Big Isle police ask help to ID thieves

Big Island police are asking the public to help identify three people involved in an identity theft case.

A woman and two men—caught on surveillance video—used a stolen credit card to purchase various items in Waimea and Hilo.

The female suspect was operating a sport utility vehicle, described as a late- to mid-1990s black Dodge Durango with chrome rims.

The woman is described as having a medium build and being between 5 feet and 5 feet 6 inches tall, with brown shoulder-length curly hair, and a tattoo on her left inner ankle.

One of the male suspects is described as having a heavy build, short brown or black hair, and a tattoo on his neck.

The second male suspect has lighter skin, a muscular build, short light brown hair, and tattoos on his upper body.

Police ask that anyone with information call officer Rick Nery at 887-3082 or the Police Department's nonemergency line at 935-3311.

Sunday fire burns Kahului classrooms

KAHULUI >> About 125 third- and fourth-graders at Kahului Elementary School on Maui have been moved to other classrooms following a weekend fire.

Principal Fern Markgraf said the blaze, reported early Sunday, gutted three classrooms in “;G”; Building. A fourth classroom sustained minor fire, smoke and water damage.

Third-grade teacher Amy Nakashima said she lost everything in the classroom she had used to teach children for most of her 27-year career.

Acting Battalion Chief Rory Macadangdang said damage to the structure has been estimated at $450,000, and damage to contents amounted to about $50,000.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Markgraf said “;G”; Building has been a target of vandalism in the past.

Brush blaze burns acre on Kauai

A brush fire broke out yesterday afternoon on the Anahola side of Kealia Road on Kauai, about a mile from the Kuhio Highway junction, resulting in one acre being burned.

Four units responded to the 1:45 p.m. alarm.

The fire was reported under control at 2:30 p.m. and extinguished at 3:30 p.m.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Californian, 73, admits fondling girl, 9, on flight

A 73-year-old California man pleaded guilty yesterday to fondling a 9-year-old girl aboard a Hawaiian Airlines flight seven years ago.

Curtis Keith Cooper admitted fondling the girl aboard a July 12, 2003, flight en route from Honolulu to San Francisco. Cooper's wife was also aboard the flight.

In return for his guilty plea, the government promises it will recommend a prison term of no more than eight years and one month when a federal judge sentences Cooper in September.

A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Cooper last November.