×

County / In Brief

Attorney resigns after license suspended

After having his license suspended since September 2012, Wailuku attorney B. Ladd Ueoka has resigned from the practice of law in lieu of discipline, according to a news release Monday.

Ueoka will not be eligible to practice law in Hawaii until reinstated by the Hawaii Supreme Court, and he cannot accept any new clients or retainer fees, the release said. Resignation from the practice of law in lieu of discipline is “a disbarment for all purposes under the Supreme Court Rules.”

His resignation is effective March 15.

Ueoka declined to comment Thursday.

One year before his license was suspended, the high court publicly censured the Wailuku attorney. The Sept. 14, 2011, order claimed “breach of client confidentiality, failure to ensure that his staff complied with professional duties of confidentiality” as well as another accusation of failing to cooperate with the Office of Disciplinary Counsel. Ueoka graduated from the University of Hawaii’s William S. Richardson School of Law and was admitted to the Hawaii bar in 1977.

*****

Historic preservation basics topic of class

A seminar on the basics for historic preservation will be held in Maui County in the spring. The “Historic Preservation Basics Seminar” is a partnership between the Historic Hawai’i Foundation and the Hawaii state Historic Preservation Division.

The free three-hour class will cover historic preservation essentials in the context of each island’s community. Attendees could include those interested in preserving Hawaii’s historic and cultural places; historic preservation, cultural resource and planning commissioners; government planning staff; elected officials; and local preservation organizations.

The meetings, from 9 a.m. to noon, are set for:

* Lanai, April 26, Lana’i Senior Center, 309 Seventh St.

* Molokai, May 17, Kulana’owi Halau at Hawaiian Multi-Center, 600 Maunaloa Highway.

* Maui, June 14, Lumeria Maui, 1813 Baldwin Ave. in Paia/Makawao.

Preregistration is required. For information and online registration, go to www.historichawaii.org.

*****

Apps promote access to state lawmakers

The State of Hawaii has launched two new online applications that make it easier for the public to identify and connect with their legislative representatives.

An announcement from the state Office of Information and Technology this month announced the two apps, Your 2014 Hawaii State Senate and Your 2014 Hawaii State House, to help residents identify who their lawmakers are and connect to legislators’ websites. The apps were developed in response to public comments provided during an open government workshop at the Hawaii Digital Government Summit in November.

To find the apps, go to planning.hawaii.gov/gis/ and click on the tab for maps, tools and applications.

More features, such as an address locator, will be coming soon, the announcement said.

County / In Brief

Police seek help in identifying suspect

The Maui Police Department is seeking the public’s help in identifying a man who robbed a Kihei Bank of Hawaii branch on Sunday.

The man entered the Kihei Safeway store on Piikea Avenue at 1:43 p.m. and was seen grabbing a shopping cart and appeared to be shopping, police said. At 1:57 p.m., he was seen placing items at a checkout register before approaching a teller at the Bank of Hawaii in the store. Police said he gave the teller a note demanding money. A second teller was called to the location and also was shown the note, police said.

After receiving an undisclosed amount of money, the man fled in an unknown direction, police said.

The robber is described as Caucasian, 40 to 45 years old, 5 feet 7 to 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing about 170 pounds. He was wearing a red hat, denim pants and jacket and a blue shirt over a white T-shirt.

Anyone with information regarding this robbery should call Crime Stoppers at 242-6966 or Detective Randy Esperanza at 244-6400.

*****

Two arrested in assault, robbery case

Two 24-year-old men were arrested Friday night in the investigation of the robbery and assault of a man who was hit with a shovel in Kahakuloa Village earlier this month, police said.

The assault was reported at about 5 p.m. Feb. 13 while the victim was renovating a house. He reported that two men demanded he leave the property and assaulted him with a shovel, police said. The men took a gold chain off the victim’s neck and took his phone, police said.

The victim was taken to the hospital for treatment before being released, police said.

Through photos taken by the victim, police identified the suspects – one a Waiehu resident and the other a Waihee resident. After being arrested, the two were released pending further investigation of first-degree robbery and second-degree assault.

*****

Summer fun guide accepting submissions

The Maui News will be publishing a Summer Fun Guide of activities for children and teens on April 13.

The deadline to submit information is noon April 2.

Submit the following:

* Name of program and for what ages.

* Sponsoring organization or business.

* Program times and dates.

* Location of the program.

* Description of program.

* Cost of the program.

* Contact information.

Information may be emailed to citydesk@mauinews.com, faxed to 242-9087 or mailed to Summer Fun Guide, The Maui News, 100 Mahalani St., Wailuku 96793.

Photos may be submitted for use on a space-available basis. Shots of people doing things are preferable; group shots are unlikely to be used. Photos may be emailed in digital tif, jpg or eps formats with a minimum resolution of 300 pixels per inch. Individuals in photos must by identified by first and last name.

County / In Brief

Search for 2 women remains underway

The search continues for missing Maui women Carly “Charli” Scott, who was reported missing Feb. 10, and Moreira “Mo” Monsalve, who was reported missing Jan. 14.

About 50 people gathered at Haiku Community Center on Saturday morning as part of the search party for Scott, friend and search director Jeff Simon said Saturday afternoon. The group of friends, family and community volunteers searched areas around Honomanu and into Nahiku by foot and all-terrain vehicles.

The search party plans to meet again today at 8:30 a.m. at the Haiku Community Center. Volunteers are welcome.

Family and friends of Monsalve are also continuing the search for the single mother of three, who was last seen at her ex-boyfriend’s residence in Wailuku. Lisa Thompson, a friend of Monsalve, said that she and three others searched the Polipoli Springs area on Saturday but did not find anything.

The Maui Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division is investigating both missing-person cases and said last week that it is not likely that the two disappearances are linked.

*****

Bird cause of electrical outage – MECO

Maui Electric Co. customers in Kahului lost power for about 30 minutes Saturday morning, according to a MECO official.

MECO spokeswoman Kau’i Awai-Dickson said that approximately 1,300 customers were affected by the outage, which was caused by a bird coming in contact with a lightning arrester.

The outage was reported around 7:30 a.m. and power was restored shortly after 8 a.m., according to Awai-Dickson.

*****

Man, 41, charged with drug trafficking

A 41-year-old West Maui man has been arrested and charged with methamphetamine trafficking, according to police.

Paea Faleta was arrested Thursday after Lahaina patrol and vice officers executed a search warrant at 6:10 a.m. on a Lahaina residence, according to a news release from the Maui Police Department. Items found during the search include 8.42 grams of crystal methamphetamine, four glass pipes, ammunition and a surveillance camera and monitor.

Faleta was charged with methamphetamine trafficking, three counts of promoting a dangerous drug, four counts of prohibited acts related to drug paraphernalia and place to keep ammunition.

Faleta’s bail was set at $17,200.

*****

Roadwork expected to disrupt traffic flow

The state Department of Transportation has announced that work on Maui County roads this week is scheduled in the following areas:

* Lane detours will occur in both directions of Haleakala Highway between Kula Highway and Pulehuiki Road from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday for pavement resurfacing. No lanes will be closed but traffic will be routed around the work zone.

* There will be a lane closure in the northbound direction of Honoapiilani Highway between Kuihelani Highway and Kapoli Street from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday for road restriping.

* A northbound lane of Kuiheilani Highway between Honoapiilani Highway and Puunene Avenue will be closed from 8:20 a.m to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday for road repairs.

*****

Submission sought for summer fun guide

The Maui News will be publishing a Summer Fun Guide of activities for children and teens on April 13.

The deadline to submit information is noon April 2.

Submit the following:

* Name of program and for what ages.

* Sponsoring organization or business.

* Program times and dates.

* Location of the program.

* Description of program.

* Cost of the program.

* Contact information.

Information may be emailed to citydesk@mauinews.com, faxed to 242-9087 or mailed to Summer Fun Guide, The Maui News, 100 Mahalani St., Wailuku 96793.

Photos may be submitted for use on a space-available basis. Shots of people doing things are preferable; group shots are unlikely to be used. Photos may be emailed in digital tif, jpg or eps formats with a minimum resolution of 300 pixels per inch. Individuals in photos must by identified by first and last name.

County / In Brief

Marine species topic of educational talks

State conservation officials will be at the Kihei and Mala boat ramps from 8 a.m. to noon today and Sunday and March 8 and 9 to educate ocean users about humpback whales, monk seals, sea turtles and other protected marine species.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement officers will be joined by staff from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the U.S. Coast Guard.

They also will provide information on the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary and bottom fishing rules.

The DLNR division and NOAA have a Joint Enforcement Agreement that authorizes state enforcement officers to enforce federal fisheries and protected species laws. This partnership provides federal funding to the state to help increase public awareness and enforcement efforts.

For more information, contact the Maui DLNR division office at 873-3990.

*****

Recruitment open for corrections officers

The state Department of Public Safety is looking to fill adult corrections officer vacancies on the Neighbor Islands, including Maui.

Recruitment began Friday and will close Thursday, the state Department of Human Resources and Development said.

To qualify, applicants must meet all the requirements listed on the agency’s webpage, which for Maui is .governmentjobs.com/hawaii/default.cfm?action=jobbulletin&jobid=814552.

Some of the general requirements include being a high school graduate or having a high school equivalency diploma, passing a physical agility test and having one year of work experience that shows the applicant possesses the ability to relate effectively with people, to follow the instructions of a supervisor and to give or exchange information.

If selected, applicants will move on to the basic corrections training.

*****

Fishing vessel safety and drill course set

The Alaska Marine Safety Education Association will offer a two-day fishing vessel safety and drill conductor course March 1 and 2 at the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, 726 S. Kihei Road.

The course is free for commercial fishermen thanks to funding from the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, a news release said.

The cost is $175 for all others. All mariners are welcome.

The course will cover subjects including cold water survival skills, flares and maydays, man overboard recovery, firefighting, immersion suits, emergency drills, helicopter rescue, life rafts and abandon ship procedures.

The course meets the training requirements for commercial fishing vessels and has an in-the-water practice session.

Those interested in registering for the course or those who need more information should contact AMSEA in Sitka, Alaska, at (907) 747-3287 or see www.amsea.org.

*****

Submissions being sought for craft guide

The Maui News will be publishing a Summer Fun Guide of activities for children and teens on April 13.

The deadline to submit information is noon April 2.

Submit the following:

* Name of program and for what ages.

* Sponsoring organization or business.

* Program times and dates.

* Location of the program.

* Description of program.

* Cost of the program.

* Contact information.

Information may be emailed to citydesk@mauinews.com, faxed to 242-9087 or mailed to Summer Fun Guide, The Maui News, 100 Mahalani St., Wailuku 96793.

Photos may be submitted for use on a space-available basis. Shots of people doing things are preferable; group shots are unlikely to be used. Photos may be emailed in digital tif, jpg or eps formats with a minimum resolution of 300 pixels per inch. Individuals in photos must by identified by first and last name.

County/In Brief

Training slated to delay pools’ openings

All Maui County pools will open late this morning due to lifeguard training, according to the county Department of Parks and Recreation.

County pools will open at 10 a.m., except the Lahaina Aquatic Center, which will open a half-hour later.

Early-morning swims at the Soichi Sakamoto Pool in Wailuku and the Kihei Aquatic Center will be held at their regular times, 6:30 to 7:30 a.m.

The department apologizes for the inconvenience.

People looking for daily pool schedules may call the Aquatics Division pool information line after 9 a.m. at 270-8208.

*****

Arrests connected to probe of burglary

A man and two women were arrested early Thursday in the investigation of a burglary at Maui Toyota in Kahului, police said.

Arriving within minutes of the 1:09 a.m. alarm at the business on Hana Highway, Wailuku patrol officers found that entry had been made into a parts container to the rear of the property, said Lt. Derrick Lopez of the Criminal Investigation Division. He said that officers found a fence cut in two locations on Gaspro property.

Police stopped a vehicle of interest, Lopez said, and arrested its occupants, who are suspected of being involved in the burglary.

The three are being investigated for burglary and trespassing, with the man also being investigated in drug cases. The three had not been charged Thursday afternoon, while detectives continued an investigation.

According to police records, those arrested are a 34-year-old Kahului man, a 26-year-old Waiehu woman and a 33-year-old Wailuku man.

“Wailuku patrol officers did an excellent job,” Lopez said.

*****

Bail $10K in assault, property damage

Bail was set at $10,000 for a Makawao man who was arrested for throwing a rock at a person and the roof of a car last week in Makawao, police said.

Ronnell Derosa, 34, was charged with second-degree assault and second-degree criminal property damage.

He was arrested after police were called to a business on Baldwin Avenue at 4:58 p.m. Feb. 14 to investigate a report of a disorderly and intoxicated man who was yelling at employees. While officers were on the way, additional calls reported that men were fighting.

Two men were holding Derosa when police arrived. He was arrested on the assault charge for throwing a rock at someone, police said. The other charge was for throwing a rock at the roof of a woman’s car, police said.

*****

Summer guide submissions being sought

The Maui News will be publishing a Summer Fun Guide of activities for children and teens on April 13.

The deadline to submit information is noon April 2.

Submit the following:

* Name of program and for what ages.

* Sponsoring organization or business.

* Program times and dates.

* Location of the program.

* Description of program.

* Cost of the program.

* Contact information.

Information may be emailed to citydesk@mauinews.com, faxed to 242-9087 or mailed to Summer Fun Guide, The Maui News, 100 Mahalani St., Wailuku 96793.

Photos may be submitted for use on a space-available basis. Shots of people doing things are preferable; group shots are unlikely to be used. Photos may be emailed in digital tif, jpg or eps formats with a minimum resolution of 300 pixels per inch. Individuals in photos must by identified by first and last name.

County/In Brief

MECO: Lost power in Paia due to car shearing pole wire

About 450 customers in parts of Paia lost power early Wednesday morning after a car sheared a utility pole guy wire, Maui Electric Co. reported.

The wire became entangled in the electrical lines, said Kau’i Awai-Dickson, MECO spokeswoman.

The power went off at about 2 a.m.; the lines were cleared and power brought back on line at about 3:15 a.m., she said.

*****

Access road to Molokai state reserve reopens after closure

The road that allows vehicular access to the Molokai State Forest Reserve was reopened Wednesday after being closed for two weeks due to unsafe road conditions caused by heavy rains.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources reopened Maunahui access road from the hunter’s check station to the Makakupaia gate around 3:30 p.m, according to a news release Wednesday.

The road had been closed since Feb. 4 due to unsafe road conditions caused by heavy rains, the news release said. Forest-use activities, such as hiking and hunting, still were permitted during the closure.

During the closure, the department’s Division of Forestry and Wildlife used heavy equipment to remove debris and to resurface the road where needed.

*****

Woman charged with assault after allegedly kicking officers

A homeless woman head-butted and kicked police officers Sunday night, while being arrested on a bench warrant near Front Street in Lahaina, police said.

Jolene Witt, 37, was charged with two counts of bail jumping, two counts of second-degree theft, contempt of court, unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle and second-degree negligent injury. She also was charged with two counts of assault against police officers and resisting arrest.

Her bail was set at $62,450.

The incident with police occurred around 11:23 p.m. when officers requested information about Witt, who was standing under the Banyan Tree near Front Street, police said. Officers discovered that Witt had four active bench warrants for her arrest, but when they attempted to handcuff her, she fled.

Witt repeatedly ran away from police officers and later kicked one officer in the leg and lower lip before she was forced to the ground, police said. When Witt was escorted to police cars, she head-butted another officer.

*****

Food Technology Center set to host first free expo Wednesday

The nonprofit Maui Food Technology Center will hold its first free Supply and Service Expo from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday at the Hannibal Tavares Community Center in Pukalani.

The expo will include information for new or existing food producers wanting assistance with developing a product and getting it to the marketplace.

It also will offer consumers interested in attending the trade show a chance to hear the latest from experts in the food manufacturing, distribution and hospitality industries.

There also will be presentations throughout the event, including discussions on food safety, developing local products, using social media and networking.

For more information on becoming an exhibitor or attending the expo, see www.mauifoodtechnology.org or call (888) 948-6382. Advance registration is requested but not required.

County/In Brief

Bob Dylan to perform April 26 at MACC

Singer-songwriter Bob Dylan will perform at 7:30 p.m. April 26 at Maui Arts & Cutural Center’s A&B Amphitheater.

Tickets to MACC members go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday. Members of the public may purchase tickets beginning at 10 a.m. March 1. Ticket prices start at $59 and may be purchased online at mauiarts.org, by phone at 242-SHOW (7469) or in person at the MACC box office.

*****

Boy, 2, hospitalized after being pulled from pool

A 2-year-old boy was transported to Maui Memorial Medical Center in critical condition Sunday after he was discovered at the bottom of a pool at the Kihei Aquatic Center, police said.

Officers responded to the pool at 2:56 p.m. The boy was taken out of the pool by his aunt, who had found him, police said.

A lifeguard on duty administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

After being transported to the Wailuku hospital, the boy was flown to Oahu for further treatment, police said.

*****

Lanes around Maui to be closed for roadwork

The state Department of Transportation has announced that work on Maui County roads this week is scheduled in the following areas:

* Lane detours will occur in both directions of Haleakala Highway between Kula Highway and Pulehuiki Road from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday for pavement resurfacing. No lanes will be closed but traffic will be routed around the work zone.

* There will be a lane closure in the northbound direction of Honoapiilani Highway between Kuihelani Highway and Kapoli Street from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday for road restriping.

* A northbound lane of Kuiheilani Highway between Honoapiilani Highway and Puunene Avenue will be closed from 8:20 a.m to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday for road repairs.

*****

Information sought for Summer Fun Guide

The Maui News will be publishing a Summer Fun Guide of activities for children and teens on April 13.

The deadline to submit information is noon April 2.

Submit the following:

* Name of program and for what ages.

* Sponsoring organization or business.

* Program times and dates.

* Location of the program.

* Description of program.

* Cost of the program.

* Contact information.

Information may be emailed to citydesk@mauinews.com, faxed to 242-9087 or mailed to Summer Fun Guide, The Maui News, 100 Mahalani St., Wailuku 96793.

Photos may be submitted for use on a space-available basis. Shots of people doing things are preferable; group shots are unlikely to be used. Photos may be emailed in digital tif, jpg or eps formats with a minimum resolution of 300 pixels per inch. Individuals in photos must by identified by first and last name.

County / In Brief

Mahana Ridge Trail scheduled to reopen

The Mahana Ridge Trail in the rain forest above Kapalua reopens Monday after being closed for a year, the Kapalua Resort Association said.

The trail was closed due to safety issues where the trail crossed the Mahana Estates construction site. Improvements in the area have reached a point where it is now safe to reopen the trail, the association said in a news release.

The trail still does cross through the construction site, so hikers must stay on the trail and not enter the construction site. The path is well marked.

In addition, work has been done to prepare for the reopening but some trail work is ongoing.

Printed trail maps are available at the Kapalua Village Center, at Kapalua Resort hotel concierge desks and online on the “Resort Maps” tab at www.kapaluara.com.

The trail is accessible from various points, including the trailhead at D.T. Fleming Beach and the Kapalua Village Center and the trailhead at the Maunalei Arboretum. The Kapalua Shuttle provides transportation between the resort and the arboretum. To schedule a pickup, call the Kapalua Shuttle at 665-9110.

For more information or to volunteer for trail work, contact Kapalua Resort Association at info@kapaluara.com or 665-3747.

*****

Firefighters receive honors at graduation

Matthew Ramsey was named Outstanding Overall and Kawika Casco received the Charles Iwata (Firefighter Spirit) Ho’ulii Award at the Maui Fire Department’s 30th Recruit Class graduation.

Sixteen recruits, including two state airport rescue firefighter recruits, completed six months of training to receive their badges during the ceremony Dec. 20 at the King Kamehameha Golf Club ballroom.

Other award recipients were Kristopher Stadler, Outstanding Academics; Jacob Souki, Outstanding Skills; and Kai McLaughlin and Jimi Caldeira, Outstanding Team.

The other graduates are Brad Liu, Michael Medoff, Brett Collett, Seth Herrick, Steven Graver, Kekupaa Naeole, Jason Sanchez, Christopher Stankis, Brian Ferrari and Casey Morisaki.

Caldeira and Medoff are airport rescue firefighter recruits.

*****

Maui News seeks submissions for guide

The Maui News will be publishing a Summer Fun Guide of activities for children and teens on April 13.

The deadline to submit information is noon April 2.

Submit the following:

* Name of program and for what ages.

* Sponsoring organization or business.

* Program times and dates.

* Location of the program.

* Description of program.

* Cost of the program.

* Contact information.

Information may be emailed to citydesk@mauinews.com, faxed to 242-9087 or mailed to Summer Fun Guide, The Maui News, 100 Mahalani St., Wailuku 96793.

Photos may be submitted for use on a space-available basis. Shots of people doing things are preferable; group shots are unlikely to be used. Photos may be emailed in digital tif, jpg or eps formats with a minimum resolution of 300 pixels per inch. Individuals in photos must by identified by first and last name.

County / In Brief

Fire forces evacuation of two from home

A woman and her daughter were evacuated after a fire was reported late Thursday in the bottom unit of a house in Kihei, a fire official said.

The fire was reported at 11:20 p.m. at 282 Kaipii Place, with the first engine company arriving on the scene within eight minutes, said Fire Services Chief Lee Mainaga.

He said crews found the bottom unit of the two-story house engulfed in flames, which were extending to the top floor. The mother and daughter, who were the occupants, were evacuated along with occupants of neighboring homes exposed to the fire, Mainaga said.

The fire was extinguished at 2 a.m. Friday. About 50 percent of the 3,000-square-foot home was destroyed. Damages were estimated at $400,000 to the structure and $50,000 to its contents.

Based on preliminary investigation, police said that the cause of the fire appeared to be electrical.

The American Red Cross also responded to the fire to help the family with immediate needs.

*****

Baker, McKelvey to host town hall event

South and West Maui Sen. Roz Baker and West Maui Rep. Angus McKelvey will host a legislative town hall meeting from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Monday at the Waiola Church Hall in Lahaina.

“This meeting will be an opportunity for us to talk with our constituents and provide information and gather feedback about the important issues that are moving forward at the Legislature,” Baker said in an announcement.

The church is at 535 Wainee St. Those attending the event should park in the asphalt parking lot.

For more information, contact Baker’s office at 984-2400, ext. 66070, or send email to senbaker@capitol.hawaii.gov; or contact McKelvey’s office at 984-2400, ext. 66760.

*****

Man, 41, held in theft from Lahaina store

A 41-year-old man was arrested for theft of items from a glass showcase at a Lahaina store, police said.

Damion Emeson, who gave no local address, was charged with second-degree theft.

He was arrested Thursday night, after being identified as a suspect in the theft that occurred this month, police said.

Emeson’s bail was set at $1,000 on the theft charge. He also was arrested on three contempt-of-court warrants with bail totaling $2,500.

*****

Haleakala park updates topic of meeting

Haleakala National Park will be holding a public meeting at 5 p.m. Wednesday at the Hana Community Center, Building D, Rooms D15 and D16 – PALS.

The meeting will be an opportunity to meet the new Kipahulu District ranger, James Herbaugh, to obtain updates on park happenings and to raise issues.

The meeting will adjourn at 6:30 p.m.

*****

Fundraising development to be discussed

Professionals interested in fundraising, nonprofit fund development and management and fundraising consulting are invited to attend a “Lunch & Laugh” networking event hosted on Maui by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Aloha Chapter on Tuesday.

The event will run from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Boys & Girls Club of Maui, located at 100 Kanaloa Ave. in Kahului.

The event will start with a networking brown-bag lunch followed by a discussion about specific, low-cost marketing and fundraising techniques that may help drive more online traffic and attract donors, event attendees and other supporters of an organization.

A recorded webinar titled “Inbound Marketing: The latest techniques to attract more donors, volunteers and others” will be screened during the event.

Cost to attend is $25 for AFP Aloha Chapter members and $35 for nonmembers. For membership inquiries, send email to office@afphawaii.org.

*****

Woman seeks info after vehicle damaged

A woman whose car sustained thousands of dollars in damage when it was hit by a box that flew off another vehicle last week in Kihei is seeking help in locating the other vehicle involved.

The incident occurred around 1:15 p.m. Feb. 6. Holly Tolosko said she had loaned her 2004 pearly white Lexus GS300 sedan to her insurance agent, who was driving the car north on Piilani Highway near Kanani Street when the box from an oncoming vehicle hit the driver’s side of the car.

The box hit the Lexus so hard that the driver’s side mirror was torn off and the driver’s side of the car sustained thousands of dollars in damages, Tolosko said.

The car had been in mint condition, she said. Someone called police to report what happened.

Tolosko asks that anyone who saw the incident or who has information on the other vehicle, possibly a truck, to call her at 879-6935.

*****

Submissions sought for guide

The Maui News will be publishing a Summer Fun Guide of activities for children and teens on April 13. The deadline to submit information is noon April 2.

Submit the following:

* Name of program and for what ages.

* Sponsoring organization or business.

* Program times and dates.

* Location of the program.

* Description of program.

* Cost of the program.

* Contact information.

Information may be emailed to citydesk@mauinews.com, faxed to 242-9087 or mailed to Summer Fun Guide, The Maui News, 100 Mahalani St., Wailuku 96793.

Photos may be submitted for use on a space-available basis. Shots of people doing things are preferable; group shots are unlikely to be used. Photos may be emailed in digital tif, jpg or eps formats with a minimum resolution of 300 pixels per inch. Individuals in photos must by identified by first and last name.

County/In Brief

Two men die while swimming in W. Maui

Two men died Wednesday afternoon in unrelated incidents while swimming in waters off West Maui, police said.

Joseph Klein, 81, of Alberta, Canada, and Lloyd H. Kahlandt, 63, of Tekamah, Neb., were declared dead shortly after being taken ashore.

Klein, who was snorkeling, was found facedown in waters fronting the Kaleialoha Condominiums on Lower Honoapiilani Road, Maui police spokesman Lt. William Juan said. He said officers arrived at the condominiums at 1:15 p.m. and found Klein being helped along the rocky shoreline.

Klein was unconscious, but breathing, and was taken to Maui Memorial Medical Center, Juan said. Klein died at 2:47 p.m.

Officers responded at 4:15 p.m. to a report that Kahlandt was unconscious at Launiupoko Beach Park, Juan said. Bystanders, Maui Fire Department personnel and medics tried to resuscitate Kahlandt.

Kahlandt had been swimming about 25 feet from shore on the south side of the park before he went under water and did not resurface, Juan said. Kahlandt was brought to shore and died at the park.

The causes of death for both men are pending autopsy results.

*****

Haleakala park admission set to be free

Admission to Haleakala National Park will be free from Saturday through Monday for the Presidents Day weekend, according to the National Park Service.

National parks nationwide will waive entrance fees for the three-day weekend.

National park passes that provide free or discounted admission year-round are available for active-duty military members and their dependents, senior citizens and people with permanent disabilities.

*****

South Kihei Road to be closed for parade

South Kihei Road will be closed 8:30 to 10 a.m. Saturday from Alanui Kealii Drive to Waimahaihai Street for Maui’s Parade of Whales, according to an announcement from the Pacific Whale Foundation.

The parade route begins at Alanui Kealii Drive then proceeds north along South Kihei Road past Kalama Park and ends at the Kihei Public Library on Waimahaihai Street.

To view a map, go to www.mauiwhalefestival.org and click on World Whale Day.

*****

Maui and Molokai slated to see high surf

A high-surf advisory has been posted for the north-facing shores of Maui and Molokai from 6 a.m. today until 6 a.m. Saturday.

Beachgoers can expect hazardous shore breaks, shoreline erosion and rip currents. Waves were expected to build Thursday night and reach 14 to 18 feet high today.

For more information, call (866) 944-5025 or see www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl.

*****

Gas prices holding steady for third week

Wailuku’s average price for a gallon of unleaded gasoline has remained unchanged at $4.24 for the past three weeks, according to reports from AAA Hawaii’s Weekend Gas Watch.

This week’s price, as of Thursday, was the same price as last month and a penny more than a year ago, the snapshot of gas prices reported.

Statewide, the average price of regular unleaded gas was $4.03, the same price as a week earlier, a cent more than last month and 22 cents less than last year. Honolulu’s average gas price rose a penny to $3.94 from a week ago, 3 cents more than last month and 26 cents less than a year ago. Hilo’s gas price was $3.99 this week, a nickel more than last week, a cent more than last month and 26 cents less than a year ago.

The gas prices are derived from fleet vehicle credit card transactions.

*****

Three from Wailuku arrested on warrants

Three Wailuku residents were arrested Tuesday on outstanding bench warrants, police said.

Kyle Lee U.N. Keahi, 26, Erath Kaihewalu, 21, and Aaralyn Decambra, 33, were arrested at a North Market Street residence by Wailuku patrol officers and Special Response Team members.

Keahi was charged with probation violation and three other charges for bail totaling $650,000. Kaihewalu and Decambra were charged with contempt of court with bail amount of $100,000 and $50,000, respectively, police said.

The arrests were the culmination of an investigation into Keahi’s whereabouts and his association with Kaihewalu and Decambra, police said. During the arrests, officers found 17 grams of crystal methamphetamine at the house, according to police.

Wailuku patrol officers Angela Kahoohanohano, Kaena Brown, Nephi Laga, Herman Marfil, Shane Yoshida, Ian Custer and Kyle Badayos took part in the ongoing investigation.

County/In Brief

Wailuku man dead after crash at park

A 46-year-old Wailuku man died after driving his truck into a parked vehicle, cement barrier and coconut tree Tuesday afternoon at Baldwin Beach Park in Paia, police said.

Harlan Masuda was the lone operator of the 2004 white Dodge pickup truck and died at the scene, police said.

Police responded to a motor vehicle accident around 4:20 p.m. and found Masuda unresponsive, Maui police spokesman Lt. William Juan said. Medics and firefighters were unable to resuscitate Masuda, he said.

Witnesses said Masuda initially collided with a parked vehicle and then drove into a cement barrier. After the barrier broke off, Masuda accelerated onto a soccer field and hit a coconut tree at the park.

The cause of death is pending autopsy results.

*****

Gingriches to sign books in Lahaina

Former Republican presidential candidate and former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich and his wife, Callista, will be doing book signings at 2 p.m. Saturday at Barnes & Noble in Lahaina.

Newt Gingrich, who made a run for the GOP presidential nomination in 2012, will be signing his book, “Breakout,” which was published in November. He proposes “a bold vision of America’s future,” a country on the cusp of a technological and scientific renaissance, an event announcement said.

“Yankee Doodle Dandy” is the third in Callista Gingrich’s New York Times best-selling series. In the book, Ellis the Elephant introduces young children to the story of the American Revolution. The book was published in October.

Barnes & Noble is located at 325 Keawe St, No. 101. For more information, call 662-1300.

*****

County officials to attend whale event

Mayor Alan Arakawa’s “County on Your Corner” will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday during the 2014 World Whale Day at Kalama Park.

The free event, typically held in a different location each month, includes Maui County Council Member Don Couch, county Department of Transportation Director Jo Anne Winer and executive assistants to the mayor John Buck and Joe Pontanilla.

The talk “is a good way for members of my Cabinet and myself to interact with community members on the issues that are of most interest to them,” Arakawa said in an announcement.

For more information, call 270-7855.

*****

‘Maui View’ will be fixed on local issues

“The Maui View,” a new talk show focusing on current events, news items and Maui events, will premiere tonight at 7 on Akaku: Maui Community Television, cable Channel 54.

The one-hour show will be produced and hosted by Lynn Araki-Regan, Leona Rocha Wilson, Becky Speere and Sharon Zalsos and will air live on the second Thursday of each month to discuss events and matters “that would be of interest to women and the community at large,” according to an announcement.

This month’s show will discuss dating, romance, memorable Valentine’s Day experiences and places to go on a date.

Viewers may post questions on “The Maui View” Facebook page at www.facebook.com/TheMauiView?ref=br_tf or via email to themauiview@gmail.com.

*****

MECO to inspect lines with chopper

Maui Electric Co. will be using a helicopter to perform routine power line inspections from Maalaea to Kihei from 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, weather permitting.

The helicopter route will include the Maui Electric Maalaea Generating Station on North Kihei Road and parts of Mokulele Highway and surrounding neighborhoods makai of Piilani Highway to the Kihei substation on East Welakahao Road.

Routine aerial inspections of MECO’s equipment, including electrical lines, poles and substations, are necessary to maintain stable and reliable electrical service, the news release said.

For more information, call MECO at 871-8461.

County/In Brief

Paraglider caught in power lines ID’d

A paraglider who died when his equipment got caught on power lines Monday night has been identified as 34-year-old Paul J. MacDonald of Haiku.

The accident occurred at 6:37 p.m., with police responding to a report of an unresponsive man near Mile Marker 3 on Haleakala Crater Road, said Maui police spokesman Lt. William Juan.

He said the victim was found lying on the roadway near his equipment. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

An investigation determined that MacDonald had been paragliding in the area when his equipment got caught on power lines, Juan said.

An autopsy is pending.

The road was closed for several hours as police investigated the incident Monday night.

*****

Molokai landfill to open late Tuesday

Due to a manpower shortage, the Molokai landfill will not open until 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, the county Solid Waste Division said.

The landfill usually opens at 8 a.m., Tuesdays to Saturdays.

The state Health Department requires the county to meet minimum personnel requirements to operate, the county news release said.

*****

War Memorial Gym lot to close for work

The parking lot at War Memorial Gym will be closed from Feb. 21 to March 25 to allow for the asphalt to be resurfaced.

The $210,371 project is being done by Maui Paving LLC.

The project includes cold-planing, paving and restriping of the gym parking lot, which will be closed for the duration of construction.

Parking will be available at the War Memorial Football Stadium parking lot.

For more information, contact the Parks Planning and Development Office at 270-7931.

County/In Brief

Man, 34, killed in paragliding incident

A 34-year-old man was killed Monday evening in a paragliding accident that closed Haleakala Crater Road.

Kula firefighters responded to the 6:37 p.m. alarm at Mile Marker 3.5 on Haleakala Crater Road, said Fire Services Chief Lee Mainaga. Upon arriving on the scene, crews found the paraglider, who died at the scene.

Haleakala Crater Road was closed Monday evening between Mile Markers 3 and 4 due to the accident, a Fire Department official said.

The county sent out its road advisory at about 7 p.m. The road was still closed two hours later.

Maui police were investigating the accident, said Mainaga.

*****

Man arrested in theft of truck – police

Police arrested a Wailuku man in the theft of a truck that was stolen Friday evening when the owner left the vehicle running while feeding feral cats at Kepaniwai Park, police said.

Michael Zurcher, 49, was charged with unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle and unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle. His bail was set at $10,000.

The theft of the gold 2008 Toyota Tundra was reported at 6:34 p.m. Friday.

The owner had left the vehicle running alongside the road when Zurcher came out of the bushes and stole it, said acting Lt. Nelson Hamilton of the Criminal Investigation Division.

The following morning, police were investigating a report that the truck was possibly located off Waiale Drive in Wailuku when officers saw someone matching Zurcher’s description walking on Kuikahi Drive, Hamilton said.

He said Zurcher was charged with unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle because a cellphone was stolen from the truck.

*****

Woman allegedly forges officer’s checks

A 40-year-old Haiku woman was arrested Sunday after she forged a police officer’s checks at a Wailuku business, police said.

Bail was set at $15,000 for Davelyn Mahi. She was charged with two counts of second-degree forgery and unauthorized possession of confidential personal information.

She was arrested at 8:44 a.m. while parked along North Market Street in Wailuku.

Mahi was identified after a clerk at Uptown Chevron in Wailuku reported that possible fake checks had been passed at the business, said acting Lt. Nelson Hamilton of the Criminal Investigation Division. He said officers looked at the checks and realized they belonged to a fellow officer.

*****

Man facing charge after alleged attack

A Kahului man was arrested for assaulting another man, who was hospitalized with a fractured skull and severe concussion after the Feb. 2 attack, police said.

Michael Dennis, 22, was charged with first-degree assault following his arrest Friday morning. He was released after posting $20,000 bail, police records show.

The assault occurred at 2 a.m. at a residence on Leleihoku Street in Wailuku after Dennis found his girlfriend with the other man, police said.

*****

Wailuku man arrested in assault on a police officer

A Wailuku man was arrested after he punched a police officer who was trying to make an arrest while breaking up a fight at a Wailuku bar Thursday night, police said.

Jesse Keahi, 21, was released after posting $9,000 bail, police records show. He was charged with first-degree assault on a police officer, resisting arrest and obstructing government operations.

Police were dispatched to the Watercress Sports Bar and Grill at 11:05 p.m. Thursday after a report of a fight. Officers were trying to break up the fight and were trying to take Keahi’s brother into custody when Keahi pulled an officer off Keahi’s brother, police said. Keahi punched the officer once in the face, police said.

The other charges were brought because Keahi was trying to stop the officer from making the arrest, police said.

*****

Crews rescue visitor, 51, from Haleakala park trail

Firefighters rescued a woman from Halemau’u trail in Haleakala National Park after a report that she was suffering from altitude sickness Sunday afternoon, a fire official said.

Kula and Kahului firefighters were dispatched to respond to the 3:49 p.m. alarm.

A rescue crew aboard the Fire Department’s Air One helicopter flew into the crater to airlift the 51-year-old visitor to a landing zone at Hosmer Grove, said Fire Services Chief Lee Mainaga. She had been on the trail about a half-mile above the crater floor and approximately 3 miles from the trailhead, he said.

The woman was transported by American Medical Response to Maui Memorial Medical Center in stable condition, Mainaga said.

County/In Brief

Kamehameha, Kane signal work to begin

Work is set to begin today on improvements to the intersection of Kamehameha Avenue and Kane Street in Kahului, according to an announcement from contractor Maui Master Builders Inc.

Workers will install a new traffic signal and modify the intersection. Work hours are scheduled for 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Motorists should drive cautiously in the area, observe signs and follow directions, the announcement advises.

*****

Road construction may disrupt traffic on Maui

The state Department of Transportation has announced that work on Maui County roads this week is scheduled in the following areas:

* There will be a lane closure in the northbound direction of Honoapiilani Highway between Kuihelani Highway and Kapoli Street from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. today through Friday for road restriping.

* Lane detours will occur in both directions of Haleakala Highway between Kula Highway and Pulehuiki Road from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. today through Friday for pavement resurfacing. No lanes will be closed but traffic will be routed around the work zone.

* A northbound lane of Kuiheilani Highway between Honoapiilani Highway and Puunene Avenue will be closed from 8:20 a.m to 3 p.m. today through Friday for road repairs.

* There will be a single-lane closure in the eastbound direction of Hana Highway at Milepost 14 between Papaaea and Wailua roads from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. today through Friday for slope stabilization work.

*****

Flatbread fundraiser to help Nicaragua group

A fundraising event to benefit Somos Ohana Nicaragua will be held from 5 to 10 p.m. Tuesday at The Flatbread Co. in Paia.

Somos Ohana Nicaragua is a Maui-based nonprofit group that builds schools and supplies physical therapy services and scholarships in rural northwestern Nicaragua.

A portion of the money from every pizza sold during Tuesday’s fundraiser will be donated to the organization. The event will include a silent auction and live entertainment.

For more information on Somos Ohana Nicaragua, call Charlotte Flavin at 572-9898 or Mele Stokesberry at 878-8015, or go to www.somosohananicaragua.org.

*****

Presidents Day holiday closings announced

All federal, state and county offices along with public schools will be closed Feb. 17 in observance of the Presidents Day holiday.

All public libraries will be closed from Saturday to Feb. 17. But the Makawao Public Library will be open Friday. It is usually closed on that day.

The Hana and Lanai landfills and the Molokai Landfill and Recycling Center will be closed.

The Central Maui Landfill and EKO Compost and Greenwaste will be open from 6 a.m. to noon. The Olowalu Recycling center will be open from 8 a.m. to noon.

All county pools will be open.

The Maui News business offices will be closed.

*****

Georgia O’Keeffe presentation canceled

A Tuesday presentation on artist Georgia O’Keeffe has been canceled.

The presentation by Patricia Jennings was to be held at Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center in Makawao, according to a news release.

County / In Brief

Promotions to captain for 3 on fire crew

Three Maui firefighters were promoted to the rank of captain, fire officials said in an announcement Friday.

The new fire captains are Lionel Montalvo, Kaipo Kahai and Kekoa Puhi.

Montalvo, a 23-year veteran, joined the Maui Fire Department in 1991 and spent six years as a fire inspector in the Fire Prevention Bureau before moving to the Wailuku Fire Station as a Firefighter III.

Puhi, another 23-year veteran, spent time with the bureau and at Lanai, Pukoo, Hoolehua and Kaunakakai fire stations.

Kahai, a 14-year veteran, began his career as a Firefighter I at the Kaunakakai Station before moving to the Napili Station for seven years. He has spent the past six years as a Firefighter III at the Pukoo Station and Napili Station.

Fire Chief Jeffrey Murray said the “promotions are well deserved, and that the communities in which they are assigned to will greatly benefit from the knowledge, training and experience these men have to offer.”

*****

Crash in Kaunakakai results in outages

A vehicle crashed into a utility pole in Kaunakakai and knocked out electricity to 580 nearby customers for at least an hour Friday night, according to Maui Electric Co. spokeswoman Kau’i Awai-Dickson.

The incident happened at 10:04 p.m. Friday, and MECO crews had power restored to 560 customers by 11:15 p.m., she said. The remaining customers had electricity back on by 5:30 a.m. Saturday.

The pole had been repaired by Saturday afternoon.

*****

Democratic Party panel to host elections

The Maui County Committee of the Democratic Party of Hawai’i will hold countywide precinct elections March 5 at various locations.

Before the elections, informational district meetings will be held at the following times, dates and locations:

* District 12 (Pukalani, Makawao, Olinda, Pulehu, Kula and Ulupalakua), 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Mayor Hannibal Tavares Center. The guest speaker will be Maui County Council Chairwoman Gladys Baisa.

* Districts 8 and 9 (Wailuku and Kahului), 10 a.m. Feb. 22 in the Iao Intermediate School cafeteria. The guest speaker will be Democratic Party Vice Chairwoman of Public Relations and Communication Stephanie Ohigashi.

Both meetings will be open to the public and focus on the party’s organizational structure and the responsibilities of various positions. For more information, call Maui Democratic Party Chairman Troy Hashimoto at 249-0333.

The Democratic State Convention is scheduled for the Memorial Day weekend, May 24 to 26, at the Sheraton Waikiki on Oahu.

County / In Brief

Man arrested, charged in domestic case

An Alaska man was arrested Thursday night after trying to lock himself in a room and spitting in the face of a police officer responding to a domestic disturbance at a Kaanapali resort, police said.

Bail was set at $7,000 for Gary K. Souza, 55, of Ketchikan. He was charged with first-degree assault on a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest.

Lahaina patrol officers were called to Kaanapali Beach Club at 9:15 p.m. after a woman reported being locked out of her room by her husband, police said. Resort security officers reported that Souza was refusing to open the door and had requested police. According to police, Souza also refused to open the door for police officers, who had to force their way in by using a bolt cutter to cut the inside chain securing the door.

Before the chain was cut and the door was partially open, Souza spit directly in the officer’s face a few times, police said. Souza refused to comply with officers, who had to restrain him to make the arrest, police said.

*****

Man faces shoplifting charges in incident

A man who was detained for shoplifting at a Kaanapali resort was charged with other crimes after he was found with more than $300 in stolen personal property, police said.

Bail was set at $3,100 for Derrick Whitlock, 27.

The homeless man was stopped after witnesses reported seeing him shoplifting from the lobby store at Marriott’s Maui Ocean Club at about 9:25 a.m. Wednesday, police said. After leaving the store without paying for merchandise valued at $33, Whitlock walked outside to the valet desk, police said.

He was found with an employee’s car keys, credit cards, iPhone and cash that had been in the manager’s office at the store, police said.

Whitlock was charged with second-degree burglary, fourth-degree theft by shoplifting, second-degree theft and theft of a credit card.

*****

No change for prices at pump in Wailuku

Wailuku’s average price of a gallon of unleaded gasoline remained unchanged at $4.24 since last week, and it was 3 cents more than last month and 3 cents more than a year ago, according to the AAA Hawaii Weekend Gas Watch.

The state average price for unleaded gas was $4.03 this week, 2 cents more than a week ago, 8 cents more than last month and 15 cents less than a year ago, the weekly snapshot of gas prices reported.

Honolulu’s average price was $3.39 this week, 2 cents more than last week, 8 cents more than last month and 18 cents less than a year ago. In Hilo, the average price was $3.94 per gallon, 3 cents less than last week, 1 cent more than last month and 24 cents less than this time a year ago.

Gas prices are as of Thursday. They’re derived from fleet vehicle credit card transactions.

*****

Paperless property assessments available

Real property owners now have the option to receive a paperless version of the upcoming 2014 real property assessment notice, according to an announcement Friday from the Maui County Department of Finance, Real Property Assessment Division.

To have assessment notices sent electronically via email, property owners may register by visiting the website listed on last year’s assessment notice card. They must also enter the code that appears on the card.

The deadline to register is Feb. 20.

For more information, access forms, view property tax records or download county tax maps, visit mauicounty.gov/RPA.

*****

Governor releases $800,000 for MMMC

Maui Memorial Medical Center received $800,000 in state funds to replace its air-conditioning system, according to an announcement Thursday from Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s office.

The existing air-conditioning system has become prone to mechanical breakdowns and needs to be replaced, the announcement said. The new air-conditioning system will cool patient care rooms in the East, South and West wings, electrical rooms, pharmacy and laundry areas.

Lanai Community Hospital received $50,000 to replace its emergency generator with one that is no longer needed at Maui Memorial Medical Center.

The governor released more than $19.1 million for various capital improvement projects to upgrade eight Hawaii Health Systems Corp. facilities.

Kona Community Hospital, West Kauai Medical Center, Hilo Medical Center, Maluhia Hospital (Oahu), Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital (Kauai), Leahi Hospital (Oahu) and Kau Hospital (Hawaii Island) received funds for improvements.

County / In Brief

Flags to fly at half-staff to honor soldier

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has ordered that U.S. and Hawaii flags be flown at half-staff today in honor of U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Edward Balli, who died last month in Afghanistan.

Balli, a 42-year-old Oahu resident, was killed in a Jan. 20 insurgent attack in Kandahar province.

A memorial service will be held for Balli today. Flags have been ordered to fly at half-staff from sunrise to sunset at all state offices and agencies, as well as the Hawaii National Guard.

*****

Tsutsui slated to attend business event

Lt. Gov. Shan Tsutsui will take part in a “talk story” event with the Maui Young Business Roundtable at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday in Central Pacific Bank’s fourth-floor conference room in Kahului. The event is open to the public.

Tsutsui, 42, is seeking the office of lieutenant governor this election year. He was a Central Maui state senator and president of the state Senate until late 2012, when he was named lieutenant governor. Former Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz vacated the position to accept an appointment to the U.S. Senate to fill the seat left open by the death of U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye in December 2012.

The roundtable group provides networking opportunities to young business professionals.

For more information or to RSVP, contact roundtable President Bryce Thayer at bryce.thayer@boh.com.

*****

Arakawa to discuss paratransit services

Maui County Mayor Alan Arakawa will discuss Americans with Disabilities Act paratransit bus services during his next “Your County with Mayor Arakawa” television show, according to an announcement Thursday.

The one-hour segment will be televised live beginning at 7 p.m. Wednesday on Akaku: Maui Community Television, cable Channel 54.

Paratransit bus services are federally required by the Americans with Disabilities Act. The services are provided for customers whose disability or health condition prevents them from using the Maui Bus fixed route services, the announcement said. Maui Economic Opportunity Inc. is contracted by the county to provide the service.

Featured guests will include Jo Anne Johnson Winer, Maui County Transportation Department director, and Debbie Cabebe, MEO’s chief programs officer.

Viewers may ask questions during the show by calling 873-3430.

The program will be taped and retelevised at 7 p.m. Feb. 19 and 26 on the same channel.

For more information, call Maui County Communications Director Rod Antone at 270-7855.

*****

Informational meetings set for DLNR plan

Statewide informational meetings have been set, including an event next month in Wailuku, for the state Department of Land and Natural Resources to publicly discuss its 2014 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan.

The Maui meeting is scheduled for 5 to 7 p.m. March 3 in the county Department of Planning meeting room on the first floor of the Kalana Pukui building, the county building annex.

The department’s Division of State Parks has updated the plan for the state to remain eligible to receive funds for outdoor recreation projects through the Land and Water Conservation Fund, a federal grants program administered by the National Park Service.

Public participation in the meetings will help state and federal officials select projects for funding. The projects should be those that best meet Hawaii’s recreational needs and help resolve any conflicts.

Those planning to attend the meeting are asked to take a survey available at www.surveymonkey.com/s/hiscorp2014. The survey may be taken through Feb. 28.

County / In Brief

Snorkeler dies after battling currents

A 61-year-old California man died Monday morning while snorkeling in strong ocean currents fronting the Ka’anapali Beach Club, police said.

Michael J. Loughran of Napa, Calif., was helped to shore but could not be revived and died at the scene.

At around noon, police responded to the hotel at 104 Kaanapali Shores Place for a call of an unresponsive male on the beach, police spokesman Lt. William Juan said. He said medics and firefighters already were on the scene giving CPR to Loughran.

The California man had been attempting to swim back to shore but had difficulty breathing and had to hold on to a buoy, Juan said. He said a kayaker brought Loughran to shore, but that he collapsed “a short time later.”

The cause of death is pending autopsy results.

*****

Broken insulators cited in outage

An East Maui power outage Tuesday stemmed from two broken insulators in Peahi, Maui Electric Co. spokeswoman Kau’i Awai-Dickson said Wednesday.

An inspection of power lines in Peahi on Tuesday led to the discovery of the broken insulators, which connect the lines to the cross arm on a utility pole, she said. As crews were preparing to repair the equipment, heavy rain made it difficult to safely do the job.

So, to ensure the safety of MECO workers, the power lines were de-energized shortly before 6 p.m., she said. That cut off power to about 640 customers from Peahi to Hana.

Then, at 6:01 p.m., a distributed generating unit located in Hana was brought online to restore power to most customers from Hana town to Koali, she said.

Repairs were completed at 10:33 p.m., and remaining customers had power restored.

*****

Baldwin Avenue construction begun

Construction will be ongoing on a portion of Baldwin Avenue, near its intersection with Hana Highway in Paia, while crews work on a sewer line, according to an announcement.

Work by West Maui Land Construction was set for 10 p.m. Wednesday to 6 a.m. today and from 10 p.m. today to 6 a.m. Friday.

Motorists should drive with caution in the work area and follow directions.

For more information, call 357-3595.

*****

Hana talk story scheduled Friday

The last talk-story session by the Native Hawaiian Education Council is set for 6 to 8:30 p.m. Friday in Helene Hall in Hana.

The council sponsored a series of talk-story sessions to gather information that will be given to the U.S. Department of Education. The comments at the sessions may impact the federal grant-making process.

Comments also are being accepted at www.nhec.org.

County / In Brief

Two are accused of driving stolen car

A man and woman were arrested Monday after they were seen driving a stolen car at different times last week, police said.

The 1991 red Honda Prelude was stolen after the owner had loaned it on Jan. 29 to a friend, who was supposed to return it the next day. The friend drove the car to his cousin’s house, where he met Arianna Tavares-Pszyk, who asked for a ride, police said.

Tavares-Pszyk was in the car when the friend stopped at his house in Kahului to get belongings, leaving the key in the vehicle, police said. The friend saw Tavares-Pszyk driving away with the car, police said.

An all-points bulletin had been issued for Tavares-Pszyk, 24, of Haiku when police received a report that Kaleo Kubo had been seen driving a car that wasn’t his on Saturday, police said. Police confirmed that the car Kubo had been driving was the same one that Tavares-Pszyk had driven off in, and his name was added to the all-points bulletin.

Kubo, 19, who gave no local address, was arrested at about 4 p.m. Monday in Wailuku after police received information on his whereabouts. A few hours later, at 8:20 p.m., Tavares-Pszyk turned herself in to police.

Both Kubo and Tavares-Pszyk were charged with unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle, with bail set at $1,000 each.

*****

Insurance chief will address gathering

State Insurance Commissioner Gordon Ito will discuss the Affordable Care Act at a Maui Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce gathering Tuesday at the Maui Tropical Plantation.

Ito, who heads the state Insurance Division, was appointed to the post by Gov. Neil Abercrombie in 2011. He is a member of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners and has conducted financial and regulatory seminars for insurance professionals in China, Korea and Eastern Europe.

The meeting, which is open to the public, begins at 5:30 p.m. A half-hour of networking will be followed by a buffet dinner and meeting at 6 p.m.

Ito will field questions from the audience.

The cost for dinner is $20 for members, $25 for guests; parking is free.

RSVP is required by Friday with Kai Pelayo by phone at 874-2426 or email at kai.pelayo@waldorfastoria.com.

Membership to the chamber is open to all businesspeople, not just Native Hawaiians, but they must share the chamber’s mission “to promote and sustain Hawaiian values and culture and enhance the socioeconomic status of Native Hawaiians in business and as individuals.”

*****

Hawaii officials app, directory updated

A 2014 directory of public officials in Hawaii has been updated and is available as a smartphone application or in printed formats, the Hawaii Institute for Public Affairs announced.

The Web-based application allows iOS and Android users to download the directory on their smartphones for easy, on-the-go use, the institute said. Last year, more than 4,000 cellphone users downloaded the mobile application.

Federal, state and county government staffs helped compile the directory that has names, phone numbers, addresses and other contact information for lawmakers and state and county executives.

The institute printed and distributed 10,000 booklets. Starting Monday, free copies were available at the State Capitol’s Public Access Room (Room 401).

The app can be downloaded by visiting d.hipaonline.com.

Founded in 2001, HIPA is Hawaii’s first independent and nonpartisan organization devoted to fact-based research, education of issues and community collaboration. For more information, go to the website www.hipaonline.com.

County / In Brief

Mayor’s address set to be broadcast live

Maui County Mayor Alan Arakawa’s State of the County address Wednesday will be broadcast live on radio station KAOI 1110 AM and 96.7 FM.

The address will be delivered from the McCoy Studio Theater at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center and will begin at about 5:10 p.m.

On Thursday, Arakawa will be answering questions and phone calls during his weekly radio show on KAOI AM. To ask the mayor a question during his show, call 242-7800.

The show airs Thursdays at 7:05 a.m. and may be streamed at kaoi1110.com.

*****

Public being warned of fraudulent calls

The state Department of Public Safety is warning the public to be aware of fraudulent calls by people posing as sheriff’s deputies soliciting money to clear warrants.

Individuals are calling people randomly and claiming to be serving warrants for people who did not show up for jury duty, according to a new release. The callers are offering to clear the warrant if people will pay for a product or service.

Deputy sheriffs will never call people about warrants having to do with jury duty or solicit the purchase of anything.

People receiving a call matching this scam are asked to alert the department’s Sheriff Division at (808) 586-1352.

*****

Bail at $5K for man in alleged burglary

Bail was set at $5,000 for a man who was arrested after breaking into a cottage in Makawao last week, police said.

David Beasley, 49, who gave no local address, was charged with first-degree burglary.

Police said he broke into the cottage, which is attached to a residence, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Friday. Beasley was discovered inside, sitting on the bedroom floor, after the estate manager noticed that doors and windows were open, police said. The cottage was under renovation.

*****

Village Post Office to open at Hanzawa’s

Shoppers at Hanzawa’s Variety Store in Haiku soon will be able to purchase Forever stamps and ship domestic priority flat-rate products, as well as drop off prepaid packages and mail, without leaving the store, according to a Monday announcement.

Hanzawa’s will be celebrating the opening of the state’s first Village Post Office, owned and operated by third parties, at the Haiku store at 1 p.m. Thursday. The celebration will feature refreshments and the ceremonial untying of a maile lei at the store entrance.

“This is great news for Haiku residents,” Haiku Postmaster Tom Cooley said in the announcement. “The Haiku Post Office serves such a large area that some of our customers must make a long drive to get to our office.”

Hanzawa’s is located at 1833 Kaupakalua Road. It is open every day from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on holidays.

County/In Brief

American Coservative Union leader to address Tea Partyers

The chairman of the American Conservative Union will be speaking at a TEA Party Maui event at 5:30 p.m. Friday at Grace Bible Church, 635 S. Hina Ave.

Alberto Cardenas, born in Cuba, has served as the chairman and vice chairman of the Florida Republican Party and as a board director of the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Trade Policy Commission.

He is a partner in the law firm of TEW Cardenas.

Founded in 1964, the conservative union is the oldest and largest grass-roots conservative organization in the nation, the TEA Party news release said. Every year since 1973, ACU has hosted the Conservative Political Action Conference.

Light refreshments will be served.

*****

Lane closures, detours announced for coming week

The state Department of Transportation has announced that work on Maui County roads this week is scheduled in the following areas:

* There will be a single-lane closure in the eastbound direction on Hana Highway at Milepost 14 between Papaaea and Wailua roads from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. today through Friday for slope stabilization work.

* There will be a lane closure in the northbound direction of Honoapiilani Highway between Kuihelani Highway and Pohaku Aeko Street from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. today through Friday for road restriping.

* Lane detours will occur in both directions of Haleakala Highway between Kula Highway and Pulehuiki Road from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. today through Friday for pavement resurfacing. No lanes will be closed, but traffic will be detoured around the work zone.

* A northbound lane will be closed on Kuihelani Highway between Honoapiilani and Hana highways from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. today through Friday for road repairs.

*****

High-surf advisory continued for Maui, Molokai shores

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has continued a high-surf advisory for the north-facing shores of Maui and the north- and west-facing shores of Molokai through 4 p.m. today.

A high-surf advisory means that high surf will produce rip currents and localized beach erosion.

A large long-period northwest swell was expected to peak Sunday night and diminish today, according to the weather service.

People are urged to stay out of the water and away from the shore break.

Maui County Civil Defense will be monitoring the situation.

NOAA weather information can be heard at (866) 944-5025. For more information, go to www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl.

Recorded advisories and notifications are available on the Maui County Automated Information System at 986-1200.

*****

Fire destroys shed in Haiku, causing $100K in damage

A Sunday-morning fire destroyed a storage shed in Haiku, according to fire officials.

Fire crews from Paia, Makawao and Kahului responded to the 9:06 a.m. report of a structure fire at 520 N. Honokala Road, fire Capt. Kris Sakamoto said. Upon arrival, they found the 600-square-foot shed burned to the ground and extinguished the remaining fire.

There were no injuries. The total loss estimate for the structure and its contents is $100,000, according to Sakamoto. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

County / In Brief

Firefighters locate man reported missing

Firefighters searched Friday afternoon and Saturday morning for a 90-year-old Lanai man suffering from Alzheimer’s, according to Maui Fire Department Capt. Kris Sakamoto.

The man was reported missing at 4:50 p.m. Friday when family members said he didn’t return from his daily walk, Sakamoto said. Firefighters from Lanai and Kahului firefighters aboard the Air One helicopter searched the Lanai City area until the operation was suspended because of darkness.

The search resumed Saturday morning, with the help of volunteers, and the man was eventually found by the volunteers behind the Lalakoa Subdivision, Sakamoto said. The man was found in good condition and did not need medical treatment.

*****

County GOP caucus meetings scheduled

The Maui County Republican Party has scheduled district caucus meetings for Saturday at several locations. At the caucuses, party members will elect officers, welcome new members and choose delegates to vote on the party’s 2014 platform.

The Central Maui Districts 8 (Wailuku) and 9 (Kahului) will meet together from 1:30 to 3 p.m. in the Wailuku Elementary School cafeteria.

Other caucus meetings include:

* District 10 (West Maui), 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the King Kamehameha III School cafeteria in Lahaina.

* District 11 (South Maui), 3:30 to 5 p.m. at the Kalama Heights Retirement Residence, Garden Room, at 101 Kanani Road in Kihei.

* Districts 12 (Upcountry) and 13 (East Maui, Molokai and Lanai), 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Makawao School cafeteria.

The caucus meetings are open to all Republican Party members. To sign up as a member, go to www.gophawaii.com/join-the-hrp-ohana/.

For more information, contact GOP Maui County Chairman George Fontaine at 269-2968 or via email at george@fontaine.pro.

*****

Tour operators labeled as Dolphin SMART

Trilogy Excursions has earned “Dolphin SMART” recognition from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, according to an announcement.

The recognition was earned because Trilogy operators have been responsibly viewing wild dolphins and educating visitors on tours, NOAA officials said.

SMART is an acronym that serves as a reminder of the five principles of dolphin-viewing etiquette: stay at least 50 yards away from dolphins; move away slowly if they show signs of disturbance; always keep a vessel engine in neutral when dolphins are near; refrain from feeding, touching or swimming with wild dolphins; and teach others to be “Dolphin SMART.”

Trilogy is the fifth Hawaii tour operator to be awarded the “Dolphin SMART” recognition.

County / In Brief

Care-nival to focus on averting suicide

A “care-nival,” a caring carnival, with music, games, food and information about suicide prevention, will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at the University of Hawaii Maui College.

The free event is hosted by Maui Economic Opportunity Youth Services and Hawaii’s Caring Communities Initiative.

*****

Lanai school plans Monday meeting

Lanai High & Elementary School will hold a community meeting with new Principal Elton Kinoshita and Board of Education Chairman Don Horner from 6 to 7 p.m. Monday in the school cafeteria.

Attendees will be able to discuss public education, the community’s role in supporting student achievement and the school’s library system, an announcement said.

*****

Civil Defense siren test set for Monday

The monthly Civil Defense siren test will be held at 11:45 a.m. Monday. The warning system will be coordinated with a test of the live audio broadcast segment of the Emergency Alert System.

The siren test is a steady one-minute tone on all sirens. The steady tone alerts the public to any emergency that may pose a threat to life and property. Besides natural hazards, the Emergency Alert System could be used for terrorist incidents or acts of war.

If there is problem with siren operations, call 270-7285.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper?
     
Support Local Journalism on Maui

Only $99/year

Subscribe Today