State roundup for May 19

Maui’s police chief retires

WAILUKU, Maui (AP) — Maui Police Chief Gary Yabuta is retiring in the next two months to take a new position with a federal anti-drug trafficking task force.

The police department said Friday Yabuta will become the Director of High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas for Hawaii.

Yabuta joined the Maui police in 1983. He’ll be retiring with over 31 years of service.

Congress created the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas program in 1988. It provides assistance to law enforcement agencies operating in areas determined to be critical drug-trafficking regions of the United States.

There are 28 High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas in the country.

State to lease Malaekahana

HONOLULU (AP) — The state Department of Land and Natural Resources is inviting applicants to submit proposals to lease the Kahuku section of Malaekahana State Recreation Area on Oahu’s North Shore.

The department says proposals should include areas for public beach access and tent camping. They should also include proposals for the optional rental of alternative, temporary structures such as small Hawaiian hale, tent platforms or other non-permanent structures.

The department said Friday the successful bidder will negotiate a five-year lease with the Division of State Parks.

The campground is currently operated by the Friends of Malaekahana under a month-to-month permit.

The state plans to improve bathroom and shower facilities while it considers applications.

Applications are due June 19.

Man snorkeling off Maui dies

KAPALUA, Maui (AP) — A Washington state man has died after experiencing distress while snorkeling off Maui.

Witnesses pulled 58-year-old Alan Southard to shore Saturday after seeing him struggle at Honolua Bay.

Maui police said Southard was taken to Maui Memorial Medical Center, where he later died.

The cause of his death was under investigation.