Driver is sentenced in traffic fatality

A state judge sentenced Hawaiian Telcom employee Troy Matsui to 10 months in jail Monday for causing the death of a motorcyclist in a traffic collision two years ago in front of the Kaaawa 7-Eleven store.

Matsui, 42, pleaded no contest to third-degree negligent homicide, a misdemeanor, in January.

Mark Lamm, 49, was fatally injured in the May 17, 2009, collision caused when Matsui made a turn in a company truck into the path of Lamm’s motorcycle. Lamm’s passenger, his 10-year-old daughter, suffered a broken leg. Lamm’s wife, who was on a motorcycle behind him, was not injured.

Lamm’s wife and daughter sued Hawaiian Telcom and agreed last year to an out-of-court settlement.

Robotics team places fifth in contest

Hawaii Baptist Academy’s middle school robotics team placed fifth in the 2011 VEX Robotics World Championships in Orlando, Fla., last month.

About 104 middle school teams from around the world competed in the event, held April 14-16.

To qualify for the competition, students had to first win in a regional tournament.

Three of the top five teams in the Orlando championship came from China. In third place was a team from Arizona.

Robotics teacher Jennifer McFatridge said the fifth-place finish for the academy’s middle schoolers was exhilarating. But more important, she said, is what students are getting out of robotics activities.

Get fit today

Older citizens are invited to a free Senior Health and Fitness Day today from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Central YMCA, 401 Atkinson Drive across from Ala Moana Center. There will be free health screenings, fitness classes and a tai chi class. Call 440-9372 or visit www.attentionplus.com/events.php.

NEIGHBOR ISLANDS

Heightened security shuts Pohakuloa

The Army says it is closing Pohakuloa Training Area on the Big Island to hunting because of heightened security at military installations around the world.

U.S. Army Garrison-Hawaii said Monday that hunting will not be allowed at Pohakuloa until the Department of Defense lowers security levels.

The Army normally opens a part of the base to civilian hunters for about 50 days each year to help control wild pigs, sheep and goats.

The feral animals could damage rare and endangered plant habitats if they are not controlled. Allowing civilian hunters to use Pohakuloa also helps the Army’s relations with community members.