No-contest plea to theft in cemeteries case

The former chief executive officer of a company that took over a number of Hawaii cemeteries and funeral businesses that were in bankruptcy pleaded no contest in state court yesterday to first-degree theft.

John Dooley faces up to 10 years' prison and a fine of up to $25,000 when he is sentenced in January.

Dooley formed RightStar Hawaii Management Inc. in 2001 to purchase and operate Valley of the Temples on Oahu, Homelani Memorial Park and Kona Memorial Park on the Big Island, and Maui Memorial Park.

Those businesses are now being operated under the supervision of the State Attorney General. The state says Dooley misappropriated more than $20,000 from customers from December 2003 to January 2004.

13 make latest cut in police chief search

Of 19 remaining candidates vying for Honolulu's top cop spot, 13 have made the latest cut, the Honolulu Police Commission's chairwoman said.

Eight are active with or retired from the Honolulu Police Department, Chairwoman Christine Camp said. Of that figure, six are on active duty and two are retired.

One person is retired from the federal Drug Enforcement Administration, Camp said. Four are from the mainland.

The 13, who scored well on the written exam, must undergo personality profiling by a psychologist. A short list of finalists is expected to be released by the third week of November.

“;We don't know the names”; of the remaining candidates, Camp said, but did acknowledge Acting Chief Paul Putzulu remains on the list.

Mayor's speech to give updates on rail project

Honolulu Mufi Hannemann will take to the airwaves to update the public on the city's $5.4 billion commuter rail project.

The mayor's office says Hannemann will deliver a “;State of the Rail”; address this afternoon at the Mission Memorial Auditorium. It will be broadcast tonight on TV by KGMB and KHNL, and rebroadcast Friday night by KFVE. City spokesman Bill Brennan says it will cost the city $10,000 to broadcast the speech.

Since 2005 more than $5 million has been spent by the city on its public involvement campaign for the 20-mile project.

Hannemann says his administration is committed to keeping the public informed about the project's process. He says now is a good time to let the public know what to expect in the coming months.