The Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery in Kaneohe soon will have an additional $1 million in federal funds to expand and improve its conditions and services, the Hawaii Congressional delegation announced recently.
The money comes through a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA)-administered grant, which will pay for the construction of a family room in the administration building, a new restroom, new storage areas at the committal shelter and associated infrastructure work.
As a member of the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs, U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono said the legacy of "a dignified final resting place" is a critical part of the nation's duty to honor the 80,000 veterans and their families served by the state-run cemetery, which opened in 1991 and has experienced some maintenance problems over the years.
New U.S Sen. Brian Schatz and U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard echoed Hirono's comments, with Schatz thanking DVA Secretary Eric Shinseki for his work. Gabbard, who also serves as a military police captain in the Hawaii Army National Guard, praised the grant as a significant gesture to honor veterans' contributions, service and sacrifice.
In 1986, City Councilman and businessman John Henry Felix formed a coalition with state and federal lawmakers to establish the cemetery; he also donated more than 35 acres of land next to state-owned property for the project.
Veterans Cemetery Up For Major Upgrades
↧
↧
‘We Go Jam’ At WCC Library
A unique gathering of authors and musicians is set for 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Windward Community College's Library Learning Commons, offering a full menu of local culture and sound.
As part of the college's Out Loud at the Library series, the event marks the recent release of the book We Go Jam: Celebrating Our Music, Our Soundscape, Our Hawaii with guest readers, book sales and signings and music by WCC's own TRiO students.
Hawaii Council for the Humanities, publisher of the 118-page softcover anthology, will give away 10 of the books to the best entrants in an informal "Write to Win" contest. (Students and the public are inviting to write 100 words or less about what a song, or music, means to them and bring it to the Jam.)
We Go Jam is a collection of 36 island writers sharing their poems, short stories, oral histories, lyrics and essays. Contributors expected to attend are Puakea Nogelmeier, Thelma Chang, Calvin Hoe of Hakipuu, Aiko Yamashiro and Jerry Santos, both with Windward roots, and editor Susan Yim. We Go Jam is available for $14.95 at Native Books/Na Mea Hawaii in Ward Warehouse, or for $10 at Thursday's program.
"Nothing brings us together quite so wholeheartedly as does music," stated HCH executive director Bob Buss, "connecting us to a place and telling stories about ourselves and the world around us.
"We Go Jam is a pure humanities project, and we are happy to join WCC in celebrating the music of Kaneohe and Windward Oahu."
The music begins at 6 p.m. in the library breeze-way, and the readings, music and talk story portion will run from 6:30 to 8 in its first-floor atrium. WCC's award-winning poet and English teacher Janine Oshiro coordinates the Out Loud programs.
For more information, call 235-7374.
↧
Gunstock Ranch Hosts Women’s Rodeo Barrel Racing, Roping
Rodeos will burst out of the pen in the next few weeks, with action in corrals from Laie to Waimanalo sponsored by the Hawaii Women's Rodeo Association.
Gunstock Ranch will host the Gunstock Winter 4D (four divisions of barrel race and roping) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. this Saturday at the ranch, located at 56-250 Kamehameha Hwy. near Laie.
Registration for the competitions starts at 9, followed by exhibition runs, barrel racing (all age categories), girls breakaway roping, team roping of three steers and individual roping.
Rodeo admission is free to the public. For more information, contact Dreama Carroll at nsranchmom@gmail.com.
The HWRA also plans two fundraising, gymkhana-like "fun days" in March for members and nonmembers - the first one at 10 a.m. March 2 at Diamond J Ranch in Waianae, and the second one at 10 a.m. March 30 at DK Ranch in Waimanalo. Both events feature a variety of fun races, such as ribbon, baton, match poles, keyhole, flag, egg-and-spoon, lifesaver, sit-a-buck, rawhide, foxand-hound, boot and three-legged races.
Ribbons will be awarded to the first six places, plus an all-around award for the highest points.
The goal is to raise at least $10,000 this year in order to cover the All-Girls Rodeo costs and year-end awards.
For entry fees and more information on HWRA, call 216-7555.
↧
Crepes Are Flipping At Windward Mall
Crepes and closets are the "in" words at Windward Mall this winter, as the Kaneohe shopping complex welcomes Aloha Crepes and Patty's Closet to its list of merchants.
The locally owned Aloha Crepes opened in December on the first level, and Las Vegas-based fashion boutique Patty's Closet will open soon.
"It's important for us to provide our shoppers with a diverse shopping experience," said senior mall marketing manager Alex Kirley, "and these two new stores allow us to do just that."
The creperie is open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily offering breakfast to dessert, with plenty of savory crepes in between.
The business, which also has outlets in Waimalu and Kaimuki, is known for its "Aloha Snowflakes" - flavored shave ice enhanced by mochi, azuki beans, chocolate syrup, sweetened, condensed milk and other delights. Call 247-5848 or contact info@alohacrepeshawaii.com.
↧
CPAC Revives ‘Oklahoma’ With Youthful Glee This Weekend
Castle Performing Arts Center is bringing those rowdy Okie characters to the Ron Bright Theatre stage for this weekend only in the new junior version of the Broadway musical, Oklahoma (Kids!). Directed by Karen Meyer, the musical involves more than 50 students in grades 5 to 8 from Castle Complex schools performing the well-loved classic songs, dances and comedy of the original Rodgers & Ham-merstein Broadway play. Keely Kapu-Hanks of Ahuimanu Elementary stars as Laurey the winsome farm girl, and Isaac Scott of Ben Parker Elementary plays handsome cowboy Curly. Also in key roles are Ben Parker's Keawe Quinones, King Intermediate's Riley Stewart, Heeia's Saoirse Ryhn, Puohala's Raven Young, Kapunahala's Oliver de-Clive Lowe and Kaneohe's Aisha Yamamoto. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 3 p.m. Sunday at the Kaneohe venue. Tickets cost $12 for adults, and $8 for students, seniors and active-duty military. To reserve a seat, call 233-5626 or go online to showtix4u.com. Now in its 50th year and directed by Meyer for 11 years, CPAC plans a special presentation April 7 at the final performance of its spring show, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.
↧
↧
Show Combining Ballet Troupe, Quintet
The Onium Ballet Project and Chamber Music Hawaii combine once again Sunday at Paliku Theatre to give the Windward side a new, contemporary ballet showcase based on classical technique. (Their Appalachian Spring played to sold-out houses at Paliku and at UH-Hilo two years ago.) The curtain will rise at 4 p.m. on the Paliku stage to present two short ballets and Oboe Quintet. The ballets are Trapeze by Sergei Prokofiev and Clocks by Miguel del Aguila, the latter being the first-ever performance of the work with original choreography by Minau Lallemand, Onium's artistic director. The Oboe Quintet by British composer Sir Arnold Bax features CMH's J.Scott Janusch and the Galliard String Quartet. Tickets cost $35 and $30 in advance, or $5 more at the door. For reservations and details, call 489-5038.
↧
Windward Oahu Event Calendars
Wednesday
February 20
Computer lab
KEY Project offers oneon-one tech skills classes in its Computer Open Lab from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays for beginners and those wanting to brush up on operating systems and applications. To register, call 239-5777.
Tai chi
Signup deadline is today for a class in "Posture and Tai Chi," set for 9:45 a.m. Feb. 27 in Hale Kuhina 106 at WCC, featuring a video of Al Huang exercises. Fee is $9. Call 235-7433.
Thursday
February 21
Kaneohe board meets
Kaneohe Neighborhood Board meets at 7 p.m. at Ben Parker Elementary cafeteria. Call 768-3711.
Parenting course
Signups are due today for "Loving Solutions for Tough Kids," a parenting course that starts March 7 at Kailua Elementary Workbook costs $10 cash. The group meets on six Thursday mornings. Call 235-7747.
Bladder talk
Castle Medical Center has a free seminar at 6 p.m. with Dr. Jason Smotherman on "Help! My Bladder Is Ruining my Life!" Pre-register at 263-5400.
Miracles, breakfast
Windward Unity Church sponsors a Course in Miracles at 6:30 tonight at 46-005 Kawa St. #303 and a meet-the-pastor breakfast at 8:30 a.m. Saturday at Cinnamon's. Call 262-6731.
College night
Kalaheo High School hosts a college night for juniors, sophomores and freshmen and their parents at 6:30 p.m. in the school library. Call 254-7924.
Friday
February 22
Star struck
WCC's Hokulani Imaginarium presents the family show "Magic Tree House Space Mission" at 7 tonight and May 24. Admission is $7, $6 and $5. Call 235-7433.
Piano people
Ernest Chang's piano students play a free public recital at 7 tonight, and pianist Ron Miyashiro entertains at 7 p.m. next Tuesday at Pohai Nani auditorium. Call 235-5025.
Saturday February 23 History day Windward District's History Day Fair is open from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at King Intermediate School, featuring the best of history research projects by students in grades 4-12. The public is welcome. Call Hawaii Council for the Humanities at 732-5402, ext. 7.
Studio hula
Hula Preservation Society offers a studio hula class for women, meeting at 9:30 a.m. Saturdays at Hale Pulelehua, 46-020 Alaloa St. Kumu Nawahine Kuraoka leads the non-competitive class. Fee is $40 a month, and drop-in students are welcome for $10 per session. Call 247-9440.
Lanikai gala
Lanikai Public Charter School presents "Vintage Lanikai," a wine-tasting and auction benefit from 6 to 10 p.m. at Mid-Pacific Country Club with heavy pupus, entertainment and plenty of wine. Tickets cost $55. Call 503-381-6387.
Royal music
The Royal Hawaiian Band plays a free concert at noon at Windward Mall. Call 922-5331.
Writing retreats
Lillian Cunningham leads writing retreats from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. today and March 16 and April 27 in Hale Akoakoa 107-109. Fee is $8 in advance or $10 at the door. Call 235-7433.
Blood drive
Hawaii Blood Band has a donor drive from 7:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. at Kailua Community Church, 250 Oneawa St. Call 848-4770.
Hakipuu help
Hui o Koolaupoko volunteers helps restore Hakipuu Stream from 8 a.m. to noon, and every fourth Saturday, removing invasive plant species from the mauka spring area. To offer help, call 381-7202.
Walk with doc
Dr. Sonny Wong of Windward Heart Center leads a brief walk around Kailua at 8 a.m., then reconvenes in the Whole Foods Kailua parking lot lanai for free blood pressure checks and a heart healthy Q & A. Call 258-3943.
Shredding
Up to two boxes of material per person can be shredded from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Kaneohe Bay Shopping Center, sponsored by Kaneohe Business Group, First Hawaiian Bank and Hawaii State FCU. Call 235-7747.
Lotus plants
Mulkern Landscaping & Nursery has a free workshop on lotus plant care at 10 a.m. at 41-639 Kaulukanu St. in Waimanalo. Call 396-6595.
PAL volleyball
Kaneohe PAL volleyball league signs up players age 6 to 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today and Sunday at Heeia Playground on Haiku Road. Fee is $20. Call Aunty Alice at 247-1558.
Sunday
February 24
Blood drive
Hawaii Blood Bank has a donor drive from 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at St. John Vianney, 920 Keolu Drive. Call 848-4770.
Monday
February 25
Makahiki deadline
Entry fees of $70 are accepted through today for the March 9 Makahiki Challenge at Kualoa Ranch. Email makahikichallenge@gmail.com.
Tuesday
February 26
Baby stories
Kaneohe Library has Baby Storytime at 10:30 a.m. at the library. Call 233-5676.
Good cooking
Registered dietitian Rita Madden discusses "Healthy Cooking on a Fixed Budget" at 6 p.m. at Kahuku Library, with recipes and samples of nutritious meals for ages 12 and up. Call 293-8935.
Upcoming
Movie night
Kaneohe Library will screen the film Hotel Transylvania at 6 p.m. Feb. 27. Call 233-5676.
Star struck
Hokulani Imaginarium will present a "purely entertaining" program at 7 p.m. Feb. 27, featuring classic rock music by Led Zeppelin and "mind-blowing graphics in full dome digital technology." Admission is $7, $6 and $5. Call 235-7433.
Positive coaching
Positive Coaching Alliance will run a coaching workshop at 7 p.m. Feb. 27 in Windward (location TBA), covering "Double Goal Coach: Culture, Practices and Games" and "Coaching the Mental Game." Call 235-7747 for details.
Blood drive
Hawaii Blood Bank will have a donor drive from 12:45 to 6:45 p.m. Feb. 28 at the Kailua Town Center parking lot. Call 848-4770.
Hearty foods
Castle Medical Center will sponsor "Colorful Hearty Foods" in its Eat Well for Life series with Eileen Towata at noon Feb. 28 in the wellness center, featuring demonstrations, samples and recipes to nourish your heart. Fee is $20, $15 or $10, due two days ahead. Call 263-5400.
Craft sale vendors
Keolu Elementary School seeks vendors for its first yard and craft sale March 16, to benefit the PTSA. Fee is $25 for a 10-by-10-foot space. Call 734-1872.
Enchanted Lake's 50th
Enchanted Lake Elementary will mark its 50th year March 16 with a luau, entertainment and exhibits. Alumni are welcome, along with their old photos, T-shirts and memorabilia. Tickets cost $12, or $15 after March 1. Call Barbara at 263-1411, ext. 236.
Items must reach us by Feb. 20 to be considered for the Feb. 27 edition. Fax to 585-6324 or email to cchang@midweek.com.
↧
Sunday Marketing For Kailua
The same duo behind the successful Ala Moana, Haleiwa and Hawaii Kai farmers markets is creating a new market for Sunday mornings in Kailua.
Pamela Boyar and Annie Suite promise plenty of free parking as they celebrate the grand opening of Kailua Town Farmers Market this Sunday at Kailua Elementary School on Kuulei Road.
Festivities kick off with an oli and blessing at 8:50 a.m. Market vending and browsing will follow from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. with live entertainment by Paul Izak & Seeds of Love throughout the day.
Other highlights include a donation-based yoga class for all levels (bring your own towel or mat) at 9 a.m. and health crusader Patricia Bragg of the Bragg's Institute, who will speak at 11.
The market managers promise 40-plus booths selling fresh, local products, such as coffee, honey, macadamia nuts, fresh butter and cheeses, a variety of breads, tropical flowers, potted herbs and fresh fruit, greens and vegetables. Goodies ready for consumption include sugarcane juice, croissants and other pastries, smoothies, crepes, pizza, fried green tomatoes and more. A covered, open-air cafe will have seating to accommodate up to 70 people as they munch on their purchases.
For more information, call Boyar and Suite at 388-9696 or visit their website at alamoanafarmersmarket.com.
↧
Kalaheo Mustang Boys Soccer: A Study In Commitment
The ultimate win in soccer head coach John Nakagawa's mind is a "total team win." His 2012-13 Kalaheo boys team had a whole slew of those this winter in compiling an 11-2-2 mark. "Commitment, effort and team play - that was our philosophy, and the boys took it to heart and continued throughout," said Nakagawa. "We're extremely proud and very, very satisfied with our season." His latest team is akin to a rock band without a true front man - a team largely without star power. "I would say so," he said. "We have some very good talent, and we have some very good athletes. The key is putting it all together as one package. They trusted each other and played as a team very, very well." Commitment to team defense was perhaps its best attribute, as Kalaheo won six games by way of a shut-out and yielded only a single goal in four other outings. It also went 5-0-2 in games decided by a goal, and 4-0-1 in road games. Kalaheo's only two losses came to DI state champion Kalani in the regular season and eventual DII state champion Kapaa in a semifinal game. The Mustangs won the OIA DII tournament Jan. 25 over Farrington (1-0 in overtime) and finished third at the DII state tournament. The team had reeled off six straight wins by mid-season and was projected to be in the mix for the state title. Between the OIA and state tournaments, it got some added motivation from athletic director Mark Brilhante. "Our A.D. talked to the kids twice, and it was very inspiring," Nakagawa recalled. "Two words summed it up. He told them to finish strong, and that really epitomized what we did. We adopted a mind-set for the last push. On the last day, I told the kids how fortunate we were to be playing on the last day of the high school soccer season." Kalaheo had opened at states in riveting form Feb. 7, edging Christian Liberty in the fourth minute of the second overtime session. It also claimed the OIA White tournament in overtime on a goal by Cody Inagaki three minutes into the extra session. Kalaheo's OIA title was the soccer program's first since 1996. The Mustangs' prospects for next season also are solid, as 19 lettermen should return from the 29-member roster. "We look at every year as a 'building year' - we're building a new team," Nakagawa said. "We'll have a strong corps back, and that's exciting. We're already talking about next year. I'm always thinking about it."
↧
↧
Windward Triumph Possible At State Basketball Tourney
The final test for the Kailua and Kalaheo basketball teams has arrived, as both will be in the state tournament Tuesday-Saturday this week. Pairings were to be revealed Feb. 17. Kailua will compete in the DII tournament, while Kalaheo will take part in D I play, having been promoted after claiming last year's DII title. A look at their prospects is below.
Kailua High
Record: 14-8 overall, 6-5 versus OIA schools, heading into last weekend
What's next: The DII tournament
How they got here: The team beat four DI teams to earn the top seed out of the East for the OIA White conference tourney. A triple-overtime win over Kaiser last week lifted Kailua into the OIA DII title game over the weekend and guaranteed it a berth at states.
Key wins: Over Kahuku (47-45) Jan. 5; over Kaimuki (47-29) Jan. 11; over Roosevelt (58-51) Jan. 16; over Farrington (48-37) Jan. 25
Players to watch: Kirk Ronolo Jr. (third leading White scorer at 14.2 points per game), Kekoa Ford (10.9), Mason Youart (5.7), Noah Auld and Cason Kalei
What to watch: Kailua is making its first state tournament appearance in three years. The past two were memorable, as it took the DII state title in 2009 and was 2010 runner-up. Recent history indicates a strong run by Kailua this week. Indeed, in five of the first six Division II state tournaments held since 2007, an OIA East team has won. The Surfriders will rely largely on defense this week, as they have held seven of their last nine opponents to under 42 points. Dating back to the end of December, Kailua guard Ronolo has reached double figures in scoring in all but two games. Head coach Walter Marciel is in his first season after a successful stint at Academy of the Pacific. He also was a longtime assistant at Kalaheo. Marciel succeeded Tim Harrison, who is now an assistant on Alika Smith's Mustang basketball staff.
Kalaheo High
Record: 24-4 overall, 11-0 in OIA games, heading into last weekend
What's next: The DI state tournament
How they got here: The Mustangs' win streak was at 14 and counting entering the weekend, as they hadn't lost since their final pre-season game to Punahou in late December. Kalaheo was to play Moanalua for the OIA DI title over the weekend.
Key wins: Over Moanalua (41-40) Jan. 5; over Kahuku (51-40 on the road) Jan. 26; over Campbell (52-37) Feb. 9; over Farrington (55-49) Feb. 13 Players to watch: Kalei Zuttermeister (10.6 points per game), Derick Morgan (10.3), Josh Ko (9.5), Shem Sukumaran (6.7), Alex MacLeod (6.0)
What to watch: The Mustangs are trying to be the first OIA boys basketball team to win state titles in back-to-back years in separate divisions. After taking last year's title, they have transitioned to DI in dominating fashion and were still unbeaten prior to last Saturday night's Moanalua game. They maintained momentum from last season in part by going as a team to Las Vegas in July, where they captured the Live-Run Bigfoot Hoops Tournament. In veterans Zuttermeister, Morgan, Ko, Sukumaran, MacLeod and Silila Tucker, they have arguably the most-seasoned roster of any team at states. Zuttermeister has been especially hitting his stride, averaging 15.2 points over his last three outings. Defense has been the team forte throughout, as it has not let an opponent break the 50-point plateau all season. Offensively, it's at its best when it is making good on perimeter shots. The Mustangs had converted 72 three-pointers heading into the weekend.
↧
Waha Nui
Leilehua graduate Cassandra Aoki has won the 2013 James M. Vaughan Award for Poetry and will collect $250 cash for her Chinatown, Honolulu entry Saturday at the annual Koolau Writing Workshops, held at Hawaii Pacific University's Kaneohe campus. Cassandra's poem will be published in HPU's literary magazine, Hawaii Pacific Review. A retired UH administrator, she declares on her Facebook page: "I enjoy writing poetry and short stories. Still looking for what I want to be when I grow up" ... Everett Leeds (Leilehua 2011) has graduated from Army basic training at Fort Benning, Ga. ...Speed-dating for pets was a hit at PetSmart Mililani's recent grand opening. Sheree Young reports that 21 dogs and "about four cats" were adopted within the first two hours ... Wahiawa ophthalmologist Christopher Tortora is helping sponsor a U.S. fellowship for Dr. Thanh Hai Nguyen from Hue, Vietnam, where he is co-chief of cataract surgery demonstrations. He began observing and working with Dr. Tortora at the end of January. Speaking of cataracts, Tortora says they're not so bad if you treat them early. There's a "short, painless" procedure to replace that foggy lens. Meanwhile, eat as much fresh produce and seafood as you can to reduce the condition (621-8488) ... Mililani's Shaun Mitsui has been appointed vice president and private banking officer for Central Pacific Bank. Shaun also is involved as a board member at Mililani YMCA ... Wheeler Elementary third-grader Alana Souza placed second for her grade level in the 2013 Board of Water Supply Water Conservation Week poster contest, and her work also graces the month of April on the BWS calendar ... Mililani's Lauren Marie Buenaventura made the fall dean's list at Seattle Pacific University ... Mililani's Kevin Miyama of Prudential Locations, has been elected president of Honolulu Board of Realtors
↧
Leilehua Team To Compete In D.C. At National CyberPatriot Finals
In March, five Leilehua High School students soon will travel to Washington, D.C., where they will compete in the CyberPatriot Finals. The "Mighty Mules" - comprised of students Sharon Thepsenavong, Kawika Lavarias, Seth Allen, Michael Grajales and David Williams - is one of 14 finalists in the All Service Division. The team finished as the top JROTC qualifier in the nation. "(Everyone) is looking forward to the CyberPatriot experience," said coach and senior Army JROTC instructor Lt. Col. (Ret.) Nick Spiridigliozzi, who has been with the school for three years and served in the military for 26 years. The all-expenses-paid trip will put the students through a series of challenges that will test their knowledge in computer-related topics ranging from hardware security to protecting a network. Specifically, students learn skills that enable them to protect their computers and networks, and keep their services running. This is the second year Leilehua High School students will compete, having won the Army Service Division Championship at last year's competition. The goal of the program and competition is simple: to get kids excited about learning. "The goal of Cyber-Patriots is to get kids excited about their education, make them aware of cyber security, science, mathematics and technology," said Spiridigliozzi. The team has been preparing with Friday practices and the occasional Saturday, depending on their mentors' availability. Each team member's commitment to the program is one requirement Spiridigliozzi had for anyone interested in joining; that and a minimum 2.5 grade-point average. One mentor, Air Force Senior Master Sgt. (Ret.) Mike Herr, has been particularly helpful. "He is, by far, probably the best mentor in the United States," declared Spiridigliozzi. "Not only does he know the computer side of it, but he also knows the competition side and how the competitions are designed." Spiridigliozzi also is quick to point out that the team wouldn't have been able to accomplish as much as they have so far without the help of principal Aloha Coleman. Simply put: "She's awesome. "She's so supportive of us and anything we need, she's there for us, and we're very fortunate to have a principal as supportive as she is," he added. The skills the students have learned are ones that are applicable to future potential careers. What previously started with just one teammate interested in pursuing a career in computer science has now evolved to three out of the five members. The team flies in ahead of the competition to get acclimated to the time difference. While there, they'll also take in the sights and meet Hawaii's congressional delegation. At the end of the competition, a banquet is held where winners are announced. "The kids get a lot of accolades and they really put on a first-class operation," said Spiridigliozzi. "It's something high school students don't really see that very often." The CyberPatriot Finals are March 14-15 at Gaylord National Hotel and Convention Center in National Harbor, Md.
Leilehua Team To Compete In D.C. At National CyberPatriot Finals
↧
Kahuku Students Fundraising For D.C. Trip
For 15 Kahuku High students, navigating the history and developing extensive knowledge on the U.S. Constitution have been a good fit.
After beating its competitors at the state "We the People" competition, the team will travel to Washington, D.C., April 27-29 for the nationals.
"It hones their reading, writing, research and speaking skills, along with teaching them teamwork," said social studies teacher and team adviser Jan Harney.
The team has been taught as a class under Harney's tutelage for four years. "It teaches many skills they will need for future endeavors," Harney explained.
The competition requires students to recite a four-minute essay before answering a series of questions from judges for six minutes, with topics ranging from current events to the Constitution.
The Red Raiders have been preparing with a new set of questions for the nationals, and writing and re-writing essays.
Additional coaching comes in the form of many mentors who assist in the team's growth, including state judges and William S. Richardson School of Law faculty members.
"Sandra Cashman sets up these sessions and comes into our classroom once a week to help," Harney said. "She is the state coordinator and is excellent at what she does."
The team soon will begin its classroom simulations, which are meant to mimic the same atmosphere as the national competition.
Though the team's primary focus is on preparing as much as possible before the trip, it also is raising funds to help pay for the travel costs to Washington. The price tag per student is about $2,000, which includes everything.
In addition to grant-writing by students' moms, the team will host a Zumba night from 5:30 to 7 p.m. March 7 in the gym (($7 presale at the school office, $10 at the door) and a silent auction from 8 a.m. to noon March 9 at Sunset Beach Elementary School.
Monetary donations also are accepted and can be sent to Kahuku High School, 56-490 Kamehameha Hwy., Kahuku, HI 96731. In the memo line, write "We the People."
For more information, contact Harney at jan_harney@notes.k12.hi.us.
↧
↧
Kanikapila At Waimea Valley
Waimea Valley will have its free monthly Kanikapila from 1 to 4 p.m. March 17 in the pavilion area.
Entertainment features the Abrigo family. Bring your own instrument to join in, or just come and enjoy the music.
A luau consisting of kalua pork, mini laulau, lomi lomi salmon, macadamia nut and panko-crusted fish, rice, poi, haupia and other goodies will be served at the park from noon to 3 p.m. for $25 and $15 per person, with reservations recommended.
Special park admission that day is $5 and $2.50 with kamaaina identification. Call 638-7766.
↧
Big Things Are Happening For Central Oahu Youths
Sen. Michelle Kidani
Congratulations, Chelsea! Last week I had the honor of introducing Mililani's Robinson family to my Senate colleagues. They came to the Capitol so that we could recognize Hanalani School senior Chelsea Marie Robinson for being named Hawaii's Distinguished Young Woman for 2013. Chelsea's mother, Sherry Robinson, and her sister Brittany were there for the occasion.
The Distinguished Young Woman program was, until a few years ago, known as the America's Junior Miss program and is Hawaii's oldest such scholarship competition.
It's open to high school seniors from public and private schools who demonstrate exceptional leadership and academic excellence and are active in their communities.
Chelsea easily meets all of those criteria. She's off to the finals in Mobile, Ala., in June where she will compete for more scholarship awards. Good luck, Chelsea!
Trojan Triumphs
This has been a great season to be a fan of Mililani Trojan athletics. Congratulations to the MHS girls soccer team, winning the OIA Division I title and making it all the way into the state tournament, where they placed fourth.
The Mililani boys soccer team won the OIA championship for the fifth time in six years, and its 10th championship since 2002. The boys finished sixth in the state tournament.
The boys swim team won its seventh consecutive OIA championship, finishing third in statewide competition.
Both the girls and boys basketball teams advanced to post-season play in their respective state tournaments. The girls made it into the quarterfinals, and the boys tournament is just getting started as this column is prepared. Congratulations to all for this season's successes.
Legislative Session Continues
I am pleased to report that a number of bills I introduced this session continue to move through the legislative process. Here are just two of them that I believe deserve further consideration:
Senate Bill 573 authorizes a state income tax credit of up to $250 for certain out-of-pocket expenses incurred by a school teachers. So many teachers expend their personal dollars to supplement classroom resources, and this would recognize that extra effort in a meaningful way.
The Legislature is also considering the governor's budget request for a comprehensive overhaul of the state's information technology which is woefully inefficient and outdated.
As a part of revamping our IT capability, I have proposed in SB 961 that state agencies be required to share information to the extent possible to increase efficiency and eliminate duplication in their operations.
Too many times, agencies act as guardians rather than providers of information, even when dealing with other state entities.
The state's information technology director has plans to change this through upgraded IT systems that will greatly facilitate services to the public. My bill would assure that this becomes a required standard practice.
You can follow the progress of these bills and others on the Legislature's Web site - http://capitol.hawaii.gov - by entering bill numbers or searching key words
in the appropriate boxes.
Contact Sen. Kidani at SenKidani@Capitol.Hawai i.gov, call 586-7100, or visit the Senator's office in State Capitol room 228.
↧
History Day Winners Move To State Contest
When Mililani hosted the Central District's History Day Fair Feb. 9 at the high school, it also dominated the winners circle and will send 18 projects from Mililani Complex schools to the state-level competition for grades 4 to 12 on April 20 at Windward Community College.
More than 150 research, display and performance-based projects, designed to broaden students' appreciation and enthusiasm for history and civics education, were entered in the district fair.
The Hawaii Council for the Humanities sponsors the yearlong program in the state's public and private schools, with some worthy efforts moving up for national judging.
Mililani High fielded 14 students who are moving up to state judging. Mililani Middle School has one, Mililani Ike Elementary three. Other area winners were Waialua Intermediate with three and Wheeler Middle School with two. Their topics ranged from the telephone to nuclear fission, from battles at Wounded Knee to Midway, plus birth control, apartheid and cubism. The 2013 theme is "Turning Points in History: People, Ideas, Events."
↧
Waialua Wrestler Doubling Up On Practice For State Title
The all-consuming effort that Waialua's Treylan Kobayashi puts forth on the wrestling mat never wavers. Indeed, when the prep wrestling season reaches tournament time, the senior has yet another gear.
"Around the time of the (OIA) Western finals, I start doubling up on my practice time - I practice with Waialua, and I practice with my club (Grapplers)," he said. "I like the determination and drive it takes and how wrestling pushes you."
Kobayashi is hoping to put the final touches on what has been an impressive prep career at this weekend's state wrestling championships.
He finished second at last year's state finals in the 114-pound weight class and needed a strong performance over this past weekend in the OIA overall finals to officially ensure a slot in this week-end's state tournament.
Kobayashi already had captured the OIA Western Division individual championship Feb. 9.
In addition to finishing second in the state last season, he also finished second in both the West and the OIA. As a sophomore, Kobayashi won both the West and the OIA and finished fifth in the state in the 108-pound weight class.
As long as he can remember, Kobayashi has wanted to win an individual state championship.
"I've thought about competing in the Blaisdell Arena since I was a kid," he said.
"It's been a pretty big goal for me."
Kobayashi's introduction to wrestling began at home. Older brothers Wes and Toran competed for Waialua during their own high school days. Today Wes Kobayashi is Waialua's head coach, while Toran assists.
"I used to go every day to the wrestling room to watch them practice, and I went to all of their matches," Treylan said. "I was in fourth grade when I started in the PAL League. My brother has been my coach from then to now."
Asked if the brothers engage in competition at home, Treylan said with a laugh, "It prevents us from fighting, so we just wrestle.
"We get along," added Kobayashi, who was still undefeated at press time at 18-0. "It's all fun. We're a wrestling family. My dad (Kenlan) wrestled (for Waialua High School) in the 1980s."
Except for approximately two months, Kobayashi wrestles "pretty much year-round." Last summer, he competed in his age group for Team Hawaii at the U.S. Wrestling Nationals in Fargo, N.D.
"For the couple of months I have off, I like to go to the beach and fish and hunt - outdoor things."
"When I got to intermediate (school), I really became more serious about my training," he added.
"I gave up other sports for wrestling. I used to play football in the ninth grade."
Nine years after taking up the sport, Treylan's will to work remains one of his best attributes as a wrestler, according to Wes Kobayashi.
"He has the motivation and drive - he'll go the extra mile every day in practice," he said. "The sport grew on him. He enjoys it."
↧
↧
Mililani Boys Soccer Stars Dominate All-West Conference
Over the past decade, when it comes to the OIA boys soccer tournament, Mililani can practically sign its own figure to the conference checkbook.
With its latest OIA title last month, the team now has won five of the last six Division I titles since the league split into two divisions. Mililani also had won seven of the previous nine overall OIA titles between 1999 and 2007 under head coach Jeff Yamamoto prior to the separation into divisions.
The Trojans dominance didn't go unnoticed when the OIA coaches gathered to vote on the West's All-Conference teams.
Mililani, which finished 12-2-1 overall, had four players chosen as First Team All Stars, including attacker Ryan Carlomany, mid-fielder Matt Fronda, defender Jeremy Laguana and Player of the Year mid-fielder Elan Yogi.
Carlomany tallied nine goals during the season to tie teammate Preston Derige for tops on the team. In 10 regular-season games, Mililani outscored its opponents 48-2. Mililani entered the Division I state tournament on a 10-game win streak before losses to Kalani and Iolani ended its title bid.
Defenders Zach Carvalho and Royce Yamane both were picked for the Second Team from Mililani, while teammates Scott Inouye, Tyler Braunthal, Liam Neill, Chris Galang and Robin Potts were Honorable Mentions.
In Division II, Leilehua had six players earn Honorable Mention, including Jean-Marcos Garcia, Jarrett Pascual, Brennon Jacinto, Aaron Calabrese, Kyle Sego and Kelii Makue.
Receiving Honorable Mention from Waialua were Kebi Dellatan, Christian Paracuellas, Elmer Agtina, Thomas Pule, Caelan Alejandro, Jannarong Truatnoy and Kyle Iona.
The Mililani girls soccer team also had another banner year, going 13-2-1 and winning its 14th overall OIA title. The Trojan girls also made the semifinals of the Division I state tournament before finishing fourth. Mililani had six players - Brittney Gideon, Kailana Kaeo, TJ Reyno, Alisha Miyashiro, Madison Reed and Shyani Terukina - make the West's First Team, while Ray Akiona was selected Coach of the Year by his peers. Mid-fielders Brooke Yoshimura and Mia Crail-Yusif, and defenders Tarryn Miyamura and Taylor Yoshiura made the Second Team from Mililani, while Tasalina Leoso earned Honorable Mention.
Elizabeth Dumlao, Lauren Nelson, Amanda Fernandez and Jessica Misajon were named Honorable Mention from Leilehua, which made the Division II state tournament.
Receiving Honorable Mention from Waialua were Ashley NakoaKawahakui, Olivia Prindle, Terina Lacar, Amber Alejandro, Emma Knott and Nicole Verdadero.
↧
Central Oahu Highlights
Send Central Oahu event items by email to cchang@midweek.com or by fax to 585-6324. The next edition is March 13, and deadline is March 6.
* FOOTBALL Mililani Football Association seeks a volunteer head coach now for the Mitey Mites division of Pop Warner Football. The season starts Aug. 1. Call Tony at 756-3334.
* NEIGHBORS The Wahiawa-Whitmore Village Neighborhood Board meets at 7 p.m. Feb. 25 at Wahiawa District Park, the North Shore board meets at 7 p.m. Feb. 26 at Haleiwa Elementary cafeteria, and Mililani-Waipio-Melemanu meets at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 27 at Mililani Rec Center III. Call 768-3710.
* BLOOD DRIVES Hawaii Blood Bank has donor drives from 7:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Feb. 28 at Waialua Intermediate & High School, and 7 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. March 2 at Mililani Town Center. Call 848-4770.
* SOFTBALL The Hiki No Softball Club has openings for girls born in 2002 or 2003 for the ASA Fastpitch Softball season, which starts March 2. The team is based in Mililani and plays islandwide. Contact Tim Dumlao at 221-5226 or hikinosoftball@ymail.com.
* BANDSTAND Waialua Bandstand hosts entertainment by the Bluegrass Barnstormers at 4 p.m. March 3, sponsored by Skydive Hawaii at Dillingham Airfield. Call 637-9721.
* LIFEGUARDS The Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center conducts a lifeguard training course March 8, 15, 17 and 24 at Central Oahu Regional Park in Waipio. It's a blended learning course that has online/hands-on skills. Call aquatic director Ruthie Heuton at 677-8510.
* ZUMBA Edelynn Pagba leads free Zumba classes at 9 .m. March 8 and 22 at Mililani Town Center. Donations welcome. Call 330-7728.
* MEETING DOGS Hawaii Dog Foundation hosts a "meet and greet" session with its adoptable dogs from noon to 2 p.m. March 9 at Mililani Mauka Dog Park, 95-1069 Ukuwai St. Call 782-8387.
* EAT STREETS Mililani Rec Center 7 and Mililani Ike Elementary School host an Eat the Streets food truck rally from 2 to 7 p.m. March 9, with crafts, entertainment, a block party and plenty of food. Call 623-7300.
* HUNGRY LIONS Mililani Lions Club plans its annual benefit breakfast from 6 to 11 a.m. March 10 at Mililani High School cafeteria, and the Wahiawa Lions have their breakfast April 21. Email todd-kawa@hawaii.edu (Mililani) or donrobbins7@gmail.com (Wahiawa).
* CHORAL FEST The Mililani Complex Choral Festival is set for 6:30 p.m. March 12 at Mililani Town Center. Call 625-0108.
* KANIKAPILA Waimea Valley presents its free monthly Kanikapila from 1 to 4 p.m. March 17 in the pavilion area featuring the Abrigo family. Bring your own instrument, or just come and enjoy the music. A luau also is served at the park from noon to 3 p.m. for $25 and $15 per person, with reservations recommended. (Special park admission that day is $5 and $2.50 with kamaaina ID. Call 638-7766.
* SAT CLASSES Test-Prep Hawaii teaches its spring break SAT classes from noon to 2 p.m. March 18-22 at Mililani High School. Fee is $150. Visit test-prephi.
Ongoing
* STRIDERS The Leeward Stroller Strides group meets at 8:45 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursday at Central Oahu Regional Park, offering a fitness walk for moms and tots in strollers. Fee is $60 a month. A Schofield Barracks group meets at 8:45 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Call 398-6275.
* JAZZERCISE Kate Moore leads low-impact, one-hour Jazzercise classes at 6 and 7 p.m. Mondays at Mililani District Park, and beginners are welcome. She also leads Jazzercise at 6:15 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at Mililani Rec Center 5. Call 621-2482.
* KEIKI COUNCIL The Central District North Community Children's Council meets at 5:30 p.m. on the third Wednesday of the month in Mililani High School Room C101. All parents of children with special needs are welcome. Call 586-5363.
* COMPUTERS A free tutoring service is available on computer basics at Wahiawa Library for seniors or anyone seeking help on using their personal computer. To arrange a time, call Clark at 622-2784 or email him at clarkinhawaii@ymail.com.
* CONSERVATION The Oahu Army Natural Resource Program welcomes volunteers for its service trips and environmental out-reach projects in the Waianae and Koolau mountains to control invasive weeds and more. Call 656-7741.
* WAIALUA WRITERS The Waialua Library writers group meets at 11 a.m. on the second Saturday at the library. Call 637-8286.
* BALLET Weinberg Community Center has ballet classes for children (ages 4 to 18) at 67-174 Farrington Hwy. in Waialua. Call Kristin Rivers at 623-9062 or email krisriv@gmail.com.
* SUP YOGA Judy Kosaka teaches SUP Yoga at 9:30 a.m. Sundays at Anahulu Stream for $10 per lesson (bring own board). Other training also is available. Call Aloha SUP Yoga at 627-9444 or email bewell808@yahoo.com.
* NORTH MARKET North Shore Country Market runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays at Sunset Beach Elementary School, selling Hawaii-made items exclusively. Vendors are welcome. Call 673-3296.
* WAIALUA CO-OP Waialua Farmers Co-op Market sells local produce, plants and more from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays and 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays at Waialua Sugar Mill. Call 637-4439.
* WAHIAWA MART A farmers market is open from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. each Thursday at Wahiawa Hongwanji Mission, 1067 California Ave. Visit wahiawacdbo.org.
* HALEIWA MARKET Haleiwa Farmers Market is open from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursdays at Waimea Valley's Pikake Pavilion and main lawn. Call 388-9696.
* MILILANI MARKET Mililani High School hosts a Farmers Market from 8 to 11 a.m. Sundays in the gym parking lot. Call 848-2074.
* CITY MARKETS The People's Open Market sells produce on Tuesdays 10-11 a.m. at Wahiawa District Park and 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Mililani District Park. Call 522-7088.
↧
Focus on Central Oahu
↧
More Pages to Explore .....
