Hiking, more golf fill Day 4 of Obama’s stay
President Barack Obama was back on the links Tuesday on the fourth day of his vacation on Oahu.
According to press pool reports, after starting the day with a trip to the gym at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Obama headed for the Kaneohe Klipper Golf Course at the Marine base — marking his third golfing session there since Saturday. Joining Obama at the course by midmorning were high school friends Greg Orme and Bobby Titcomb, and Joe Paulsen, a White House aide.
When the golfing outing wrapped up in the midafternoon, Obama returned to the vacation rental home in Kailua where the first family is expected to stay for about two weeks. Shortly before 4 p.m., Obama joined his daughter Malia and friends for a hike on the Makapuu Point Lighthouse trail, which is situated at Oahu’s easternmost tip. Obama returned to the Kailua residence at 5:44 p.m.
Late Tuesday afternoon, White House spokesman Eric Schultz issued the following statement pertaining to reports on the health of President George H.W. Bush.
"The President has been made aware that President Bush was admitted to the hospital," the statement read. "President Obama and the First Lady send their good wishes to the former President and the entire Bush family during this holiday season."
Man arrested for allegedly hitting officer
Prosecutors charged a 35-year-old Hana man for allegedly assaulting a police officer on Maui.
Joseph D. Villiarimo is charged with first-degree assault against a police officer, resisting arrest, second-degree criminal tres- passing and disorderly conduct. His bail was set at $9,000.
At 9:52 p.m. Saturday, Villiarimo failed to leave a business establishment in Hana after being asked several times to do so, according to a news release from the Maui Police Department.
Police arrived and arrested him after he again refused to leave. Villiarimo then allegedly hit an officer and a struggle took place.
Drowning victim is identified
Hawaii County police have identified a 68-year-old Hawaii island man who died in waters off Kalalau Bay.
Perfecto Mercado of Naahelu was found unresponsive and floating in waters about 50 yards off the bay at about 5:11 p.m. Monday, police said.
Bystanders took him from the water to South Point Road. Medics drove Mercado to Kau Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
An autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death. Police do not suspect foul play.
Technicians fix broken sirens
Maui County Civil Defense said two of its emergency sirens in Wailuku malfunctioned Tuesday afternoon for a bit longer than one hour.
County officials said technicians were sent to fix the sirens, which started sounding alarms at 1 p.m. and were stopped at about 2:15 p.m.
