Newswatch

Occupy backers confront mayor

Mayor Peter Carlisle criticized Occupy Hono­lulu supporters Friday afternoon following a verbal clash with several of them who tried to disrupt a sign-waving by his campaigners in front of the state Capitol.

At about 4:30 p.m., Carlisle supporters were holding campaign signs at Punchbowl and South Beretania streets when about six Occupy supporters confronted them and yelled at the mayor over their treatment at Thomas Square, where they’ve had an encampment since Nov. 5.

"These people have taken a very beautiful place and turned it into a dump," Carlisle said when asked his view of the Occupy movement. "These people aren’t making a point; they’re just being freeloaders. They’re virtually squatters."

NEIGHBOR ISLANDS

Telephone scam aims at seniors

Hawaii County police issued a warning Friday about a telephone scam that appears to be targeting elderly people.

The caller claims to be a relative and says he or she is in trouble in another state or country and needs money to get out of jail. To make the claim seem more believable, the caller might use the first name of the person answering the phone or of other family members. The caller asks to have money sent, usually by Western Union or a similar service.

Police caution the public to verify a caller’s claims before sending any money and to never give any personal information to anyone over the phone. Many of these scams originate from foreign countries, making recovery of stolen money difficult.

Recycling sites on Kauai reopen

Four HI-5 bottle redemption centers operated by Kauai Community Recycling Services reopened Friday. The centers were closed since Aug. 1 because of fiscal issues.

The redemption sites are in Kekaha, across from the old sugar mill; Koloa, next to the fire station; Kapaa, next to Kauai Community Federal Credit Union in Arzadon Industrial Park; and in Kilauea, behind Kauai Mini-Golf.

Visit www.kauai.gov/HI5 or call 241-5120.