Fuddy nominated as health director

A Kaimuki native and Sacred Hearts Academy graduate was tapped yesterday by Gov. Neil Abercrombie as the state’s new health director.

Loretta Fuddy, 62, originally appointed as first deputy director, has been serving as acting health director since Jan. 26, after initial nominee Dr. Neal Palafox removed himself from the position.

Fuddy, who must be confirmed by the Senate, was chief of the Health Department’s Family Health Services Division. She holds degrees in sociology, social work and public health from the University of Hawaii and Johns Hopkins University.

Fuddy is a recognized leader in the public health field, the Abercrombie administration said yesterday. She served as chairwoman of the Hawaii Public Health Association, president of the Association of State & Territorial Public Health Association, and treasurer and secretary of the Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs.

Palafox withdrew at Abercrombie’s request before he could be confirmed by the Senate. No reason has been disclosed, but a television news report, citing unnamed sources, said Palafox was involved in a medical reimbursement investigation being conducted by the Attorney General’s Office.

Strong winds, high waves forecast

High winds and rough seas are expected this morning as a low-pressure system moves in from the west, the National Weather Service said.

The system will pass north of the islands, bringing cold temperatures to Kauai tomorrow. The front will weaken as it moves across Oahu, Molokai and Maui through Saturday, but could produce widespread showers.

Southwest winds up to 25 knots (29 mph) and seas of 8 to 13 feet are expected this morning, strengthening tonight and tomorrow, the weather service said.

A small-craft advisory remains in effect from 6 a.m. today to 6 p.m. tomorrow for waters between Kauai and Maui.

Restraining order sought by comic Barr

Comedian Roseanne Barr is seeking a temporary restraining order against a neighbor who filed a complaint about unauthorized grading being done on Barr’s Big Island macadamia nut farm.

The Hawaii Tribune-Herald reported Barr’s request is due to be heard next Thursday before Judge Melvin Fujino in Waimea. Fujino granted Barr a preliminary restraining order until the hearing.

Barr filed a petition Monday against Roree and Richard Oehlman, saying the couple "began a campaign of harassment against me from the time I purchased my property."

She also accused the Oehlmans of trespassing on her 46-acre farm in Honokaa and trying to libel and defame her in area stores.

Roree Oehlman says most of those allegations aren’t true, but declined to comment on the specifics, citing the preliminary restraining order.

Dehydrated tourist saved by helicopter

Kauai County fire officials airlifted a 50-year-old male visitor from Washington state out of Hanakoa Valley on Tuesday because he was suffering from dehydration.

The man had been camping in Kalalau Valley and was hiking back when he began feeling ill. A hiker walked to the trailhead and told Kee Beach lifeguards of the situation at about 2:06 p.m.

Rescuers aboard a fire department helicopter reached the man about 3:30 p.m. and took him to Princeville Airport, where he was treated and released.