House clerk named head of bar association

Patricia Mau-Shimizu, the longtime chief clerk of the state House, will step down for a post with the Hawaii State Bar Association.

Mau-Shimizu has been the chief clerk since 1993 and has worked as a House staff member for nearly 28 years. She will be the bar association’s executive director beginning Dec. 1.

"On behalf of the entire House of Representatives, I want to commend Patricia Mau-Shimizu for her many years of excellent service to this institution," House Speaker Calvin Say said in a statement. "Pat always makes sure that the House and the sessions are running smoothly. While we will miss her exceptional knowledge and expertise on legislative matters, we wish her only the very best as she starts a new chapter at the Hawaii State Bar Association."

NEIGHBOR ISLANDS

Scam claims to help hospital

Kauai police are warning the public about a donation scam claiming to benefit Wilcox Hospital.

Residents have reported that two men have been soliciting donations door to door by offering magazines or books. They claim the donations will benefit Wilcox Hospital, but hospital officials say there is no such program.

The state attorney general’s office issued a warning last week that Hawaii residents might be exposed to a sales campaign by an organization known as "Dynasty Sales" selling magazines, books and DVDs to benefit children’s hospitals.

Officials also warned Maui residents about a firm called Pacific Coast Cleaning Services claiming proceeds from magazine sales will go to a local hospital.

DUI checkpoints up till Monday

Hawaii County police announced that officers will conduct impaired-driving checkpoints and roving patrols from today through Halloween, which falls on Monday. The effort is part of a national and statewide campaign called "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over."

Drugs, alcohol or both have been factors in 13 of the 18 traffic fatalities on Hawaii island this year, said Sgt. Robert Pauole, head of the Traffic Services Section.

"Be especially careful in residential areas by slowing down and looking for keiki on roadways and shoulders," Pauole said in a news release. "If you plan to drink, please don’t drive. Make arrangements to ride with a designated, sober and licensed driver before you start drinking. If you can’t find one, don’t take a chance — take a taxi."

People should drive below the posted speed limit during trick-or-treating hours, police suggested.