WASHINGTON -- Hawaii got off lightly during previous rounds of military base closings, but military experts disagree on whether the state is assured of being spared during future rounds. New base closings
could affect islesDefense Secretary William Cohen's announcement yesterday that he wants to close more bases to accommodate a shrinking military has touched off concern and speculation nationwide as to where and how badly the closures would hit.
In Hawaii, where the military is a greater economic factor than in perhaps any other state, the speculation held intense interest.
Because the military will rely even more heavily on advanced staging bases, Hawaii probably will be spared cutbacks, according to Dan Goure, deputy director for political-military studies for the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a military-oriented think tank.
"Because it's a jumping-off point for the Pacific region, Hawaii probably still comes out well," said Goure.
WAILUKU -- A 31-year-old Wailuku man is set to go to trial July 21 in the traffic death of 20-year-old Scott Stevenson of Makawao. Man pleads not guilty
in Maui traffic deathMark Santos pleaded not guilty yesterday to several charges, including first-degree negligent homicide and driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
Santos is free in lieu of $5,000 bail on condition that he not drive, not consume alcohol and submit to random alcohol and drug testing.
A pickup truck crossed the center line on North Kihei Road on the night of April 21, 1996, and collided with a motorcycle driven by Stevenson, police said.
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Police/Fire
By Star-Bulletin staffA 33-year-old Waikiki man accused of chasing after his wife and beating her with a clothes iron early yesterday has been charged with attempted murder and terroristic threatening. Attempted murder charged
in beating of wifeOrlando Mendoza, of Liliuokalani Avenue, is being held on $100,000 bail.
His wife, 31, is in serious condition at Queen's Hospital after being hit in the face, head, back and hands, police said. She reportedly was asleep when he attacked her.
He allegedly had threatened to kill her during an argument the day before, police said.
Officers responding to a report of a domestic argument around 4:30 a.m. yesterday arrived at the Waikiki apartment building to find a neighbor restraining Mendoza.
Mendoza allegedly told the officers that he had tried to kill his wife. The cause of their dispute was not disclosed.
A police sergeant responding to a report of a couple arguing at a McCully gas station arrested a man as he tried to flee on a stolen motorcycle. Suspect faces cycle
theft, drug chargesWilliam Meyer, 38, of Kanaina Avenue, was being held on $45,000 bail. He was charged with motorcycle theft and drug offenses.
The sergeant arrived at the gas station shortly after 1:30 a.m. Monday, just as a woman sped away in a car. He spotted a man attempting to start a motorcycle nearby and stopped him.
A check of the motorcycle plates showed they belonged to another motorcycle. The motorcycle also appeared to have been painted over and its ignition punched, police said.
Officers recovered a glass pipe with some residue on the suspect during his arrest.
Other Police/Fire headlines
in today’s Star-Bulletin:
- Pakalolo plants, pistol seized
- Author drowns on Kauai
- Pilot in good condition after rescue near Fiji
See expanded coverage in today's Honolulu Star-Bulletin.
See our [Info] section for subscription information.
