Alleged assault and shoplifting lead to arrest

Hawaii island police charged a Puna man who allegedly assaulted a Home Depot employee during a shoplifting incident on Tuesday.

According to police, the employee noticed Patrick Elaban attempting to leave the store on Tuesday with items he had not purchased. The employee tried to detain Elaban, who allegedly responded by striking the employee.

Elaban was arrested at the scene and charged Thursday with second-degree robbery. His bail was set at $5,000.

Maui director to hold live Facebook chat

Maui Managing Director Keith Regan on Friday announced a new program to improve public participation and understanding about county operations through Facebook.

Regan will host a live Facebook conversation with the public from 8 to 9 a.m. Monday.

Those interested in joining the online discussion, dubbed the “County Facebook Hui,” can visit facebook.com and search for “Managing Director Keith Regan” (on.fb.me/1BvIrbB).

“This is a great opportunity for the public to ask questions and have a discussion about topics and issues that are important to them,” Regan said. “It’s our responsibility to deliver the right services, at the right time and the right place — and improved citizen participation can help us to do this.”

Initially, the online conversations will be scheduled on a quarterly basis. Other possible social media conversations in the future will include Twitter Townhalls and Google Hangout sessions.