Minimum term established for slayer

Victorio Barayuga must serve at least six years and eight months of his 20-year prison sentence for manslaughter because the victim, his wife, was at least 60 years old.

After he completes his prison term, Barayuga could also be deported to the Philippines because he is not a U.S. citizen, said his lawyer, Benjamin Ignacio.

Circuit Judge Virginia Crandall imposed the maximum prison term for manslaughter yesterday and ordered Barayuga to serve the mandatory minimum of six years and eight months because the victim, Liwliwa Barayuga, was 63.

Victorio Barayuga, 63, told police he stabbed his wife in their Akina Street home June 13, 2007, after they argued about returning to the Philippines. He said he begged his wife to take him back to the Philippines because he had “;nervous sickness”; and was going crazy. He said she did not believe him and told him to kill himself.

After he stabbed his wife in the chest, Barayuga apparently stabbed himself and slashed his wrists.

Superferry donated $165,000 in trips

The Hawaii Superferry donated some $165,000 in voyages to more than 100 groups in 2008.

The groups supported a variety of causes, including Hawaiian culture, the environment, the arts, youths and people with disabilities.

Superferry official Lani Olds said the business will continue to seek out groups that can benefit from in-kind donations. The business's Web site is http://www.HawaiiSuperferry.com.

New lane will ease Moanalua traffic

City officials have opened an 800-foot-long lane to relieve Ewa-bound traffic on Moanalua Road entering the H-1 freeway.

Officials said the additional lane is intended to reduce the traffic backup of vehicles headed in the Mililani and Waianae direction.

The project, designed by Austin Tsutsumi & Associates and built by Paradign Construction, costs $212,000.

Airport valet parking cut to $15 daily

The valet parking at the Hono-lulu Airport is reduced to $15 from $20 a day through April, the state announced yesterday.

The promotional discount is available on the fourth floor of the interisland parking structure from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, according to the state.

“;This special promotional discount for valet service is being offered to our traveling public as a convenient and efficient way to travel from our Inter-Island Terminal,”; said Brian Sekiguchi, deputy transportation director.

Survey will aid disaster preparation

State Civil Defense is conducting a telephone and mail survey to better prepare for hurricanes, tsunamis and other natural hazards, a news release said.

SMS Research will conduct the survey of randomly selected households on Oahu.

“;The survey will also help us to improve evacuation and emergency shelter planning,”; said Maj. Gen. Robert Lee, state Civil Defense director.