Longhorn beetles found in shipment

Federal customs and border protection agricultural specialists have intercepted the first known case of longhorn beetles in a shipment of handicrafts made from palm trees.

The shipment was in a cargo container from Indonesia and discovered June 13, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol reported. It was sent back to Indonesia.

The insects were identified as Pterolophia, a type of longhorn beetle.

Federal officials said some species of longhorn beetles are serious pests and can cause extensive damage to trees and wood products.

Kauai official to retire after 11-year stint

Kauai County Managing Director Gary Heu announced Monday that he will retire Oct. 31.

Heu, 57, was first appointed to the post by the late Mayor Bryan Baptiste in December 2002. Heu briefly served as acting mayor after Baptiste’s death in June 2008.

Former Council Chairman Kaipo Asing then served as acting mayor until a special election in November 2008.

Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr., elected to serve the remaining two years of Baptiste’s term, reappointed Heu as managing director in December 2008.

Heu spent 22 years at Hawaiian Telcom Inc., formerly Verizon HawaiiInc., before he retired in 2002. He recalled how he initially planned to serve as managing director only for a single term.

"When I first joined the county, my intention was to stay only four years," Heu said in a county news release. "Looking back over the past 11 years, Ican honestly say that it’s been an honor and a privilege to serve under three mayors and make a small contribution to our island community."

Defendant’s mental fitness to be examined

Maui Circuit Judge Joseph Cardoza on Monday ordered a mental exam for Martin Lavoie, 33, charged with killing his girlfriend and mother of their four children.

Lavoie’s trial on second-degree murder charges was to begin Monday but was continued. His attorney asked for the exam to determine Lavoie’s fitness for trial in the death of Malia Kahalewai, 24.

A police detective said Lavoie had indicated he was diagnosed as bipolar.