A high surf warning was in effect for the north shores of most Hawaiian islands last night, with surf peaking at 28-foot wave faces expected about 6 a.m. today on O'ahu.

"This is the highest surf forecast of the 2006 season," said Bill Balfour, O'ahu Civil Defense administrator. "This is also a rather late-season swell."

The National Weather Service said the high surf was generated by a large north swell. Officials urged oceangoers and coastal residents to be aware of the high surf, and to take necessary precautions.

O'ahu Civil Defense also said drivers traveling along the North Shore should exercise caution as roads can become blocked with sand and debris. Also, beachgoers should stay well away from the water and from spots overlooking the ocean, which could be suddenly inundated by a rogue wave.

PHILIPPINES

TOMIMBANG DUE PHILIPPINES HONOR

Honolulu television personality and former broadcast journalist Emme Tomimbang is being honored by Philippines President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today for her recent documentary "Mabuhay with Aloha: The Hawaii Filipino Experience 1906-2006," as well as for her previous achievements.

Tomimbang is among 40 Filipinos worldwide being presented with the "Pamana ng Pilipino Award 2006" at Malacanang Palace in Manila.

The award is given annually to Filipino individuals and organizations overseas who have displayed exemplary service in promoting the Filipino people, culture and country internationally.

COAST GUARD AIDS FISHING VESSEL

The U.S. Coast Guard air-dropped pumps yesterday to a commercial fishing boat that was taking on water during operations 170 miles northwest of Kaua'i.

The two dewatering pumps apparently were able to control the problem aboard the Isabella T, and the boat's captain decided to keep fishing. He told maritime authorities he would retrieve his longline gear before returning to Honolulu for repairs.

The ship reported a possible hull breach and flooding about 9 a.m. A Coast Guard C-130 aircraft from Barbers Point found the vessel and dropped two pumps. The plane circled while the crew of six people retrieved and assembled the pumps. A second C-130 relieved the other plane and remained in the area until it was assured the pumps were controlling the flooding.

Coast Guard officials said they are remaining in contact with the Isabella T until it docks.

DRUG STING NABS 3; OFFICERS INJURED

An undercover operation in which two Honolulu police officers were injured led to federal charges yesterday against three men for trafficking crystal methamphetamine.

Dannylee Ferreira, Michael Samson Jr. and Lawrence Sheldon were arrested Monday after allegedly selling a half-pound of crystal meth for $17,500 to a federal agent. The alleged transaction happened in a supermarket parking lot on South Beretania Street at 2:30 p.m.

According to a complaint filed yesterday at federal court, Sheldon allegedly reversed the car he was driving into a parked vehicle and unmarked police car, striking two Honolulu police officers. Sheldon was captured after a foot chase.

CHAMINADE RITES TO GRADUATE 300

Chaminade University is expected to graduate about 300 students at its 2006 Winter Commencement Ceremony at 7 p.m. Monday at the Neal S. Blaisdell Concert Hall.

Tickets are required for admission. The ceremony will be broadcast live on 'Olelo Television Channel 55 and at www.chaminade.edu.