The H4 Hawai`i Times - News with Ryan Ozawa!

The H4 Hawai`i Times - News with Ryan Ozawa! Hawai`i News via Ryan Ozawa's Ka `Upena K ukui

<> ----------[ K A ` U P E N A K U K U I ]---------- <> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Net of Light Wednesday, May 29, 1996 Hawai`i News -- Internet Edition Compiled by Ryan K. Ozawa ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Summarized from various island news sources, including independent interviews and research, radio and television broadcasts and local papers. No material is duplicated directly unless otherwise attributed. Intended for personal use only -- please obtain permission from author before redistributing. Aloha! ============================================================================= Subject: MARROW MATCH FOUND FOR ALANA Ten days after her second birthday, Alana Dung got the one present her family has dreamed about ever since she was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia. The Hawaii Bone Marrow Registry today told Dung's parents that a compatible donor has been found in Taiwan. "We couldn't ask for a better prognosis," Adelia Dung said today. "I don't believe she understands what's going on but I do believe she senses all the love and warmth." Dung's search for a match inspired over 30,000 to come forward at donor drives all over O`ahu, the hunt reaching as far as California and Canada. "The people of Hawai`i have just shown that the aloha spirit is alive and well and it can go around the world," Stephen Dung said. Within the week, the family will fly to Seattle where Alana will undergo preliminary testing and another round of chemotherapy and radiation treatments at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. The transplant itself is scheduled for late June. "I always defined a miracle as finding a match and having everything go well with the transplant," Adelia Dung said. "I think a miracle is happening." Hawai`i Bone Marrow Registry head Young Paik today reminded islanders that there are thousands still hoping for a miracle of their own, and that the registry still needs more potential donors -- particularly those of Asian decent. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: MEHAU, REED RIFT MENDED WITH APOLOGY One of Hawaii's longest-standing political conflicts was put to rest today, with the settlement of Larry Mehau's slander lawsuit against former state senator Rick Reed over a speech he made in August 1985 in which he described Mehau as the "Godfather" of local crime. The suit had gone to court and survived one appeal, and was to be retried again this June. The terms of the settlement required Reed to issue a written apology to Mehau, which in part read: "I disclosed to the audience excerpts from several law enforcement documents containing numerous allegations against you... I now understand that such disclosure violated your right to privacy and certainly must have inflicted emotional distress on you and your family." Reed's speech cited confidential federal documents from an investigation that never led to any legal action against Mehau. No money was involved in the settlement, and Reed will not have to retract his description of Mehau. David Schutter, Mehau's attorney, today commended the pair for their professionalism in the eleven year old dispute. "For Larry or anyone else in his position," Schutter said, "the first inclination would have been to handle it with a left hook and a straight right." -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: COUNCIL'S CITY BUDGET CRITICIZED BY HARRIS The Honolulu City Council today approved next year's $1 billion operating budget, which -- despite assertions of "downsizing" and "streamlining" over the last month -- is about $12 million larger than last year. "Let's be straight with the people," Councilman Jon Yoshimura said. "This budget does not cut spending; this budget in fact increases spending." Honolulu Mayor Jeremy Harris today reprimanded councilmembers for their excess. "While they cut back city services to our customers, they increase their own budget by half a million dollars," Harris said. In addition, a move to restructure the city's housing office may be illegal, Harris said. In its budget, the council transferred the functions of the Housing Services Division to the Department of Human Services. "They violated the city charter with the budget that they've passed," Harris said today, claiming the council overstepped its authority in reorganizing city offices. Councilman Steve Holmes, however, said that the council does indeed have the power to make such changes. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: SHAMPOO PARLOR OPERATOR FINED Pleading no contest today to prostitution charges, 39-year-old Kyung Sun Choe was ordered to pay a $300 fine and was spared a month-long prison stay. Choe was one of three "shampoo parlor" operators arrested in a police sting three months ago. Choe's business, "Stress Free Hawaii," offered "Oriental relaxation" treatments. According to police, Choe charged an undercover officer $50 for a massage, then offered a sexual favor for another $60. Chin Suk Kim, meanwhile, has had her trial delayed until July while her lawyer seeks a dismissal of the case on the grounds of double-jeopardy. Defense attorney William Harrison said Kim has already paid a $500 fine levied for providing massage without a license. If Kim still goes to court, Harrison said her defense will be modeled after those in other similar cases. "My client was not really sophisticated enough to understand what was going on," Harrison said. "We believe there was a problem with the language." -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- JOEL Julian, an eighth grader from Lanikila Baptist Junior High, was eliminated today in the second round of the national spelling bee in Washington, D.C. Julian was up against over 240 other contestants, and was done in by "occultation." Julian and his mother will remain for sightseeing, and then he will deliver his class valedictorian address via satellite... RISING demand in the Pacific Northwest has prompted Hawaiian Airlines to announce that it will begin daily service to Portland as of October 1. The five new flights a week will add 1,800 seats a day to inbound flights. Hawaiian already flies at least one flight a week to Portland, as well as to Seattle, Las Vegas, San Francisco and Los Angeles... ACCORDING to a new survey, Hawai`i is one of the healthiest states in the country. The top five states, according to Morgan Quinto Press, are Iowa, Vermont, Hawai`i, Utah and Minnesota. The ratings were based in part on health care costs, infant mortality and smoking rates... -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: KA `UPENA ALMANAC TEMPS: O`ahu 86/74, Kaua`i 83/72, Moloka`i 86/72, Maui 88/72, Hilo 84/68 CASTS: Sunny and warm, trades to 20MPH; Surf on all shores to 3 feet. WEDNESDAY'S TIDES: High 2:56 p.m.; Low 9:45 p.m.

<> ----------[ K A ` U P E N A K U K U I ]---------- <> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Net of Light Monday, May 28, 1996 Hawai`i News -- Internet Edition Compiled by Ryan K. Ozawa ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Summarized from various island news sources, including independent interviews and research, radio and television broadcasts and local papers. No material is duplicated directly unless otherwise attributed. Intended for personal use only -- please obtain permission from author before redistributing. Aloha! ============================================================================= Subject: STATE TAX COLLECTIONS EXCEED ESTIMATES The state will have $17 million more in its coffers this year than originally expected, but the surplus doesn't add up to much tangible relief. State Council on Revenues spokesman Ming Chew said today that tax collections were up 3.9 percent this year, rather than the 3.2 percent originally anticipated. "Last year we found that there were a large amount of tax refunds," Chew said. "That appears to have worked its way around the system this year." Despite the unexpected boost, state Budget Director Earl Anzai said the administration will not rescind any of the $32 million in cuts made during the last legislative session. The state spends more than $17 million in less than two days, Anzai said, and that the additional revenue will at best guarantee that some state entitlements and services will remain untouched. In addition, $35 million in federal aid is expected to disappear this year, Anzai said, a fact not accounted for in the 1997 budget. The surplus may help offset some of those cuts, he said. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: PROTESTERS CRASH B-2 BOMBER DEDICATION It costs over $800 million, weighs over 150 tons, evades enemy radar and -- like eight other B-2 stealth bombers -- is named after a state. But the "Spirit of Hawaii," dedicated by the Air Force yesterday at Hickam Air Force Base, had more than the usual run of critics against it. Nearly 30 protesters began chanting, singing and waving signs in a short demonstration during the Memorial Day ceremony, until military police loaded them onto a bus and banned them from the base. The demonstrators included environmentalists and members of the Hawaiian sovereignty group Ka Lahui Hawai`i, who say the name is a contradiction with its namesake -- "The Aloha State." Others that were present at the ceremony disagree, suggesting that the B-2 is an instrument of peace, and thus aptly named. "My tutu would say Hawaiians are great warriors," Verlieann Malina-Wright told the _Honolulu Advertiser_, "and we know the best defense is a prepared offense." Air Force officials say the name was chosen in part to recognize Hawaii's role in military air history, and partly in deference to Hawai`i Sen. Dan Inouye, one of the first supporters of the B-2 program during the Cold War. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTION LAW CHALLENGED City councilmembers are again grappling with a law which forbids contractors from supporting candidates for any city office within two years of receiving a contract. City Attorney Jane Howell today presented a draft resolution that would repeal the campaign contribution law, which some say is unfair -- if not unconstitutional. The debate comes after Mayor Jeremy Harris and members of his re-election campaign staff last week questioned whether Honolulu contractor Dennis Mitsunaga violated the law by soliciting residents to support Arnold Morgado in his mayoral bid. Councilman Andy Mirikitani, who authored the original campaign law, said today that repealing the law would be a giant step backwards. "This ethics reform law has been one of the toughest in the nation, and therefore it's not surprising that some are finding the law inconvenient," he said. Mirikitani said the law -- aimed to reduce the influence of special-interest groups and lobbyists -- is among one of the toughest in the nation. Officials with both the Harris and Morgado campaigns today said they are opposed to a repeal of the law. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: ATTORNEY HOPES TO OVERTURN WAIKIKI T-SHIRT BAN Thanks to a federal court ruling, Honolulu Mayor Jeremy Harris in February declared that the city had finally triumphed in its fight to get T-shirt vendors off the streets of Waikiki. Today, Honolulu Attorney Dan Foley -- who represents a group of such vendors -- said there's a chance the vendors will be able to return to Kalakaua Avenue. Foley said that the 9th Circuit Court, which decided in favor of the city three months ago, has responded to his request for a re-hearing by asking for additional information. "The mayor may have celebrated and declared victory prematurely," Foley said. "The case is still pending -- the city could still lose." Foley said the key is a 1991 decision, also by a federal court, that ruled T-shirts bearing messages were covered by the first amendment. The first amendment was the main argument the vendors had for conducting their business on public walkways. City Attorney Donna Woo said that the re-hearing requested by Foley could potentially result in an overruling of the 1991 case, which could allow the city to ban T-shirt vending everywhere. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: KIDO RELEASED WITHOUT BAIL Georgette Kido, 30, was released from prison this morning, but will face a manslaughter charge during her trial next month in the death of 37-year-old Lynne Lindquist. She also faces a charge of attempted assault, which was added to her indictment today by state officials. Kido and Lindquist got into an altercation earlier this month after a softball game at Palolo District Park, during which Kido allegedly pounded Lindquist's head into the sidewalk. Lindquist suffered skull fractures, and died days later after falling into a coma. Defense Attorney Donald Wilkerson said today that medical reports show Lindquist died of complications stemming from a bacterial infection. She was treated and released the night of the incident, Wilkerson said, suggesting that her death resulted more from the infection than the fight. Wilkerson also said he would focus on proving the incident was not reckless, which must be the case to prove a manslaughter charge. "If Lynne Lindquist had not been beaten that night by Georgette Kido," countered Prosecuting Attorney Victor Bakke, "she'd still be alive today." -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- ADMITTING that it could be seen as an restriction on free speech, four city councilmembers nonetheless introduced a resolution today that would prohibit people attending City Council and other meetings from waving and holding signs. Although it is an increasingly popular way to have a say at meetings where the public must otherwise remain silent, supporters say the ban is necessary to allow the council to conduct business without distraction... STANLEY Martin was sentenced today to life in prison with the possibility of parole, after being convicted earlier this month in the stabbing death of 25- year-old Robert Comeaux. Martin, who reportedly owed Comeaux over $30,000, stabbed Comeaux over 20 times and dumped his body near Tantalus in October 1994. Martin was also ordered to pay $7,500 to Comeaux's family to cover funeral and other expenses... PROMPTED by sporadic reports of Big Island residents shooting at tour and drug-eradication helicopters over the last few years, Hawai`i Electric Light Co. yesterday formally announced that it will be flying its own helicopters to inspect overhead power lines. Although the inspections usually continue regularly and without fanfare, HELCO was concerned that short-tempered residents may protest the methodical, low flying inspections with bullets... -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: KA `UPENA ALMANAC TEMPS: O`ahu 87/74, Kaua`i 83/73, Moloka`i 87/72, Maui 88/71, Hilo 84/68 CASTS: Partly cloudy, cool trades to 25MPH; West shore surf to 4 feet. TUESDAY'S TIDES: High 2:16 p.m.; Low 8:51 p.m.

<> ----------[ K A ` U P E N A K U K U I ]---------- <> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Net of Light Friday, May 24, 1996 Hawai`i News -- Internet Edition Compiled by Ryan K. Ozawa ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Summarized from various island news sources, including independent interviews and research, radio and television broadcasts and local papers. No material is duplicated directly unless otherwise attributed. Intended for personal use only -- please obtain permission from author before redistributing. Aloha! ============================================================================= Subject: PIPELINE TO BE TESTED, RETURNED TO SERVICE Experts with the federal Office of Pipeline Safety this Sunday will oversee a pressure-test of the 8-inch line that leaked hundreds of barrels of fuel oil into Pearl Harbor last week. "We'll be here watching the entire thing to make sure it's okay," said Ed Ondak, director of the federal program's regional office. The test will put 80 percent of the usual strain on the pipeline, in order to guarantee the partially corroded line will be safe to return to provisional use next week. The pipe feeds the Waiau power plant, which will run out of fuel by next Wednesday unless replenished. Provided the test is successful, the state Health Department will allow Chevron to use the pipe only for priority shipments, and only during the day. Chevron officials today also revised the estimate of the amount of oil that spilled on May 14 to 38,000 gallons -- over 10,000 gallons more than previously reported. Meanwhile, the oil spill has delayed a ceremony at the Arizona Memorial originally planned for Monday, where 34 engraved plaques at the Remembrance Exhibit were to be dedicated. The new plaques were to correct over 50 mistakes discovered on the current plaques over the years, including misspelled names and the name of one soldier who is still alive. Memorial staff say the ceremony may be rescheduled for the Fourth of July. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: ALLIGATOR SHOW GOES ON DESPITE PROTEST Gil Castillo wrestled an alligator as planned tonight in the first of many performances at the month-long 50th State Fair at Aloha Stadium, despite the five sign-holding animal rights activists sitting in the packed stands. Castillo, also known as "Kachunga," got strong applause from the crowd, some families staying behind to watch the second show. Children and parents lined up afterwards to touch one of Castillo's three alligators, their mouths taped closed for safety. "He felt a little bit hard," observed 8-year-old Joey Evans. "He felt like boots -- those snake boots." That description ironically echoed what concerned the protesters most, one sign reading: "Today they'll make me wrestle, tomorrow will be worse; they'll hit me with a baseball bat and then I'll be a purse." The Honolulu Jaycees, the charity that organizes the annual carnival, contends that the show is educational. "I don't know what he's teaching them at all," countered Mary Young of Animal Rights Hawaii. "Unless it's domination of a species." The group this week demanded that Gov. Ben Cayetano revoke the show's permit, but Cayetano yesterday refused saying that this time animal rights activists are going too far. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: STATE WILL INVESTIGATE DIAMOND HEAD VENDOR Earlier this month, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources decreed that all but one of the several food and souvenir vendors that had set up shop at Diamond Head State Park could stay. That vendor is now facing an investigation by state authorities, after environmental groups complained the Aloha Foundation is violating its permit. According to the permit, the group can only distribute and sell literature along the popular hiking trail. As allowed to under the agreement, the foundation sells framed color certificates that proclaim the successful completion of the crater hike. It also freely loans flashlights and trail guides to visitors. What has the state concerned, however, are the T-shirts the group wears and displays at its tables. Although the shirts aren't sold at the park, visitors can order the T-shirts for later delivery and payment. "That's soliciting merchandise, that's not literature," said DLNR spokesman Gil Agaran. "We certainly wouldn't issue a permit for that." Foundation volunteer Steve Webber said it is following the agreement to the letter, adding that the shirts are free when the certificates are purchased for $20. Webber said his group sells about 50 certificates a day, and takes advance orders for about 20 shirts. Webber said all money goes back into buying bottled water and flashlights. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: DEMOCRATIC PARTY CONVENTION OPENS The economy, legislative perks and same-sex marriage are among the many topics that will be tackled this weekend at the state Democratic Party convention, which opened today at the Sheraton Waikiki hotel. Over 1,000 delegates and alternates are expected to attend the three-day meeting of the state's majority party. One of the key items on the agenda is the election of the party's national committee woman. The two candidates, both prominent players in island politics, have their sharpest contrast in their stance on the same-sex marriage debate. Incumbent Linda Rosehill this year aggressively lobbied state lawmakers to pass a bill to ban homosexual unions. Challenger Amy Agbayani, chair of the state Civil Rights Commission, has been a longtime advocate of gay rights. Two candidates running for Honolulu mayor -- Jeremy Harris and former city councilmember Arnold Morgado -- are also expected to speak and solicit support at the convention. For the first time, party leaders announced today, the proceedings at this year's convention will be "broadcast" on the World-Wide Web. The URL is http://www.pixi.net/~demparty/ -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: CULLEN HOME UNTIL MURDER CONVICTION APPEAL HEARD 48-year-old Russell Cullen, convicted May 15 of murder and attempted murder, told reporters today that he simply wants to enjoy his final days with his family, and denied accusations that he's a threat to the public. "I feel like I'm a family man," Cullen said. "I have no intentions of hurting anybody." Cullen was originally sentenced to life in prison without parole, but was released to house arrest this week after he told the judge he was dying of cancer. Cullen said his release has helped him maintain hopes of living to see the Supreme Court hear his appeal. "There's something out there that can help me fight this illness," Cullen said. His family, who could only see him during weekend prison visits over the last two years, is glad to have him back in their Waipahu home. "I thought I was in a dream," his son Troy said today. "I couldn't believe that the system finally came through." Russell Cullen was convicted of killing Carolina Ching and trying to kill her boyfriend in the parking lot of the Kukui Plaza in downtown Honolulu in 1993. Ching's pickup truck crashed through a parking-structure wall and fell two stories to the sidewalk during the fatal altercation. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: BITS AND PIECES SUCCESSFULLY finishing eight weeks of lessons on the negative impacts of gang activity paid off today for over 1,500 O`ahu seventh-graders. Students from 12 intermediate schools were treated to a special afternoon concert and an early-evening dance at the Ala Wai Clubhouse. To attend, students had to graduate from the CAGE (Confident Alternative Gang Education) program, which covers topics like conflict management and resisting peer-pressure... PATIENTS and staff at St. Francis Medical Center are complaining that a picket line of striking security guards has been blocking the driveway to the hospital. Community members are concerned that the strike may impede the arrival of emergency vehicles, thus endangering the lives of those in life- threatening condition. Representatives of the guards, on strike since April 22, say they'll move if horns are honked to indicate an emergency... SEVEN fire companies were called to put out a blaze tonight at Campbell Industrial Park. Owners of the Hawaii Metals Recycling salvage yard said they suspect a group of kids earlier seen jumping the wall started the fire. The smoke could be seen from Waikiki, and the fire forced the early closure of adjacent nightspot Germaine's Luau... RUSSELL Chee and Michael Chee, two of four suspects arrested during a drug raid yesterday in Wahiawa, were formerly charged tonight by Honolulu police. Detectives found several thousand dollars in cash, drugs, and reportedly stolen goods during the raid, which came after a month-long investigation by police... CRAZY about Hawai`i and the World-Wide Web but overwhelmed by fancy pictures, prolific ads and boolean search puzzles? Try the Weblopedia of Hawai`i at "http://www.aloha.net/~prophet/Weblopedia/" for a scandously simple way to find the best island sites. More importantly, suggest your own favorite stops! Each link is reviewed and added manually by yours truly... -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: KA `UPENA ALMANAC TEMPS: O`ahu 88/75, Kaua`i 85/74, Moloka`i 86/73, Maui 88/71, Hilo 85/70 CASTS: Some rain, mostly sunny, trades to 20MPH; North Shore surf to 5 feet. SATURDAY'S TIDES: High 11:35 a.m.; Low 4:15 p.m.

<> ----------[ K A ` U P E N A K U K U I ]---------- <> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Net of Light Thursday, May 23, 1996 Hawai`i News -- Internet Edition Compiled by Ryan K. Ozawa ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Summarized from various island news sources, including independent interviews and research, radio and television broadcasts and local papers. No material is duplicated directly unless otherwise attributed. Intended for personal use only -- please obtain permission from author before redistributing. Aloha! ============================================================================= Subject: WAIPAHU RAID NETS DRUGS, GUNS Over $35,000 in cash and $22,000 in drugs were seized last night during a police raid in Wahiawa. Three of four suspects arrested during the raid remain in custody tonight. Officers with a search warrant entered the suspected drug house at 1213 Neal Ave. at about 9 p.m. last night, and confiscated more than two truckloads of goods. Police believe many of the items -- including laptop computers, car stereos and speakers -- are stolen. "It's common when we do a search warrant to come across this kind of stash," said HPD detective Michael Carvalho. "We believe that it's an exchange of stolen property for drugs." Several ounces of crystal methamphetamine (or "ice"), marijuana and cocaine were found in the hame. In addition, ten guns and two rifles were also seized. Police arrested 32-year-old Russell Chee, 35-year-old Michael Chee, 28-year-old Darlene Silva and 26-year-old Lloyd Souza. Souza was arrested on a separate warrant, and has since been released. None have been formally charged. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: GRACE HOUSE OPERATORS SUSPECT SOUR GRAPES An spokesman for the company contracted by the state to operate the Moili`ili halfway house said today that yesterday's raid by state and city law enforcement officials was instigated by two former employees. Seven female residents, plus Grace House resident manager Hollie Surratt, were arrested when police scoured the building investigating reports of prostitution and drug activity. "This basically was the actions of two vindictive former employees," said Grace House Association spokesman Ron Barker. One of the two ex-workers was apparently an undercover agent for a law enforcement agency. "This kind of thing is very unethical," Barker said, adding that he believes that the drug paraphernalia recovered from the building were planted. In addition to the drug supplies, police recovered a lavender card file listing clients, their marital status, preferences and prices. Police reportedly have found the names of several Honolulu attorneys in the file. According to Gregg Takayama of the state sheriff's department, the state has no plans to cancel the remaining six months on its $290,000 contract with Grace House. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: ALA MOANA UNVEILS EXPANSION PLANS The state's largest shopping center will be 50 percent bigger by the turn of the century, according to the latest phase of expansion announced this week by Ala Moana Center. The crux of the latest push will be a full third level added above the Palm Boulevard section at the center of the mall, where Mainland retailers Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom are expected to open by 1998. Liberty House, the mall's first major tenant and the store which faces the most direct competition with the new tenants, will also be expanded. In all, another 317,000 square feet of retail space will be added to Ala Moana. In addition, 2,000 more parking stalls will be added, as will 4,000 seats at the Makai Market food court. Finally, the mall's open areas will be revamped with bamboo trees, ferns and taro patches. The facelift comes as competition for Hawai`i shoppers has gotten fiercer over the last two years. Ala Moana General Manager Dwight Yoshimura said that the explosion of large discount stores such as Kmart and Walmart -- plus the enormous popularity new shopping centers like Waikele -- have hurt Ala Moana as well as other Hawai`i malls. The $15-billion retail industry in Hawai`i is also facing international competition, he said. "Ala Moana has to get its shoppers back," said retail consultant Marty Plotnick. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: STUDY OF CULTURAL IMPACTS BACKED BY STATE COUNCIL Despite opposition by Gov. Ben Cayetano, the state Environmental Council yesterday voted to retain a provision that would require developers to study a project's effect on native Hawaiian culture and historical sites. The provision is included in a package of changes being proposed for state environmental laws. Cayetano said the requirement would make the development approval process even more expensive and time consuming. Cayetano also said he doubted the council had the authority to propose such a change. Even so, environmental groups support the council's decision, saying encroachment on burial and other sacred sites must always be disclosed and studied. Some state officials told the council that existing federal laws, including those governing the required Environmental Impact Statement, may already be sufficient to safeguard a development's cultural as well as environmental effects. In voting to keep the measure, council members were critical of Cayetano's comments, saying they may have been biased in favor of developers. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: ANIMAL RIGHTS REQUEST REJECTED BY GOVERNOR Gov. Ben Cayetano today said he will not revoke the state Department of Agriculture permit granted to "Kachunga and the Alligator Show," despite a direct plea from animal rights groups who feel the alligator wrestling performance is cruel to the alligators and unsafe for the public. Kachunga -- aka Gil Castillo -- will perform at the month-long 50th State Fair, which opens tomorrow. Cayetano said animal rights activists sometimes go too far. "Next thing you won't be able to jump a bull or rope a cow or ride horses," Cayetano said. "Pretty soon you won't be able to eat a tomato because someone will say tomatoes have feelings and scream." Cayetano said that he wished people would focus their energy on issues like homelessness that involve people rather than on animals. The group Animal Rights Hawai`i said this week that they would protest at the fair if the governor does not block the act. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: BITS AND PIECES FEDERAL officials arrived in Honolulu this week to help the state establish a inspection program that would help prevent oil spills like the one last week which put 25,000 gallons of oil into Pearl Harbor. The cost of a certified federal pipeline monitor would be minimal for consumers, officials say. Only two other states besides Hawai`i don't have a similar program in place. Meanwhile, unless the 8-inch pipe that leaked is repaired soon, the Waiau power plant it serves will run out of fuel in under a week... DEADBEAT parents, take heed: the state Child Enforcement Agency has crushed the hopes of two former Hawai`i residents who had hoped to cash in on the Exxon Valdez oil spill. A pair of class-action lawsuit settlement checks -- one for $3,600 and one for $1,058 -- were intercepted, their intended recipients delinquent in child-support payments. CEA officials hope to make it clear that they will target the assets of parents who don't pay... FINDING parking is stressful, but it could have been deadly yesterday for a 33-year-old Honolulu man. Police are preparing to charge an employee at a golf shop on Liliha Street after he allegedly threatened the victim with a handgun because he parked in a stall reserved for the store shortly before 6 p.m. The employee was eventually arrested. The victim told police that the parking stall is assigned to his mother during evening hours... CRAZY about Hawai`i and the World-Wide Web but overwhelmed by fancy pictures, prolific ads and boolean search puzzles? Try the Weblopedia of Hawai`i at "http://www.aloha.net/~prophet/Weblopedia/" for a scandously simple way to find the best island sites. More importantly, suggest your own favorite stops! Each link is reviewed and added manually by yours truly... -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: KA `UPENA ALMANAC TEMPS: O`ahu 87/74, Kaua`i 84/74, Moloka`i 85/73, Maui 87/72, Hilo 86/70 CASTS: Some showers, trades to 15MPH; Surf on all shores to 3 feet. FRIDAY'S TIDES: High 10:34 a.m.; Low 2:40 p.m.

<> ----------[ K A ` U P E N A K U K U I ]---------- <> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Net of Light Wednesday, May 22, 1996 Hawai`i News -- Internet Edition Compiled by Ryan K. Ozawa ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Summarized from various island news sources, including independent interviews and research, radio and television broadcasts and local papers. No material is duplicated directly unless otherwise attributed. Intended for personal use only -- please obtain permission from author before redistributing. Aloha! ============================================================================= Subject: HARRIS CAMPAIGN CLAIMS MORGADO BROKE CITY RULES Honolulu Mayor Jeremy Harris, who is running for re-election this year, said challenger Arnold Morgado should return any campaign money raised as a result of a O`ahu contractor's efforts to get Morgado elected. "At least some of the money that's been raised by Morgado appears to have been raised in an improper way," said Chris Parsons, a spokesman for the Harris campaign. In question are a stack of signed letters sent out by local contractor Dennis Mitsunaga asking residents to attend a January fund-rais er for Morgado. Harris aides say Mitsunaga has received a number of state and city contracts, some more recently than two years ago. If that's true, Parsons said, Morgado and Mitsunaga violated a 1995 city ordinance that forbids contractors from backing or soliciting support for a campaign within two years of winning a contract. City Prosecuting Attorney Keith Kaneshiro would not comment on the claims until an investigation by his office is complete. The State Attorney General's Office, meanwhile, is looking into whether its campaign laws supersede those of the city. Morgado campaign spokesman Neal Okabayashi today denied that any rules were broken, and added that if they were, the Morgado campaign would work to set things right and ensure it doesn't happen again. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: STATE UNCOVERS PROSTITUTION RING AT HALFWAY HOUSE With a search warrant and police dogs in tow, state and city law enforcement officials today raided a halfway house in Moili`ili where they say a prostitution ring was operating. Six former inmates and Resident Manager Suzanne Eisler were arrested, and the state Sheriff's department reports that drug paraphernalia was found on the "Grace House" premises. Also recovered were handwritten records that police say list clients, their standard charge, occupation, marital status, and preferred sexual act. Hollie Surrat, who allegedly managed the operation and kept the files in a pink card file, was also arrested. Police say the afternoon raid stems from a tip received two weeks ago hinting at prostitution and drug activity there. Gregg Takayama, spokesman for the state Department of Public Safety, said investigators believe the women advertised their services in a local weekly newspaper. Grace House Association spokesman Theodor Domay is shocked that such activities took place at the facility. "I don't see how, " Domay said. "The girls aren't allowed out of their rooms at night. they have security at night -- sensor lights come on." Domay said the residents, who take classes during the day, are accounted for at all times. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: STATE BEHIND ON MEDICAID PAYMENTS For the past several weeks, the state has been unable to fulfill all of the Medicaid claims it receives, leading some medical professionals to warn patients that some costs may soon have to be passed on to them. An unusually expensive year for the state Medicaid program has prompted them to implement a $3 million a week cap on payments made to hospitals and doctors. Meanwhile, state Department of Human Services director Susan Chandler said yesterday that they receive over $5.5 million in claims each week. State officials say that the majority of claims have been paid, although some have been delayed. In addition, a number of health care providers will have to wait until the next fiscal cycle starts on July 1 to receive their payments in full. The cost of running the Medicaid program is split between the federal government and the state, the cost to each estimated at nearly $300 million a year. Chandler said nearly 30,000 low-income residents -- many of them elderly and disabled -- are supported by Medicaid. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: BITS AND PIECES HIDING from cameras in a family van, convicted murderer Russell Cullen was released from prison today. Cullen was given a life sentence for the murder of Carolina Ching and attempted murder of her boyfriend at Kukui Plaza in downtown three years ago. After Cullen's attorney announced that Cullen had a terminal illness and had less than a year to live, however, Judge Dexter Del Rosario last week sentenced him to house arrestinstead... CHARGES are expected to be filed this week against four juveniles in connection with a graffiti attack at Kalaheo High School last month. Nearly every building on the campus was marred with spray paint, and the clean-up effort, even with volunteer help, cost nearly $30,000. Three of the four boys are students at the Academy of the Pacific and one is former student of Kalaheo. Police say their parents have been cooperative... AFTER serving as the head of all U.S. military forces in the Pacific for only five months, Adm. Joseph Prueher may be leaving Hawai`i soon. Navy officials say Prueher is on the short-list of candidates to succeed Adm. Jeremy Boorda, who committed suicide last week. Prior to replacing Adm. Richard Macke at the helm of the Pacific Command in January, Prueher had served as a deputy chief of U.S. naval operations... THREE colorful Chinese dragon boats were "awakened" today in a ceremony at Ala Moana Beach Park. As a crowd watched, crewmembers added eyes to the dragons depicted on the traditional, brightly-painted 16-person vessels. Until the first annual Hawai`i Dragon Boat Festival takes place next month, they will be on display at the Aloha Tower Marketplace... HONOLULU residents Patsy Saiki, George Ishida and Richard Fiske were honored yesterday for their contributions to improving relations between Japan and the United States. The three received the Order of the Precious Crown, the Sacred Treasure and the Rising Sun respectively at the 1996 Imperial Decoration Presentation Ceremony... -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: KA `UPENA ALMANAC TEMPS: O`ahu 90/75, Kaua`i 83/74, Moloka`i 84/72, Maui 87/74, Hilo 84/72 CASTS: Cloudy, hot, weakening trades. Surf on all shores below 4 feet. THURSDAY'S TIDES: High 7:51 p.m.; Low 12:16 p.m.

<> ----------[ K A ` U P E N A K U K U I ]---------- <> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Net of Light Tuesday, May 21, 1996 Hawai`i News -- Internet Edition Compiled by Ryan K. Ozawa ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Summarized from various island news sources, including independent interviews and research, radio and television broadcasts and local papers. No material is duplicated directly unless otherwise attributed. Intended for personal use only -- please obtain permission from author before redistributing. Aloha! ============================================================================= Subject: ANIMAL RIGHTS GROUP ANGERED BY ALLIGATOR SHOW The 50th State Fair, a popular fundraising event sponsored by the Honolulu Jaycees, may be picketed by animal rights activists when it opens this Friday. Animal Rights Hawai`i has taken issue with "Kachunga" -- also known as Gil Castillo -- a Florida performer who wrestles with a 300-pound alligator. Three alligators arrived in Honolulu today. Fair organizers insist that the safety of animal handlers and the audience will be tightly preserved, a point particularly stressed after an incident in August 1994 in which a circus elephant went on a rampage and killed two circus workers before being gunned down by police. According to the state agriculture permit approved for the show, two handlers with capture equipment must be nearby throughout each performance. "I think it's a very good opportunity for the public to get an educational experience," Honolulu Jaycees spokesman Dale Fong said today, "to see what alligators are like and what they're about." Even so, the welfare of the animal is on the minds of many. "They are not going to learn anything about how these animals live by watching them being wrestled while their mouths are taped up with duct tape," said Animal Rights Hawai`i head Cathy Goeggel. The group has demanded the shows be canceled. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: KIDNAP-MURDER TRIAL OPENS, DELAYED Looking directly at defendant Garreth Graham, 33, Ker-Ming Chang today methodically recited what Graham allegedly said to him on May 5, 1994. "Listen very carefully -- this is not a loving matter," Chang said, quoting Graham's phone call on the stand. "I've got your wife. If you want to see your wife alive, you bring me $45,000." Chang's wife, 41-year-old Ming-Li Chang, would be found dead seven hours later in the trunk of her own car -- her eyes, mouth and torso bound with tape. Medical examiners determined she died of asphyxiation. Graham is charged with murder and kidnapping; he earlier admitted kidnapping Chang but denies he was trying to kill her. His trial was postponed this afternoon, however, after opening statements by the prosecution and three other witnesses testified. The Hawai`i Supreme Court decided to give the defense five days to respond to the prosecution's request to bring a mainland medical examiner to testify in the trial. Deputy Prosecutor Maurice Arrisgado said he hopes the witness can prove that Chang suffocated due to the tape on her face and not being left in the trunk, thus bolstering their charge that Garreth knowingly caused Chang's death. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: EVICTED PALI VENDOR CLAIMS SOVEREIGN RIGHT State and Honolulu law enforcement officials this afternoon evicted the last remaining T-shirt vendor at the Nu`uanu Pali Lookout. Earlier this month, the state adopted new rules that banned food and product vendors from setting up tables at state parks. All vendors who operated at the lookout received notice to move out on May 8, and today was the deadline. Nihi Napoleon, who says he is a member of the Sovereign Nation of Hawai`i, reluctantly packed up while Department of Land and Natural Resources officials looked on. "I don't feel too good about this," Napoleon said. "In fact, I feel outraged. It's a continuation of what the state and federal government has been doing to us for 103 years." Napoleon said he did not recognize the authority of the state to regulate the area. "This is a sovereign entity," he said. "I'm a Hawaiian I have a right to do this. This is sacred ground." He cited his T-shirts and the literature he distributed at his table, saying the sovereignty message is clear. "They continue to violate our rights," Napoleon said, adding that he isn't sure whether he will return to the park tomorrow. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: DONOR SEARCH ENERGIZES ALANA It will be at least a week before the family of Alana Dung, who turned two years old yesterday, will know if any of the samples collected from 5,000 volunteers this past Sunday contain a match that could save her life. Dung's birthday was celebrated at a quiet gathering at home; protective medical masks were passed out to friends and relatives to protect the infant from germs. Alana's father, Steven Dung, is still awestruck by the turnout this past weekend. He said the outpouring of aloha is probably behind his daughter's high spirits. "It's amazing," he said today. "She's alert, attentive, feisty and always getting into trouble because she can walk." Sunday's drive brings the total number of people who have joined the Hawai`i bone marrow registry to nearly 31,000. Blood samples are still being tested at St. Francis Medical Center and at UCLA. 100 people have reportedly given samples at hospitals in China as well. Dung suffers from a rare form of leukemia, and doctors are giving her less than a year to live unless a match is found. Her genetic make-up is found in only one out of 10,000 people. For more information, call (808) 524-6619, or 1-800-MARROW-2. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: SAME-SEX ADVOCATES APPLAUD SUPREME COURT RULING Island advocates of same-sex marriage say they are encouraged by a ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday that reaffirms the right of gays and lesbians to seek legal protection from discrimination. The 6-3 decision nullifies a Colorado law that banned laws protecting homosexuals. The Hawai`i State Supreme Court is preparing to hear a lawsuit filed by three same-sex couples who have sued the state for the right to marry. Attorney Dan Foley, who is representing the couples, said the Colorado ruling shows that the rights of homosexuals cannot be infringed simply because the majority may disapprove of them. "The U.S. Supreme Court finally recognized gay and lesbian citizens as a protected class under the Constitution," Foley said. Opponents argue, however, that the ruling doesn't touch on the issue of marriage. Meanwhile, Hawai`i State Senator Rey Graulty today said the ruling demonstrates that the state house was in error when it passed a bill that aimed to ban gay marriages. The ruling means homosexuals can't be treated as less than equal, he said, and cannot be automatically refused protection. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: BITS AND PIECES NAVY divers today recovered 36 blocks of live explosives found this past weekend off West Maui. Members of the Explosive Ordinance Disposal Team collected the explosives, which are estimated to be at least 30 years old. The Navy says they belonged to the U.S. military. They were found about 400 yards of Kamaole Beach on Sunday. They will be detonated tomorrow... VOODOO, a 3-year-old pit bull, was put to sleep today on Maui. According to the Maui Humane Society, the dog attacked a cow twice last month. On Sunday, society officials say, Voodoo attacked three horses on Sunday. The dog's owner now faces misdemeanor charges for violating "vicious dog" laws... -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: KA `UPENA ALMANAC TEMPS: O`ahu 90/75, Kaua`i 83/74, Moloka`i 84/72, Maui 87/74, Hilo 84/72 CASTS: Cloudy, hot, weakening trades. Surf on all shores below 4 feet. WEDNESDAY'S TIDES: High 7:51 p.m.; Low 12:16 p.m.

<> ----------[ K A ` U P E N A K U K U I ]---------- <> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Net of Light Monday, May 20, 1996 Hawai`i News -- Internet Edition Compiled by Ryan K. Ozawa ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Summarized from various island news sources, including independent interviews and research, radio and television broadcasts and local papers. No material is duplicated directly unless otherwise attributed. Intended for personal use only -- please obtain permission from author before redistributing. Aloha! ============================================================================= Subject: BUDGET COMMITTEE REWRITES MAYOR'S PLAN Members of the Honolulu City Council Budget Committee today restored most of the cuts they originally made to Mayor Jeremy Harris' $1 billion city budget proposal -- then slashed it elsewhere. "This is a budget that represents change," said Committee Chair Duke Bainum. Among the reductions approved today was the elimination of seven deputy department director positions. Under the committee's plan, the Managing Director spot would be phased out, as well as the second-in-command seats for the Budget, Auditoriums, Health, Housing and Data Entry departments and the Office of Information of Complaint. In addition, the city vehicle take-home privilege of most department directors and deputies was revoked. "Some would have us go right back on the same path of more spending and more hiring," Bainum said. "What we did today was take the path that says no -- let's cut back government." The council also approved a plan to privatize the election services currently provided by the city clerk's office. The move is expected to save the cost of paying unemployment and other benefits to its employees. "It is very unfortunate that the city council continues to insist on cutting essential city services at a time when the city has an $11 million surplus," said City Budget Director Malcolm Tom. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: ACCIDENTS TAKE FIVE LIVES SINCE SATURDAY Cristina Faamaligi, a 23-year-old Laie resident, died this morning when her car crashed into a telephone pole on Kamehameha Highway in Punalu`u. The crash was the fifth fatal accident on the island in two days. Faamaligi was heading towards Kaneohe, Honolulu police say, and apparently lost control of her car while trying to pass another vehicle. Faamaligi was reportedly a student at Brigham-Young University Hawai`i and a dancer at the Polynesian Cultural Center. On Saturday, a 78-year-old woman died after falling in front of a city bus near the Arizona Memorial. Police say she was riding on the bus and fell soon after stepping off. Two Kaiser High School students -- 16-year- old Katie Carvalho and John Dorsey, 18 -- were killed Saturday night in a head-on collision in Hawaii Kai. Two other teens who were passengers in the car and an elderly couple in the other vehicle were also injured. Police are investigating whether the teens were racing or pacing another vehicle when the accident occurred. Sunday morning, two separate accidents claimed two more lives. A Nanakuli woman died after her van struck a parked bus, and a Waipahu man was killed after his vehicle hit a concrete barrier on the Moanalua Freeway. In all incidents except the Aiea bus fatality, speed is thought to be a factor. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: "BLACK WIDOW" FINALLY RETURNING TO CHICAGO Laughter was the only response 23-year-old Catherine Diana Suh had today in Circuit Court as orders for her extradition to Illinois were finalized. Suh, called the "Black Widow" by law enforcement officials, was a fugitive in the islands for several months after being convicted of killing her ex-boyfriend. Suh was featured earlier this year in an episode of the television series "America's Most Wanted." Suh lived a lavish lifestyle as Tiffany Escada before surrendering to police early last month. "Do you have any concerns about returning to Chicago?" asked judge Francis Wong. "Because that's where your next stop is going to be." Suh only laughed, as she did sporadically throughout today's proceedings. Illinois officials are awaiting Suh's arrival so that she can begin serving her 100 year sentence. Suh is also a suspect in the murder of her mother, reportedly to collect an $800,000 insurance policy. During preliminary hearings, Suh's attorney asked for a delay on the basis of mental incompetence. Prosecutors argued that a suspect's mental condition was irrelevant to extradition procedures. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: ALANA TURNS TWO, PERHAPS WEEKS TO LIVE Thousands came to the Blaisdell Center yesterday for the final donor drive of the Hawai`i bone marrow registry, responding to the plight of Alana Dung -- the leukemia victim who has captured the hearts of over 29,000 isle residents since her story surfaced a month ago. Several local musicians -- including the Brothers Cazimero, Jerry Santos and Nohelani Cypriano -- were on hand yesterday to entertain the crowd while a total 5,111 people gave blood samples. Experts say Dung has a one-in-20,000 chance of finding a match, but the odds haven't stopped the aloha from spreading. A donor drive was kicked off today at three clinics in Vancouver, Canada, and more are reportedly being organized in other U.S. cities. To boost their chances, Canadian doctors are asking specifically for volunteers of Chinese descent. So far, over 15,000 of the samples collected in Hawai`i have been tested with no match. Dung turned two years old today, but unless a compatible donor is found, doctors say she may die before the end of the summer. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: ARIZONA MEMORIAL OPEN AFTER FOUR-DAY SHUTDOWN Coast Guard officials say they have cleaned up most of the estimated 25,000 gallons of fuel oil that spilled into Pearl Harbor last week -- at least enough to allow most exhibits at the USS Arizona Memorial to open Saturday. As shoreline scrubs are still ongoing in the area directly adjacent to the visitor center, perimeter exhibits will remain closed for at least another week. The free theater presentation and shuttles to and from the memorial itself, however, are running on schedule. With most of the floating oil skimmed off, clean-up crews are turning their attention to Navy and other piers and boat hulls where oil has splashed and dried. Coast Guard officials say the colorful oil sheen on the surface of harbor waters will probably linger for several days. Chevron, whose corroded pipeline caused the spill, has assumed all costs for the ongoing clean-up program. State health officials, meanwhile, are initiating a review of the company's maintenance program, as well as its own regulations. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: BITS AND PIECES HOPING to show that it is serious about its apology, the Hawai`i United Church of Christ may make a $3.5 million offer of reconciliation for the 1893 overthrow of the native Hawaiian monarchy. The proposed land and money transfer follows a formal apology issued during the centennial remembrance of the overthrow. If approved next month, the church would donate land on five islands and funds for Hawaiian churches and work towards self-determination. Queen Lili`uokalani had been a member of the church... KAZUHISA Abe, former president of the state senate and retired Hawai`i Supreme Court judge, died Saturday in Hilo at the age of 82. During his days in the legislature, Abe never lost an election -- serving in the senate from 1952 to 1967. He then served as a Supreme Court justice for six years before retiring. Among his most memorable motions was a 1963 bill to remove Christmas and Good Friday from the list of state holidays in the name of religious freedom... ISRAEL Kamakawiwo`ole, esteemed island musician, turned 37 years old today. The celebration of birthday, coupled with a memorable appearance at the Na Hoku Hanohano Awards last week, has provided "IZ" with an opportunity to send a message to Hawai`i kids: stay away from gangs and drugs -- especially "ice," or crystal methamphetamine. "Been there, done it," he said today. "It's no good." Kamakawiwo`ole said he's been clean for almost a year... WITNESSES testified today the trial of 18-year-old Jamie Lee Veal, a Nanakuli High School student suspected of fatally stabbing Hansen Kaawa, 18, at a May 11 party at Nanakuli Beach Park. Jadda Alonzo, a classmate, testified that Veal got into a fight with two men. "The other guy was holding [Veal] and Kaawa hit him," Alonzo said. The next thing she saw, she said, Kaawa had blood on his shirt. Veal, unable to post $100,000 bond, remains in custody... LARRY Pagan, 32, pled guilty in federal court today for kidnapping 50-year- old Wilma Parnell after escaping from a Texas prison in February. Pagan, one of 300 Hawai`i inmates sent to Texas last year, escaped from the Newton County Correctional Center and forced Parnell to drive him to Mexico at knifepoint. Under federal "Three Strikes" laws, Pagan may face a life sentence without parole and a maximum $250,000 fine... ALTHOUGH a long-standing landmark, the Makapu`u Point Lighthouse has always been off-limits to the public. That may change, however, with the announcement today that the Coast Guard will officially adopt the lighthouse. Officials hope the lighthouse, built in 1909 and listed in the National Registry of Historic Places, will be open to tours by the end of summer.. FINALLY, Hawai`i NewsList T-shirts are coming together! Ash grey, three-color logo, the works. All we need is a slogan. We've got "Know what's happening in Hawai`i?" What do you think would catch the eye of lost kama`aina and curious internauts alike? More logo ideas are also welcome -- we'll have an election if there is more than one. Please send suggestions to islenews@aloha.net... -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: KA `UPENA ALMANAC TEMPS: O`ahu 89/75, Kaua`i 84/73, Moloka`i 85/72, Maui 86/73, Hilo 83/72 CASTS: Sunny, healthy trades with gusts to 25MPH; 3-foot surf on all shores. TUESDAY'S TIDES: High 7:08 p.m.; Low 11:33 a.m.

<> ----------[ K A ` U P E N A K U K U I ]---------- <> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Net of Light Friday, May 17, 1996 Hawai`i News -- Internet Edition Compiled by Ryan K. Ozawa ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Summarized from various island news sources, including independent interviews and research, radio and television broadcasts and local papers. No material is duplicated directly unless otherwise attributed. Intended for personal use only -- please obtain permission from author before redistributing. Aloha! ============================================================================= Subject: KANESHIRO SAYS RULINGS A "MOCKERY" City Prosecutor Keith Kaneshiro yesterday openly criticized the decisions made by two Circuit Court judges this week, saying their actions are "a mockery of justice and public safety." Kaneshiro said that the public is now at risk, since two criminals in separate cases have gotten easy sentences. One is set to be released next week. Judges Sandra Simms and Dexter DelRosario were the targets of Kaneshiro's wrath, the latter for allowing 47- year-old Russell Cullen -- convicted of murdering a woman in 1993 -- to go free until his appeal is heard. "I don't know how much more violent a criminal you can place on the street," Kaneshiro said. Cullen was to serve life in prison, but asked for leniency because he was suffering from cancer and may be developing leukemia. Kaneshiro blasted Simms for sentencing Lawrence Norton, a convicted child-molester, to a year in prison. The prosecution wanted a minimum sentence of five years. "Norton has a history of child molestation, he's an admitted pedophile," Kaneshiro said. "Experts say pedophiles can't be cured." Criminals seem to be getting more consideration than victims or the public, Kaneshiro said. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: CORROSION CAUSED PEARL HARBOR OIL SPILL Over 450 people continue to work -- some around the clock -- to clean-up nearly 25,000 gallons of fuel oil that spilled into Pearl Harbor and a stream early Tuesday morning. An investigation by the Coast Guard has determined that the oil spilled through a one-inch hole in a pipe that had corroded. "The pipe is protected with an external wrap," Chevron spokesman Rick Roberts said. "When we dug up the pipe and looked at it we found that the wrap had been damaged. That's what caused the corrosion." Roberts said that Chevron had been following the standard maintenance guidelines set by the Department of Transportation, which requires regular inspections. "Up until Tuesday we thought that those procedures were adequate to insure that we would not have a leak," Roberts said. "It's obvious now that those are not adequate." He said that the company had initially suspected the spill was caused by corrosion. The Arizona Memorial, meanwhile, is still closed. As clean-up efforts are concentrating specifically on the area off the visitor's center, officials are hoping the popular landmark will reopen by this weekend. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: MAHALO, HAWAIIAN AIRLINES TEAM UP FOR MOLOKAI Although they're competitors on other Hawai`i routes, two interisland airlines this week announced a partnership that they say will benefit both them and their customers. Under the agreement, people who are flying to Moloka`i and book their trips through Hawaiian Airlines will have the option of traveling on a Mahalo Airlines flight. It allows Hawaiian to maintain it's single, 140 passenger morning DC-9 flight to the island, but also give customers an opportunity to take one of five turboprop flights on Mahalo. Hawaiian Airlines had hoped to expand its service to Moloka`i, company officials say, but it was not economically feasible given their fleet of larger jet airliners. The companies would split the profits from the code- sharing deal. Hawaiian Airlines pilots last year were concerned that a deal would cut into their flight hours, but the union agreed after they were guaranteed their work would not be reduced. Frequent Flier miles on American Airlines, partner airline to Hawaiian, will not accumulate on Mahalo trips. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: ISLANDS MAY SEE PRO V-BALL LEAGUE NEXT YEAR Sparked in part by this year's unprecedented fan support of the UH Men's volleyball team -- which set national attendance records during games held at the Special Events Arena in Manoa -- a professional league formed jointly between Hawai`i and California may be formed by December 1997. As currently envisioned, the "Long Beach Hawai`i Spikers" will play half their games in California and half at UH-Manoa. Mike Ohara, part owner of the fledgling franchise, said that they originally hoped to have the league ready to play by the end of this summer. The distraction of the upcoming Olympic games in Atlanta and its hold on likely sponsors, however, have set back the Spikers' plans a year. Even so, Ohara is confident things will come together. "The support of the Hawaii sports fans is there," Ohara told KHON-TV 2. "It's obvious that that's one of the places to be." One wrinkle yet to be ironed out is arranging the use of the UH Special Events Arena for the league's games. Securing the facility will be complicated by the fact that three UH sports will be in season at the same time. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: TEAM TO SEEK FOUR OHA TRUSTEE SEATS Representing each of the four major islands, a team of four Native Hawaiians announced this week that they will be running for the four seats up for election this year on the Office of Hawaiian Affairs board of trustees. Haunani Apoliona of Honolulu-based Alu Like, Inc., Colette Machado of Moloka`i, Kaua`i lawyer Warren Perry and Hannah Springer of the Big Island are hoping that they can bring a more cooperative atmosphere to OHA. The candidates say OHA has been distracted by in-fighting and has lost the confidence of many Hawaiians. The four trustees whose terms are up this year are Moanikeala Akaka, Kinau Kamali`i, Samuel Kealoha Jr. and Moses Keale Sr. Apolioni is seeking the at-large seat, and his team-members hope to represent their respective islands. Among their priorities, they said, are issues involving Hawaiian youth and voter participation of OHA members. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: BITS AND PIECES SIDEWALK cafes won't be seen in Hawai`i any time soon, with the city's rejection of a proposal to allow them on public sidewalks and in shopping malls. The City Council Zoning Committee voted Wednesday to kill the proposal, a decision supported in part by the state Department of Land Utilization. Councilmembers said they were reluctant to allow food merchants to move onto sidewalks and yards, partly because of the city's recent battle with Waikiki T-shirt vendors... JAMIE Lee Veal Jr., 18, was charged this week for the Saturday morning stabbing death of 18-year-old Hansen Kaawa at Nanakuli Beach Park. Kaawa was stabbed in the chest during a fight at a party at the park reportedly attended by several hundred people. Veal was arrested after coming forward to make a statement to police. Detectives say Veal claims he was defending himself when the knifing occurred. Police believe they've recovered the pocket knife used in the stabbing... MILITARY construction projects in Hawai`i got $20 million more from congress than the Pentagon originally asked for. Rep. Neil Abercrombie said this week that a total of $163 million has been set aside for military construction in 1997. The money will go in part to building and improving quarters at Pearl Harbor Naval Station, Pearl Harbor Submarine Station and the Marine Corps base in Kaneohe. A SEAL facility will also be built on Ford Island... SUMMER fare-wars are under way between U.S. airlines. United Airlines announced on Wednesday that it will cut the rates on some of its Hawai`i- Mainland routes by up to 45 percent. Flights to California are not included, since those routes were discounted last month. Tickets bought before May 28 for travel between May 29 and Oct. 8 are priced at $559 to New York and Boston, $543 to Denver and $647 to Chicago... -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: KA `UPENA ALMANAC TEMPS: O`ahu 90/74, Kaua`i 84/72, Moloka`i 86/70, Maui 86/72, Hilo 86/72 CASTS: Mostly sunny, trades to 20MPH; North Shore surf to 4 or 5 feet. SATURDAY'S TIDES: High 5:10 p.m.; Low 9:47 a.m.

<> ----------[ K A ` U P E N A K U K U I ]---------- <> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Net of Light Thursday, April 16, 1996 Hawai`i News -- Internet Edition Compiled by Ryan K. Ozawa ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Summarized from various island news sources, including independent interviews and research, radio and television broadcasts and local papers. No material is duplicated directly unless otherwise attributed. Intended for personal use only -- please obtain permission from author before redistributing. Aloha! ============================================================================= Subject: ARIZONA REMAINS CLOSED AS CLEAN-UP CONTINUES The Arizona Memorial lost another $6,000 in souvenir sales today as an oil spill in Pearl Harbor forced operators to keep it closed a second full day. The memorial had to shut down Tuesday morning when fumes from the spill overwhelmed staff and visitors. As there is no cost for admission, sales at the visitors' center bookstore generates much of the revenue to run the facility. On an average day during this time of the year, park officials say, 3,000 people would visit the memorial. Instead, bus-loads of tourists were again turned away at the door. The clean-up effort has been nearly non-stop since the spill, and Navy officials say there are 6 teams dedicated to walk the beaches to determine the impact on the shoreline. Meanwhile, helicopter spotters continue to guide seven vessels in the harbor to contain and remove the oil. So far, about 1,800 barrels of oil-polluted water have been collected, but oil accounts for only 15 percent of the mix. Chevron Corp. has committed to cover the estimated million-dollar cost of the clean-up effort. "We're going to make things right," Chevron Spokesman Dave Young said. Young also said the size of the spill is closer to the upper end of their original estimates -- about 600 barrels, or 25,000 gallons of fuel oil. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: CONVICTED MURDERER CITES ILLNESS, FREED 47-year-old Russell Cullen, convicted earlier this year of murdering Carolina Ching three years ago, was ordered released from prison yesterday until his appeal can be heard by the Hawaii Supreme Court. Circuit Court Judge Dexter DelRosario placed Cullen under house arrest after his attorney, Myles Breiner, told DelRosario that Cullen was battling cancer and has shown early signs of leukemia. Breiner said Cullen could have less than six months to live. Prosecutors argued against freeing Cullen, saying that his medical condition didn't make him any less dangerous. Although the conviction called for life in prison, the judge opted to release Cullen. Cullen's wife, Loretta, said she can't wait until he can come home -- his freedom coming as soon as Monday. "We'll be celebrating my son's graduation from UH, which he couldn't attend," Loretta Cullen said. Ching's murder in November of 1993 took place in the Kukui Plaza in downtown Honolulu, during which a pickup truck fell from an upper level of a parking garage. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: REMAINING RESCUED CATS PUT TO SLEEP The last of the cats seized earlier this year from a Nu`uanu residence have been euthanized this week by the Hawai`i Humane Society. Of the 191 cats kept by the society, 57 were adopted. The society had taken the cats from "cruel" and "unsanitary" conditions at the home of 64-year-old Frances Hloboky in February. Hloboky had kept most of the cats in airline crates, some stacked three high and not regularly cleaned. 15 cats had to be put to sleep immediately because of serious medical problems. Hloboky was found guilty of cruelty to animals in March. Pamela Burns, a spokeswoman for the Humane Society, said that they did everything the could to find homes for the cats, but their health problems made it difficult. "These cats were given far beyond what is the typical opportunity to be made available for adoption because of the very sad history that they came from," Burns said. Hloboky's cats were kept for eight weeks, while most cats have only two to nine days to be adopted or claimed, she said. The cost of caring for Hloboky's cats alone is estimated at $60,000. "The community had a full opportunity to come forward," Burns said. The euthanization of the cats began May 1. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: TWO HAWAII OFFICERS HONORED IN D.C. President Clinton yesterday recognized 83 police officers who were killed in the line of duty. Among those whose names are now engraved at the National Peace Officer's Memorial were Honolulu police officers Tate Kahakai, 34, and 31-year-old Bryant Bayne. Kahakai and Bayne died last July in a helicopter crash in Hau`ula. The two volunteered to ride in a basket suspended from a Fire Department helicopter during a search for missing hiker Wade Johnson. The crash also killed rescue pilot Peter Crown. Johnson was never found. "Thanks," Clinton said, "to you and those whom we honor today for their ultimate sacrifice." Bayne's widow was present at the ceremony, and when her late husband's name was called, she placed a red carnation at the top of the star-shaped wreath placed at the memorial. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: BITS AND PIECES SUNDAY is the last day for Hawai`i residents to register with the bone marrow registry. Alana Dung, who will turn two years old that day, has yet to find a match. So far, 23,000 people have come forward, and 15,000 samples have been tested. Dung underwent her last round of chemotherapy on Tuesday, and her father Stephen says her appetite has returned since. "Yesterday she ate two bowls of poi," he said. The drive will take place at Blaisdell Center from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Over 42 local musical groups are scheduled to perform... DELIA Perez, 44, is serving a year in prison for welfare fraud, a penalty considered tougher than usual. Also known as Evelia Contreas, Perez lived on the Big Island and used two names to conceal that she was working. She got $26,000 in welfare money on top of pay and benefits from her job. She was extradited to Hawaii and sentenced last month. Now, Perez faces possible deportation to Mexico. State department officials hope the jail sentence sends a message to those who think it's easy to scam the system... AFTER a five-year battle, a group of Lanai residents are celebrating a victory in protecting the small island's limited water supply. The Lanai Company, which built the Manele Bay Golf Course, was prohibited from using water from the island's sole well by the state water commission. The company used the water during construction anyway. Today, the Lanai Company was fined an unspecified amount for violating the state's cease and desist order... PHONING home will be a little easier for Japanese visitors with the upcoming installation of 1,000 bilingual pay phones around the state. The phones, which feature a digital display that shows either English or Japanese characters, are already installed at several high-traffic locations including Honolulu International Airport. They can also directly process credit and calling cards... CONSTRUCTION of a subdivision in Ewa came to a screeching halt yesterday when workers unearthed what appeared to be explosive shells. Police and military experts investigated, and found 16 dummy 90-millimeter shells buried around the Gentry Housing Development Co. work site. Military officials still have no idea how they got there... RISING fuel prices over the last four months have reached the transportation industry. Matson Navigation Co. announced today that it will raise its cargo Hawai`i rates by 1.1% as of June 16... -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: KA `UPENA ALMANAC TEMPS: O`ahu 86/72, Kaua`i 83/71, Moloka`i 85/69, Maui 85/74, Hilo 86/72 CASTS: Morning showers,, hot and humid; Surf to 3 feet on all shores. FRIDAY'S TIDES: High 4:34 p.m.; Low 9:16 a.m.

<> ----------[ K A ` U P E N A K U K U I ]---------- <> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Net of Light Wednesday, April 15, 1996 Hawai`i News -- Internet Edition Compiled by Ryan K. Ozawa ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Summarized from various island news sources, including independent interviews and research, radio and television broadcasts and local papers. No material is duplicated directly unless otherwise attributed. Intended for personal use only -- please obtain permission from author before redistributing. Aloha! ============================================================================= Subject: NEIGHBORHOOD BOARDS WARY OF LAWSUITS The Honolulu City Council is considering a resolution that would protect the volunteer members of various neighborhood boards on O`ahu from lawsuits. The move comes after a $57,000 lawsuit settlement was granted last week to the former tenant of a Manoa business lot. The suit named the nine members of the Manoa Neighborhood Board at the time of the dispute, in which the tenant claims the board went too far in allegedly favoring another business hoping to take its place. Two of the former board members are reportedly splitting a $37,000 balance left after the city pays $20,000, a revelation that has shaken the members of the more than 440 neighborhood boards in Honolulu. City officials say concerned residents have been flooding their offices with questions. The city already has a policy of defending board members who are acting within their authority, said councilmember Jon Yoshimura -- the resolution presented earlier this week would turn that practice into law. Yoshimura said that the Manoa dispute was unusual in that it is hard to draw the line as to whether the board members involved were acting within their official capacity with the neighborhood board. Mayor Jeremy Harris yesterday urged the City Council to act swiftly on the resolution, which Yoshimura and other councilmembers say will most likely pass. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: KANEOHE TEACHER SENTENCED IN MOLESTATION CASE Lawrence Norton, a 56-year-old former fourth-grade teacher at Mokapu Elementary School, was sentenced on Monday to serve a year in prison for molesting a 10-year-old student at the school in January of last year. He will begin serving his sentence today. Norton's attorney, Clifford Hunt, asked Circuit Court Judge Sandra Simms to spare his client a jail term and allow Norton to continue his therapy. Hunt said Norton was clinically diagnosed as a pedophile. Simms ordered Norton to participate in the prison's sex offender program and allowed him to continue his therapy behind prison walls. As a condition of Norton's probation, Simms also ordered that he not have any contact with young children without the approval of state probation officials. "I'm sorry," Norton said in court, saying that he wanted to apologize to the girl, and "others in the past I caused pain to." Norton still faces additional charges that he molested two other students at the school between 1993 and 1995, to which he pleaded not guilty earlier this year. His trial date for those charges is set for July. Norton was fired by the Department of Education last year. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: HARRIS, BAINUM DEBATE FIREFIGHTER RAISES Although it has been decided that Oahu's firefighters will get the 7.2 percent pay raise granted them earlier this year by a state arbitration panel, there's now debate as to where the money will come from. The raise would be granted over two years -- 4.2 percent in 1996, and 3 percent in 1997. In all, it will cost the city an additional $4 million. City Council Budget Director Duke Bainum said this week that the committee will recommend that the first year of the raise be paid for by cutting city department budgets. Mayor Jeremy Harris, however, maintains that they can be covered with an estimated $15 million budget surplus built by reducing the city's contributions to its Employee Retirement System. "We have already cut the budget sufficiently to finance this award," Harris said. Kaua`i and Hawai`i County officials have also resolved to find a way to grant the raise. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: SOVEREIGNTY ADVOCATES TAKE MESSAGE ON THE ROAD In New York, Philadelphia, Boston and Washington D.C., the message will be the same: Not everyone finds Hawai`i a paradise and a perfect home. Ku`umealoha Gomes and Rev. Kaleo Patterson -- longtime supporters of the Hawaiian sovereignty movement -- will be leaving for the Mainland next week to help other U.S. citizens hear the "Voices of Sovereignty." Patterson said he wants to dispel the myth that everyone in Hawai`i is happy and healthy, and show Americans that Hawaii's indigenous population suffer from the worst socioeconomic conditions of any group in the islands. Gomes said his focus will be to educate the public on the illegal annexation of Hawai`i to the U.S. in 1898, and the slow progress in getting the federal government to redress its wrongs. Also on the agenda, the upcoming Native Hawaiian Vote and the evictions of Native Hawaiians off sacred lands. The tour will span from May 21 to June 1, and is backed by the American Friends Service Committee and the homeland ministries board of the United Church of Christ. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: BITS AND PIECES OVER 23,000 island residents have answered the plea for Alana Dung, who turns two years old on Sunday, but the young leukemia patient has yet to find a match for a bone-marrow donor who could save her life. Now finished with chemotherapy, Dung is resting at home and her family is hoping for a match before her pre-scheduled transplant operation in Seattle comes in June. A donor drive has been called June 9 - 13 in Anaheim, California, and more are expected in other cities from New York, Portland and Vancouver, Canada... SATELLITE television is finally available in Hawai`i -- but only on the Big Island. Digital Satellite Television Co. of Hawai`i, based in Hilo, opened this week. Its owner, John Leonard, predicts that residents of the many rural neighborhoods on the island -- for whom television signals are too weak and cable television lines may never come -- will be his first customers. Leonard says he hopes to expand to the other islands in the future... PONO, one of two false killer whales who called Sea Life Park home, died last Friday after a long battle with an infection. Said to be about 14 years old, Pono was a star performer at the park, located near Waimanalo. Trainers say the 12-foot rare whale performed for half a million visitors each year. Pono's mate, Maluhia, was present yesterday for a memorial service held at the park's "Whaler's Cove" tank... KALAPANA was devastated by lava in May of 1990, but residents managed to save the area's historic Roman Catholic "Painted Church." This week, after six years of sitting off Highway 130 on the Big Island, the landmark was moved upslope about 600 yards to a site volunteers hope will be its final home. It will serve as the centerpiece of a Hawaiian cultural center being developed by community members... REMEMBER, Ka `Upena is also available at several sites on the web, including http://www.aloha.net/~prophet/kaupena.html -- the Hawaii NewsList home port. Share this free service with a friend, and help other homesick islanders keep in touch! Also, new e-mail addresses for contacting the NewsList are now available: islenews@aloha.net, and islenews@hawaii.edu (effective May 20)... NOTE: Friday's edition of Ka `Upena will be published late Sunday, due to prior committments at work for this weekend. I apologize in advance for any inconvenience this may cause... -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: KA `UPENA ALMANAC TEMPS: O`ahu 88/70, Kaua`i 82/70, Moloka`i 85/68, Maui 86/72, Hilo 87/73 CASTS: Sunny, cool trades to 20MPH; surf to 4 feet on most shores. THURSDAY'S TIDES: High 3:57 p.m.; Low 8:46 a.m.

<> ----------[ K A ` U P E N A K U K U I ]---------- <> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Net of Light Tuesday, April 14, 1996 Hawai`i News -- Internet Edition Compiled by Ryan K. Ozawa ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Summarized from various island news sources, including independent interviews and research, radio and television broadcasts and local papers. No material is duplicated directly unless otherwise attributed. Intended for personal use only -- please obtain permission from author before redistributing. Aloha! ============================================================================= Subject: CHEVRON SPILL CLOSES ARIZONA MEMORIAL Up to 600 barrels of oil spilled into Pearl Harbor today after an 8-inch fuel line for Hawaiian Electric Co. in Waiau developed a leak just after midnight. Although a computerized detection system shut down the line at about 1:30 a.m., the heavy black oil had already reached a nearby stream and the East Loch of Pearl Harbor. By dawn, the oil had moved around Ford Island and the north side of the Arizona Memorial. State and military environmental crews immediately dispatched booms to contain the spill, placing several across the stream mouth and around the Arizona Memorial. Despite being unable to shuttle tourists by ferry to the memorial itself, parks officials hoped to keep the visitors' center open. However, the strong smell of the spill prompted a full shutdown shortly after 10:30 a.m. "We sent our employees home because of concerns over health risks," said Kathy Billings, director of memorial operations. Tour buses and taxis were turned away by the dozens today, and Billings said it was the first time in history an oil spill forced the Arizona Memorial to close. "Tomorrow, boats will definitely not be running out to the memorial," she said, adding that she hoped they would be able to open the visitors' center and movie theaters. The memorial was checked for structural damage, Billings said, but effects of the spill will be hard to determine until all the oil is removed. "Most of it is contained," she said, "but there's more oil than normal around the ship." The sunken vessel normally leaks small amounts of trapped oil. Environmental damage is yet to be assessed, but state Department of Health officials say there's little danger to people. The size of the spill is still unknown, but a 600-barrel spill would equal about 30,000 gallons. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: COUNCIL MOVES TO BAN FLYING ADVERTISERS The Honolulu Council today unanimously approved an ordinance today that would strengthen existing county laws that ban aerial and billboard advertising. The move comes after the appearance last month of a lighted scrolling sign carried by helicopter in the night sky over Waikiki. "If we let people get around the ban by taking it up in the air," said councilmember Jon Yoshimura, "We will be immeasurably hurt." Carolyn Heinrich, representing the environmental group Outdoor Circle, told the council that the group was formed over 80 years ago specifically to fight "billboards and other unsightly advertising." The company, SkySigns International, has already received one citation from the city, but SkySigns officials said today they will keep flying and will fight the issue in court if necessary. SkySigns claims that the airspace they advertise in is the jurisdiction of the federal government, and thus exempt from state and county laws. However UH Law Professor Jon Van Dyke told the council today that FAA regulations -- which address safety -- do not supersede those of the city. "This ordinance that [the council passed] doesn't cover safety," Dyke said, "It's based on the aesthetic impact of advertising on our beautiful community." -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: COUNCIL MOVES TO BAN FLYING ADVERTISERS Five St. Louis School students this weekend took top honors at a national science competition for building a solar-powered kayak. "When they announced our names, we paused for like ten seconds," Marvin Kawabata, one of the design team members, said today. "I didn't realize that we won." The team, all students of St. Louis instructor Tom O'Connor, were given "the Nobel Prize of high-school science" at the 47th annual International Science and Engineering Fair in Arizona. Their recognition earned them $8,500 in award money and an all-expense paid trip to Helsinki, Finland in September as the only American representatives in a prominent science contest there. Kawabata, Yvonne Baryzynski, David Matsumoto, Trevor Smith and Christopher To designed their kayak with computer rendering software. It is still being carved into reality out of foam and other synthetic materials. "I told them they'd have to launch it in the Ala Wai," O`Connor said, "to give them motivation to keep from sinking." -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: BITS AND PIECES DESPITE claims of residents and environmental groups, the Environmental Protection Agency has found the state's geothermal energy venture in Puna on the Big Island to be safe. The EPA report issued today identified some problems in other areas, but concluded that the project operated in a manner "safe to human health and the environment." The geothermal plant currently provides a quarter of the energy used by Hawai`i County residents... TERRANCE Tom, chair of the state House Judiciary Committee, is in Washington D.C. today to brief U.S. lawmakers on Hawaii's same-sex marriage debate. Tom will speak before the House Subcommittee on the Constitution at a hearing to be held tomorrow. The invitation was prompted by a bill introduced last week to outlaw gay unions at the federal level. A lawsuit challenging Hawaii's ban, filed in 1991, is scheduled to go to trial on Sept. 10... CHINESE restaurants do take-out -- some still deliver -- but the owner of the Chinese Kitchen eatery in Nu`uanu is pretty sure he doesn't do drive-thru. David Lam was opening for business this morning when a freak accident put a Honda through his storefront. Witnesses say the woman driver, who wasn't hurt in the incident, probably hit the gas pedal instead of the brakes... AMERICA'S newest B-2 stealth bomber -- the "Spirit of Hawaii" -- will be dedicated on May 27. The ninth such bomber to be named after a state, the Spirit of Hawaii's first deployment will be to Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri to be put on public display. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye will preside at the naming ceremony... NATIONAL Kids Day was celebrated locally with hundreds of volunteers selling special edition newspapers on Honolulu streets. Celebrities and parents alike dodged traffic and braved the heat all day today to peddle the $1 papers. Proceeds will go towards Parents and Children Working Together (PACT), a coalition of 19 programs dedicated to strengthen families... -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: ISLAND WEB WATCH http://www.lava.net/~macpro/HIRadioTVhomepage.html Thanks to the internet, music-loving island residents can say "thanks, but no thanks" to Arbitron -- the media auditing company that determines ratings for radio stations worldwide. The Hawaii Radio & Television Guide (as seen on the Hawaii NewsList) is conducting the first listener's poll to find Hawaii's favorite radio station. A forms-capable browser like Netscape 2.0 is recommended. The last day to vote is May 15... -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: KA `UPENA ALMANAC TEMPS: O`ahu 89/71, Kaua`i 83/70, Moloka`i 85/67, Maui 85/70, Hilo 86/70 CASTS: Sunny and hot, trades under 20 m.p.h. Surf under 3 feet islandwide. WEDNESDAY'S TIDES: High 3:22 p.m.; Low 8:16 a.m.

<> ----------[ K A ` U P E N A K U K U I ]---------- <> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Net of Light Monday, May 13, 1996 Hawai`i News -- Internet Edition Compiled by Ryan K. Ozawa ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Summarized from various island news sources, including independent interviews and research, radio and television broadcasts and local papers. No material is duplicated directly unless otherwise attributed. Intended for personal use only -- please obtain permission from author before redistributing. Aloha! ============================================================================= Subject: MARINE BASE ORDERS STAND-DOWN ON MOTORCYCLES An accident last week in the Wilson Tunnel on the Likelike Highway has left a 24-year-old Kaneohe Marine in the hospital and prompted Kaneohe Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH) officials to call a stand-down for the 300 or so registered motorcycle owners who ride on base. Hawaii's motorcycle fatality rate in 1994 was the highest in the country, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway safety, and so far this year 24 people have been killed while traveling on two-wheels. In the stand-down, MCBH safety officials re- briefed motorcycle riders on basic safety (mostly a repeat of a safety course previously conducted at the base), and put out updated information on riding and traction. Riders were also reminded that they are required to wear helmets, gloves and vests while riding. Marine officials are also initiating their own investigation into last week's Likelike Highway accident. The Sunday morning crash was nearly fatal for the driver, who was wearing a helmet, who suffered injuries to his head and chest after losing control of his bike and struck the tunnel wall at least three times, police say. He remains in stable condition at Tripler Army Medical Center. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: AMNESIA VICTIM LIVES FIVE-HOUR LIFETIMES A patient at Castle Medical Center can't remember what happened on March 31, the day police found him face-down in the sand at Kailua Beach. He can't remember what happened this morning, either. Doctors are baffled, as the articulate but yet unidentified man has shown genius-level numbers in IQ tests while remaining completely incapable of remembering who he is. He says his name is William Charles D'Souza, his field is linguistics, and his specialty is Russian. Yet all those facts -- including the address, home town, social security and phone numbers he's given -- are wrong, doctors say. When he was first taken to the hospital, he had no visible injuries but tests found his brain was swollen. His speech slurred, he told doctors at the time that it was 1988 and his memory-span was mere minutes long. Though now he can retain five-hours of his day, he still doesn't know how he got to Hawaii. Memory specialists don't believe D'Souza is faking his illness, but cannot easily classify it. Symptoms of both dissociative (trauma induced) and pure amnesia are present, doctors say. D'Souza has begun taking constant notes to remember the details of his surroundings, which he reads every morning. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: BALDWIN GRADUATION PARTY TO BE MEMORIAL Frederick Alika Smith, 18, was going to graduate on May 31, along with his 17-year-old friend Tisen-Lorell Kamana Koga. Both were killed in a car accident on Saturday. Smith was driving -- perhaps speeding, police say -- towards Wailuku on Maui with passengers Koga, Wyatt Kaahanui and Jasmic Kala, both 17. Their car swerved on a curve on Kahului Beach Road, police say, flipping over a fence and a truck and landing in a industrial loading lot. Kaahanui was thrown from the vehicle but survived, and is in satisfactory condition at Maui Memorial Hospital. Kala was not seriously injured. Police say beer containers were found in the car, and suspect Smith was drinking before the accident occurred. Smith's mother, Laurie, had just sent out invitations to her son's graduation party on June 1. She said the room reservation will still be kept, but the gathering will be a memorial instead. At the accident site, fellow students have left a cap and gown, bouquets, leis, and farewell messages. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: BITS AND PIECES ONCE again, the UH Special Events Arena was packed, but instead of unstoppable volleyball spikes, yesterday there were diplomas being served. It was standing-room only in the 10,000-seat facility, and UH officials are saying this year's commencement exercises were probably the best attended in the school's history. Over 1,300 students received their undergraduate degrees, and another 500 graduate degrees were handed out... ST. LOUIS senior David Matsumoto, 16, was awarded the highest prize in the Sterling Scholar Awards, considered one of the largest statewide scholarship programs. Matsumoto, who hopes to attend Carnegie Mellon University and focus on computer science, will get $8,000 from the Sterling program and an additional $5,500 in other awards. Twelve other top high school students won scholarships in categories ranging from English and Science to Drama... SWIMMERS and surfers found more than sun and perfect waves at O`ahu beaches yesterday, as a flood of box jellyfish crowded near the island's south shores. Waikiki lifeguards treated over 300 people for stings, most of them tourists but a few of them seasoned surfers paddling far off-shore. Water safety officials say its the worst rash of stings in over a year... WASHINGTON resident Robert Kendall, 73, died yesterday after hitting rocks and reef while diving off Kailua-Kona. Kendall was about 20 yards off-shore with another Vancouver, Wash. visitor when he was injured shortly before 10 a.m. Both were swamped by large waves and tried to reach land, but Kendall apparently couldn't reach shore... -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: ISLAND WEB WATCH Is this a feature you'd like to occasionally see in Ka `Upena Kukui? As part of a separate newsletter? Your feedback is welcomed! http://planet-hawaii.com/hsec/ As the date for the Native Hawaiian Vote approaches, debate and interest is at an all-time high. In order to help native Hawaiians worldwide sort through this controversial vote, the Hawaii Sovereignty Elections Council this month introduced its web site. The registration deadline is July 15; forms are available at the site in Adobe Acrobat format. http://www.aloha.net/~kitten/Yuval/yuval.html Yuval Katz, a sophomore opposite for the UH men's volleyball team, was named "Player of the Year" today by the Ricoh Corporation. The company has been a heavy sponsor of intercollegiate sports. Katz had over 680 kills this season, and led his team in service aces. A web-site dedicated to his accomplishments can now be found at the Yuval Katz fan page, unveiled last week. http://www.hotspotshawaii.com/ The "local folks' web" is still thriving, though webmaster Robert Abbett will admit it was hard to find over the last week. The home of "Internet Radio Hawaii" and dwelling-place for many Hawaii NewsList publications, Hawaii's H4 had to move to another internet provider. The switch requires computers worldwide to recognize its new IP address at 204.151.148.2 (through LavaNet). TEMPS: O`ahu 88/70, Kaua`i 81/69, Moloka`i 85/68, Maui 85/69, Hilo 84/69 CASTS: Chance of showers, trades to 20MPH; North Shore surf to 6 feet. TUESDAY'S TIDES: High 2:46 p.m.; Low 9:17 p.m.

<> ----------[ K A ` U P E N A K U K U I ]---------- <> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Net of Light Tuesday, April 30, 1996 Hawai`i News -- Internet Edition Compiled by Ryan K. Ozawa ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Summarized from various island news sources, including independent interviews and research, radio and television broadcasts and local papers. No material is duplicated directly unless otherwise attributed. Intended for personal use only -- please obtain permission from author before redistributing. Aloha! ============================================================================= Subject: WAIPAHU HOSTAGE STANDOFF RESOLVED Police are still looking for two suspects after arresting three men today for allegedly breaking into a Waipahu Street home shortly after 3:30 a.m. and holding its residents at gun point. Police say 36-year-old Fred Kiyabu, Jr. and 33-year-old Thomas Manijo are possibly armed, and may have fled while the other three suspects were surrendering to police. HPD was called to the home this morning to investigate reports of a fight. The gunmen allegedly entered the home demanding money, and threatened the residents -- including a pregnant woman -- with weapons. Police and SWAT team officers converged on the house, and the road was blocked off at Kahuanui and Kahualena streets. At 6 a.m., the woman and an elderly couple were released unharmed. After more police arrived, the three suspects turned themselves in. In searching the home, police then found a firearm of one of the suspects, drugs and drug paraphernalia... and three other residents. Another elderly couple in their 80s and a 2-year-old girl -- also residents of the one-story home -- apparently slept through the ordeal. Robert Menor, a neighbor, said an extended family has lived there for 25 years, but the home has lately seen trouble with drug users. "I guess they had it coming," Menor said. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: CHICAGO OFFICER TAKES STAND James Boreczky, the 33-year-old Chicago police officer who was attacked last Monday on the North Shore, took the stand today in district court to face the men who put permanent scars on his face. "I was pleading with them, 'Please let me be,'" Boreczky said. "When I fell on the ground, they began to punch and kick me on both sides of my face." Boreczky was allegedly beaten by two North Shore men -- Darrell Ortiz and Rodney Balbirona -- and an unnamed 13- year-old boy while waiting for a bus to take him to the airport. The pair face charges of first degree robbery for the early morning attack, which left Boreczky with a broken nose, jaw and eye sockets. Yesterday, the 13-year-old testified that he and the two men were just out for a bike ride when they saw the opportunity to rob someone. The child said he took $100 of the $400 total taken from Boreczky. In exchange for his testimony, the boy got a 4th degree robbery charge but escaped any time in the state youth correctional facility. While Boreczky recovers, visitor industry executives have put him up in the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel's presidential suite. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: HARRIS WANTS TO MAINTAIN BUDGET Through reducing the city's contributions to its employee retirement system, Honolulu Mayor Jeremy Harris today said there is no need to cut any more of his proposed budget. "There is no need to cut into city services -- to penalize the general public," Harris said. "The shortfalls that were anticipated did not come to pass." Harris said the reduction in the retirement system has created a $14 million surplus. The mayor's comments come while city council members continue to peck away at the city budget he proposed earlier this month. Harris maintains that there is enough money to let it stand. "I respectfully disagree," said Councilman John Henry Felix. "We have an obligation to reduce the size of government." Felix said that if there is $14 million left over, it should go to grant Honolulu firefighters the 7.2 percent raise granted to the statewide firefighters' union earlier this year. That raise was recently upheld by a judge, despite protests from most Hawai`i counties that they could not afford to cover it. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: GOVERNOR LEVIES GRADE ON LEGISLATIVE SESSION Governor Ben Cayetano today said that after tallying the wins and losses of this year's legislative session, lawmakers' efforts were at best mediocre. Cayetano cited several bills that died without action when the House and Senate closed up yesterday, saying legislative inaction was "a major disappointment." Cayetano also said that legislative posturing cost the state House and Senate much of its potential. "They defer heavily to chairs," he said at a press conference today. "They don't create the political pressure that's needed to move some of these bills." Cayetano pointed to Sen. Milton Holt's stronghold on the no-fault insurance reform bill as an example. Even so, Cayetano also highlighted the passage of several important measures, including the approval of a land-swap with Campbell Estate to build the UH- West O`ahu campus in Kapolei. "This is a major advance for the University of Hawaii in being able to deliver education in Hawaii, and also to service areas outside of Hawai`i including the Pacific rim." -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: PALACE CHECKED BY FOUR-FOOTED FRIEND When strange squeaks began to be heard at the 114-year-old Iolani Palace, caretakers knew it was coming from behind its antiquated wooden walls and famous koa-wood floors. Short on money, they still think they've found the best inspector in town -- a dog. Called the TADD dog, the canine is especially trained to sniff out termites. "We've identified a number of infestations," said its trainer, Anita King. "Unfortunately, there's been plenty of opportunity here." Palace officials say the dog can discriminate between ground or wood termites, and that the problem plaguing the 104-room palace is the former. Jean Stevens of Friends of Iolani Palace said the state couldn't afford to eradicate the termites, and so the non-profit group will step in to cover the estimated $8,000 cost. By using the dog, Stevens said, eradication treatments will have to be done only on infested areas rather than tenting the entire palace. Tent fumigation at the Palace would be an overwhelming undertaking, Stevens said, last done in 1969. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: BITS AND PIECES JAPAN Airlines may be flying direct from Japan to Kona as early as Friday. Progress in negotiations between Japanese and U.S. regulators led to the announcement today by Big Island Mayor Stephen Yamashiro. Yamashiro said that in return for opening the Japan-Kona route, worth $100 million to the isle economy, United Airlines will be able to fly between Japan and Korea... LAZY and careless parents beware: Honolulu police announced today that as of June 1, they will intensify the enforcement of laws requiring the use of child restraint seats. Drivers stopped with improperly restrained children will be fined $82. In order to help out, the Department of Health will be inspecting child seats free of charge on Saturday... PULLING a 15-year-old skateboarding friend behind her parents' car on Friday, a Waimea girl ended up running over him. Police have charged the girl on three traffic charges, while the boy was treated and released for a broken foot and a fractured skull at Kona Community Hospital. The girl took the car without permission, and apparently fled after the incident... ELIZABETH Savage was arrested twice in February for theft -- once for luggage and clothing, and once for a cordless phone -- while serving as a police officer. Savage resigned from HPD last month. She has turned up in police logs again, however -- arrested April 7 for allegedly stealing a bag from a car. Police say it didn't take long to pick Savage as a suspect... SINCE the plight of 23-month-old Alana Dung captured the hearts of islanders, more than 11,000 people have stepped forward to register as potential bone marrow donors in the last week and a half. So far, there's no match. The Hawaii Bone Marrow Donor Registry isn't giving up, however, with the next drive scheduled for UH-Manoa's Campus Center at 11 a.m. tomorrow... CLAIMING that Honolulu lawyer Thomas Foley was drinking while conducting business on Jan. 4 before allegedly causing a fatal car crash, the family of 33-year-old victim Ho Pin Tsai yesterday filed suit against the three drinking establishments he stopped at and Foley's former law firm. Foley is still awaiting trail in his first-degree homicide trial... TEMPS: O`ahu 87/73, Kaua`i 80/71, Moloka`i 82/69, Maui 84/69, Hilo 81/70 CASTS: Scattered showers, trades to 20MPH; North Shore surf to 4 feet. WEDNESDAY'S TIDES: High 3:14 p.m.; Low 8:26 a.m.

<> ----------[ K A ` U P E N A K U K U I ]---------- <> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Net of Light Monday, April 29, 1996 Hawai`i News -- Internet Edition Compiled by Ryan K. Ozawa ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Summarized from various island news sources, including independent interviews and research, radio and television broadcasts and local papers. No material is duplicated directly unless otherwise attributed. Intended for personal use only -- please obtain permission from author before redistributing. Aloha! ============================================================================= Subject: CAYETANO BOOTS VENDORS FROM LANDMARKS Citing similar precedents in federal laws, Gov. Ben Cayetano has approved rules aimed at getting T-shirt, souvenir and snack vendors out of Honolulu's most popular state parks. Signed Friday, the rules should go into effect within the next two weeks. Over the last several months, several vendors have been setting up tables at Diamond Head, the Pali Lookout and the Blowhole. At Diamond Head, tables selling juice, mock certificates and other gifts spread from the trail entrance inside the crater all the way up to the concrete bunkers at the landmark's peak. The groups, claiming status as non-profit religious groups, have maintained that their right to be there is protected under the First Amendment. Citizen and environmental groups, however, have call the vendors' arrangement an eyesore, and altercations with native Hawaiian groups have also been claimed. "The vendors degrade our most famous landmark," Cayetano said yesterday. The new rules will allow the groups to sell or give away literature, thus likely to satisfy the freedom of expression argument. Selling other merchandise, however, will be banned. State officials expect the move to at least temporarily get the vendors out, until some sort of legal challenge is filed. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: BILLS MOURNED, PASSED ON LAST DAY A flood of nearly 200 bills -- routed, read and signed by lawmakers in a frenzy of paperwork during the last week -- are expected to be passed today. The bills that won't be passed, however, are what's on most residents' minds. Among they key issues of this, the 18th session of the state legislature, were same-sex marriage, legalized gambling, no-fault auto insurance reform, repealing the insurance premium tax and eliminating lawmakers' job perks. Although debates over these bills earned headlines for the last few months, all of the measures died in conference committees on Friday. Some Republican lawmakers say they're disappointed in this year's output, and blame key Democratic representatives. House and Senate democrats, however, are pointing to other missing measures -- like those that would increase income or excise taxes -- as reasons for claiming success. Among the bills that will make it to the floor of the House and Senate today include a payroll lag for state workers, a delay in paychecks for state workers expected to save over $45 million. Another would reduce the liability of outer-island county governments in beach accident lawsuits, and a land-swap with Campbell Estate in order to build UH-West O`ahu near Makakilo. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: HAWAI`I LAST TO SEE REAL ESTATE REBOUND Honolulu saw a 30 percent decrease in the number of home re-sales last year, and mixed with state and county budget cuts and slow construction, it was the only one of 52 metropolitan regions nationwide that didn't see signs of recovery. According to the first annual review by the Washington-based Urban Land Institute, Honolulu's outlook is not an overly bright one. However, ULI sees an increasing demand for housing, crediting it to new office-space being brought to Downtown and as many as 1,500 new homes being put on the market each year. Consumer confidence, although still down, can be countered with low interest rates and stabilizing prices, the report says. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: BITS AND PIECES SUSPECTED of beating a Chicago police officer on the North Shore last week, two of the three men arrested in the case have pled not guilty to police charges. Rodney Balbirona, 18, and Darrell Ortiz, 22, were reportedly picked out of a police lineup by 33-year-old James Boreczky, who may testify in a preliminary hearing for the two men tomorrow... STEWART D. Waterhouse, known locally for his unsuccessful 1990 bid for the state House, was the same man who surrendered to the FBI this past weekend after being holed up in the Freeman compound in Montana. Waterhouse, 37, had hoped to represent South Hilo, and was remembered for his "unorthodox" anti- abortion, environmentalist legislative campaign... BUYER beware, but seller moreso -- at least in Japan. The Japanese government has announced a crackdown on Japan-based tour operators who don't give customers the Hawai`i vacation they promise. Although it won't cover a bad meal, Japanese travelers could be compensated 5 percent of the total tour package cost if the operator switches or changes their travel plans... CAROLYN Shumway, former island music teacher and currently the wife of BYU- Hawai`i President Eric Shumway, was selected last week as National Mother of the Year. A mother of seven, the 56-year-old Shumway was recognized this weekend by Mother's Day sponsors American Mothers, Inc. in Nebraska. Shumway credited God, unswerving dedication to family and a frugal way of life... HAWAI`I has the highest number of state employees per capita, with nearly 442 workers for every 10,000 isle residents on the books as of 1993. According to the Census Bureau, even if school, health and transportation employees are culled out, Hawai`i takes ninth. State officials point to major layoffs and position cuts in the last two years, calling the figures outdated... WAIKIKI regulars are continuing to question the wisdom in the city's plan to build a new restroom at Queen's Beach rather than repairing the current one. City officials estimate the new facility will cost nearly $1 million, having already torn down the old bathhouse for the two-structure replacement featuring toilets, storage, a kitchen and a snack bar... STARTING the summer of 1997, the School of Social Work from the University of Hawaii at Manoa will offer a masters degree at UH-Hilo. Faculty from O`ahu will fly twice weekly to teach approximately three courses each semester on the Big Island. Admission requirements and curriculum for the satellite program are yet to be determined... WEB fanatics take note! I'm considering setting up a conference room at the upstart "Webchat Broadcasting System" site at http://www.irsociety.com for kama`aina at heart to socialize in real-time. A quick modem and Netscape 2.0 would be required. If you're interested, let me know, and I'll get it together and put the word out... TEMPS: O`ahu 89/73, Kaua`i 83/71, Moloka`i 84/71, Maui 86/70, Hilo 82/69 CASTS: Warm, some rain, gusty trades. North Shore surf to 8 feet. TUESDAY'S TIDES: High 2:40 p.m.; Low 7:57 a.m.

<> ----------[ K A ` U P E N A K U K U I ]---------- <> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Net of Light Friday, April 16, 1996 Hawai`i News -- Internet Edition Compiled by Ryan K. Ozawa ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Summarized from various island news sources, including independent interviews and research, radio and television broadcasts and local papers. No material is duplicated directly unless otherwise attributed. Intended for personal use only -- please obtain permission from author before redistributing. Aloha! ============================================================================= Subject: QUARANTINE MAY BE SHORTENED Compassion for Phydeaux may no longer have to be the one thing keeping isle lovers from moving to Hawai`i. The state Board of Agriculture yesterday announced that it is considering a plan to cut the mandatory 120 day animal quarantine to 30, and cut the cost of care at the quarantine center by nearly one half. Behind the possible change of heart are recent advancements in blood antibody test technology, and a review of the system Gov. Ben Cayetano called earlier this year. Under the new plan, pets would get two rabies vaccinations followed by an antibody test before leaving for Hawai`i -- from 3 months to one year in advance. Upon arrival in the islands, another antibody test would be administered. The pet would then be kept in the Halawa Quarantine Station for 30 days before getting a "provisional release," required to be tested by a veterinarian each month for the next three months. In order to protect against Spot switcheroos, pets would receive microchip implants that would verify the pet landing in Hawai`i is the same pet that was treated and inspected out-of-state. Earlier this year, Cayetano proposed a plan that would have shortened the quarantine stay for guide dogs. While planning and public hearings are held on overhauling the overall arrangement, Cayetano may be given the power to grant exemptions for pets whose services are vital to disabled people. If Cayetano approves the Agriculture Board's proposal, it may take 6 or more months to fully implement. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: OHA CHALLENGED ON CONSTITUTIONAL GROUNDS A Big Island rancher has filed a federal lawsuit claiming that behind the Office of Hawaiian Affairs -- established to establish and oversee programs for people of Hawaiian ancestry -- is an administration whose basis violates the U.S. and Hawaii's constitution and federal laws. Harold Rice, who notes in the complaint that he is Caucasian, reportedly tried to register for OHA elections last month and was turned down. The lawsuit calls for the removal of the current slate of OHA trustees, and that new trustees be selected by an election open to all Hawai`i residents. Rice's attorneys, Big Island lawyer John Goemans and San Francisco civil rights lawyer David Ross, said that OHA is unique in the country for being a state body whose governing members are elected by one racial group. Goemans said that since OHA receives funds paid by all island taxpayers, they have a right to help determine how it's spent. Among the laws cited in the lawsuit are the 1973 Voting Rights Act, the 1983 Civil Rights Act, and the 14th and 15th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution. Legal experts who have worked with OHA affairs say they expect the courts to dismiss the case, citing earlier Supreme Court and state rulings that OHA's arrangement was constitutional. The distinction, UH law professor Jon Van Dyke told the _Honolulu Advertiser_, is that native people are a political classification rather than a racial one in terms of public policy. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: SAME-SEX MARRIAGE GETS LEGISLATIVE EXTENSION Bills were flying fast and furious yesterday as state lawmakers rushed to reach conference committee resolution before the traditional midnight deadline. Two new measures introduced to address the question of legalizing same-sex marriage, however, prompted key members of the legislature to call an extension in order to debate the matter further. All other bills had to be resolved by midnight in order to reach the floor of the full House and Senate by the final deadline on Monday. Earlier this week, Sen. Rey Graulty -- apparently in a change of heart from his longstanding opposition to amending the state Constitution -- introduced his own amendment. Graulty's measure would maintain marriage rights for heterosexual couples, but define another status for gays and lesbians: life partners. The distinction, Graulty said, assuages concerns in the House that marriage remain an exclusive right of one man, one woman unions, but also keep the Senate support of domestic partnership arrangements for same-sex couples. Soon after Graulty's proposal, Rep. Terrance Tom put forth a counter-amendment. Tom's measure would maintain the state's right to limit marriage permits to heterosexual couples, provided that the House and Senate are not barred from granting other concessions that would benefit "unmarried couples." -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: BLANCO APPROVED BY SENATE COMMITTEE The Senate Executive and Judicial Appointments committee yesterday voted 7-0 to approve the reappointment of Joseph Blanco to the UH Board of Regents. The support comes in the committee's third round of deliberations, despite concerns of citizen activists and some lawmakers that Blanco could potentially face conflict of interest issues. The controversy stems from Blanco's other job: executive assistant within Gov. Ben Cayetano's office. Desmond Byrne, representing Common Cause Hawai`i, has repeatedly protested Blanco's reappointment on the grounds that it might be unclear whose interests he will represent on the BOR. Further, Byrne said, even the appearance of conflicting interests will damage the public trust in the system. The committee approval, although unanimous, came with some reservations. Before the vote, Sen. Mike Liu said that he's not sure proposed changes to BOR rules would be enough to keep Blanco's dual roles separate. Charles Toguchi, Cayetano's head of staff, assured the committee that Blanco would not be assigned to work related to the university while working in the Governor's Office. Blanco's fate now depends on approval by the full Senate. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: POLICE SUSPECT 13-YEAR-OLD IN NORTH SHORE BEATING Honolulu police have arrested three suspects in connection with the Monday morning attack on a visiting Chicago police officer. One of them was a 13- year-old boy, who has been released to parental custody pending further investigation. The two men, 18-year-old Rodney Balbirona and 22-year-old Darrell Ortiz, are reportedly unemployed with prior police records. Their relationship to the juvenile was not disclosed. 33-year-old James Boreczky had just left his brother's home on the North Shore when he was approached at a bus stop by three bicyclists. When Boreczky ran, he was chased down and beaten by one suspect while the other two held him down. Boreczky received several injuries, including several to his face, and had to undergo hours of reconstructive surgery at Castle Medical Center. The two adult suspects were picked out of police lineups by Boreczky earlier this week. The hospital has set up a fund to help pay for Boreczky's care. Police, meanwhile, praised the efforts of the North Shore community, whose tips led to the quick arrest of the three suspects. Ortiz and Balbirona were to be arraigned this morning, each being held on $100,000 bail. The pair face 20-year maximum prison sentences. Boreczky is expected to testify at hearings next Tuesday. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: BITS AND PIECES VOWING to reclaim the seat she lost in 1992, former Big Island mayor Lorraine Inouye announced yesterday that she will run against Mayor Steve Yamashiro in this year's elections. The 55-year-old Inouye jumps into the race despite a campaign debt left over from her last bid, saying that she has raised only $12,000 for this year's battle. Yamashiro, by comparison, reportedly has $154,000 for his campaign. Also in the race is Rep. Virginia Isbell... ACCORDING to the U.S. Department of Commerce, Hawai`i saw the third smallest increase in personal income in the nation. Per capita growth in the state rose by 2.9 percent last year, compared to 6.9 percent seen in top-ranked Louisiana. Only North and South Dakota had smaller increases -- 0.3 percent. Local economists are encouraged, though, by California's recovery with a 6 percent increase as California visitors to the islands are on the rise... SHOOTING trespassing dogs won't be an option for frustrated Big Island farmers after all. Senate and House conferees yesterday failed to reach agreement on a bill that would have allowed ranchers on the outer islands to kill dogs that come onto their property and threaten livestock or pets. One representative suggested a study to see whether roaming packs of dogs are a problem, while a senator claimed people would shoot dogs anyway... TEMPS: O`ahu 89/72, Kaua`i 83/72, Moloka`i 85/69, Maui 85/70, Hilo 83/69 CASTS: Chance of showers, trades to 20MPH; North Shore surf to 6 feet. SATURDAY'S TIDES: High 12:53 p.m.; Low 6:14 p.m.

<> ----------[ K A ` U P E N A K U K U I ]---------- <> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Net of Light Thursday, April 25, 1996 Hawai`i News -- Internet Edition Compiled by Ryan K. Ozawa ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- Summarized from various island news sources, including independent interviews and research, radio and television broadcasts and local papers. No material is duplicated directly unless otherwise attributed. Intended for personal use only -- please obtain permission from author before redistributing. Aloha! ============================================================================= Subject: FUNDING FOR SOVEREIGNTY VOTE ADVANCES IN LEGISLATURE Key lawmakers have agreed to appropriate $1 million to organize a controversial Native Hawaiian Vote (formerly known