Neighborhood boards now conduct “Internet-only” elections, and that’s what lies ahead — April 24 to May 15 — for all residents who want a voice at the grass-roots level.

Oahu’s 33 boards meet monthly to address area issues and concerns in dialogue with organizations, lawmakers and government.

There are 575 candidates willing to represent their neighbors in 2015-2016. Elections are held every two years, in odd-numbered years.

Voters will be mailed a passcode April 23 to access the online ballot. Walk-in sites will be open in Honolulu, Kapolei and Hauula for those without their own computer links.

East Oahu has five boards.

Palolo is fielding 15 candidates for its four subdistricts; Diamond Head-Kapahulu-St. Louis Heights has nine candidates for three sub-districts; Kaimuki has 14 candidates for three sub-districts; Waialae-Kahala has 12 candidates for four subdistricts; Kuliouou-Kalani Iki has 15 candidates for eight subdistricts; and Hawaii Kai has 22 candidates for 11 subdistricts.

For more information,visit honolulu.gov/nco.

Palolo Chinese Home marks a silver anniversary this year — its 2015 Dynasty Invitational Golf Tournament turns 25 on May 8 at Ala Wai Municipal Golf Course.

A putting contest at 9:30 a.m. comes first, followed by a light lunch and firecrackers at 11:30. Tournament format is a three-person modified scramble, and it starts promptly at noon. Prizes include a trip to Hong Kong, dinner at Mandalay Restaurant and more.

Entertainer and honorary tourney chairman Kimo Kahoano returns to emcee (for the 17th straight year) the post-golf awards banquet at Royal Garden Restaurant. Prizes not won during the tournament will be given away via lucky drawings at the banquet.

Entry fee is $150, which includes a shirt, lunch and dinner. For more information or to register, contact Stephanie at 739-6033 or shadrick@palolohome.org.

Food, drinks and music — it’s a winning combination that Star of the Sea Church and School intends to offer for the 10th time at its Food & Wine Festival and Ho‘olaulea from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. May 2 on its campus at 4470 Aliikoa St.

Gastronomes can munch on food from A Cup of Tea, Agu Ramen, Big City Diner, Da Spot Health Foods & Juices, JJ’s French Bistro, Kahala Nui, Kona Brewing Co., Maile’s Thai Bistro and many more.

Musical legend Led Kaapana headlines the gala, along with Keauhou and Kona Winds. There also will be games, keiki rides and a silent auction.

Tickets cost $65 general; $25 for keiki, and can be purchased at Star of the Sea’s parish office, by calling 734-0396 or emailing ehffinfo@gmail.com. Silent auction donations still are welcome; call Jennifer at 781-0200.

A team effort Feb. 14 at the Kapahulu Safeway store helped the small Aloha Harvest staff to a successful third annual Fill the Truck collection drive.

Partnering with volunteers from Kaiser High’s Interact Club, Hands Helping Out, Air Force squadrons and individual donors, the nonprofit was able to literally fill its truck with 1,435 pounds of dry goods and raise more than $2,000 from Safeway shoppers to feed the hungry.

“Volunteering for Aloha Harvest is so satisfying and rewarding,” said Air Force Master Sgt. Dameon Launert, “because of the opportunity to give back to our community in a way that so many take for granted. Far too many of our ohana go hungry, but Aloha Harvest rescues food that would otherwise go to waste, to feed those in need.

“It’s a win-win.”

The organization has been working since 1999 to cultivate its 280 sources of perishable and non-perishable food — local hotels, restaurants and distributors — and now has 175 social service agencies depending on the food it collects. A new partner this year is Papa John’s Hawaii, which designated the Kaimuki-based group as its first Charity of the Month. A combination of promotions and benefit pizza nights helped the company raise more than $700. Leftover pizza from a Papa John’s employee party also was collected and shared with a few shelters.

To learn more or offer help, call 537-6945 or visit alohaharvest.org.

Kahala Business Association will be fine dining and wining for a cause at its sixth annual Wine Tasting Event from 6 to 9 p.m. April 23 at 3660 on the Rise in Kaimuki.

Proceeds from the gala will go to scholarships for Kalani High School seniors and to other Waialae-Kahala community groups. Since the event’s inception, KBA has given more than $20,000 in scholarships and $2,000 to neighborhood groups.

Attendees, meanwhile, can sip wine and sake from Southern Wines and Spirits, and beer from Kona Brewing Co., while placing bids at the silent auction and enjoying live entertainment.

VIP guests can experience a special tasting of five “extraordinary” wines at 5 p.m.

Event tickets cost $100 (VIP tasting, $50 more), and can be purchased online at kbastore.weebly.com/kba-wine-tasting-event-checkout.html.

For more information, visit kahalabusinessassociation.wordpress.com or email Eldon Ching at the_paperie@yahoo.com.

Fifth-graders at all four Kaiser Complex elementary schools get an ultimate P.E. test March 31 during their annual fitness meet at Kaiser High School.

From 8:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. that day, they all will be evaluated against standards developed by Healthy Fitness Zone, which measures personal fitness rather than performance.

Parents will receive a copy of their scores, called a FitnessGram.

Coordinated by Honolulu District health and physical education resource teacher Denise Darval-Chang and P.E. teachers at Hahaione, Kamiloiki, Koko Head and Aina Haina elementary schools, the meet will measure heart and lung performance, upper body strength via push-ups, abdominal strength via curl-ups, spine flexibility via trunk lifts, hamstring flexibility via sitand-reach exercises, and body composition via body fat tests.

Kalani first baseman Reyn Shitanishi’s senior itinerary includes a trip to next month’s state baseball tournament. And as the team reached its midway point in the OIA Red season late last week, Shitanishi and his teammates felt right on schedule.

“We’re getting our clique together, and I’m confident we can go far in states,” he said.

The top six finishers at the OIA’s post-season tourney will earn league berths for the state tournament. Kalani stood 3-2 in the ultra-competitive East with seven games left at press time.

“Everybody is equal — no one is going to run away with the East this year,” he said. “I feel confident in our team, and I think we’re capable of doing good things.”

Kalani returns to action Saturday at 10 a.m. at Kaiser. (The Cougars won the first game between the teams 2-1 March 17.)

A second-year starter, Shitanishi is looking for a strong finish to his prep career. He recently visited with East Oahu Islander.

What is your earliest sports-related memory? When I was 6 and started playing baseball, we had a Pinto draft where the coaches picked the players, and I was real nervous because I was still not sure about baseball.

Who’s had the biggest impact on your life? My dad (Jason). He’s basically been with me through this and pushed me to practice, work hard and be humble. He introduced me to baseball and taught me how to play.

What area of your game did you focus on during the off-season? My hitting. I felt like I batted solid last year, but I also felt I could have done more. I worked on my swing and my weak points. That was key.

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned through baseball? To work hard and never give up. If you work hard, the results will come, and the game’s never over until it’s over. I’ve seen some crazy things (in baseball).

Who is ready for a breakout performance during the second half of the season? Payton Awaya. He struggled in the first part, but he’s been working hard and is motivated to do big things.

What Internet site do you frequent the most? Scoringlive.com to check the scores and see who’s doing well in the East.

What is your least favorite household chore? Cleaning the bathroom.

What movie could you watch over and over? Step Brothers.

Who are three of your favorite musical artists? Drake, Big Sean and Kid Ink.

How do you like to spend your free time? Hanging out with friends and going to the beach.

What would be your dream destination? The Bahamas.

You’re stuck on Kaho‘olawe and can have an endless supply of just one food. What would it be? Steak.

jackster.1969@yahoo.com

Kalani’s boys soccer team was well-represented among OIA East All-Stars. It went 14-2-1 overall, placed a league-best five players on East’s First Team, and Michael Ching was named Coach of the Year.

Its two losses were to Mililani by 1-0 scores: in the OIA Red title game Feb. 7 and the championship game of the Division I state soccer tournament Feb. 28.

On the First Team are attacker Takahiro Kosins, midfielder Marc Teshima, defenders Toshiro Kosins and Kevin Costa, and goalie Michael Stafford. (Takahiro tallied 16 goals, and ranked fourth overall in the state.)

The Falcons went 9-0-1 to earn the top seed from the East for the OIA post-season tourney. Wins over Kaiser and previously unbeaten Kapolei (1-0 in a shootout) lifted them into the title game before it was defeated by Mililani.

At states, Kalani beat Moanalua 3-0, Kamehameha Schools-Maui 2-1 and Iolani 1-0 to make the title game.

Trevor Kakuda and Garrison Nakamura earned Honorable Mentions. • On the East’s Second Team, Kaiser placed attacker Cody Kuge, midfielder Giovanni Gloria, and defenders Chandler Furukawa and Matt Sai. Kuge scored eight goals, tying for the team lead with Kevin Anderson.

The Cougars finished 7-5-1 overall (6-3-1 in the East), and saw Noah Mokulehua, Motoki Sato, Justin Joe Takada and Hunter Yamanaka earn Honorable Mentions. • Kaimuki’s Honorable Mentions were Sin Huynh, Khang Nguyen, Ahn Pham and Seung Yeon Shin.

In girls soccer, Kaiser midfielder Noelle Mercado and attacker Kai Hasegawa made the East’s First Team. Mercado finished with 18 goals, and Hasegawa tallied 16 for the Cougars, who went 10-4-1 overall (8-1-1 in the East) and earned a berth in the DI state soccer tournament.

Midfielder Kailee Murray-Pasion and defender Brooke Arita made Second Team. Honorable Mentions went to Taylin Park, Tommi Hintnaus, Savanna Arakaki, Lina Takada and Torey Takahashi. • Kalani midfielder Tori Chinen made the First Team and was leading scorer with 16. Defender Megan Mararagan made the Second Team; Daysha Ann Solidum, Nicole Nakamura, Kylie Kimura and Rovi Porter were Honorable Mentions. • Kaimuki High’s Kyla Kawahara, Lovelyn Anton and Shylo Tong earned Honorable Mentions.

jackster.1969@yahoo.com

Send East Oahu items to cchang@midweek.com by April 29 to be considered for the May 6 edition.

• IRISH HARP Patrick Ball plays the Irish harp and shares Celtic stories at 1:30 p.m. March 31 at Aina Haina Library. Call 377-2456.

• BLOOD DRIVES Hawaii Blood Bank has donor drives from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. March 31 at Anuenue School in Palolo Valley, 7 a.m.-2:30 p.m. April 1 at Kaimuki High School, 7-11 a.m. April 5 at Koko Marina Center by Walgreen’s, 7 a.m.-12:30 p.m. April 19 at Kaimuki Christian Church, and 8 a.m.-2:15 p.m. April 20 at Chaminade’s Ching Conference Center. Call 848-4770.

• NEIGHBORS Hawaii Kai Neighborhood Board meets at 7 p.m. March 31 and April 28 at Hahaione Elementary cafeteria, Kuliouou-Kalani Iki Neighborhood Board meets at 7 p.m. April 2 at Aina Haina Library, Palolo at 7 p.m. April 8 at Palolo Elementary cafeteria, Diamond Head-Kapahulu-St. Louis Heights at 6:30 p.m. April 9 at Ala Wai Clubhouse, Kaimuki at 7 p.m. April 15 at Kaimuki Christian Church fellowship hall, and Waialae-Kahala at 7 p.m. April 16 at Wesley United Methodist Church. Call 768-3710.

• ANIMATION Jerome Ranft, character sculptor at Pixar Animation, discusses his profession at 7 p.m. April 1 in Ohia 118 at KCC as part of the school’s free public Arts Lecture series. Call 734-9382.

• TSUNAMI TIPS Hawaii Kai Strong conducts a public information session on “Detection, Warning and Response” at 7 p.m. April 1 at Koko Head District Park, multipurpose room C. Next up is “Personal Preparedness” May 6, same place and time. Call 395-5406 or email Matt Glei at hawaiikaistrong@yahoo.com.

• BOOK SALE The Friends of Hawaii Kai Library book store offers half price on parenting, pets and puzzle books in April. Hours are 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Mondays, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays, and 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays in the library basement. Call 397-0515.

• CLOSURESAll public schools and libraries are closed April 3 in observance of Good Friday.

• LINE DANCE Salome Sato leads a beginner line dance and exercise class at 11 a.m. April 3, and each Friday through April 24 at Palolo Hongwanji Temple. Fee is $5 per class (for 60 and older). Call 737-4596.

• HANAUMA FILM Hanauma Bay Education Program screens a free film at 3 p.m. April 5 in the park theater on yellow fin tuna, a lecture April 12 on “Voice of the Sea,” and the film Our Deepest Waters April 19. Parking costs $1. Call 397-5840.

• WETLAND WORK Volunteers are welcome to join Livable Hawaii Kai Hui for community service day from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. April 11 at Hawea Heiau and Keawawa Wetland Complex (orientation at 8:30, cultural tour at 10:30). Snacks provided. Call 864-8081 or visit hawaiikaihui.org.

• ALZHEIMER HELP An Alzheimer’s support group meets at 7 p.m. April 13 (and the second Monday of each month) at Kilohana United Methodist Church, room 6. Call 591-2771.

• VEGGIES Author and former Zen monk Will Tuttle discusses “Healing Our World: A Deeper Look at Food” at 7 p.m. April 14 at Ala Wai Clubhouse as part of the Vegetarian Society meeting. The public is welcome and it’s free admission and refreshments courtesy of Down to Earth. Call 944-8344.

• TAX HELP Trained volunteers from AARP Tax Counseling for the Elderly assist lowto moderate-income residents with their tax filings now through April 15 at the Aina Haina and Hawaii Kai libraries. Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays (Aina Haina) and 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays (Hawaii Kai). Call 888-687-2277 toll free.

• STORYTELLER Storyteller Ben Moffat entertains with puppets, stilts, music and more at 10:30 a.m. April 16 at Hawaii Kai Library. Call 397-5833.

• THIRD FRIDAY Third Friday Kaimuki is open 5-9 p.m. April 17, showcasing restaurants, shops and bars on Waialae between Koko Head and 8th avenues. Merchants offer entertainment, demonstrations and free product samples. Visit kaimukihawaii.com.

• CLEAN KAIMUKI Kaimuki Christian Church volunteers clean up Kaimuki from 8 a.m. to noon April 18, meeting first at the Ekahi House on Mahina Avenue. Call Danny at 284-2565.

• MUSICAL Diamond Head Theatre stages South Pacific now through April 19, featuring Loretta Ables Sayre as co-director and actress, reprising her Broadway role of Bloody Mary. Several shows are sold out. Call 733-0277.

• EARTH DAY Kapiolani Community College’s Sustainability Promotion Team seeks vendors and entertainers for Earth Day 2015, set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 20 on the great lawn. Planned are exhibits, sustainable food, education and entertainment. Email spt3amgmail.com.

• STARGAZING Hawaiian Astronomical Society members host their free monthly stargazing party April 25 at Kahala Community Park, complete with telescopes, at 4495 Pahoa Ave. Time varies, depending on the position of the moon. Email peter@besenbruch.info.

• SANCTUARY NOAA seeks public comment on the proposed expansion of Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary boundaries and conducts an informational meeting on it from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. April 28 at Honolulu Waldorf School, 350 Ulua St. in Niu Valley. Call 271-3213.

Ongoing

• KEIKI COUNCIL East Honolulu Community Children’s Council meets at 5 p.m. on the third Wednesday at Palolo Elementary cafeteria. All parents of children with special needs are welcome. Call 586-5363.

• MARKETS East Oahu residents can shop at these farmers markets: Kaiser High PTSA sponsors one at 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays on campus (394-1200); Hawaii Farm Bureau’s Tuesday night market is open from 4 to 7 p.m. in the grassy area above the main college parking lot (848-2074); the city’s People’s Open Market is open from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. Wednesdays at Palolo Valley District Park and 1 to 2 p.m. Saturdays at Hawaii Kai Park-n-Ride (522-7088). Markets open every Saturday are at KCC from 7:30 to 11 a.m. (848-2074); and Hawaii Kai Towne Center from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday behind Panda Express (396-0766).

• MARTIAL ARTS The U.S. Tae Kwon Do Center conducts classes in Indonesian martial arts from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Sunday at Niu Valley Shopping Center for ages 16 and older. Fee is $60 per month. Call 386-0559.

• TAHITIAN DANCE Tunui’s Royal Polynesian Keiki Tahitian Dance classes are held Saturday mornings at Kahala Elementary School for beginning and intermediate students. Call Nalani at 277-2205 or visit tunuisroyalpolynesian.com.

• SENIORS Koko Head Seniors meets for an activity or excursion at 10 a.m. Wednesdays at Kuapa Isle Clubhouse at Hawaii Kai Drive and Opihikao Way. Call 395-3096.

Less than two months after unveiling its renovated flagship location near Ala Moana Center, Walgreens is on the verge of opening yet another store — this time, a little closer to home for East Oahu residents. Walgreens at Market City marks its grand opening April 26 in the old Fun Factory space.

The store will feature Walgreens’ “well experience,” with an accessible pharmacist that can offer counseling and advice to patients, as well as clinical services including immunizations and health tests.

Walgreens also will sell beauty products and other drugstore staples, and feature a Café W with premade sandwiches, salads and fruit.

The company plans to commemorate the opening by donating $2,500 to Hawaii Council on Economic Education.

Walgreens is open 24 hours, and its pharmacy is open 7 a.m.-10 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. weekends.

The Market City store will be one of 19 Walgreens locations in Hawaii, though the company has stated its intention to operate between 25-30 stores here eventually.

State Rep. Lauren Matsumoto with artist Mark Howard (left), student artist Senja Tovo (in Love shirt) and Tovo’s brothers and sisters. Photo from Rep. Matsumoto.

District Matters…Rep. Lauren Matsumoto

Aloha, friends and neighbors.

We just concluded our seventh annual Art at the Capitol. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the start of construction of the Capitol, which was the theme of the free, public exhibit.

Paying tribute to our statehouse, Art at the Capital was held March 6 and presented in union with Hawaii State Art Museum’s First Friday festivities.

With its elevated ceilings, open atrium and ring of columns rising from a reflecting pool, our state Capitol is symbolic of the Islands and remains a work of art in its own right. That’s why, on the 50th anniversary of its groundbreaking, the Capitol building itself was a key part of the heart of this year’s Art at the Capitol exhibit.

In addition to the artwork being visible throughout the building, visitors were invited to watch a short documentary about the Capitol. The film provided insight into the commissioning of the building in 1959, the construction that started in November 1965 and its completion March 15, 1969.

More than 500 works by community artists in the offices of legislators and executive offices were open to the public. Fifty-seven offices in both the House and the Senate, including the public access room and office of the Lieutenant Governor, participated.

We loved welcoming the community into my office to chat and see the beautiful works we chose to showcase.

Acoustic guitar music was provided by my father, Michael Cheape, in addition to live music featured throughout the Capitol rotunda.

We also were honored to display art by local students, which received rave reviews.

Senja Tovo, a talented sixth-grade student at Waialua Elementary School, came to my office to show her beautiful work of art. Aurora Capes, another Waialua sixth-grader, who was unable to attend, also displayed her work in my office.

Artist Mark Howard painted three of the beautiful pieces I showcased. He was willing to settle into my office for the duration of the event, and to talk with guests and answer their questions.

Pleased with the event, he said, “What an honor to be part of this fun-filled occasion. It’s reassuring to see our state legislators promoting the arts.”

Please visit the following links for a preview of some of the art in the offices and to view a video series called “What’s on Your Wall?”:

Facebook: facebook.com/artatthecapitolhawaii

YouTube: youtube.com/ArtatTheCapitolHI/videos.

I’m always eager to hear from you, so if you have any questions, concerns or ideas, feel free to contact me at 586-9490 or at repmatsumoto@capitol.hawaii.gov, or visit repmatsumoto.com.

SeaHawaii is landing in California.

The Hawaii-based clothing manufacturer has signed a deal with Costco in California to have its ocean and logo wear featured in 10 stores in the San Diego and Los Angeles areas.

Founded by Kahuku High School graduates Walter and Joe Pickard (a third brother, Thomas, is a boat captain), SeaHawaii has been sold at Hawaii Costco stores since 2011. The 10-day California trial begins May 15 and runs through Sept. 6.

“That’s a biggie for us,” said an excited Joe Pickard.

Pickard started SeaHawaii in 1989 after working with Credit Suisse First Boston in Hong Kong. The Coast Guard Academy graduate received a master’s degree in business administration and industrial engineering from Columbia University in 1985, and began a career in finance before the call of home became too great to ignore.

“I grew up on North Shore, and my life was basically being around the water,” he recalled. “My first love is being around the ocean. I had to make a decision when I was in my mid-30s: Would I stay in investment banking or come back home?”

While flying back and forth between Hawaii and Hong Kong, Joe and Walter worked to establish a tour boat business in Kaneohe Bay and off the Waianae coast. Walter was fluent in Japanese, and both felt tourism would provide a better livelihood than commercial fishing.

“I took the little nest egg I had built up from working at Credit Suisse and started the journey,” said Pickard.

The permitting process took more than 18 months.

During their first three months in business, the brothers made about $3,000. Profitability got a small boost when customers asked about purchasing the orange and black T-shirts worn by crew members. More inquiries led the brothers to sell the shirts at paddling and other ocean-related events. It didn’t take long before they realized that there was money to be made in ocean apparel, especially clothing with direct ties to Hawaii’s ocean sports communities.

“Most everything you see in the surfing and ocean industry uses the image of Native Hawaiians. It is a very visible presence because this is where this all started,” said Pickard, himself a Native Hawaiian. “I saw very few opportunities for Native Hawaiians and I always felt a personal interest, loving the ocean and making a way for people like me who grew up in Hawaii or are Hawaiian and wanted to participate in the business.”

In 2008 they ramped up production to include their UV-protective Monkskin designs (named for the endangered Hawaiian monk seal). Sales that first year were between $20,000 and $30,000 and have increased by about 40 percent annually.

Although the shirts are made in China, Pickard is quick to point out the designs and inspiration for the clothing line are all local. His chief designer is Waianae resident and boat captain Pete Whitney.

“He discovered talents he didn’t know he had,” said Pickard.

SeaHawaii currently has no plans to market its goods outside of Costco, but that could change if the California trials prove successful.

“We haven’t really thought about it yet,” said Pickard. “Costco has been really good to us; they’ve been a really great partner, so we are trying to take advantage of that opportunity. Being in Costco is a huge brand developer for us.”

Haleiwa Elementary School principal Malaea Wetzel (front, second from right) and the 12 other Masayuki Tokioka Excellence in School Leadership Award nominees show off their awards March 28 at the Island Insurance offices. The educators are joined by Island Insurance Foundation president Tyler Tokioka (standing, left) and DOE deputy superintendent Ronn Nozoe (standing, right). Photo by Schechter Photography.

Haleiwa Elementary School principal Malaea Wetzel has joined 12 other public school principals selected as nominees for the 11th annual Masayuki Tokioka Excellence in School Leadership Award. The award is given by Island Insurance Foundation in honor of the company’s founder.

Each nominee was presented with a $1,000 personal cash award and commemorative plaque at the March 28 celebration. Nominees are eligible to win the top prize of a $10,000 personal cash award and an additional $15,000 for a school project of their choice. Two semi-finalists will receive a $2,000 personal cash award.

“There is an outstanding group of principals who were nominated, and I feel very honored to be in such good company,” said Wetzel, who was surprised by the nomination and discounts her chance of winning. “There are principals who have been nominated that I have tremendous admiration for, and I think they should win the award based on their body of work.”

The award recipient will be selected by a committee composed of Public Schools of Hawaii Foundation board members and professionals in the education field.

“My grandfather Masayuki Tokioka believed that education, integrity and hard work were the keys to success,” said Island Insurance Foundation president Tyler Tokioka. “All that he achieved would not have been possible without the public school system that provided him with the foundation to pursue unlimited opportunities. This is why we are so honored to be able to recognize these principals who give so much to their schools and our community.”

The award is open to all public school principals. Nominees submitted an application showcasing their leadership, school programs and contributions to their schools.

Wetzel’s application calls for the establishment of two scholarships for Haleiwa Elementary School graduates currently attending Waialua High and Intermediate School.

The first scholarship will go to help fund post-secondary education, and the second will be awarded to Waialua freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors involved in co-curricular activities.

“We strongly believe that co-curricular activities, sports, band and clubs, really help kids keep engaged in school, and when they are engaged in school they do well in school,” said Wetzel.

The winner will be announced April 30 at the Public Schools of Hawaii Foundation Dinner.

Central Theatre Arts Academy (CTAA) presents Little Shop of Horrors Friday through April 19 at Mililani High School, featuring a cast of students from Central District schools and beyond.

The curtain goes up on the performing arts learning center’s spring musical at 7 p.m. April 10, 17 and 18 and at 4 p.m. April 12 and 19 in the school cafeteria. Tickets cost $12, $10 and $5, and are available online at showtix4u.com. For more information, call director and program coordinator Julia LoPresti at 627-4356.

LoPresti, the Central District’s 2010 Teacher of the Year, began her drama position at CTAA last fall following several years of similar work at her alma mater, Aiea Intermediate.

CTAA mounts two major productions each year with a mandate to educate students to think critically about the creative and artistic processes of theater and its literature via performance, design, construction ant technical applications.

By CADET CAPT. BRANDEE SCHILLER

Special to Central Oahu Islander

Schofield Barracks was occupied March 16 by more than 350 JROTC cadets, who came from across the state to test their fitness and military skills at the 44th JROTC Cadet Leadership Challenge (JCLC).

JCLC allows cadets to practice their leadership and citizenship skills while participating in adventure training and having fun.

Upon arrival, cadets were greeted by leaders from Advanced JCLC and divided into four training groups, each with its own chain of command.

The cadets participated in such training as rappelling an 80-foot mountain slope, constructing and crossing a rope bridge, navigating an obstacle course, and tackling the leadership reaction course, a multistage exercise designed to test and build leadership skills.

Four training stations were situated throughout Schofield Barracks and used to determine each cadet’s particular strengths and weaknesses.

Volunteers from 25th Infantry Division and 100th Infantry Battalion/442nd Regiment were on hand to assist and inspire cadets who struggled.

“I strongly believe motivation does increase spirit and energy only if everyone puts forth their best effort,” said Mililani High School freshman Travis Afuso.

During the four-day camp, cadets were required to obey Army values of loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honesty, integrity and personal courage.

“Being a leader was a challenge because you constantly had to be accountable for your unit and understand the training plan for the current day, but cadets in the staff and in similar positions helped assist when things got difficult,” noted Cadet Maj. Kainalu Gandia, an 11th-grader at Kapaa High School.

City planners want to know what stakeholders and the public consider Oahu’s “important” farmland, and they’re coming to Central Oahu to listen from 5:30 to 8:30 tonight (April 8) in Mililani Middle School cafeteria.

Community input is needed by the Department of Planning and Permitting in order to meet requirements to identify and map the island’s Important Agricultural Lands (IAL).

Determining factors will include: 1) Are they capable of producing sustained high agricultural yields when treated and managed according to accepted farming methods and technology? 2) Do they contribute to the state’s economic base, and produce agricultural commodities for export or local consumption? 3) Are they needed to promote the expansion of agricultural activities and income for the future, even if currently not in production?

The DPP anticipates completing the IAL maps by the end of this year, sending them to the City Council and then to the state Land Use Commission for final review and approval.

For more information, visit honoluludpp.org or the project’s website, mapoahuagland.com.

Mililani High students (from left) Chelsea Ferrick, Kenji Momohara and Marly Garces will perform April 17 at Peter’s Prom in Waipio — and then in July at the Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles. Photo by Scott Matsumoto.

It’s hard to contain the excitement now brewing among the 13 Heartbeat dancers and their parents.

The special-needs dance troupe — including two Mililani High students and one alumnus — has been invited to perform at the July opening of the 2015 Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles.

“We are so very proud of our kids,” said Abraleen Keliinui, parent of Heartbeat dancer and Castle High graduate Natasha Brice, 23. “In the meantime, we are fundraising like crazy and trying to get the word out.”

Created by former Miss Hawaii sisters Ashley and Jonelle Layfield, Heartbeat consists of individuals with intellectual disabilities, but there’s nothing lacking in their hearts and commitment to perform.

Keliinui cited the experience of watching her own daughter blossom from what started as “just physical activity and socialization.”

“They’ve adjusted to the change of instructors and learned to adapt. They can wait their turn for hours (backstage). We parents think it’s easy, but it’s not. We tried to learn one song, and I gave up!”

The dancers rehearse at 24-VII DanceForce studio at Windward Mall. But their appeal for funds covers the whole state.

Parents have planned more benefits and dance opportunities, such as Pizza Hut nights April 15, May 25, June 10 and July 6. (To obtain the required flier for your orders, call 554-1410.)

Heartbeat also will perform at Peter’s Prom, set for 6 p.m. April 17 at Hawaii Okinawa Center.

Heartbeat parent Dee Ferrick of Mililani is wearing two hats this month, since she’s also executive director and coordinator of the prom for teens with disabilities. Now in its fourth year, she said the all-volunteer event attracted attendees from 13 high schools last year.

“It’s truly a community effort and one of which I’m very proud,” said Ferrick, whose daughter Chelsea and fellow Trojans Marly Garces and Kenji Momohara dance with Heartbeat. “We invite all students with special needs from any high school on Oahu. They can invite their parents, caregiver, therapist or a friend who does not have special needs.”

Theme this year is “A Hollywood Extravaganza,” complete with star treatment on a red carpet for the guests. For more information on the prom, call 627-1959.

To learn how to support Heartbeat’s $32,000 trip to Los Angeles, call Renee Jung at 255-4305 or by emailing her at jungm001@hawaii.rr.com.

Sunset Beach Elementary School (back, from left) principal Bernadette Tyrell, surfer Mason Ho and Sunset Beach vice principal Teresann Taua with students holding $20,000 in checks. Photo from DOE.

Pro surfer Mason Ho returned to Sunset Beach Elementary March 19 to donate $10,000 — half of the total cash prizes he won last month — to the school he attended from kindergarten through sixth grade.

As winner of the Clif Bar Overall Performance Award (OPA), Ho received $10,000 and the chance to donate an equal amount to any nonprofit of his choice. The funds from the North Shore native will support various school programs and activities at the Haleiwa school, which has some 470 students.

“On behalf of the students, faculty and staff of Sunset Beach Elementary School, we would like to send a huge mahalo to Mason for his generous donation,” said principal Bernadette Tyrell.

The OPA is given to the surfer who demonstrates outstanding skill, courage and style while consistently riding the most challenging waves on the North Shore during the Wave of the Winter contest period for the 2014-2015 winter wave season.

A Going Green recycling drive is planned for 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday at Leilehua High School, where canned food also will be accepted for Hawaii Foodbank, along with an unlimited number of residential and commercial computers and e-waste — and one TV set per car.

Proceeds from redemption fees will benefit the high school, and none of the items will go to the landfill.

The community drive welcomes all kinds of metal, bicycles, appliances, HI-5 containers, cooking oil, cell phones,printer cartridges, batteries, fire extinguishers and propane tanks (maximum of three each), pet food and supplies, prom dresses and accessories, and women’s business suits.

Lions clubs and charities will make use of any donated clothing, household items, hearing aids and eyeglasses.

Participants also can swap incandescent light bulbs for CFLs. However, the drive cannot accept tires, paint, microwave ovens, motor oil, hazardous fluids, cardboard, paper, plastics, wood and bulky items.