Probe: Charge caused blast ADVERTISING Probe: Charge caused blast HONOLULU — Investigators are saying a laboratory explosion at the University of Hawaii that resulted in a researcher losing her arm was likely caused by an electrostatic charge. The University of
Probe: Charge caused blast
HONOLULU — Investigators are saying a laboratory explosion at the University of Hawaii that resulted in a researcher losing her arm was likely caused by an electrostatic charge.
The University of California Center for Laboratory Safety, which handled the investigation, released its results Friday.
Investigators say it was challenging to determine the cause of the detonation because they weren’t able to inspect the accident scene until 13 days later. They also weren’t able to interview the researcher so they had to rely on a fire department report.
They say a digital pressure gauge was the origin of the electrical current that caused the detonation. They also say the researcher and some equipment in the lab were not properly grounded.
Hepatitis A inquiry on Oahu
HONOLULU — The state Department of Health is investigating an outbreak of hepatitis A on Oahu.
The department said Friday there are at least 12 cases of hepatitis A infection in adults. Six of them have required hospitalization.
Onsets of the illnesses range from June 16 through June 27.
Health officials say the virus can be spread by eating contaminated food, drinking contaminated water, close personal contact or sex.
Symptoms include fever, fatigue, appetite loss, abdominal discomfort and diarrhea.
Health Director Dr. Virginia Pressler says it’s a vaccine-preventable disease. She says that while it’s a routine childhood vaccination, many adults haven’t been vaccinated and remain susceptible.
The vaccine is readily available at local pharmacies.
Frequent handwashing can also help prevent spreading hepatitis A.
ACLU attorney to lead Hawaii Ethics panel
HONOLULU — The Hawaii State Ethics Commission is selecting an American Civil Liberties Union lawyer to be its new executive director.
The commission announced Friday members unanimously selected Daniel Gluck. He has worked for ACLU of Hawaii since 2007.
He replaces Les Kondo, who was appointed by the state Legislature to serve as state auditor. Kondo faced criticism last year because of new rules Kondo put in place, which included reining in gifts to lawmakers.
The commission’s leader is tasked with administration and enforcement of the state ethics code for state officials and lobbyist laws for those who lobby the Legislature.
Gluck says he’ll work to ensure Hawaii’s lawmakers, employees and lobbyists adhere to the highest ethical standards.
He’s a graduate of Harvard Law School.
