Hunter check-in station in Kokee destroyed by fire

Fire destroyed the main check-in station for hunters in Kokee and damaged a water tank and public toilet Wednesday, a Kauai County news release said.

The fire started at about 9:45 p.m. at the 400-square-foot structure. It caused about $50,000 in damage. No one was injured.

The cause of fire is under investigation.

South Shore waves keep lifeguards busy at beaches

Lifeguards were busier than usual yesterday with a South Shore swell that brought 8-foot waves.

At Waikiki Beach, lifeguards made eight rescues, 38 assists, and prevented 175 people from entering the surf, said Honolulu Emergency Services Department spokesman Bryan Cheplic. At Ala Moana Beach Park, lifeguards deterred 100 people from going into water and assisted five.

The National Weather Service said a high-surf advisory will remain in effect until noon today. Surf heights of 5 to 8 feet are expected through this morning, then dropping to 4 to 6 feet.

A high-surf advisory means beachgoers should stay out of the water and away from the shore break because of hazardous wave action and the potential for strong rip currents, the weather service said.

Hawaii robbery suspect tracked down in Georgia

A Honolulu CrimeStoppers tip led to the arrest yesterday of a man in Georgia wanted for an assault and robbery in Waikiki.

Quadralis Watson was arrested at about 7 a.m. Hawaii time outside a hotel in Blackshear, Ga., by the U.S. Marshals Southwest Regional Fugitive Task Force. He was wanted for the assault and robbery that happened on Aug. 30, said a news release from the U.S. Marshals Service in Hawaii.

Honolulu police featured Watson on CrimeStoppers and received a tip that he was seen in Macon, Ga.

Police called the U.S. Marshals office in Hawaii, and the case was referred to the Southwest Regional Task Force.

Watson is awaiting extradition back to Hawaii.