Staradvertiser Headlines

Medical marijuana primed for overhaul

B.J. Reyes — Mon, 20 May 2013 9:36:11 +0400

Two bills approved this year by the Legislature are Hawaii's first steps toward handling medical marijuana as a health issue rather than a law enforcement problem.

Schatz gets rail-funds pledge from Transportation nominee

Mon, 20 May 2013 9:36:11 +0400

President Barack Obama's nominee for transportation secretary has pledged a "seamless transition" of continued federal support for the city's elevated rail project, U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz said.

Mayor tells Council to shrink spending or raise taxes, fares

Gordon Y.K. Pang — Mon, 20 May 2013 9:36:11 +0400

Mayor Kirk Caldwell has warned the City Council that it will need to cut spending or raise either property taxes or bus fares to balance the city's $2.09 billion operating budget.

$130 million targeted for Kihei high school

Mon, 20 May 2013 9:36:11 +0400

Construction on a long-awaited high school campus for Maui is expected to begin next year, after the state Legislature's approval last month of $130 million for the project.

South swell brings dangers

Mon, 20 May 2013 9:36:11 +0400

Lifeguards at Sandy Beach Park on Saturday evening watched in horror as a group of five men — who had been warned away repeatedly — gathered near the Halona Blowhole and narrowly escaped being swept to sea.

Lack of facilities moves pharmacy college to edge

B.J. Reyes — Mon, 20 May 2013 9:36:11 +0400

The state Legislature's denial of $38 million for a College of Pharmacy building at the University of Hawaii at Hilo is expected to lead to the college being found "noncompliant" in one of 30 criteria for accreditation, a top school official said.

Panel clarifies rules on business trip expenses

Gordon Y.K. Pang — Mon, 20 May 2013 9:36:11 +0400

A city employee or official on a business trip who incurs expenses for personal activities must pay for those expenses, the city Ethics Commission said in an advisory opinion issued last week.

Isle fliers caught with gunpowder, pressure cooker

Gregg K. Kakesako — Mon, 20 May 2013 9:36:11 +0400

Routine screening of checked baggage at Honolulu Airport this month turned up two 1-pound cans of rifle gunpowder, which were confiscated, the Transportation Security Administration said.

5,000 floating lanterns to be set into ocean on Memorial Day

Star-Advertiser staff — Mon, 20 May 2013 9:36:11 +0400

People on Oahu and beyond have several ways to take part in the 15th annual Lantern Floating Hawaii ceremony on Memorial Day at Ala Moana Beach Park.

Ocean Watch: Childhood dream realized at anchor in Tuamoto isles

Susan Scott — Mon, 20 May 2013 9:36:11 +0400

KAUEHI, Tuamoto Archipelago » With laundry done, the galley loaded with mangoes and a crew change (my husband, Craig, replaced friends John and Alex), it was time for my 37-foot boat Honu to sail on.

Kokua Line: Neither state nor city rules restrict hospice locations

June Watanabe — Mon, 20 May 2013 9:36:11 +0400

Question: Do you know if there are any state regulations regarding hospices being in residential areas?

Police and Fire

Star-Advertiser staff — Mon, 20 May 2013 9:36:11 +0400

Man dies in rescue attempt • Woman injured in shooting • Victim stabbed at Aala Park

Newswatch

Star-Advertiser Staff and News Services — Mon, 20 May 2013 9:36:11 +0400

Traffic safety bills will become law today • Philippine college presidents visiting UH • School staff to receive Lifesaver Awards; and more

'Duckies' help sick kids, kin build bonds

Pat Gee — Mon, 20 May 2013 9:36:11 +0400

A rubber duck that kept him company in the bathtub was the only thing Devin Nakasone could pour out his heart to when he was stricken with leukemia at 11.

Painting the rubber ducks allows young patients and their loved ones to express emotions

Mon, 20 May 2013 9:36:11 +0400

Dallas Schmidt, 10, worked silently at the table, carefully painting red, green and yellow stripes on a white rubber duck.

Boot gripe prompted retaliation, says isle airman

William Cole — Mon, 20 May 2013 9:36:11 +0400

All he wanted was some American-made boots. An Air Force noncommissioned officer who complained to Congress, military investigators and the media that he was issued Chinese-made boots for an Afghanistan deployment now says he is being retaliated against by his command for his stand.

Isle Republicans must build unity, top members say

Derrick DePledge — Mon, 20 May 2013 9:36:11 +0400

Former Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona said Saturday that he has not decided whether to run for governor next year but indicated that his only political aspiration remains Washington Place.

Hirono attaches proposals that help Hawaii

Derrick DePledge — Mon, 20 May 2013 9:36:11 +0400

When Congress approved a sweeping welfare reform law in 1996, a small but important provision cost Hawaii millions of dollars a year.

OCCC detainee dead in apparent suicide

Rosemarie Bernardo — Mon, 20 May 2013 9:36:11 +0400

A 56-year-old woman was found dead in her cell Saturday at Oahu Community Correctional Center.

Alleged pot grower is in custody

Nelson Daranciang — Mon, 20 May 2013 9:36:11 +0400

A man on the run from the law since he was charged in 2010 with cultivating more than 1,000 marijuana plants in a Maui home is in federal custody.

Man reaches deal with priest, diocese over alleged abuse

Nelson Daranciang — Mon, 20 May 2013 9:36:11 +0400

A Florida man who says he repressed memories of his childhood sexual abuse at the hands of a Catholic priest while growing up on Oahu has reached a $362,500 settlement with the priest and the North Dakota diocese that had been in charge of him.

Maui boat debris cleanup under way

Star-Advertiser staff — Mon, 20 May 2013 9:36:11 +0400

State boating officials on Maui worked Saturday to try to remove debris from three boats that broke up after they were torn from their moorings Friday and ran aground near Mala Wharf.

His dark battle

William Cole — Mon, 20 May 2013 9:36:11 +0400

Staff Sgt. Billy Caviness is on patrol — not in the mountains of eastern Afghanistan, where he was wounded in battle, but in his tree-lined neighborhood in Schofield Barracks.

flASHback: Forgiveness doesn't come cheap or easy for UH brass

David Shapiro — Mon, 20 May 2013 9:36:11 +0400

Academics, athletics and politics collided in Manoa as we "flASHback" on the week's news that amused and confused:

Vital Statistics

Mon, 20 May 2013 9:36:11 +0400

Each Sunday, the Star-Advertiser publishes Oahu vital statistics for marriage licenses, civil unions and birth certificates filed with the state Department of Health's Vital Statistics System. They cover the five-business-day period ending the Thursday of the previous week.

Police and Fire

Star-Advertiser staff — Mon, 20 May 2013 9:36:11 +0400

Stabbing in Wahiawa prompts questioning at area businesses • Arson suspect sought after fire damages vacant house • Woman airlifted to safety after fall off Koko Crater trail • Man is arrested and charged in string of vehicle break-ins

Newswatch

Mon, 20 May 2013 9:36:11 +0400

Park plan aims to eliminate alien animals • Pig hunting on Kauai open to archers

Behind you!

Leila Fujimori — Mon, 20 May 2013 9:36:11 +0400

A Star-Advertiser ambulance ride-along this week showed the hazards created by drivers who don't move over or who dart ahead, slam the brakes, tailgate and otherwise engage in dangerous driving habits as Emergency Medical Services personnel try to help the critically ill or seriously injured.

College loses all of its HR workers

Susan Essoyan — Mon, 20 May 2013 9:36:11 +0400

The entire human resources staff at Kapiolani Community College has left the school, and recruitment is underway to fill the five-person office.

Attack suspect 'is a danger,' victim says

Gregg K. Kakesako — Mon, 20 May 2013 9:36:11 +0400

The 29-year-old University of Hawaii graduate student who was attacked this week by a man out on bail for attempting to set another man on fire is fearful that the suspect will do more harm to others if he is allowed to go free again while awaiting trial.

HSTA drops labor complaint against state

Nanea Kalani — Mon, 20 May 2013 9:36:11 +0400

As promised, the Hawaii State Teachers Association has dropped its prohibited-practice complaint against the state over the "last, best and final offer" contract imposed on teachers in July 2011.

Isle delegation backs military prosecutions measure

William Cole — Mon, 20 May 2013 9:36:11 +0400

All four members of Hawaii’s congressional delegation have signed onto a bill that would for the first time remove from the military chain of command decision-making over whether serious crimes are prosecuted.

Convicted murderer guilty of gun charges

Star-Advertiser staff — Mon, 20 May 2013 9:36:11 +0400

A Kauai jury on Thursday found Vicente Kote Kapika Hilario guilty of gun-related charges in connection with the 2010 death of Aureo Arick Moore.

3 boats capsize along Maui coastline

Star-Advertiser staff — Mon, 20 May 2013 9:36:11 +0400

State and Maui County officials responded Friday to the groundings of three boats that had capsized in a quarter-mile stretch of coastline from Mala Wharf to the Lahaina Crossroads Apartments.

Kailua core for sale

Andrew Gomes — Mon, 20 May 2013 9:36:11 +0400

It’s not the island of Lanai, but another major piece of Hawaii is for sale.

Shining Stars: Mililani High, Highlands Intermediate find STEM success

Star-Advertiser staff — Mon, 20 May 2013 9:36:11 +0400

For the second year in a row, Mililani High School and Highlands Intermediate School took top honors in their respective statewide divisions at the STEM Week Awards.

Newswatch

Star-Advertiser staff — Mon, 20 May 2013 9:36:11 +0400

The Coast Guard and Hawaii Fire Department have suspended a search for a 62-year-old Honokaa man last seen Monday evening in Waipio Valley, where he reportedly was going for a swim.

Island Images

Mon, 20 May 2013 9:36:11 +0400

Police and Fire

Star-Advertiser staff — Mon, 20 May 2013 9:36:11 +0400

Man released, not charged in baby's death • Police seeking visitor last seen Thursday • Roommate is arrested in alleged assault

Suspect is found guilty of freeway shooting spree

Nelson Daranciang — Mon, 20 May 2013 9:36:11 +0400

A state jury on Thursday convicted Toby Stangel of murder and other charges for a 2011 highway shooting spree that left one motorist dead and two others wounded, but did not find him guilty of the most serious charges.

UH regents vote to clear $13M debt for athletics

Ferd Lewis — Mon, 20 May 2013 9:36:11 +0400

Manoa Chancellor Tom Apple is heralding the nearly $16 million in immediate concessions to the financially troubled University of Hawaii athletic department as a step that “I think starts athletics on a great trajectory.”

UH president search yet to begin

Nanea Kalani — Mon, 20 May 2013 9:36:11 +0400

Nearly two weeks after University of Hawaii President M.R.C. Greenwood announced she would be retiring in September, the university’s Board of Regents is deciding the best way to go about looking for her successor.

Man arrested in assault while released on bail

Gregg K. Kakesako — Mon, 20 May 2013 9:36:11 +0400

A Moiliili man who was out on bail on a charge of trying to set a man on fire Saturday allegedly assaulted another man Wednesday, police said.

Staff shortage, varied filings tie up rail cash, state says

Marcel Honoré — Mon, 20 May 2013 9:36:11 +0400

The state tax director assured transit officials Thursday that the city’s rail project, which relies heavily on tax dollars generated on Oahu, will receive its fair share even if the cash does not arrive in steady amounts.

Search on for monk seal injured by fishing tackle

Gary T. Kubota — Mon, 20 May 2013 9:36:11 +0400

State conservation officials on Maui are looking for an injured Hawaiian monk seal with a fishhook lodged in its neck.

Officials still optimistic despite 4.7% rise in homeless population

Allison Schaefers — Mon, 20 May 2013 9:36:11 +0400

The number of Oahu’s homeless people is growing at a higher rate than last year, and an important metric, the number living on streets instead of shelters, rose 11 percent, according to the latest Homeless Point-in-Time Count.

Facts of the Matter: LED bulbs shine in search for better energy efficiency

Richard Brill — Mon, 20 May 2013 9:36:11 +0400

When cave dwellers hunkered around the fire pit, fire was a source of heat as well as light and there was nothing to read so the low luminous efficiency did not matter.

Kokua Line: ‘Sharrows’ signal bicyclists and motorists to share road

June Watanabe — Mon, 20 May 2013 9:36:11 +0400

On Young Street, between Isenberg Street and Kalakaua Avenue, there recently was a graphic painted on the road: a bicycle with double upward-pointed arrows above it. I have never seen this before but assumed that it meant that a bicycle lane was beginning ahead.

Newswatch

Star-Advertiser staff — Mon, 20 May 2013 9:36:11 +0400

For the 10th time in three years, the Pearl Harbor-based cruiser USS Lake Erie has shot down a short-range ballistic missile target that was launched from Kauai’s Pacific Missile Range Facility.

Police and Fire

Star-Advertiser staff — Mon, 20 May 2013 9:36:11 +0400

Convicted felon suspected in infant’s death • Ewa Beach standoff ends in couple’s arrest

Schools to cancel extra learning time

Mon, 20 May 2013 9:36:11 +0400

The state Department of Education is scaling back a move to provide extra learning time for students at struggling schools.

Bold growth plans at hollywood studios

Mon, 20 May 2013 9:36:11 +0400

LOS ANGELES — Film counts are down. Production is going elsewhere. And yet big Hollywood studios are planning to expand.

Indonesian strongman's legacy remains a matter of debate

Mon, 20 May 2013 9:36:11 +0400

INDONESIAN STRONGMAN'S LEGACY REMAINS A MATTER OF DEBATE

By JOE COCHRANE

(EDS: CORRECTS anniversary to Tuesday sted Monday in 5th graf.

Obituaries

Mon, 20 May 2013 9:36:11 +0400

Yaeko Uyehara Ginoza • Wallace Yuk Fon Kam • Ian Kent Kobayashi; and more

Pakistan, rusting in its tracks

Mon, 20 May 2013 9:36:11 +0400

RUK, Pakistan — Resplendent in his gleaming white uniform and peaked cap, jacket buttons tugging his plump girth, the stationmaster stood at the platform, waiting for a train that would never come. "Cutbacks," Nisar Ahmed Abro said with a resigned shrug.

Boom in luxury towers is warping New York real estate market

Mon, 20 May 2013 9:36:11 +0400

NEW YORK — Only 10 floors have been completed in what is intended to be the tallest residential building in the Western Hemisphere — a slender, 84-story tower on Park Avenue at 56th Street in Manhattan.