Woman swept out to sea is rescued

A lifeguard rescued an 18-year-old Wailua woman who had been swept out to sea off Wailua Beach on Kauai yesterday afternoon.

Police dispatch contacted lifeguards at 2:45 p.m. about the woman, a Kauai County news release said.

Lifeguard Eric Pereza got onto a rescue board and brought the woman safely to shore, where another lifeguard was ready with an oxygen tank and first aid supplies.

The woman was treated at the scene and taken to Wilcox Memorial Hospital, where she was examined.

The woman had been wading in the shore break at Wailua Beach near the river mouth at about 2:45 p.m. when she was swept out, according to a preliminary report. Two friends tried to swim out to help, but the current was too strong and they had to return to shore. Paramedics treated one of them, a visitor from California, at the scene.

Broken sprinkler damages condos

Water gushed out of a broken sprinkler head for about 20 minutes in a Moiliili condominium unit, causing water to seep down three floors, a fire official said.

The incident resulted in water damage yesterday afternoon to the 18th-floor unit at 2744 Kahoaloha Lane and at least two others, likely a few more, said fire Capt. Terry Seelig. At least one family was displaced by the flooding, and planned to stay with relatives.

Many residents at the Kings Gate condominium building were out at the time of the flooding, and the building manager did not have access to the units, so firefighters could not enter them.

Three companies with wet/dry vacuums responded to the 2:25 p.m. call, and the water was turned off by 2:47 p.m.

Fire scorches brush in Waikoloa

Winds from 10 to 20 mph drove a brush fire yesterday that scorched 130 acres in Waikoloa on the Big Island.

Thirty-seven firefighters, including 17 volunteers and four military firefighters, battled the fire, which began in the Akaula Court area. The fire was first reported at 3 p.m. Monday. Firefighters were to monitor it overnight.

Woman found on beach identified

The body of a woman found on the south side of Honokohau Harbor late Friday night was identified as that of 38-year-old Kelly Susan Stevens of Kailua-Kona.

Big Island police have ordered a coroner's inquest to determine the exact cause of death.

Stevens was reportedly found lying unresponsive on rocks on the north end of Keiki Beach at 11:51 p.m. She was taken to Kona Community Hospital and officially pronounced dead at 4:18 a.m.

Man sought in gunpoint robbery

Police are looking for an unknown man who robbed an 18-year-old woman at gunpoint Monday night in Ewa Beach.

The man reportedly pointed a handgun at the woman and demanded money at about 8:47 p.m. Monday.

He fled in a vehicle before police arrived.

Husband arrested in wife's choking

Police arrested a 30-year-old Waikiki man who allegedly choked his wife early yesterday morning.

Police said the woman, 35, slept in her car after the couple had an argument because she feared being physically abused by him.

The man then found her and allegedly assaulted and choked her. She was unable to breathe, police said.

Police found him at his home and arrested him on felony abuse of a family member.