Police deny excessive force in telescope arrests ADVERTISING Police deny excessive force in telescope arrests HONOLULU (AP) — Officers acted appropriately when six people were arrested while trying to block an equipment convoy from reaching the location where a solar
Police deny excessive force in telescope arrests
HONOLULU (AP) — Officers acted appropriately when six people were arrested while trying to block an equipment convoy from reaching the location where a solar telescope is being built, Maui police said.
More than 100 protesters — citing the sacredness of Haleakala — tried to block the convoy earlier this week. Some said Maui police officers used unnecessary force on peaceful protesters.
Officials reviewed reports and video of all the arrests, and preliminary findings show officers acted within department policy and procedure, police said in a news release Thursday.
Despite the protests, the convoy made it to the summit and delivered a 4-meter mirror system for the Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope. It will be the world’s most powerful solar telescope, telescope officials said. It’s scheduled for completion in 2020.
Police note that one man appeared to lose consciousness after officers forcibly removed him from under a trailer. He pushed past an officer and dived under the trailer of a moving truck, police said. Police identified him as David Prais and said he struggled with officers and refused to obey commands.
While waiting for a vehicle to transport him to the police station, he “suddenly appeared to become unconscious,” police said.
Monk seal pup swims into pool for 2nd time
HONOLULU (AP) — A monk seal pup found its way into a Waikiki pool for the second time.
Kaimana the monk seal pup swam into the Waikiki Natatorium on Thursday morning. But this time, the pup’s mother, Rocky, was able to guide the youngster out instead of wildlife officials having to intervene as they did last week.
The seals were separated for about two hours before Rocky entered the Natatorium and helped her pup get out, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration officials said.
Last week, the pup swam into the natatorium’s pool at night, triggering a quick response by volunteers.
