Here is your fast news headlines:

Puna Man Charged for Shooting

Gregory Martin Glaser, a 54-year-old man from Mountain View, has been charged by the Hawai’i Island police following a shooting that occurred in front of a residence on Road 2 in the Hawaiian Acres subdivision in Puna on April 1, 2023. Glaser has been charged with second-degree assault, attempted first-degree assault, first-degree terroristic threatening, and ownership/possession of a prohibited firearm. His bail has been set at $70,000. The charges against him relate to an incident that was reported on Saturday evening, in which Puna patrol officers responded to a reported affray at a residence on Road 2. Two individuals were detained at the scene, and it was subsequently determined that one of them had suffered a gunshot wound to his shoulder area. He was treated at the scene and later transported to the Hilo Medical Center, from which he was discharged after treatment for a non-life-threatening injury.

Glaser was identified as the suspected shooter during the course of the police investigation. He was arrested without incident at his residence on Sunday afternoon, April 2, 2023. Further investigations have revealed that the incident involved a violent affray between five to six individuals, some of whom were armed with machetes. Glaser is alleged to have discharged his firearm during the incident, striking the 36-year-old victim. The police have requested anyone who may have witnessed the incident to contact the Police Department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311 or Detective John Balberde at (808) 961-2386 or [email protected].

Ka‘ū Man Charged with Attempted Murder

Rilson Rodrigues, a 44-year-old resident of Ocean View, has been charged with attempted murder, reckless endangering, and other offenses after a domestic dispute that occurred on Sunday, April 2, 2023. The incident took place on Tiki Lane in the Hawaiian Ocean View Estates subdivision, where Rodrigues got into a verbal dispute with a 40-year-old woman. As the woman attempted to leave in a vehicle, Rodrigues jumped onto the hood of the car and broke the front windshield. He then retrieved a rifle from another vehicle and fired multiple shots at the woman, who was in the vehicle at the time. Fortunately, the woman was not hit by the gunfire and was unharmed. Rodrigues fled the scene in a maroon sedan but was later arrested by detectives from the Area II Juvenile Aid Section, who located him with the help of Ka‘ū patrol officers. A loaded .22 caliber rifle and ammunition were also found in the vehicle after a search warrant was executed. Bail was set at $145,000.

Rodrigues was charged with second-degree attempted murder, first-degree reckless endangering, first-degree terroristic threatening, first-degree criminal property damage, and two counts of ownership prohibited. He had previously been released on bail for another unrelated offense, but was taken back into custody after the bail obligation was recalled. He was transported to the Hilo Community Correctional Facility and remained in custody until his initial arraignment on Wednesday, April 5. Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact the police department's non-emergency number or Detective Scott Dewey.

Four Men Charged in Operation Keiki Shield

Four men have been arrested and charged under "Operation Keiki Shield," an initiative focused on identifying and arresting offenders who commit internet-facilitated sex crimes against minors and rescuing victims of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Micaiah Ho‘omaika‘i Smith, Ryen Richard Knapp, Vincent Vitacion Antonio, and Joseph Michael Marshall were each charged with Electronic Enticement of a Child in the First Degree, with Smith also charged with Attempted Promoting Pornography for Minors. The charges are Class B and C felony offenses that carry maximum penalties of ten and five years in prison, respectively.

The operation involved members of numerous law enforcement agencies, including the Hawai‘i Police Department, the Hawai‘i County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, the Department of the Attorney General, the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Secret Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Honolulu Police Department, and the Maui Police Department. The operation was led by Acting Lieutenant Sharlotte Bird, with the cases being prosecuted by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Annaliese Wolf. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Anyone with information to assist local law enforcement or who is aware of any internet activity that may be dangerous to children should call Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300.

County Public Works Introducing Cloud + Delta

Effective April 17, 2023, the Department of Public Works Building Division will be implementing the "Cloud + Delta" drafting convention for building permit plan changes. This new convention requires all permit plan resubmittals and revisions to include the entire plan set formatted with a "Cloud + Delta" drafting convention, which identifies changes made to the previous plan set. The previous requirement for unmarked, "clean" plan sets will be superseded as they make it difficult to identify new changes and corrections compared to previous plan submittals.

In addition to the new formatting requirement, all resubmittals must include a correction response letter, while revisions must include a revision narrative that describes changes made. Responses to review comments in EPIC can state "See correction response letter dated dd/mm/yy." Permit resubmittals and revisions that do not comply with the "Cloud+Delta" format or are not submitted with a correction response letter or revision narrative will be rejected at permit intake. However, permit resubmittals and revisions received before April 17, 2023, will be processed without these requirements.

Former Uncle Billy's - Hilo Raid

Two individuals were arrested on outstanding warrants and ten people were cited for simple trespassing during a dawn sweep of the condemned Uncle Billy's Hotel and Resort on Banyan Drive. The sweep, which took place on April 5th, was conducted by over three dozen officers from the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE), the Hawai‘i Police Department, and the State Sheriff Division. The three-story building has been condemned due to unsafe and unsanitary conditions, including rubbish, human waste, graffiti, hanging wires, and trip hazards.

Splitting into five teams just after 6 a.m., the officers swept each room and open areas. Protective shoe coverings and N-95 protective masks were worn due to the dangerous conditions inside. In less than half an hour, the building had been cleared, and those inside were brought to the parking lot where they were cited or arrested.

DOCARE Chief Jason Redulla expressed gratitude for the assistance and coordination with Hawai‘i County Police and State Sheriff’s in conducting a safe operation in an unsafe place. He emphasized the serious risk of injury due to obstructions, hanging wires, filthy conditions, and fire inside the building. DLNR continues to seek a general fund appropriation from the legislature of at least $12.5 million for demolition of the building.

During nighttime hours, DLNR has contract security services on the property and is considering additional security measures such as perimeter fencing and lighting to further secure the premises from trespassers. The people cited for trespass are scheduled to appear in Hilo District Court on May 19th.

DLNR Celebrates Rebound in Hawai'i Native Plants

Governor Josh Green, M.D. has declared April as Native Hawaiian Plant Month to recognize the value and diversity of nearly 1,400 native plant species. This occasion also celebrates the efforts of rare plant botanists who manage over 420 endangered plant species throughout the state. Recently, the Plant Extinction Prevention Program (PEPP), which is a partnership between the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), University of Hawaiʻi, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, issued a report that shows various rediscoveries and rebounds of rare plant populations across the archipelago. The report highlights that several plant species, once thought extinct, were rediscovered during field surveys last year. Meanwhile, other species saw their populations recover due to staff efforts, such as transplanting seedlings or discovering new individuals that germinated on their own. While these successes were celebrated, the PEPP report also noted that native plants in Hawaiʻi continue to face threats from invasive species such as the Coconut Rhinoceros Beetle on Oʻahu and wildlife. Therefore, work is underway to collect seeds from five native species of loulu to protect them from the invasive beetle. The public can celebrate Native Hawaiian Plant Month by participating in Earth Day events, including visiting a PEPP booth at the Bishop Museum Science & Sustainability Festival on April 22.

Observatory Removal and Road Closures Announced

The physical removal of the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory (CSO) on Maunakea is set to begin in late spring, and road closures will be required to transport the telescope’s 34-foot diameter primary mirror to Kawaihae Harbor. The removal process, including a practice run, will take approximately six weeks.

Caltech has been working closely with state, county, and University of Hawai‘i agencies to plan and permit the decommissioning and removal of the telescope for several years. To transport the primary mirror, road closures will be required in sections over several days. The Mauna Kea Access Road between the summit and the Visitor Information Station will be closed for approximately seven hours during the daytime transport of a dummy mirror from the summit. On the second day, the dummy mirror will be moved from the Visitor Information Station to a staging area near the intersection of the Mauna Kea Access Road and Highway 200. The Mauna Kea Access Road will be closed between Highway 200 and the Visitor Information Station for approximately two hours, and there will be a brief closure of Highway 200 to permit the transport to move from the Mauna Kea Access Road to the old Saddle Road junction.

The transport of the actual primary mirror will follow the same pattern as the practice run, with road closures required intermittently for eastbound and southbound traffic on Daniel K. Inouye Highway (Highway 200), Highway 190, Waikoloa Road, Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway (Highway 19), and Kawaihae Road (Highway 270).

Caltech has provided a map of the anticipated transport route and is asking for feedback on potential conflicts with other activities. Other telescope parts will be taken down from the summit as weather permits, but no road closures will be required.

Once the telescope is removed, Goodfellow Bros. will begin dismantling the buildings that housed the CSO telescope and will begin the full restoration of the site. The cost of deconstruction and restoration is expected to exceed $4 million.

More information on the decommissioning and restoration can be found on the CSO website. Caltech is a world-renowned private science and engineering Institute located in Pasadena, California.

FOR THE WEEK OF APRIL 1 – APRIL 7

PLEASE NOTE:

There will be no daytime lane closures on Friday, April 7, in observance of Good Friday. The Highway 130 contraflow will not be optional on the holiday.

Lane closure schedules may change at any time without further notice. All projects are weather permitting.

— MAMALOHA HIGHWAY (ROUTE 11) —

1) VOLCANO (WEEKEND WORK)

Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 11) possible in either direction between mile markers 24 and 26, between Alii Anela Street and Ruby Avenue on Saturday, April 1, and Sunday April 2, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

2) PAHALA

Single lane closure on Mamaloha Highway (Route 11) possible in either direction between mile markers 51 and 53, in the vicinity of Maile Street and Kamani Street on Monday, April 3, through Thursday April 6, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting. 

3) CAPTAIN COOK (WEEKEND WORK)

Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 11) possible in either direction between mile markers 84 and 86, in the vicinity of Old Mamalahoa Road on Saturday, April 1, and Sunday, April 2, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

— KUAKINI HIGHWAY (ROUTE 11) —

1) KAILUA-KONA

Single lane close on Kuakini Highway (Route 11) in either direction at mile marker 114, near West Honalo Road, on Monday April 3, through Thursday, April 6, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., for Kuakini drainage improvements.

— HAWAII BELT ROAD (ROUTE 19) —

1) HAKALAU (WEEKEND WORK)

Single lane closure on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19) possible in either direction between mile markers 15 and 17, in the vicinity of Chin Chuck Road to Peleau Stream, on Saturday, April 1, and Sunday, April 2, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

2) PAPAALOA TO LAUPAHOEHOE

Single lane closure on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19) possible in either direction between mile markers 23 and 28, between Kapehu Road and Stevens Road, on Monday, April 3, through Thursday, April 6, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for road resurfacing.

3) OOKALA

Single left lane closure on Hawaii Belt Road (Route 19) in the southbound direction between mile markers 28 and 29, Stevens Road and Moonlight Road, on Monday, April 3, through Thursday, April 6, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. to survey slopes.

— KEAAU-PAHOA ROAD (ROUTE 130) —

1) KEAAU (WEEKEND WORK)

Single lane closure on Keaau-Pahoa Road (Route 130) possible in either direction between mile markers 6 and 9, between Orchid Land Drive and Ainaloa Boulevard on Saturday, April 1, and Sunday, April 2, from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting. 

2) KEAAU

Single lane closure on Keaau-Pahoa Road (Route 130) possible in either direction between mile markers 8 and 10, in the vicinity of Ainaloa Boulevard and Kaluahine Street on Monday April 3, through Thursday, April 6, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

— MAMALOHA HIGHWAY (ROUTE 190) —

1) KAILUA-KONA (WEEKEND WORK)

Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 190) possible in either direction between mile markers 27 and 29, in the vicinity of Old Kona Village Road, on Saturday, April 1, and Sunday, April 2, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

2) KAILUA-KONA

Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 190) possible in either direction between mile markers 28 and 31, on Monday, April 3, through Thursday, April 6, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

3) KAILUA-KONA

Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 190) possible in either direction between mile markers 18 and 26, in the vicinity of Puu Lani Drive on Monday April 3, through Thursday, April 6, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for shoulder extension.

4) KAILUA-KONA

Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 190) possible in either direction between mile markers 17 and 21, in the vicinity of Puu Lani Drive on Monday April 3, through Thursday, April 6, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

5) KAILUA-KONA

Single lane closure on Mamalahoa Highway (Route 190) possible in either direction between mile markers 15 and 17, in the vicinity of Daniel K. Inouye Highway on Saturday April 1, and Sunday, April 2, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for vegetation cutting.

— KOHALA MOUNTAIN ROAD (ROUTE 250) —

1) KAMUELA (WEEKEND WORK)

Single lane closure on Kohala Mountain Road (Route 250) possible in either direction between mile markers 6 and 11, in the vicinity of Kohala Ranch Road, on Saturday, April 1, and Sunday, April 2, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., for vegetation cutting and pothole patching.

2) KAMUELA

Single lane closure on Kohala Mountain Road (Route 250) possible in either direction between mile markers 6 and 9, in the vicinity of Kohala Ranch Road on Monday, April 3, through Thursday, April 6, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for shoulder work.

3) KAMUELA

Single lane closure on Kohala Mountain Road (Route 250) possible in either direction between mile markers 9 and 13, in the vicinity of Kohala Ranch Road on Monday, April 3, through Thursday, April 6, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for road resurfacing.