About Town 2-8-14

Hopson selected officer of month

Hopson selected officer of month

The Kona Crime Prevention Committee recognized Officer Marlin Hopson as “Officer of the Month” for February in a luncheon ceremony Wednesday at Huggo’s restaurant in Kailua-Kona.

Hopson was honored for arresting two brothers who were riding in a car shortly after it was reported stolen.

On Nov. 27, the car was reported as having been taken from the area of the Kona Community Aquatic Center. The victim was able to obtain information about the location of a cellphone, which was believed to be inside the car.

While responding to that location, Hopson passed a car matching the description of the stolen car, which was traveling in the opposite direction. After the officer turned around to check the license plate number, the car fled. Hopson saw it turn into a subdivision, where it crashed.

He was able to apprehend both occupants, including one who had exited the car and was hiding in the bushes.

The victim’s credit card was found in the driver’s possession, as was marijuana. A search of the vehicle revealed a meth pipe with residue.

The two men were charged with an assortment of felonies.

As “Officer of the Month,” Hopson is eligible to become “Officer of the Year.”

The Kona Crime Prevention Committee is an organization that encourages community involvement in aiding and supporting police in West Hawaii.

Seniors program features new members

The Kailua-Kona Seniors meets at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Hale Halawai in Kailua-Kona. Pat Aarhus will conduct the program and the group will welcome new members and ask them to introduce themselves. Those attending are asked to bring a canned item to feed the hungry of Kona.

For more information, call Billie at 315-8367 or Pat at 329-2424.

Libraries will observe Presidents’ Day holiday

In observance of the Presidents’ Day holiday, all public libraries will be closed from Feb. 15 through 17.

Kealakekua Public Library, which is normally closed on Thursdays, will be open on Feb. 13.

Visit librarieshawaii.org or call a local library for public service hours.

Speeding issues focus for Thursday meeting

Traffic officials and the public talk story about speeding issues at the Kona Traffic Safety Committee meeting beginning at 5 p.m. Thursday at the Community Hale, Building G of the West Hawaii Civic Center.

There is plenty of parking in the makai parking lot next to Building G.