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Bill would require bigger women's luas

City Councilman Charles Djou is seeking what he calls "potty parity" between men and woman at event facilities, such as theaters, stadiums and concert halls.

Djou said he will introduce a bill mandating such facilities allocate twice as much space for women's restrooms as men's restrooms.

"As a husband and a father who has often had to wait for my wife or daughter to get through a restroom line, I think a 'potty parity' bill makes sense," Djou said yesterday.

"My bill seeks to alleviate the all too common problem of long lines at women's restrooms at theaters, concert halls and other big event venues," he said.

The bill, which was to be introduced today, would apply to new or renovated event facilities. It would not affect residential or non-spectator event commercial properties.

Djou said his bill is similar to legislation recently enacted by New York City. It was based on legislation crafted by the International Codes Council, an organization that issues model municipal building code standards, he said.

Katrina fund-raiser set for Aloha Tower

Hawaii chefs plan a fund-raiser at Aloha Tower Marketplace to benefit victims of Hurricane Katrina on Sept. 19.

Tickets priced at $150 will allow a guest to sample foods from dozens of island chefs and to attend wine tastings from 6 until 9 p.m. Island musicians including Na Leo Pilimehana and C&K will perform.

The star chefs include Alan Wong, Roy Yamaguchi, D.K. Kodama, Chai Chaowaseree, Russell Siu, Mavro, Hiroshi Fukui, Guillaume Burlion, Doug Lum and Colin Nishida.

Corporate tables priced at $10,000 and $5,000 where guests sit down to a dinner, are available in limited supply. Live auction items will include Hawaiian Airlines round-trip tickets to mainland destinations.

Tickets may be purchased at Chai's Island Bistro, Aloha Tower Marketplace beginning tomorrow. Checks should be made payable to "The Salvation Army Katrina Relief."

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Taking Notice

Man honored for saving visitor's life

Vance Pascua was recently presented with commendations from Mayor Bryan Baptiste and members of the Kauai County Council for saving the life of a visitor. Pascua used the Heimlich maneuver to dislodge food particles blocking the victim's airways.

"I'm glad that I was able to help save someone's life," Pascua said. "I know there are people who are reluctant to become involved like I did because they're afraid of getting sued. But they shouldn't worry about that. Saving someone's life is the greatest gift you can give."

» Dr. Lisa Sanchez-Johnsen, assistant professor in the Cancer Research Center of Hawaii's Prevention and Control Program, has received a citation from the American Psychological Association.

The Presidential Latina/o Leadership Citation for Students and Early Career Psychologists was presented at the association's annual convention in Washington, D.C., with a $1,000 cash award made possible by Carlos Albizu University.

Sanchez-Johnsen was one of four recipients selected for the award, which recognizes young professionals of Latino background in psychology who demonstrate commitment to social responsibility, value for human diversity and improvement of quality of life.

Her research, funded under a National Cancer Institute grant, focuses on cancer risk reduction assessments and interventions for ethnic groups including Latinos, native Hawaiians, Asians and Pacific Islanders.

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Police, Fire, Courts



By Star-Bulletin staff

Hilo man charged in robbery of 2 teens

Big Island police charged a 46-year-old Hilo man with several felonies Thursday after he allegedly picked up two teenage tourists and robbed them at gunpoint.

Rodney K. Keaweehu Sr. was charged with first-degree robbery, ownership of a prohibited firearm and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. Keaweehu is being held in the Hilo cellblock in lieu of $100,000 bail.

On Aug. 31, police said, two brothers visiting from California hitched a ride in Hilo from a man who drove them to Wailoa State Park. The man allegedly brandished a weapon, struck one of the teens and demanded money. They gave an undisclosed amount of cash and ran.

The victim received minor injuries and did not require medical attention.

Police Lt. Randall Medeiros said police will confer with the U.S. Attorney's office for possible prosecution.

Anyone with information should call Detective Lucille Melemai at 961-2377 or the police non-emergency number at 935-3311. Anonymous callers may call CrimeStoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona.