A non-jury trial is scheduled to be heard by Hilo Circuit Judge Greg Nakamura on February 23rd. The trial comes from a civil lawsuit filed on behalf of an abused girl found in a coma with burn marks and maggot-infested wounds. According to the “Hawaii Tribune-Herald”, the civil action was submitted by the victim’s grandfather against the girl’s former caregiver, Hyacinth Pooauhi, who was sentenced a year ago to a 20-year prison term for abusing the girl. Other defendants include the girl’s biological mother and the state Departments of Education and Human Services.
Honolulu-based Nan, Incorportate has won the bid for the first phase of Kailua-Kona’s Ane Keohokalole mid-level highway. Hawaii County Oublic Works Director Warren Lee told the “Hawaii Tribune-Herald” that the Honolulu company bid $29.9 million for the project and is expected to be issued a notice to proceed by mid-March. Although federal stimulus funds will pay for the work, adjacent landowners will be donating the right of way for the road, and the value of that contribution will be deducted from any county assessments they are required to pay as part of the development agreements and rezonings.
Hilo native and Hawaii basketbal legend “Red ” Rocha died this past Saturday in Corvallis, Oregon at age 86. A former collegiate All-American and NBA all-star, Rocha coached the UH-men’s basketball team for 10 seasons between 1963 and 1973, including the most illustrious period in that program’s history. His 1970-1971 team advanced to the National Tournament in New York, while the ’71 and ’72 squad made it to the NCAA Tournament.
The fourth annual Hawaii Avocado Festival will be held this Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden on Highway 11. The free, zero-waste event offers non-stop activities for attendees of all ages. For details, call Fern at 329-0833.
This past weekend was a big one for many Hawaii Island High School sports teams. In the BIIF girls basketball tournament, Konawaena fought past Waiakea, 50-37, to take the Division I trophy. In Division II, Shanley Apele sank a clutch free throw with :04 left in the third overtime period to lift Kamehameha-Hawaii to a 44-43 win over HPA to take the division crown. In the BIIF Wresltling Championships, Konawaena’s Alexandra Aoki claimed her fourth BIIF title on Saturday at Keaau High School by beating Kealakehe’s MIndy Lorance. In boys competition, Konawaena’s Sage Aoki defeated Kealakehe’s Ralph Ortega and claimed a BIIF wrestling title on Saturday at Keeau High School. In the state swimming championships, a stellar performance by Kealakehe High School’s Madison-Gail Haunaio in the 200-yard individual medley helped the Waveriders claim a state championship for the first time in any sport. Earlier on Saturday, the Waverider freshman pushed Kealakehe into serious contention with a surprising runner-up finish in two individual events.
The Arts of Kona presents its second annual member arttists’ showcase and sale on Saturday, February 20th, 1-4 p.m., at the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Convention Center. The event is free and open to everyone. Children are welcome and encouraged to visit. Free parking and door prizes.
The Big Island Auto Club presents the first drag race of the year at the Hilo Drag Strip this Saturday and Sunday. Gates open at 7 a.m. both days. Live coverage over KAPA-FM, Native-FM, and KBIG-FM.
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