UH among most ethnically diverse schools

The University of Hawaii at Hilo and UH-Manoa are the second- and third-most ethnically diverse colleges in the U.S., according to a new report.

Swarthmore College, a traditionally African-American college in Pennsylvania, was ranked No. 1 for ethnic diversity by Best College Reviews.

The analysis was compiled from data gathered from the National Center for Education Statistics and Diverse Issues in Higher Education, as well as from schools’ websites.

“For me, diversity is an important concept in my life,” said report author Nick Plato in a statement. “I thought it important to find schools with intentional mission to be diverse that would serve young people in their search for a college to call home.”

Several mainland schools popular with Hawaii students are on the list, including some in the University of California and California State University system, as well as two campuses in the University of Washington system.

The full, ranked list can be viewed online at 808ne.ws/1jZbMsE.

Sirens to be tested at several Oahu sites

The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency and the city Department of Emergency Management will conduct siren testing this week on Oahu.

Testing will be done between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Wednesday at Kalae Oio Beach Park, Kaaawa; Sunset Beach Elementary School, Haleiwa; and Aala Park.

From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, sirens will be tested at King Intermediate School, Kaneohe; Aikahi Park, Kaneohe; and Kaiona Beach Park, Waimanalo.

Kailua-Kona toddler struck by SUV dies

A 1-year-old Kailua-Kona boy died Saturday night from injuries he sustained after he was struck by a sport utility vehicle in a parking lot, Hawaii County police reported Monday.

Police identified him as Benwa Benjimon.

Benjimon was in the parking lot of Kahaluu Housing in Kailua-Kona when he was struck just before 8 p.m. by a white 1996 Chevrolet Suburban.

Police said the Suburban driver was attempting to reverse into a parking stall when he hit the boy.

The boy was taken to the Kona Community Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 9:37 p.m., police said.

Police arrested a 38-year-old Kailua-Kona man who was driving the Suburban, and later released him.

Police initiated a negligent homicide investigation and are asking any witnesses to the crash to call officer Justin Hooser at 326-4646, ext. 229. Anonymous calls may be made to CrimeStoppers at 961-8300.

Big Isle officials seek to identify drowning victim

Hawaii island police are trying to identify a man who couldn’t be resuscitated after being pulled from the water in Waikoloa on Sunday.

The victim was pulled to shore, and bystanders tried to perform CPR until emergency personnel arrived. The incident was reported at about 1 p.m. Sunday at Anaehoomalu Bay.

The case has been classified as a coroner’s inquest, and attempts are being made to identify the victim.