Direct from Donovan… Senator Donovan Dela Cruz

According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation Kids Count Data Center project, Hawaii ranks No. 25 when it comes to how children are faring across the U.S.

The report ranks states in economic well-being, education, health, and family and community

The report states that 70 percent of fourth-graders in Hawaii are not proficient in reading and 68 percent of eighth-graders are not proficient in math. To date there are 90,000 children living in single-parent families, 7,000 teens who abuse alcohol or drugs, and 6,000 teens who do not attend school and are not working.

There are approximately 20-25 hours per week that children are out of school while most parents are at work, thus creating an after-school gap.

A report commissioned by the National Institute on out-of-school time in association with the Boston After-School for All
Partnership program highlighted the importance of after-school programs on student development.

Recognizing the importance of after-school programs, this past session I introduced SCR185, which requests the Department of Education organize and coordinate out-of-school programs for kindergarten through 12th grade. The bill also identifies funding opportunities for current and future DOE out-of-school programs.

The intent is to provide structured care and activities for children who may be home alone, and thus susceptible to risky behaviors and other dangers.

Programs that include sports, art and music foster positive youth development, helping children build character, identify specific abilities, and improve fitness and academic commitment.

Aside from the childcare and supervision value, these programs provide youth development and skill building that have been reported to reduce and prevent delinquent behavior.

In conjunction with DOE and PlayRugby USA, I am working on developing a program for middle-school students to play flag rugby during after-school hours.

The state Department of Public Safety reports that Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders comprise more than 40 percent of Hawaii’s inmate population. The flag rugby program would focus on three DOE complex areas with the highest population of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students.

By incorporating physical activity, academic development and a social environment, students will have a safe haven from 3to6 p.m., and also will learn the necessary discipline that is required to be successful in society. The idea is to take it statewide after the first year.

Afterschool programs are increasing in number and popularity, but Hawaii is one of the most costly states for childcare and out of reach for many working families. We work to provide affordable after-school programs to ensure that Hawaii’s youths are in safe and nurturing environments in the after-school hours.

Pearl City Public Library reopened to the public Monday after a number of major renovation projects including re- roofing, re-flooring and other improvements.

The library, one of the largest in the state, also reopens its parking lot and book drop.

Operating hours are Monday and
Tuesday noon to 8 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Friday 1-5 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. It is closed on Saturday.

Pearl City Public Library is located at 1138 Waimano Home Road next to the police station.

Visit librarieshawaii.org for more infor

mation.

REP. ANDRIA TUPOLA

Thinking Different Rep. Andria Tupola

With Hawaii’s hurricane season here now, it is of utmost importance that communities open up lines of communication to each other to build an emergency plan together.

We can’t predict natural disasters, but we can proactively prepare our homes and communities.

In June 2013, I attended my first evacuation drill at Nanakuli High School and was inspired to organize a subsequent drill and fair.

I envisioned a drill at Nanakuli High School, which currently is the only designated emergency shelter for the Waianae coast, combined with a fair involving first responders and community groups to disseminate information on emergency access roads, food storage, water purification and 72-hour kits.

Lines of communication have been opened between first responders, and the conversation has opened up about the need for a secondary access road into the Waianae Coast.

My office will host an Emergency Preparedness Fair and Drill from 9 a.m. to noon June 27 at Nanakuli High School.

We will have informational booths and live evacuation drills, and all the emergency access roads will be opened!

I am working with the Navy and HPD to arrange for the community to familiarize itself with the access roads and simulate a scenario to prepare for the opening of access roads.

This is an opportunity for individuals and families to really experience what it would be like if there was a need to use the access roads, if they had to evacuate their homes to a shelter, or if they had to remain in their homes and use food storage to survive.

Come check it out! There
will be food vendors, entertainment, prizes and much more.

Most importantly, you will learn about being prepared!

Contact state Rep. Andria Tupola, R-District 43 (Ewa

REP. ANDRIA TUPOLA

Kidani’s Korner…Sen. Michelle Kidani

Late May and early June are filled with celebrations for many Oahu families as the school year ends with honors assemblies and graduation ceremonies.

I was in the audience at Blaisdell Center May 29 for Waipahu High School’s commencement, and everyone there was definitely in a mood to celebrate.

Some 560 seniors marked the end of their high school careers — and what a year it was!

Ever since principal Keith Hayashi and his dedicated corps of teachers and administrators refocused the school on college and career readiness, a new “can do” spirit has taken over.

The results are clear: Waipahu High was cited as one of five Hawaii public high schools that increased the number of graduates going to college by 10 percent or more over a twoyear period.

Head Start, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, put on a Read Aloud event at Waikele Elementary. Pictured are (from left) state Sen. Michelle Kidani, Waikele vice principal Kevin Ginoza, Kapolei-to- Waipahu Head Start program manager Suzie Uyeda and Head Start director Lynn Cabato. PHOTO FROM SEN. KIDANI’S OFFICE.

The Class of 2012 sent 43 percent of graduates off to college; the Class of 2014 enrolled 53 percent in college.

Numbers aren’t available for the current class, but it’s likely we can expect an even higher percentage since more than 160 seniors who received their diplomas this year — nearly a third of the class — already had earned college credits
through the school’s early college initiatives.

Here are some other numbers to celebrate: Thirteen graduates shared the honor of being designated class valedictorian this year; nine graduating seniors were named National Scholars by Phi Theta Kappa, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious honor society; and the Class of 2015 earned a staggering $15.2 million in scholarships and grants for exceptional achievements in academics and athletics.

Congratulations to everyone who has contributed to the successes of Waipahu High School’s students, including the proud families of these young men and women.

A Milestone Anniversary
Last month, Honolulu Community Action Program (HCAP) Head Start program marked its 50th anniversary of serving pre-schoolers and their families across the state.

The program is active in more than 80 locations on Oahu, including centers in the Honowai-Waikele-Waipahu area.

Head Start brings in about $15 million in federal funding to our state annually.

But more than that, the 1,700 youngsters in the program each year develop learning and social skills early in life that will serve them well through their school years and as tomorrow’s leaders in our neighborhoods.

Hats off to director Lynn Cabato, who has been with Head Start for nearly 40 years, beginning as a social services aide and serving as program head for the past decade.

Lynn has willingly and passionately devoted her life to the program, nurturing and depending on the strong staff and community support so essential to the strength of the services HCAP Head Start provides.

Happy anniversary to the Head Start ohana, and best wishes for many more successful years!

Contact state Sen. Michelle Kidani (District 18 — Mililani Town, most of Waipio Gentry, Village Park, Royal Kunia and Waikele) at 586-7100 or senkidani@capitol.hawaii.gov.

• METH ART Hawaii Meth Project exhibits student winners of its Break the Ice art contest from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. June 3-29 at Kapolei Hale. Call 356-8645 or email info@hawaiimethproject.org.

• NEIGHBORS Aiea Neighborhood Board meets at 7:30 p.m. June 8 at Aiea Library, and Ewa meets at 7 p.m. June 11 at Ewa Beach Library. Call 768-3710.

• PARK HULA Asing Community Park offers 10 weeks of hula instruction beginning June 9 — adults at 6:30 p.m. Thursdays, keiki at 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays. The park is located at 91-1450 Renton Road. Call Leinani at 681-6435.

• RONALD Ronald McDonald jumps into the Children’s Summer Reading Program with music, magic and games during visits to Aiea Library at 10:30 a.m. June 10 (483-7333), Pearl City Library at 1 p.m. June 22 (453-5655), and Ewa Beach Library at 10:30 a.m. July 16 (689-1204).

• KAMEHAMEHA All public libraries are closed June 11 in observance of the Kamehameha Day holiday.

• ORCHIDS Aiea Orchid Club presents its annual orchid show and sale June 12-14 at Aiea Elementary School. Hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday. Plant sale closes at 2 p.m. Email aieaorchidclub@yahoo.com.

• TEEN PARTY Wet ‘n’ Wild in Kapolei hosts a summer block party for teens June 13 with deejays, a dance crew competition, rides and more for ages 14 to 18 with valid ID. Visit flavorus.com/sum-merblockparty.

• LAWNS Oahu Urban Garden Center’s Stroll the Gardens day runs from 9 a.m. to noon June 13 featuring a workshop on “Lawns for the Home Garden” ($10), plus a plant sale and a Master Gardeners’ answer booth at 955 Kamehameha Hwy. To register for the workshop, call 453-6050.

• STROKE SIGNS Pali Momi Medical Center neurologist Huidy Shu conducts a free talk on “Warning Signs of a Stroke” at 8:30 a.m. June 13 in the hospital’s first floor conference center. RSVP to 535-7733.

• OPEN HOUSE Graham Builders conducts a builder’s open house from 1to4p.m.June13and14 at 99-124 Lilikoi Place to showcase its eight-home family condominium project at the Aiea site. Call 593-2808.

• WORKSHOPS Hi‘ilei Aloha LLC sponsors workshops on Native Hawaiian leadership development from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 13-14 at Hawaii Maoli (91-1270 Kinoiki St.) and Grant Writing from 9 a.m to noon June 24 at Hale Pono‘i (91-5420 Kapolei Parkway). Call Jennifer at 596-8990, ext. 1013.

• BLOOD DRIVES Hawaii Blood Bank has donor drives from 8:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. June 13 at Our Lady of Good Counsel on Waimano Home Road, 7-11 a.m. June 14 at Foodland in Ewa Town Center, 12:15-3:15 p.m. June 16 at Pearl City Home Depot, 3-7 p.m. June 17 at Kapilina Beach Homes in Ewa Beach, and 2:30-7 p.m. June 18 at Kapolei High School. Call 848-4770.

• MINDFULNESS Pearl City Hongwanji hosts a special service at 8:30 a.m. June 14 when UH Manoa professor Thao Le discusses “Mindfulness.” The mission is located at 858 2nd St. and the public is invited. Call 455-1680.

• SENIOR HEALTH Hawaii United Okinawa Association sponsors a Senior Health & Fitness Fair from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 19 at Hawaii Okinawa Center, 94-587 Ukee St. in Waipio Business Park, with exhibits, demonstrations, workshops, prizes and a drawing for a free Las Vegas trip. The event also accepts unused or expired medications for safe disposal. Call 676-5400.

• ORCHIDS Malama Learning Center presents a WithOut Walls workshop on growing orchids from 9 a.m. to noon June 27 at Kapolei High School with instructor Mark Stoutemyer of DuPont Pioneer’s Kunia Research Center. Fee is $15, or $40 per family of up to three people. Call 483-0678 or email sayo@malamalearningcenter.org.

• SOCCER Leeward AYSO 269 (Makaha to Kapolei) is registering players age 4-18. Early fee is $85, which includes uniform, insurance and photo package. Make checks payable to AYSO 269; credit cards welcome. Seasons start in August and September, depending on age. Visit leewardayso269.com.

• HURRICANES The KapCity Hurricanes, Jr. Prep Sports Football league is registering players for tackle ($160) and flag ($110) football season. For details, call Leilani at 393-5844.

• HURRICANES Ewa Beach Hurricanes are conducting registration for intermediate and elementary football players, coaches and parent help. Apply to ewabeachhurricanes@gmail.com or call Coach Nolan at 232-4449.

• CARDINALS Ewa Beach Cardinals are accepting applications for the fall football season of intermediate and elementary, no-weight-limit play, as well as adult staff support and coaches. Call 271-5792 or email theewabeachcardinals@gmail.com as soon as possible.

Ongoing
• STATE FAIR The Hawaii State Fair is open Friday-Sunday until July 3 at Aloha Stadium. Events start at 6 p.m. Fridays, 4 p.m. Saturdays and noon Sundays, closing “between 11 p.m. and midnight.” For details, visit ekfernandez.com.

• MCC MARKET Momilani Farmers Market offers about 20 vendors plus a new family activity from 3 to 6 p.m. Fridays at Momilani Community Center, 715 Hoomoana St. Call Kasey at 341-0568.

• MAKEKE KAPOLEI
Kapolei High School hosts a farmers and green market, Makeke Kapolei, from 3 to 6:30 p.m. Thursdays in the school parking lot, offering more than 30 vendors with locally grown produce, prepared foods, plants, demonstrations and more. Co-sponsors are Malama Learning Center and Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center. Call 697-3599.

• EWA MARKET Mahiku Farmers Market is open from 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays at The Waterfront at Pu‘uola, 5105 Iroquois Ave. Call 225-4002.

• WAIPIO MARKET
Kaiser Permanente’s Waipio Clinic hosts a Fresh Days farmers market from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays at 94-1480 Moaniani St. Call 432-2260.

• CITY MARKETS
People’s Open Market sells produce on Tuesdays from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. at Waiau District Park and 8:15-9:15 a.m. at Waipahu District Park; Fridays 7-8 a.m. at Halawa District Park and 9-10 a.m. at Ewa Beach Community Park; Sundays 7-8:30 a.m. at Kapolei Community Park, 9:30-11 a.m. at Royal Kunia Park-n-Ride and 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Waikele Community Park. Call 522-7088.

• AIEA MARKET
Pearlridge Center hosts farmers market from 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays by the highway fronting Sears and Zippy’s, featuring music, prizes, keiki activities, a pop-up cafe and more than 40 vendors. Visit alamoanafarmersmarket.com.

• BIOFUEL All public comments are due by June 8 on the draft EIS for a 50-megawatt biofuel-capable power generation plant at Schofield. Call 656-3158.

• SPECIAL FUNDS Heartbeat dance troupe is raising funds at Pizza Huts islandwide June 10 and July 6 to defray costs of its trip to perform at the Special Olympics World Games in L.A. (For the required flier, call 554-1410). Call 255-4305, email jungm001@hawaii.rr.com or visit gofundme.com/heartbeat2worlds.

• KAMEHAMEHA All public libraries are closed June 11 in observance of the Kamehameha Day holiday.

• LEILEHUA EATS Leilehua High School presents “2nd’s at Leilehua” from4to7p.m.June12at the school, featuring food trucks, entertainment and much more as a campus fundraiser. Email second satleilehua@yahoo.com or call 622-6550.

• HOEDOWN The Saloon Pilots perform from 9a.m.to1a.m.June12in a “Haleiwa Hoedown” at Breakers Restaurant & Bar in North Shore Marketplace. Call 637-9898.

• BON PRACTICE Wahiawa Hongwanji Mission has open bon dance practice at 2:30 p.m. June 14 and 21, and Okinawa dance practice at 7 p.m. June 22 at 1067 California Ave. to prepare for its June 26-27 festival. Call 392-3253.

• POLO Hawaii Polo Club hosts a match at 2 p.m. June 14 at Mokuleia Field between Wealth Strategy Partners and Noh Foods. Noh Foods battles Equus Hotel June 21 for the Francis Brown trophy. Gates open at 11 a.m., and admission is $10 and $8. Visit hawaii-polo.org.

• NEIGHBORS Wahiawa-Whitmore Village Neighborhood Board meets at 7 p.m. June 15 at Wahiawa District Park’s Halekoa Building, and Mililani Mauka-Launani Valley meets at 7 p.m. June 16 at Mililani Mauka Elementary. Call 768-3710.

• SCIENCE & HPD Wahiawa Library presents Hardware Science Super Hero Academy at 6 p.m. June 16 for ages 5 and older; and a talk by HPD officers on their police cars (with demonstration) at 6 p.m. June 17. For details, call 622-6345.

• ARMY DOGS Wahiawa Library hosts a demonstration on Army working dogs at 6 p.m. June 18. Call 622-6345.

• SOVEREIGNTY The Legal Mobilization Project presents attorney Dexter Kaiama at 6:30 p.m. June 18 at Wahiawa District Park to share his courtroom experience regarding the independence of Hawaii nei under international law, including a recent filing about TMT on Mauna Kea. Email Lopaka at righteouspromo@gmail.com.

• WAIMEA MOVIE Waimea Valley kicks off a summer “Screen on the Green” series at 7:30 p.m. June 18 with the film Goonies. Popular shows will be screened every other Thursday at the park, following Haleiwa Farmers Market. There’s no charge, but donations are welcome. Call 638-7766.

• RONALD Ronald McDonald plunges into the Children’s Summer Reading Program with music, magic and games during visits to Waialua Library at 10 a.m. June 18 (637-8286), Kahuku Library at 10 a.m. June 25 (293-8935) and Mililani Library at 10:30 a.m. July 14 (627-7470). Call 377-2456.

• PLANTS Wahiawa Botanical Garden sponsors a free horticultural forum at
9 a.m. June 19 on Plant Propagation. For reservations, call 522-7066.

• WAIALUA EATS Waialua High hosts its Food Truck Experience Fundraiser from4to8p.m.June19in the gym parking lot. Call 637-8200.

• SENIOR HEALTH Hawaii United Okinawa Association sponsors a Senior Health & Fitness Fair from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 19 at Hawaii Okinawa Center, 94-587 Ukee St. in Waipio Business Park, with exhibits, demonstrations, workshops, prizes and a drawing for a free Las Vegas trip. The event also accepts unused or expired medications for safe disposal. Call 676-5400.

• BAKE SALE Friends of Waialua Library have their annual benefit bake sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 20, along with their monthly book sale. Call 637-7446.

• BLOOD DRIVES Hawaii Blood Bank has donor drives June 20 from 7 to 11:30 a.m. at Mililani Market Place. Call 848-4770.

• LIVESTOCK SHOW The annual 4-H Livestock Show is set for June 20 at Kawailoa Ranch in Haleiwa. Call 542-6549 or email debugucowgirl@yahoo.com.

• WAIMEA DADS DAY Waimea Valley serves a Father’s Day Crab Legs and Prime Rib buffet from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 21 in its Proud Peacock restaurant. Cost is $65 and $29.95 for ages 4-12. Call 638-7766 or check the website at waimeavalley.net.

• NATIVE HEROES Storyteller Nyla Fujii-Babb presents “Hawaiian Heroes: Past and Present” for all ages at 6 p.m. June 23 at KahukuLibrary(293-8935), 10 a.m. June 25 at Waialua Library (637-8286), and 6 p.m. June 25 at Wahiawa Library (622-6345).

• CHURCH GOLF Wahiawa United Church of Christ sponsors its third annual Golf Fellowship and Tournament July 24 at Waikele Country Club, with check-in at 10 a.m. and shotgun start at noon. Rodney Villanueva hosts the awards banquet, and proceeds go to ministries and outreach programs of the 96-year-old church. For details and to sign up (by July 10), call 621-8145 or 623-3226.

• READERS Waialua Readers meet at 9:30 a.m. June 25 (and each fourth Thursday) at Waialua Library to discuss their pick of the month, Alan Brennert’s Molokai. Call 637-8286.

• DRAWING Waialua Drawing Group meets at 11 a.m. June 27 (and each fourth Saturday) at Waialua Library to draw from a still-life together. Call 637-8286.

• WAIMEA MUSIC Waimea Valley opens its annual concert series June 27 with Makua Rothman, Kawika Kahiapo and Henry Kapono. The entertainment runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Next concert is July 25. For tickets and details, call 638-7766.

• BIKE PATH Malama Ke Ala Pupukea volunteers work to maintain and improve the bike path from 2 to 5 p.m. June 28. Email
kealapupukea@gmail.com.

Ongoing

• HALEIWA MARKET Haleiwa Farmers Market is open from 2 to 7 p.m. (new summer hours) each Thursday in Pikake Pavilion and the main lawn at Waimea Valley. Call 388-9696.

• WAIALUA WRITERS The Waialua Library writers group meets at 11 a.m. each second Saturday at the library to write on a chosen theme. Call 637-8286

• NEW MARKET Hawaii Farm Bureau sponsors a new farmers market from 8 a.m. to noon Sundays behind North Shore Marketplace on Cane Haul Road in Haleiwa. Call 260-4440.

• STORIES, FILMS Wahiawa Library offers free Movie Nights at 5 p.m. Tuesdays (more “grown up”) and 2 p.m. Saturdays (kid friendly); and a free storytime with craft activity from 6 to 7:15 p.m. each Thursday. Call 622-6345.

Waipahu High teacher and student activities coordinator Joy Takara (from left) with students Clarissa Gomez, Sally Millon, Mc Erl Dave Andres, Sherrie Mae Gracie and Ashley Mae Macadangdang in front of the White House April 11-14 during a GRAMMY Museum-spon- sored workshop on “The History of Gospel Music.” PHOTO FROM JOY TAKARA.

It’s not every day that five Waipahu High School students get the chance to visit Washington, D.C., meet First Lady Michelle Obama and participate in a GRAMMY Museum-sponsored workshop on “The History of Gospel Music.”

And it’s even more rare that they get to do all those things for free.

“It was as simple as answering the phone,” joked Waipahu High student activities coordinator and teacher Joy Takara.

Management company AEG Facilities (who oversees Hawaii Convention Center) called Takara with the “generous” offer to arrange and pay for everything — just two weeks before the April 11-14 workshop dates.

“I have a great admin team, and they jumped on it,” Takara said. Principal Keith Hayashi and vice principal Alvan Fukuhara helped select students and speed along the arrangements. “Normally nothing happens that quickly, but we scrambled.”

So, five lucky students — Sally Millon, Mc Erl Dave Andres, Ashley Mae Macadangdang, Clarissa Gomez and Sherrie Mae Gracie — joined 130 other students from all over the country to explore the ins and outs of the music industry.

“(It was) getting the kids to see what goes on behind the scenes in music and the entertainment business, and understand what gospel is, and what part it played in history,” Takara explained.

Students talked with industry veterans like Smithsonian Museum of American History music manager Tim Prestige and GRAMMY Museum in Los Angeles director Robert Santelli, learned how to sing with the Howard University Gospel Choir, and enjoyed music with Rodney Crowell, Rhiannon Giddens, Michelle Williams, Darlene Love and Lyle Lovett.

And, of course — they met the First Lady.

Takara said Obama pushed education in her short speech to students. “Even if you might want to be in the entertainment business … No. 1 is getting a good education under your belt to be successful.

“Everything that we do is based on our education and networking. So it’s not always how much you know; it’s also who you know and how you use those connections,” Takara elaborated. The students also had the chance to tour the Capitol with Sen. Brian Schatz’s staff, visited Sen. Mazie Hirono, and got to check out the famed Cherry Blossom Festival, Arlington
National Cemetery, Lincoln Memorial and much more.

“It was an eye-opener for me,” said Andres. “I was amazed at the mix of populations on the Mainland, so different from
Hawaii and Waipahu.” Andres, who was born in the Philippines, is now even more anxious to become an American citizen, so he can “call these places my own.”

Graduation hit the Chaminade University softball team hard in the off-season, as the Silverswords lost eight seniors, including six position starters as well as both starting pitchers.

Chaminade softball head coach Kent Yamaguchi has been hard at work filling out his future roster, and announced recently the addition of three Hawaii high school standouts to the program.

Joining the ‘Swords for 2016 will be West Oahu products Kayla Higuchi of Aiea and Nashlynn Anguay of Campbell. Rainelle Matsuoka of Kaiser also will be in the fold.

Higuchi was a shortstop at Aiea High, where she helped guide Na Ali‘i to the 2015 OIA Division II championship and a runner-up finish in the state DII championships in recent weeks.

She was named to the HHSAA DII All-Tournament Team for her efforts, having batted .500 (6-for-12) with four runs scored, three RBI and a stolen base during the tournament.

She also came in big in Aiea’s game against two-time defending DII state champion Nanakuli in the title game, going 3-for-4 at the plate, with two runs scored and two RBI. Higuchi helped Aiea to three straight state tournament appearances and also made the HHSAA All-Tournament Team as a junior in 2014.

This spring, she was named to the All-OIA DII Second Team.

Anguay was a centerfielder for Campbell and recently capped an incredible four-year career by helping guide the Sabers to the DI state title.

She batted an impressive .385 with 19 runs scored and 12 RBI in her senior season this spring, earning First Team All-Conference honors in the OIA West.

In four state tournament games, Anguay batted .533 (8-for-15) with six runs scored, five RBI and a home run, culminating in a 3-for-4 performance with three runs and three RBI in the Sabers’ 16-4 win over Mililani in the title game.

Anguay helped lead the Sabers to four straight trips to the state semifinals, which included runner-up finishes in 2012 and 2014.

All three women join outfielder Kayla Henmi of South High School in Torrance, Calif., in Chaminade’s 2016 recruiting class.

★★★

The Hawaii Pacific University softball team will host its annual summer clinics Aug. 8-9 (for ages
9-12), Aug. 15-16 (for ages 16-18) and Aug. 22-23 (for ages 13-15).

The clinics will take place at Howard A. Okita Field on HPU’s Windward Hawaii Loa Campus, with HPU softball players and coaches serving as instructors.

They will run from 1 to 5 p.m. each day and are free. Signups, however, are limited to the first 50 players per session.

All participants must sign HPU’s consent-waiver and medical-consent forms.

For more information, email Sharks head coach Howard Okita at hokita@hpu.edu.

Aiea pitcher Jarred Uyeda has been named OIA Division II Baseball Player of the Year.

Uyeda was one of the catalysts for an Aiea team that recently delivered the school its first Title since 2006. Na Ali‘i went 10-0 in their regular season to earn the top seed for the conference tournament. Aiea went on to beat Farrington and Kapolei to win the title.

Na Ali‘i won 14 straight games and advanced to the title game of the state tournament, where they were defeated by Maryknoll, 8-4.

Including Uyeda’s selection as Player of the Year, Aiea boasted a league-high 10 players on the DII First or Second Teams.

Receiving First Team honors from Aiea were third baseman Kobe Kato, shortstop Jaryn Nakamoto, outfielder Micah Peters-Valdez and utility player Jansen Kudaishi.

Catcher Makanaakua Ah Yo, first baseman Logan Ho, outfielder Shannon Fermahin, and pitchers Dylan Madamba and Shae Ishimoto were selected for the Second Team, while Chaz Querbal-Acosta received Honorable
Mention.

Aiea’s Ryan Kato was also named DII Coach of the Year by his peers.

Kapolei had a trio of First Team selections in catcher Mykah Kuratani, second baseman Cobey Fujii and first baseman Ekolu Young.
The Hurricanes had a breakthrough season under coach Tom Ebanez, going 9-5 overall and 8-2 to earn one of the league’s berths for the DII state tourney, a first for the program.

Shortstop Corey Slade, third baseman Jordan Macias and outfielder Noah Lono-Soares were selected for the Second Team.

Receiving Honorable Mention were Robert Oliveros, Jace Barayuga, Tyler Hao and Tristen Manoha.

In DI, Campbell’s Ian Kahaloa was selected as the West Player of the Year after helping lead the Sabers to their third straight title. Campbell went on to win the DI state tournament, giving the program its first title since 1978.

Kahaloa went 5-0 with an ERA of .016. He was joined on the First Team by teammates Dorrien Villanueva-Hermosura (first base), Blayze Arcano-Llacuna (outfield), Dewayne Sprinkel (outfield) and Keola Himan (utility).

The Sabers also placed catcher Tryzen Patricio, second baseman Jake Mendoza and third baseman Zachary Kapihe on the Second Team. Campbell’s Jobe Ibana received Honorable Mention.

Pearl City’s Gavin Concepcion was selected as West’s DI Coach of the Year after leading the Chargers to a 10-8-1 record.

The Chargers also qualified for the state tournament after having missed the field in 2014.

Shortstop Matt Tsutomi was named to the First Team from Pearl City, while outfielder Tyler Kushima was a Second Team selection.

The Chargers also saw Dane Kaneshiro, Shaye Higa, Brent Clymer, Trenton Darley, Sanyo Lo and Nick Au earn Honorable Mentions.

Receiving Honorable Mention from Waipahu, which went 4-7-1, were Oakland Scanlan, Shiloh Baniaga, Kobe Russell and Rustin Ho.

Mililani High School’s stellar play on the baseball diamond was not lost on OIA West coaches who chose six Trojans as First Team All-Stars.

Making the First Team from Mililani were catcher Sean Sonognini, pitcher Micah Chinen, second baseman Jarrin Morikawa, third baseman CJ Ibara, outfielder Kaimana Souza-Paaluhi and designated hitter Ryan Kono.

Mililani also boasted four players on the Second Team: pitcher Koa Eastlack, first baseman
Ty De Sa, shortstop Justice Nakagawa and outfielder Kainoa Wilson.

The Trojans began the season with a nine-game win streak, which helped them secure the No. 2 seed from the West in the OIA tournament. They finished second to OIA champion Campbell.

Logging 14-5 record overall, the Trojans followed up the OIA tournament by finishing fourth at the Division I state tournament.

This marked the third consecutive year that the team finished in the top four in the state after runner-up finishes the past two seasons.

As for Leilehua High School’s baseball team, pitcher Trayson Kubo was named to the OIA Second Team. A senior, Kubo posted a 4-3 record with a pair of saves. He had an ERA of 1.23 with 70 strikeouts against just 27 walks.

Leilehua went 6-8-1 overall, including a 5-6-1 mark in the West. A 3-1 win over the Campbell Sabers April 8 highlighted the season.

Leilehua and Mililani were the only two teams to defeat the Sabers, who finished as both the OIA and DI state champion.

Leilehua also saw Trey Yukumoto, Kebi Dellatan, Wayne Abear, Jared Academia, Cody Segawa, Teaugan Eckstrom and Rick Van Gelder earn Honorable Mentions.

In DII, Waialua had five players earn Honorable Mentions. They were Virgilio Bareng, Royce Tashiro, Matthan Hatchie, Dane Little and Mila Lele.

The Bulldogs went 3-7 during the regular season and qualified for the OIA DII tournament, where they were defeated in the first round by Kalaheo.

European Wax Center owners Jennifer and David Pang celebrated the opening of the Pearl Highlands Center location last month. PHOTO FROM JENNIFER PANG.

European Wax Center opened its first Hawaii location last month and offers the same level of service and care that can be found at more than 600 other locations across the country.

“There are unique wax places here, but they … work out of their house or a spa,” said co-owner Jennifer Pang. “We wanted to look at European Wax here to raise the whole level of care.”

In fact, that’s what makes the center so special.

“All we do is waxing,” added co-owner David Pang. “We specialize in that. We’re not trying to do hair or nails or massages.”

Corporate trainers came down prior to the opening to spend a week equipping technicians with the skills to perform high-quality waxing, as well as the knowledge of all products.

For the Pangs and their 14 estheticians and guest service associates, they want the center to be a place where the everyday person can afford to look and feel beautiful.

European Wax Center is located in Pearl Highlands Center on the second floor between GameStop and Payless Shoes.

Visit waxcenter.com/hi-pearl-city for more information and to book appointments. Customers who book online will receive select complimentary waxes.

Kaimana Padello made enough plays last fall for the Mililani defense to fill his own highlight film. Even so, his 2014 season left him feeling as if he still has some unfinished business to take care of in 2015.

“We had a wonderful season last year. It was great for our school and community, but I felt personally that I could have been better, and I’ve been working hard to improve myself,” said Padello, a defensive end and linebacker.
“I think each of us at every position has to improve for us to keep our spot.”

As in past years, the Trojans are sure to get every opponent’s best shot this fall after going 13-0 last season and delivering the school’s first-ever Division I state championship. Mililani also won a second-straight OIA Red title, its third in five years under head coach Rod York.

For Padello, it is all about the present. He made the weight room his home away from home during the off-season.

“I’ve been lifting two times a day to get stronger and get myself ready,” he said.

He’s hoping to continue his upward mobility after posting 17 sacks last year as a junior. Padello, who packs 210 pounds into a 6-foot frame, is quick off the ball and demonstrated his speed recently when he ran a 4.7 in the 40-yard dash.

“Rushing the quarterback is my specialty,” Padello said. “But I like both run (defense) and (defending the) pass. What I like most about football is the competition. I just like fighting in the trenches. Since I’ m also a linebacker, they use me on the edge, so I have to get faster.”

Padello had an immediate impact during his sophomore season when he cracked the starting lineup. Halfway through the 2013 season, he dislocated his elbow and was sidelined for several weeks.

Padello came back in time to play in Mililani’s semifinal win over Farrington at that year’s state tournament, as well as its loss to Punahou in the championship game.

Last season, the defense gave up 18.8 points and just under 300 total yards an outing.

Padello found his role model at home in older brother, Kelii “KK” Padello, who was the state’s sack leader with 19 as a senior in 2013.

“I’ve learned a lot from him,” he said of KK, who currently is playing for Southern Oregon.

Padello’s plan also is to play college football.

“I’m being looked at by some colleges,” he said. “I’m hoping to get a scholarship, and I’ve been thinking about it a lot lately. Watching other people who I’ve beaten get scholarships has given me the
motivation to get better and prove people wrong.”

Mililani wrapped up spring practice recently and will conduct summer workouts until the official beginning of fall camp during the last week of July. While OIA allows full contact during spring practice, the Trojans will not be allowed to suit up in pads again until a few days into fall camp.

“I have a lot to work on, so I’m glad I have this time for myself,” Padello said. “We’re just working on our plays, our technique and our craft.”

Among the highlights of the Trojans’ 2015 season will be a trip to Henderson, Nev., for a Sept. 4 game against Liberty High School.

(Liberty will be in Honolulu the week before to play Saint Louis School at Aloha Stadium.)

Mililani’s trip also will be a reward for a senior class that has compiled a 35-5 record over the past three years.

“There’s quite a few of us, we’re a pretty tight-knit group,” Padello said of Mililani’s seniors. “Guys like (returning quarterback) McKenzie (Milton) are leading us.

“I like the way we’re looking right now and the direction we’re headed in. I’m pretty excited and anxious.”

Mililani junior Taylor-Anne Kim and her two pals, Hibachi and Cynders. PHOTO FROM TAYLOR-ANNE KIM.

Taylor-Anne Kim has always wanted to visit Japan. She will soon get her chance.

A junior at Mililani High School, Kim has been selected to visit the island nation as a representative of the JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) Memorial Invitational program. Kim is the only Hawaii resident among the 32 students who were chosen from the nationwide contest.

“There are only 32 people chosen, and I don’t know how many people applied, but this is a large nation, and I can only imagine how competitive it could be,” said Kim.

The JET Memorial Invitation Program provides high school students with the opportunity to visit the Tohoku region of Japan and to participate in exchanges with Japanese students.

While there, the students will get to witness the recovery of the region following the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, and act as symbolic bridges to enhance goodwill between the U.S. and Japan.

A member of the Japanese National Honor Society at Mililani High School, Kim applied to the program for just that reason.

“I am looking forward to meeting the people in the Tohoku region that were affected by the tsunami and earthquake, and I think it would be really cool to meet them and talk about their experiences, what they are doing now and maybe doing whatever we can to help.”

While in Japan, the JET students also will participate in Japanese language classes at Japan Foundation Japanese Language Institute Kansai. They also will be able to experience life in Japan firsthand during a weekend home stay.

Mililani High School has had considerable success getting students into the JET program. Kim is the third Trojan in the last four years to be chosen. Corey Zukeran, a Japanese language teacher at the school, said the students’ interest in overall academics is responsible for getting so many into the JET program.

“The students here are very eager to learn, not only in Japanese, but academically, they are very motivated. I’m not sure it’s just the Japanese language ability that’s getting them selected. In the past we’ve had some very excellent students who got accepted; I think it’s the culture of academics here that produces great students.”

Kim is one of those academic stars. She has a 4.1 GPA and is active in school activities. Plus, she’s not afraid of hard work,
Zukeran said.

“She has great interest and she pushes herself, not just about the things I teach in class, but she takes it upon herself to learn on her own.”

To be selected — only one student per school can be recommended — students must have an overall GPA of 3.0 or be an active JNHS member. They also must pass an online exam followed by an interview in both English and Japanese. The program also honors two former JET participants who were killed in the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.

“Having visited some of those areas, it will be great for them to see how people are doing,” said Zukeran. “We had a lot of media coverage after the event. But here we are, four years later, and we don’t get to see how much is left to do.”

Kim flies out July 5 for a three-week stay. After returning to Mililani, she will give a fall presentation to her AP Japanese class and another for the honor society, Zukeran hopes.

“There will be more awareness, and the students can make a connection with a student who actually
went and hopefully that will drive interest in later years,” he said.

As for Kim, she hopes to reach more than fellow students.

“The hope is to build relationships between the U.S. and Japan so that when natural disasters happen we’ll be there for each other and to help each other out,” said the honor student.

The 2015 Obon season has arrived in Hawaii, and Central Oahu offers seven ways to pay respects to your departed ancestors.

There also are ample opportunities to dance and feast the night away in one of Hawaii’s most colorful summer traditions.

• Haleiwa Jodo Mission will have the first of the area’s public observances.
Bon dancing is set for 8 to10p.m.June19and8 to 11 p.m. June 20 at the mission, located at 66-279A Haleiwa Road. Call 637-4382.

• Wahiawa Hongwanji will celebrate at 7 p.m. June 26-27, starting both nights with a children’s lantern parade at 1067 California Ave. The mission invites the public to enjoy its country
store, silent auction, keiki games, food and the one-of-a-kind Takedaiko Group dancers. Call 622-4320 or 392-3253.
For the schedule of its Wahiawa dance practices, see Highlights on Pages 14 and 15.

• Haleiwa Shingon Mission’s bon dance festival runs from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. July 10-11 at 66-469 Pa‘ala‘a Road.
The service starts at 6. Call 637-4423.

• Wahiawa Ryusenji Soto Mission’s bon dancing begins at 7:30 p.m. July 17-18 at 164 California Ave.
Taiko is at 7 and 8:30 both nights, and Okinawan dancing at 9 p.m. July 18. Call 622-1429.

• Waialua Hongwanji has bon dancing from 7 p.m. Aug. 1, with its serv-
ice scheduled for 6 p.m. at 67-313 Kealohanui St. Call 637-4395.

• Mililani Hongwanji’s bon dances are from 7 to 10:30 p.m. Aug. 21-22 at 95-257 Kaloapau St., with a craft fair at 5, and food booths open from 6 p.m both nights.
A lantern parade starts at 6:45 p.m. Aug. 21. Call 625-0925.

• Hawaii United
Okinawa Association hosts the season finale for Oahu at 5 p.m. Sept. 19 with its Autumn Okinawa Dance Matsuri at Hawaii Okinawa Center, 94-587 Ukee St. in Waipio. Call 676-5400.
(HOAC members also are preparing for the annual Okinawan Festival Sept. 5 at Kapiolani Park, which includes bon dancing at 5:30 p.m.)