Local News

Blane Shigeru Aburamen • George Henry Adams • Bernaldo Richard Aguinaldo; and more

Although Hawaii public schoolteachers were absent from their classrooms nearly 18 days on average last school year, school officials say a closer look at the types of absences shows teachers aren't abusing sick days or other leave privileges.

George Abregana • John B. Alison • Rosa C. Alvarado; and more

Florida's endangered manatees, already reeling from an unexplained string of deaths in the state's east coast rivers, have died in record numbers from a toxic red algae bloom that appears each year off the state's west coast, state officials and wildlife experts say.

On one covert video, farm workers illegally burn the ankles of Tennessee walking horses with chemicals.

The state Senate passed its version of the two-year budget Thursday, restoring funding slashed by the House for some of Gov. Neil Abercrombie's initiatives on early childhood education, cash incentives for entrepreneurs and information technology upgrades.

The wreckage of a World War II B-24 bomber, long an attraction for hikers on Aiea Loop Trail, has become considerably less accessible. Most of the wreckage has been covered by fallen trees.

The First Hawaiian Bank Foundation has given Damien Memorial School a $100,000 grant to help the Kalihi school with its first major construction project in three decades.

A number of recent stabbings in the Ala Moana area have some residents worried it's only going to get worse. "Rule-breaking leads to rule-breaking; law-breaking leads to law-breaking," said Larry Hurst, chairman of the Ala Moana/Kakaako Neighborhood Watch.

Twenty-five-foot waves are expected to pummel Oahu's North Shore today. Forecasters say the powerful northwest swell is creating hazardous surf with "very strong breaking waves" and rip currents.

A contract for a 12-hour-a-day ambulance service operating out of Halawa has been cut for budgetary reasons, but city Emergency Services Director Mark Rigg said he expects the void to be filled by next month.

A 41-year-old California man died Thursday while swimming in the ocean off Kapaa, Kauai. The man's identity has not been released.

Q: I believe the camping fees instituted by Mayor Caldwell are illegal. Why are you aiding and abetting this lawlessness? • AARP Hawaii and AIM team up for free document shredding • Mahalo to honest City Mill customer

Folk wisdom has recognized the role of empty calories in weight gain and obesity for years, but there has not been much public discussion about the addictive qualities of sugar.

Drought persists despite rain, NWS says • Waiver for PV building permit fee is gone • Learning center is on the move

Tip helps sheriffs arrest dangerous felon • Suspect allegedly claimed to be officer • Prison sentence handed down for sex assaults

The Honolulu Star-Advertiser strives to make its news report fair and accurate. If you have a question or comment about news coverage, call Ed Lynch, managing editor/news, at 529-4758.

BLOOMING GROVE, Texas » Gary Price is a rarity among cattle ranchers these days. He's making money on his herd of 200 cows in this tiny town about an hour south of Dallas-Fort Worth.

NEW YORK » The players on the offensive line, wearing helmets and shoulder pads, were crouched down on the field in Brooklyn.