High court to hear Superferry suit

WAILUKU » The state Supreme Court has agreed to hear an appeal by Maui groups challenging a law that enabled the Hawaii Superferry to operate before completing an environmental study.

Isaac Hall, the attorney representing Maui Tomorrow, the Kahului Harbor Coalition and Sierra Club, said he was pleased with the decision to hear the appeal.

Hall charged the state Legislature acted improperly in passing “;special legislation”; for the Superferry during a special session in October 2007.

The state has argued that the legislation was not designed for the Superferry but for large-capacity ferry vessels.

Hall said another issue that will be argued is a challenge to Maui Circuit Judge Joseph Cardoza's decision to award attorneys fees and costs to his group for expenses occurring prior to the enactment of the legislation known as Act 2.

The decision to hear oral arguments was posted on the state Judiciary Web site yesterday. No date was scheduled for the hearing.

Kualoa beachgoer reports shark

A beachgoer reported seeing a shark about 3 p.m. yesterday at Kualoa Beach Park, according to Honolulu fire Capt. Terry Seelig.

The person, who was on the beach, reported a shark was in the water near a diver, Seelig said.

The Fire Department sent a company to investigate the report, but found nothing. No one was injured or attacked.

Fund aids murder victim's family

The Bank of Hawaii has set up a fund for donations for the family of a 27-year-old woman who was stabbed to death on Saturday.

Lyola Mesebeluu was a teller at the Ala Moana branch of the Bank of Hawaii. Early Saturday morning, she was stabbed to death after an intruder entered her McCully-area apartment. Her husband and daughter also were injured in the incident. Sato Franklin Sigrah, 19, has been charged with the murder.

Residents who would like to make a donation to the family can make one at any Bank of Hawaii branch. They can make donations out to the Lyola Mesebeluu Memorial Fund.

Candidate's eligibility confirmed

WAILUKU » Maui County Clerk Roy Hiraga has determined that candidate Sol Kaho'ohalahala is eligible to continue his run for the Lanai seat on the Maui County Council.

Several residents challenged Kaho'ohalaha's residency on Lanai after he finished first in the numbers of votes for his council seat and advanced to the general election.

In a letter released yesterday, Hiraga determined that Kaho'ohalahala had residency at his family's home on Fraser Avenue on Lanai and also noted that the challenges came after the primary election.

State law requires challenges to a candidate's nomination papers to occur 30 days before the primary election, Kaho'ohalahala attorney Lance Collins said.

Notary faces 20 years for fraud

A licensed Honolulu notary faces up to 20 years in prison when he is sentenced in January for falsely certifying information on visa applications.

Henry Hung Nguyen, 39, admitted in federal court last week that he listed individuals as joint sponsors without their permission and falsely notarized their signatures on 10 occasions.

Diabetic athlete offers inspiration

Andy Holder, known as “;Iron Andy,”; has overcome the difficulties of diabetes to participate in three Ironman triathlons and encourage others with chronic diseases to strive for their goals.

The Philadelphia athlete, diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2005 at age 36, travels across the country to inspire people as part of a “;Living Without Limits”; campaign sponsored by the Good Neighbor Pharmacy network.

He visited the Don Quijote pharmacies yesterday and today is available from 10 a.m. to noon at Pharmacare #3 Pharmacy, Straub Clinic & Hospital, Honolulu; and 2 to 4 p.m., Pharmacare #1 Pharmacy, St. Francis Liliha, Waipahu.

Tomorrow from 10 a.m. to noon, he will be at Pharmacare #5, Kapiolani Medical Center at Pali Momi; and from 2 to 4 p.m., Waipahu Town Pharmacy, 94-307 Farrington Highway.