State roundup for December 10

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Meth Project warns of scam

Meth Project warns of scam

WAILUKU, Maui (AP) — A nonprofit organization seeking to reduce methamphetamine use in the state is warning Maui residents about impersonators soliciting donations for a scam meth project.

The Hawaii Meth Project says there was a report of teenagers knocking on a door in Wailuku on Thursday, asking for cash donations for a Baldwin High School meth project.

But the Hawaii Meth Project says the organization’s representatives don’t make unsolicited requests from strangers on the street, in their homes or at businesses.

Anyone who is approached and asked to provide a cash donation to the Hawaii Meth Project is encouraged to politely decline and report the incident to police.

Beach parking lot spurs protest

HONOLULU (AP) — The Department of Transportation’s plan to install concrete barriers to shut down the parking lot at Oahu’s Laniakea Beach has drawn the ire of beach access advocates.

The Department of Transportation plans to install the concrete barriers and block off the parking area for a month to see whether they will improve pedestrian safety in the area.

Residents have complained that buses loaded with tourists, and others have been parking in the lot and walking across the highway to see turtles at the beach.

PBS looking to build new facility

HONOLULU (AP) — PBS Hawaii is selling a plot of land in Waikiki for $3.5 million.

The public television station says proceeds from the sale will go toward building a new home off Nimitz Highway.

The 28,000-square-foot Kalakaua Avenue property is being sold to developer MW Group. The company plans to use it to build an assisted living facility for seniors.

Plans are to build the new station on Sand Island Access Road. PBS Hawaii said it has raised $22 million of the $30 million it needs to build the new facility.

Surfers rescue woman on Kauai

LIHUE, Kauai (AP) — Two surfers in their 60s saved the life of a 20-year-old woman off Kauai.

Don Brown, 66, and Steve Childers, 63, pulled the woman to safety at Polihale Beach on the island’s west side.

Brown and Childers were about to conclude surfing Thursday when two men drove up and said a woman was in trouble.

The woman was in rough water and a strong current 100 yards off shore. They paddled about four minutes and Childers reached the woman first. She was pulled onto his board.

Kauai County spokeswoman Sarah Blane said firefighters arrived at 3:05 p.m.

The woman was treated and released at Kauai Veterans Medical Hospital.