Six men and a woman were robbed at gunpoint at a Kalihi auto repair shop by three masked men early yesterday morning, police said.

One of the robbers carried an Uzi pistol and the other two were armed with 9mm pistols, police said. The men entered the closed business and ordered the victims to lie on the floor. The victims, who range in age from 32 to 57, were inside the business watching television, police said.

A small amount of cash was taken, said police Maj. Alan Bluemke. The robbers ordered the group to empty their pockets and place the contents on the floor. The suspects scooped up the items and fled.

Police did not know if the robbers and victims knew each other, Bluemke said.

WATER MAIN BREAK IN KALIHI REPAIRED

A Honolulu Board of Water Supply crew yesterday repaired a damaged 12-inch water main under North King Street fronting Ka'iulani Elementary School in Kalihi.

The break was reported about 3:15 a.m. yesterday. Water service was restored about 1:15 p.m.

In addition to the school, a total of 10 businesses and homes were affected by the break, said Board of Water Supply spokeswoman Tracy Burgo.

POLICE ASK HELP IN SEARCH FOR VANDALS

Big Island police investigators are asking for the public's help in identifying vandals who are stealing and destroying signs posted on the Fern Acres Community Association bulletin boards.

Since June numerous incidents of theft and damage have been reported. The bulletin board is at the corner of South Kulani Road and Puhala Street in Mountain View.

Anyone with information should call Community Police Officer Scott Amaral at 808-966-5835. Those who prefer to remain anonymous may call CrimeStoppers at 808-961-8300 in Hilo or 808-329-8181 in Kona. All CrimeStoppers information is kept confidential.

JELLYFISH INFLUX IN WAIKIKI WAS LOW

Honolulu Ocean Safety officials yesterday reported a relatively small influx of box jellyfish in Waikiki, with between 200 and 300 found, Emergency Services spokesman Bryan Cheplic said.

"It's supposed to be the peak day today but we'll check again tomorrow," Cheplic said.

Cheplic said there were a few stings reported yesterday morning.

"We're posting signs in Waikiki because of the incoming tide even though there haven't been many jellyfish found," Cheplic said.

Yesterday was the 10th day after the full moon, typically the largest influx day. Last month, however, the 10th day was also light but the 11th day saw more than 1,000 box jellyfish wash up in Waikiki.

BIG ISLE FIRE BURNS 20 ACRES OF GRASS

Big Island firefighters spent about five hours Tuesday putting out a fast-spreading brushfire adjacent to South Point Road, about a mile below the new windmills in the Ka'u District.

About 20 acres of dry grass burned before the fire was declared extinguished about 7 p.m.

Damage to the pasture land owned by Daleico Ranch was estimated at $2,000.

No structures were threatened by the blaze.