Spokane man dies after snorkeling

A 73-year-old Washington man found unconscious and floating face down Monday in the ocean off Kohala died yesterday.

Hawaii County police identified the man as Graham Beaven of Spokane, Wash. Beaven had been snorkeling at an area known as "Turtle Point."

An unidentified woman swam out to Beaven and brought him ashore, police said. The woman also began attempts to resuscitate him until fire rescue personnel arrived.

Fire rescue personnel took Beaven in critical condition to North Hawaii Community Hospital.

He was pronounced dead 10:20 a.m. yesterday. An autopsy has been ordered to determine the cause of death.

Girl, 12, is arrested in threat case

A 12-year-old girl who threatened to punch her school counselor in the face was arrested on suspicion of a felony offense at an elementary school in Waianae.

The counselor, 28, reported the threatening remark to police at about noon Wednesday, saying the girl made the menacing comment about two hours earlier. Officers arrested the girl on suspicion of first-degree terroristic threatening.

Puna woman missing

Hawaii County police are asking for help in finding a missing 55-year-old Puna woman who suffers from a condition that might require medication.

Police said Sherry G. Deguair was last seen in Hilo at 1:26 a.m. Tuesday on the 1100 block of Waianuenue Avenue.

She is 5 feet 3 inches tall and weighs about 135 pounds. She has hazel eyes and long dark brown hair and was last seen wearing a white shirt and cut-off jeans. She has a rose tattoo on her right ankle. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective John Rodrigues Jr. at 961-2382.

Sale of liquor card prompts arrest

A city Liquor Commission training specialist was arrested on suspicion of illegally selling a liquor card, which allows someone to sell or serve alcoholic beverages.

Police said the 39-year-old Wahiawa man sold a liquor card at the Salt Lake Shopping Center Wednesday to a person who had not taken a test to receive it.

Officers arrested the man about an hour later at a home on Salt Lake Boulevard on suspicion of two counts of felony bribery. A person commits bribery by accepting money to influence his judgment as a public servant.

Dennis Enomoto, chairman of the Liquor Commission, said the arrest was based on a complaint that was referred to the police.

He said the commission has initiated its own investigation.

"The alleged action is simply unacceptable, and we will deal with this in a swift manner," Enomoto added. "We commend the person who filed the complaint for having the courage to speak up and bring the situation to light, and we will continue to give the community the best standards of service that they expect."