Staradvertiser Headlines

Boy slain on Valley Isle failed by state, tutu says

Rob Shikina — Fri, 1 Jun 2012 6:16:31 +0400

The grandmother of a 4-year-old Maui boy who died Wednesday of apparent abuse injuries said the state failed to protect her grandson by giving him back to an allegedly abusive parent after it had taken custody of the boy when he was severely injured at 6 months old.

Gas Co.'s natural gas plan is taking shape

Alan Yonan Jr. — Fri, 1 Jun 2012 6:16:31 +0400

The Gas Co. is moving ahead with plans to bring U.S.-produced natural gas to Hawaii, announcing Thursday it has chosen an engineering firm to help with the project, which would give local residents and businesses access to a new and potentially cheaper energy alternative.

Judge OKs seal on videos of killing by agent

Ken Kobayashi — Fri, 1 Jun 2012 6:16:31 +0400

Surveillance videos and a federal agent's version of a fatal shooting in Waikiki last year must be kept confidential to avoid tainting prospective jurors and witnesses, a state judge ruled Thursday.

Hawaii is a major hub for military, defense head says

Dan Nakaso — Fri, 1 Jun 2012 6:16:31 +0400

Military operations in Hawaii will play a critical role in developing new technologies, more agile forces and partnerships throughout the Asia-Pacific region for a downsizing U.S. military, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said Thursday at U.S. Pacific Command at Camp H.M. Smith in Halawa Heights.

Low-income benefit cuts canceled

Derrick DePledge — Fri, 1 Jun 2012 6:16:31 +0400

The Abercrombie administration announced Thursday that the state will not go through with benefit reductions for adults in QUEST, the state's health plan for the poor, choosing to preserve patient access to a full range of medical services, including unlimited hospital stays.

Handful of families remains after eviction by Grove Farm

Gary T. Kubota — Fri, 1 Jun 2012 6:16:31 +0400

Four families still looking for new homes are all that remain of some 17 tenant households at an old sugar plantation camp in Koloa, Kauai, where landowner Grove Farm Co. is planning a housing development.

Honolulu Pride Parade to feature its first gay military color guard

Leila Fujimori — Fri, 1 Jun 2012 6:16:31 +0400

For the first time in the history of the Honolulu Pride Parade, a gay military color guard will lead the procession through the streets of Waikiki now that the "don't ask, don't tell" policy has been repealed.

Kokua Line: Hundreds of trail signs keep Na Ala Hele staff busy

June Watanabe — Fri, 1 Jun 2012 6:16:31 +0400

Q: It seems that almost every day hikers are being rescued (at great expense to taxpayers) after getting lost on trails. Wouldn't it be more cost-effective to have whatever governmental agency is in charge install better signs?

Parkway: Some final traffic tidbits as the ride comes to an end

Gene Park — Fri, 1 Jun 2012 6:16:31 +0400

I still hate traffic. "I hate traffic" were the first words I wrote when I started this column more than a year ago, and that hasn't changed. What I know now is that you all hate traffic, too; it's a hate we all love to talk about.

Facts of the Matter: Ingested radiation no worse than any other type of toxin

Richard Brill — Fri, 1 Jun 2012 6:16:31 +0400

Nuclear radiation bombards us every day of our lives. Some comes from natural sources and some comes from human activity. Natural sources include cosmic radiation from space, unstable atomic nuclei produced by interactions of cosmic radiation with atoms in the atmosphere and radioactive decay of natural nuclides in Earth's crust.

Newswatch

Star-Advertiser Staff and News Services — Fri, 1 Jun 2012 6:16:31 +0400

Inmate is charged in assault on 2 guards • Escapee returns to Hawaii State Hospital • Oven accident likely cause of house fire

Police and Fire

Star-Advertiser staff — Fri, 1 Jun 2012 6:16:31 +0400

Aiea man in critical condition after rescue from cottage fire • Runway work means shift in air traffic

Corrections and Clarifications

Fri, 1 Jun 2012 6:16:31 +0400

The Honolulu Star-Advertiser strives to make its news report fair and accurate. If you have a question or comment about news coverage, call 529-4758.

1 more year!

Ferd Lewis — Fri, 1 Jun 2012 6:16:31 +0400

The National Football League has given its embattled Pro Bowl a one-year reprieve for 2013, challenging its players and Hawaii to demonstrate how the 73-year-old all-star game can be made viable for the future.

Democrats authorize legal test of Thielen candidacy

Derrick DePledge — Fri, 1 Jun 2012 6:16:31 +0400

State Democrats have authorized the party to file a legal challenge to prevent Laura Thielen, a director of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources under former Gov. Linda Lingle, from running for the state Senate as a Democrat.

Federal agency seeks records of student abuse investigation

Nelson Daranciang — Fri, 1 Jun 2012 6:16:31 +0400

A federal protection and advocacy agency for people with disabilities is suing the state Department of Education for release of documents relating to an investigation of a complaint that a Pearl City Highlands Elementary School employee abused a disabled student.

Arson suspected in Kailua blazes

Gordon Y.K. Pang — Fri, 1 Jun 2012 6:16:31 +0400

Two brush fires that disrupted traffic at opposite ends of Kailua this week appear to have been set, Fire Department investigators determined.

Couple arrested in boy's death

Rob Shikina — Fri, 1 Jun 2012 6:16:31 +0400

Maui police arrested a Wailuku couple Wednesday after the man's 4-year-old son was taken to the hospital with severe internal injuries and died hours later.

Chief bars retired firefighters from HQ

Fri, 1 Jun 2012 6:16:31 +0400

A rift between organizations representing firefighters and former firefighters widened Wednesday with Honolulu Fire Chief Kenneth Silva joining the finger-pointing.

12 acres of harbor cargo site restored using federal funds

Star-Advertiser staff — Fri, 1 Jun 2012 6:16:31 +0400

In 2008, concrete pavement at Pier 29 experienced structural failures that left all of the cargo yard virtually unusable.

Program aims to shape young island leaders

Star-Advertiser staff — Fri, 1 Jun 2012 6:16:31 +0400

Hawaii residents interested in honing their leadership skills for the betterment of the state are invited by the newly created Hawaii Leadership Forum to apply for its first Omidyar Fellows Program.

Community leader helped tenants who lost homes

Star-Advertiser staff — Fri, 1 Jun 2012 6:16:31 +0400

A Filipino community leader who rallied to fight eviction of tenants from a mill camp on Oahu in the 1970s has died.

What Ever Happened To: Bus drivers hurt in crashes are off the road, 1 for good

Fri, 1 Jun 2012 6:16:31 +0400

Question: Whatever happened to the city bus drivers who were injured: March 16, 2011, when a 60-foot-tall ironwood tree fell on the bus on Pali Highway, and April 2 when the driver suffered a medical condition that led to a bus crashing into a concrete wall bordering Kawaiaha‘o Church?

Kokua Line: Law allows businesses to scan a customer's ID

June Watanabe — Fri, 1 Jun 2012 6:16:31 +0400

Question:Why is 7-Eleven scanning our driver's license and claiming it's to verify our birthday to purchase alcohol? I went to 7-Eleven at the McCully Shopping Center and was asked for my ID.

Police and Fire

Star-Advertiser staff — Fri, 1 Jun 2012 6:16:31 +0400

Maui visitor breaks leg in fall from trail • Care home resident arrested in assault • Fire damages bedroom of Kailua house; and more

Newswatch

Star-Advertiser staff — Fri, 1 Jun 2012 6:16:31 +0400

Treasurer accused of stealing from union • Family of boy killed in crash seeks funds • Man arrested over threats; and more

Zip line builder's neglect is cited

Leila Fujimori — Fri, 1 Jun 2012 6:16:31 +0400

The builder of a zip line course in Paukaa near Hilo, where one worker was killed and a co-worker critically injured when a tower collapsed Sept. 21, failed to ensure ground anchors and a guy cable system could support the weight of a tower, zip lines and human riders, the state said Tuesday.

Hirono, Case agree on visa programs, disagree on timing

Derrick DePledge — Fri, 1 Jun 2012 6:16:31 +0400

U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono on Tuesday said easing visa restrictions for Chinese visitors could fuel tourism in Hawaii, but former U.S. Rep. Ed Case, who also favors the legislation, said the bill's lack of progress in Congress suggests Hirono is not effective.

State to cut spending as revenue trend drops

Derrick DePledge — Fri, 1 Jun 2012 6:16:31 +0400

The state Council on Revenues on Tuesday kept a 12 percent growth forecast for the fiscal year that ends June 30, but lowered the revenue projection for next fiscal year, which will prompt the Abercrombie administration to scale back state spending.

Windward brush fire approaches homes

Gordon Y.K. Pang — Fri, 1 Jun 2012 6:16:31 +0400

A brush fire scorched 350 to 400 acres on both sides of a ridge behind Kalaheo High School and the adjoining Kalaheo Hillside neighborhood Tuesday, coming as close as 25 yards to some homes.

More pests that attack beehives discovered on Garden Isle

Fri, 1 Jun 2012 6:16:31 +0400

A second infestation of the small hive beetle on Kauai has been detected, the state Department of Agriculture said Tuesday.

Supreme Court declines review of stun-gun cases

Star-Advertiser Staff and News Services — Fri, 1 Jun 2012 6:16:31 +0400

The Supreme Court has decided that it will not review the appropriateness of stun guns used by police on suspects in cases involving a Maui woman and a woman from Washington state.

Mayoral candidates skirmish over who is stronger on rail

Derrick DePledge — Fri, 1 Jun 2012 6:16:31 +0400

Mayor Peter Carlisle said Tuesday that his support for the city's rail project is "unequivocal," drawing a brighter line than former managing director Kirk Caldwell, who has called for a review of the project's station locations, architecture and visual impact.

Pair of hikers rescued after wet night on cliff

Star-Advertiser staff — Fri, 1 Jun 2012 6:16:31 +0400

Honolulu Fire Department rescue personnel used a helicopter to pluck two stranded hikers off a mountain cliff above Kaaawa Tuesday morning.

Volcanic Ash: It's time for Hirono to stop hiding behind her mother

David Shapiro — Fri, 1 Jun 2012 6:16:31 +0400

Boxing great Joe Louis said you can run but you can't hide in the ring.

Kokua Line: Documents are required upon second license renewal

June Watanabe — Fri, 1 Jun 2012 6:16:31 +0400

Question: I recently got my driver’s license renewed, providing all the materials asked for. Am I going to have to provide all that documentation the next time I renew my license, or is this a one-time thing?

Police and Fire

Star-Advertiser staff — Fri, 1 Jun 2012 6:16:31 +0400

Diver who died was a San Diego lawyer • Suspect in bank shooting remains at large • Catamaran's propellers injure swimmer

Newswatch

Star-Advertiser staff — Fri, 1 Jun 2012 6:16:31 +0400

Brush fire burns in forest reserve • Man wanted in stabbing

Flickers of comfort and hope

Fri, 1 Jun 2012 6:16:31 +0400

Stefanie Jefts said she grew up in Hawaii, but last year was the first time she participated in the Lantern Floating Hawaii ceremony at Magic Island.

Private hospitals to lose federal funding

Derrick DePledge — Fri, 1 Jun 2012 6:16:31 +0400

The Abercrombie administration, in a major policy shift, will award most of the $10 million in federal money the state receives this year to help cover medical costs for the poor at the state's public hospitals.

HSTA ponders next step after vote OKs deal

Mary Vorsino — Fri, 1 Jun 2012 6:16:31 +0400

The executive board of the teachers union will meet this weekend to determine its next steps after teachers approved a contract proposal that they previously rejected and which the state says is no longer valid.

Officials warn ocean users to keep alert in wake of recent drownings

Gordon Y.K. Pang — Fri, 1 Jun 2012 6:16:31 +0400

With summer nearly upon us, county lifeguards are reminding swimmers and other ocean enthusiasts to follow some simple but often ignored nuggets of advice: Don't swim alone. Swim in areas with lifeguards. Consult lifeguards about conditions. Don't panic.

Heroes hailed across America

Fri, 1 Jun 2012 6:16:31 +0400

After 48 years, Grace Kuewa received closure Monday. Her brother, Navy Airman Albert Kalahana Kuewa, a Waialua High School graduate, was one of 10 to have their names inscribed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C., two weeks ago, bringing the total to 58,282.

Restaurants raise cash to pay former worker's medical bills

Dan Nakaso — Fri, 1 Jun 2012 6:16:31 +0400

Big City Diner has hired employees who are homeless, have physical and mental disabilities and who have come right out of prison, but until today has never put together a fundraising effort involving all five Big City Diners to help a single employee.

100th umbilical cord blood unit goes to cancer patient

Star-Advertiser staff — Fri, 1 Jun 2012 6:16:31 +0400

An adult suffering from a rare form of blood cancer recently received the 100th matched unit of umbilical cord blood from the Hawaii Cord Blood Bank, a milestone for the local nonprofit, which has helped patients around the world.

Incidental Lives: Mother of 4 molds education around Hawaiian culture

Michael Tsai — Fri, 1 Jun 2012 6:16:31 +0400

Like any proud mother, Leinaala Bright couldn't wait to see her only daughter graduate from college.

Kokua Line: Surveillance of employees is legal, with certain limits

June Watanabe — Fri, 1 Jun 2012 6:16:31 +0400

Question: What is the law regarding video/audio surveillance in the workplace in Hawaii? My employer uses video cameras to watch us (which I'm not thrilled about), but I suspect that they are also listening to our conversations, even recording them.

Newswatch

Star-Advertiser staff — Fri, 1 Jun 2012 6:16:31 +0400

Tour helicopter touches down as precaution • Swept into sea, men prove able to return to land • Mamalahoa Highway work to start in July; and more

Police and Fire

Star-Advertiser staff — Fri, 1 Jun 2012 6:16:31 +0400

Man dies during scuba dive off Hawaii Kai • 5 men arrested in fight at trade center

50 years of service in solemnity

Michael Tsai — Fri, 1 Jun 2012 6:16:31 +0400

Al Rodrigues listened politely Sunday as speaker after speaker waxed reverential on the significance of the USS Arizona Memorial in keeping the events of Dec. 7, 1941, alive in the national memory and on the monument's singular ability to evoke feelings of hope, pride and forgiveness.

Aiea man sues casino over restroom robbery

Associated Press — Fri, 1 Jun 2012 6:16:31 +0400

A Hawaii man is suing a Las Vegas hotel and casino where he was beaten and robbed in 2010, claiming Main Street Station was negligent in not providing enough security in a long, dark hallway that leads to restrooms.

New York Times: Detainees are handed over to Afghans, but not out of Americans’ reach

Fri, 1 Jun 2012 6:16:31 +0400

BAGRAM, Afghanistan >> Gen. Ghulam Farouq is not exactly the master of his own house, the Parwan Detention Facility, at least not yet.

New York Times: As college graduates cluster, some cities are left behind

Fri, 1 Jun 2012 6:16:31 +0400

DAYTON, Ohio >> As cities like this one try to reinvent themselves after losing large swaths of their manufacturing sectors, they are discovering that one of the most critical ingredients for a successful transformation — college graduates — is in perilously short supply.

Corrections and Clarifications

Star-Advertiser staff — Fri, 1 Jun 2012 6:16:31 +0400

The Honolulu Star-Advertiser strives to make its news report fair and accurate.

Obituaries

Fri, 1 Jun 2012 6:16:31 +0400

Rosalia Aranita • Alexander S. Barclay • Lawrence Wah Bing Ching • Athena Kawehilani Dupio • Albert Gordon Ferguson; and more

Obituaries

Fri, 1 Jun 2012 6:16:31 +0400

Florecina Maltezo Rosario Acasio • John K. Apana Jr. • Elizabeth A. Castro • Kenji Fukuda • Frank F. Galbiso • Robert William Hitchcock • Noel Mitsuo Iwai • Avelina Agustin Juan • Nathan John Walia Lee Keliikuli and more