COUNTY / IN BRIEF

Man who drowned snorkeling identified

MAKENA — A man who drowned while snorkeling off Puu O Lai at Makena State Park last week was identified as 54-year-old Gene Ward of West Hollywood, Calif., police said.

After he was reported missing by another snorkeler at 12:45 p.m. Thursday, a land and sea search was launched for the visitor, with fire rescue crews responding along with lifeguards, said fire Battalion Chief Jeff Shaffer.

The Fire Department’s Air One helicopter arrived on scene at 1:17 p.m. and located the man in shallow water about 40 yards off Oneloa Beach, also known as Big Beach, Shaffer said. After the man was brought to shore by personal watercraft, efforts were made to revive him. He was later pronounced dead at the beach.

Visitor-oriented policing officer Karl Harders assisted the man’s family.



Molokai blaze burned about 25 acres

MAUNALOA, Molokai — A brush fire on Molokai on Tuesday scorched an estimated 25 acres in the mountains of the Puunana area south of Maunaloa, said county spokeswoman Mahina Martin.

Radio towers in the area were spared, she said, and there were no threats to structures or reports of any injuries.

The fire was reported around noon Tuesday. It was declared under control at 3:15 p.m., she said.

Fire crews were aided by two helicopters, heavy equipment and a water tanker, Martin said.

The cause of the fire had not been determined on Tuesday.



War Memorial courts closed till July

WAILUKU — The War Memorial tennis courts will be closed through mid-July while new lights are installed.

The work will replace existing lights, which are corroding and have electrical problems, presenting a safety hazard. The courts will be blocked off with signs and netting during construction, which will involve open trenches and heavy machinery. Maui Master Builders was awarded the $250,710 contract.

“We had originally anticipated construction would begin earlier this spring, but are grateful that the contractor is able to begin work now, said county Recreation Division Chief Floyd Miyazono.

Other public courts in the area include Wells Park in Wailuku and the Kahului Community Center, both open from sunrise to 10 p.m. For information, call 270-7387.



Ceremony for Kula tennis courts today

KULA — A groundbreaking ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. today for two additional tennis courts being constructed at the Kula Community Center.

David P. Ting & Sons has the $2 million contract for the project, which is targeted for completion at the end of October.

Two existing tennis courts were built at the community center in August 1997.

Work on the new courts is not expected to affect play on the existing courts, said county spokeswoman Mahina Martin, but she said there would be a few days when electrical work will shut down lights and prevent night play.



Teachers eligible for trade internships

HONOLULU — The Pacific Resource Partnership has partnered with Alexander and Baldwin Inc. to expand its Tools of the Trade internship program to Maui County public high school teachers.

Through the program, high school faculty members meet with contractors, developers, architects and other industry professionals to learn about the development/construction process. Participants also will tour a variety of construction sites.

Tools of the Trade will accept 10 Maui County teachers or counselors, each of whom will receive a $1,000 stipend plus hands-on experience in the construction industry.

Applications are available from school principals and are due Friday. The program runs July 14-18. Eligible high schools are Lahainaluna, Baldwin, King Kekaulike, Lanai, Maui, Hana and Molokai.

For information, call Cheryl Kaneshige at Pacific Resource Partnership, (808) 528-5557, ext. 241.