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, February 5, 1997 Hawai`i News -- Internet Edition By Ryan Kawailani 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: HOUSE ADVANCES MANDATORY RATE REDUCTION Three House committees today advanced a bill that would force island auto insurance companies to slash their premiums by at least 25 percent. The measure calls for a mandatory 25 to 35 percent rate reduction on basic insurance policies, which are required by state law. Offsetting the rate reduction is a proposed $5,000 deductible, which requires that the first $5,000 of any award won in a lawsuit goes to the insurance company. House Consumer Protection Committee Chairman said the bill would reduce costs and discourage frivolous lawsuits. Nu`uanu Rep. Quentin Kawananakoa said the rate reduction might not be worth the tradeoff. "It's a big concern," Kawananakoa told KGMB. "The public needs to understand that while we may be bringing savings to their premium costs, they're not getting the same coverage because of the very large deductible." In addition, state officials said health insurance costs may rise by about 3 percent if the bill becomes law. Insurance industry officials said the plan will ultimately backfire. ""We don't believe there's going to be significant savings off this bill," State Farm Insurance spokesman Rick Tsujimura told KITV. "In fact, if you talk to other industry leaders, they'll confirm our position and that is there will be an increase for working families." In all, 32 state representatives voted in favor of the bill, which will return for its second hearing before the full House within the next week. The state Senate, meanwhile, is working on its own version of a bill aimed at lowering insurance costs in Hawai`i. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: MAJOR LEAGUE TEAM EYES ISLAND ENGAGEMENT If "they" will come, Honolulu may host three Major League series games in April, KHNL reported today. Representatives of the San Diego Padres are in town this week, gauging the island market and inspecting Aloha Stadium to determine whether the Major Leagues will get a major response from the people of Hawai`i. "We're broadening our range from our market in San Diego," Padres Vice President Bob Wells said. "We want to head west." "My understanding is that baseball is the number one sport in Hawai`i," Wells said. Wells said the team is looking for a playing field, since its own stadium is scheduled to undergo major renovations later this year. He said he suspects the national pastime will get a warm welcome in the islands. If the team decides to play at Aloha Stadium, KHNL reported, it will play three games against the St. Louis Cardinals between April 18 and 20. In addition to fulfilling the fantasies of local baseball fans, stadium manager Eddie Hayashi said hosting the Major Leagues will help all sectors of the Hawai`i economy. "I would like to think that Hawai`i would support three nights of major league baseball," said local sports scout Pat Eldredge. ""I think it would be thrilling to have Major League baseball here." He said such a move would be just as big as the recent Pro Bowl, which according to visitor industry officials brings massive publicity for the islands and pumps millions into the state economy. "We're not talking exhibition games here," Eldredge said. "We're talking about season games -- games that would actually count on their record." Team representatives will be in Honolulu for another few days, but as of yet they have made no decision on whether to play ball in Hawai`i. KHNL reported Gov. Ben Cayetano is preparing to make an announcement regarding the possibility later this week. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: COUNCIL QUESTIONS MEAGER CITY STORE ROLLS Thirteen months after it opened, the Honolulu City Store in Ala Moana Shopping Center has barely brought in 20 percent of what it was expected to, and city councilmembers said they are growing impatient. According to city officials, the City Store has raised about $14,000 toward the general fund since it opened before Christmas 1995. When it was first pitched to the City Council, Mayor Jeremy Harris' administration projected annual profits of $80,000. Budget Director Malcolm Tom told the council today that the store -- which sells souvenirs ranging from "high surf" highway signs to city lifeguard T-shirts -- is still a promising source of revenue. The money generated by the store was to be committed toward hiring more police officers, the amount to matched by the federal government in a nationwide crime package. Tom said his department is working with the private contractor hired to run the store to find ways to improve sales. "We're very optimistic and very confident of the concept," Tom said, "And we'll work with them or any other person to realize its potential." Councilmembers were unconvinced, however, criticizing the Harris administration for dragging its feet on coming up with a concrete plan to promote the store. Councilman John Henry Felix said the city seems to have a "smug attitude" about the presumed success of the City Store. Last year, the council urged Harris to create an economic development office, which would coordinate marketing for the store, as well as TheBus, the Honolulu Zoo and other revenue-generating city attractions. Tom said the administration has been working on the proposal, and that the office could be established as soon as early March. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: BITS AND PIECES MAUI police have charged a 28-year-old man with attempted murder after he stabbed a Utah woman and her two sons during a botched robbery attempt last week. The suspect allegedly broke into a room at the Maui Sunset Hotel in Kihei and stabbed Mary Paulson ten times before struggling with her sons, ages 24 and 26, who were also injured. Mary Paulson remains in stable condition at Maui Memorial Hospital; the men were treated and released. Police tracked down the suspect, reportedly an employee at a Maui dive shop, through a loaded gun left at the scene. Although his sailboarding plans were nearly derailed by tragedy, Jeff Paulson said he still likes the islands... STRONGER measures will be used against motorists who fail to pay parking tickets under a bill approved today by the House Transportation Committee. Rep. Ken Hiraki said the state has accumulated $1 million in unpaid parking tickets over the years. If passed, the bill would authorize police to use steel boots to immobilize vehicles with three or more outstanding tickets. Hiraki told KHON-TV2 that the boots, which are clamped onto wheels and locked, have been proven effective on the Mainland. "Believe me," he said. "It gets people very motivated to pay their parking fines." The measure now moves to the Judiciary Committee... COMEDIAN Kaui Hill, also known as Bu La`ia, was fined $300 yesterday for an altercation with security guards at Honolulu International Airport. Hill, 30, pled no contest to charges of third-degree assault. On March 20, Hill allegedly assaulted a security guard who tried to restrain him while he was illegally skateboarding on airport property. The prosecution dropped two terroristic threatening charges, and Circuit Court judge Fa`auga To`oto`o deferred acceptance of Hill's plea. As a result, Hill's record will be cleared if he stays out of trouble for a year... BROOK Lee, 26, was crowned Miss USA tonight in Shreveport, Louisiana, winning over $170,000 in cash and prizes and earning the right to represent the U.S. in the Miss Universe pageant in May. A graduate of Kamehameha Schools and Chaminade University, Lee prevailed through the interview, swimsuit and evening gown portions of the national pageant. Her brother, Brandon, told KITV that she had competed for Miss Hawai`i three times before winning the crown last year. "She's worked so hard for so long for this," he said. "She really deserved it..." -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: KA `UPENA ALMANAC TEMPS: O`ahu 81/72, Kaua`i 80/69, Moloka`i 82/70, Maui 81/70, Hilo 83/67 CASTS: Sunny and clear, trades to 15MPH; North shore surf to 8 feet. THURSDAY'S TIDES: High 2:42 p.m.; Low 9:42 a.m.

<> ----------[ K A ` U P E N A K U K U I ]---------- <> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Net of Light Tuesday, February 4, 1997 Hawai`i News -- Internet Edition By Ryan Kawailani 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: LIBRARY BOOK BUYER FACES FEDERAL LAWSUIT After an 18-month investigation, the U.S. Department of Justice has joined a lawsuit against the company recently hired by the state to buy all books for Hawaii's public libraries. North Carolina-based Baker & Taylor is now accused of bilking clients across the country of nearly $200 million. "This raises our eyebrows," Sen. Avery Chumbley said yesterday. "We will take a closer look at what Baker & Taylor is doing," Chumbley said. "The Attorney General should be alerted so she too could look at joining the suit," Chumbley said. The lawsuit claims Baker & Taylor failed to pass publishers' discounts on to its 15,000 clients, 90 percent of which are public libraries. State officials believe they may have been overcharged as well. "The justice department is saying this is a widespread practice of stealing from public libraries across the country," said Rep. David Stegmaier, chair of the House Education Committee. "We have to look in terms of whether the state of Hawai`i has been cheated," said Sen. Rod Tam, who heads the Senate's education panel. Board of Education member Wynston Sakurai said he believes the state should join the lawsuit. State Attorney General Margery Bronster said a independent lawsuit is an option, but said time was needed to examine the specific allegations. Today, Bronster said federal investigators have asked for records documenting the state's five-year, $11-million contract with Baker & Taylor. A public hearing will be held within the next two weeks to discuss the matter, Tam said. He said a separate investigation of state Librarian Bart Kane -- who hired Baker & Taylor -- is a possibility. Hawai`i is the only state that allows a private vendor to control all book purchases for its library system. According to the contract, the company chooses which books and how many copies each library receives. Under the "unit pricing" plan, every publication -- whether a hardcover novel or a pamphlet -- costs the state exactly $20.94. Kane`ohe librarian Norman Fitzpatrick told KHNL that Baker & Taylor sent the state 690 copies of a book no one wanted, but only sent one copy of a best-seller that now has a waiting list of 214 people. Fitzpatrick said it would cost about $254 to buy a stack of 90 paperback books at any bookstore. Under Baker & Taylor's contract, however, he said the price tag would be $1863. Fitzpatrick also said his library only received three books in January -- all Christmas oriented. "This is a appalling waste of taxpayer money," Fitzpatrick said. At a recent Senate Education Committee meeting, Baker & Taylor came under fire from librarians complaining about duplicate, excessive or unwanted book purchases. Tam called for an audit of the company. "We will be having a financial investigation and we ask for your cooperation," Tam said at the time. "Otherwise, quite frankly, we will not fund your contract." Kane had apologized for the problems, but told the committee that he didn't anticipate canceling the contract. "I am discouraged and saddened that employees have as many concerns about the system as they still do," he said. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: BILL AIMS TO TEMPER PASH RULING A capacity crowd was on hand today as lawmakers heard testimony on a bill that would curb rights of native Hawaiians established two years ago by the state Supreme Court. In 1995, the court ruled in favor of Public Access Shoreline Hawai`i, a Big Island group that sued for access to a private stretch of shoreline in order to conduct native Hawaiian rites. Legislators are considering a bill that would require groups to obtain permission from the state before crossing into private property. The bill has the support of landowners and developers who said the court ruling has called their deeds into question. Big Island project planner Peter L'Orange told lawmakers that a developer's loan application was turned down last year because the PASH ruling makes it impossible to guarantee his land title. "It's a serious problem," L'Orange said. Others who testified said the intent of PASH is a good one, but that its implications are too vague. "There's no question that the Hawaiian culture is a valuable asset," said Hawai`i Realtors Association spokesman Keahi Pelayo. "However there are real jobs being lost in this state due to the effect of PASH." "It's affecting both Hawaiians and the rest of Hawai`i," Pelayo said. Opponents argued that the bill unfairly targets native Hawaiians. "This bill imposes on one group, defined by race, a burden to register their rights," said UH law professor Williamson Chang. "The last time that occurred was in World War II when Jews were asked to register because an economic crisis was blamed on them." Sierra Club spokesman Kimo Frankel also testified against the bill. The Sierra Club supported PASH in its case two years ago. "This bill proposes to steal Hawaiian rights to accommodate the greedy demands of developers and foreign corporate interests," Frankel said. "It is the most egregious bill considered by the legislature this year." -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: STATE MULLS PRIVATE PRISON OPERATORS The state House is considering a bill that would let private companies build and operate prisons in the islands. Puna Rep. Robert Herkes introduce the measure, which would speed the construction of a new prison in Hawai`i County by privatizing much of the operation. "If we build a prison on the Big Island, the objective is to do something about the high unemployment rates," Herkes told KHON-TV2. Les Gay, who represents a company that runs several prisons on the Mainland, told lawmakers that privatization will take some of the burden off of the state's prison system. "We see it as a positive, constructive and do-able solution," Gay said. "Hawai`i can and should utilize the private sector in order to help eliminate the current and projected overcrowding." State labor officials, however, said privatization would be a mistake. "We believe it is clear that the goals of the supporters of privatization are to make their friends rich and to be anti-union," said Gary Rodrigues, head of the state United Public Workers union. Public Safety Director Keith Kaneshiro said privatization is an option, but that the state needs time to consider the matter thoroughly. "This bill ties the hands of public safety," Kaneshiro said. "We're not able to deal with the prison problem and the issue of privatization if this bill is passed." If the state decided to privatize the prison system, it could do so without changing existing laws, Kaneshiro said. Last year, Gov. Ben Cayetano announced plans to add 1,000 beds to Hawai`i prisons within the next two years. The state already has 300 inmates incarcerated at private prisons on the Mainland. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: BITS AND PIECES TEMPERS flared in the state Senate today after some members claimed the Judiciary Committee rushed to pass a domestic partnership bill. Kailua Sen. Whitney Anderson, who opposes domestic partnerships, said Committee Chair Matt Matsunaga didn't tell him a vote was going to be taken. Anderson wasn't present when the committee passed controversial bills concerning same-sex marriage. "I think it's unfair, unjust to every person that was there," Anderson said. "It's simply wrong, wrong, wrong to complain when you don't get what you want and the rules were indeed followed," Matsunaga replied. Sens. Mike McCartney and Malama Solomon also exchanged a few barbs. The full Senate will consider the issue on Thursday... TRIAL began today for an 18-year-old man in the stabbing death of his 51- year-old lover. Prosecutors believe Jeremy Salvador and Terry Caldwell were in a relationship when Salvador and a friend attempted to ransack Caldwell's Waikiki apartment in December of 1995. A kitchen knife is believed to be the murder weapon. "Terry Caldwell suffered a violent and a painful death at the hand of Jeremy Salvador," said Deputy Prosecutor Thalia Murphy. "Armed with a steak knife he stabbed her multiple times." Salvador is also on trial for criminal solicitation, when -- while in custody -- he allegedly asked a friend to kill someone who witnessed Caldwell's death... VOLCANO watchers again can see most of the exhibits and trails at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, but the new eruption near Napau Crater has subsided. A 50-foot curtain of fire was created after the summit of Kilauea collapsed early Thursday morning. By Friday morning, however, the show was over. Geologists believe the normal flow of magma was constricted somewhere upslope from Pu`u O`o, where the majority of activity had been observed for the past 14 years. Scientists said nearby Makaopuhi Crater began to swell, and the pressure made fissures in the rock that eventually reached the surface. The Kilauea summit has now begun re-inflating, and Hawai`i Volcano Observatory officials said eruptions may resume at Pu`u O`o within the next few weeks... ELIZABETH Savage, 31, was sentenced to a year in prison and five years probation for multiple counts of forgery and theft. A former Honolulu police officer with six years of service to the force, Savage said her actions were spurred by severe drug problems, . In Circuit Court yesterday, Savage apologized to the police department and to members of her family. Savage may earn an early release if she qualifies for a drug treatment program. She resigned from the force in March, and pled guilty to theft charges in October. While released on bail and awaiting sentencing, Savage was arrested again and charged with additional felony counts... DAMAGE to a dry cleaning warehouse near Ke`ehi Lagoon is estimated at $2 million after a fire raged through the Al Phillips the Cleaner on Lagoon Drive last night. Company officials said the facility is the largest of their 14 locations, and that it was housing 1,000 articles of customer clothing and an additional 6,000 uniforms at the time of the blaze. Fire Department Investigator Art brown said initial signs show the fire started in two locations, which could indicate arson. The official cause of the fire is expected to be determined tomorrow. All three firefighters injured while battling the fire have been released from the hospital... GOVERNOR Ben Cayetano today appointed former state Sen. Rey Graulty as the State Insurance Commissioner. Graulty was defeated in the November general election after four years in the Senate. Prior to that, he served four years as a state representative. Last year, Graulty joined Cayetano in opposing proposed changes to the state's no-fault insurance system. Graulty replaces former commissioner Wayne Metcalf, who was appointed last month to finish the term of retired Hilo Sen. Richard Matsuura... CORRECTIONS: The costs involved for a people-mover system proposed for Honolulu were incorrect in the Jan. 30 edition of Ka `Upena. Honolulu Monorail President Ron Watson said he has amassed $600 million in private funding, and said the system will cost approximately $60 million per mile to build. Also, the name of former city prosecutor George Parker's wife was wrongly reported in yesterday's Ka `Upena. Her name is Doraine Parker. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: KA `UPENA ALMANAC TEMPS: O`ahu 80/70, Kaua`i 79/69, Moloka`i 81/68, Maui 81/69, Hilo 83/67 CASTS: Partly cloudy, trades to 15MPH; North and West shore surf to 12 feet. WEDNESDAY'S TIDES: High 2:42 a.m.; Low 9:42 a.m.

<> ----------[ K A ` U P E N A K U K U I ]---------- <> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Net of Light Monday, February 3, 1997 Hawai`i News -- Internet Edition By Ryan Kawailani 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: SENATE COMMITTEE BACKS SAME-SEX BENEFITS, MARRIAGE BAN The Senate Judiciary Committee today approved two measures tackling the controversial same-sex marriage issue, advancing an apparent compromise that would ban same-sex marriages but provide legal benefits for domestic partners. Lawmakers heard more than five hours of testimony, and more than 100 people were on hand for the afternoon hearing. Rev. Marc Alexander, representing the state's Catholic churches, spoke against same-sex marriages. He said gay rights advocates mischaracterize the opponents of same-sex marriage. "The 75 percent of the people of Hawai`i who want marriage to be marriage can hardly be compared to southern white racists of the 50s and 60s or religious bigots," Alexander said. Attorney Dan Foley, who represented three-same sex couples in their lawsuit against the state last year, said the issue is one of basic civil rights. He said the state's main claim against legalizing gay and lesbian marriages was proven to be unfounded. "Same sex marriage will cause no harm to the state and will in fact will benefit women and children," Foley said. Although the court ruled against the state's ban on same-sex marriage, the decision is on hold as it is appealed to the Hawai`i Supreme Court. Committee members linked a bill for a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage -- similar to one recently passed by the state House -- to another measure that establishes limited rights for same-sex couples. Aiea Rep. Bob McDermott testified against the Senate's domestic partnership plan, telling the seven-member committee that it would still go against the view of most Hawai`i residents. "They don't want same-sex marriage, and they don't want domestic partnership," he said. "Now gentlemen, I'd advise you not to send over a bill to the House loaded up with domestic partnership garbage because it's going to die," McDermott said. Last year, the Senate advanced a domestic partnership bill while the House focused on a constitutional amendment. Neither made it out of committee, however. This year, the state House tackled the same-sex marriage issue in the first week of the session. In addition to the proposed constitutional amendment, representatives passed a bill that would assure "reciprocal benefits" for same-sex couples. The senate's domestic partnership bill, introduced by Sens. Matt Matsunaga and Avery Chumbley, is said to include more benefits than the House version. Former state Insurance Commissioner Wayne Metcalf, appointed by Gov. Ben Cayetano to replace retired Sen. Richard Matsuura, broke a potential deadlock when he voted in favor of domestic partnerships. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: PARKER DENIED BAIL, WIFE APOLOGIZES A federal judge ordered George Parker III held without bail today, and decreed the former city prosecutor spend a month at an Illinois federal medical facility for mental evaluation. Parker, 35, held police in an eight-hour standoff in downtown Honolulu on Thursday, one day after he was convicted of three federal charges including money laundering and obstruction of justice. SWAT team members fired low-lethality foam and wood rounds to subdue Parker when he rushed at them from an Alakea Street alley. "He's not just a danger to himself, he's a danger to others," U.S. Attorney Steve Alm told KHON-TV2. "It clearly shows the danger that the public would be facing if Mr. Parker were not incarcerated." "The fact that he did posses firearms heightens it a notch, because he is familiar with weapons," Alm said. Parker faces 35 years in prison for his convictions on three federal charges, all stemming from a 1994 investigation of drug kingpin Ronald Moon. Distraught over the ruling, Parker walked out of the federal courthouse Wednesday afternoon and never returned. He was declared a fugitive and a bench warrant was issued for his arrest. According to his wife, Lorraine, Parker had already attempted suicide well before police were arriving on the scene. Lorraine Parker appeared in court today and apologized to Honolulu residents for the inconvenience her husband caused Thursday morning. She told judge David Ezra that her husband left messages on their answering machine telling her he would not be coming home. She said he then bought 96 tablets of an over-the-counter painkiller and some rat poison from nearby stores and ingested them. She said Parker fell unconscious, but woke up shortly before 3 a.m. He was on his way to buy more drugs when he was spotted by a security guard. She also said Parker deliberately held his cellular phone as if it was a gun when he charged police, hoping that snipers would shoot and kill him. Alm said he understood Parker's distress, but said the standoff still put lives at risk. "It was a tragedy from Mr. Parker's point of view, but it was a real dangerous situation for everybody else involved," he said. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: STATE JOINS NATIONWIDE TOBACCO SUIT Hawai`i is now one of 20 states suing America's leading tobacco companies for unfair trade practices. The 150-page lawsuit aims to recover millions of dollars spent for medical costs resulting from tobacco-related illnesses, and also asks tobacco companies to stop targeting children in their advertising campaigns. Like those filed by other states, the Hawai`i lawsuit also demands the release of studies conducted by tobacco companies on their own products. Everyone in the state has had to pay the price for the thousands of people now addicted to nicotine, said state Attorney General Margery Bronster. "What we have found is absolutely ample support -- both in the facts and the law -- to show that the tobacco industry has been engaging in unfair and deceptive trade practices with respect to the sale of tobacco and improperly targeting the youth in this state," Bronster said. In announcing the lawsuit today, Gov. Ben Cayetano said cigarette smoke is Hawaii's deadliest killer. "Smoke-related diseases kill more people in Hawai`i every year than AIDS, suicide, alcohol and murders combined," Cayetano said. Bronster said a trial date would be at least two years away. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: BITS AND PIECES SALDY Marzan, 29, was ordered to stand trial for murder today in the Jan. 27 shooting death of his 24-year-old wife, Arlene. According to HPD Det. Stephen Dung, Marzan argued with his wife over the phone before going to his brother's Kalihi Street apartment, where his wife and their three children had spent the night. Marzan, who was violating a temporary restraining order, struggled with his wife for the gun. When she fell and began calling for people to call police, Marzan shot her, Dung said. Marzan faces four felony charges, including second-degree murder and firearms violations. If convicted, he faces life in prison with the possibility of parole. He remains in custody tonight, unable to post $320,000 bail. Trial is set for Feb. 13... REVEREND Claude Du Teil, who founded the "Peanut Butter Ministry" 20 years ago with five volunteers and a tray of sandwiches, was remembered this weekend for his devotion to helping Hawaii's poor and homeless population. Du Teil, 76, died Jan. 22 of complications related to Parkinson's disease. Colleagues called Du Teil a "wounded healer," comparing him to Father Damien and Jesus. According to his wife, Roberta, Du Teil had to overcome alcoholism before devoting his life to helping others. Du Teil's shelter now serves hundreds of people, providing health care and job placement assistance. The Institute for Human Services is now working to raise $1.1 million to build a second shelter, this one dedicated to helping women and children... LANCE Alstodt, an investment banker from Roslyn, N.Y., booted his way to $1 million prize during yesterday's Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium. Before a sell-out crowd, Alstodt, 26, made a successful 35-yard field-goal kick as part of a Hershey's promotion. Company officials said Alstodt's candy wrapper was picked from among over 200,000 entries. For a chance at the "Million Dollar Kick," Alstodt had to beat three other contest finalists in a kicking competition last month. Alstodt said $1 million will go toward wedding expenses -- his fiancee came with him to Honolulu to witness his triumph -- and savings. NFC kicker John Kasay coached Alstodt before the moment of truth. "I told him not to give up his day job," Kasay told the _Honolulu Star-Bulletin_. "He still made more money than I did this year..." ROMAN Perez, 66, took the stand in his own defense this morning in Circuit Court and testified that he shot his wife by accident during an argument last year. On July 26, Perez fired at his wife in broad daylight, chasing her down a Kaka`ako street and into the Hawai`i Newspaper Agency building where she worked. Perez told the jury he was under severe stress at the time, and was just trying to stop her from running away because he wanted to confront her about their joint bank account. Perez said he believed his wife was having a lesbian affair and was stealing money. Perez faces two charges of attempted murder and two counts of reckless endangering... NINE fire units are battling a blaze tonight near Ke`ehi Lagoon. The three- alarm fire was reported shortly after 7 p.m. at the Al Phillips the Cleaner on Lagoon Drive. The Fire Department's hazardous materials team closed several streets, fearing chemicals in the building would release toxic fumes. HPD spokesman Carter Davis said no chemicals appear to be burning, but the synthetic materials used in some clothes may still pose a threat. Three Honolulu firefighters required medical attention, and were taken to Kuakini Medical Center. Al Phillips executive Roy Miyamoto told KHNL that he anticipated thousands of dollars in damages, adding that the site was also used to store hundreds of rental uniforms... -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: KA `UPENA ALMANAC TEMPS: O`ahu 81/70, Kaua`i 79/69, Moloka`i 80/68, Maui 81/69, Hilo 82/68 CASTS: Cloudy, trades to 15MPH; North and West shore surf to 10 feet. TUESDAY'S TIDES: High 1:45 p.m.; Low 7:24 p.m.

<> ----------[ K A ` U P E N A K U K U I ]---------- <> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Net of Light Thursday, February 30, 1997 Hawai`i News -- Internet Edition By Ryan Kawailani 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: ATTORNEY SUBDUED AFTER EIGHT-HOUR STANDOFF A former city prosecutor convicted in a federal drug case held police at bay for 8 hours in downtown Honolulu until being taken down with a specialized weapon shortly before noon today. Honolulu police fired low-lethality foam and wood rounds to subdue former city prosecutor George Parker III, who was apparently distraught after being convicted yesterday for obstruction of justice and money laundering. Parker, 35, faces up to 35 years in prison for conspiracy, obstruction of justice and money laundering in connection with a 1994 investigation of drug kingpin Ronald Moon. Yesterday afternoon, Parker walked out of a downtown federal courtroom during a recess and disappeared. A bench warrant was issued for his arrest. Shortly before 3 a.m., a downtown security guard reported seeing a man with a gun in a narrow alley behind the Hawaiian Telephone building, near the 1100 block of Alakea Street. Police identified the man as Parker, and quickly cleared the area. Police said Parker was still wearing the same clothes he wore in court yesterday. Negotiators lowered a phone to Parker, and he was allowed to listen to recorded messages from his family. Parker was very agitated and threatened to kill himself, police said. "He said to get the snipers ready," police negotiator Karen Kaniho said. At about 11:45 a.m., Parker reportedly charged at police. SWAT team members fired two foam rounds and one wood round, which knocked Parker to the ground. "He gave us every indication he was armed," HPD spokesman Keith Pocock said. "He indicated earlier that he was going to use the gun on himself." Although police believed he was armed, only a cellular phone was recovered. Parker was taken to Queen's Medical Center, and police said he was in good condition and talking. The standoff closed streets and several nearby buildings, throwing downtown Honolulu into chaos. The incident also closed the District Court building, forcing clerks to set up desks outside to reschedule some 700 cases that were set to be heard today. "There was absolutely no indication that anything like this would happen," said U.S. Attorney Steve Alm. "I'm sad to see this happen to Parker and I'm sad to see this happen to a former prosecutor." City Prosecutor Peter Carlisle told the _Honolulu Star-Bulletin_ he used to play basketball with Parker, and described him as an intelligent, confident attorney. "I hope everything turns out okay," he said. Parker's friend, Myles Breiner, told KHON-TV2 that Parker's life started turning sour two years ago. Parker recently divorced and was separated from two children, Breiner said, and lost his license last September in an unrelated case. Parker visited Moon in Halawa Prison several times in 1994, accepting a $20,000 bribe from drug dealer William Batkin. Batkin wanted Parker to convince Moon to not implicate him in a federal investigation. During the trial, prosecutors said they believed Parker spent most of the bribe on a trip to Paris. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: KILAUEA ERUPTION HITS NEW STRIDE The ongoing eruption of Kilauea entered a new phase yesterday, when lava began fountaining over 50 feet in the air near Napau Crater, which is about two miles west of Pu`u O`o. "All of a sudden the summit of Kilauea began to deflate," Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park Ranger Mardie Lane told KHON-TV2. "The magma welled up, it split open the earth, the lava fountains began to dance and we were on to a full on eruption." The eruption began early this morning, after a series of earthquakes were detected Wednesday night. Park officials said Pu`u O`o -- which had been the focus of surface activity for 14 years -- collapsed, and the lava flow to the ocean stopped. Three fissures opened up near Napau Crater, which had seen only moderate activity in the past. A huge curtain of fire was observed, and geologists recorded several earthquakes, the strongest measuring 3.4 on the Richter scale. A Wyoming couple that had been camping near Napau Crater found themselves about half a mile from the new eruption. Both were employees at Yellowstone National Park, and said they awoke at about 3:30 a.m. to a glow they first thought was coming from Pu`u O`o. When they saw the lava fountaining over the next ridge, they said they knew it was a new eruption. Stephen Dobert, 47, compared the red and yellow lava to fireworks. "Explosions after explosions -- a constant roar," Dobert said. "We did see the lava flowing and the spouts looked like fire to me," said Sandra Snell-Dobert. "We felt several earthquakes -- nothing that shook us out of our tents, but we could feel the shaking." The couple was rescued at about 4 a.m. Most park trails and roads have been closed, including Chain of Craters Road, which allowed visitors to view the lava flow at the shoreline. Since the flow has subsided, however, Lane said there is little to see. "That's our security blanket -- that's our big draw," Lane told KHNL. "Visitors come to the island hoping to see the steam plume, hoping to see the lava flow after dark, and right now that's not a reality." Until scientists have time to study the new eruption, Chain of Craters Road will be closed until Saturday, she said. Park officials said the flow from the new eruption may also threaten archaeological sites, including a field of ancient petroglyphs. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: DEVELOPER OFFERS STATE RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM A private company wants to build a fixed-rail people-mover system through the economic heart of O`ahu, and has offered to do so at no cost to taxpayers. Honolulu Monorail -- which made a $4.5 million bid to build a proposed mass-transit system that was eventually killed four years ago -- is back at the Capitol, but this time president Ron Watson said he has secured $600 in private financing. Watson told lawmakers yesterday that the only thing his company needs from the city and state are the permits needed for construction along the proposed route. The proposed people-mover, which Watson compared to the monorail at Disney World, would run from Aloha Tower Marketplace through Waikiki to the new Convention Center. Watson said the system would cost about $60 per mile to build. With the support of the state, construction could be underway by Summer of 1998, with the system fully operational within another two or three years, Watson said. Although Rep. Romy Cachola said there is clearly a need for mass transit in Honolulu, he said the proposal will take lots of work before ground can be broken. "It's not as easy as that," Cachola told KHON-TV2. "There are questions of right-of-ways and condemnations of land along the route." Gov. Ben Cayetano also expressed doubts. "It's probably not cost effective," Cayetano said. "I think it's a mistake to believe that it will have no cost impact to the taxpayer." Cachola said the state should consider building the people-mover instead. Studies have shown a transit system along the proposed route would be profitable, and Cachola said the state could float bonds to pay for construction rather than using general funds. A larger system is not out of the question, he said. "There will come a time when there is a need for a mass transit system," Cachola said. "Hopefully by that time the people mover will be linked to the mass transit system later on." -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: BITS AND PIECES ATHEISTS have taken aim at a 35-foot-tall cross on the grounds of Schofield Barracks, claiming its presence violates the Constitutional separation of church and state. The cross, which stands at the foot of Kolekole Pass, was built in the early '60s. The Hawai`i chapter of American Atheists has demanded that the army remove the cross, which Army officials said was apparently built for use during annual Easter services. The group's president, Mitchell Kahle, said Army records show the cross cost over $4,000 of taxpayer money. Army officials said they are consulting legal experts and are preparing an official response... WEEKS before resigning his position as director of the city's botanical gardens, Michael Kristiansen reportedly took a job as head of a private garden in Beverly Hills, Calif. The _Honolulu Advertiser_ reported today that Kristiansen accepted the director's position at the 6-acre Virginia Robinson Gardens on Nov. 4, while he was on extended sick leave. Kristiansen officially resigned on Jan. 15. Managing Director Bob Fishman said there was no reason to believe Kristiansen wasn't ill. Meanwhile, Robinson Gardens Assistant Director Mary Schwei told the _Advertiser_: "He certainly wasn't sick or stressed when he came here..." KONISHIKI, born and raised in Wai`anae as Salevaa Atisanoe, shared his aloha with a group of 35 sixth-graders with an all-expenses paid trip to Japan this week. The 600-pound sumotori collaborated with corporate sponsors to fly the kids to Japan, where they visited Tokyo Disneyland and attended the final night of the Grand Sumo Tournament. Selected on the basis of written essays, the students -- representing five Leeward Coast elementary schools -- also received jackets as souvenirs. They returned to Hawai`i today, and are expected to report on their trip to the Board of Education next month... VOLUNTEER patrols will begin fining Honolulu drivers who wrongfully park in handicapped stalls this weekend. A bill passed by the City Council last year allowed the Honolulu Police Department to begin the pilot project, which will help the city and state enforce their parking laws without draining valuable money and manpower. The patrol, consisting of about 20 volunteers, will begin fining drivers $150 for handicapped parking violations... -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: KA `UPENA ALMANAC TEMPS: O`ahu 80/71, Kaua`i 79/68, Moloka`i 80/71, Maui 81/70, Hilo 80/68 CASTS: Partly cloudy, trades to 15MPH; North and West shore surf to 10 feet. FRIDAY'S TIDES: High 7:57 a.m.; Low 3:02 p.m.

<> ----------[ K A ` U P E N A K U K U I ]---------- <> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Net of Light Wednesday, January 29, 1997 Hawai`i News -- Internet Edition By Ryan Kawailani 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: COUNCIL TO RECONSIDER SMOKING BAN A bill that would ban smoking in all Honolulu workplaces -- including restaurants and bars -- was shelved by the City Council today after opposition by local businesses kept the measure from being veto-proof. The decision to defer came after more than three hours of testimony both for and against the smoking ban, with strong opposition voiced by the Hawai`i Hotel and Restaurant Association. "The current language may have the purpose of saving your constituents from lung cancer, but you may be creating ulcers, heart attacks and poverty in the process," said restaurant owner Richard Botti. Councilman John DeSoto said councilmembers were 5-4 in favor of the ban. At least six votes would be needed to override a veto by Mayor Jeremy Harris. A similar measure passed in 1995 was vetoed by Harris. Councilmember Steve Holmes, who co-authored the bill, said it will now go back to committee. He said Honolulu Mayor Jeremy Harris has proposed a change that may make it more palatable to restaurateurs. "I'm certainly disappointed that the floor draft didn't have sufficient votes," Councilman Steve Holmes told KHNL, "but I'm very pleased the mayor stepped in to bring the parties together to work out a compromise." The mayor has consistently opposed an all-out ban. "I don't think it's right for big government to dictate to small businesses and say there shall be no smoking," Harris told KHON-TV2. The mayor has proposed allowing smoking in restaurants only if the building is configured to have separate rooms for smokers and non-smokers -- each with an independent ventilation system. Some restaurant owners said the compromise plan is still unacceptable, saying the cost of building such a partition would be too high. Holmes also said the idea needs some work. "Every restaurant is configured a little bit differently," he said. "Each situation is going to be unique, which makes it very hard to legislate a one-size fits all bill." -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: LAWMAKERS CLAMP DOWN ON JUVENILE CRIME Children as young as 14 years old could be tried as adults under a measure approved today by the House Judiciary Committee. The vote came after Representatives heard testimony from the mother of a woman whose teenage son, Anthony Gomes, was fatally stabbed in August 1995 by a 14-year-old boy. "Can any of you live with yourselves knowing that each and every one you could make a difference, each one of you might protect a family out there -- maybe even your own?" Luy Rafael said. Instead of a murder charge, Rafael said, Gomes' killer only faces a handful of years in a youth correctional facility. "I think everyone in this room would think differently if this was their child, their only son, stabbed by someone who was under 16," Rafael said. Legislative leaders have listed tougher juvenile crime laws as one of their primary goals of this session. Social service officials, however, said putting youth in adult prisons will only turn them into career criminals. Adult prison facilities don't have educational programs, said Deputy Public Defender Susan Arnett, who argued against the bill. State Child and Family Service spokesman Rob Welch told the committee that lowering the juvenile crime age in Florida has led to an increase in the seriousness of subsequent crimes committed there. Currently, suspects must be at least 16 years old before Family Court can waive its jurisdiction. Opponents questioned why the state would pay to incarcerate teenagers rather than investing in youth programs. Meanwhile, the committee also considered a bill that would open Family Court records to the public. Presently, names of juveniles involved in criminal cases are kept confidential. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIALS BACK DARE EXPANSION Police chiefs from all four Hawai`i counties are calling for an $8.5 million boost and a wider scope for the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program, or DARE. Now in its tenth year, DARE teaches elementary school children to shun drug use and resist peer pressure. Last year, more than 20,000 fifth graders "graduated" from the program. "The key is prevention, and law enforcement in this state believe in a balanced approach," Honolulu Police Chief Michael Nakamura said at a joint press conference. "We believe not only in enforcement and early intervention, but also education and prevention strategies." Supporters are proposing that DARE be expanded to include middle- and high-school students. The City Council was to vote today on increasing the DARE budget by $8.5 million for the next five years. "This is an area that I feel we can impact the future of this state by expanding the DARE program -- by following up," Nakamura said. "The time when they need more guidance is when they're a little older," he said. "This is where we're lacking." The police chiefs said DARE has had a noticeable impact on juvenile drug problems in the state. "We've experienced a tremendous improvement and a special type of awareness over the past few years that I'd like to see fostered," Big Island Police Chief Wayne Carvalho said. "We're saying this is the best program we know that's proactive and has a chance of success," said George Freitas, Kaua`i County Police Chief. Howard Tagemori, Maui Police Chief, said: "If we can pull this off, I believe we can and will make a difference." -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: BITS AND PIECES MOMENTS after being convicted for conspiring to obstruct justice, obstruction of justice and money laundering, 35-year-old George Parker walked out of a federal courtroom today during a recess and didn't return. Parker, a former city prosecutor, was accused of accepting $20,000 from drug dealer William Batkin to persuade island drug kingpin Frank Moon not to implicate him in a federal drug investigation. Prior to his disappearance, Parker said he planned to appeal the decision. U.S. District Court Judge David Ezra declared Parker a fugitive and issued a warrant for his arrest. Honolulu Police are still combing the streets of downtown Honolulu tonight... GRADUATES of Hawaii's high schools lack basic social skills required to survive in the real world, Honolulu Mayor Jeremy Harris said today. A special Board of Education committee heard testimony pushing for a stronger "work ethic" curriculum and more classroom discipline. The committee was formed after an October survey of island business executives found widespread dissatisfaction with the quality of new hires. The survey was conducted by BOE member Lex Brodie. "Graduates of our school system are not capable in many areas that they should be," Harris said. "They have to come to work on time, they have to have a work ethic, they have to be neatly dressed..." AFTER months of heated debate, the City Council today unanimously voted to reject a settlement proposal that would have allowed Bishop Estate to develop a hotel and golf course along the Ka Iwi coastline. Bishop Estate offered to drop eight lawsuits pending against the city in exchange for permits that would allow development of the area between Sandy Beach and Makapu`u Point. In voting to end negotiations with Bishop Estate, the council sends the case back to the courts. Last year, Gov. Ben Cayetano proposed purchasing the land to use it for a wildlife preservation park... POLICE divers believe they have found the gun used to kill 24-year-old Arlene Marzan. A .38-caliber revolver wrapped in a plastic bag was pulled from the waters off Pier 10 near Aloha Tower this afternoon. Investigators believe 29- year-old Saldy Marzan shot his estranged wife at a Kalihi apartment on Monday. He turned himself in to police yesterday morning. Today police charged Saldy Marzan with second-degree murder and a firearms violation. He remains in custody tonight, unable to post $320,000 bail... -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: KA `UPENA ALMANAC TEMPS: O`ahu 80/68, Kaua`i 80/66, Moloka`i 78/64, Maui 79/63, Hilo 84/68 CASTS: Cloudy, cool, gusty trades to 25MPH; North Shore surf to 8 feet. THURSDAY'S TIDES: High 8:51 a.m.; Low 3:48 p.m.

<> ----------[ K A ` U P E N A K U K U I ]---------- <> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Net of Light Tuesday, January 28, 1997 Hawai`i News -- Internet Edition By Ryan Kawailani 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: MAN HELD FOR SHOOTING WIFE, ABUSE HISTORY UNCOVERED A 29-year-old Kalihi man with a history of domestic violence is in police custody tonight after police say he shot and killed his wife yesterday morning. According to witness accounts, Saldy Marzan arrived at a second-floor Kalihi Street apartment shortly after 9:30 a.m. and began arguing with his estranged wife, 24-year-old Arlene Marzan. Arlene Marzan, who had moved out of a family shelter two days prior, reportedly started shouting that her husband had a gun. Fernando Marzan, Saldy Marzan's brother, told the _Honolulu Star- Bulletin_ that a struggle ensued. Arlene Marzan fell to the ground, and the gun went off. The Marzans' three children, ages 2, 4 and 6, had just gone downstairs. Saldy Marzan fled, and Arlene Marzan was taken to Queen's Medical Center where she died of a gunshot wound to the chest. Saldy Marzan turned himself in to police this morning. He was taken to St. Francis Medical Center for treatment of unspecified injuries. Arlene and Saldy Marzan had been married for 8 years, but according to police records there were numerous problems. Neighbors said there were frequent domestic disputes for which police had to be called. In fact, Saldy Marzan has been convicted three times for abuse, each time receiving probation. The case, which stretches back to 1993, has prompted criticism of the court system and has pushed domestic violence to the forefront of local issues. "If somebody has already gotten probation and is given a lesser plea once, then asks for it again and asks for it a third time -- that's intolerable," City Prosecutor Peter Carlisle said today. On April 14, 1993, Saldy Marzan had a restraining order issued against him after he threatened his wife's life one month prior. According to court documents, he also used various drugs, including marijuana and crystal methamphetamine. Then, Saldy Marzan was arrested April 23 of last year for third-degree assault. He pled no contest and received one year of probation. On Sept. 16, another restraining order was issued for terroristic threatening. Under the order, which was to stand for three years, Saldy Marzan was to stay away from his wife except for limited child visitation. Saldy Marzan allegedly violated the order, however, calling and threatening his wife. Arlene Marzan failed to appear at a Jan. 6 court hearing for her husband's violations, however, and he remained free. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: STUDY DISPELS SEX ASSAULT MYTHS People have more to fear in their own living rooms than on dark streets, according to a preliminary report released this week by the state Attorney General's office. Hawai`i prisons currently house 545 sex offenders, the report states, and in the last three years there were over 1,000 people arrested for sexual assault. According to the report, victims knew their attackers in more than 85 percent of cases investigated between 1993 and 1996. That figure jumps to more than 90 percent in cases involving victims 18 years old and younger. "So many victims and alleged offenders knew one another, very often lived in same home, or were neighbors or acquaintances," Paul Perrone, spokesman for the state Attorney General's office, told KHNL. "A lot of people cling to the myth of a lurking stranger in the bushes," Perrone said. "Not to say that doesn't occur, but I don't think that's the best way to characterize sexual assault." The report also found 10 percent of those arrested for sexual assault had prior arrests for similar offenses, and one out of four was unemployed. Also, of all ethnic groups, Caucasians made up the largest portion of alleged sex offenders -- 27 percent. The report, in its final form, will be used to lobby the state Legislature for tougher sexual assault laws, Perrone said. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: HISTORIC HOTEL DEAL IN THE WORKS If Hilton has its way, it will control all but two hotels along the Waikiki waterfront. In a plan announced yesterday, Hilton is amassing a $6.5 billion hostile takeover of ITT Sheraton, a move that will put over 10,000 Hawai`i hotel rooms under the Hilton-Sheraton conglomerate. Hilton will reportedly pay half in cash, and pay the other half in Hilton shares. The company will also assume $4 billion in ITT Sheraton debt. In the islands, Hilton currently controls 4,200 hotel rooms while ITT Sheraton hotels has 6,000 rooms. Put together, the deal will surpass Outrigger -- which manages 9,000 rooms in 20 hotels -- as the largest hotel company in the state. If the Hilton takeover succeeds, the Outrigger Waikiki and Outrigger Reef will be the only beachfront hotels not under Hilton's control. Hilton officials said they will keep the Sheraton name on the acquired hotels, and contract HFS Inc. -- which also holds the names Days Inns and Howard Johnson -- to manage them. Nationally, Hilton runs 240 hotels and 16 casinos, while ITT Sheraton runs 420 hotels and 14 casinos. ITT Sheraton executives have said they will advise their shareholders within the next week. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: BITS AND PIECES SPORTS fans aren't the only ones excited about Sunday's Pro Bowl football game. Tourism industry executives are hoping the contest, which will be broadcast to an estimated 10 million viewers nationwide, will bring more snow-bound travelers to the islands. Four years ago, the state paid $1.7 million to host the bowl game, and officials estimate considerably higher bids when the contract comes up again next year. Paul Casey of the Hawai`i Visitors and Convention Bureau told KITV-4 the advertising campaign could be improved. "We'd like to see more and more pre-game announcements of games and video clips of the destination to whet people's appetites..." COMMITTING a crime against a tourist would mean mandatory prison time under a bill approved today by the House Tourism Committee. The proposal, prompted by concerns that island crime is hurting Hawaii's prime industry, would make robbing or attacking visitors a special crime class. City Prosecutor Peter Carlisle testified against the bill. "If it's a resident being burglarized or if it's a tourist in Waikiki, all of us our suffering," he said. "The crime that happens in Hawai`i Kai and the crime that happens in Waipahu does affect tourism." The bill now goes to the House for discussion... MONTHS after a massive landslide caused over $1 million of damage to a Wai`anae condominium complex, city officials yesterday unveiled a plan to prevent future damage. City officials are proposing to build screen barriers behind the Makaha Valley Towers to bring more stability to the muddy mountainside. Some residents criticized the length of time it took for a plan to be drafted after a second landslide hit the complex earlier this month. City officials said the barriers would only be a temporary measure while engineers consider more extensive improvements in area drainage... WHILE the City Council considers a bill that could ban smoking in all Honolulu restaurants, bars and workplaces, the Hawai`i Hotel Association today released the results of a survey of over 200 visitors from Japan. The survey found 55 percent of Japanese tourists identified themselves as smokers. Even so, nearly half -- or 49 percent -- said they agreed with the proposed ban on restaurant smoke. About 40 percent disagreed. The proposed ban goes before the full council tomorrow... DEAN Mara, 30, was arrested last night in Makaha. Mara is the prime suspect in the Jan. 15 shooting of Stella Jensen, who was killed while getting into a car in Nanakuli. Jensen's companion said he was the intended victim. Although he has yet to be charged in Jensen's murder, Mara was moved to the O`ahu Community Correctional Center for a previous parole violation. Mara has several prior arrests, including sexual assault, kidnapping, burglary and driving under the influence... -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: KA `UPENA ALMANAC TEMPS: O`ahu 81/69, Kaua`i 81/67, Moloka`i 79/63, Maui 80/62, Hilo 81/63 CASTS: Some showers, trades to 20MPH; North Shore surf to 8 feet. WEDNESDAY'S TIDES: High 7:58 a.m.; Low 2:17 p.m.

<> ----------[ K A ` U P E N A K U K U I ]---------- <> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Net of Light Friday, January 24, 1997 Hawai`i News -- Internet Edition By Ryan Kawailani 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: HILO SENATOR MATSUURA STEPS DOWN Battling chronic pain from cancer, Sen. Richard Matsuura will end his 16-year run in the state Senate next Friday. Matsuura, 64, was on hand for the Jan. 15 opening of the state Legislature, but said he was only able to attend after taking extra painkillers. In his resignation letter, delivered to Gov. Ben Cayetano yesterday, Matsuura said: "By continuing in the Legislature, I will be doing more harm to myself and the electorate of the 2nd District as I am unable to give my last full measure of devotion to the people of Hawai`i." Matsuura was diagnosed with cancer of the pancreas in December. Subsequent surgery found the cancer inoperable, and that it had also spread to his liver. "I'm not going to look for the cure," Matsuura told the _Honolulu Advertiser_. "I don't have too much time to live, but I'm going to make the most of it." Last week, Matsuura said he wanted his son David to finish his term in the senate. Reportedly citing his inexperience in state politics, however, Gov. Ben Cayetano said he would not make the appointment. David Matsuura, 33, is currently managing his father's office at the state Capitol. Cayetano flew to Hilo Wednesday night to speak with Matsuura, who was resting with his wife, Ruth, and other family. In his resignation letter, Matsuura named three other potential successors: Hawai`i State Teachers Association President June Motokawa, former Hilo High School Principal Donna Saiki and former state Sen. Stanley Hara. Motokawa has since said she would decline the nomination because of her commitment to public school teachers. Matsuura said he has already lost three loved-ones to cancer, including his sister, brother-in-law and a longtime secretary, who he helped care for until her death. Although he is leaving the senate, Matsuura said it will be hard to lose enthusiasm for politics. Matsuura said he would like to see a pipeline built between Hilo and Kona to bring rainwater to west Hawai`i, as well as more funding and a permanent home for the UH-based Spark Matsunaga Institute for Peace. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: ARENAS FOUND GUILTY OF WIFE'S MURDER After one day of deliberations, a Circuit Court jury yesterday convicted Jaime Arenas, 49, of murder in the stabbing death of his wife. According to prosecutors, Arenas had previously threatened the life of 33-year-old Jocelyn Arenas, and eventually followed through last March when she told him she was leaving him and returning to the Philippines. During the trial, Arenas said his wife's death was accidental. She had threatened him with a knife during an argument in their van the evening of March 6, he said, and sustained a wound to her neck during a scuffle. Although the van -- stained with blood matching Jocelyn Arenas' blood type, was discovered by police -- no body was found. Three months after the stabbing, however, Arenas was arrested trying to buy a plane ticket to the Philippines. He later led police to Jocelyn Arenas' body, which he had placed in a wood coffin and buried in the yard of a Crestview home. Earlier this week, prosecutors presented a videotaped confession -- in which Arenas described how he stabbed his wife -- to the jury. Deputy prosecutor Chris Van Marter commended police detectives for their perseverance in the case, and said the conviction was a blow against domestic violence. "This is a person who has a history of domestic violence -- not only against Jocelyn Arenas but against a former girlfriend," Marter told KHON- TV2. "It's about time that he be held to answer for his abuse against women." Jack Tonaki, Arenas' attorney, said he would appeal. When sentenced March 14, Arenas could face life in prison with the possibility of parole. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: TAHITIAN LANAI AUCTION TOMORROW Nostalgic islands-lovers will have a chance to go home with a grass hut tomorrow, and a piece of history. When the new year began, an era of local camaraderie and music came to an end. The Tahitian Lanai, one of Waikiki's landmark restaurants, closed its doors for good on Dec. 31. The restaurant had already survived two close calls with bankruptcy in the last year. Everything in the restaurant -- from carved tikis to bar stools to the kitchen sink -- will go up for public auction tomorrow. Kermit Rydell, spokesman for the auction company, said the huts have received a lot of attention. A group of Girl Scouts plans to bid on some tikis, he added. Umbrellas, chairs, utensils and kitchen appliances will also go on the block -- enough equipment to open another restaurant, Rydell said. He said a crowd of more than 500 people may attend tomorrow's auction -- many of them former employees hoping to keep a piece of their home away from home. On Wednesday, while members of the public had a chance to look over the items that will go to the highest bidder, friends and former employees of the Tahitian Lanai gathered at the piano bar. The Singing `Ohana formed a human lei around the piano and sang, just as they have for years. "The togetherness, the songs, the people themselves -- everybody just enjoys singing," singer Pat Ashley told KHON-TV2. "Nobody's professional -- it's all from the heart." James Souza, who's played the piano for the Tahitian Lanai singers for three decades, said he will be leaving with treasures no money can buy. "I will take some great memories -- cherished memories," Souza told KITV-4. "I'm the only one that can truthfully say that I'm blind and have collected a lot of pictures to make a scrapbook." Souza said for him, the Tahitian Lanai was a place to make and meet friends, and try out new songs with no fear of rejection. The Singing `Ohana hasn't sung its last tune, however. Its members have secured a new gig at La Marianas, a Sand Island piano bar. --------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: BITS AND PIECES CHARGES of rape and terroristic threatening are only the beginning for 31- year-old Lawrence Montalbo, who was arrested Tuesday morning after allegedly sexually assaulting a 33-year-old woman, stealing her car, robbing attendants at a gas station and injuring a police officer during a Chinatown chase. Police said Montalbo was on probation and had 61 prior arrests. Police officer Craig Miki, who was thrown from his Cushman when it was struck by the stolen car, has been released from the hospital. Charges stemming from the robbery and Miki's injuries will be filed later this month... LIBRARY patrons can pay their outstanding late fees by Feb. 16, or face a collection agency. State Librarian Bart Kane announced this week that a collection agency has been hired to help the state collect an estimated $3 million in unpaid fines. Kane said the arrangement will also save administrative costs. The proposal was put on hold last year, until it was approved by the State Attorney General. After the Feb. 16 deadline, Kane said, library records will be turned over to the collection agency... MANSLAUGHTER, not negligent homicide, is the charge facing a man police say killed three people in a head-on collision on Farrington Highway. Two sisters, ages 24 and 22, and their 1-year-old niece were killed when an oncoming car crossed the center line and collided with their vehicle near Kapolei on Jan. 7. The defendant is in prison tonight, unable to post $300,000 bail. The manslaughter charge carries a potential 20-year sentence, compared to the 10-year sentence for negligent homicide... -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: KA `UPENA ALMANAC TEMPS: O`ahu 79/65, Kaua`i 79/63, Moloka`i 80/64, Maui 80/65, Hilo 78/63 CASTS: Sunny and cool, trades below 10MPH; North shore surf to 10 feet. SATURDAY'S TIDES: High 5:28 p.m.; Low 12:11 p.m.

<> ----------[ K A ` U P E N A K U K U I ]---------- <> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Net of Light Thursday, January 23, 1997 Hawai`i News -- Internet Edition By Ryan Kawailani 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: BOARD APPROVES QUARANTINE REDUCTION Only the governor's signature stands between Fido and an early release from quarantine, after the state Board of Agriculture unanimously approved a proposal to cut the length of animal internment to one month. The 30-day alternative to the existing 120-day quarantine requirement could be available to pet owners as early as May. Several people were on hand today for the board's decision, including a number of veterinarians who said the 80-year-old policy is the only way to guarantee a rabies-free state. Opponents also argued the proposal was politically motivated. Supporters of the reduction said the length is excessive and is a major obstacle to people moving to Hawai`i -- especially military families. State veterinary officials backed the proposal after reviewing new blood tests that they said are more effective at detecting rabies. Presently, dogs and cats brought into Hawai`i must spend four months at the state's Animal Quarantine Station in Halawa. Owners must visit and groom their pets at the facility. The proposal, approved today in a unanimous vote, would allow pets to go to their new homes after 30 days, provided certain conditions are met. To qualify for the reduced-length quarantine, pets must receive a rabies vaccination and be implanted with an identification microchip 90 days before arriving in the islands. Pets must also be certified by the state, and be tested for rabies 60 days after being released. The proposal now goes to Gov. Cayetano for final approval. Cayetano earlier expressed support for the quarantine reduction. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: UH FACULTY APPROVE CONTRACT University of Hawai`i President Kenneth Mortimer said he was "delighted" that 92 percent of voting faculty members approved the state's latest contract offer. UH faculty have been without a valid contract since June 1995. If ratified by the University of Hawai`i Professional Assembly, the proposed contract would provide for two 4 percent salary increases over the next two years. The contract also addresses intellectual property rights, splits patent royalties between faculty members and the university, and opens discussion on tenure review procedures -- primary concerns of the union. Although the contract, which is retroactive to June 1995, does not include pay raises for the last two years, UHPA President Alexander Malahoff said the union understands the state's fiscal limitations. "The faculty realizes everyone is in dire straits," Malahoff said. "We can't satisfy every group." The fact that the contract better protects faculty members is what counts, Malahoff said. An unprecedented number of ballots were sent in for the vote, said UHPA executive director J.N. Musto. Out of 1,617 ballots received, $1,474 were in favor of accepting the proposed contract, he said. Only last month's strike authorization vote -- which found 82 percent of faculty members in support of a strike -- had a larger return, Musto said. The strike vote was a key reason the state came forward with the proposed contract when it did, Malahoff said. Without the threat of a strike, he said, Gov. Ben Cayetano would not have taken UH faculty needs seriously. The faculty union will now turn its attention toward pressuring Cayetano and the state Legislature to better fund the university, Malahoff said. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: HOUSE WANTS SAME-SEX MARRIAGE IN PUBLIC'S HANDS The state House today passed a bill that would let Hawai`i voters decide whether to ban same-sex marriages. Barely a week after the legislative session opened, representatives voted 44-7 in support of a measure that would amend the state Constitution to define marriage as the union between one man and one woman. "No one can seriously claim that when the voters of this state adopted our constitution they wanted the state to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples," Rep. Terrance Tom told KHON-TV2. Tom said the House wanted to get the issue out of the way in order to tackle other issues. In their haste to resolve the issue, however, senate leaders heard harsh words from Democratic opponents who disagreed with Rep. Cynthia Thielen's call for a vote before all representatives were able to speak. The senate, meanwhile, is preparing its version of the bill, which would provide for domestic partnership rights. Senate leaders hope the provisions will exempt the state from charges of discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation. Sen. Avery Chumbley said he will introduce the bill tomorrow. "It will embrace a constitutional amendment -- giving the people the opportunity to vote on the issue and have final say -- but it will also package a rights bill so that we do not discriminate on the basis of sex," Chumbley said. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: TEACHERS' UNION DISRUPTS UH, BOE MEETING Public school teachers took a break from a rally at the state Capitol today to bring their call for a new contract to fellow education leaders. A group of about 30 people interrupted a summit between the UH Board of Regents and the state Board of Education this afternoon to deliver a petition urging the state to settle contract negotiations with the Hawai`i State Teachers' Association. Fearing more deadlocked talks, HSTA members are planning a strike authorization vote in February. HSTA officials said they were happy for the UH faculty in its apparent contract settlement, but said school teachers have gone without a pay raise for three years. Hawaii's teachers are the lowest paid in the nation, they said, making teacher recruitment and retention a major challenge. Although the group acknowledged the school board has no authority over teachers' salaries, they asked for support in their cause. "You can at least pay us what we're worth," said HSTA Honolulu president Inga Park-Okuna. "If we're forced to strike, we will." The time has come to put pressure on the governor to come up with an acceptable offer, Park-Okuna said, adding that quality education is in the best interests of everyone. HSTA members said the petition carried 50,000 signatures, all of which came from members of the general public. After the unscheduled HSTA appearance, the joint BOR/BOE board assembled a number of proposals to be recommended to the governor and Legislature this year, including $1.6 million to team experienced educators and UH faculty with new teachers in a mentoring program. The boards also called for $400,000 to fill vacancies in the UH College of Education and $300,000 for scholarships. The scholarships would encourage future teachers to specialize in math, science, Hawaiian language -- areas currently underrepresented in public schools. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: KA `UPENA ALMANAC TEMPS: O`ahu 78/63, Kaua`i 77/62, Moloka`i 78/63, Maui 79/62, Hilo 77/63 CASTS: Mostly sunny, trades to 20MPH; North shore surf to 12 feet. FRIDAY'S TIDES: High 4:47 p.m.; Low 11:41 a.m.

<> ----------[ K A ` U P E N A K U K U I ]---------- <> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Net of Light Wednesday, January 22, 1997 Hawai`i News -- Internet Edition By Ryan Kawailani 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: HOUSE MOVES ON SAME-SEX MARRIAGE BILLS Less than a week into the new legislative session, the state House has advanced two bills concerning the controversial same-sex marriage issue. "It was our intent to do it quickly,, expeditiously, and get it out of the way," House Speaker Joe Souki told the _Star-Bulletin_. The House Judiciary Committee yesterday approved a measure that would propose a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage. The measure would let Hawai`i voters decide whether the definition of marriage should be limited to one man and one woman. Today, the committee passed a second bill that would allow for "reciprocal beneficiaries." Although it is aimed at providing benefits for same-sex couples, its provisions -- including inheritance, joint property ownership and hospital visitation rights -- would be available to any unmarried couple. The committee passed the constitutional amendment bill in a 12-1 vote, which drew heated debate yesterday from about 200 people who submitted testimony. The benefits bill passed 13-0 without fanfare this morning. Both measures were informally approved by the full House today, and are expected to win official approval within a week. The constitutional amendment bill was passed by the House last year, but was later rejected by the Senate. The measures come despite last year's Circuit Court ruling that the state's refusal to issue marriage licenses to gay and lesbian couples is unconstitutional. Judge Kevin Chang has issued a stay while the state appeals its case to the Hawai`i Supreme Court. Committee chairman Terrance Tom said the court ruling was "foolhardy and dangerous," and said the judiciary should not be making decisions concerning public policy. In entering the sole dissenting vote, Rep. Ed Case said the spirit of the constitutional amendment bill goes against the intent of the constitution itself, which he said aims to protect the minority from the majority. The issue should be decided by the courts, Case said. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: LAST DEFENDANT SENTENCED IN MARINE'S MURDER Life in prison was the sentence handed down yesterday to Lance Cpl. Alejandro Soto, 22, after he pled guilty to first-degree murder in the May 7 death of 20-year-old Juan Guerrero, a fellow Marine. Under military law, Soto will have his earliest chance at parole after serving 10 years of his sentence. Last May, Lance Cpl. Guerrero was assaulted with a stun gun and beaten at a Marine Corps Base Hawai`i quarters before being bound with duct tape and driven to Nu`uanu Pali Road. Guerrero was shot in the head, his body then dumped into a ravine. Soto's guilty plea was offered in an attempt to avoid capital punishment. The judge in yesterday's trial, however, said he would not recommend clemency for Soto. Soto is the last of four Kane`ohe Marines to be sentenced for Guerrero's murder, which was apparently prompted by Guerrero's failure to show proper respect for one of his assailants. Lance Cpl. William Baer, 20, was sentenced over the weekend for his involvement in the murder, pleading guilty to second-degree murder and ordered to serve 25 years in prison. Two other Marines, 22-year-old Lance Cpls. Darryl Antle and Michael Pereira, were sentenced to life terms last year after pleading guilty to first-degree murder. Today, members of Guerrero's family said they were dissatisfied with the military's sentences, and that all four Marines should have received the death penalty for the murder. "We wanted capital punishment for all four," said Adriana Guerrero- Pestonji, Juan's sister. She said they should be killed the same way her brother was -- "like an animal." Adriana, who flew to Hawai`i with her mother and father for the trials, vowed they would return to fight any parole requests. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: RAPE SUSPECT FLEES POLICE, INJURES OFFICER A Chinatown police officer remains in fair condition today at Queen's Medical Center after his Cushman scooter was struck by a stolen car yesterday morning. Police said the 31-year-old suspect was picked up by a 33-year-old woman driver, who offered to give him and a friend a ride to Waikiki. The suspect refused to get out of the car, however, and allegedly sexually assaulted the driver. The suspect then drove away in the victim's car, leaving her off N. Nimitz Highway near Pier 38. A man in a car matching the victim's description was reported 30 minutes later at a Pu`uhale Road gas station, where he allegedly threatened two attendants with physical harm. At about 4:30 a.m., officers spotted the car on King Street near Dillingham Boulevard. The suspect fled police, crashing into the Cushman at the corner of Hotel and Smith streets. Officer Craig Miki was thrown from the Cushman and sustained several injuries, police said. The suspect also reportedly tried to ram several other police vehicles. The suspect continued to evade police, taking off down Beretania Street and heading west on the H-1 freeway. Police officials said the suspect drove for miles despite losing a tire. The chase finally ended in `Aiea, where police briefly tussled with the suspect before subduing him. Police officials said the suspect had more than 60 prior arrests. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: BITS AND PIECES UNIVERSITY of Hawai`i faculty will announce the results of a contract ratification vote tomorrow morning. The proposed contract, which covers July 1995 to July 1999, includes two 4 percent step raises over the next two years. It also splits patent profits equally between the faculty member and the university, and provides for faculty retention of intellectual property rights, family leave and parking permits. After reaching the tentative agreement with the state earlier this month, the faculty union called off a strike that could have disrupted the first week of classes... JAPAN Airlines yesterday announced it would add five new flights to Hawai`i by August of this year. Three new flights to Honolulu would be added in June, and two flights to Kona would be added two months later. The news comes less than a week after the Hawai`i Visitors and Convention Bureau projected zero growth in the number of Japanese tourists this year. The bureau previously predicted a 6 percent increase. Airline spokesman Gil Kimura told the _Honolulu Advertiser_ that the request for the new routes was submitted two years ago, and only recently won regulatory approval... GOVERNOR Ben Cayetano said this week he is willing to entertain a bill to repeal the state's no-fault insurance system, but only if it will slash insurance premiums by 25 percent. The plan would also freeze insurance rates for a year. As eliminating no-fault would loosen restrictions on lawsuits filed for accident injuries, Cayetano wants to deduct $5,000 from any court award. Presently, $13,900 in medical costs must be incurred before a driver can sue. The proposal, which would mean a conversion to a tort-based system, is similar to one that failed to make it out of the legislature last year... KANE`OHE residents are up in arms over a proposed elderly housing complex, saying the two-story, 81-apartment condominium would destroy the neighborhood's quiet character. Most of about 20 people who testified on the plan at a neighborhood board meeting earlier this week opposed it, and a petition signed by nearly 100 residents was also presented. Developer Zane Development Group wants city approval to exceed the 25-foot height limit on the 3-acre Mahinui Road parcel. Another hearing is scheduled for tomorrow... -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: KA `UPENA ALMANAC TEMPS: O`ahu 78/67, Kaua`i 78/64, Moloka`i 80/67, Maui 79/65, Hilo 79/67 CASTS: Partly cloudy, gusty trades to 25MPH; North shore surf to 8 feet. THURSDAY'S TIDES: High 4:14 p.m.; Low 11:14 a.m.

<> ----------[ K A ` U P E N A K U K U I ]---------- <> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Net of Light Tuesday, January 21, 1997 Hawai`i News -- Internet Edition By Ryan Kawailani 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 UNVEILS TAX PLAN, WANTS HOTEL AID The state will find the money to lighten the burden on Hawaii taxpayers and boost and diversify the Hawai`i economy, Gov. Ben Cayetano vowed today, unveiling a major tax package during his annual State of the State address. "We have accounted for every proposal, dollar for dollar, in our financial plan," Cayetano said. The governor proposed seven initiatives, amounting to $50 million in tax breaks, that he said will bring relief to almost every resident. "There is something this year for everyone -- for our taxpayers, for our state workers and for our people," he said. Recalling his own experiences with his father, Cayetano proposed a $50,000 tax deduction for those providing qualifying long-term health care to family members. "I have been long concerned over the extraordinary expense endured by those caring for their loved ones," Cayetano said. A $5,000 deduction for those paying college tuition would also be available under Cayetano's plan. In addition, a 2 percent income tax credit would be offered to first- time home buyers, and a 25 to 100 percent tax reduction would be made for residents earning less than $22,000 a year. Cayetano said he wants to make out-of-state work exempt from excise tax collections, in the hopes of helping island contractors better compete on an increasingly wider field. Taxes would be lifted altogether for residents and businesses on Moloka`i and Kaua`i, he said, offering an 18-month reprieve for those hardest hit by the state's money crunch. In order to cover these initiatives, Cayetano wants to repeal the current $27 food tax credit, hike the tobacco tax, downsizing the state's retirement system and absorbing the rental car surcharge in full. The governor also wants to take a bigger bite out of the hotel room tax, reducing the portion currently shared by Hawaii's four counties from 5 to 4 percent. Cayetano also outlined his vision for public education, proposing a 10- day extension to the school year. Hawaii's 180-day school year is the shortest in the nation, he said, which puts the state's children at a disadvantage. The governor expressed support for a pay raise for teachers, rehiring retired teachers and converting from an elected school board to one appointed by the governor. On crime, Cayetano advocated tougher sentencing and said he plans to meet his goal of adding 1,000 beds to the state's overcrowded prison system by 1999. In order to turn the tide of the state's declining economy, Cayetano wants to give hoteliers an incentive to rebuild their property. If hotel owners renovate, he said, the state should give them an income tax credit equal to the excise tax incurred by making improvements. Cayetano also called for a $10 million emergency injection for the Hawai`i Visitors and Convention Bureau. "I have submitted a $1 billion capital improvement projects budget for the next two fiscal years," Cayetano said. "We will open the Convention Center on time. We will dredge and improve the Ala Wai Canal." The governor also proposed a new shopping center and a world-class aquarium in Kaka`ako. "There has been criticism that we can't afford to do it," he said. "On the contrary -- we can't afford not to do it." In reaction to the governor's State of the State address, city officials expressed concern over his planned cut in the counties' share in hotel room tax revenues. Any reduction in funding would threaten the city's most basic public services, including the police and fire departments, said Honolulu City Council Budget Chairman Duke Bainum. Honolulu Mayor Jeremy Harris, meanwhile, said Cayetano's plan gives hotels a boost at the expense of residents. Harris said the governor's plan would mean $20 million less for Honolulu, Maui, Kaua`i and Hawai`i counties. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: TEEN SURVIVES CLIFF FALL, SIX DAYS ON MOUNTAIN A 16-year-old Aina Haina boy was plucked off the side of the Pali Lookout yesterday, six days after falling 300-feet through trees and brush and subsisting entirely on stream water. Gabriel Robinson, a sophomore at Iolani School, remains in fair condition tonight at Queen's Medical Center after fire rescue crews airlifted him from a small ledge about 200 feet from the cliff bottom. Meanwhile, Honolulu police are still working to identify a set of human remains discovered during the rescue effort. Robinson was last seen Jan. 14, when a friend dropped him off at the lookout to be picked up by another acquaintance, police said. He had apparently had a fight with his mother the previous Sunday and was going to stay at a friend's house. Friends realized something was wrong only after Robinson's family called to speak to him. He was reported missing last Saturday. Police officials said it was Det. Larry Self who called for a search of the Nu`uanu Pali area, going only on a hunch. The search effort began yesterday morning, fire officials said they were minutes away from calling it off when Robinson was found. "He didn't even look like a person at first -- I thought he was a pile of rubbish," rescuer Jefferson LaCates told the _Honolulu Advertiser_. "Then I thought he was dead." Rescuers said Robinson was conscious, but in a lot of pain and apparently unaware of how long he'd been on the mountainside. Robinson suffered numerous injuries, including a broken arm and a punctured lung. Considering the boy was only wearing shorts and a T-shirt and didn't have any food, however, Self said Robinson was fortunate to have survived. According to police, Robinson said he climbed over the railing at the lookout when his friend was late in picking him up. When he slipped, Robinson said he pushed away from the cliffside to avoid hitting rocks below. Robinson did not intend to jump from the lookout, Self said. Robinson told rescuers he managed to crawl about 10 feet a day, until reaching the stream. He survived gusty winds, cold nights and heavy rains. Moments after Robinson was airlifted from below the lookout, firefighters discovered human remains in a nearby area. Today, police officials said the unidentified victim was a woman, and died more than a month ago. The report ends suspicions that the bones belonged to two other O`ahu hikers who are still missing. The cause of death has not been determined. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: TEACHERS' UNION REBUFFS STATE OFFER Officials with the Hawai`i State Teachers Association today said they do not agree with apparent provisions attached to the state's latest contract proposal. State negotiators have reportedly offered teachers a 4 percent pay raise this and next year, but the proposed contract also calls for adding five days to the 1997-98 school year and another five days the following year. "No other unit has been offered an extension of their work in order to get a salary increase," HSTA spokeswoman June Motokawa told KITV-4. Hawaii's 11,000 public school teachers are continuing with informational pickets across the state this week, as union members draw closer to a possible strike vote scheduled for Feb. 6. If a strike is authorized, classes for over 180,000 students could stop abruptly as early as Feb. 18. HSTA leaders said they will continue to encourage teachers to vote in favor of a strike until the state presents an acceptable deal. The latest proposal does not include pay raises retroactive to June 1995, when the last contract expired. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: BITS AND PIECES QUARANTINE officials could decide as early as Thursday on whether to endorse a proposal to reduce Hawaii's three-month animal quarantine to 30 days. The state Board of Agriculture will meet to review testimony collected during recent public hearings, and may advance the proposal to the governor for approval. Island veterinarians expressed concern that the state's rabies-free record could be threatened by reducing the amount of time cats and dogs spend in quarantine, but many pet owners insist the current 120-day internment is excessive. Supporters said new test procedures make rabies detection easier and other conditions set in the proposal provide adequate safeguards... SAME-SEX marriage was the issue of the day before the House Judiciary Committee as lawmakers considered two separate bills -- one calling for a referendum on whether same-sex marriages should be legal and another establishing benefits for same-sex couples similar to those currently granted for marriages. Nearly 200 people submitted testimony for today's public hearings, most of the conflict centered around the proposed public vote. Today's proceedings unfolded independent of a court ruling last year that found the state's refusal to grant marriage licenses to same-sex couples was unconstitutional. The state is appealing that decision... SEWAGE spills kept Honolulu health officials on their toes yesterday. Two unrelated incidents were reported, one near Ke`ehi Lagoon along Nimitz Highway and the other at Kahala Beach. Warning signs were posted at both locations this morning warning of possible water contamination. The first spill occurred underground in a federally-owned pipeline, which Army officials said handles as much as 2 million gallons of sewage a day. The amount of sewage released cannot be determined until the area is excavated, officials said. The Kahala spill was caused by a clogged municipal line, releasing about 1,000 gallons of sewage before repairs were completed... JAIME Arenas took the stand in his murder trial today, telling the jury he is not responsible for the March 1996 death of his 33-year-old wife, Jocelyn. Arenas, 49, testified he and his wife had an argument in their van, and that his wife struck him with a piece of wood and threatened him with a knife. He said they struggled and fell, and that he later noticed a wound on her neck. Arenas said he never held the knife that fatally wounded his wife. Prosecutors are pushing for a murder conviction, last week presenting a videotaped confession in which Arenas described how he stabbed his wife, later building a coffin and burying her body in a client's yard... HEAVY rains Sunday night brought on a $70,000 case of deja vu for Makaha Valley Towers residents. A landslide brought rocks and mud into the condominium's parking lot, rekindling memories of a Nov. 14 storm that flipped, buried or crushed dozens of cars. Although only a few cars were dented this time, several buildings lost power and elevator service. With several disabled tenants, many people were still left stranded in their apartments yesterday. Residents were critical of city officials, claiming no improvements were made to area drainage despite last year's incident... -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: KA `UPENA ALMANAC TEMPS: O`ahu 79/66, Kaua`i 78/65, Moloka`i 80/68, Maui 81/65, Hilo 81/67 CASTS: Some showers, trades to 20MPH; North shore surf to 5 feet. WEDNESDAY'S TIDES: High 3:36 p.m.; Low 9:03 p.m.

<> ----------[ K A ` U P E N A K U K U I ]---------- <> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Net of Light Thursday, January 16, 1997 Hawai`i News -- Internet Edition By Ryan Kawailani 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: HAWAI`I PUBLIC SCHOOLS RECEIVE LOW MARKS Hawaii's schools have the fewest nationally accredited teachers in the country, are second-worst in funding and rank low in campus climate, according to a national education journal. Education Week, a trade newspaper, recently issued report cards to America's public schools, and Hawaii's public school system received many weak marks. In its "Quality Counts" report, Education Week commended Hawai`i schools for its equitable system of distributing funds to different schools. Hawai`i got an "A" for its centralized school system avoids the limitations of regional systems funded by property taxes. By contrast, Hawai`i received a "D-" for the amount of money spent on public schools. The state's per-pupil spending was $4,724, compared to the national average of $5,541, Education Week reported. Hawai`i ranked second- worst in the country, one of only four states where funding -- when adjusted for cost of living -- declined over a ten-year period. Education Week gave Hawai`i a "C" for the allocation of money it did receive. The state got praise for passing 62 percent of its education budget into classrooms, but was hurt by a high number of schools in need of repair. Hawai`i got a "B" for having statewide standards in assessing student performance and for issuing annual reports of test scores, but received a "D+" for overcrowded schools and large classes. More than half of Hawaii's teachers have classes of 25 students or more, according to the report. Hawai`i came in last in teaching quality, receiving a "D" for having the largest number of unlicensed teachers and educators teaching outside their field of expertise. Education Week used the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education as its benchmark for quality instruction. Danielle Lum, spokeswoman for the public school teachers' union, told the _Honolulu Star-Bulletin_ that Hawaii's rank was low because most Hawai`i teachers come from UH, which is accredited but not by NCATE. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: HARRIS BLASTS STATE, WANTS TO FIX TAXES Honolulu Mayor Jeremy Harris called for tougher sentencing, more construction, more police and a freeze in property taxes during his annual "State of the City Address" today. The mayor said he was keeping his promise of not raising property taxes, but said some sacrifice is needed in order to keep the city running. "If people want police officers on the street, if they want the sewer system to work, if they want the fire company to be able to respond, we have to be able to pay the bills," he said. "While we won't raise taxes, we also can't afford to cut taxes." Harris proposed freezing property taxes at last year's level. As a result, residents would pay the same amount even if the value of their property declined. Property values on O`ahu fell $3 billion in the last year, Harris said, which would mean a $12 million drop in tax revenues if tax rates were adjusted accordingly. Harris also said he wants to hire more police officers, give them state- of-the-art equipment and build a new police station in Kapolei. For things to improve for residents, however, Harris said the state has to get its act together. "If we're going to stop crime, we have got to first stop the revolving door on our state prison system," Harris said. He said the state has been slow in relieving its overcrowded prison system. Harris also emphasized tougher prison sentences. Earlier this week, Harris introduce his "Safe Streets" crime plan, which called for mandatory sentences for repeat offenders and would require convicts to serve a minimum portion of their prison sentences. Harris also said the state has failed to adequately manage its welfare and mental health systems, worsening the homeless problem. "The failure of the system to deal with these problem impacts the city on a daily basis," he said. Two world-class recreation centers are also on Harris' wish list. The mayor said he wants to build a 350-acre field sports complex at Pearl Harbor and a 270-acre park in Central O`ahu. Harris also wants to double the city's construction budget, investing $400 million in public works projects in the next fiscal year. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: SUSPECT SOUGHT IN FATAL DRIVE-BY A 39-year-old Nanakuli woman was killed last night by a bullet meant for someone else, police said. Witnesses said Stella Jensen was using the pay phone outside Yuen Grocery on Farrington Highway when five shots were fired from a Wai`anae- bound car shortly after 7:30 p.m. last night. Jensen suffered a gunshot wound to the head and died hours later at Wai`anae Coast Comprehensive Health Center. Police investigators said Jensen's companion, 28-year-old Gary Akopian, was the intended target of the shooting. Akopian identified both occupants of the attacker's vehicle, and reportedly named former Halawa prison cellmate Dean Mara, 30, as the gunman. Both Akopian and Mara are convicted felons, currently out on parole. Mara is now wanted by police for questioning in the case. This morning, police found the charred remains of the vehicle believed to be involved in the shooting in Wai`anae Valley. The registered owner of the car, 30-year-old Cynthia Rabellizsa, later turned herself in at the Wai`anae Police Station. She was booked for second degree murder. Meanwhile, friends and family members mourned Jensen's death, describing the mother of two as a warm-hearted woman that was in the wrong place at the wrong time. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: BITS AND PIECES STUDENTS of the UH law school won't be seeing double after all. In a surprise move, the Board of Regents today deferred a proposal that would have hiked tuition at the law school over the next four years from about $4,800 to $9,072. The proposal was aimed at making the law school more self sufficient and less dependent on state funds. Regents questioned figures presented by school administrators, however, and said the school didn't appear ready to deal with the potential drop in enrollment as a result of the tuition increases. UH President Kenneth Mortimer later withdrew the motion... HONOLULU Police Chief Michael Nakamura said its latest report refutes critics' claims that the department is soft on punishing its own. As required by state law, county police departments must disclose the number of police officers suspended or fired each year. In Honolulu, 59 officers were suspended and five were dismissed last year. Although the number of firings has gone up, department officials said it demonstrates they are serious about discipline. On Kaua`i, three officers were dismissed in 1996, all in connection with events following a prostitution sting... INSURANCE reform tops the agenda for Hawai`i lawmakers, after two years of heated debate have failed to prompt any changes in the state's no-fault system. The Senate Consumer Protection Committee today picked up where it left off last year, in part considering "pure no-fault" legislation that would force automobile insurance companies to lower their rates by as much as 35 percent. Several of Hawaii's 113 insurance carriers earned an 18 percent profit in 1995, the second highest in the country... -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: KA `UPENA ALMANAC TEMPS: O`ahu 78/59, Kaua`i 75/57, Moloka`i 77/60, Maui 73/59, Hilo 81/60 CASTS: Sunny and clear, trades to 25MPH; North shore surf to 6 feet. FRIDAY'S TIDES: High 11:18 a.m.; Low 5:43 p.m.

<> ----------[ K A ` U P E N A K U K U I ]---------- <> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Net of Light Wednesday, January 15, 1997 Hawai`i News -- Internet Edition By Ryan Kawailani 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 HOUSE, SENATE SET TONE FOR 1997 Island lawmakers were joined by local musicians and celebrities today, marking the opening of the new legislative session with a broad committment to outdo the last. In the House, Democratic and Republican representatives identified key issues that they both sides say must be resolved this session. House Republicans stressed that there could be no stalemates this year. Rep. Gene Ward, House Minority Leader, said his colleagues have declared a state of emergency concerning four issues "to prevent history from repeating itself." The House should commit to passing legislation concerning same-sex marriage, automobile insurance reform, prison overcrowding and their own "High Three" pension package within the next 20 days, Ward said. House Speaker Joe Souki, meanwhile, had some sobering words concerning the state's ongoing fiscal woes. Despite a commitment to fighting tax increases in the name of Hawai`i businesses, Souki said, "I cannot absolutely, nor responsibly, promise 'No new taxes.'" Gov. Ben Cayetano, who was on hand for today's opening ceremonies, told reporters that he hopes to unveil a budget strategy that he said could bring relief without raising taxes. The money plan could also allow the state to give "modest" raises to various public employee unions now negotiating with the state, he said. The details are expected to be announced during Cayetano's State of the State address next week. In the senate, Senate President Norman Mizuguchi said the 1997 session will make juvenile crime a top priority. "We have juveniles on drugs peddling drugs," Mizuguchi said. "We must be tough on juveniles who commit such crimes so they understand there will be consequences -- even adult consequences -- for their acts." Mizuguchi also called for renewed effort in streamlining and downsizing state government, and suggested at least partially privatizing its operations at the Hawai`i Convention Center and island airports. Until more consensus is reached on the Hawaiian sovereignty issue, Mizuguchi said the Constitutional Convention --narrowly authorized in November by Hawai`i voters -- should be delayed until after the year 2000. As for legalized gambling, Mizuguchi said he didn't anticipate there would be enough interest in either the Senate or House to revive the issue this year. Among those present to help legislators ring in the new year were kumu hula Chinky Mahoe, UH Wahine volleyball coach Dave Shoji, musical groups Makaha Sons of Ni`ihau and Na Leo Pilimehana, and 3-year-old bone-marrow transplantee Alana Dung. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: MURDER TRIAL CONTINUES FOR ARENAS A Circuit Court jury today watched a videotape of Jamie Arenas, 49, explaining to police how he killed his wife last year, built a wood coffin and buried her in a Crestview yard. Arenas, who worked as an independent repairman, is on trial for murder. He was arrested last March trying to buy a plane ticket to the Philippines. Earlier that month, police had recovered the couples' van, the interior covered with blood stains that matched the blood type of Jocelyn Arenas, 33. Jamie Arenas was questioned several times, but no body had been recovered. In the videotape, Arenas initially insists he didn't know what happened to his wife. Then, Arenas is asked how many times he stabbed his wife. "Only one time," Arenas replied. In the taped confession, Arenas said the incident took place in their van while it was parked outside the Ala Moana Zippy's, where Jocelyn Arenas worked. He said they had argued after she said she wanted to leave him and return to the Philippines. Jaime Arenas went on to describe how his wife was stabbed, explaining that he built her a small coffin out of plywood and buried it under a slab of concrete he poured in the yard of an unwitting customer. Arenas later led police to the Crestview home where his wife's body was recovered. While the defense admits Arenas killed his wife, he claims it was done in a rage and does not qualify as murder. In addition, Arenas will reportedly testify Jocelyn Arenas threatened his life shortly before she was killed. The trial moves into its fourth day tomorrow. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: HAWAI`I TO LEAD NATION IN AIRLINE REVOLUTION Vice President Al Gore today announced the dawn of a new age in air travel, and named Hawai`i as one of two states that will serve as the testing ground for a state-of-the-art, sattelite air traffic control system. The Federal Aviation Administration, working with the commercial airline industry, will convert airplanes and airports in Hawai`i and Alaska to "advanced avionics." "This is probably the leading edge of change to the whole air traffic control system," FAA spokesman Tom Rea told KHON-TV2. Nearly 600 planes will have to be fitted with the new technology, and dozens of air traffic controllers will need to complete training in the use and management of the system, according to the FAA. The key component of advanced avionics is its use of satellites and ground stations to exactly pinpoint an airplane's position. As a result, a plane's flight path can be left more to the discretion of individual pilots rather than set routes that require substantial manpower to monitor. Planes will also be able to take off and land in shorter intervals and fly closer together, minimizing distance and fuel consumption. For the airline industry, officials said, the new system will mean increased safety and more reliable technology. For Hawai`i travelers -- and eventually all airline passengers -- it means fewer delays. Officials said they hope the system will be place by mid-1999. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: BITS AND PIECES ANOTHER demonstration by UH faculty members was held today, but this time the message was "mahalo." About thirty faculty and supporters stood along Dillingham Boulevard and waved signs thanking the public for their support during recent contract talks. A settlement was proposed last Friday, and faculty union members are now voting whether to accept the new contract through next Wednesday. The proposed contract includes step salary increases over the next two years and provides for faculty retention of intellectual property rights and 50 percent of revenues generated by research... AFTER spending $20 million to upgrade its Big Island system, GTE Hawaiian Tel has found rural customers aren't rushing to install individual phone lines as expected. Since residents have been slow to give up the earlier party-line system -- in which several homes share one phone line -- GTE has filed a request with the state to increase its surcharge by 37 percent. The increase, which would raise the surcharge paid by all customers statewide to 89 cents per month, is needed to cover an estimated $10 million shortfall... POLICE tonight are investigating the death of a woman in Nanakuli, a victim of an apparent drive-by shooting. According to intial reports, one car pulled alongside another while driving along Farrington Highway at about 7:20 this evening. Shots were fired, apparently with a .45-caliber handgun, and a female passenger was struck in the head with a bullet. The victim was taken to Wai`anae Medical Center, where she later died. According to KHON-TV2, Honolulu police are on the lookout for two suspects... RESCUE missions are not uncommon for the Navy. Whale rescues, on the other hand, are. Last week, a Navy helicopter spotted a 30-foot humpback whale off Kaua`i and a two-person boat crew nearby was alerted. Navy men Louis Llena and Geoffrey McPhereson arrived on the scene to find the whale caught in a tangle of fishing line apparently designed to catch crabs. The pair cut the lines and the whale escaped. The whale rescuers then tracked the buoys to a fisherman in Alaska, who said he'd lost them months ago... HILO Senator Richard Matsuura, a self-described "samurai" of state politics, said today that he may resign his seat in the legislature for health reasons. The 64-year-old Big Island lawmaker has been battling pancreatic cancer, which has been spreading since it was first detected last month. Should he leave the senate before the end of his term, according to KHON-TV2, Matsuura has suggested Gov. Ben Cayetano appoint his son, David, as his successor... -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: KA `UPENA ALMANAC TEMPS: O`ahu 81/70, Kaua`i 80/69, Moloka`i 81/68, Maui 81/68, Hilo 81/67 CASTS: Partly cloudy, some rain, trades to 20MPH; North shore surf to 6 feet. THURSDAY'S TIDES: High 10:08 a.m.; Low 4:51 p.m.

<> ----------[ K A ` U P E N A K U K U I ]---------- <> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Net of Light Tuesday, January 14, 1997 Hawai`i News -- Internet Edition By Ryan Kawailani 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 WANTS TO SHUFFLE CITY, STATE SERVICES Honolulu Mayor Jeremy Harris today unveiled a plan that would substantially change the way the state and city governments manage revenues and provide public services, which he said will save money and streamline things at both levels. The proposal, which came as a surprise to many legislators, calls for county governments to take over several responsibilities currently split with the state. They would also forfeit their share of the hotel room tax, which brings in about $100 million each year. Those revenues, as well as state subsidies for county services, would then be supplanted by a share of the general excise tax. "I think it's a plan whose time has come," Harris said. "We've talked for many years about the inefficiency between the city and the state -- the duplication of effort -- and I think it's time we took some action on it." Under Harris' plan, counties would be responsible for maintaining all state roads and parks; programs for aging, jobs and crime; and emergency medical services such as ambulance coverage. As it is, Harris said, the city already cares for some state property. He said the changes called for in his plan are long overdue. "It makes a lot more sense than having two sets of crews filling two sets of potholes right next to each other," he said. ""It will give us far more efficiency and ultimately it will save taxpayer dollars." Besides centralizing public services, the plan would mean the difference between splitting a portion of the $100 million hotel tax and the $246 million excise tax. As a result, Harris said, the counties could expect to get more money. Some lawmakers said the plan was unveiled too late to make it through the upcoming legislative session, which opens tomorrow. "I'm awfully cautious about the proposal," House Finance Chairman Calvin Say told KITV-4. "If he was sincere, then I would think he would've talked about it during the elections or even during the interim." Mayors of other counties, meanwhile, only heard of Harris' plan today. Many officials expressed concerns that neighbor island governments may not fare as well as Honolulu would under the proposal. Harris said it would take some time to work everything out. "This wouldn't help us at all in the next several years, but we think over time we are going to be able to save money and cut costs," he said. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: HAWAI`I KAI ZONING DEAL REJECTED The Honolulu City Council is expected to kill a proposal to allow developers to build homes, a hotel and a golf course at Queen's Beach in Hawai`i Kai, after the zoning committee unanimously voted to reject it today. The measure was part of an out-of-court settlement that would allow the landowners -- which include Bishop Estate and Kaiser Aluminum -- to develop the shoreline in exchange for dropping various lawsuits against the city. Opposition from area residents and environmental groups has been strong throughout the two years the proposal has been on the table. "The feeling of having this development crammed down our throat, with 12 different zoning changes thrown together, is just appalling," said Hawai`i Kai resident Wayne Levy, who testified before the committee this afternoon. Councilmembers were critical of Mayor Jeremy Harris, who introduced the proposal and later said he opposed it. Harris vowed last year that he would veto any settlement the council passed. "Quite frankly, I'm sick and tired of the mayor putting us in a position where we are always looked upon as the bad guys," said Councilmember Mufi Hanneman. "It should have been stopped earlier if in fact that's the position of the city," said Councilmember Donna Kim. "It's just sad that it went on this long." Kevin Kupchak, attorney for the landowners, said he was equally frustrated. "If we'd been told the project would be vetoed, we would have stopped a long time ago," Kupchak said. "We've spent over 3 million dollars pursuing this in reliance on the city." If the full council officially kills the settlement when it next meets on Jan. 29, city officials said the battle will return to the courtroom. Last year, Gov. Ben Cayetano proposed buying the land with federal funds to build a public park and nature preserve at Queen's Beach. Harris, meanwhile, also advocated purchasing the property and other adjacent parcels for public benefit. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- Subject: WORKPLACE SMOKING BAN ADVANCES Smoking would be prohibited in most Honolulu workplaces -- including restaurants -- under a bill approved tonight by the City Council Environment Committee. Prior to today's meeting, restaurant owners had asked that the bill be amended to allow smoking in eateries that installed filtration systems. The committee rejected such a compromise. In fact, the bill's scope may be broadened before it goes before the full council later this month. Councilmember Steve Holmes, who introduced the bill, said he wants to see nightclubs and bars included in the smoking ban. Small business advocate Dick Botti, however, testified the bill would unfairly hurt establishments. "I do not feel that the solution is to go after punishing innocent businesses because of a habit that somebody else has," Botti said. The bill was opposed by Councilmember Mufi Hanneman, who said it was too discriminatory. Meanwhile, Honolulu resident Frank Deam, who said he is battling cancer, said smoking should be targeted. "I'm here to show you, as well as tell you, that tobacco smoke is dangerous," Deam said. "It can change your lives, radically, and it's a killer." The last time a bill banning smoking in restaurants was passed by the city council, it was vetoed by Mayor Jeremy Harris. -----------------------------------------------------------------------==:]>- MASS transit resurfaced as a topic of discussion today, this time before the House Finance Committee. According to a report by KITV-4, Rep. Nathan Suzuki told the committee he has been in contact with an unnamed private company that wants build a people-mover system at no cost to the government. The system would run between Waikiki and Aloha Tower, where wheeled vehicles would travel along a concrete track. Suzuki asked Harris whether the city would support it, and suggested a 1998 completion date. "That's absolutely impossible," Harris said, and said he'd never heard of the proposal. Suzuki said the Cayetano administration had received the details... CONTAMINATION of island waterways is increasing, according to a report released this week by the state Department of Health. A recent study covering more than 80 streams and over 120 miles of shoreline found rising pollution levels and identified four waterways "severely impaired" by chemical contaminants. They are the Ala Wai Canal and Kapa`a, Kawa and Waimanalo streams. Gov. Ben Cayetano has asked the legislature for $19 million to dredge the Ala Wai and beautify the area. State Health Director Bruce Anderson noted that Hawaii's streams are still the cleanest in the nation... NEIL Abercrombie this week gave up one of the last remaining vestiges of his early political career. When Abercrombie appeared at a Kane`ohe groundbreaking ceremony, his signature pony tail did not. He said his long hair has been a longstanding target of his political opponents. "If you take a look at the top of my head, you see that god is going all the way with me eventually," he told reporters. He said he kept a lock of hair for his wife, and added that he'll be keeping his beard for the time being... GOVERNOR Cayetano was on hand today to dedicate the state's newest affordable housing project. Only residents earning less than half Hawaii's medium income will be able to rent a unit in the 56-apartment cluster in Kapolei. Housing officials said rent for a two bedroom apartment at Kekuilani Gardens can be as low as $150 for qualified applicants. The apartments are the first affordable housing project built in part with federal funds... LAWSUITS have been filed against the city and the Korean National Baseball Team by a woman who said she was hit in the head with a baseball while walking near Ala Wai Park last February. Josephine Baker said a member of the Korean team hit the ball that struck her, and sued the city for negligence in allowing the team to play at the field. According to KIT