A double shooting in the driveway of a Piihonua home on Wednesday evening left Jolene Medeiros in critical condition. Harry Batalona, Jr., her estranged boyfriend and alleged shooter, killed himself with a rifle. Accoring to the “Hawaii Tribune-Herald”, Jolene Medeiros had a temporary restraining order against her estranged boyfriend before the shooting incident. Both were taken to the Hilo Medical Center where Batalona was pronounced dead soon after arrival. Medeiros was listed in ciritical condition with gunshot wounds to the head and arm.
The Hawaii Police Department is reminding motrists that a new law banning the use of cell phones while driving takes effect today. The penalty for violating the ordinance is a fine of up to $150. The fine goes up to $500 if the use of a mobile electronic device causes an accident. The penalties will not apply to emergency responders using a mobile device in the performance of their jobs, drivers using two-way radios for work-related duties, and drivers holding a valid amateur radio operator license from the FCC.
(Honolulu Advertiser). The state Land Use Commission has scheduled a hearing March 3-4 on a request by a developer to reclassify 181 acres of Kona land from conservation to urban as part of a plan to build 1,000 homes . The development, called “O’oma Beachside Village” would be south of the state’s Natural Energy Laboratory and would include homes ranging from affordabe to luxury. The property is formally known as ‘O’oma II, and was once controlled by Cliff Morris, who had planned to build a hotel and a 400,000 square-foot shopping center in 2003-2004 before his proposal was rejected by the Hawaii County Council.
(Honolulu Advertiser). Hawaii County’s Department of Research and Development has awarded a $5,000 grant to the Hawaii Forest Industry Asscociation to boot public awareness about efforts to ensure the sustainability of the state’s koa forests. Koa is a native hardwood used in a broad range of products from outrigger canoes to fine furniture. Efforts to ensure koa’s survival and its availability to woodcrafters include the planting of 20,000 acres of koa. The hardwood will remain in restricted supply for at least another 15-20 years as these new growths mature.
(AP). Hawaii State Schools Superintendent Pat Hamamoto has resigned. Board of Education member Mary Cochran says she received a letter of resignation by e-mail from Hamamoto Thursday evening. No reason was given for Hamamoto’s departure.
(AP). Conservative talk show host Rush Limbaugh is said to be resting comfortably at the Queen’s Medical Center in Honolulu. Limbaugh was rushed to the hospital Wednesday while he was vacationing on Oahu. The guest host on Limbaugh’s nationally syndicated radio program said Limbaugh experienced chest pains similar to a heart attack.
Police are asking for your help in finding a stolen 2002 Toyota 4-Runner which was taken Wednesday near the corner of the Komohana/Puainako Extension. The 4-Runner is dark green in color and has combat license plate with the number 4252. If you see this vehcile, call the police.
The Department of Water Supply will conduct a fire hydrant flow test along Kapiolani Street between Ponahawai Street and Haili Street on Tuesday, January 5th between the hours of 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. The affected area may experience slight discolored and turbid water for several hours after the test. Customers are advised to refrain from washing clothes and to store a container of water for their drinking needs until the supply of water is restored to normal.