Newswatch

Driver indicted in death had meth in system

An Oahu grand jury indicted Virginia Dilay on Wednesday on a charge of first-degree negligent homicide in the death of a bicyclist struck by a vehicle in Kalihi last year.

Dilay had methamphetamine in her system when her multipurpose vehicle hit Ricky Albano, according to city prosecutors.

Albano, 49, who was homeless, was riding a silver 2008 21-speed bicycle when he was struck near Dillingham Boulevard and Middle Street the evening of Sept. 29.

A conviction carries a prison term of up to 10 years.

Dilay’s bail was set at $10,000.

Drivers stop to gawk at Kunia funnel cloud

A funnel cloud formed over Central Oahu on Wednesday.

Police reported several drivers in the Wahiawa district pulled over on the side of the road about 5:15 p.m., taking photos of the funnel cloud over Kunia, near the Royal Kunia Country Club.

Shortly after forming, the cone-shaped formation began receding into higher clouds, the police reports said.

NEIGHBOR ISLANDS

Population growth cuts crime in Puna, county police say

HILO » Crime is down in Puna, Hawaii County’s fastest-growing district, according to police statistics.

Reports of illegal activity in Puna are down 24 percent through Aug. 26, compared with the same period last year.

Capt. Samuel Jelsma, Puna’s patrol commander, told the Hawaii Tribune-Herald that one reason for the crime reduction is Puna’s rapid population growth.

Jelsma says with more people living closer together, residents are better able to spot suspicious activity.

He also notes that Puna now has a burglary detail made up of three detectives.

Construction starts on elementary school in Wailuku

The state broke ground Wednesday for its newest school, Puu Kukui Elementary in Wailuku.

At a ceremony, Gov. Neil Abercrombie said two of the state’s most important goals are investing in education and creating jobs.

"By building a 21st century campus at Puu Kukui Elementary, we will be doing both," he said in a news release.

"Construction is scheduled to wrap up in August. The $37.1 million, 98,562-square-foot facility sits on 14 acres on Kehalani Mauka Parkway.

School Complex Area Superintendent Bruce Anderson said the school "will engage kindergarten through fifth-grade students in a ‘green’ classroom environment that will incorporate technology, multimedia and higher-order thinking skills."

Puu Kukui Elementary will seek a silver rating for energy and environmental design as detailed by the U.S. Green Building Council and as required by state law.