HAWAI'I BRIEFS
Downed tree closes loop trail
Advertiser Staff
A fallen tree yesterday prompted the closure of the popular 'Aiea Loop Trail indefinitely, a state parks official said.
Department of Land and Natural Resources spokesman Clifford Inn said park staff reported that a portion of the trail collapsed when the tree fell in a remote upper section of the trail.
To repair the trail, crews may have to cut into the hillside, Inn said. It was not known yesterday how long the trail will be closed.
Officials will know more after they inspect the area today, he said.
Inn said signs closing the trail were posted at Keaiwa Heiau State Recreation Area, which provides access to the 4.8-mile 'Aiea Loop Trail.
The rest of the 384-acre recreation area remains open for picnicking and camping, Inn said.
STATE
JELLYFISH EXPECTED BY END OF WEEK
Box jellyfish are expected in nearshore waters Thursday and Friday, and the city Ocean Division yesterday issued an advisory to warn people about the risk of getting stung.
On O'ahu, the most commonly affected areas are the Ala Moana Beach area and Waikiki Beach, especially at Kuhio Beach Park area 'ewa of the Kapahulu groin, the city said.
Other O'ahu beaches that have experienced box jellyfish include Hanauma Bay, Poka'i Bay, Makaha Surfing Beach and Waimea Bay.
Lifeguards will post warning signs as needed.
HONOLULU
AERIAL AD BAN CHALLENGE HEARD
The attorney for an anti-abortion group yesterday told federal appeals court judges that Honolulu's ban on aerial advertising illegally censors the group's most effective way to advocate its message: flying pictures of aborted fetuses over crowded beaches.
Robert Muise, an attorney for the Center for Bio-Ethical Reform, told three visiting judges from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that the explicit images cannot be replaced by other forms of advertisement.
The group, which already drives trucks around town with giant photos of first-term aborted fetuses, challenged the city's ban on aerial advertising after it was prevented from towing banners behind planes flying over Waikiki.
The California-based group appealed to the 9th Circuit after U.S. District Chief Judge David Ezra upheld the city ordinance in a ruling last year.
Jon Van Dyke, the city's special deputy counsel, said the group's name could be painted on a plane, but that images are illegal because they constitute advertising.
ARC IN HAWAII PLANS FUNDRAISER
The Arc in Hawaii will hold a craft and bake sale Dec. 3, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at its Honolulu center parking lot, 3989 Diamond Head Road.
Proceeds will support the organization's adult day care centers and client activities.
The Arc in Hawaii is a nonprofit organization that provides residential programs and adult day care services to people with mental retardation and related developmental disabilities.
Items for sale include Christmas decorations and ornaments, quilts, beaded jewelry, knitted items and baked goods.
BIG ISLAND
POWER CUT TO PART OF SOUTH KONA
A mechanical malfunction cut electrical service to about 550 homes and businesses in South Kona for three hours yesterday, Hawaii Electric Light Company said.
The power outage affected HELCO customers from Kealia to Miloli'i from 1:25 to 4:32 p.m., the company said.
HELCO said a power conductor broke near the Ho'okena Waste Transfer Station.
A HELCO crew made repairs and power was restored.
