A state judge has extended the term of Kamehameha Schools trustee Robert Kihune until July 17.

Kihune's term was set to expire on June 30, but Probate Judge Colleen Hirai yesterday ruled that Kihune could remain a trustee until his successor is named.

A Probate Court-appointed trustee screening panel recently named three finalists for Kihune's post: Department of Hawaiian Home Lands Chairman Micah Kane, former DHHL Chairman Ray Soon and Anthony Ching, executive director of the Hawai'i Community Development Authority.

A hearing on selecting Kihune's replacement is set for July 17.

KAUA'I MAN DIES AFTER CAR ACCIDENT

LIHU'E, Kaua'i — A 21-year-old Hanapepe man died yesterday following a single-car crash on Koloa Road.

Kaua'i police said Brian Pacheco was traveling south shortly after 1 a.m. when his car crossed the center line and struck a dirt hill and a utility pole on the north-bound shoulder.

The impact caused Pacheco's car to move back onto the roadway and come to a stop on its side.

Firefighters and paramedics responded. Pacheco was transported to Wilcox Hospital, where he died.

The incident was Kaua'i's third traffic fatality of 2009.

FIRE FORCES CLOSURE ON KULA HIGHWAY

KULA, Maui — Maui police closed a portion of Kula Highway yesterday afternoon because of a brushfire that burned an estimated 10 to 15 acres in the Kula area.

The fire was reported at 2:10 p.m. and appears to have started in a field next to King Kekaulike High School, a Maui County spokeswoman said.

There were no reports of structure damage or injuries, but the fire did come within about 200 feet of a home.

The fire department sent four fire engines and two water tankers, and two helicopters made water drops in very windy conditions. As of 5:30 p.m., the fire was not advancing.

The cause of the fire was under investigation.