Embezzlement suspect denied bankruptcy
A federal bankruptcy court judge Monday dismissed a request for bankruptcy protection by a former employee of a Kauai company who is accused of being involved in a nearly $12 million embezzlement scheme with several of his family members.
Judge Robert Faris granted a motion to dismiss Alva Blake’s bankruptcy protection. Faris said, "It just doesn’t look to me like a Chapter 13 is the proper vehicle for resolving this debtor’s problems. And no reason for me, therefore, to stand in the way of a state court trial."
Blake, former quarry manager and vice president of Kauai Aggregates, had filed for Chapter 13 reorganization Oct. 24, about a month before Monday’s trial in Kauai Circuit Court on a lawsuit alleging the payroll embezzlement scheme.
Blake was accused in the suit of participating in the scheme with his late wife, Helen, who worked with Kauai Aggregates as a bookkeeper and corporate secretary. The Blakes; their two sons, Kanan and Keoni; and Kanan Blake’s wife, Leena, allegedly embezzled almost $12 million from Kauai Aggregates and O. Thronas Inc. between 1998 and 2007.
As a result of Faris’ decision, attorneys representing the two companies are seeking a new trial date.
Waipahu, E. Honolulu sirens to be tested
Five more emergency alert sirens — in East Honolulu and the Waipahu area — will be tested today, state and city Civil Defense officials are advising.
In Waipahu, sirens will be tested from 9 a.m. to noon at Crestview Community Park and Waipahu Shopping Center in Waipahu. The siren at the Department of Education’s Nursery on 22nd Avenue in Kaimuki will also be tested during those hours.
Sirens at Aina Haina Elementary School and Niu Valley will be tested from 1 to 3 p.m.
Sirens might go off in these areas for up to 30 seconds at a time, officials said.
Five other sirens in Aiea and Pearl City experienced no glitches during testing Monday, said Melvin Kaku, the city’s emergency management director.
An additional five sirens will be tested Wednesday, although officials won’t know where on Oahu they will be until today, Kaku said.
The sirens being tested experienced problems either during recent, monthly sounding tests or during Oct. 27’s tsunami alert, Kaku said.
It’s difficult to gauge when a siren malfunctions, since insects and moisture could affect their operations from day to day, he said.
Swimmers dry as sharks shut Hanalei Bay
Kauai County Ocean Safety officials closed Hanalei Bay for swimming Monday until further notice due to shark sightings.
Lifeguards reported that two large sharks were seen about 100 feet from shore at a surf spot known as Pine Trees.
No-swimming signs were posted along the beach, and the public was advised to stay out of the water until further notice. The beach will remain closed until at least this morning.
For updates, visit www.kauaiexplorer.com or call 241-4984.
There have been eight reported shark attacks in Hawaii this year, including four since Oct. 18. In the most recent Kauai incident, an 8- to 10-foot shark bit the board of a surfer Nov. 4 near Davidson’s surf break in Kekaha. The male surfer was unhurt.
Hawaii isle’s police force is accredited
A national credentialing group has awarded accreditation to the Hawaii County Police Department.
Hawaii Police Chief Harry Kubojiri received the recognition of the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Saturday in Jacksonville, Fla.
Accreditation can limit the department’s liability exposure, the county said, because it shows an independent group has verified the department meets international standards.
The credentialing group sent an assessment team to Hawaii island in August. The team visited all district police stations, examining all aspects of the department’s policies, procedures, management, operations and support services. Assessors rode with patrol officers and interviewed department personnel and community leaders.
