Beachcomber finds possible WWII weapon

A beachgoer turned in what appeared to be an old piece of military ordnance at the Kailua police station yesterday. It was found Sunday in waters off Waimanalo Beach, police said.

The size of the munition was not disclosed, but police said it was teardrop shaped with fins at the narrow end—possibly a training round used during World War II.

The Marines picked up the object, covered in calcium and coral, and will determine its origin and dispose of it.

Cell phone ban looms for drivers on Big Isle

Big Island motorists should get ready for the new county law banning hand-held cell phones while driving, police said.

The law, passed in August, outlaws other electronic devices for drivers as well but allows drivers to use cell phones if they have a hands-free device. The law takes effect Jan. 1.

Big Island police reminded residents yesterday of the impending law and its penalty, a fine of up to $150. The fine can go up to $500 if the use of an electronic device while driving causes an accident, police said.

The law is similar to one enacted this year on Oahu and includes exemptions for:

» Emergency responders using an electronic device for their job.
» Drivers using two-way radios for work duties.
» Drivers with an amateur radio operator license from the FCC and using half-duplex two-way radio.

According to police, the ban also covers text messaging devices, pagers, personal digital assistants, laptops, video games and digital cameras. It does not include navigation equipment or video systems for back-seat passengers.

As with the Honolulu law, the Big Island law allows drivers to use a cell phone to call 911.

Robber hits Kona convenience store

Big Island police are looking for a man who robbed a gas station convenience store in Kailua-Kona at gunpoint Friday.

Police said the man entered the Shell service station on Kuakini Highway with his face obscured and demanded money. The man then fled on foot toward Kopiko Plaza with an undisclosed amount of cash, police said.

He was described as in his 20s, about 6 feet tall, slim, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Sean Smith at 326-4646, ext. 275, or CrimeStoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona.