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UH system enrollment down by 1 percent

Enrollment in the 10-campus University of Hawaii system dropped slightly this fall, officials said.

The preliminary figures show 50,309 in the four-year campuses and community colleges, a decline of 493 students from fall 2004, or 1 percent.

The four-year campuses -- led by UH-Manoa with a 0.8 percent increase to 20,619 students this year compared to 2004 -- all had slight increases:

» UH-Hilo enrollment rose 2 percent to 3,431 students.

» UH-West Oahu student body increased 2.6 percent to 869 students.

The seven community colleges had enrollment decreases ranging from 0.4 percent to 4.5 percent:

» Hawaii, down 1.8 percent to 2,370 students.

» Honolulu, a decrease of 4.5 percent to 4,160.

» Kapiolani, a drop of 0.4 percent to 7,307.

» Kauai, a decrease of 3.6 percent to 1,060.

» Leeward, down 4.3 percent to 5,879.

» Maui, a drop of 3.9 percent to 2,882.

» Windward, a decrease of 2.6 percent to 1,732.

Kauai looking for ways to improve bus system

LIHUE » With gas prices skyrocketing, interest in the Kauai bus system has also jumped, according to county officials.

County officials are taking a look at how to make the system more convenient with ridership up about 5 percent in the past few weeks, dozens of phone calls to the county transportation offices, and the addition of five new buses to the fleet on Monday.

"It's been a while since any changes were made, so it's good," said Celia Mahikoa, an accountant with the county transportation agency.

Officials said they will be examining their routes and times. The Kauai Bus, which runs from Hanalei to Kekaha, operates Monday through Friday from 5:15 a.m. to 7:15 p.m. On Saturdays, it runs on a reduced schedule, and no service is offered on Sundays and holidays.

Individual fares are $1.50 for adults, with monthly passes available for $15. Seniors and youths aged 7 to 18 pay 75 cents, while children 6 and under ride free when accompanied by an adult.

"It's the best deal on the island, and there are a lot of nice people who ride the bus," said John Winczewski, one of the transportation agency's drivers.

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Police, Fire, Courts



By Star-Bulletin staff

LEEWARD OAHU

Argument allegedly leads to bat swing to the face

A 40-year-old man was arrested in Waianae yesterday afternoon after he struck a 20-year-old man in the face with a baseball bat.

Police said the two men got into a verbal argument, and the older man left and returned with the bat and a machete.

The suspect allegedly threatened the younger man with the machete, police said.

Using the baseball bat, he then allegedly struck the 20-year-old in the face, police said.

The assault occurred at 4:36 p.m. yesterday.

Police arrested the suspect for second-degree assault and first-degree terroristic threatening.

EAST OAHU

Police say man, 37, threatened to use ax

Police arrested a 37-year-old man after he allegedly threatened another man with an ax Monday night.

The incident occurred in Aina Haina at about 11:05 p.m. Police said the suspect and the victim, 27, were arguing when the suspect allegedly held a double-bladed ax against the victim's throat and threatened to kill him.

The victim fled and called police, who arrested the suspect for investigation of first-degree terroristic threatening.