Suspect in bomb plot remains in custody

A man accused of planting a pipe bomb at a Kaimuki rooming house in March will remain in federal custody for at least another week.

Patrick C. Lopes appeared Thursday in U.S. District Court on charges that he possessed a firearm that was not registered to him and carried an explosive device during the commission of a felony in connection with the discovery of a pipe bomb at 714 7th Ave. on March 11.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Kevin S. Chang scheduled Lopes’ bail hearing for Thursday. The government already has filed its request to have Lopes remain in custody without the opportunity for bail pending trial.

One of Lopes’ lawyers, Paul Cunney, said there is a mental health aspect to the case and that the 46-year-old Lopes had been under a doctor’s care.

The FBI said Lopes had told two investigators that he believed a resident of the rooming house, where he used to live, stole from him and was following him, spying on him using surveillance equipment. The FBI said it traced the parts used to make the pipe bomb to the Home Depot on Alakawa Street and identified Lopes purchasing similar parts on store video.

NEIGHBOR ISLANDS

Kauai will alter some bus stops

The Kauai County Transportation Agency said it will implement changes Thursday to several of its Kauai Bus stops.

In Eleele the bus stop in front of the Ace Hardware store will be moved to the intersection of Okupu Street and Waialo Road, between Eleele Shopping Center and the Kealaula subdivision.

In Lihue the bus stops at the Piikoi Building and Historic County Building will be removed from the Lihue lunch shuttle route. Both buildings will be served by the Lihue Civic Center stop on Hardy Street.

In Kapaa the bus stop across from St. Catherine’s School, which is part of the Kapahi shuttle route, will be removed. This location will be instead served by the Kapaa High School pavilion bus stop when school is out and the Mahelona Hospital foyer stop during school hours.

Officials said the changes reflect community feedback. The changes were announced Thursday.

For more information go to www.kauai. gov/transportation or call 246-8110.

Work closes highway lane

The state advises Maui motorists that the eastbound (Kihei-bound) lane on Honoapiilani Highway will be closed between Front and Kai Hele Ku streets, fronting Launipoko State Park, until repairs can be made due to ocean erosion damage that has undermined the foundation of the shoulder lane.

Traffic will be contra-flowed in the remaining westbound lane, and speed limits will be reduced approaching the work zone. Repair timetables and cost estimates await a full damage assessment.