Newswatch

School’s return to state land denied

Hakipuu Learning Center lost its bid in court yesterday to move back into its former facility on the Hawaii State Hospital grounds until it has secured permanent classroom space elsewhere.

The public charter school was evicted July 31 so the state Department of Health could make way for a long-term care facility on the property.

Circuit Judge Rom Trader had opted earlier not to stave off the eviction, and he ruled yesterday that the school could not return temporarily.

He said the Health Department had given the school adequate move-out notice; state officials argued that allowing the school to stay could put the long-term care facility project at risk.

"I have to be fair," Trader said. "Here it’s clear that the Department of Health has every right to reclaim that property. It’s absolutely clear that the learning center was provided adequate notice."

Charlene Hoe, school administrator, said Hakipuu is using two field labs and two classrooms at Windward Community College until it can secure permanent space.

The school, with about 70 students in fourth through 12th grades, expects to be in temporary classrooms for 12 to 18 months.

NEIGHBOR ISLANDS

Unmarked cars anger councilman

HILO » A Hawaii County councilman who was stopped for speeding last month wants the Police Department to stop using unmarked patrol cars.

Councilman Kelly Greenwell wants the Council to approve a nonbinding resolution urging Police Chief Harry Kubojiri to discontinue the use of the so-called stealth cars. They do not display a blue light on the roof like nearly all other police vehicles on the Big Island, including the one that stopped Greenwell.

The resolution says use of unmarked patrol cars creates the perception that police are more interested in collecting fines than providing service.

Greenwell says he will plead not guilty tomorrow to speeding, resisting arrest, resisting an order to stop and refusing to produce documentation.

UH offers free collection of electronic waste

The University of Hawaii is again planning to offer free collection, disposal and recycling of electronic waste — computers and accessories, televisions, cellular phones and other such items. The e-waste can be brought to any one of six UH campuses on Oahu, Kauai, Maui and the Big Island between Oct. 27 and 30.

The service will be free to Hawaii residents, nonprofit groups, small to medium-size businesses and all local, state and federal government agencies.