Test indicates shooting victim was intoxicated

The Kailua man shot to death Saturday allegedly by an off-duty federal agent had alcohol in his system, the Honolulu Medical Examiner’s Office said Wednesday.

Kollin Elderts, 23, had a 0.12 blood-alcohol concentration, the Medical Examiner’s Office said. The legal blood-alcohol limit for driving is 0.08. Lab samples were sent to the mainland for further drug testing, the office said.

Elderts bled to death after being shot once in the chest during an argument at the McDonald’s on Kuhio Avenue in Waikiki about 2:44 a.m. Saturday.

Police arrested Special Agent Christopher Deedy, 27, who was charged with second-degree murder and released Monday after posting $250,000 bail. Deedy, with the State Department, was in Honolulu to help provide security for leaders attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference.

A source previously told the Star-Advertiser that Deedy refused to take a blood alcohol test at the scene and had appeared to have been drinking.

Rainy weather likely to last until Saturday morning

Oahu weather during the remaining days of the APEC summit is predicted to be less than ideal.

Showers and breezy weather are predicted for today through Friday, with a slight chance of thunderstorms Friday, said Tom Birchard, senior forecaster at the National Weather Service.

Wet weather in the islands is typical in November, he said.

"The bit of difference (this week) is the threat of thunderstorms," he said.

A low pressure system in the atmosphere is destabilizing and expected to strengthen tonight and tomorrow, which could cause thunderstorms.

Birchard said rainy weather is expected to last through Saturday morning.

Europe’s crisis draws concern from deputies

Deputy finance ministers meeting at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum expressed concern Wednesday over the danger posed by contagion from Europe for a global economy still recovering from the 2008 financial crisis.

Officials discussed the impact the crisis in Europe could have on the trade and financial institutions of the 21 APEC member countries, a senior U.S. Treasury official told reporters at a briefing.

There was no discussion on actions the U.S. or China might take to help stem the spread of the crisis in Europe. Discussion instead focused on how the countries could protect themselves, the official said.

The deputy finance ministers discussed focusing on domestic growth to protect against weakening trade prospects in Europe, the official said.

In addition, the U.S. told China that its currency is still undervalued and that yuan gains in the last 18 months were still too small.

Hotel channel showcases isle innovation

An in-room channel in 28 Waikiki hotels hosting APEC delegates offers visitors and other guests special programming on Hawaiian culture and business.

“Leaders Week TV” is a temporary APEC channel that showcases innovation in the islands.

Produced by Honolulu-based 1013 Integrated for the APEC 2011 Hawaii Host Committee, the videos may be viewed at www.apec2011hawaii.com/stay-connected/videos.

The same videos will remain posted indefinitely and can be seen at www.vimeopro.com/leadersweektv/1013.

Follow-up session will evaluate value of APEC

Was the APEC summit worth it? That’s the subject of a meeting of the Hawaii Society of Business Professionals on Dec. 1.

The panel will include Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz, Starwood Hotels director of sales and marketing Angela Vento, Carol Pregill, president of the Retail Merchants of Hawaii, and Roger Morey, executive director of the Hawaii Restaurant Association.

The panel will address the impact APEC had on Hawaii’s hotel, retail and restaurant sectors, and how Hawaii fared as host city in the international arena.

The luncheon meeting at the Hawaii Prince Hotel runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and costs $40 for nonmembers. Register online at hsbp.biz.

TODAY’S EVENTS

APEC Business Advisory Council’s Small and Medium Enterprises Symposium

» Where: Halekulani Hotel

» Highlights: Panel discussions on free trade, global market opportunities for small- and medium-size businesses, and regulatory concerns for trade.

» For more info: Contact SME_Events@ncapec.org

APEC finance ministerial meeting

» Where: Hawai‘i Convention Center

» Highlights: U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner will host the finance ministers of the APEC members to discuss regional economic and trade issues.

» For more info: www.apec.org

Clinton speech

» Where: East-West Center in Manoa

» Highlights: U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton gives a speech on the increased emphasis on diplomatic, economic and strategic relations in the Asia-Pacific region. She will speak to local political, business and military leaders, as well as some heads of Pacific island nations.

» For more info: www.eastwestcenter.org.

“Obama’s Obama”

» Where: The Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i in Moiliili

» Highlights: Grand opening of “Obama no Obama (Obama’s Obama): An Exhibition About Politics, Celebrity and International Ties” at 5 p.m. with Maya Soetoro-Ng, Obama City (Japan) Mayor Koji Matsuzaki, and the Obama Girls and Boys hula troupe.

» For more info: jcch.com

PROTOCOL

Making points

A sampling of protocol tips has been shared during cultural training sessions held throughout the community for this week’s APEC summit. Here’s one:

» Those wanting to score points with visitors from China, Chinese Taipei and Hong Kong should ensure that the tea spout is directed to where nobody is sitting, usually just outward from the table. Also, these guests commonly associate white with death, and red and gold items with good fortune.

Source: Outrigger Hotels & Resorts