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U.S. ice sting nets 47 arrests in Hawaii

Forty-seven arrests were made in Hawaii in conjunction with the largest nationally coordinated law enforcement effort targeting methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Ed Kubo Jr. said yesterday.

The national Operation Wildfire was a cooperative effort among police in more than 200 localities and the Drug Enforcement Administration, federal officials said. More than 200 pounds of the drug and 56 labs were seized across the country, while more than 400 people were arrested, they said.

In Hawaii's local Operation Capsize, 45 search warrants were executed and 24 pounds of ice, cocaine and marijuana valued at more than $1 million were seized, Kubo said.

Thirty-one firearms were confiscated, along with $429, 677 in cash and 12 vehicles, he said.

Fishermen invited to resource meeting

An informational meeting about marine protected areas will be held Sept. 8 at Windward Community College in Kaneohe.

The 6 p.m. meeting is the last in a series of meetings that have been held on every island this summer by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources and Legislature. It will be in Hale Akoakoa Room 105.

"We are looking at what are the most effective resource management tools that can be employed" to improve fishing, said department Director Peter Young. "We are particularly interesting in hearing from the fishing community, and we encourage fishermen to participate in this public process."

Man charged with sex assault on girl

A Hawaii man was indicted yesterday by an Oahu grand jury for allegedly sexually assaulting a girl under the age of 14.

According to the indictment, Garret W. Borges engaged in sexual intercourse with the girl between Feb. 1, 2002, and July 31, 2004.

Borges was also indicted for allegedly fondling the girl during the same time period. He was indicted on two counts of first-degree sexual assault and one count of third-degree sexual assault.

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Police, Fire, Courts



By Star-Bulletin staff

WAIKIKI

Alleged would-be bird thief arrested

Police arrested a 27-year-old man for allegedly stealing a bird from a business at the International Market Place early yesterday.

Police said that about 5:30 a.m., the suspect was spotted by market place security walking through the area while carrying a macaw, which the security guard believed to belong to Coconut Willy's Bar and Grill. The guard detained the suspect while another security guard checked Coconut Willy's and found that the bird cage that usually contains the bird was empty.

The owner of Coconut Willy's was called and identified the bird as his. The bird's owner estimated the macaw's value at approximately $2,000, prompting police to arrest the suspect for investigation of second-degree theft.

NEIGHBOR ISLANDS

Police seek missing girl from Hilo home

Big Island police are looking for a 14-year-old girl reported missing from her home in Hilo since Aug. 8.

Ericka Rapoza is Filipino, about 5-foot-2 in height, weighing about 110 pounds and having a slim build, tan complexion, brown hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to call the police nonemergency telephone number at 935-3311. Those who wish to remain anonymous may call CrimeStoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona.