Hawaii Summary (2nd)
>>The Latest
(Undated) -- Here's the latest on stories making news this hour: A marine biologist testified yesterday that the Hawaii Superferry travels at a rate of speed that will be harmful to whales and other animals. Hawaii Kai residents were briefed on a new curbside recycling program for their area last night. Paramedics serving West Oahu have a brand new facility in Kapolei. A man who headed a Big Island drug ring has been sentenced to more than eight-years in prison. And the Air Force Thunderbirds are planning three performances over Waikiki.
>>Marine Biologist Says Superferry Speed Will Harm Whales
(Wailuku, HI) -- A marine biologist testified yesterday that the Hawaii Superferry travels at a rate of speed that will be harmful to whales and other animals. Hannah Bernard was the sole witness presented yesterday in a hearing on Maui to keep the interisland service stalled until an environmental assessment can be completed. Bernard said the ferry would have to travel at less than ten-knots to be deemed safe for whales. But State Deputy Attorney General William Wynhoff says virtually every ship in Hawaiian waters goes faster than that. The 350-foot Superferry vessel has the capacity to hit speeds of 35 knots. Several other witnesses are scheduled to testify over the next few days as the hearing on a motion for a preliminary injunction continues.
>>Hawaii Kai Residents Briefed On Recycling Program
(Hawaii Kai, HI) -- Hawaii Kai residents were briefed on a new curbside recycling program for their area last night. The city plans to launch the pilot program next month in Hawaii Kai and Mililani. The majority of those attending the informational meeting at Hahaione Elementary School were in favor of the project, though some were concerned about losing one day of regular trash pickup. The pilot program will launch October 29th and alternate collection of green waste and other recyclables. Mililani residents will be able to learn more during a community meeting tonight at Mililani High School.
>>New Kapolei Facility Opened For Paramedics
(Kapolei, HI) -- Paramedics serving West Oahu have a brand new facility in Kapolei. The new 23-hundred square-foot building was dedicated during a ceremony yesterday. The facility will accommodate nine paramedics serving the Kapolei-Makakilo districts, who were previously using a trailer as their base of operations. Mayor Mufi Hannemann says the new Emergency Medical Services building demonstrates the city's commitment to the growing West Oahu area. The EMS unit for the region has responded to 18-hundred calls so far this year, compared to about 800 back in 1990.
>>Financial Advisor Accused Of Swindling Seniors Has License Suspended
(Honolulu, HI) -- A Honolulu financial advisor accused of swindling seniors has had his license suspended. The state Insurance Division took the action against Mark Teruya following a fraud complaint by the Security and Exchange Commission. As president of Senior Resources of Hawaii, Teruya allegedly induced an 82-year-old woman to sign forms, giving him access to her financial institution. Teruya is accused of then using the forms to access her accounts and transfer more than 100-thousand-dollars from one insurer to another. The investigation into Teruya's practices continues and the insurance division may permanently revoke his license.
>>Head Of Big Island Drug Ring Sentenced
(Hillo, HI) -- A man who headed a Big Island drug ring has been sentenced to more than eight-years in prison. According to the "Honolulu Star-Bulletin," the sentence for Scott Spencer was handed down yesterday in U.S. District Court. Spencer was a part of ring that shipped crystal methamphetamine between California and Hawaii. Prosecutors say the drugs were shipped in cattle feed, or carried by couriers. Spencer was arrested in February of last year after accepting a shipment of nearly 20 pounds of "ice". He later pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges and cooperated with authorities.
>>Here Come The Thunderbirds
(Honolulu, HI) -- The Air Force Thunderbirds will be performing three shows over Waikiki this week, as part of celebrations marking the Air Force's 60th anniversary. Six F-16's will fly formations, performing 30 stunts, during the 45-minute shows on Thursday and Saturday. During the demonstrations air space in the area will be closed. Surfers and boaters will not be allowed in the water under the performance area, which will be marked by buoys. Ala Wai Boat Harbor and the Diamond Head State Monument will also be closed during the demonstration. The last time the Thunderbirds performed over Waikiki was ten-years ago.
>>Waimea Man Declared Missing
(Waimea, HI) -- A 47-year-old Waimea man has gone missing and police are hoping for the public's help in finding him. Stephen Kaipo Young was last seen at a friend's house in Kona September 4th. Young was driving a silver Ford Ranger pickup truck at the time. Young stands about five-foot-nine and weighs 150-pounds. He has short black hair and a thin mustache. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call CrimeStoppers or Hawaii County police.
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Laurie-Ann Salomon/ml
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