HAWAI'I BRIEFS
Fund set up for workers' families
Advertiser Staff
A fund has been established at Bank of Hawaii to assist the families of the four farm workers killed last week in a crash on Kunia Road.
The women were riding in the bed of a truck with other farm workers when their driver swerved to avoid an oncoming car that was passing traffic. The farm truck collided with a cement truck.
Stafford Kiguchi, a spokes-man for Bank of Hawaii, said donations to the Kunia Farm Workers Memorial Fund may be taken to any Bank of Hawaii branch statewide.
Checks made payable to the Kunia Farm Workers Memorial Fund may be mailed to Bank of Hawaii, Kunia Farm Workers' Fund, P.O. Box 2900, Ho-nolulu, HI, 96846-6000. Do not mail cash.
HONOLULU
BANK SUSPECT CHARGED IN THEFT
A 29-year-old Palolo man suspected of stealing a motorcycle and then holding up a bank was charged last night with robbery.
Fong Lu, also known as Phong Le, was charged with first-degree robbery and was being held last night without bail. Police were expected to turn Lu over to federal authorities for prosecution.
Lu was arrested Tuesday morning after police said a man stole a motorcycle in McCully and drove the vehicle to the Bishop Street branch of Hawaii National Bank. The man, identified by police as Lu, robbed the bank and then fled on the motorcycle.
Police pursued the suspect to Kahala and then to the university area. Lu was captured after allegedly ditching the motorcycle on Round Top Drive and fleeing down Maunalaha Road.
MAUI
DRIVER WHO DIED WAS ILLINOIS CHEF
WAILUKU — Maui police yesterday identified the driver of a car that plummeted off an ocean cliff near Kahakuloa on April 27 as Christian R. Dunker of Park Ridge, Ill. Dunker, 45, was a chef.
Dunker's rented 2005 Chrysler Sebring convertible was headed toward Waihe'e on Kahekili Highway when he missed a right-hand curve, drove onto an unpaved shoulder and over a 300-foot cliff. The car burst into flames when it hit the rocks, killing Dunker, the only occupant of the vehicle.
Maui traffic investigators said it does not appear Dunker tried to brake or swerve. Autopsy results are pending.
2 LAHAINA RETIREES TO BE HONORED
WAILUKU — Retired educator Pat Endsley and retired businessman Richard Toba were named Maui County's Outstanding Older Americans for their active lives and community service. They are residents of Lahaina.
Endsley helped establish free after-school tutoring for public schools in Lahaina. She is president of the Lahaina Intermediate School Education Foundation.
Toba conducts free tours of his plumeria farm, offering advice and cuttings, and provides flowers to West Maui community groups and events.
KAPALUA LAND CO. AIDS WHALE STUDIES
LAHAINA — Kapalua Land Co. has donated more than $30,000 to three Maui-based research organizations: the Center for Whale Studies, Whale Trust, and the Hawai'i Whale Research Foundation.
The money was raised through Whale Quest Kapalua, a recent three-day educational forum on humpback whales that featured whale-watch cruises, art and photo exhibits, interactive learning stations, lectures by marine experts, photographers and writers, and a charity golf tournament.
COUPLES ENTER FILIPINO PAGEANT
WAILUKU — The Maui Filipino Centennial Celebration Coordinating Council is sponsoring the Mr. & Mrs. Maui Philippine Centennial Pageant at 6:30 p.m. May 13 at the Baldwin High School Auditorium.
Organizers said the pageant "is a celebration of the best that Filipino marriage can be." The three contestant couples are Roger and Zeny Magbual, Rey and Fely Guieb, and Jeff and Lydia Dela Cruz. They will be judged on talent, interview and formal Filipino barong and terno competition.
To purchase $15 tickets for the event, call (808) 357-3842 or (808) 873-2277.
OWLS, STARS FEATURED AT PARK
HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK — Two special programs are planned for this month at the Hosmer Grove campground at Haleakala National Park.
"Owls: Hunters on Wings" will be held May 13 and the "Kilo Hoku" star program on May 20, both from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. The programs are free, but the park entrance fee is $10 per vehicle. Call (808) 572-4459.
EAST O'AHU
KALANI LU'AU TO SHOW VIDEOS, ART
Student work will be showcased at Kalani High School 2nd Annual Kalani Falcon Luau from 5 to 7:30 p.m. May 13 at the school cafeteria.
Student videos, including two that obtained recognition and are being considered in a final competition to be held before the lu'au at the Youth Xchange Competition. Student artwork will be be on display for a competition that will be determined by votes from lu'au guests.
Tickets are $25, $15 of which is tax deductible. Call 377-7744, ext. 229
WAIPAHU
MAN ARRESTED IN ASSAULTS ON GIRL
A 24-year-old Waipahu man has been arrested on suspicion of 14 counts of sexual assault for allegedly having sex with a 13-year-old girl from December to April.
Police said the man inappropriately touched and had sex with the girl.
Police are seeking charges against the man on nine counts of first-degree sexual assault and five counts of third-degree sexual assault.