Biki offers new users free ride in March
HONOLULU (TNS) — Biki, Honolulu’s bikeshare service, is offering free rides to new users on Sunday, March 4.
Bikeshare Hawaii said it will give away one free, ride, up to 30 minutes, to new Biki users, as part of a promotion to achieve its goal of achieving 4,000 trips in one day. Currently, Biki says it averages 2,008 rides per day.
To get the free ride, new users can enter the promo code, BIKI4K on the Biki mobile app or at any of Biki’s 100 kiosks located from downtown to Diamond Head.
The promo code will be valid from 12 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on March 4, and can be redeemed by new users only as well as once per person. Normal usage fees will kick in after the 30-minute mark. Regular fares for single rides are $3.50 for each 30 minutes of use. A $50 security will still apply and will be released within three to five business days after the bike is returned.
Biki riders must be 16 years and older, and must register with a credit or debit card. Riders can download the Biki App for a map of the stations. Prizes will be randomly awarded throughout the day, said Biki, to thank all participants for helping it reach its new record attempt.
Ex-death row inmate asks to defend himself
HONOLULU — A former death row inmate from Delaware who pleaded not guilty to sex trafficking charges in Hawaii asked to defend himself in further court proceedings.
Public defenders for Isaiah McCoy filed a federal motion to withdrawal their counsel, citing a breakdown of the attorney-client relationship.
In 2010, McCoy was convicted of shooting a Maryland man and was sentenced to death. He spent nearly seven years in prison before being acquitted during a second trial. He then moved to Hawaii, where he is accused of trying to develop a prostitution ring.
Honolulu police received complaints from women that McCoy had been “pimping” them, federal prosecutors said in court documents.
McCoy and his wife, Tawana Roberts, were arrested Jan. 3 in an undercover sting at a Waikiki hotel.
A judge has ordered McCoy to be held without bail.
Mariners warned of 2-mile-long debris field in Ka Iwi Channel
The Honolulu Star-Advertiser
(TNS)
The Coast Guard is advising all mariners to exercise caution after a large marine debris field was last observed in the Ka Iwi Channel between Molokai and Oahu.
A fisherman first reported the debris Saturday, which at the time was about 9.5 miles south of Koko Crater and stretched over 2 miles, according to the Department of Land and Natural Resources. The debris was last seen about 12 miles south of Oahu.
The fisherman said the field contained nets, ropes, buoys and crates, according to DLNR.
The Coast Guard confirmed the debris field after passing through it Tuesday night, and broadcast a notice to mariners, advising them to exercise caution.
“Based on our initial observations, this appears to be more of a weed line than a debris field, containing a 40- to 60-foot wooden pole with marine growth, plastic bags, weeds and other assorted debris,” said Lt. Cmdr. John Titchen of the Coast Guard. “Nonetheless, boaters need to be aware of it and avoid it.”
The International Pacific Research Center at the University of Hawaii’s School of Ocean &Earth Science &Technology is working with the Coast Guard to track the debris.
DLNR said there’s a possibility the debris could reach the west shore of Molokai.