Lingle's Office Details Pardon History

HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle announced today that she granted pardons to 44 individuals in the final five months of her term in office, bringing the total number of individuals pardoned by the Governor this year to 55. In July, Governor Lingle announced she had pardoned 11 individuals in the first half of 2010. In total, Governor Lingle pardoned 132 individuals during her eight years in office.

“In reviewing a request for a pardon, I consider carefully the individual’s unique circumstances, especially what the person has done to turn his or her life around, remain crime-free and whether he or she is likely to reoffend,” said Governor Lingle. “In granting these pardons, I believe these individuals have taken the necessary actions over the years to rehabilitate themselves and lead productive, law-abiding lives.”

A governor’s pardon is granted only to individuals who have demonstrated a high standard of behavior following a conviction for a crime. The individual must have a proven record of achievement that demonstrates he or she has led a productive, useful and law-abiding life following a conviction and the successful completion of his or her sentence and parole.

A pardon clears an individual’s record for the specified conviction(s) and restores the rights and privileges that were taken away because of the conviction(s), with some exceptions. These restored rights include the right to vote, seek and hold public office, and serve on a jury. Only a pardon expressly authorizing possession of firearms will restore the individual’s right to bear firearms.

The individuals pardoned by the Governor since July 1, 2010 are:

Joseph Kauloku Aka (aka Joyce Aka)
Joseph Kauloku Aka (aka Joyce Aka), 57, of Honolulu, had four convictions between 1976 and 1985, three of which were misdemeanors and the last one a petty misdemeanor. In February 1976, at the age of 23, Aka was convicted of harassment stemming from a fight and sentenced to six months suspended sentence. A second conviction for contempt of court occurred in August 1978 and Aka was fined $23. In August 1979, Aka was convicted of prostitution and fined $75. The final conviction in January 1985 was for disorderly conduct and resulted in a $25 fine. Aka has no other arrests or convictions on record. Aka was pardoned on November 5, 2010.

Ron Matthew Amor
Ron Matthew Amor, 45, of ‘Aiea, was convicted in 1992 on two counts of assault in the third degree, both misdemeanors, stemming from a fight in a Honolulu bar when he was 27 years old. He was fined $100 for each conviction. In 1987, at the age of 22, Amor was found guilty of driving under the influence of an intoxicating liquor. He was sentenced to 72 hours of community service, a 90-day driver’s license suspension and a $300 fine. During that 1987 incident, he was also found guilty of a traffic violation. Amor has been arrest-free sine 1992. Amor was pardoned on November 12, 2010.

Daniel Lopez Aquirre
Daniel Lopez Aquirre, 49, of Kihei, was arrested and found guilty of abuse of a family / household member stemming from an August 1998 incident in which he struck his 15-year-old daughter on her leg with a broom handle while trying to assist his wife in calming the girl down. Aquirre was sentenced to 48 hours confinement and one-year probation. While on probation he successfully completed a program with the Family Peace Center. This was his only arrest and conviction. Aquirre subsequently received sole custody of the girl when he and his wife divorced. The daughter wrote in support of Aquirre’s pardon application stating she and her father have a loving relationship. Aquirre was pardoned on November 24, 2010.

Domingo T. Bachiller, Sr.
Domingo T. Bachiller, Sr., 77, of Hilo, was convicted in May 1967 of battery. The incident occurred when Bachiller, who was 34 at the time, punched a friend with whom he had been drinking at a bar in Hilo because Bachiller thought his friend almost caused a car accident between them. Bachiller was arrested, pled guilty and was fined $25. He has no other arrests. Bachiller was pardoned on October 15, 2010.

Charlton Chandler Cabral
Charlton Chandler Cabral of Kea‘au was arrested in March 1996 for abuse of a household member, however the charge was later reclassified to assault in the third degree. The incident stemmed from an argument with his girlfriend and the mother of her son, which escalated into a physical altercation. Cabral, who was 23 at the time of the incident, was sentenced to one year probation with conditions that he not threaten or cause harm to the victim and that he complete counseling as recommended. His probation ended in July 1997 and he also completed the recommended 50 hours of counseling in an Alternative to Violence Program. Both Cabral and the victim report that while they are not longer in a relationship, they remain in close contact because of their son and work together well in making decisions for him. Cabral has another prior arrest for failing to transport a firearm in a proper case while traveling to a hunting place. This case was closed and he was not prosecuted. Cabral, now 37 years old, was pardoned on December 1, 2010.

John De La Varty Calvert
John De La Varty Calvert, 48, was arrested in September 1992 in Kailua for driving under the influence of intoxicating liquor. In February 1993 was found guilty and received a 90-day license suspension and a $150 fine. Calvert has three prior arrests, which resulted in two convictions. In June 1986, he was found guilty of criminal contempt of court, a misdemeanor, and received a 30-day suspended sentence. In January 1987, he was found guilty of criminal contempt of court and was fined $25. In April 1985, he was arrested for driving under the influence, but the case was dismissed. Calvert, who currently resides in Washington State, has had no arrests or convictions since the 1993 incident. He was pardoned on September 3, 2010.

Augustina Choy
In September 1985, Augustina Choy was arrested for gambling and possession of a gambling device. Her arrest was the result of an undercover investigation into illegal gambling. Choy was the cashier who verified credit points earned on a video gambling machine and handed an undercover officer $15. She was found guilty on both counts and fined $25 for each conviction. She has had no other arrests or convictions. Choy, 71 of Wahiawa, was pardoned on November 23, 2010.

Lee James Costa
Between February 1988 and October 1991 Lee James Costa of Ainaloa was charged with reckless driving, resisting an order to stop (twice), harassment, fraudulent use of license plates and criminal contempt of court (twice). At the time of these offenses, he was between 18 to 21 years old. Costa also was convicted in March 1994 for violating a protective order when he engaged in an argument with his then girlfriend. In October 1992, Costa was pardoned by Governor Cayetano for this 1994 offense, but at the time did not apply for a pardon for his earlier crimes. He has not been arrested since his 1994 offense. Governor Lingle pardoned Costa, now 41 years old, on December 1, 2010 for the crimes he committed between 1988 and 1991.

Cheryl Fay Coulter
In December 1984, Cheryl Fay Coulter, who was 27 at the time, made a domestic violence call to the Maui Police Department seeking protection, but was subsequently arrested for assault in the third degree and resisting arrest. The two charges were dismissed, and she was instead found guilty of disorderly conduct and sentenced to pay a $25 fine. Coulter, now 53 and living in California, has no other arrests or convictions on her record. She was pardoned with express authorization to bear firearms on October 6, 2010.

James Larry Fernandez
James Larry Fernandez, 66, of Pahoa, was arrested in February 1970 after an investigation revealed he falsely reported that his car had been stolen. He was sentenced to pay a $100 fine, of which $75 was suspended. In January 1982, Fernandez was indicted for promoting a detrimental drug in the first degree after Hawai‘i County Police found marijuana plants and various drug paraphernalia at his home. He pleaded no contest and was sentenced to five years probation with one year imprisonment as a special condition, credit for time served, and a $500 fine. He has had no other arrests or convictions. Fernandez was pardoned on November 26, 2010.

John James Cruz Figueroa
John James Cruz Figueroa, 75, of Kapolei was first convicted in 1954 for burglary. He was sentenced to 90 days of confinement and 5 years probation. He was 19 at the time. A year later he was convicted of larceny after being caught taking a pair of sunglasses out of a vehicle that did not belong to him. In 1956, Figueroa was convicted of assault in the third degree when he and his brother assaulted another man who was attempting to visit their sister. He was fined $25, which was later suspended. In 1964 Figueroa was convicted for assault in the third degree after he struck another person who intended to enter Figueroa’s home. Figueroa was fined $25. In 1971, a fifth conviction for disorderly conduct involved a fight between Figueroa and his wife at the time in which Figueroa would not let her go. He was fined $25. Figueroa has had no other arrests or convictions since the last incident 39 years ago. Figueroa was pardoned on November 9, 2010.

Darralynn Jean Haunani Freeman
Darralynn Jean Haunani Freeman, 43, of ‘Aiea was arrested in August 1997 for robbery in the first degree for being an accomplice as well as hindering prosecution in the first degree. In March 1998, she he was convicted for hindering prosecution and sentenced to one year probation and four days confinement by the Maui Circuit Court. Freeman was previously convicted in September 1994 of criminal contempt of court, a petty misdemeanor, in the Honolulu Family Court when she violated a restraining order that her estranged husband had against her. Since her 1998 conviction, she has had no other arrests. Freeman was pardoned on December 1, 2010.

Ramon H. Garza
Ramon H. Garza, 31, of Honolulu, has three convictions stemming from one incident that took place in 1998. Before leaving for Marine Boot Camp, Garza attended a party and got into an argument with his then girlfriend who left the party and returned home. Garza went to the home where the two got into an argument and Garza punched the woman. The police arrested Garza and he was found guilty of assault in the third degree, criminal property damage and driving under the influence. Garza, who was 19 at the time of the incident, has had no other criminal record. Garza was pardoned with authorization to bear firearms on November 9, 2010.

Mark Ainley Hayden
In May 1977, Mark Ainley Hayden, who was 24 at the time, sold cocaine to an undercover police officer on four separate occasions over a two-week period. He pled guilty to the charges and was sentenced to five months suspended sentence. In 1983, he was arrested by Hawai‘i County Police for theft, a petty misdemeanor. He has not requested a pardon for the 1983 incident. Hayden’s record shows not arrests or convictions since 1983. Hayden, now 57 and living in Florida, was pardoned for his four 1977 drug-related convictions on November 2, 2010.

Janet Carol Howard
In December 2008, Janet Carol Howard, 65, of Utah was convicted of harassment and disorderly conduct following an incident at the Lihu‘e Airport in which she confronted Transportation Security Administration (TSA) personnel, would not stop yelling and slapped a TSA agent. She has had no other arrest or conviction. Howard was pardoned on December 2, 2010.

Hui-Hsiang (Emily) Hsu
Hui-Hsiang (Emily) Hsu, 52, of Pearl City, was found guilty in May 2002 on one count of theft in the second degree, for falsely claiming unemployment insurance benefits in excess of $300. She was sentenced to five years probation and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1,827. She paid off the restitution in 2002 and in October 2005 obtained a court order for early release and termination of her probation. She has no other criminal record. Hsu was pardoned on August 3, 2010.

Gavin Toshima Hubbard
In March 1996, at the age of 29, Gavin Toshima Hubbard was convicted of criminal trespass in the first degree and sentenced to one year probation and a $500 fine. This is his only arrest and conviction. Hubbard, now 44 and living in Kane‘ohe, was pardoned with authority to bear firearms on November 24, 2010.

Douglas Kalei Hurdle
When Douglas Kalei Hurdle was 18 years old, he was arrested for criminal trespass in the first degree and for burglary in the second degree. These arrests resulted in a conviction of criminal trespass in the first degree, a misdemeanor, on January 18, 1981. Two days later on January 22, 1981, he was convicted for simple trespass, a violation. In March 1981, he was again convicted of simple trespass as well as resisting arrest. In September 1981, he was arrested for two counts of robbery in the first degree for serving as a lookout in a robbery. He pled guilty to both counts. He has had no other arrests over the past 28 years. Hurdle was pardoned on December 2, 2010.

Earl Kamaka Jeremiah
In August 1955, when Earl Kamaka Jeremiah was 23 years old, he was charged with having sexual intercourse with a female under the age of 16 on three occasions between July and August 1954. The 15-year-old girl admitted to police that she had told Jeremiah that she was 18 years old. Jeremiah was convicted of a Class C felony sex offense and sentenced to five years probation. Jeremiah was previously arrested in February 1955 for burglary, but was not convicted. It has been 50 years since Jeremiah’s discharge from probation and he has had no other convictions. Jeremiah, now 78 and living in Hilo, was pardoned on September 1, 2010.

Michael Ray Johnson
In 1983, Michael Ray Johnson, who was then 24, was found guilty for promoting dangerous drugs in the second degree after he picked up a parcel from a delivery company containing 23.53 grams of cocaine. He was sentenced to 200 hours of community service, five years probation and fined $1,000. Johnson has been arrest-free since 1983. Johnson, who now lives in Washington State, was pardoned on November 19, 2010.

Jamyn Kalani Kaku
Jamyn Kalani Kaku, 56, was convicted of burglary in the first degree in August 1981 and placed on five years probation. The only other conviction on his record is for a misdemeanor traffic violation in 1972. When Kaku was between 18 and 26 years of age, he had four prior arrests for burglary in the first degree, narcotics possession, gambling and being offensively armed, but all of these charges were dismissed. Since his conviction for burglary in the first degree 29 years ago, Kaku has had no other criminal incident. Kaku, who currently lives in Arizona, was pardoned on November 9, 2010.

Dusty Puanani Kamoku
Dusty Puanani Kamoku, also known as Lehua K. Kamoku, was convicted in March 1979 of prostitution, a misdemeanor, and was given a 30-day suspended jail sentence. This was Kamoku’s only conviction. Kamoku, 57, of Honolulu, was pardoned with express authority to bear firearms on November 26, 2010.

Durand Mauna Kealanahele
Durand Mauna Kealanahele, 65, of Waipahu, was convicted of larceny theft in January 1967 after stolen welding cables were found in the back of his truck. He was sentenced to five years probation. In April that same year, he was arrested for removing a radiator from what he believed to be an abandoned vehicle. He was found guilty of larceny theft and sentenced to 90 days confinement, a $100 fine and 90 days suspended sentence. He has had no other arrests or convictions in the past 43 years. Kealanahele was pardoned with express authority to carry firearms on November 19, 2010.

Dorothy Otsumi (aka Faalafua) Keolanui
Dorothy Otsumi (aka Faalafua) Keolanui, 78, of Honolulu, has had six convictions. Four of the convictions were for misdemeanor offenses, including disorderly conduct (1960), being drunk in public (1962 and 1966) and larceny under $5 (1972). Two convictions were for petty misdemeanor offenses, including disorderly conduct (1965) and theft in the third degree (1983). She was acquitted on March 20, 1992 of theft in the fourth degree, a petty misdemeanor, due to mental incapacity. Keolanui has had no criminal incident since 1992. Keolanui was granted a pardon on September 1, 2010.

Everett Kuikahi
In June 1994, Everett Kuikahi was arrested for assault in the third degree following an argument with his wife in which he grabbed her from behind, spun her around, choked her and threw her to the ground. He was found guilty and sentenced to one day of confinement and one year of probation. Kuikahi also had two criminal contempt of court convictions in December 1986 and one misdemeanor conviction for harbors-related violation in April 1987. He has 11 other arrests including one criminal contempt of court, abuse of a family member and terroristic threatening. His last arrest was for abuse of a family member in July 1995. That charge was dismissed without prejudice. He has had no other arrests since then. Kuikahi, now 53 and living in Texas with his wife, the victim in the 1994 incident, was pardoned on November 26, 2010.

Theodore Lacaden, Sr.
Theodore Lacaden, Sr., 74, of Pearl City, had seven convictions between 1957 and 1985, six of which were misdemeanors and the last one a petty misdemeanor. In 1957, when he was 20 years old, Lacaden was convicted of assault in the third degree as a result of a fight and sentenced to three months of confinement and 13 months suspended sentence. Thirteen years later, in August 1972, Lacaden was found guilty of gambling (cockfighting) and fined $25. In October 1972, he was found guilty of all other offenses and fined $20 for yelling at another person from a parked car and then lunging at that person. In March 1975, he was convicted of possession of gambling devices and fined $15. Two months later, Lacaden was convicted of cruelty to animals and possession of a gambling device after admitting to being part of the crew at a cockfight. He was fined $50 and $25, respectively. In July 1985, Lacaden was found guilty of driving under the influence of an intoxicating liquor. His license was suspended for 90 days and he was fined $200. He has had no other arrests or convictions since 1985. Lacaden was pardoned on November 9, 2010.

Woletta Bobette Laufenberg
Woletta Bobette Laufenberg, 59, was found guilty of larceny theft for shoplifting items totaling $13.64 from a department store in October 1969. She was sentenced to 10 days confinement, a $25 fine and 10 days suspended sentence. She was 18 years old at the time of her conviction. She has had no other arrests or convictions. Laufenberg, now living in California, was pardoned on November 9, 2010.

Shirley E. Mapson
Shirley E. Mapson, 66, was arrested eight times between 1976 and 1984, resulting in eight convictions which included one felony (larceny theft) and seven misdemeanors (four larceny theft, one theft in the second degree, and two criminal contempt of court). Mapson committed her first offense when she was 22 years old. Following her last conviction in 1985, Mapson has been a law-abiding citizen for the past 25 years. Mapson, who now lives on Maui, was pardoned on August 3, 2010.

Juan C. Marti
In August 1998, Juan C. Marti, then 22 years old, was convicted of harassment, a petty misdemeanor, and sentenced to six months probation. He has no other arrests or convictions. Marti, now 34 and living in New Jersey, was pardoned on November 12, 2010.

Levin Akira Matsukawa
In July 1990, the Honolulu Police Department served a summons on Levin Akira Matsukawa, who was then 21 years old, for terroristic threatening in the second degree. He pled guilty in October 1991 and was sentenced to one year probation. Matsukawa also had eight arrests between 1987 to 1993 for contempt of court, with six convictions. He also has a conviction for liquor violation involving a minor and mandatory use of seatbelt. Matsukawa, now 42, was pardoned on December 1, 2010.

George F. Medeiros
George F. Medeiros, 32, was convicted twice for theft in the fourth degree (shoplifting) – once in May 1999 at the age of 21 and once a year later in May 2000. Both times he pled guilty and paid a fine of $50. He had two prior arrests. In 1996, at the age of 18, he was arrested for criminal property damage in the third degree and criminal trespass for possibly spraying graffiti on a building. These cases were dismissed due to lack of prosecution by the complainant. Medeiros was also arrested in 1998 for criminal property damage in the fourth degree. Medeiros, who recently moved to Maui, has not had any other arrests since 2000. He was pardoned on August 23, 2010.

Edward Francis Murphy, Sr.
Edward Francis Murphy, Sr., 65, was 19 years old in May 1964 when he was found guilty of the felony offense of having sex with a minor under the age of 16. He was sentenced to 10 years confinement and five years probation, however his confinement was suspended and he was discharged from probation in May 1966. On July 7, 1989, he received a full and free pardon from Governor John Waihe‘e; however, the pardon excluded his use and possession of firearms. He has led a law-abiding life for the past 46 years. Murphy, who has lived in Florida since 1975, was granted a pardon with express authorization to carry a firearm on August 3, 2010.

Heather Maile O’Connell
Heather Maile O’Connell was found guilty in November 1992 on two counts of fraudulently obtaining a controlled substance, a Class C felony, and was sentenced to five years probation for each count to run concurrently. The cases stemmed back to 1990 when a pharmacist reported receiving a forged prescription and contacted the State of Hawaii Narcotics Enforcement Division. O’Connell was 23 at the time. In 1988, O’Connell was arrested for reckless driving, a misdemeanor, as well as driving under the influence, a petty misdemeanor. She informed the arresting police officer that she had just been released from a drug/alcohol treatment program. Her blood-alcohol test resulted in a reading of .000%. O’Connell was released and not charged for driving under the influence case. The charge of reckless driving was subsequently dismissed. O’Connell, who now lives in Florida, was pardoned on October 6, 2010.

Diane Elizabeth Patalano
Diane Elizabeth Patalano, 54, has a total of 32 arrests and 30 convictions between 1974 and 1988. The convictions include one felony, 14 misdemeanors, 14 petty misdemeanors and one violation. The incidents, which started when she was 18 years old, include open lewdness, promoting a detrimental drug, prostitution, theft in the third degree, criminal trespass, criminal property damage, larceny theft, criminal contempt and robbery in the second degree. In June 1994, Patalano received an expungement for 13 arrests. One month later on July 21, 1995, Governor Ben Cayetano pardoned her for her 1987 felony robbery conviction. Now living in California, Patalano has been arrest-and-conviction-free for the past 20 years. Patalano was pardoned for her 29 misdemeanors, petty misdemeanors and violation on November 5, 2010.

Judith (Crowder) Rice
Judith (Crowder) Rice committed non-violent crimes between 1976 and 1977 when she was 20 and 21 years old. They include larceny theft for shoplifting, forgery in the second degree, and contempt of court (four separate counts). Now 54 years old and living in California, Rice has not had any further criminal history since her convictions over 33 years ago. Rice was pardoned with express authority to bear firearms on December 1, 2010.

Dorothy Heide Robinson
Dorothy Heide Robinson, 51, has two nearly 40-year-old shoplifting convictions; one from 1971 and one from 1973. For the 1971 incident, Robinson was sentenced to 30 days confinement, a $250 fine, and a 30-day suspended sentence. For the 1973 conviction, she was ordered to pay a $20 fine. She has not had any arrests since her 1973 conviction. Robinson, now living in Tennessee, was pardoned with express authority to bear firearms on November 26, 2010.

Steven Rosenberg
In January 1990, Steven Rosenberg was found guilty of promoting a dangerous drug in the third degree. He was sentenced to six months confinement, a $10,000 fine and five years probation. He served his confinement concurrently with time he was serving in a boot camp program in Idaho. Rosenberg also performed community service to fulfill a portion of the fine imposed by the Court. Rosenberg has had six prior arrests for drug paraphernalia, promoting a detrimental drug in the third degree and registration of a firearm (four times). None of these six arrests resulted in a conviction. Rosenberg, now 58 and living in California, was pardoned on October 18, 2010.

Thomas Matthew Ryan
In April 1971, Thomas Matthew Ryan was arrested and convicted for misdemeanor theft after a security camera recorded him removing parts from a car at a shopping center. He was sentenced to 15 days confinement with 15 days suspended, and a $50 fine with $35 suspended. It has been over 39 years since Ryan’s singular arrest and conviction for an act he committed when he was 19 years old. Ryan was pardoned on August 3, 2010. On December 1, 2010, Governor Lingle amended Ryan’s pardon to include express authority to bear firearms.

Gerald Wayne San Clemente
Gerald Wayne San Clemente, 48, was ticketed by Maui police for driving without insurance in the mid-1980s. Because he failed to provide proof obtaining insurance coverage, his driver’s license was suspended. In April 1989, he was arrested for driving with a suspended license. Clemente was found guilty of violating the Motor Vehicle Safety Responsibility Act and sentenced to a $55 fine. Other than a 2001 ticket for a seatbelt violation, which was dismissed by the court, Clemente has maintained a law-abiding life. Clemente, now living in Honolulu, was pardoned with express authority to bear firearms on November 23, 2010.

Terry Michael Scott
Terry Michael Scott, 56, of New Mexico, was granted a pardon in 1994 for his crimes of theft in the first degree and two counts of negotiating with a worthless instrument. His record shows he has been arrest and conviction free since July 1989. Governor Lingle granted Scott’s request to amend his previous pardon to include express authority to bear firearms on November 30, 2010.

Thomas Jonah Kalani Tokioka
Thomas Jonah Kalani Tokioka, 52, was convicted of assault in the third degree nearly 30 years ago. The 1982 incident resulted from an altercation during a domestic dispute in which Tokioka, who was 24, punched an off-duty police officer who intervened in a situation between Tokioka and his girlfriend. Tokioka was also arrested in 1967 on a drug-related offense, but was not convicted. He has maintained a clean record since the 1982 incident. Tokioka of Kapa‘a was pardoned with express authorization to bear firearms on November 9, 2010.

Danielle Chloe Tucker
In 1991, Danielle Chloe Tucker, 57, of Honolulu, was charged with six counts of promoting dangerous drugs in the first degree, Class A felonies, after she attempted to sell cocaine to a plainclothes undercover police officer on six occasions between the months of April and June 1991. She was found guilty and sentenced to 10 years probation for each conviction, a $5,000 fine for one conviction and restitution between $288 and $600 for five convictions. Tucker has four other drug-related arrests between August 1990 and June 1991, in which she was either released or discharged. In addition, a larceny theft arrest in 1976 was also discharged. Except for two traffic citations in 2001 and one in 2008, she has had no other arrests, convictions, outstanding warrants or criminal infractions for the past 19 years. Tucker was pardoned on November 22, 2010.

Kelsey John Valenciano
In January 1975, Kelsey John Valenciano was found guilty of theft in the second degree, a Class C felony, after Hilo police found a stolen motorcycle and marijuana in his home. Two drug-related charges were dismissed. Valenciano, who was 22 at the time of his arrest, has no other arrests or convictions. Valenciano, now 58 and living in Texas, was pardoned on August 3, 2010.

Paul Dennis Watanabe
Paul Dennis Watanabe, 62, has had 52 arrests and 28 convictions over a 30-year period between 1966 and 1996. His criminal convictions consist of eight petty misdemeanors, 16 misdemeanors and 4 felonies. Watanabe’s crimes began at the age of 19 with a home invasion and burglary, and also included shoplifting, larceny theft, contempt of court, and a narcotic drug offense. His sentences include two six-month jail terms, jail time ranging from four to 30 days, suspended sentences and monetary fines. Although he is a repeat offender, Watanabe has remained law-abiding for over 14 years since his last conviction in 1996. Watanabe was pardoned on September 10, 2010.

Pardons Approved by Governor Lingle (2003 – 2010)*
2003 2
2004 26
2005 17
2006 21
2007 5
2008 6
2009 0
2010 55
Total Pardons 132

*Note: The Governor takes actions on pardon requests upon receiving them from the Attorney General’s Office after the Hawai‘i Paroling Authority, Department of Public Safety and the Attorney General’s Office review the applications and make their recommendations. The difference in the number of pardons granted each year would depend on how many pardon requests the Governor receives from the Attorney General’s Office.

(Report Provided by the Office of Governor Linda Lingle)

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Honoapi'ilani Highway Reopens to Traffic

The westbound lane of Honoapi'ilani Highway has been reopened to trafic. However, Maui Electric Company crews continue to work on the problem. Police add that high winds could bring down more lines. They urge motorists to be cautiouCs in the blustery conditions.

(Information Provided by the Maui County Police Department)

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NEWS FLASH - December 3, 2010 9:50 a.m. HST

Powerlines Down on Westbound Lane to Lahaina

(Editor's Note: As of 10:05 a.m., Police are contra-flowing traffic)

Maui Police report that the westbound lane of Honoapi'ilani Highway is closed from State Emergency Callbox #5 to the entrance of Ukumehame. Powerlines are down.

Maui Electric Crews are on the scene and working on the problem. Police say that high winds may cause more lines to come down. No word on when the lane will reopen to traffic, or if contraflow is being employed.

(Information Provided by the Maui County Police Department)

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NEWS FLASH - December 3, 2010 8:45 a.m. HST

Wind Advisory Continues for Maui County - Dropped for Summit

1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has continued the WIND ADVISORY for MAUI, LANAI and KAHOOLAWE in effect until 6:00 p.m. this evening.

The WIND ADVISORY for the HALEAKALA SUMMIT IS CANCELLED.

A Wind Advisory means that winds of 30 mph are expected.

2. EFFECTS: A strong high far to the north of the State will continue to bring strong and gusty trades to the Islands today, with winds easing off on Saturday.

East winds of 25 to 40 mph with gusts to 50 mph will continue for Lanai, Kahoolawe and Maui where trade winds are accelerated by terrain.

3. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES: WINDS THIS STRONG CAN MAKE DRIVING DIFFICULT, ESPECIALLY FOR HIGH PROFILE VEHICLES. USE EXTRA CAUTION. SECURE ANY LOOSE OBJECTS THAT MAY BECOME AIRBORNE OR MOVE THEM INDOORS.

4. INFORMATION: Maui County Civil Defense will continue to monitor the situation. Please listen to your local radio and TV stations or NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates.

NOAA Weather Broadcasts can be reached by calling 1-866-944-5025. NOAA Weather Internet services can be found at www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl.

Pre-recorded advisories and notifications are available 24-hours a day on the Maui County Automated Information System (AIS) by calling 986-1200. The same information is available on the Maui County website at www.mauicounty.gov.

(Report Provided by Maui County Civil Defense)

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NEWS FLASH - December 3, 2010 8:20 a.m. HST

High Surf Still Pounding East Shores

1. EVENT: The National Weather Service in Honolulu has CONTINUED the HIGH SURF ADVISORY for EAST FACING SHORES of MAUI and MOLOKAI and remains in effect until 6:00 a.m. Saturday.

A High Surf Advisory means that high surf will affect beaches in the advisory area, producing rip currents and localized beach erosion.

2. EFFECTS: Strong high pressure building north of the Islands will bring elevated choppy trade swell from the northeast over the next couple of days.

Short period northeast swell will combine with even shorter period wind waves from the east northeast. This will result in rough surf reaching heights of 6 to 10 feet along east facing shores.

Surf along east facing shores will remain elevated through Friday, before gradually diminishing on Saturday.

Forecast surf heights are estimates of the height of the face or front of waves.

A high tide of approximately 1.6 feet is expected between 11:54 a.m. and 1:12 p.m. this afternoon. The next high tide of approximately 3.0 feet is expected between 2:03 a.m. and 3:21 a.m. tomorrow morning.

3. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES: INEXPERIENCED SWIMMERS SHOULD AVOID ENTERING THE WATER ALONG EAST FACING SHORES. THE SURF WILL BE ESPECIALLY HAZARDOUS DUE TO THE ROUGH AND CHOPPY NATURE OF THE WAVES, WHICH COULD EASILY OVERPOWER EVEN STRONG SWIMMERS.

4. INFORMATION: Maui County Civil Defense will continue to monitor the situation. Please listen to your local radio and TV stations or NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts for any updates.

NOAA Weather Broadcasts can be reached by calling 1-866-944-5025. NOAA Weather Internet services can be found at www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl.

Pre-recorded advisories and notifications are available 24-hours a day on the Maui County Automated Information System (AIS) by calling 986-1200. The same information is available on the Maui County website at www.mauicounty.gov.

(Report Provided by Maui County Civil Defense)

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Tourism Rebound Stronger Than Expected

A brighter future for Hawaii's improving hotel industry will lead a statewide economic recovery.

However, most hoteliers still won't see performance match the recent peak in 2007 until 2013, and it could be 2015 before performance outpaces costs.

That was the opinion of industry analysts who spoke yesterday at the 18th annual 2010 Visitor Industry Leaders Briefing, hosted by Hospitality Advisors LLC.

"We're on the up slope," said Joseph Toy, Hospitality Advisors' president and CEO. "But, we are recovering -- we aren't growing yet."

Total Hawaii visitor arrivals, which dropped significantly during the recession, have come back much stronger than predicted, said Carl Bonham, executive director of the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization. The organization forecast in October that Hawaii visitor arrivals would grow by 6.7 percent this year, another 2.6 in 2011 and 1.9 in 2012, Bonham said.

"Those numbers are going to be too low," Bonham said. "Tourism is the only facet of the economy that's growing."

The Hawaii Tourism Authority reported earlier this week that visitor arrivals were up 7.8 percent for the year through October.

Increased visitors have improved hotel occupancy and have circulated dollars throughout the economy, Bonham said.

"Tourism-related job creation also has offset job losses in construction, local government, education, finance and banking," he said.

By the end of the year, Toy expects statewide occupancy to rise to 71.1 percent, a 4.6 percentage point gain from the year-ago 66.5 percent. However, it will be 2012 before statewide occupancy surpasses 2007's peak 75 percent, he said.

Hawaii hotel profitability has improved as revenue per available room (RevPAR), the best measure of hotel revenue, has posted gains. Still, even if this year's RevPAR reaches the $122 forecast by Toy, it will be 4 percent lower than the $117.30 attained in 2009. Toy doesn't expect RevPAR to surpass 2007's peak $150.20 per night until 2013. That's because Hawaii hoteliers have had to discount rooms to drive demand, said David Carey, president and chief executive officer of Outrigger Enterprises, who attended the briefing.

"I don't see the profit picture turning around unless the numbers get back to the 2007 level as adjusted for inflation," Carey said. "We've still got a gap."

Toy expects hoteliers statewide will see their average daily rate (ADR) fall another 2.5 percent this year to $172 per night from the $176.46 achieved last year. By 2013, Hawaii's ADR still will be 1.9 percent below the $201.85 it hit in 2008, Toy said.

"We've got a lot of ground to make up," he said.

Because hotel operating costs have been rising while revenues have been dropping, Hawaii hoteliers would need to see occupancy in the mid-80s and ADR at $217 to get back to where they were in real terms, said Jerry Gibson, area vice president for Hilton Hawaii.

"Sometimes the expenses that we have in business, especially labor, don't offset the average," said Gibson, who is also general manager of the Hilton Hawaiian Village, which has been embroiled in a lengthy bargaining dispute with Unite Here! Local 5 workers whose contract expired in May.

While Hawaii tourism is rebounding, other sectors of the economy are probably feeling it more, he said.

"In other words, if you have a retail shop and you sell an extra widget, you can cover that with the same labor," Gibson said. "But, if we sell extra rooms, we need extra housekeepers, waiters and bartenders, and that comes with the heavy expense of labor and benefits."

Hilton has proposed wage increases for its union employees, he said. Last year the nonunionized Outrigger Enterprises Group increased wages in the low single digits, Carey said.

Union hotel workers have used improved arrival and occupancy numbers to seek wage increases during this bargaining cycle, but Carey said it's hard to rationalize increases when profits as adjusted for inflation are still down about 20 percent.

"We are watching what happens with the union negotiations," he said, adding that Outrigger aims to offer competitive wages and benefits. "Labor is a big unknown."

That said, Hawaii hoteliers are faring better than those in other destinations, said Steve Hood, Smith Travel Research's senior vice president for its Research and Educational Institute. Hawaii's occupancy, ADR and RevPAR ranked second out of all 50 states and Washington, D.C., in October, Hood said. The state's occupancy improvement in October also was the fourth best in the nation, he said.

Hawaii's leisure demand dipped slightly and recovered quickly, and group demand is moving back up, Hood said. Hawaii's hotel owners also have managed inventory better, he said. The surplus of rooms in some mainland markets has upset supply and demand, Hood said.

"Hawaii has done a great job closing hotels," he said.

Hawaii added four hotels and 1,144 rooms in 2009 and 2010, Hood said. Hoteliers closed eight properties and took 870 rooms off the market during the last three years, he said.

"There's very little hotel construction in the pipeline," Hood said, adding that the only two hotels under construction in Hawaii are an 85-room Wyndham in Koloa, Kauai, and the 350-room Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa at Ko Olina.

Reach Allison Scaeffers at aschaeffers@staradvertiser.com.

(Report Provided by The Honolulu Star-Advertiser)

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NEWS FLASH - December 3, 2010 6:40 a.m. HST

Djou, Hirono Vote for $4.5 Billion Childhood Nutrition Measure

U.S. Reps. Charles Djou and Mazie Hirono of Hawaii are endorsing a $4.5 billion measure to provide more nutritious school meals and combat childhood obesity.

The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act passed the House Thursday and now goes to President Barack Obama for his expected signature.

In a statement Thursday, Hirono cited several statistics to justify her support, such as the 28.5 percent of the state's youth between the ages of 10 and 17 who are obese.

She also says more than 9 percent of Hawaii residents lack consistent access to enough food for a healthy and productive life.

Djou says the bill ensures the nation's youngest will more likely develop healthier lifestyles. The Republican also notes that it will not add to the deficit.

(Report Provided by The Associated Press)

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NEWS FLASH - December 2, 2010 2:25 p.m. HST

State Unemployment Claims Can Be Filed Online Soon

HONOLULU – Department of Labor and Industrial Relations Director Pearl Imada-Iboshi announced today that the State’s Unemployment Insurance (UI) internet claims filing system will be expanded to allow nearly all unemployed individuals who file new applications for benefits to do so on-line beginning January 2011.

A soft launch of the system is planned for Monday, December 6, 2010. Selected claimants on O‘ahu will be asked to file their claims online using the newly augmented internet system. Following a month-long testing and monitoring period, the system will be available to the public in January 2011.

Currently, only individuals who live in Hawai‘i, are totally unemployed, worked only for Hawai‘i employers and have not established a UI claim in the prior year can file a new claim using the on-line system.

In March 2011, claimants will be allowed to reactivate their claims online, making the system more comprehensive. After this final phase is implemented nearly all claimants will be able to completely file their initial claims over the internet without any delays.

“The expansion of our online filing system will provide a convenient, efficient option to file unemployment insurance claims,” said Director Iboshi. “We urge our jobless clients to take advantage of the online system.” Iboshi emphasized that increasing the share of electronic self-filers not only makes it easier and faster for those who use the internet but it will also help lower the usage and stress on the telephone system and in-person filing at the local offices.

(Report Provided by the State of Hawai'i, Department of Labor and Industrial Relations)

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NEWS FLASH - December 2, 2010 1:30 p.m. HST

Abercrombie Meets with Obama at Blair House

Hawaii Gov.-elect Neil Abercombie was one of 23 new governors who met today with President Barack Obama and Vice President Joseph Biden at Blair House, across the street from the White House.

The lunch meeting also was attended by cabinet members and several presidential aides.

Obama congratulated the governors and spoke of the other visitors who have been to Blair House, according to a White House pool report.

He said state and local government is where the "rubber hits the road" and that governors see the impact of decisions made in Washington and in state capitals.

Obama noted that there were 18 Republicans present at the Blair House, compared to four Democrats and one independent.

"I'm a very proud Democrat, as many of you in the room are," Obama said. "Though not as many as I expected.

Many of the Republicans in the room campaigned against Obama's programs.

"We have just had a very vigorously contested election but the election's over and now I think it's time for all of us to make sure we are working together," the president said.

Obama also said he welcomed the governor's input on how to curb state and federal spending at a time of budget shortfalls.

"We're going to be interested in hearing from all of you about programs you think are working, but also programs that you think are not working," Obama said.

"Contrary to the mythology, believe it or not, it turns out that I would love to eliminate programs that don't work," he said.

Obama said his top issue is making sure taxes don't go up for middle class families.

The president said its important to extend unemployment insurance, saying it affects local economies and is important to people of both parties. He said he hopes and expects bipartisan support for extending benefits. He said 2 million people are affected as of today.

He talked about areas of bipartisan interest including education: "I've been willing to go after long-held dogmas in my party," he added), and clean energy, specifically making sure new technology is made in the U.S.

The governors and their wives also will attend a White House formal dinner tonight.

Abercrombie will be worn into office as Hawaii's 19th governor -- the seventh since it achieved statehood in 1959 -- at noon Monday on the grounds of Iolani Palace.

(Report Provided by The Honolulu Star-Advertiser)

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NEWS FLASH - December 2, 2010 9:45 a.m. HST

Foreclosures Continue to Climb - But Sales Drop

Even as foreclosure activity in Hawaii reached a record high in the third quarter, the number of homes sold out of foreclosure declined.

Real estate research firm RealtyTrac said sales of Hawaii homes involved in foreclosure fell 28 percent to 404 in the July-to-September period from 560 in the same quarter last year.

California-based RealtyTrac suggested the drop in sales of distressed homes was part of a national trend due, in part, to a general drop in home sales activity during the third quarter after the expiration of a federal tax credit. RealtyTrac said sales rose in only three states for which it had data. Sales declined in 36 states. RealtyTrac didn't have sufficient data for 11 states.

Another factor likely was improper foreclosure processing by some lenders that led them to halt sales in many states, including Hawaii, late in the quarter.

The decline in foreclosure sales occurred despite a 48 percent rise in the number of foreclosure actions against Hawaii properties in the third quarter.

The drop in sales followed an 81 percent increase in second-quarter foreclosure sales to 526 from 290 in last year's second quarter.

RealtyTrac's report covers two kinds of foreclosure sales -- sales by lenders after they repossess homes, and short sales in which homeowners facing foreclosure get lender approval to sell their homes, often for less than the outstanding mortgage.

The average price for all third-quarter Hawaii home foreclosure sales was $353,540. RealtyTrac said that was 26 percent less than the average for all nonforeclosure home sales in the quarter.

However, it's hard to measure the true "discount" on foreclosure sales because average prices are influenced by numerous factors including the age, size, location and quality of homes sold.

Foreclosure sales represented 12.3 percent of home sales statewide. That compared with 10.3 percent in the second quarter.

Among other states in the third quarter, the highest rate of foreclosure sales among all home sales was in Nevada, where 54 percent of home sales were foreclosures. Eight other states had foreclosures representing 25 percent of home sales.

Reach Andrew Gomes at agomes@staradvertiser.com.

(Report Provided by The Honolulu Star-Advertiser)

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