Bail raised to $2M for murder suspect

WAIMEA, Hawaii » Bail for a Washington state man charged in the murder of his girlfriend at a Kohala Coast resort has been increased to $2 million.

Philip Howard Zimmerman’s preliminary hearing Tuesday was postponed to determine whether he qualifies for a public defender. A hearing on the issue will be conducted Tuesday.

Zimmerman, 46, is charged with second-degree murder in the death of 44-year-old Susan Brockert. Zimmerman and Brockert are from Bellevue, Wash., and were staying together at the Fairmont Orchid at Mauna Lani Resort last week when guests heard screaming from their room. Security and staff rushed to the room, where a worker saw Brockert being struck on the head.

NEIGHBOR ISLANDS

Maui officer admits theft, sex assault

A former officer once lauded as a hero by the Maui Police Department has pleaded guilty to committing felonies while on duty.

Kristopher Galon, 37, pleaded guilty last week, admitting in court to theft and sexual assault. He faces up to a year in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.

The Maui News reported Monday that Galon stole $1,550 from a driver during a traffic stop and extorted a sex act from a woman who had been jailed after another officer arrested and robbed her.

The other officer, Steven Gunderson, pleaded guilty last month to charges of theft and evidence tampering.

Galon was awarded the Silver Medal of Valor in 2004 for saving an unconscious driver from a vehicle after its engine exploded.

Homeless outreach

Marc Alexander, the state’s homelessness coordinator, will discuss the Abercrombie administration’s nine-point plan to address homelessness and how faith-based and charitable organizations can get involved at a community meeting tonight from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at St. Clement Church, 1515 Wilder Ave. in Makiki.