City and Waikiki business group work to keep 24-hour public restroom open

The city is working with the Waikiki Business Improvement District Association to keep Waikiki’s only 24-hour public restroom open for another six months.

Since Sept. 15, the facilities next to the police substation on Kalakaua Avenue have been open around the clock as part of a pilot project. The city spent $34,345 out of $52,000 that had been budgeted to keep the restroom open, while the association kicked in resources and staff.

Usage statistics collected by the association found that, from Sept. 15 through Nov. 9, a total of 4,256 people used the facilities overnight, averaging 77 people per night. Homeless people were the largest group of users.

"We found out during that period (of) time that the homeless use — which was about a third of the use — was increasing as word got out on the streets," said Mayor Kirk Caldwell.

Caldwell approved the use of the remaining funds to keep the bathroom open overnight through the end of March 2015, and the association agreed to contribute an additional $15,000 to allow the pilot project to continue through the end of this fiscal year on June 30.

NEIGHBOR ISLANDS

Kihei man, 40, injured in 2-car collision; police say alcohol suspected   

A two-car collision in Kahului early Wednesday sent a 40-year-old Kihei man to a hospital with life-threatening injuries.

At about 12:23 a.m., a 2006 Suzuki sedan driven by the victim was headed east on North Mehameha Loop.

The driver failed to yield at an intersection and was struck by a 2015 Nissan sedan driven by a 65-year-old North Carolina visitor traveling south on Mokulele Highway. 

An ambulance took the 40-year-old man to Maui Memorial Medical Center. Paramedics treated the driver of the Nissan for minor injuries at the scene. 

Police said the driver of the Suzuki was not wearing a seat belt. Airbags in both vehicles deployed.

The driver of the Nissan was wearing a seat belt. 

Sgt. William Hankins said in a news release that alcohol was suspected in the incident, but that the investigation is continuing.

Police, firefighters respond to noxious odor at school 

Hawaii County police and firefighters responded Wednesday to the report of a noxious odor at Waiakea Intermediate School.

Upon their arrival at 1:08 p.m., at least one person complained of dizziness, police said.

The Hawaii Fire Department’s hazardous materials specialists concluded the smell originated off campus and was delivered to the school by the wind.

The smell dissipated after a few minutes and did not leave any lingering effects or odor, police said.

An all-clear was given for students and faculty at 1:53 p.m.

The school’s upper parking lot, which had been closed due to the checks, was reopened for student pickup.