Fund set up at bank to benefit family of boy killed in accident
A fund has been set up at Bank of Hawaii branches to help the family of a 3-year-old boy who was killed and four relatives injured in a car crash last week in Makaha.
The fund called the Brown Family Foundation has been established, and donations can be made at any branch statewide, a bank spokesman said.
Mabel Uta, a sister of Potasi Uta, who is accused of various charges in the crash, say Uta’s relatives plan to raise money to help the Browns find a home and pay expenses stemming from the tragedy.
Uta, 44, is charged with first-degree negligent homicide, causing accidental death or injury and driving under the influence of alcohol after a car crashed into a bus shelter in Makaha Wednesday night.
Four family members were injured: the boy’s mother, 41; two girls, 11 and 5; and a 7-year-old boy.
Uta is being held, unable to post $100,000 bond.
Checkpoints aim to foster safer driving
Hawaii County police said they will conduct islandwide checkpoints and daily roving patrols to increase enforcement of driving laws such as the ban on cellphone use while driving.
Officers will concentrate on violations of electronic device use while operating a vehicle, seat belt violations and child restraint violations, the department said. Hawaii County bans the use of electronic devices while driving, but hands-free devices are allowed.
In conjunction with this effort, the police Traffic Services Section organized sign-waving on Kamehameha Avenue in Hilo on Monday to remind motorists about the dangers of distracted driving and drunken driving.
Kauai panel still deliberating mayor’s actions
The Kauai County Charter Review Commission has yet to rule on whether the mayor has the authority to suspend the police chief.
The Garden Island reports that Monday’s hearing focused on the mayor’s decision in February to put the police chief on leave while the county investigated an employee complaint.
Police Commissioner Charles Iona said the chief’s contract states he must report to the commission regarding administrative matters and must communicate with the mayor and County Council on issues involving safety or health.
First Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Jake Deleplane said the mayor overstepped his authority in removing Chief Darryl Perry. Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr., who did not attend the meeting, maintains he has the authority to place Perry on leave.