Search suspended for woman reported overboard on cruise Judge sentences woman for mall baseball bat damage ADVERTISING LIHUE, Kauai — A 32-year-old Lihue woman who took a baseball bat to an ATM and shop windows at Kukui Grove Center has
Judge sentences woman for mall baseball bat damage
LIHUE, Kauai — A 32-year-old Lihue woman who took a baseball bat to an ATM and shop windows at Kukui Grove Center has been sentenced to five years in prison.
The Garden Island reports Patricia Lewis was sentenced Wednesday in 5th Circuit Court and ordered to pay more than $4,500 in restitution.
She pleaded no contest Aug. 20 to criminal property damage for events on Dec. 19, 2012. Investigators say she used an aluminum baseball bat to smash the ATM and a glass door and window.
Lewis apologized but Judge Kathleen Watanabe says the court can’t ignore prior convictions in determining whether she could reoffend.
GMO bill’s fate could hinge on new member
LIHUE, Kauai — The fate of Kauai County’s bill to require large farms to disclose use of pesticides and genetically modified crops could be decided by a new council member.
Mason Chock was selected Friday to fill a vacancy on the council, which will allow the panel to vote on overriding the mayor’s veto of the agriculture bill, the Garden Island reported.
The vote had been delayed until the council replaced Nadine Nakamura, who resigned to become Kauai County managing director.
Chock was expected to be sworn in on Saturday, in time for the vote.
Chock will be the swing vote on the divisive bill opposed by large farms and agriculture companies.
Supporters of the agriculture bill need five votes to override Mayor Bernard Carvalho’s veto and had just four Thursday night.
More than 200 people attended the meeting and most who testified supported the bill.
The measure would require mandatory disclosure of genetically modified crops and pesticide use. It would prohibit the crops near schools, homes, medical facilities, public roadways and waterways. Large agribusinesses would also be required to provide annual public reports on genetically modified crops. Companies affected include Syngenta, DuPont Pioneer, BASF, Dow AgroSciences and Kauai Coffee, the state’s largest coffee grower.
Biotech companies oppose the bill. Representatives say Mayor Carvalho recognized its legal flaws.
By local and wire sources
