County / In Brief | News, Sports, Jobs

Crews continue to mop up in Kahikinui

A total of 25 Maui firefighters and state Division of Forestry and Wildlife officials and two choppers continued mop-up operations Friday in Kahikinui, stamping out hot spots in the area of a 5,600-acre brush fire, a fire official said.

Crews were working in the area of a major flare-up Wednesday that was extinguished Thursday and in the perimeter of the original fire that had started Feb. 15, said Fire Services Chief Edward Taomoto.

There were no active flames Friday, he said.

About 20 firefighters and state forestry crew members were expected to continue mop-up operations today with the help of helicopters, Taomoto said.

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Bystanders aid woman in distress

A 59-year-old Washington state woman, who was in distress in the waters off the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, was brought to shore safely by bystanders Friday afternoon, fire officials said.

Wailea firefighters got the call at 4:27 p.m. and arrived on scene seven minutes later, said Fire Services Chief Edward Taomoto.

Bystanders had already brought the woman to shore. Because she took in a lot of water, she was advised to seek medical treatment, and medics transported her to Maui Memorial Medical Center in stable condition, said Taomoto.

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Fire crews help swimmer to shore

An 82-year-old Washington state man was helped to shore Friday morning after he became caught in the current while swimming at Napili Bay, a fire official said.

The man was reported to be about 20 yards offshore and in trouble when a good Samaritan on a surfboard went out to try to help, said Fire Services Chief Edward Taomoto.

Napili firefighters and an ocean safety officer on rescue watercraft responded to find the swimmer about 150 yards offshore and being pulled out by the current on the north side of the bay, he said. The swimmer was brought to shore by rescue watercraft with the bystander on the surfboard catching a ride in.

The rescue occurred at about 10 a.m. The man was not injured and required no medical attention, Taomoto said.

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Car on edge of cliff closes highway

A vehicle reversing to allow oncoming traffic to pass on a narrow portion of Kahekili Highway in Kahakuloa on Friday afternoon backed up too far, leaving the vehicle stuck with its two left wheels hanging off the edge of the road, according to fire officials.

Firefighters received the call at about 1:25 p.m. and a Napili engine was on scene at 2:05 p.m., said Fire Services Chief Edward Taomoto.

The vehicle with a man and three women, described as older adults from Massachusetts, was headed toward Wailuku when it encountered vehicles headed in the other direction, one gulch on the Napili side of Kahakuloa, said Taomoto. The male driver reversed to allow the oncoming vehicles to pass but went too far, grounding the car on the shoulder with both left wheels off the cliff.

Fire officials at the scene said that the vehicle was not teetering over the edge and that the car was stuck at a lower point in the gulch, Taomoto said. Still, it would have been harrowing for the occupants of the vehicle, he added.

The road was closed for 2 1/2 hours; a tow truck called to the scene had some difficulty pulling the vehicle off the edge because of the narrow road, Taomoto said.

There were no injuries.

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Monthly siren test set for Tuesday

The monthly siren warning system and live test of the audio broadcasting system will be conducted at 11:45 a.m. Tuesday, the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency announced.

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

Contact the Maui County Civil Defense Agency at 270-7285 to report siren issues.

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Summer Fun Guide submissions sought

The Maui News will be publishing a Summer Fun Guide of activities for children and teens on April 3.

To have an activity included in the guide, submit the following information:

* Name of program and for what ages.

* Sponsoring organization or business.

* Program times and dates.

* Location of the program.

* Description of program.

* Cost of the program.

* Contact information.

The deadline to submit information is noon March 25. Year-round programs will not be accepted for the guide.

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

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

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Brush fire damages Lahaina fence

Firefighters responded Friday afternoon to a small brush fire along a fence line near the Opukea at Lahaina condominiums, a fire official said.

Lahaina firefighters got the call at 4:32 p.m. and were on the scene six minutes later, said Fire Services Chief Edward Taomoto. The site was along an old cane haul road, south of Kahoma Stream, that went from Keawe Street to Lahainaluna Road.

The fire, which was 120 by 30 feet, was contained by 4:42 p.m. and extinguished by 5 p.m., he said. The fire caused $2,000 damage to the fence.

There were no injuries. The cause of the fire was undetermined, Taomoto said.

Feb 26, 2016

Kahikinui flare-up extinguished again

A flare-up of a brush fire in Kahikinui was extinguished Thursday morning after burning another 300 acres while fire crews and three helicopters continued to mop up the fire that began 10 days earlier and blackened 5,600 acres, a fire official said.

No areas were actively burning in the fire Thursday afternoon, said Fire Services Chief Edward Taomoto. A fire crew was to remain on scene overnight Thursday to monitor the fire, he added.

The flare-up had been reported at about 3 p.m. Wednesday by a Kahikinui Homestead resident. Fire crews arrived to find 3 to 4 acres burning near the mauka perimeter about 1.5 miles from the nearest home.

On Thursday, the helicopters dropped water on smoldering areas, Taomoto said. County fire crews and state Department of Forestry and Wildlife employees worked on the ground.

The brush fire that started Feb. 15 had been declared 100 percent contained Saturday.

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High-surf warning extended to 6 p.m.

The National Weather Service extended a high-surf warning through 6 p.m. today for the north-facing shores of Maui and the north- and west-facing shores of Molokai.

Forecasters said a very large northwest swell would bring surf of 30 to 40 feet today, down from 40 to 55 feet Thursday night on north-facing shores. West-facing shores of Molokai can expect surf of 20 to 25 feet today, after getting surf of 25 to 35 feet Thursday night. The largest surf was expected during high tides.

Beachgoers were warned about deadly rip currents and very dangerous swimming conditions.

The Maui Civil Defense Agency was monitoring the high surf.

For more information, call (866) 944-5025 or go to weather.gov/hawaii.

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Lack of staff to close landfills early

The Hana and Lanai landfills will close early todady and Saturday respectively at 1 p.m., the county Department of Environmental Management Solid Waste Division said.

Both landfills normally are open until 2:30 p.m.

The department cited insufficient staffing.

Feb 24, 2016

High surf warning extended to Friday

A high-surf warning has been extended to 6 a.m. Friday for north-facing shores of Maui and Molokai and west-facing shores of Molokai as a new large swell arrives tonight, the National Weather Service said.

The current large surf is expected to gradually subside today and may even drop below advisory levels for a time, until returning this evening, the weather service said.

On north-facing shores, the surf is expected to fall from 20 to 25 feet overnight to 12 to 18 feet today, then grow to 40 to 50 feet late tonight.

Along west-facing shores, surf will fall to 15 to 20 feet overnight, falling to 8 to 12 feet today and growing to 20 to 25 feet tonight.

Expect ocean water surges on shorelines and beaches and strong currents at sea, the weather service said. There also could be the possibility of flooding in coastal properties and highways.

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Condo insurance topic of group meeting

The Condominium Council of Maui is presenting the “The Perfect Storm – Insurance Seminar” from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 11 at the King Kamehameha Golf Club.

David Gerlach and Sue Savio from Insurance Associates will be the speakers at the event.

Topics to be covered include Hawaii Revised Statues 514(b) and how it applies to apartment owners associations and handling of claims; homeowner policies and how they relate to apartment owners association claims; and why and when apartment owners and homeowners associations policies cover claims and understanding bylaws and governing documents.

The cost is $55 for members and $65 for nonmembers; add another $10 if paying at the door. A buffet lunch is included. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.

The deadline for registration is March 8.

For more information and to register and to pay online, go to www.mauicondocouncil.com. The council can be reached by phone at 572-3909 or email at condocouncilmaui@hotmail.com.

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Summer Fun Guide seeks submissions

The Maui News will be publishing a Summer Fun Guide of activities for children and teens on April 3.

To have an activity included in the guide, submit the following information:

* Name of program and for what ages.

* Sponsoring organization or business.

* Program times and dates.

* Location of the program.

* Description of program.

* Cost of the program.

* Contact information.

The deadline to submit information is noon March 25. Year-round programs will not be accepted for the guide.

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

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

Feb 23, 2016

Visitor center to be closed for repairs

The Haleakala Visitor Center at the 9,741-foot elevation that overlooks the crater rim will be closed for repairs for several weeks beginning Wednesday.

The repairs are expected to take four weeks, according to a park news release Monday.

Summit restrooms, trails, sunrise viewing, parking and other visitor facilities will remain open. Park staff will be available at the summit to answer visitor questions and to provide assistance.

Backcountry permits and visitor information will be available at the Headquarters Visitor Center at the 7,000-foot elevation near the entrance, which recently reopened after several months of repairs.

The renovations for both visitor centers were funded by entrance fee money, according to the news release.

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Farmland initiative to be discussed

A group seeking to generate a voter initiative that would allow Maui residents to trigger the power of the county to convert farmland from private to public ownership will be holding a meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Haiku Community Center.

“The Maui County Community Organic Farmland Initiative” is sponsored by the Community Farmland Council and has been crafted as Hawaiian Commercial & Sugar Co. embarks on its last harvest this year, according to a news release about the event.

The event is being held as a “pre-launch event” to lay the foundation for the signature-gathering campaign.

Crafted under the guidance of attorney Lance Collins, the initiative would:

* Create a law where Maui citizens can invoke the right of eminent domain to convert farmland from private to public ownership by paying “fair market value” for the land.

* Create more jobs for Maui by making community farmland leases available to organic farmers.

* Dedicate the land to regenerative diversified agriculture to feed the people of Hawaii.

For more information, go to www.communityfarmland.org.

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Sunday power outages caused by winds

Maui Electric Co. customers in Kula, Kahului and Molokai were left without power for parts of Sunday due to high winds that brought down trees and branches on power lines.

About 1,685 customers lost power in the Kula area at about 11:05 a.m. when trees touched electrical lines along Kekaulike Highway, said Shayna Decker, MECO director of communications, Monday. Power was restored to a majority of customers by about 12:30 p.m.

At about 12:40 p.m., a palm frond fell on power lines along Kaahumanu Avenue and caused about 1,330 customers in the Kahului area to lose power, she said. MECO crews restored service to all customers by 1:30 p.m.

At about the time MECO crews restored power in Kahului, 583 customers in the Kaunakakai area lost power due to kiawe trees falling on electrical lines along Manila Place, said Decker. Electrical power was restored by 2:50 p.m.

It was windy around the noon hour on Sunday in the county. At Kahului Airport, winds were blowing 26 mph from the southwest with gusts up to 38 mph at about noon Sunday, the National Weather Service reported. Wind speeds hit 20 mph with gusts up to 28 mph from the southwest at about 1 p.m. Sunday at Molokai Airport.

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Summer Fun Guide submissions sought

The Maui News will be publishing a Summer Fun Guide of activities for children and teens on April 3.

To have an activity included in the guide, submit the following information:

* Name of program and for what ages.

* Sponsoring organization or business.

* Program times and dates.

* Location of the program.

* Description of program.

* Cost of the program.

* Contact information.

The deadline to submit information is noon March 25. Year-round programs will not be accepted for the guide.

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

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

Feb 22, 2016

Maui and Molokai under surf warning

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a high-surf warning for the north-facing shores of Maui and the north- and west-facing shores of Molokai through 6 a.m. Tuesday.

A high-surf warning means that dangerous, battering waves will pound the shoreline, resulting in very dangerous swimming conditions and deadly rip currents.

A combination of strong northwest winds associated with a fast-moving cold front and a very large northwest swell will generate life-threatening surf through early Tuesday, according to the weather service. Ocean water may periodically surge and sweep over beaches and coastal roadways.

Surf was expected to rise rapidly Sunday evening and continue through tonight. Surf is forecast to reach 45 to 55 feet along north-facing shores of Maui and Molokai, and 25 to 35 feet along Molokai’s west-facing shores. Forecast surf heights are estimates of the height of the face, or front, of waves.

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New emergency sirens to be tested

New outdoor emergency sirens have been installed in five locations around Maui and will be tested this week, according to the Maui County Civil Defense Agency.

The testing, which is being conducted by the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, will be held at the following locations:

* D.T. Fleming Beach Park, Wednesday, 9 a.m. to noon.

* Wailea-Makena, Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

* Richard Pablo Caldito Sr. Park (formerly Waihee Ball Park), Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

* Waiehu Heights, Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

* Nisei Veterans Memorial Center, Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

People near the testing areas may hear the siren sound six to eight times for 30-second to one-minute intervals during the listed times. Testing will include short blasts.

During the tests, emergency management officials and technicians will check that installation work on sirens has been completed properly.

For more information on the sirens and tests, contact the Maui County Civil Defense Agency at 270-7285.

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Work to close Hanamu Road

Hanamu Road in Makawao will be closed to through traffic Tuesday and Wednesday due to work on the Haleakala Ranch water system, according to an announcement from Goodfellow Bros. Inc.

The closure will occur from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day. A detour will be set up on Meha Road and Old Haleakala Highway through Kealaloa Avenue. Motorists are advised to follow all traffic control signs and personnel.

The work on the water system includes installation of waterlines, laterals and fire-hydrant improvements.

For more information, contact Goodfellow Bros. at 879-8868.

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State announces county roadwork

Road repairs and underground utility installations will continue this week at the intersection of Honoapiilani Highway and Kuikahi Drive in Wailuku, according to the state Department of Transportation, prompting lane closures in both directions of the highway and right-turn pocket closures on Kuikahi Drive in both directions.

Work hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. today through Friday.

The DOT also announced the following work and lane closures for Maui County roadways:

* Roadway construction on Old Haleakala Highway between Aalele Street and Kala Road will cause lane shifts in both directions. Additionally, Old Haleakala Highway will have lane closures in both directions at the Kula Highway intersection due to sidewalk improvement work.

* The left lane in the eastbound direction of Hana Highway between Garden of Eden Arboretum and Keanae Road will be closed 24 hours a day for roadway improvements. Working hours are 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. today through Friday.

* The left lane in the northbound direction of Kuihelani Highway will be closed for a 24-hour period between Honoapiilani Highway and Puunene Avenue in the vicinity of Maui Lani Parkway for paving work.

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Summer Fun Guide submissions sought

The Maui News will be publishing a Summer Fun Guide of activities for children and teens on April 3.

To have an activity included in the guide, submit the following information:

* Name of program and for what ages.

* Sponsoring organization or business.

* Program times and dates.

* Location of the program.

* Description of program.

* Cost of the program.

* Contact information.

The deadline to submit information is noon March 25. Year-round programs will not be accepted for the guide.

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

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

Feb 21, 2016

Kahikinui brush fire fully contained

A brush fire that consumed 5,300 acres at Kahikinui was 100 percent contained as of Saturday afternoon, Fire Services Chief Edward Taomoto said.

Crews cut firebreaks in areas that could be reached by bulldozers, and firefighters used hand tools to create control lines around most of the fire’s perimeter, he said in an update at around 5:30 p.m.

No major flare-ups were seen Saturday as fire crews searched for hot spots, mopped up and monitored the charred acreage, Taomoto said.

Firefighters were helped by wind speeds reducing from up to 25 mph to a southwesterly 5 to 10 mph Saturday, he said. Kona winds out of the south are forecast to blow from 10 to 20 mph today, he added.

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DeCoite to speak at Thursday meeting

State Rep. Lynn DeCoite is scheduled to speak at this year’s first Haiku Community Association meeting on Thursday.

DeCoite will share updates on bills affecting the Haiku-Paia-Hana region. The meeting also will include nominations and voting for the association’s board of directors, updates from the Aha Moku Council of Hamakualoa and a chance to meet local author Sunny Savage.

Residents can get caught up on community projects, including progress on the Haiku welcome sign, the reopening date for the Kalakapua Playground and efforts to secure 266 acres of open space at Hamakualoa.

The public is invited. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the meeting takes place 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Haiku Community Center. Potluck dishes and pupu are welcome. For more information, go to haikumaui.org.

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Kula association to meet Wednesday

The four newest members of Mayor Alan Arakawa’s administration will be answering questions from members of the Kula Community Association at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Kula Community Center.

Appearing at the gathering will be Parks and Recreation Director Ka’ala Buenconsejo, Transportation Director Don Medeiros, Housing and Human Concerns Director Carol Reimann and Environmental Management Director Stewart Stant.

Also on the agenda is a presentation from the Agriculture Working Group on the potential impact of proposed changes in the county’s property taxation of agricultural lands. The bill, BF-70, will be an item on the County Council’s agenda Feb. 29 and would eliminate the “agriculture-use value” assessment, changing all agricultural lands to a “market value” assessment.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with refreshments. For more information, call 283-4376.

*****

Summer Fun Guide submissions sought

The Maui News will be publishing a Summer Fun Guide of activities for children and teens on April 3.

To have an activity included in the guide, submit the following information:

* Name of program and for what ages.

* Sponsoring organization or business.

* Program times and dates.

* Location of the program.

* Description of program.

* Cost of the program.

* Contact information.

The deadline to submit information is noon March 25. Year-round programs will not be accepted for the guide.

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

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

Feb 19, 2016

Fire crew puts end to electrical fire

An electrical fire in an exhaust vent caused an estimated $7,500 in damage at a Lahaina building Wednesday afternoon, a fire official said.

Lahaina firefighters responded to the 3:04 p.m. alarm, arriving six minutes later to find smoke coming from the second floor of the two-story building at 70 Kapunakea St., said Fire Services Chief Edward Taomoto.

The fire was smoldering after an employee had used a fire extinguisher to douse flames, Taomoto said.

He said that the fire was contained at 3:41 p.m. and extinguished by 4 p.m.

The building is part of a carwash at Super Stop Kapunakea.

Taomoto said that the employee reported he had smelled smoke for about 30 minutes and had walked around the building while unsuccessfully trying to find the source. He was just about to leave work when he went upstairs to make one last check when he saw flames coming from an exhaust vent, Taomoto said.

He said the accidental fire was determined to be electrical in nature.

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Free child car seat check is Saturday

Free child car seat and booster seat inspections will be done from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday in the parking lot of Maui Marketplace near Pier 1 on Dairy Road in Kahului.

Those interested in having child car seats checked to see whether they’re properly installed should show up with the child, car or booster seat and car, as well as instruction manuals for the car seat and vehicle. An inspection takes a minimum of 30 minutes for each seat.

The inspections are done on a first-come, first-served basis. Certified child passenger safety technicians will be on hand to instruct parents and caregivers on correct selection, installation and use of car seats.

Under state law, child car seats are required for children under age 4. Children from ages 4 to 7 are required to be restrained in either car seats or booster seats while riding in vehicles.

According to a Maui County Child Passenger Safety news release, eight of 10 car seats in use are installed incorrectly.

Information about upcoming child car seat inspections is available on Facebook by looking up Maui County Child Passenger Safety at www.facebook.com/mauichildpassengersafety.

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Summer Fun Guide seeks submissions

The Maui News will be publishing a Summer Fun Guide of activities for children and teens on April 3.

To have an activity included in the guide, submit the following information:

* Name of program and for what ages.

* Sponsoring organization or business.

* Program times and dates.

* Location of the program.

* Description of program.

* Cost of the program.

* Contact information.

The deadline to submit information is noon March 25. Year-round programs will not be accepted for the guide.

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

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

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Training will close pool for half day

Due to staff training, the Coach Spencer Shiraishi Memorial Pool in Kahului will be closed for half a day on Wednesday.

The pool will be open from noon to 4:30 p.m.

For more information, call Fran Yamamoto at 270-6138.

Feb 18, 2016

Police officer held for violating warning order

A Maui Police Department officer was arrested Tuesday afternoon when he was seen at his Kihei residence while a warning citation was in effect for him to stay away, police said.

Carlos Frate, 31, was charged with violation of a warning citation. He was released after posting $1,000 bail.

The citation had been issued for Frate to stay away from the residence during a cooling-off period after a domestic dispute at the home, police said.

He was arrested at 3:22 p.m. Tuesday when officers found him at the residence, police said.

Frate, a Kihei patrol officer with more than five years of police service, has been assigned to desk duties at the Kihei Police Station.

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Victoria’s Secret to open Feb. 26

National lingerie retailer Victoria’s Secret will open on Feb. 26 at the Queen Ka’ahumanu Center.

The grand opening will launch at 9:30 a.m. The 8,129-square-foot store is next to the center stage near Jamba Juice.

In addition to lingerie, Victoria’s Secret carries beauty products, loungewear and sportswear. The Maui location is Victoria’s Secret’s first Neighbor Island store.

“As one of the most requested retailers by our community, we are excited to welcome Victoria’s Secret to our merchant family,” said Jacqueline Perreira, center general manager.

Maui County residents “are big supporters” of new retailers, and they are expected to turn out for the store’s grand opening, Perreira said.

There are three Victoria’s Secret stores on Oahu, with another scheduled to open in the Windward Mall in Kaneohe later this year.

Victoria’s Secret is one of several L Brands stores. Another is Bath & Body Works, which opened a store at Queen Ka’ahumanu Center on Nov. 9.

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Papa traffic signals to be replaced today

Traffic signals at Papa Avenue and Onehee Street in Kahului will be replaced today, and Maui police will be directing traffic at the intersection.

The work is scheduled for 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The signal will not be working during those hours.

Police will be directing traffic through the intersection, and message boards will placed on the roadways to inform motorists. Motorists are asked to drive carefully and to obey all traffic signs and directions from road crews.

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Haleakala visitor center is set to reopen

The Haleakala National Park Visitor Center, which has been closed since late September, will reopen Wednesday, the park said.

The center at the 7,000-foot elevation near the park entrance was closed for roof replacement, seismic and structural repairs and entrance renovations, a park news release said. The work was originally expected to take two months, but a storm blew off the temporary roof and caused extensive flooding inside the building, requiring additional repairs.

The hours are 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. daily. Back country permits will be available inside the building from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.

“We appreciate the patience of our visitors, partners and the local community as these extensive repairs and renovations were done. We look forward to reopening the building,” said park Superintendent Natalie Gates.

Feb 17, 2016

Public’s help sought to find missing man

Police are asking for the public’s help in locating a 58-year-old homeless man who hasn’t been seen since Feb. 2.

Mickey A. Cuyler is described as Caucasian, 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing about 165 pounds. He has brown hair and hazel eyes.

Cuyler’s employer reported him missing Monday. He was last seen at his workplace by a coworker, police said.

Police said Cuyler periodically stays at Dan’s Greenhouse in Lahaina.

Police provided a photo of Cuyler from his Facebook page, which has no recent posts or updates.

Anyone who has information on Cuyler’s whereabouts is asked to call Detective Brandon Koyama at 270-4353 during regular business hours from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Calls can be made at any time to police dispatch at 244-6400 or 911 if it’s an emergency.

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Surf advisory set for north, west shores

The National Weather Service has posted a high-surf advisory for the east-facing shores of Maui and Molokai until 6 p.m. today.

Forecasters predicted surf would rise to 6 to 10 feet.

A high-surf advisory for north- and west-facing shores was canceled.

The advisory warns beachgoers that high surf will produce dangerous shore breaks and currents that make swimming difficult and dangerous.

For more information, call (866) 944-5025 or visit weather.gov/hawaii.

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Quake drill subject of park meeting today

Haleakala National Park officials will host a community meeting from 5 to 6 p.m. today at the Kipahulu Visitor Center.

Park staff will discuss the national park’s earthquake drill, held as part of the “Great American Shakeout,” general emergency coordination and other topics.

For more information, call 572-4450.

Feb 16, 2016

Central Maui pavement rehab to begin

Work on the Wailuku/Kahului Pavement Rehabilitation project will begin today, according an announcement from Maui Kupono Builders LLC.

Streets affected by this project include all of North High and Kaohu streets and all of Lauone Place in Wailuku as well as portions of East Papa Avenue and West Hawaii Street and all of East Hawaii Street in Kahului.

The project includes cold planing, resurfacing and installation of pavement striping, makers and signs. Work hours will be from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

No on-street parking will be allowed in the areas during work hours.

Motorists are advised to expect delays and are urged to use caution and to follow all traffic-control signs, devices and flag people while driving through the work zones.

For more information, contact Maui Kupono Builders at 242-8180.

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Valentine’s Day temperature ties record

Kahului tied a record high temperature for Feb. 14 of 86 degrees Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.

The rest of the week is expected to be a little cooler, with high temperatures around 83 degrees forecast through Friday, according to the weather service. Windy weather, with gusts between 25 and 32 mph, is expected through Thursday.

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Lahaina junior prom meeting is tonight

An informational meeting for parents regarding the Lahainaluna High School Junior Prom will be held at 6 p.m. today in the school library.

Topics to be addressed include: safety and security, rules and consequences, cost, dress code, vendors, setup/breakdown (volunteers) and Prom Court.

The LHS Junior Prom is scheduled for April 9 at the Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa.

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Maui storytelling event tonight in Kihei

The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary will host an evening of storytelling today from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Kihei Sanctuary Conference Room.

Presenters Roxanne Whitelight and Sonny Gamponia will describe Maui’s place in the history of the universe based on scientific understanding from David Christian’s lectures of “Big History” and the “Big History Project.”

Whitelight and Gamponia will showcase a timeline of events that led to the creation of Maui and the appearance of other life forms before the Polynesians arrived.

Listeners will get the chance to learn about the astrophysics, cell biology, plate tectonics and geology that set the conditions for plants, insects and birds to live on Maui.

The sanctuary is located at 726 S. Kihei Road.

*****

Napili brush fire proves tough to douse

A burning vehicle caused a brush fire in Napili on Sunday afternoon that wasn’t fully extinguished until early Monday, a fire official said.

At 1:30 p.m. Sunday, firefighters arrived on the scene of a vehicle fire near Maui Preparatory Academy on Napilihau Street, according to Fire Services Chief Edward Taomoto. The vehicle was fully engulfed in flames and about 1 acre of brush was burning. Crews from Napili, Lahaina and Kahului as well as the department’s Air One helicopter fought the quickly spreading blaze and had it under control by 4:12 p.m. Sunday, Taomoto said.

Firefighters checked the area overnight and in the morning, finally calling the fire extinguished at 7:05 a.m. Monday.

The cause of the vehicle fire was undetermined. An investigation revealed that the fire began in the vehicle, which was located on Hui Road A, a half-mile mauka of the Honoapiilani Highway and Napilihau Road intersection, Taomoto said. It extended to the brush and scorched about 5 acres. There were no injuries and no structures were threatened.

*****

Service set for ‘Maizie’ Sanford

A funeral service for Maui philanthropist Mary “Maizie” Cameron Sanford will be held at 3 p.m. Friday at the Makawao Cemetery, according to her daughter.

Sanford, 85, a former owner and publisher of The Maui News, died of heart failure Sunday at The Queen’s Medical Center on Oahu.

Daughter Claire Sanford said that “a reception will immediately follow the funeral,” with information on the the location of the gathering to be announced at Friday’s service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the J. Walter Cameron Center in Wailuku (www.jwaltercameroncenter.com), Hawaii Public Radio (www.hawaiipublicradio.org) or the Maui AIDS Foundation (www.mauiaids.org).

*****

Firefighters attend to large brush fire

Crews were battling a large brush fire Monday night along Piilani Highway in the area of MilePost 25 in Kahikinui, a fire official said.

At 7:30 p.m., the blaze was estimated to be around 1,500 acres and 2 miles long, said Fire Services Chief Edward Taomoto. Fire and police officials were evacuating homes in the Kahikinui Homesteads area downwind of the fire.

The fire was reported at 5:40 p.m. Monday as five separate brush fires, Taomoto said.

Fire crews from Kula and Makawao were on the scene Monday night but most of the fire is inaccessible to firetrucks, Taomoto said. Maui Fire Department’s Air One helicopter conducted water drops Monday until darkness forced it to return to Kahului Airport.

Piilani Highway was closed Monday night to all traffic between Mileposts 24 and 27.5.

Feb 15, 2016

Flags at half-staff in honor of Scalia

U.S. and state flags at the state Capitol and all state offices and agencies will fly at half-staff to honor U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, who died Saturday, according to an announcement from Gov. David Ige’s office.

President Barack Obama also has ordered U.S. flags at public buildings and on public grounds and military posts to be flown at half-staff.

The flags will remain at half-staff until sunset on the day of Scalia’s interment, which had not been announced as of Sunday afternoon.

*****

Crews put out unscheduled cane fire

Fire crews battled an unscheduled cane fire early Sunday near Paia Gym on Baldwin Avenue, a fire official said.

The blaze was reported at 12:16 a.m., said Fire Services Chief Edward Taomoto. Paia firefighters arrived at 12:22 a.m. and found a 50-foot-by-50-foot fire in the cane field mauka of Paia Gym. The fire was moving uphill and away from area homes and the gym, which was 50 yards away, Taomoto said.

The blaze was brought under control at 12:31 a.m. Sunday and extinguished at 12:40 a.m. Less than 1 acre of cane was burned, Taomoto said. The cause of the fire was undetermined. There were no injuries and no structures were threatened.

*****

Maui, Molokai under high-surf advisory

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has continued a high-surf advisory for north-facing shores of Maui and north- and west-facing shores of Molokai will be in effect until 6 p.m. today.

A high-surf advisory means that high surf will affect beaches, producing rip currents and localized erosion.

A west-northwest swell was forecast to spread across the island chain Sunday, producing advisory-level surf heights, according to the weather service. Surf on north-facing shores is expected to reach 14 to 18 feet; surf on west-facing shores of Molokai is forecast to reach 8 to 12 feet through today. Forecast surf heights are estimates of the height of the face, or front, of waves.

*****

Kahului sets new temperature record

Kahului set a new record high temperature of 90 degrees Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.

The previous high for Feb. 13 of 88 degrees was set in 1994.

This week is expected to be a little cooler, with high temperatures around 82 degrees forecast through Thursday, according to the weather service.

*****

Crews battle brush fire near ‘Jaws’

Crews battled a brush fire in Haiku on Sunday morning, according to a fire official.

The blaze on Hahana Road was reported at 9:55 a.m., said Fire Services Chief Edward Taomoto. Firefighters arrived at 10:14 a.m. and found a 20-foot-by-200-foot fire burning in heavy brush near the “Jaws” surf spot in Peahi.

The fire appeared to have started in piles of household trash dumped in the area, which then extended into the brush, said Taomoto.

The fire was called under control at 10:39 a.m. Sunday and extinguished at 11:39 a.m.

*****

Consulate outreach to be on Maui

Appointments are available for the Philippine Consulate Mobile Outreach on Maui on March 19 and 20, according an announcement from the county Department of Housing and Human Concerns, Immigrant Services Division.

The outreach will provide on-island services for Philippine passport renewal, dual citizenship and authentication services. Priority will be given to those with expired or expiring passports, disabled or elderly applicants and people needing assistance with emergency travel.

Space for the mobile outreach is limited. Appointments must be made in person at the Maui County Immigrant Services Division Wailuku Office, 2200 Main St., Suite 547, Wailuku; at the Molokai office at 2 Kamoi St., Kaunakakai; or at the Lanai office at 309 Seventh St., Lanai City. Participants should bring their current passport, alien card and a $6.45 priority stamp for processing at the time the appointment is being made.

For more information, call the Maui County Immigrant Services Division at 270-7791.

Feb 13, 2016

Schools, offices to be closed for holiday

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

The Hana and Lanai landfills and Molokai Landfill and Recycling will not be open for solid waste disposal.

Central Maui Landfill and EKO Compost Greenwaste will be open from 6 a.m. to noon. Olowalu Recycling will be open from 8 a.m. to noon. The holiday will not affect residential trash collections.

All public libraries will be closed. The Maui News business offices will be closed.

*****

Work on Kihei bikeway to disrupt traffic

Goodfellow Bros. will be working on the extension of the Kihei bikeway on Liloa Drive between East Lipoa and Halekuai streets on Tuesday.

Liloa Drive will be restricted to local and school traffic during work hours, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Motorists are advised to use alternative routes and to follow all traffic control detours, signs and flag people when driving through the area.

Goodfellow Bros. can be reached at 879-8868.

Feb 12, 2016

Teen arrested after acting ‘erratically’

A 17-year-old Waihee boy was arrested Thursday morning after he acted “erratically,” refused commands and ran away from officers, police said.

Police tased and arrested the teenager, who had been operating a vehicle that stalled in front of the entrance of the Maui Police Department at 8:10 a.m. Thursday. Officers tried to speak to the boy, but he did not listen to officers’ commands, police said.

The teenager reached for an object within the vehicle. And, as officers approached, he began to run away. Police used a Taser on the teenager, police said. Paramedics treated the boy at the scene for injuries considered not life threatening.

Police arrested the boy on charges of first-degree terroristic threatening, second-degree assault against a police officer, disorderly conduct and driving without a valid driver’s license. He was later released to the state Sheriff’s Office. The case has been forwarded to the prosecutor’s office for review, police said.

Maui Police Department’s Juvenile Section employees were in front of the station taking photos and responded to the incident.

*****

Kaupo Community Association to meet

Maui County Council Member Bob Carroll, state Sen. J. Kalani English and state Rep. Lynn DeCoite are scheduled as guests during this year’s first meeting of the Kaupo Community Association.

The meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday at the Old Kaupo School. A potluck lunch will follow the event.

*****

Maui gas prices slip by one cent

The average price for a gallon of unleaded gasoline in Wailuku was $3.13 this week, a cent lower than a week ago, 2 cents less than last month and 20 cents off the price from a year ago, according to the AAA Hawaii Weekend Gas Watch.

Statewide, the average price was $2.61, 2 cents off a week earlier, 6 cents less than last month and 43 cents less than a year ago, AAA said.

Honolulu’s average price this week was $2.43, while Hilo’s average price was $2.56.

Hawaii regained the dubious distinction of having the highest average gas price in the nation, surpassing California, where drivers paid $2.45 per gallon, AAA reported.

The others in the top five also are in the West – Alaska, $2.31; Nevada, $2.14; and Washington state, $2.06.

The Gas Watch is a weekly snapshot of gas prices, derived from fleet vehicle credit card transactions at thousands of gas stations across the country.

Feb 11, 2016

Brush fires keep crews busy over 2 days

Maui County firefighters were busy battling brush fires in Lahaina and in Pukoo, Molokai, on Wednesday and Tuesday.

The Fire Department’s Air One helicopter was dropping water on a fire that started Wednesday afternoon about 1 mile above the trailhead of the Wailau Trail in Pukoo, a fire official said. The fire, reported at 2:52 p.m., covered a 100-by-200-foot area of trees and heavy brush that was inaccessible by vehicle, said Fire Services Chief Edward Taomoto.

The fire appeared to be out with no smoke visible Wednesday, though firefighters were planning to check the area again this morning. Firefighters did not declare the fire extinguished, he said.

No structures were threatened.

On Tuesday afternoon in Lahaina, West Maui Land Co. construction workers used water tankers to put out a small brush fire, a fire official said.

Lahaina firefighters responded to the 1:10 p.m. call, arriving four minutes later at the vacant lot used to park buses at Kuhua Street and Lahainaluna Road, said Taomoto.

He said a 60-by-30-foot area burned. The cause of the fire was undetermined.

*****

Underground fire past Kahikinui reignites

Firefighters doused a 50-by-60-foot area that rekindled Tuesday night from a brush fire Nov. 30 near Milepost 27 of Piilani Highway past Kahikinui, a fire official said.

Firefighters extinguished surface fuels and soaked the area with water and foam to try to cool the area from the heat of the underground smoldering fire, after responding to the 7:30 p.m. call, said Fire Services Chief Edward Taomoto. He said firefighters dug down to find burning material up to 2 feet below the surface.

The heat was so hot that firefighters couldn’t stand on the ground for too long, Taomoto said.

*****

Drug charges filed for pair on Lanai

WAILUKU – Two Lanai residents are facing drug charges resulting from a police search at Manele Harbor last year.

Chester Souza, 56, and Lucifer Hoopii, 44, pleaded not guilty to charges during their arraignments Wednesday in 2nd Circuit Court.

Souza is charged with two counts each of third-degree promotion of a dangerous drug and possessing drug paraphernalia, as well as second-degree promotion of a detrimental drug.

Hoopii is charged with third-degree promotion of a dangerous drug, possessing drug paraphernalia and third-degree promotion of a detrimental drug.

The two, who live in the same household, were arrested Dec. 20 when Lanai patrol officers searched Souza and Hoopii after they disembarked from the Expeditions ferry that runs between Maui and Lanai. Police reported contacting the two after receiving reports of the smell of marijuana from a group aboard the ferry.

Contraband recovered in the search included more than 60 grams of marijuana and 0.03 gram of methamphetamine, said Deputy Prosecutor Tracy Jones.

In court Wednesday, Souza and Hoopii were ordered not to consume alcohol or illegal drugs and to report for supervision and random drug testing.

*****

Suicide awareness workshop is Saturday

A suicide awareness workshop will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Temple of Peace in Haiku.

This training is being sponsored by the state Department of Health, Prevent Suicide Maui County Task Force, University of Hawaii-Manoa School of Psychiatry and the Temple of Peace.

The presenter will be Deborah Goebert, professor at the John A. Burns School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry and associate director of the research division. She is involved in suicide prevention initiatives.

The training will be aimed at building awareness of suicide and its risks and protective factors. It will cover how to “connect” with someone who may be thinking of suicide and “connect” them to resources. Safe messaging and healing after suicide also will be covered.

There is a limit of 30 people, who must be 18 years and older. Those who have experienced a recent loss to suicide may find attending the suicide prevention training very difficult and are cautioned against participating without a supportive friend.The Temple of Peace is located at 575 Haiku Road.

To sign up, call 984-8202 or go to connect.mhamaui.org. For more information, call Kalani Holokai, state Department of Health at 984-8202 or email kalani.holokai@doh.hawaii.gov.

Feb 10, 2016

50-foot waves set to hit North shores

Waves on north-facing shores of Maui and Molokai are expected to reach as high as 50 feet today, triggering a high-surf warning by the National Weather Service on Tuesday.

The warning for north-facing shores of both islands and west-facing shores of Molokai is in effect until 6 p.m. Thursday.

A “very large northwest swell” will build overnight, peaking today, then gradually diminishing Thursday to Friday, the weather service said.

Surf along north-facing shores is expected to be 40 to 50 feet today and tonight, then diminish to 20 to 30 feet by the end of the day Thursday.

Surf along west-facing shores of Molokai will build to 15 to 25 feet overnight then hit 25 to 35 feet today and tonight, falling to 18 to 22 feet by the end of the day Thursday, the weather service said.

A high-surf warning means that dangerous, battering waves will pound shorelines and generate very dangerous swimming conditions, including deadly rip currents.

The forecast for today is partly cloudy over windward and mountain areas with isolated showers at night. High temperatures will be between 78 and 83 degrees with lows between 66 and 71 degrees. Winds are expected to be from the northeast at about 15 mph.

*****

Missed trash to be collected today

Several refuse collection routes in Makawao were missed Tuesday due to a staffing shortage, the county Department of Environmental Management Solid Waste Division said.

The missed pickups are expected to be completed today.

The areas affected included Kahakapao, Olinda and Piiholo roads and all surrounding streets.

*****

Maui places twice in ‘expensive’ top 10

Maui is home to two of the top 10 most expensive U.S. destinations for the Presidents Day weekend, according to CheapHotels.org.

Lahaina came in No. 3 at $463 a night and Wailea at No. 6 at $412 a night in the survey released Monday. Aspen, Colo., at $533 a night and Poipu, Kauai, at $512 a night, were the most expensive destinations in the survey of hotel rates for a double room for the period Friday to Monday.

*****

Maui News Summer Fun Guide coming

The Maui News will be publishing a Summer Fun Guide of activities for children and teens on April 3.

To have an activity included in the guide, submit the following information:

* Name of program and for what ages.

* Sponsoring organization or business.

* Program times and dates.

* Location of the program.

* Description of program.

* Cost of the program.

* Contact information.

The deadline to submit information is noon March 25. Year-round programs will not be accepted for the guide.

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

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

Feb 9, 2016

Governor to hold ‘chow fun’ event

Gov. David Ige will meet with residents during a “chow fun” event from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Lihikai Elementary School, according to an announcement.

The school is at 335 S. Papa Ave. in Kahului.

*****

Two landfills to close early

The Hana and Lanai landfills will be closing early this and next week due to insufficient staffing, the county Department of Environmental Management Solid Waste Division said Monday.

The Hana Landfill will close early Thursday and Feb. 18, 19 and 20. Lanai Landfill early closures will be Feb. 19 and 20.

Both landfills will close at 1 p.m., instead of 2:30 p.m.

*****

Summer Fun Guide submissions sought

The Maui News will be publishing a Summer Fun Guide of activities for children and teens on April 3.

To have an activity included in the guide, submit the following information:

* Name of program and for what ages.

* Sponsoring organization or business.

* Program times and dates.

* Location of the program.

* Description of program.

* Cost of the program.

* Contact information.

The deadline to submit information is noon March 25.

Year-round programs will not be accepted for the guide.

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

Photos may be submitted for use on a space-available basis. Shots of people doing things are preferable; group shots are unlikely to be used.

Photos may be emailed in digital tif, jpg or eps formats with a minimum resolution of 300 pixels per inch. Individuals in photos must by identified by first and last name.

Feb 8, 2016

Construction could disrupt Lanai traffic

Construction will begin today along Manele Road for installation of water utility improvements at Pulama Lana’i’s Miki Basin Warehouse on Lanai.

Work will be done between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. today to Feb. 15.

There will be periodic one-lane road closures and traffic delays may occur during working hours. Motorists are urged to follow all traffic control signs and personnel.

For more information, call Goodfellow Bros. at 879-8868.

*****

Surf advisory issued for Maui, Molokai

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a high-surf advisory for the north-facing shores of Maui and Molokai until 6 p.m. today.

Rough surf is expected along exposed north-facing shores due to a combination of strong northerly winds and a northwest swell, according to the weather service.

Strong breaking waves and shore break as well as strong longshore and rip currents will make swimming difficult and dangerous. Beachgoers are urged to use caution and to heed all advice given by ocean safety officials.

*****

Meeting on school boundaries Feb. 18

The state Department of Education Maui District Office will host an information meeting Feb. 18 on proposed changes to the school attendance boundaries for Waikapu residents.

The meeting is open to the public and will begin at 6 p.m. in the Puu Kukui Elementary School library.

According to a release from the DOE, the Maui District Office has identified possible adjustments to intermediate and high school attendance boundaries that will:

* Align Puu Kukui Elementary School attendance boundaries with Iao Intermediate and Baldwin High school boundaries.

* Allow all Puu Kukui students to attend Iao Intermediate and Baldwin.

* Balance school enrollment.

* Consider facilities’ capacities.

* Consider projected enrollment, including planned residential developments.

* Consider proximity and transportation time.

School attendance boundary maps and comment forms will be available at the event.

Members of the public also can offer feedback to the DOE online at bit.ly/Waikapu_Survey.

*****

Native Hawaiian chamber to meet

Sarah Shim, chairwoman of the 17th annual Maui Chinese New Year Festival, will speak about new year customs and traditions during a Maui Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce meeting this week, the chamber announced.

The chamber will have a Chinese New Year theme for its general membership meeting as it welcomes the year of the red fire monkey, beginning at 5:30 p.m. today, at the Maui Tropical Plantation in Waikapu.

The chamber event will feature a catered Chinese dinner and there will be new year novelty door prizes.

The event costs $20 for members who pay in advance through PayPal at www.mnhcoc.org, or $25 at the door. Nonmembers will be charged $30 at the door.

To make reservations, visit www.mnhcoc.org or call 874-2426.

Feb 7, 2016

Crews put out small brush fire

Wailuku firefighters put out a 20-by-20-foot brush fire reported early Saturday on the makai side of Kahekili Highway near River Road in Waihee, Fire Services Chief Edward Taomoto said.

A passer-by reported the fire at 2 a.m., with firefighters arriving at the scene at 2:12 a.m., he said. Firefighters had extinguished the blaze by 2:19 a.m.

The fire’s cause remained undetermined.

*****

Company to assess grounded sailboat

The Parker Marine salvage company will assess damage to the 43-foot sailboat Mith-randirs Dream, which was grounded about 5 miles east of Kaunakakai Harbor on Friday, the U.S. Coast Guard reported.

The sailboat had been en route from Oahu to Maui when ran aground about 2 a.m. Friday. A Coast Guard helicopter crew hoisted two men to safety and flew them to Kahului Airport, officials said.

The vessel’s owner and captain reported having electrical problems that disabled the boat’s GPS unit, officials said. The boat’s auxiliary power was inoperable. While under sail, the winds shifted, and the vessel ran aground.

No injuries were reported. The boat had an estimated 50 gallons of diesel fuel aboard, but officials were unable to determine if the fuel was leaking, the Coast Guard reported.

State Department of Land and Natural Resources officials were investigating.

*****

Friday temperature ties record high

The record high temperature of 87 degrees for the day was tied Friday at Kahului Airport, the National Weather Service reported. The record had earlier been set in 1985.

On Kauai, Lihue also tied a high-temperature record for Friday with 84 degrees. The record had been set in 1991.

Meanwhile, forecasters predict mostly clear skies with isolated showers, windy and cool conditions today. Highs are expected to range from 74 to 79 degrees, with overnight lows of 65 to 70.

Winds should blow out of the northeast from 15 to 30 mph, with local gusts of up to 50 mph in the morning.

Monday’s weather should be much the same, although slightly warmer in the day and cooler at night, forecasters said.

Feb 6, 2016

Man, 32, sought for attempted arson

Police have issued an all-points bulletin for a 32-year-old Kahului man suspected of trying to set fire to Maui Oil Co. gas tanks early Friday, three days after his arrest in another gas station fire.

Brandon Oania was identified as the suspect in the attempted arson, reported at 3:32 a.m. Friday when workers saw a man pouring liquid on gas tanks at 16 Hobron Ave. in Kahului, police said.

The man attempted to light the liquid on fire before employees yelled at the suspect and he ran toward Hana Highway. Wailuku patrol officers, responding to the report of arson in progress, canvassed the area but couldn’t locate Oania.

Police said Oania had been carrying a container of motor oil, which he poured onto one gas pump. He tried to light the oil on fire, but Maui Oil Co. employees confronted him before any damage was done, police said.

Oania is being sought in the first-degree arson investigation.

On Tuesday, Oania was arrested in another arson investigation for a fire at 11:31 p.m.

Jan. 24 that caused $30,000 damage at Tesoro Gas Express on Puunene Avenue in Kahului. Oania and his father had driven to the gas station, where gas was poured around a pump and lit, police said.

Oania had been released pending further investigation in that case.

*****

Men rescued from grounded sailboat

Two men were rescued early Friday from a sailboat that grounded near Kaunakakai Harbor on Molokai, the U.S. Coast Guard reported.

A Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Air Station Barbers Point hoisted the sailors to safety and flew them to Kahului Airport, where they were met by medics.

The Coast Guard’s Honolulu command center received notification from Towboat US at 1:53 a.m. Friday that the 43-foot sailing vessel Mithrandirs Dream was grounded approximately 5 miles east of Kaunakakai Harbor.

The Dolphin helicopter crew arrived on scene at 3:35 a.m. and lowered a rescue swimmer onto the sailboat.

No injuries were reported.

In addition to the helicopter crew, the Coast Guard launched a 45-foot response boat crew from Maui. Ground crews from the Maui Fire and Police departments also responded.

Feb 5, 2016

Kipahulu road to be closed for testing

A portion of Piilani Highway in Kipahulu will be closed to traffic from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. from Feb. 16 to 19 for stability testing as part of the road repair, the Department of Public Works said Wednesday.

A recent landslide wiped out the roadway shoulder and a portion of the makai edge of the highway adjacent to Nuanualoa Gulch in Kipahulu, near Mile Marker 37. The road currently is open to one lane of traffic only. The county has initiated emergency work in the area, which will require the road closure for testing for stability before repairs begin. There will be partial one-lane closures from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Feb. 22 to 26.

Motorists are asked to obey all traffic signage in the area. Flagmen also will be assisting with traffic control. Repair work on the road will come later this year and require more road closures to the only road in and out of the remote southeastern area of the island. The county will release those details as soon as they become available.

*****

Police looking for woman with knife

Police are looking for a female who wielded a knife while robbing a woman of beer and cash in a Wailuku store Wednesday afternoon.

The robbery was reported at 2:41 p.m. at Minit Stop on Main Street.

Police said that the victim was a customer returning alcohol at the store when the female held a knife to the victim’s abdomen and demanded the beer and money.

The victim handed over a six-pack of beer and $20 cash to the robber, who ran toward Main Street, police said.

The suspect was described as 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighing about 120 pounds with brown skin and black hair.

Police are investigating.

*****

Firefighters handle Molokai brush fire

Molokai firefighters extinguished a fire that burned a 20-by-50-foot area of grass and brush in Hoolehua on Thursday morning, a fire official said.

Hoolehua firefighters were on scene two minutes after the 11:45 a.m. alarm on Kaena Place, about 100 yards behind the Hoolehua Fire Station, said Fire Services Chief Edward Taomoto. He said the fire was contained at 11:49 a.m. and extinguished at 12:56 p.m.

The cause is under investigation.

Feb 4, 2016

Man charged with passing fake $20

A Kahului man was charged with passing a counterfeit $20 bill at a Kahului gas station last month, police said.

Bail was set at $5,000 for Paul Oda Jr., 43, who was charged with first-degree forgery following his arrest early Wednesday in the Maui Mall parking lot.

An all-points bulletin had been issued for Oda after he was identified as the suspect who was driving a black Lexus when he used the counterfeit bill to pay for gasoline at about 5 p.m. Jan. 24 at Aloha Shell on Puunene Avenue, said Lt. Derrick Lopez of the Property Crimes Unit of the Criminal Investigation Division.

After Oda left the gas station, employees discovered that the ink was smeared on the fake bill and that it didn’t have proper security features including watermarks, Lopez said.

“Wailuku patrol officers did an excellent job in conducting the preliminary investigation as well as follow-ups to the case,” Lopez said.

He said Oda is a suspect in other related forgery and theft cases under investigation.

*****

Trolling days set for Kahoolawe waters

Trolling in the waters of the Kaho’olawe Island Reserve will be allowed Saturday and Sunday and Feb. 27 and 28, according to the Kaho’olawe Island Reserve Commission.

Access to reserve waters is restricted because of the presence of unexploded ordnance and for the protection of marine resources. Two weekends a month are opened for trolling deeper than 180 feet within 2 nautical miles of the island.

All vessels must register annually with the commission before entering the reserve to troll and must file a catch report even if fish are not caught. There is a new condition relating to the prevention of invasive alien species; the permittee will be held accountable to prevent any invasive alien species, plant or animal, such as invasive algae or barnacles, into the reserve. Vessel hulls must be free of any alien species.

A $25 permitting fee will be applied to the registration process.

To register with the commission or for more information, contact Dean Tokishi by phone at 243-5889 or email dtokishi@kirc.hawaii.gov. Registration packets also are available at the Division of Boating and Recreation, 101 Maalaea Boat Harbor Road.

*****

Mayor to speak at Makawao meeting

Mayor Alan Arakawa, Public Works Director David Goode and officials with the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development and Maui Police Department will be attending a Makawao community meeting at 6:30 p.m. today in the Makawao School cafeteria.

Agenda items of the meeting, called by Arakawa and his economic development office, include the proposed rerouting of one-way morning traffic on Ukiu Road and a Business Crime Watch presentation by the Maui Police Department, a news release said. Sign-ups will be taken for volunteer block captains in an effort to prevent crime, address safety concerns and facilitate interactions between merchants.

For more information, contact Mike Molina, executive assistant to Arakawa, by phone at 270-7855 or email at mike.molina@mauicounty.gov.

*****

Maui News summer fun guide coming

The Maui News will be publishing a Summer Fun Guide of activities for children and teens on April 3.

To have an activity included in the guide, submit the following information:

* Name of program and for what ages.

* Sponsoring organization or business.

* Program times and dates.

* Location of the program.

* Description of program.

* Cost of the program.

* Contact information.

The deadline to submit information is noon March 25. Year-round programs will not be accepted for the guide.

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

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

Feb 3, 2016

Kula man gets 5-year prison term

WAILUKU – A Kula man who had asked to be sentenced to probation so he could try to re-enter the Maui Drug Court treatment program was sentenced Friday to a five-year prison term.

Paul Decoite III, 31, could still enter Drug Court when he is paroled, 2nd Circuit Judge Richard Bissen said in imposing the sentence.

The judge said that he took into consideration Decoite’s recent failure to comply with drug treatment and his record in the sentencing.

Decoite had pleaded no contest to second-degree theft, second-degree forgery and unauthorized possession of confidential personal information involving an $800 check forged in April 2013, court records show.

Decoite said he missed two classes while in the outpatient portion of treatment because he couldn’t leave work.

“I really want this chance,” he said. “I’m willing to do anything for this chance.”

Decoite had been participating in the Drug Court program of treatment and supervision. He had been facing termination from the program when he agreed to end his participation. He said he did that so he could have a chance to get back into the program.

Bissen said Decoite was terminated from Drug Court because he “kept testing positive for drugs time and time and time again.”

Decoite was ordered to pay $800 in restitution.

*****

NPS visitor center closes for repairs

The Kipahulu Visitor Center will close today and Thursday for structural repairs to a ceiling beam, but the park will remain open, Haleakala National Park announced Tuesday.

The beam will be reinforced by a pole, and permanent repairs will be made in the future, pending evaluation from a structural engineer, the park said.

Park staff will be available outside of the visitor center and on trails to provide park information.

Both the visitor center and the lanai will be closed while the repairs are made. The restrooms, trails and campground will remain open, the park said.

*****

Hiker airlifted from bamboo forest trail

Firefighters helped an injured hiker who was airlifted from the “bamboo forest” trail in Kailua on Monday afternoon, a fire official said.

The 30-year-old New York woman had been hiking with others who were on their way down the trail when she lost her footing and slipped on a rock in a stream, injuring her ankle, said Fire Services Chief Edward Taomoto.

Paia firefighters, responding to the 2:41 p.m. call, arrived at the trailhead at 3:11 p.m. and met with friends of the injured woman. Firefighters hiked about 20 minutes to reach the woman, who was above the second pond, and prepared her to be airlifted by the Fire Department’s Air One helicopter, Taomoto said.

Rescue firefighters aboard the helicopter took the woman to a pasture landing zone near Hana Highway, where she was transferred to paramedics at 3:45 p.m., he said.

She was taken to Maui Memorial Medical Center for additional treatment.

*****

Trash pickups will be covered today

Refuse pickups in Haiku and Paia were not made Tuesday due to staff shortages, the county Department of Environmental Management Solid Waste Division said.

Missed pickups are expected to be completed today.

The areas missed include: Haiku, Kokomo and Lilikoi roads; Kahiko, Kuanana, Pili Loko and Waipua streets; and Kahua and North and South Laelua places, as well as all surrounding streets.

Feb 2, 2016

Show to focus on state legislative issues

“Your County with Mayor Arakawa” will be televised live on Akaku Channel 55 at 7 p.m. Wednesday.

Mayor Alan Arakawa will appear with Budget Director Sandy Baz and discuss state legislative issues, including the transient accommodation and general excise taxes, beach liability, homelessness, a new road from Maalaea to the west side and possible consolidation of some state and county departments.

Managing Director Keith Regan will moderate the show.

The show will reair at 7 p.m. Wednesdays Feb. 10-24 on the same channel.

Arakawa will continue discussing these issues on his live call-in radio show at 7:06 a.m. Thursday on KAOI AM 1110 and 96.7 FM.

*****

Capische? makes list of romantic venues

Capische? in Wailea made it on OpenTable’s 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in America for 2016, according to a news release Monday.

The awards reflect the combined opinions of more than 5 million restaurant reviews submitted by verified OpenTable diners between Dec. 7, 2014, and Dec. 6 for more than 20,000 restaurants in the 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Capische was the only Maui restaurant on the list.

*****

Maui Tea Party to hold whale watch

The Maui Tea Party will be holding a whale watch Saturday that leaves out of Maalaea Harbor.

Those interested in attending should check in at the Pacific Whale Foundation Store at the Maalaea Harbor Shops at 10:45 a.m. The boat leaves at 11:30 a.m.

Discounted tickets ($29) are available by contacting Philip Heath at (808) 636-6206 or info@teapartymaui.com.

The Pacific Whale Foundation asks whale watchers to bring their Hawaii ID, a light sweater or jacket, soft sole shoes (no slippers) and sunscreen.

Feb 1, 2016

Vehicle crash sparks brush fire

A single-vehicle crash sparked a brush fire in Launiupoko on Saturday afternoon, according to a fire official.

Fire crews responding to the 3:56 p.m. call for a vehicle fire on Punakea Loop found the vehicle fully engulfed in flames, Fire Services Chief Edward Taomoto said.

Flames spread to nearby brush and were moving quickly uphill, threatening two homes above the fire, Taomoto said. Crews contained the fire at 5:09 p.m. and called it extinguished at 5:50 p.m. An acre of brush was scorched.

The vehicle had collided with an embankment before starting on fire. Its two occupants escaped with minor injuries, Taomoto said.

A Lahaina engine, ladder, water tanker and battalion chief responded to Saturday’s blaze.

*****

Maui and Molokai under surf advisory

The National Weather Service has issued a high-surf advisory through 6 p.m. today for the north-facing shores of Maui and the north- and west-facing shores of Molokai.

A large northwest swell produced by a storm far northwest of the islands a few days ago was expected to reach the state Sunday evening, according to the weather service.

Surf along north-facing shores of Molokai and Maui is expected to reach to 18 to 22 feet; along west-facing shores of Molokai, surf of 12 to 15 feet is forecast. Forecast surf heights are estimates of the height of the face, or front, of waves.

A high-surf advisory means that high surf will affect beaches, producing strong breaking waves and shore break as well as strong longshore and rip currents, according to the weather service. Beachgoers should exercise caution and heed all advice given by ocean safety officials.

Weather broadcasts can be heard by calling toll free (866) 944-5025 or online at weather.gov/hawaii.

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