parade through downtown Honolulu at 11:30 a.m., and stage performances of traditional dance and music from around the world from 1 to 4 p.m. will be available.

HPU has partnered with the downtown Business Improvement District to provide the different ethnic foods reflecting the cultures represented at the university. Established in 1984, the event has grown into one of the largest Intercultural events in the state.

Event celebrates Asian and Pacific cultures

East-West Fest, a celebration of culture and diversity, will be held on April 24 from 1 to 6 p.m. at the East-West Center's Hawaii Imin International Conference Center, 1777 East-West Road.

The theme for this year's festival is "Beyond Nationalities: Dancing to the Rhythm of Solidarity." It will feature Asian and Pacific cultural performances, food, displays and interactive exhibits. There will also be a tsunami relief donation booth.

The program is organized by East-West Center students, who come from 42 Asian and Pacific countries and the United States.

Admission is free. Parking on the UH campus is $3.

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Police, Fire, Courts



By Star-Bulletin staff

NEIGHBOR ISLANDS

Police charge man with hitting biker

Big Island police have charged a Hilo man with assault for allegedly injuring a 38-year-old motorcycle driver with his pickup truck on purpose.

Wayne M. Sarme Sr. was charged yesterday with first-degree assault, first-degree criminal property damage and failure to render aid. He is being held in lieu of $5,000 bail. The victim underwent surgery Wednesday at Hilo Medical Center and was last reported in stable condition.

The incident happened Monday afternoon on Old Mamalahoa Highway in Papaikou. Witnesses told police the motorcycle driver was being chased by the truck along the roadway. When the two vehicles neared the intersection with Hawaii Belt Road, the truck struck the motorcycle, knocking its driver to the pavement.

Police said the victim knew the suspect.

Apartment manager's attacker is still loose

Police are asking for the public's help in identifying the assailant who critically injured a Waikoloa apartment manager in a Wednesday night assault.

The manager was last reported in critical condition at the Queen's Medical Center, where he was airlifted after the attack.

Police are asking witnesses or others with information to call Detective Nancy Haitsuka of the West Hawaii Criminal Investigation Division at 326-4646, ext. 281, or the police nonemergency number at 935-3311.

HONOLULU

Man, 47, allegedly stabs his mother, 66

Police arrested a 47-year-old man who allegedly stabbed his mother in the chest at her Kalihi home Wednesday night.

The suspect ran into his mother's house at about 7:15 p.m., stabbed her three times with a kitchen knife and then fled on foot, police said.

The mother, 66, was taken to the Queen's Medical Center in critical condition.

Officers located the son later near Middle and North King streets and arrested him for investigation of second-degree attempted murder.

Police say man used knives to threaten

Police charged a 33-year-old Makiki man with first-degree terroristic threatening Tuesday for allegedly threatening a 60-year-old man with knives.

Police said Raul Galvez was at the victim's home, and the two were discussing a payment to Galvez. Galvez allegedly became enraged with the 60-year-old man and threatened him with two knives.

When Galvez eventually left, the other man called police. Police released Galvez after he posted $15,000 bail.

WAIKIKI

Secret Service finds 'ice' during bust

U.S. Secret Service agents busted a crystal methamphetamine operation in Waikiki on Wednesday, officials said.

Agents with a search warrant found an unspecified amount of crystal meth and drug paraphernalia, including pipes, lighters and a scale, in a Waikiki hotel room. Officials did not name the hotel.

Honolulu police were notified and then arrested three people -- two men, ages 32 and 35, and a 38-year-old woman -- for investigation of several drug offenses.