Shark sighting closes beach

Maui lifeguards posted shark warning signs and told people to stay out of the water Wednesday after an 11-foot tiger shark was seen along south Maui.

The shark swam up to a swimmer who got out of the water at Kamaole Beach Park III before 2 p.m., said Department of Land and Natural Resources spokeswoman Deborah Ward.

Lifeguards confirmed the shark sighting and notified DLNR officers. Signs were posted from Charlie Young Beach to Keawekapu Beach, and DLNR officers assisted by advising beach goers not to get into the water, Ward said.

Bill would impose drug tests

A proposal to drug test public housing tenants is being touted as a way to clean up Hawaii’s housing projects and stem losses from unpaid rent.

According to Housing Chairwoman Rep. Rida Cabanilla, the state has absorbed more than $800,000 in unpaid rent from government-subsidized housing residents, who need to be held accountable.

Her committee amended House Bill 1855 Wednesday to clarify new applicants will be warned they’ll need to submit to a drug test before receiving a lease. In addition, the measure calls for testing 50 percent of current public housing tenants, with the exception of those who are elderly, disabled or younger than 15.

Appeal for officer is scam

The public is being warned by the Honolulu Police Department about telephone callers soliciting donations for officer Garret Davis’ memorial fund.

The solicitations are not affiliated with either HPD or the family of Davis, who was killed Saturday in a traffic crash on H-1 freeway.

The legitimate memorial fund for the Davis family has been set up at the Hawaii Law Enforcement Federal Credit Union. Donations are being accepted at all branches of the credit union and can be made by cash or check.

Donations should be labeled as for the Garret Davis Fund. Checks should be made payable to the Hawaii Law Enforcement Federal Credit Union with "Davis" written in the memo line. Donations can also be mailed to the credit union’s main branch at 1537 Young St., 3rd Floor, Honolulu, HI 96826.