Former Big Island Resident Ryan Higa Up for Audience Choice Awards at 2013 Streamy Awards

According to the Wrap.com, former Big Island resident Ryan Higa is nominated for an Audience Choice Awards at the 2013 Streamy Awards as well as nominated in the “Best First-Person Series” as well:

“Ryan Higa, the Fine Brothers and the Young Turks are among the 20 nominees for two Audience Choice Awards at the 2013 Streamy Awards, which will take place February 17 in Hollywood.

Tubefilter and Dick Clark Productions on Tuesday also unveiled the nominees for Personality of the Year and Series of the Year, opening voting until February 11.

The nominees for Personality of the Year are Ashley Clements, Bernie Su, Brad Bell, Chester See, Grace Helbig, Mary Kate Wiles, Megan & Liz, Ryan Higa, SMOSH and the Fine Brothers. SMOSH ranks as the most subscribed YouTube channel on the online video site, while Higa ranks third…”

More here:  Ryan Higa, Fine Brothers nominees for audience Choice Awards at 2013 Streamys

 

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• Ryan Higa and Megan Lee: Will They Surpass Psy? (btscelebs.com)
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Hawaii House Votes to Rename Kilauea Point Lighthouse on Kauai and Saddle Road on the Big Island to Honor Late the Late Senator Daniel K. Inouye

The House today passed two concurrent resolutions to rename the Kilauea Point Lighthouse on Kauai the Daniel K. Inouye Kilauea Point Lighthouse (HCR 41), and designate Hawaii Island’s Saddle Road as the Daniel K. Inouye Legacy Highway (HCR 42).

• HCR 41 was introduced by Kauai Representatives Derek Kawakami (Hanalei, Princeville, Kilauea, Anahola, Kapaa, Wailua) and James Tokioka (Wailua Homesteads, Hanamaulu, Lihue, Puhi, Old Koloa Town, Omao) on behalf of the Kauai Caucus.
• HCR 42 was introduced by Representatives Mark Nakashima (Hamakua, North Hilo, South Hilo) and Cindy Evans (North Kona, North Kohala, South Kohala) on behalf of the Hawaii Island Caucus.

Kilauea Point Lighthouse

In his remarks today, Representative Derek Kawakami said, “the Kilauea Point Lighthouse is similar to our beloved Senator. Both provided guidance and protection. Both served to protect the weak from the mighty. Both provide beacons of hope and comfort.”

Saddle Road

In introducing the resolution to rename Saddle Road on Hawaii Island, Representative Mark Nakashima said, “United States Senator Daniel Inouye was a true statesman having devoted his life to service of his country in the battlefields of Europe and in the halls of Congress. With values born in Hawaii, the Senator’s actions were visionary and looked to invest in the future of Hawaii for generations to come.  The Saddle Road Project is one such investment that will bridge east and west Hawaii.”

The measures now advance to the Senate for their consideration

Governor Abercrombie Appoints Max Otani Deputy Director of Corrections

Gov. Neil Abercrombie today announced the appointment of Max Otani as deputy director of corrections with the state Department of Public Safety, effective immediately.

Max Otani

“Max brings decades of experience to his position, from many years ‘on the line’as a parole and probation officer and in leadership roles at the Hawaii Paroling Authority, to most recently as division administrator at the Department of Public Safety,”said Gov. Abercrombie. “His familiarity with Public Safety issues and sound leadership, professionalism and efficiency are sure to be an asset to the department and the state as we work to implement our Justice Reinvestment Initiative objectives.”

Since 2011, Otani has served as the division administrator at the Department of Public Safety’s Intake Service Center. Previously, he served in a variety of roles for the Hawaii Paroling Authority, including field service branch administrator from 2010 to 2011, paroles and pardons administrator from 2007 to 2010, field service branch administrator from 2005 to 2007, Oahu intake service center from 2003 to 2005, and field service branch administrator from 1997 to 2003. He also worked as a parole supervisor and parole officer for the authority and as a probation officer for the Hawaii State Judiciary.

Active in the community, Otani is a member of the Interagency Council on Intermediate Sanctions and the Justice Reinvestment Working Group. He is also the head instructor of the Newtown Shinseikan Judo Club.

Otani earned his master’s degree in social work at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and bachelor of arts at UH Hilo.

He resides in Aiea with his wife, Ann.

 

Description of Three Men Wanted for Robbery and Assault of Japanese National in Kona

Hawaiʻi Island police have obtained more detailed descriptions of three men wanted for a robbery early Thursday (February 7) in Kailua-Kona.

The first suspect is described as a local male, 25-26 years old, about 5-foot-9 with a skinny build, a black goatee and ear-length brown curly hair. He was wearing a gray or beige hooded sweatshirt.

The second suspect is described as a local male, 25 years old, 5-foot-7 to 5-foot-10, with a thin-to-medium build. He was wearing black shoes, a black jacket and black shorts.

The third suspect is described as a local male, 25-27 years old, 5-foot-7 with a small-to-thin build. He was wearing a Cleveland Indians baseball cap.

A 41-year-old Japanese national reported that he was walking to his hotel with friends at about 2:30 a.m. when he was attacked by the three suspects at the intersection of Aliʻi Drive and Likana Lane. They knocked the victim to the ground, punched and kicked him and stole his fanny pack.

The attackers then fled toward Likana Lane.

The victim sustained scrapes and abrasions to his arms, legs and back but declined medical attention.

Police ask that anyone with information about this case call the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 935-3311 or Detective Joshua Lewis at 326-4646, extension 228. Detective Lewis may also be reached by email at jlewis@co.hawaii.hi.us.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers doesn’t record calls or subscribe to caller ID. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.

Related articles

• Japanese Tourist Attacked and Robbed By Three Men in Kailua-Kona (damontucker.com)
• Second Robbery Reported Today in Hilo – Suspects Still at Large (damontucker.com)
• Tourist From Beijing Robbed at Rainbow Falls Park (damontucker.com)

 

Crew at Work to Reduce Pooling at Pahoa Road Residences – Two Dry Wells to Be Installed

A Big Island construction crew is currently working to install two dry wells along Pāhoa Rd. Ludwig Construction Inc, which has been contracted by the county of Hawai‘i, has control of the project, and aims to reduce pooling fronting two Pāhoa Rd. residences.

The dry well work, which began in January, was recently suspended to allow time for the contractor to cast concrete components; digging is scheduled to start again at the Pāhoa Rd. sites on Monday, February 11, weather permitting. Work is expected to continue through February and be completed on March 4, 2013, though this timetable may be impacted by inclement weather. Crews will be active from 7:30am-3:30pm on weekdays, and will post flagmen if any one-lane road closures are necessary.

When reached for comment, Councilmember Zendo Kern expressed his enthusiasm for the project, “We look forward to seeing this project completed in a timely manner. I see these dry wells as being an important step towards improving public safety in Pāhoa town.”

For further information, please contact the office of Councilmember Zendo Kern at 961-8536, or the Department of Public Works at 961-8321.

Big Island Police Release Sketch of Body Found in Park Last Year

Hawaiʻi Island police are renewing their request for the public’s help in identifying a person whose partially decomposed body was found in a West Hawaiʻi public park last summer.

Police hope someone will recognize a two-dimensional facial reconstruction from the skull recovered at the scene.

Two-dimensional facial reconstruction from the skull recovered at the scene

The decedent may have been a middle-aged homeless Caucasian man between 5-foot-8 and 5-foot-11 who frequented the Kainaliu, Kealakekua and Honalo areas. When found at Higashihara Park in Keauhou Mauka on July 19, he was wearing blue jeans, no shoes and a blue T-shirt depicting a SpongeBob character and the words “It’s Hip To Be Square.”

The cause of death is still undetermined.

Police received numerous tips from the public with leads about the man’s possible identity but detectives confirmed that all the persons named were still alive.

Higashihara Park

Police ask that anyone who knows the identity of a person similar to the artist’s sketch call Detective Walter Ah Mow at 326-4646, Ext 238.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers doesn’t record calls or subscribe to caller ID. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.

Big Island Police Looking for Folks Responsible for Theft of Coffee Parchment Worth $21,700

Hawaiʻi Island police are asking for the public’s help in locating one or more persons responsible for four thefts of coffee parchment from two companies in Kaʻū.

Coffee Parchment Drying

The first three thefts were from a property on Wood Valley Road. In those incidents, unknown persons removed 1,300 pounds of coffee parchment over the past two weeks.

The most recent theft was on Saturday (February 2) from a property on Kaalaiki Cane Haul Road. In that theft, about 1,000 pounds of coffee parchment were taken.

The combined value of the stolen goods is $21,700.

Police remind the public that it is illegal to be in possession of stolen property. They ask that anyone with information on these thefts call Officer Dane Shibuya at 939-2520.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers doesn’t record calls or subscribe to caller ID. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.

 

Japanese Tourist Attacked and Robbed By Three Men in Kailua-Kona

Hawaiʻi Island police are investigating a robbery early Thursday (February 7) in Kailua-Kona.

A 41-year-old Japanese national reported that he was walking to his hotel with three male friends at about 2:30 a.m. when he was attacked by three men at the intersection of Aliʻi Drive and Likana Lane. They knocked the victim to the ground, punched and kicked him and stole his fanny pack.

The attackers, described as being local males in their mid-20s, then fled toward Likana Lane.

The victim sustained scrapes and abrasions to his arms, legs and back but declined medical attention.

Police ask that anyone with information about this case call the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 935-3311 or Detective Joshua Lewis at 326-4646, extension 228. Detective Lewis may also be reached by email at jlewis@co.hawaii.hi.us.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers doesn’t record calls or subscribe to caller ID. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.

Hilo’s Own Bryant Tadeo Gets Scare of Lifetime on American Idol Last Night

Trevor Blakney, Charles Allen, and Bryant Tadeo all had their chance to perform in front of the judges.

Tadeo falls to the ground after hearing the news on last nights American Idol.

Who’s moving on and who’s going home?

Parking Will Be Added to Mo‘oheau Bus Terminal Parking Lot

Work begins Monday Feb 11 to increase parking (by 17 stalls) in the Mo‘oheau Bus Terminal parking lot in Downtown Hilo.  The mauka lane, between Mamo and Hāla‘i Streets, fronting Kamehameha Avenue, will be widened by 7-ft.  Six trees along Kamehameha Avenue will be relocated to the Pana‘ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens.

Construction will be weekdays between the hours of 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM.  Completion is scheduled for mid-March, weather permitting.

No parking will be allowed in the mauka parking lane between Mamo and Hāla‘i Streets, fronting Kamehameha Avenue starting from 6:00 AM on Monday, Feb 11.  A no parking restriction sign will be posted Feb 9-10.  Vehicles will be towed on Feb 11.  Department of Public Works will resurface and restripe the parking lot later.

$100,000 in CIP Funds Released for Volcano Road Improvements

Governor Neil Abercrombie has released $100,000 in CIP funds for the Volcano Road and Drainage Improvements in the vicinity of Kulani Road. In releasing these funds, the Governor also expressed his appreciation for the work involved in securing these projects for the district.

The Governor stated, “I understand how important these projects are to the people you serve in your district. I look forward to working together to see its completion. I hope that together we can work to decrease unemployment, jump start business activity, and get our people back to work while strengthening our communities across Hawai’i.”

Senator Russell Ruderman expressed his delight in the release of the CIP funds saying, “The release of CIP funds for the Volcano Road intersection and drainage improvements is a welcome influx of needed funding to improve the infrastructure and safety for our community. I appreciate the Governor’s New Day Work Projects initiative and thank him for his personal attention to this matter. Projects like this will help make our community safer while giving a much needed push towards reducing unemployment in our district.”

Keonopoko Elementary Receives $296,200 Race to the Top Funds

Public Works Administrator Duane Kashiwai has announced that Keonepoko Elementary School has been notified of their award of Miscellaneous Repair and Maintenance for Race to the Top, Zones of School Innovation funds and that work on the projects will begin shortly. The contract for the projects has been awarded to Site Engineering in the amount of $296,200.

Senator Russell Ruderman

Sen. Russell Ruderman said, “Congratulations to Principal Kathleen Romero and Keonopoko Elementary School. Funding for these implementation grants was made available as part of a total of $75 million in support from the state’s successful Race to the Top proposal. The projects supported by this funding will greatly extend school building modernizations and provide expanded and improved educational opportunities. This award will not only fortify our efforts in improving the comfort, safety, and learning environment for all keiki at Keonepoko Elementary School, it will also assist in creating jobs across the state.”

Big Island Police Arrest Man for Hilo Bayfront Murder That Happened Last Year

*4:38 UPDATE* Police have charged a 55-year-old Hilo man for the murder and related offenses in connection with a shooting that occurred in the Hilo Bayfront area late last year.

At 4:05 p.m. Thursday (February 7), after conferring with prosecutors, detectives from the Area I Criminal Investigations Section charged Mark Anthony Whyne, who has no permanent address, with second-degree murder, use of a firearm in commission of a separate felony, three counts of place to keep a loaded firearm, and place to keep ammunition.

Whyne is being held without bail. He is scheduled to make his initial court appearance Friday (February 8).

Police have arrested a 55-year-old Hilo man for a murder that occurred in the Hilo Bayfront area late last year.

Mark Anthony Whyne, who has no permanent address, was arrested at 5:25 p.m. Wednesday (February 6) on suspicion of second-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a separate felony.

Whyne was already in police custody on three firearms-related offenses prior to being arrested for the new charges. He remains in the police cellblock while detectives from the Area I Criminal Investigations Section continue the investigation.

On December 29 at about 8:47 p.m., police received a number of calls of possible gunshots heard in the area of Moʻoheau Park in Hilo. Responding officers discovered the victim, identified as Faatetai Fiu of Hilo, with apparent gunshot wounds.

An autopsy performed on Fiu’s body determined that he died from exsanguination as the result of multiple gunshot wounds. Detectives are awaiting additional toxicology reports from the medical examiner’s office.

Police ask that anyone with information about this case or anyone who may have witnessed this shooting contact Detective Robert Almeida at 961-2386 or ralmeida@co.hawaii.hi.us or Detective Norbert Serrao at 961-2383 or nserrao@co.hawaii.hi.us.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers doesn’t record calls or subscribe to caller ID. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.

Big Island Police Renewing Request for Information on Missing 19-Year-Old Washington Woman

2/11/13 UPDATE: Hawaiʻi Island police have located 19-year-old Nhi Nguyen Tuyet Pham of Maui, who was reported missing.

She was found in good health in Puna on Sunday (February 10).

Hawaiʻi County police are renewing their request for information about a 19-year-old Maui woman who was reported missing from Lakewood, Washington, where she attends college.

Nhi Nguyen Tuyet Pham

Nguyen Tuyet Pham may be on the island of Hawaiʻi, possibly in Puna.

Police ask that anyone with information on her whereabouts call the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 935-3311 or Detective Robert Almeida at 961-2386. Detective Almeida may also be reached by email at ralmeida@co.hawaii.hi.us.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona.