West Hawaii Council Forum August 31st

The West Hawaii Council Forum for District 7 & 8 will be rebroadcasted on radio station HONU62 – AM 620 on Tuesday Sept. 7th from 7-9pm.

Hawaii Governor Forum Aug. 26- Part 1 & 2

Big Island News Center TV

Arson Arrest

Big Island police arrested a 31-year-old Papaikou man for first degree arson last night (August 23) stemming from an investigation into the cause of a large brush fire in the Pohakuloa area.

Christopher M. Pratt was located in close proximity to the fire upon firefighters’ initial arrival to combat the fire and was taken to the Hilo Medical Center for treatment. He was taken into police custody following his release from the medical center.

Pratt was held at the police cellblock overnight while detectives with the Criminal Investigation Section continued their investigation. However, he was released this morning pending further investigation.

Anyone who may have any information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Acting Lieutenant Reed Mahuna of the Criminal Investigation section at 961-2252. Those who wish to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona. All Crime Stoppers information is kept strictly confidential.

WILDFIRE ON MAUNA KEA AT 55 PERCENT CONTAINMENT

HILO —  State, county and federal fire fighting teams continue to fight the Mauna Kea fire today and are making progress though slowly.  One of the ongoing objectives today is to contain the fire by constructing a 1/2-mile fire break line with bulldozers on the west side of the fire.  Mop-up continues on portions of the control line.  

Ninety-four personnel are on scene, representing resources from Hawaii County Fire Department  (10), Pohakuloa Training Area (24), DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (46), National Parks Service (8), and private contractors (6).  The National Weather Service is providing spot-weather forecasts for the incident.  Personnel from the Maui Division of Forestry and Wildlife (10) should be on scene sometime this afternoon.

Fire fighting efforts went into night operations last night.  The basic objective was to hold the line and begin mop-up 100 feet in from the fire’s edge. Aerial resources were not utilized due to darkness.

Acreage is still being reported as 2,000 acres with 55% containment.

Saddle Road remains closed to traffic in either direction.

Ice Hotline

Big Island police are reminding the public about the Police Department’s 24-hour hotlines that citizens can call to provide anonymous information about “ice” and other illegal drugs.

The hotline phone numbers are 329-”ZERO-ICE”(329-0423) in Kona and 934-”VICE” (934-8423) in Hilo.

While police are making progress in fighting the war on crystal methamphetamine and other illegal drugs through enforcement efforts—including multi-jurisdictional task forces—they continue to recognize the critical importance of tips from the public and preventive measures. School Resource Officers work with schools to provide positive role models and teach curriculum designed for school children, including anti-drug classes. Officers also make anti-drug presentations at HI-PAL sporting events.

Chief Harry Kubojiri said the Hawai’i Police Department is committed to developing information about illicit drug distribution. “Members of our community play a key role toward that goal,” Kubojiri said. “Citizens act as our eyes and ears.”

When tipsters call the ice hotlines, they reach a vice officer or a recording that asks them to leave information about the illegal activity they are reporting. Callers do not have to provide their name, address or telephone number. If they reach the answering machine but wish to speak directly to a detective, they may choose to leave a name and callback number but that information will remain confidential.

“Over the Limit” Sign Waving

The Hawai’i  Police Department’s Traffic Services Section organized a sign-waving event on Kamehameha Avenue in Hilo on Thursday (August 19) to make motorists aware of the “Over The Limit – Under Arrest” National Crackdown from August 20 to September 6.

The Traffic Services Section was supported by Lisa Onorato from MADD with her volunteer Mary Toledo, representatives of the Big Island Substance Abuse Council (BISAC), Avis Yoshioka from the Hawai’i Community College Court Monitoring Program with students, individual community members and Community Police Officers.

The latest data show that of the 20 traffic fatalities in our county during 2010, at least 11 involved alcohol, drugs or both.

“I would like to make all motorists again aware of the unique ‘Shared Ride Taxi Program’ the County of Hawai’i offers to everybody,” said Dieter Blattler, traffic safety coordinator at the Hawai’i Police Department. “Depending on the number of coupons purchased, a taxi ride with one of the participating companies can cost as little as $4 for up to nine miles.”

For more information from the Mass Transit Agency, call 961-8744 or visit www.heleonbus.org/shared-ride-taxi-program.

“If you drink and don’t have a sober licensed designated driver, don’t take a chance – take a taxi,” Blattler said.

Puna Escape

Big Island police have located a 20-year-old man who is being featured this month on “Hawai’i Island’s Most Wanted.”

Xanthin Berdon of Hawaiian Beaches escaped from police custody while he was being detained for robbery last month. The episode of “Hawai’i Island’s Most Wanted” that featured his case began airing last Friday (August 13).

Berdon turned himself in Thursday (August 19) at the Hilo police station and was charged with escape. His bail was set at $2,000.