Theft from nonprofit nets 20-year term
A former bookkeeper for the Mission Houses Museum was sentenced in state court Friday morning to 20 years in prison for using a computer to steal nearly $60,000 from the nonprofit by paying herself unauthorized salary increases and overtime.
Judy Vierra admitted her crimes when police confronted her, rejected a plea offer from the prosecutor and went to trial, where she again admitted stealing the money.
The 20-year prison term is mandatory for using a computer to commit first-degree theft.
The Hawaii Paroling Authority will decide how much of the 20 years Vierra must spend behind bars before she is eligible for release on parole.
Vierra must also repay the Mission Houses Museum the $59,627 she stole from Aug. 31, 2008, to March 31, 2010.
Wetland project to be discussed
The state Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife will hold two public informational meetings on the proposed restoration of wetland and associated coastal upland habitat within the Mana Plain Forest Reserve on the western side of Kauai.
The Mana Plain Wetland Restoration Project would involve 105 acres immediately north of the existing Kawaiele Waterbird Sanctuary.
Meetings will be Tuesday at Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School and Wednesday at Kekaha Neighborhood Center. Both meetings are from 7 to 9 p.m.
A draft environmental assessment can be viewed online at www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/dofaw.
Printed copies of the draft assessment are available for viewing at any of the six public libraries on Kauai. Comments can be submitted to Jason Vercelli, Division of Forestry and Wildlife, 3060 Eiwa St., Room 306, Lihue, HI 96766; or emailed to Jason.A.Vercelli@hawaii.gov. Comments must be received by June 22.
Kauai offering green waste
Kauai residents may pick up shredded green waste at the Hanapepe refuse transfer station at no charge, Kauai County officials said as a reminder.
Shredded green waste can be used as mulch to keep plant beds moist and control weeds, or as a component to compost.
Residents wishing to pick up green waste must bring their own equipment to load and haul material.
The Hanapepe refuse transfer station is open from 7:15 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. daily, except holidays. For more information, call the Solid Waste Division at 241-4837.
