Former art guild official pleads not guilty

The former treasurer of the Pacific Handcrafters Guild was released on $11,000 bail after pleading not guilty to stealing more than $150,000 from the organization.

Faith Mokiau pleaded not guilty to the charge of first-degree theft Tuesday.

Trial is set for the week of Feb. 27 before Circuit Judge Randal Lee.

She was indicted earlier this month. The case alleges Mokiau acquired a debit card on behalf of the crafters’ organization and that she made several transactions from 2005-2010.

NEIGHBOR ISLANDS

County provides recycling for Christmas trees

Kauai residents can recycle their Christmas trees by taking them to six sites on the island, the county announced Tuesday.

Trees are being accepted for recycling at the Hanalei, Lihue, Hanapepe and Kapaa refuse transfer stations from 7:15 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. and at the Kekaha Landfill from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Those sites are open every day except on holidays.

People may also drop off trees at the west side of the main entrance to Kauai Nursery and Landscaping on Kaumualii Highway in Puhi seven days a week.

Trees must be free of flocking, tinsel and ornaments.

"If everyone recycles their trees, tons of green waste would be diverted from our landfill, and the compost generated from this can be used to fertilize other trees and plants," Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. said.

For more information about recycling programs, contact the County Recycling Office at 241-4841 or go to www.kauai.gov/recycling.

Maui morgue, crime lab primed for use

The Maui Police Department’s new $4.5 million morgue has received a certificate of occupancy from the county and will be fully operational by the end of the month.

The forensic facility has two walk-in refrigerators and a crime lab and will serve as the evidence processing area, police said.

Assistant Chief Lawrence Hudson said, "Deceased victims of crime have no voice, except the evidence they carry with them," and that it is important they be handled with respect and dignity.