The trial for a man accused of murdering a Japanese visitor in April has been postponed until Feb. 20, 2008.

Kirk Lankford, charged with killing 21-year-old Masumi Watanabe, remains at O'ahu Community Correctional Center unable to post $1 million bail.

Lankford's trial was scheduled to start Monday at Circuit Court.

Watanabe was staying with a family on the North Shore. She was last seen on Pupukea Road on April 12 getting into a Hauoli Termite and Pest Control company truck with a man inside.

Police are continuing periodic searches in Windward O'ahu for Watanabe's body. A Web site, www.findmasumi.org, offers background information on Watanabe and chronicles the search for her body.

MAN CHARGED IN WAIPAHU STABBING

A man who allegedly stabbed another man at a Waipahu-area halfway home Tuesday was charged yesterday with attempted second-degree murder.

Ronald Sobiono, 46, was being held in lieu of $50,000 bail pending his initial appearance today at District Court.

Sobiono is accused of stabbing another man, 55, on the forearm during an argument between residents at the Victory Ohana residential building on Pupu'ole Street.

The injured man was treated at Hawaii Medical Center West for injuries and released.

TRIPLER WILL HAVE $3 VALET PARKING

In an effort to improve parking management, Tripler Army Medical Center and the Spark M. Matsunaga VA Medical Center today will begin providing valet parking service. Drivers will be able to pull right up to the mauka entrance.

"Tripler and the Matsunaga VA are committed to integrity in all aspects of services they offer and this is just another example of reaching out to improve," said Donald Devaney, provost marshal for Tripler.

"The $3 valet parking service will tag-team with the no-fee Tripler Trolley shuttle service to continue providing all visitors with more options to suit their individual needs," Devaney said.

The shuttle service has had a positive effect on parking availability and the utilization of remote parking lots, Devaney said, noting that an average of 3,000 passengers are transported per month with one vehicle and more than 5,000 passengers when two shuttles are in operation.

Tripler and the VA are aware that parking is a challenge at Tripler. Over the past 18 months, Tripler has added 350 parking spots and began the Tripler Trolley Service.

Maj. Gen. Carla Hawley-Bowland, Tripler's commander, said there's plenty of parking at Tripler. But the hilly terrain can make the trek a little more difficult.

Valet service is available from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays. A ceremonial inauguration will be held tomorrow at 9 a.m.

TEEN CHARGED IN BUS-STOP ROBBERY

A 19-year-old man was charged yesterday with first-degree robbery and kidnapping for a reported robbery at a Waipahu bus stop.

Preston K. Smith is accused of using a knife to threaten a 14-year-old boy, who was robbed of his cell phone and cash Monday night.

Smith, who has three prior criminal convictions, is being held in lieu of $20,000 bail. His initial appearance is today at District Court.

The boy told police he was confronted by three males at the bus stop. Two other suspects are still at large.

UH ALUMNA SETS UP SCHOLARSHIP

University of Hawai'i at Manoa Shidler College of Business alumna Shirleyanne Chew has established the Chew Jay Family Endowed Scholarship Fund.

Her gift will be matched by funds from Jay Shidler's $25 million gift, increasing its total value to $100,000.

The Chew scholarship endowment benefits local high school graduates who require financial support. Preference will be given to students who have excellent oral and written skills, and exhibit personal initiative, family values and leadership.