ISLE OF UNCERTAINTY: Come July, the enterprising, energetic folk of Hong Kong will be marching to new masters, when the long-time British-held outpost reverts to Chinese ownership. That pitfall-ridden process is the topic on Sunday, May 25, when UA political science Prof. Allen Whiting and his Physics Department colleague, C.Y. Fan, lead a discussion titled Hong Kong: What Future?. Lecture is 3 p.m. in the St. Paul's Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 2331 E. Adams. Donations are encouraged. For information, call 621-2278. OUTBACK BROUGHT BACK: You probably already realize that this aridly beautiful little patch of tierra firma we call home is a stunning tapestry of mountains, canyons, rivers and valleys. And you're also likely aware of the broad range of species that have set up evolutionary shop here. But what may be news, according to outdoors aficionado John Dell, is that you can catch glimpses of many of those river-traversing, range-running animals right in your own backyard. Dell expands on that revelation with a free slide show and lecture titled Exploring Southwestern Mountains, Canyons and Deserts at 8 p.m. in the Summit Hut, 5045 E. Speedway. Call 325-1554 for information. BENT WHEELS OF JUSTICE. In 1989, seven people associated with Little Rascals day care in tiny Edenton, N.C., were jailed on hundreds of charges of child abuse. Seven years, two trials and millions of dollars later, all the defendants remain free, at least temporarily. Meanwhile, families have been ripped apart, and the community broken, perhaps irretrievably. The result is that the criminal justice system itself is now on trial. The PBS investigative series Frontline first covered the sensational case with Emmy Award-winning documentaries in 1991 and 1993. Now producer Ofra Bikel continues tracking the fates of those involved with "Innocence Lost: The Plea." Some Edenton residents believe a personal vendetta--encouraged by a handful of therapists--sparked the rumors against Little Rascals owners Betsy and Bob Kelly, and six fellow defendants. Bob Kelly was the first to be convicted, following the first eight-month trial that lacked any physical or medical evidence, or eyewitnesses. Based primarily on the sometimes fantastic testimony of children involved, he was sentenced to 12 consecutive life terms. Others, including Betsy Kelly, eventually plea-bargained, while steadfastly proclaiming their innocence. By September 1995, Bob Kelly's conviction had been overturned, and new trials ordered. And today the saga continues. Find out how the wheels of justice can turn frighteningly awry when "Innocence Lost: The Plea" runs from 9 to 11 p.m. Tuesday, May 27, on KUAT, Channel 6.

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