Rain shutters sites on Big Isle
Recent heavy rain forced the closure of the Waimalu Trail and campsites in North Kohala on Hawaii island until further notice, the Department of Land and Natural Resources announced Wednesday.
"We are canceling all camping permits and the remote Waimanu Trail until further notice until the trail can be inspected and deemed safe for public use," said Roger Imoto, Division of Forestry and Wildlife administrator.
A flash flood watch for the Big Island is in effect through this afternoon.
With long sustained rain stream levels are likely to rise, which is a safety hazard for hikers crossing streams, DLNR said. Do not try to cross a flooded stream. Remain on higher ground and wait for the stream to subside.
Man indicted in death of woman left in trash
An Oahu grand jury Wednesday indicted a 46-year-old Waipahu man on a second-degree murder charge in the asphyxiation death of Janine Meyer, 51, about two weeks ago.
Joseph M. Kahawai entered a not guilty plea Tuesday in Honolulu District Court. Bail remains at $1 million.
On Oct. 20, about a week before her death, Meyer filed a terroristic threatening complaint against Kahawai in which she maintained that he had threatened to kill her if she refused to have sex with him. Kahawai was not arrested in connection with the complaint because police could not find him.
Meyer’s body was discovered Oct. 28 inside a trash bin in a parking lot near Island Hostel/Hotel, 1946 Ala Moana Blvd.
Court documents said surveillance tapes show that on Oct. 27, Meyer and Kahawai entered the hotel together.
Surveillance footage recorded the next morning shows Kahawai carrying Meyer’s body and throwing it into the bin, according to the police affidavit. Kahawai then climbed into the bin and covered the body with trash, the affidavit said.
