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Lingle panel to focus on economic growth

Saying it is time to plan for Hawaii's economy while it is doing well, Gov. Linda Lingle has called together a 31-member Economic Momentum Commission.

The commission, led by Don Horner, president and chief executive officer of First Hawaiian Bank, will look at ways to "avoid the traditional peaks and valleys of economic cycles, and enhances Hawaii's natural and cultural resources," Lingle said.

"Now is the time to take the necessary steps to keep our economy strong and moving forward," Lingle said.

The bipartisan commission includes Senate President Robert Bunda and House leader Calvin Say, as well as leaders from small and large businesses, labor unions, nonprofit social agencies, environmental and cultural organizations, educational institutions, government and the military.

The commission is expected to have its first meeting later this month and complete its work in October.

Some topics for the commission include new job creation, opportunities for enhanced education and job skills development and improved quality of life.

Attorney's misconduct nets 5-year suspension

The Hawaii Supreme Court has suspended Honolulu attorney Ronald G.S. Au for five years, effective July 7, for violating rules governing attorney conduct in three separate matters.

The high court said yesterday that the Office of Disciplinary Counsel had proved "by clear and convincing evidence" that Au, 68, a member of the Hawaii bar since 1963, committed a dozen violations and in several instances admitted to the misconduct alleged.

A five-year suspension is the second most severe sanction the high court can impose, behind disbarment.

"Under the circumstances of this case, disbarment would be too severe a sanction, and yet a suspension of less than five years would be insufficient to reflect our concern for the protection of the public, the legal profession and the courts from Au's unprofessional conduct," the justices found.

In 2003, a hearing committee said Au misrepresented the findings of a published case, mishandled client funds, misused a client trust account and paid someone a fee in exchange for client referrals.

The high court found Au violated his duties knowingly and intentionally, and his misconduct seriously harmed the integrity of the legal system, they said.

Au could not be reached for comment.

State fair spotlights Japanese culture

50th State Fair-goers can enjoy traditional Japanese dances and martial arts demonstrations on June 18 from 12:15 to 4:45 p.m. at the Hawaiian Telcom Yellow Pages Special Events and Cultural Tent.

In the spirit of Obon, the summer Buddhist festival honoring one's ancestors, audience members can learn dance steps and participate in the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii's bon dance performances.

The JCCH strives to educate the community about the evolving Japanese-American experience in Hawaii. For more information, call 945-7633, e-mail info@jcch.com or log on to www.jcch.com.

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Police, Fire, Courts



By Star-Bulletin staff

HONOLULU

Man sought in assault at Lanakila Park

Police are asking for help in identifying a man who allegedly sexually assaulted a 19-year-old woman in Kalihi on Monday.

Police said the woman was walking through Lanakila District Park at 2:15 a.m. when an unknown man carrying a knife sexually assaulted her.

The suspect is described as in his early 20s, 5 feet 6 inches to 5 feet 7 inches tall, with a medium build, dark curly hair, medium complexion. He was wearing a black T-shirt and denim shorts.

A couple who assisted the woman is asked to call Detective Lavarias at 529-3817. Anonymous calls may be made to CrimeStoppers at 955-8300, *CRIME on a cell phone.

Honolulu woman, 38, wanted on warrants

Honolulu police and CrimeStoppers want help locating fugitive Raina Leong, 38, wanted for forgery and other crimes, with warrants totaling $106,400.

Leong, also known as Kai, is 5 foot 5, about 175 pounds, with a medium build, brown mid-length hair, and has tattoos on her right ankle and back. Police said she is known to frequent Waikiki, Waimanalo and East Honolulu. Anyone with information is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 955-8300 or *CRIME on a cellular phone.

NEIGHBOR ISLANDS

Police seek 2 robbers of Hilo video store

Big Island police are looking for two men who robbed the After Dark Video store on Kukila Street in Hilo. The two carried handguns and a duffle bag.

After receiving an undisclosed amount of cash, the suspects fled east on Kukila Street toward Railroad Avenue in an older, dark-colored Nissan pickup truck, police said.

The suspects were described as in their 20s, about 5-foot-7 to 5-foot-8, with heavy builds and weighing between 250 and 300 pounds. One suspect wore a bandanna and had short brown hair. The second suspect wore a knit cap with a T-shirt over his face, exposing only his eyes.

Anyone with information is asked to call the police nonemergency number at 935-3311.