Teen jailed 18 months for stabbing
A teenager who repeatedly stabbed his best friend in a Kalani High School classroom last year began serving an 18-month prison term for attempted manslaughter.
The 18 months are a condition of a 10-year probation sentence.
A state Family Court judge sentenced Zoe Michael Espinola to probation and prison Monday under terms of a plea deal between Espinola and the prosecutor.
Espinola was 17 years old on May 18 last year when he stabbed a 16-year-old student repeatedly in the torso during math class. He was charged as an adult with attempted murder but pleaded guilty to attempted manslaughter.
The other boy survived the attack and attended Espinola’s sentencing.
Senior Family Court Judge R. Mark Browning credited Espinola with the 406 days he has spent in custody. Browning also ordered Espinola to pay $954 in restitution for the victim’s medical expenses, $305 into a state fund for crime victims and a $150 probation services fee.
109 cited for cellphone use in cars
Police issued 109 tickets to people using a cellphone or other electronic device while driving during a specialized enforcement effort Saturday in Pearl City and Kalihi.
A total of 232 citations were issued, including 50 for seat belt violations.
A dozen police officers were assigned to the Distracted Driving Enforcement initiative, a police spokeswoman said. Officers were stationed at the intersection of Kamehameha Highway and Acacia Road in Pearl City, and at Nimitz Highway and Lagoon Drive in Kalihi.
"Studies have shown that drivers who use a handheld device while driving are four times more likely to be involved in a crash serious enough to cause injuries," the department said in a news release. "The HPD will continue these enforcement initiatives in an effort to reinforce the importance of complying with these laws."
Bully prevention
Mental Health America of Hawai‘i will present a seminar on "Preventing Youth Bullying and Cyberbullying in Hawaii," Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Central Union Church. Registration at 11 a.m. Bring a bag lunch. Donation of $10 to $25 requested. Call 521-1846 to register.
NEIGHBOR ISLANDS
Paddleboarder concludes 300-mile trek
NAWILIWILI, Kauai » A Maui man has completed a first-ever 300-mile crossing from the Big Island to Kauai aboard a stand-up paddleboard.
The Garden Island reported Monday Bart de Zwart arrived Sunday night at Kalapaki Beach on Kauai.
He spent five days and nights on a 14-foot paddleboard.
He says paddling was easy, but being alone, eating and sleeping were difficult.
The trip required more than 215,000 paddle strokes.
