The University of Hawaii says an independent investigation into what caused a laboratory explosion that seriously injured a visiting researcher has been delayed by several weeks.
UH is awaiting the University of California Center for Laboratory Safety, which was initially expected to complete its investigation by the end of this month. But UH said Wednesday the center’s probe is now expected to be finished in mid- to late May.
The explosion last month caused the visiting researcher to lose an arm. The researcher told investigators the blast occurred after she turned off a digital pressure gauge she was using to check the pressure in a gas cylinder.
Event will cheer addition of bike lanes
A community event celebrating recent safety upgrades to Kamehameha IV Road will be held 2:30 p.m. today at Kaewai Elementary School.
The public event, organized by the school along with Dole Middle School, Kokua Kalihi Valley Comprehensive Health Center and the Hawaii Bicycling League, will feature music, food for purchase and a bike rodeo.
It will laud the road design changes advocated by local community members there to eliminate two car lanes while adding turn and bike lanes, according to a Hawaii Bicycling League news release. Kaewai Elementary is at 1929 Kamehameha IV Road.
Autopsy unable to determine cause of death of Big Isle man
An autopsy on a 46-year-old man who died while in police custody on Hawaii island Monday was not able to determine the cause of death, Hawaii County police said.
The autopsy was conducted Wednesday, and the cause of death was pending toxicology results.
Jonathan Watson of Kau died outside a house in the Hawaiian Ocean View Estates subdivision after police detained him.
Police said officers responded to the 92-2600 block of Hukilau Drive after a man called police about 9:50 a.m. Monday and said he had been shot. When officers arrived, Watson came out of the house with a bandage on his left leg and began fighting with the officers, police said.
The officers took Watson into custody and he soon became unresponsive. Police began CPR and turned over medical care to firefighters who responded a few minutes later, but Watson did not recover. He was taken to Kona Community Hospital and pronounced dead at 3:40 p.m. Monday.
Police have opened an administrative investigation into Watson’s death.
The medical examiner determined that Watson had a nonlife-threatening gunshot wound to his left leg. Police said the investigation indicates that Watson’s wound was most likely accidental and self-inflicted.
