Newspaper vendor struck by truck

A 62-year-old newspaper vendor was in critical yet stable condition at the Queens’ Medical Center yesterday after he was struck by a pickup truck in Kailua on Monday.

George Ligman, who has been selling newspapers at Kalanianaole Highway and Kailua Road near Castle Medical Center for years, suffered two fractured ribs, a bump to the right side of his head and cuts and bruises.

His wife, Jane Ligman, said his condition is improving. He was taken off a respirator yesterday and is able to breathe on his own. She said her husband is able to move his fingers and toes. “That’s a good sign,” she said yesterday.

At about 5:15 p.m. Monday, police said, a maroon 2006 Nissan Titan pickup truck driven by a 31-year-old man was traveling on Kalanianaole Highway in the left lane when it hit Ligman, who was standing partly on the roadway. The truck jumped the center median, crossed the highway into shrubbery and overturned near Kailua Road.

The driver was treated at Queen’s and has been released.

Police are continuing their investigation.

NEIGHBOR ISLANDS

Pedestrian struck by car on Maui dies

A 55-year-old man was killed while crossing Honoapiilani Highway in Lahaina on Monday night, Maui police said.

The man, who had no local address, was crossing the highway near Kenui Street when he was struck by a vehicle heading south on the highway at 7:49 p.m., police said. The victim was walking makai in an unlit area and was not in a crosswalk, police said. Paramedics took him to Maui Memo rial Medical Center, where he died. Police said the 54-year-old driver of the vehicle is from Switzerland. The name of the victim was being withheld until relatives are notified.

UH-Hilo could cancel classes due to budget

There could be fewer class options in the fall for University of Hawaii-Hilo students.

The Hawaii Tribune-Herald reported yesterday that university administrators anticipate canceling a number of classes to brace for budget cuts from the state.

Chancellor Donald Straney said he is asking department chairmen to identify possible courses that can be canceled.

Maui nurses plan protest of contract

Maui Memorial Medical Center nurses are protesting terms of a new contract with the state that continues pay cuts and includes new cuts to benefits.

The Maui News reported yesterday that more than 100 nurses plan to stage a rally this week.

Union steward and operating room nurse Barbara Duarte said disparity between pay at the hospital and at a private one or on the mainland hinders the ability to attract or retain nurses.

Hospital Chief Executive Wesley Lo said nurses there get 54 days off per year, compared with 30 at some Oahu hospitals.