Newspaper gets to argue in Stangel case

Circuit Judge Glenn Kim granted Wednesday a request by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser to argue against a defense motion to seal records in the Toby Stangel murder and attempted murder case.

But the judge postponed the hearing on the motion until next week because the defense lawyer representing Stangel was not present at the proceedings; he was involved in a murder trial.

The newspaper is seeking the release of tapes of 911 calls in connection with the highway shooting spree June 3 that left one dead and two wounded.

The city has agreed to release five of nine 911 tapes, but is awaiting Kim’s ruling on the sealing of records.

Meanwhile, Circuit Judge Edwin Nacino is considering the newspaper’s request for release of the other four tapes.

Grant will guard against disasters, disease

The state Department of Health has received a $5.3 million grant from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to help it protect Hawaii during natural disasters and disease outbreaks.

The funds will help the department investigate diseases, warn the public and prepare communities.

Health Director Loretta Fuddy said in a statement Tuesday the grant will help Hawaii "do even more" to be ready for public health emergencies.

Humpback seen off Big Island is season’s first

The first confirmed sighting of a humpback whale this season in the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary was made Monday off Hawaii island, federal officials reported.

Sea Quest tour captain Tony Roensch witnessed two tail slaps from a humpback yearling in Honaunau Bay, the season’s first confirmed sighting, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said Wednesday.

Humpback whale season in Hawaii generally runs from November through May. As many as 12,000 humpback whales winter in Hawaiian waters each year.

Federal regulations prohibit people on the water from approaching within 100 yards of whales, and 1,000 feet when operating aircraft. Regulations apply to all ocean users, including boaters, kayakers, paddle boarders, windsurfers, swimmers and divers.

Federal funds will add 6 more to police force

The U.S. Justice Department has awarded funding for six additional police officers for Hawaii County, Mayor Billy Kenoi announced Wednesday.

The Justice Department Office of Community Oriented Policing Services awarded $1.4 million to cover the six officers’ salaries and benefits for three years.

Kenoi said the county will increase patrols in Puna and other rural districts "where the populations have been growing, and where the demand for police services has grown."

Hawaii County has 432 authorized sworn officer positions, including eight vacant positions.