Hawaii man arrested in Nebraska

An Ewa Beach man was arrested in Nebraska during the weekend for allegedly carrying about 80 pounds of marijuana.

At about 1 p.m. Saturday, a trooper with the Nebraska State Patrol stopped the driver of a 2008 Chevy Equinox with Nevada plates for allegedly speeding in Lancaster County.

A police dog indicated an odor coming from the rear of the vehicle. A search led to the seizure of 80.2 pounds of marijuana, which was in three duffel bags in the rear cargo area of the vehicle.

The driver and sole occupant, 54-year-old Rick Lawrence of Ewa Beach, is being held at the Lancaster County Jail on a charge of possession of marijuana with intent to deliver.

Makaha Beach closed due to shark

A shark warning is in effect at Makaha Beach through this morning after one was sighted yesterday.

At about 10 a.m. yesterday, city and county lifeguards spotted an 8- to 10-foot shark near the shore at Makaha Beach. Shark-sighting signs were posted and the situation will be reassessed today, said Emergency Services Department spokesman Bryan Cheplic.

Cheplic said the shark was seen within 2 yards of the beach. A shark was spotted again at noon yesterday.

“;The water is too murky to see what kind of shark it was,”; Cheplic said. “;It's not only a shark, but the water is still quite dirty and most people are staying out.”;

Residents are also asked to stay out because of the extensive amount of debris, runoff and possible leptospirosis exposure at the beach caused by the recent storm.

Center dedicated to Aiea soldier

The Fort Shafter community center was dedicated Monday in honor of a 24-year-old Aiea soldier who fought through heavy enemy fire and saved the lives of three soldiers.

Army 1st Lt. Jonathan P. Brostrom, a Damien Memorial School graduate, was also a University of Hawaii Army ROTC honor graduate.

Brostrom, a platoon leader with the 2nd Platoon, Chosen Company, 2-503 Airborne Regiment, 173rd Infantry Brigade, was killed in Wanat, Afghanistan, on July 13.

The center was named yesterday as the 1st Lt. Jonathan P. Brostrom Community Center.

On July 13, Brostrom's platoon was trying to establish an operating base in Wanat when it was attacked by more than 200 insurgents.

Brostrom left the protection of the main defensive perimeter along with another airborne trooper to help his comrades at an observation post where there were numerous casualties.

He suffered numerous wounds, but successfully laid down a base of fire to keep the enemy back.

Brostrom was killed at the observation post, but helped save three soldiers and prevented the enemy from overtaking the post.

Aiona and wife hosting open house

The public is invited to Washington Place, the historic governors' home, Friday for a Christmas Open House, carrying on a 150-year-old tradition.

Lt. Gov. James “;Duke”; Aiona and his wife, Vivian Aiona, will welcome guests to the 5:30 to 8 p.m. celebration, sponsored by the Washington Place Foundation.

The home, where Queen Liliuokalani and many of Hawaii's governors once resided, was built 161 years ago by Capt. John Dominis. His wife, Mary Dominis, started the tradition of celebrating Christmas with a decorated tree, Santa Claus and other festivities in the islands. On Christmas Eve 1858, she hosted a gala party for 100 children and their parents.

The public may help decorate the “;Mary Dominis tree”; in the upstairs chambers. Harp music will be performed by Ruth Freedman and Lynn Hammonds.

Adults will be required to show a picture ID upon entrance to the property, and their bags may be inspected. Free parking is available at the state Department of Health lot.

For more information, call Corinne Chun Fujimoto, curator at Washington Place, at 586-0249.