Legislator fined over campaign filings

The state Campaign Spending Commission has fined state Rep. Karen Awana (D, Kalaeloa-Nanakuli) $1,900 for errors in filing campaign-spending reports.

The commission found Wednesday that Awana, who won re-election last year, failed to file and filed late reports on five occasions.

Last month the commission fined state Rep. Mele Carroll (D, Lanai-Molokai) more than $2,600 for not filing six campaign-spending reports by the reporting deadlines. Carroll was also re-elected last year.

New law tougher on would-be johns

Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie has signed into law a measure that targets people who solicit prostitutes near schools or parks.

The legislation makes it a misdemeanor to offer or agree to pay a fee to another person for the purpose of sexual conduct within 750 feet of a school or public park.

A misdemeanor comes with a maximum sentence of one year imprisonment and a $2,000 fine.

Previously, the crime was considered a petty misdemeanor, with imprisonment up to 30 days and a mandatory $500 fine.

Horse owner faces trial for cruelty

LIHUE >> The owner of 16 underfed horses confiscated by the Kauai Humane Society is to stand trial this month on charges of animal cruelty.

The case against Lara Butler-Brady moves forward more than a year after the horses were taken from land she rented, the Garden Island newspaper reported Thursday. Most of the horses confiscated on May 30, 2010, were thin or emaciated, Becky Rhoades, former executive director of the Humane Society, testified at a hearing.

“I think she should go to jail,” she said. “I think it’s criminal what happened. It’s one of the saddest sights I’ve ever seen.”

Circuit Judge Randal Valenciano denied a motion earlier this week to suppress evidence gathered when the horses were taken from the Wailua Falls area.

185 cited in seat belt campaign

More than 180 drivers in Maui County were issued citations during the Click It Or Ticket campaign.

From May 23 to June 5, officers from all Maui districts concentrated on drivers and passengers not wearing their seat belts and not properly restraining their children. A total of 185 citations were issued during the two-week campaign.

Click It or Ticket is a national campaign focused on proper seat belt use. Hawaii law requires drivers and passengers in the front seat to fasten their seat belts. Passengers riding in the back seat must buckle up if they are 17 years old or younger.

 Help run bayfest

Marine Corps Community Services Hawaii is seeking civilian and military volunteers for BayFest 2011, July 15-17 at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. Help is needed for transportation, food tents, ticketing and other areas. Call 257-7787 or 257-7790, or visit MCCSHawaii.com.