With the goal of 1 million meals, Hawaii Foodbank has launched its 26th annual food drive, which culminates at collection points from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 18 all over Oahu, including Town Center of Mililani.

Volunteers will accept nonperishable food as well as monetary donations.

Individuals also can enter the One Million Meals Challenge by downloading the Food Drive packet from hawaiifood-bank.org. Most needed items are canned meals, meats, fruits and vegetables, and rice.

For more information, call 836-3600.

Team unity on and off the field went a long way for Mililani in the team’s postseason baseball run last year, according to senior infielder Justice Nakagawa. And as the 2015 season proceeds, cohesiveness remains a strength.

“We have good chemistry,” said Nakagawa, who helped lead Mililani to a state runner-up finish in 2014. “We had to bond a lot, and that’s helped to get us to where we are. I think we’re even closer this year. We’ve been doing pretty good, but I think we can do way better.”

The Trojans entered last weekend as the last remaining undefeated team in the OIA West at 8-0. This week, they host Waianae at 3 p.m. today (Wednesday) before visiting Pearl City at 3 p.m. Saturday. The outcome of both games could go a long way in determining the West champion.

As the race heats up, Nakagawa recently took time to visit with MidWeek‘s Central Oahu Islander.

What is your earliest sports-related memory? I was part of the Little League World Series in 2010 with my Waipio team, which included (Mililani teammates) Ty Di Sa, Brysen Yoshii and Keolu Ramos. We got to go to Williamsport, Pa., to play, which was a fun experience.

Who’s had the biggest impact on your life? My dad (Charles). In the beginning, he taught me how to play baseball, and he’s always encouraged me to get better and to have the right mentality.

What area of your game did you focus on during the off-season? My defense. Last year, I’d had, like, seven errors, and I wanted to cut that down. I worked on my footwork, my hand-eye coordination and getting a better read on the hops (of the ball).

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned through baseball? There’s always someone better than you, and you can always get better.

Which teammate is ready for a breakout performance during the second half of the OIA season? Our right fielder, Kaimana Souza-Paaluhi. He’s been playing really good. He was one of our best players last year, and he’s going to be one of our best players this year, too.

What Internet site do you frequent the most? I go on ScoringLive a lot to check out the (high school baseball) scores and to see how people are doing.

What is your least favorite household chore? Cleaning up after the pets.

What movie could you watch over and over? Warrior.

Who are three of your favorite musical artists? Eminem, Bob Marley and Jayco.

How do you like to spend your free time? I like to watch highlights of baseball players in MLB.

What is your dream destination? Japan. I haven’t been there before, but I’ve always wanted to go there.

You’re stuck on Kahoolawe and can have an endless supply of just one food. What would it be? Kalua pork. I love kalua pork.

If you could have your pick, what celebrity would be your choice for a prom date? Ariana Grande. jackster.1969@yahoo.com

Joseph Gouty was at his best in Leilehua’s biggest games this past season, helping to fuel the Mules’ riveting postseason run on the basketball court.

A junior, Gouty was a consistent force for Leilehua, averaging 12.4 points per game to go with 15 three-pointers. Most impressive was his shooting percentage in high-profile games. Among Gouty’s season highlights was an 8-for-10 performance from the field against eventual DI state champion Kalaheo in the third-place game of the OIA Red Conference Tournament. He also went 11-for-14 in a win over Moanalua and was 10-of-14 from the field in a game against Pearl City.

Gouty’s efforts did not go unnoticed, as he recently was chosen as the OIA Western Division Boys’ Player of the Year in a vote of league coaches.

Leilehua’s Pat Wetzel also was named the West’s Coach of the Year by his peers.

The Mules finished 18-11 overall in 2014-15, including preseason, and were 11-2 versus OIA competition. Leilehua finished fourth in the OIA Tournament to punch their ticket for the Division I State Tournament. The Mules dropped a heartbreaker (37-36) to eventual runner-up Iolani in the first round.

Joining Gouty on the West’s First Team was junior Koa Kauhi. Gouty and Kauhi were the only under-classmen to make either the West’s First or Second Teams.

Leilehua also placed Jayeson Baine, Anterrio Gainwell, David Tibayan, Nicholas Duran and Liam Fitzgerald on the Honorable Mention Team.

Mililani, which went 15-10 overall including pre-season (7-3 in the West), placed four players on the Honorable Mention Team, including Chanse Ramirez, Kekoa Fields, Braiden Rosario and Kalakaua Timoteo.

In Division II, receiving Honorable Mention from Waialua (2-8) were Royce Gaspar, Virgilio Basilio, Sean Murphy, Lancen Kuni and Royce Tashiro.

In girls basketball, Leilehua’s Tywanna Abbott was chosen as the OIA Western Division Girls’ Basketball Player of the Year.

Abbott averaged 14.5 points per game for the Mules, who went 15-9 overall, including preseason.

Leilehua tied for second in the West’s regular season with Nanakuli and Radford. All three finished with 8-2 records to finish behind West champion Mililani, which went 10-0.

Joining Abbott on the First Team was Jerri Maluyo. A senior, Maluyo averaged 14.9 points per game (seventh best in the state) and converted 20 three-pointers.

The Mules also placed Jazmina Lafitaga, Keahi-Lele Roy and Saramasina Docktor on the West’s Honorable Mention Team.

Receiving Honorable Mention from Mililani were Summer Bolibol and Velisa Melesea.

Waialua had four players make the Honorable Mention Team, including Alaina Bayudan, Kaedy Hatchett, Kayla Kapika and Kiana Paakaula-Reis.

jackster.1969@yahoo.com

Life is good for Makua Rothman.

The North Shore surfer became a father for the first time last year, and he also was named the world’s best by World Surf League March 2. Rankings are based on points earned during the 2014 Big Wave Tour, and Rothman took the title with 20,833 points, besting second-place finisher Gabriel Villaran of Peru by more than 7,000 points.

“This is such an honor,” said 31-year-old Rothman. “I can’t tell you what an experience it is to be recognized for doing something you love. It is what I’ve dreamed about.”

Rothman began surfing at the age of 2 and achieved worldwide fame at 18, when he rode a 66-foot wave — the biggest wave ridden that year — at Jaws surf break off Maui. For taking the top spot at the 2003 Billabong XXL Global Big Wave Awards, he won $66,000 — $1,000 for each monster foot.

Rothman’s dream almost didn’t come true. As a child, he suffered from asthma. In a sport where controlled breathing is crucial, Rothman was at a major disadvantage. His father, Da Hui surf club founder Eddie Rothman, put his son in a number of sports to reduce the effects of asthma. It worked.

The surfer-turned-singer-songwriter also has been touring in support of his debut album Sound Wave, a laid-back, pop-inflected reggae-rock album celebrating his local lifestyle.

Email Central Oahu items to cchang@midweek.com by April 8 for the April 15 edition.

• BLOOD DRIVES Hawaii Blood Bank has donor drives from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. April 7 at Wahiawa General Hospital, and 7 a.m.-1:15 p.m. April 18 at Mililani Market Place. Call 848-4770.

• LEILEHUA EATS Leilehua High School presents “2nd’s at Leilehua” from 4 to 8 p.m. April 10 (and every second Friday) at the school, featuring food trucks, entertainment and more as a campus fundraiser. Visit 2nd’s at Leilehua on Facebook or email second-satleilehua@yahoo.com.

• BAND CONCERT U.S. Air Force Band of the Pacific plays at 6 p.m. April 10 at Mililani Town Center. Call 625-0108.

• WAIALUA WRITERS Waialua Library’s writers group meets at 11 a.m. April 11 (and every second Saturday) at the library to discuss the monthly topic of “a really scary time.” Call 637-8286.

• PUPUKEA HIKE Hawaiian Trail & Mountain Club leads a 6-mile intermediate ridge hike to Kaunala in Pupukea at 8 a.m. April 11. Visit htmclub.org.

• HTY PLAY Honolulu Theatre for Youth performs Happy at 10:30 a.m. April 11 at Mililani Library, especially for children age 3 and older. Call 627-7470.

• SPRING FLING Trinity Lutheran School sponsors its Spring Fling from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 11 at 1611 California Ave. in Wahiawa, featuring food, games, crafts, entertainment, a bake sale and more. Call 621-6033.

• KAENA HIKE Friends of Kaena sponsor a monthly hike of the Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve April 11. Email info@friend-sofkaena.org.

• BREAKFAST Wahiawa Lions hosts its benefit breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m. April 12 at Leilehua High cafeteria. Donation is $6 per ticket and proceeds support the club’s many community service projects. Call 621-0852.

• TAX HELP Trained volunteers with AARP Tax Counseling for the Elderly offer assistance through April 15 at Wahiawa and Kahuku libraries. Call 888-687-2277.

• LIONS DINNERWahiawa Lions meet for a dinner program at 6:45 p.m. April 15 at Dot’s to hear about the Whitmore Project. Cost is $10. Call 21-0852.

• KAHUKU MUSIC North Shore musician Ron Artis II performs at 8 p.m. April 17 at Surfer, the Bar at Turtle Bay Resort, featuring special guest Thunderstorm Artis. Cover is $10. Call 371-3895.

• BOOK SALE Friends of Waialua Library have a book sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 18 (and every third Saturday) at the library. Call 637-8286.

• PUPUKEA HIKE Hawaiian Islands Land Trust sponsors a free “Talk Story Land Hike” from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 18 in Pupukea, featuring a walk to Pu‘u O Mahuka heiau (the largest heiau on the island) and tips from Bill Hawes on organic perma-culture farming. RSVP to Christina Aiu at 498-8385.

• OHANAWaimea Valley sponsors La Ohana (family day) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 19 (and every third Sunday), with half-price admission for kamaaina and military families. The day includes a scavenger hunt, stories, hula, lei making, petroglyph rubs, cultural demonstrations and makahiki games. Call 638-7766.

• BIKE PATH Malama Ke Ala Pupukea volunteers meet for a Pupukea bike path workday from 2 to 5 p.m. April 19. For details, visit the new website kealapupukea.org.

• WAIALUA READS Waialua Library readers group meets at 9:30 a.m. April 23 (and every fourth Thursday) to discuss its pick of the month, The Sheltering Sky by Paul Bowles. Call 637-8286.

• TEEN ART Friends of Waialua Library host an opening reception at 5:30 p.m. April 23 for the Waialua High & Intermediate School Art Show for Howard Farrant’s students. The mixed-media exhibit runs through May 19. Call 637-8286.

• KELLEY RIDE Hawaii Bicycling League sponsors the John Kelley Haleiwa Metric Century Ride at 6:30 a.m. April 26 from Kaiaka Beach Park to Kahuku High School and back. Call 735-5756 or visit bhl.org.

• WRITER RETREAT Camp Mokuleia is home base for the Mokuleia Writers Retreat May 3-8, featuring top local authors, workshops and coaching, plus room and board. Fees range from $500 to $1,200. Email connie@sinandsyntax.com.

• JUBILEEWaialua High School’s 17th annual Jubilee is May 6 in the Maile/Ohana rooms at California Hotel in Las Vegas. Deadline is March 31 for the banquet, which costs $50 per person. Call Pam at 286-3010.

• PINE RUN The 2015 Wahiawa Pineapple Run is set for 7 a.m. May 16, starting and ending at Kaala Elementary School. Entrance fee is $40 with proceeds going to the school. Visit the Facebook page or email pineapplerunhi@gmail.com.

• TRIATHLON Entries are due by May 9 for the North Shore Olympic Triathlon, set for 5:45 a.m. May 17 at Mokuleia Beach Park and featuring an 800-meter swim, 25-mile bike race and 10K run. For details, call 372-8885 or visit active.com.

Ongoing

• CANNED FOOD North Shore Food Bank distributes bags of non-perishable food from 9 a.m. to noon Wednesdays at Haleiwa gym. Donations welcome. Call 637-3138.

• HALEIWA MARKET Haleiwa Farmers Market runs from 2 to 6 p.m. Thursdays at Waimea Valley’s Pikake Pavilion and main lawn. Call 388-9696.

• BUNGIE WATCH Bungie the Clown entertains at 10:30 a.m. each Monday at Mililani Town Center’s gazebo. Call 625-0108.

• GET A PET Mililani Town Center’s PetSmart store has pet adoptions from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Call 489-9231.

• COMPUTERSWaialua Library offers free computer instruction at 9 a.m. Fridays, Call 637-8286.

• KEIKI TIME Waialua Library has a new Toddler Time at 10 a.m. Fridays and children’s storytime and crafts at 10 a.m. Saturdays. Call 637-8286.

• JAZZERCISE Kate Moore leads low-impact, one-hour Jazzercise classes at 6:15 p.m. Mondays at Mililani Rec Center 3, and 6:15 p.m. Tuesday/Thursday at Mililani Rec Center 5. Call 621-2482.

• CONSERVATION The Oahu Army Natural Resource Program welcomes volunteers for April service trips and environmental out-reach projects in the Waianae and Koolau mountains to control invasive weeds and more. Most workdays begin at Wahiawa baseyard, all tools are provided. Call 656-7741.

• SENIOR CLASSES Anuenue Hale Wellness Center at Helemano offers a variety of free weekday classes and activities for seniors, injured war veterans and those with disabilities. Call Yvonne at 622-3929.

• GARDENERS Mililani Garden Club meets at 9:30 a.m. on the third Thursday at Mililani Mauka Rec Center 6 for a program, demonstration or excursion; public welcome. Call 637-0488.

• TECH MART Hiraoka Farm sponsors a farmers market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays at 100 Kahelu Ave. in Mililani Tech Park, featuring breads, plate lunches, desserts, flowers, local meat and produce and more. Call 228-3714.

• WAIPIO MARKET Kaiser Waipio Clinic has a “fresh day” market of healthy food and produce from 9 a.m. to noon Wednesdays at 94-1480 Moaniani St. Call 432-2270.

• QUEEN’S MARKET Liliuokalani Church hosts Queen’s Open Market from 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays with fresh produce, ono food and hand-crafted local items. Booth fee is $30. Vendors and entertainers may call 637-9364.

• NORTH MARKET North Shore Country Market runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays at Sunset Beach Elementary, selling Hawaii-made items exclusively. Vendors welcome. Call 673-3296.

• WAIALUA CO-OP Waialua Farmers Co-op Market sells local produce, plants, flowers, food and more from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays at Waialua Sugar Mill. Call 637-8589.

• WAHIAWA MARKET A farmers market is open 4:30-6:30 p.m. Thursdays at Wahiawa Hongwanji Mission parking lot, 1067 California Ave. Visit wahiawacdbo.org.

• HALEIWA MARKET Haleiwa Farmers Market is open 2-6 p.m. Thursdays at Waimea Valley’s Pikake Pavilion and main lawn. Call 388-9696.

• MILILANI MARKET Mililani High School hosts its 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 from 10 to 11 a.m. at Wahiawa District Park and Tuesdays from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Mililani District Park. Call 522-7088.

Waialua Elementary fourth-grader Pawehi Binz now wears the Miss Hawaii Elementary America 2015 crown. She’s already plunged into community service at a homeless shelter and is collecting food for the hungry. “She is a firecracker little girl,” declares Kristi Kashimoto-Rowbottom, whose Diamond in the Rough Productions of Wahiawa supported the March 1 pageant … Chevron Hawaii chose Mililani High senior Brandon Kinard to go to the International Science and Engineering Fair at its expense on the merits of his research project: “Engineering a Novel Self-Controlled Wheelchair System for the Visually Impaired.” Brandon’s teacher is Matthew Capps. The fair runs May 10-15 in Pittsburgh …

Pawehi Binz

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Three health professionals from Schofield’s Army Health Clinic — nurse Megan Dursky, dietitian Elizabeth Tankovich and occupational therapist Jason Judkins — recently shared some tips on the Performance Triad with eight K-6 classes at Wheeler Elementary. The eager kids now know it by heart: “Get 10 hours of sleep, eat well and exercise” …

Kunia’s Kawika Burgess has left OHA to launch Real Property Management Alliance, part of a national franchise, to address the growing need for the service in Hawaii. Kawika was chief operating officer for OHA and oversaw its landholdings. Prior to that, he had similar responsibilities at Kamehameha Schools … Coordinator Glenn Lee and the Waialua High’s robotics team got a boost of cash ($1,000-plus) from McDonald’s Restaurants of Hawaii to support them at the 2015 FIRST robotics world championships April 22-25 in St. Louis, Mo. …

Central Oahu students are doing well at Creighton University. Here’s who made the fall dean’s list (3.5 GPA or better) on the Omaha campus: Mililani’s Tiffany Bihis, Kayla Fajota, Kimberly Hiyoto, Xavier Imperial, Toria Johnson, Nicole Koochi, Douglas Mau, Alohilani Nonies, Merrie Oshiro, Tyler Ushio, Greg Watanabe, Kelsey Weeks and Wahiawa’s Keli Matsuura & & & cchang@midweek.com

Wilma finds a home — and some shade. Photo from Hawaii Polo Club.

If you ever spot Hawaii Polo Club’s horses galloping around the playing field or on trails in Waialua, see if you can spot Wilma among the herd.

Take note: Wilma’s not a horse. She’s a pig.

Hawaii Polo Club president Mike Dailey says they found baby Wilma alone between two Waialua streams.

“She was a little tiny pig. We didn’t see any signs that the mother was around,” he said.

So club members brought her back to the stables. It’s a fairly common practice, Dailey says, for racehorses to bond with smaller animals, like goats, sheep and ponies. Wilma is no exception to the rule.

“She was hanging out in the paddock, and the horses kind of accepted her. She’s been living there for the last few months, and they’ve become close buddies.”

And in turn, Wilma has integrated herself into the herd. Dailey says Wilma follows the horses onto the field and trails, running alongside them or even leading the gallop.

“Since she’s only ever seen horses, she kind of thinks that’s what she is,” Dailey said.

The club plans on keeping Wilma as a permanent resident, and they’ve even outfitted her with a little red vest so hunters don’t mistake her for a wild pig.

“She’s very happy, and we’re happy to have her,” Dailey said.

Polo enthusiasts won’t see Wilma at the matches (she prefers to stay in the stables), but the game lineup ahead won’t disappoint, according to Dailey.

“We’ve got a great season lined up, a great schedule of visiting teams,” he declared.

Matches are at 2 p.m. Sundays at the clubhouse, located at 68-411 Farrington Hwy. General admission is $12.

Dailey highlights upcoming matches against teams from China (May 10) and New Zealand (May 24), as well as South Korea this summer.

For more information, visit hawaii-polo.org.

Waimea Valley marks Earth Day April 18 by planting native plants on Kalahe‘e Ridge from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Volunteers who can commit to the entire time are welcome. Call Laurent at 638-5877.

The park also hosts La Ohana (family day) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 19, with half-price admission for kamaaina and military families. The day offers a scavenger hunt, stories, hula, lei making, petroglyph rubs, cultural demonstrations and makahiki games. Call 638-7766.

By CADET CAPT. BRANDEE SCHILLER
Special to Central Oahu Islander

Mililani High’s JROTC and the school’s Surf Club teamed up with AccesSurf March 7 for a “Day at the Beach.”

The free monthly program uses specialized surf-boards and flotation devices to help people with disabilities have fun in the ocean.

The program is open to all ages and abilities, and is designed for families and friends to unite and engage in outdoor recreation.

“The hard work the cadets and Surf Club members undertook was remarkable,” said senior Army instructor Lt. Col. Tim Schiller.

“They enjoyed every minute of this service project.”

The event started early in the morning as cadets helped to unload equipment. Once the area was set up, AccesSurf Hawaii executive director Kara Short briefed the student volunteers on their duties and responsibilities, including how to place attendees in modified beach wheel-chairs and onto surfboards.

From the in-processing to beach transfers and surf instructors, everything went like clockwork and was extremely organized.

After the events finished, the cadets and Surf Club members met with pro surfer and actor Kala Alexander, who talked to the students about education and showing respect for their elders.

After the question-and-answer session, the students had lessons in paddling, stand-up surfing and water safety. For some of the cadets, it was their first time surfing.

“It was a perfect day, everyone had a blast and this was the first event of many more for the Trojans,” said teacher James Smith.

Aloha Aina recycling program has scheduled two collection drives in the area in coming weeks: Kahuku High & Intermediate School will have one from 9 a.m. to noon April 25, and Mililani Waena Elementary hosts its drive from 9 a.m. to noon May 16.

They welcome all contributions from the public, in partnership with Schnitzer Steel and Kokua Hawaii Foundation’s 3Rs School Recycling Program. Acceptable items include scrap metal, bicycles, appliances, computers, game systems, laptops, printers, cartridges and other e-waste products.

Also needed are batteries, TV sets, used cooking oil, paper, corrugated cardboard, newspaper, reusable clothing and household items (for Goodwill), HI-5 containers and plastics (Nos. 1 and 2 containers).

A shredder also will be on site for confidential document disposal.

Proceeds from recycling payments go to the schools. Email 3rs@kokuahawaiifoundation.org.

St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church will conduct its annual Lanai Sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 25, offering a variety of practical, bargain-priced items from clothing to dishes, furniture, bikes and books.

Established at the same Wahiawa site since 1950, the church continues to serve the community with its thrift shop and food pantry, which draws about 150 families each month.

Both the food pantry and thrift shop are open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Tuesday and Friday. The thrift shop also will be open during the Lanai Sale.

For more information, call 226-3510.

Chevron U.S.A.’s 2014 “Fuel Your School” promotion generated $350,000 for 120 public schools in Hawaii, including nearly $25,000 for Central Oahu schools.

Of the 247 classroom projects the corporate energy giant funded throughout the state, 106 went directly to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) projects, impacting 22,000 students.

The program was fueled by Chevron’s contribution of $1 for each customer purchase of eight or more gallons of fuel at island stations during October 2014.

Project requests were submitted by teachers to donorschoose.org and were awarded based on need.

“Ensuring quality education for the children in communities where we live and work is important,” said Chevron Hawaii’s community relations specialist Carina Tagupa. “Our goal is to provide resources needed for students, including those in the key STEM areas.”

In Central Oahu, awards were presented to classrooms in the following districts: Haleiwa, $4,239.48; Mililani, $4,396.12; and Wahiawa, $16,160.98.

Teachers at Solomon, Iliahi, Wheeler, Ka‘ala, Hale Kula, Kipapa and Sunset Beach elementary schools; Wheeler and Mililani middle schools, and Mililani High School were able to proceed with their special lessons.

Sample lessons: “Ravenous Readers” at Solomon and “Chevron Please Fuel Our Little Scientists!” at Sunset Beach.

Chevron Hawaii has a refinery in Kapolei and operates six retail gas stations in the state.

Maryknoll School history teacher Steven Caley. Photo from Maryknoll School.

A Mililani resident has been named Teacher of the Year by Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).

Steven Caley, who teaches U.S. history at Maryknoll School, was presented with the award Feb. 21.

Each year, three educators are recognized by VFW for their commitment to teaching Americanism and patriotism to their students.

Caley was an infantryman in the U.S. Army and served as an intern with the United Nations in India after graduating college. He has been teaching history for 17 years, including nine years at Maryknoll.

Caley begins the semester asking his students, “What does it mean to be an American?” Then, throughout the course of study, the class revisits the question, referencing different time periods and in regard to different people.

“On the last day of the course, the students answer the same question again,” Caley explained, “and it is so powerful to see how they have evolved. Their evolution as students during my class mirrors that of our nation’s history: It is one facing the unknown, embracing adversity, with long periods of growth followed by challenging setbacks, mistakes, celebrations, excellence and a continued desire to always improve. To read their responses makes me proud to be a teacher and an American.”

Cmdr. Ron Lockwood of VFW Post 8616 Diamond Head oversaw Caley’s nomination and was impressed with his efforts to engage students.

“Mr. Caley had the entire student body asking questions of political candidates, and then led them outside to hold a ‘Get Out and Vote’ sign-waving campaign,” said Lockwood. “Having an entire school behind this project shows outstanding leadership skills and the ability to motivate people. The best thing people can take away from this is that Mr. Caley is a dedicated professional who pushes his students to excel.”

Perhaps no one was more impressed with the award than Caley’s daughter Brooklyn, who won her own award on the same day.

“My favorite memory of the awards celebration was seeing my 5-year-old daughter beaming with pride when I received the award,” he said. “Earlier in the day, she had received the Dancer of the Day award at her jazz class, and when the ceremony ended, she said to me, ‘Daddy, I am so proud of you! Teacher of the Year is almost as good as Dancer of the Day!’”

Kahuku Public and School Library hosts a series of events to inform and entertain the community. This month’s activities are:

• Movie Night: Book of Life. Rated PG, April 14 at 5:30 p.m.

• Learn About Finances with games, prizes, speakers and an evening story time April 21 at 5:30 p.m. Open to families and keiki.

• Preschool Storytime with Nyla Fujii-Babb April 24 at 10 a.m.

• Kahuku Plantation Days with John “Jr.” Primacio April 28 at 6:30 p.m.

Rep’n Mililani …Rep. Beth Fukumoto Chang

Like many of you, I’ve been frustrated by the rail project’s delays and cost overruns. It’s the City and County of Honolulu’s project, but the state does have a say in the availability of a source of revenue that’s set to expire in 2022.

The state allows the counties to implement up to a 0.5 percent surcharge onto the state’s general excise tax (GET) for the rail project until 2022. Because of cost overruns, this is no longer expected to provide the city with enough revenue to finance its project.

Without the surcharge, the city plans to use alternative sources of funding, such as city property taxes, which the mayor has said could be increased from 33 percent to 43 percent, and city fuel taxes.

Ending the project, an option that city officials are committed against, would cost the city around $2 billion. None of the options, including canceling the project, costs nothing.

The state Legislature currently is considering a proposal, House Bill 134, to extend the county’s authorization to implement this surcharge. Effectively, this measure would keep the GET at its current rate of 4.5 percent for at least five more years. For those expecting the GET to drop to 4 percent in 2022, this extension will feel like a tax increase.

If you know me, you know that I think the cost of living is already too high. So, it might be surprising that I voted to allow the city to continue the GET surcharge, and I want to explain why.

First and foremost, most of my constituents have told me that they want the rail project completed. In Central Oahu, traffic negatively impacts our quality of life, and we all want relief. Rail can’t be the only solution, but it will help. If my district wants rail, then I will work to find the best means to fund the project.

In this case, extending the GET surcharge may be the best of a number of bad options. The federal government has said that we can’t significantly reduce the scope of the project. If we do, or if we end it, we’ll need to pay back the money and likely fight expensive lawsuits. For these reasons, the city probably won’t choose either option and will need to figure out how to pay for it.

Taking the GET surcharge off the table as an option for the city wouldn’t necessarily end the project or even force the city to cut spending. All it would do is push the city to use a different tax, which may end up being a greater burden.

Whatever the city chooses, there should be an audit of the project, and the state should reduce its 10 percent administrative fee so more money goes directly to the project. When we vote on the final bill, I hope these changes also will be included.

There’s still time before that vote takes place, so please share your opinion by emailing me at repfukumoto@capitol.hawaii.gov. Remember, I am your representative, and I always want to hear from you before I make final decisions on this or any other vote.

Contact Rep. Fukumoto Chang at Capital Room 333, or call 586-9460.

As OIA’s East and West conferences enter the final week of their respective regular seasons, there is still much to be decided for Leilehua, Mililani and Waialua. A look at each team’s “Game of the Week” follows.

Waialua at Aiea, 3 p.m. Wednesday (today)

The Bulldogs have been in playoff mode of late, as they were locked in a battle with Nanakuli for the last berth for the OIA White Conference Tournament. The first meeting between Aiea and Waialua on March 30 was postponed because of rain and will not be made up unless the outcome will have an impact on the final standings and playoff seedings. (If the game is made up, it will be played Saturday.)

Waialua was to play an equally big game over the weekend against Kapolei before turning its attention to Aiea, which was the last remaining undefeated team in the White at press time (April 7). Despite their position, Aiea is very much in the “must-win” mode itself with Kapolei sitting a game back in second place. Na Ali‘i has been the league’s most balanced team throughout 2015, beating their opponents by the average score of 16-1.

Mililani at Campbell, 6:30 p.m. Friday at Hans L’Orange Park

If there are two teams in the state that have truly lived up to all expectations this spring, they are Mililani and Campbell. It is only appropriate that they meet in the regular-season finale.

The Trojans, who have made the D-I state title game each of the past two years, were the West’s last remaining unbeaten team at press time at 8-0. The Sabers were 8-1 with their only setback having come to — you guessed it — Mililani (2-1) last month.

In addition to the regular-season crown likely being decided by the outcome, the top seeds (and first-round byes) for the OIA Red tournament are also on the line.

The Trojans have displayed the kind of late-game grit that fueled their post-season run in 2014, as four of their eight wins came by two runs or less. Solid pitching has played a big role in their success, led by Micah Chinen and Koa Eastlack. Both entered the weekend among the OIA’s leaders in innings pitched. On the offensive side, Sean Sonognini and Jarrin Morikawa have been the mainstays of a productive lineup.

Campbell is led by West Player of the Year candidate Ian Kahaloa. In addition to being the ace of the Sabers’ pitching staff, he entered the weekend as OIA’s leader in runs driven in with 11. The Sabers are hardly a one-man operation in the pitching department; they already have posted six shutouts to date. Indeed, only Waipahu has been able to score more than two runs on Campbell, tallying four in a blowout loss.

Leilehua at Waipahu, 3 p.m. Saturday

Regardless of what Leilehua’s seeding ends up, no team will be eager to face the Mules in the first round of the OIA Red tournament. Although just 3-6 through their first nine league games, the Mules were only a handful of plays from having a much better record. They lost a pair of one-run decisions to league-leader Mililani (by scores of 2-1 and 1-0). Among Leilehua’s wins was a 5-4 success over this same Waipahu team in the West’s first round. With that in mind, expect a playoff-type atmosphere for this game.

When it comes to close losses, Waipahu certainly can feel the Mules’ pain. The Marauders dropped close encounters to Mililani (7-5) and Pearl City twice (4-2 and 3-1), in addition to the loss to Leilehua.

Leilehua pitcher Trayson Kubo has been a standout for the Mules, with an OIA Red Conference-leading 31.7 innings pitched at press time.

Oakland Scanlan has been the workhorse for Waipahu, having logged a team-best 23 innings pitched as of late last week. Offensive struggles have plagued Waipahu this season, as they are 2-1 when scoring five runs or more, and just 1-5 when held to four runs or less.

jackster.1969@yahoo.com

Some things are inevitable. Put a pile of clothes in the dryer, and you always seem to have one less item when the cycle is finished.

But when it comes to tennis, you can be assured that both Mililani boys and girls tennis teams will be in the mix for an OIA championship. The Trojans made it a clean sweep in each division in both 2013 and 2014.

Mililani boys and girls teams head into postseason and appear right on schedule for another strong finish.

Mililani’s varsity boys and girls tennis coach Jason Agsalda recently took some time to visit with Central Oahu Islander.

What has enabled the Mililani community to produce such talented girls tennis players year after year?

I believe the feeder programs in the community have done a fine job in developing the talent that we have. I’m just fortunate enough to have some stay home and play for the high school. By the time they come up to us, the players have strong fundamentals, which makes our jobs easier.

What’s the best part of being the Mililani girls tennis coach?

To me, coaching is all about the players, and I have some great ones. They are all good kids on and off the court. The best part that I enjoy is the opportunity to work with them because they are all coachable. The parental support also has been very good; without their support, our program wouldn’t be where it is today.

What are your thoughts on Mililani’s season to date? What has pleased you most with your current group?

I had some concerns going into the season since we lost our No. 1 girl — Alyssa Tobita — to graduation, and Sage Leaman, who transferred, but knew we had some talent coming back. We started the season at Pearl City, and right off the bat the coaching staff really saw what our team was made of. We ended up winning the match, but it wasn’t without a fight. The players stuck together as a team, and everyone played well to pull out the victory.

Who have been your top leaders this season?

Without a doubt, it’s been our captains Elisha Lin, Ryan Hirokane, Mikah Sato, Alysse Nakasato and Haley Fujimori, who have been leading by their play, voice and experience. They have created a strong team bond, where everyone feels like they can contribute to the team’s success.

Who among your players has made the biggest leap from last year?

I believe that all of them have improved, but definitely players like Alysse Nakasato, Tayler dela Cruz, Davin Lee and Micah Andrade have stepped up their games to another level. These players have worked hard to improve their skills as well as their mental toughness.

Which match to date would you say was your team’s most impressive performance?

Probably the Pearl City match because they are our biggest rival. The OIA West title usually goes through us or them. The atmosphere is always like a playoff match, so to win that at their place was the most impressive performance to date.

Which of your players should we be watching for at the upcoming state tournament?

Although I like the chances of all my players, I believe my top doubles teams — in Alysse Nakasato/Haley Fujimori and Jace Akagi-Okuma/Davin Lee — have the tools to make a deep run in the tournament. Both teams played together last year and are looking forward to making it farther, hopefully bringing home an individual title to the school. But, like I tell all my players, we have to take each match one at a time.

What are your thoughts on your current senior class?

The senior class this year (Elisha, Ryan, Mikah, Kaua Beamer and Philip Plymale) is really special because the majority of them started with me when I first took over the program. I have seen them grow not only into awesome tennis players, but into responsible young adults. I’m very confident that they will all be successful in life after tennis and high school. jackster.1969@yahoo.com

By GARY KEWLEY

Aloha friends, Here’s my first surf column to keep you stoked and in the lineup.

For those who aren’t aware, I’m the chief surfing officer of Surf News Network (SSN), Hawaii’s No. 1 surf website, and part of the longest-running surf report network on planet Earth. We serve up surf for radio and TV statewide.

SSN started in 1976 with “Surfer Joe” Teipel delivering reports for several radio stations. I was program director at Camp Mokuleia when Joe grabbed me for some surf reporting on stations such as KPOI. Needless to say, I said yes straight up, and next thing I know, Joe and I are tag-teaming on sponsors and growing our media connections.

We kicked off 596-SURF in the mid-’80s, and it’s been the go-to hotline for the most popular and accurate surf updates with more than 5,000 callers a day.

The number is the official hotline for many local contests, including Vans Triple Crown. I bought the company from Surfer Joe in 1990, and I have continued riding this wild media wave ever since, all with the help of the best surf ohana anyone could ask for. Thank you, team!

Surfnewsnetwork.com is a full-service surf site with current wave conditions, winds, weather and forecasts for each dimension. It’s statewide. We have cams, photos, a premium option and great feature stories that bring Hawaii’s surf community together.

April’s surf has been mediocre with the exception of a really nice 3to 5-foot East swell April 4-7.

As far as quality town and country swells, we will have to wait a little longer for real action, but it is coming! Indeed, northwest shores will see a winter-caliber swell of at least 12 feet Hawaii Scale (20-foot-plus faces) hitting April 16.

Many thought North Shore was going to sleep, but nope! Town comes up from a nice Taz Sea storm (in between Australia and

New Zealand), and surf along Leeward shores should reach 2-4 feet solid from the southwest filling in Monday, April 20, and lasting several days. April is a time of transition from northwest swells to south swells, and this means we can get waves around the compass. Nice!

Quick kudos to Ewa Beach boy Keanu Asing (21), who just got on the World Surfing League (WSL) and thus fulfilled a lifelong dream.

He is the newest Hawaiian on the WSL, and getting there is no easy task, as the field has more talent than ever in the history of the Sport of Kings.

Keanu is stocky and powerful, with a low center of gravity, whipping power hacks that throw high spray and praise. He’s a meat-and-potatoes competitor, very calculating, focused and fast. Most importantly, he is humble and really well-liked as a human being. His work ethic is unsurpassed.

We wish Keanu the best, and you can bet all of Hawaii will be rooting for him.

Until next week, happy wave trails!

Email Central Oahu items to cchang@midweek.com by April 15 for the April 22 edition.

• RED CROSS Oahu Red Cross offers specialized first-aid classes at Wayland Baptist University in Mililani at 10 a.m. April 14 (fee $90 or $110). Register at 1-800-733-2767.

• TAX HELP Trained volunteers with AARP Tax Counseling for the Elderly offer assistance through April 15 at Wahiawa and Kahuku libraries. Call 888-687-2277.

• DINNER Wahiawa Lions meet for a dinner program at 6:45 p.m. April 15 at Dot’s to hear about the Whitmore Project. Cost is $10. Call 21-0852.

• SPECIAL FUNDS Heartbeat dance troupe is raising funds via Pizza Huts islandwide April 15, May 25, June 10 and July 6 to defray costs of its performance at the Special Olympics World Games in L.A. (For the required flier, call 554-1410). The group also will dance at Peter’s Prom April 17 at Hawaii Okinawa Center. Call 255-4305, email jungm001@hawaii.rr.com or visit gofundme.com/heartbeat2w orlds.

• TI LEAF LEI Wahiawa Botanical Garden has ti leaf lei workshop at 1 p.m. April 16. Fee is $5. Register at 522-7066.

• KAHUKU MUSIC North Shore musician Ron Artis II plays at 8 p.m. April 17 at Surfer, the Bar at Turtle Bay Resort, featuring special guest Thunderstorm Artis, and opening band Quadraphonix. Cover is $10. Call 371-3895.

• PLANT FORUMS Wahiawa Botanical Garden hosts free horticultural forums on Irrigation Basics at 9 a.m. April 17 and Basic Yard Care at 9 a.m. May 15. Register at 522-7066.

• HORRORS Central Theatre Arts Academy presents Little Shop of Horrors at 7 p.m. April 17 and 18, and 4 p.m. April 19 in Mililani High cafeteria. Tickets cost $12, $10 and $5. Call 627-4356 or visit showtix4u.com.

• BOOK SALE Friends of Waialua Library have a book sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 18 at the library. Call 637-8286.

• FOOD DRIVE Hawaii Foodbank volunteers accept donations from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 18 at Mililani Town Center. Call 836-3600.

• PUPUKEA HIKE Hawaiian Islands Land Trust’s Christina Aiu leads a free “Talk Story on the Land” hike from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 18 to Pu‘u O Mahuka heiau in Pupukea (the largest heiau on the island) plus tips from Bill Hawes on organic permaculture farming. RSVP to at 498-8385.

• SLACK KEY Award-winning musician Jeff Peterson plays slack key music at 10:30 a.m. April 18 at Wahiawa Library. Call 622-6345.

• BLOOD DRIVE Hawaii Blood Bank has a donor drive from 7 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. April 18 at Mililani Market Place. Call 848-4770.

• WORKDAY Malama Ke Ala Pupukea volunteers meet from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 19 to work on the native garden. Email Vance at kealapupukea@gmail.com or visit the new website at kealapupukea.org.

• GREYWOLF Grey-wolf discusses “Women Warriors of Europe & Asia” at 10 a.m. April 21 at Waialua Library and shares his display of weapons, antiques, costumes and more. Call 637-8286.

• NEIGHBORS Mililani Mauka-Launani Valley Neighborhood Board meets at 7 p.m. April 21 at Mililani Mauka Elementary, and Mililani-Waipio-Melemanu meets at 7:30 p.m. April 22 at Mililani Rec Center III. Call 768-3710.

• WAIALUA READS Waialua Library’s readers group meets at 9:30 a.m. April 23 to discuss its pick of the month, Paul Bowles’ The Sheltering Sky. Call 637-8286.

• TEEN ART Friends of Waialua Library host an opening reception at 5:30 p.m. April 23 for the Waialua High & Intermediate School Art Show featuring Howard Farrant’s students. The mixed-media exhibit runs through May 19. Call 637-8286.

• DRAWING Waialua Library’s drawing group, (formerly Sketchers) meets at 11 a.m. April 25. Bring sketchbook, pencils, pens and an item for a group still-life. Call 637-8286.

• LANAI SALE St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church conducts a lanai sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 25 at 1679 California Ave. The church thrift shop also will be open during the sale. Call 226-3510.

• OCEAN DAY Friends of Ali‘i Beach Park sponsor Family Ocean Day from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 25 at the park, including a beach cleanup at 10 a.m. and fun activities from noon to 2. Call 292-0867.

• KELLEY RIDE Hawaii Bicycling League sponsors the John Kelley Haleiwa Metric Century Ride at 6:30 a.m. April 26 from Kaiaka Beach Park to Kahuku High School and back. Call 735-5756 or visit bhl.org.

• SANCTUARY NOAA seeks public comment on the proposed expansion of Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary boundaries during an informational meeting from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. April 27 at Sunset Beach Recreation Center, 59-540 Kamehameha Hwy. Call 271-3213.

• LEI PO‘O Wahiawa Botanical Garden has a workshop on making Lei Po‘o (wili method) at 9:30 a.m. April 30. Fee is $15. Register at 522-7066.

• BANDSTAND Waialua Bandstand presents the Waialua High & Intermediate School Band at 4 p.m. May 3, sponsored by Surf N Sea. Call 637-9721.

• WRITER RETREAT Camp Mokule‘ia is home base for the Mokule‘ia Writers Retreat May 3-8, featuring top local authors, workshops and coaching, plus room and board. Fees range from $500 to $1,200. Email connie@sinandsyntax.com.

• CURRICULUM Ki-papa Elementary School presents its Curriculum Fair from 8:15 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 13, 15, 18 and 19 in the library where student works will be on view for parents and the public. A chili dinner with live entertainment also is planned for 5-8 p.m. May 14. Tickets cost $3 in advance (until May 1) at 627-7322.

• PINE RUN The 2015 Wahiawa Pineapple Run is set for 7 a.m. May 16, starting and ending at Kaala Elementary School. Entrance fee is $40 with proceeds going to the school. For details, visit the Facebook page or email pineapplerunhi@gmail.com .

• TRIATHLON North Shore Olympic Triathlon begins at 5:45 a.m. May 17 at Mokuleia Beach Park and features an 800-meter swim, 25-mile bike race and 10K run. Entries are due by May 9. Call 372-8885 or visit active.com.

Ongoing

• POLO MATCHES Hawaii Polo Club hosts matches at 2 p.m. each Sunday at Mokuleia Field. Gates open at 11 a.m. and admission is $10 and $8. Call 226-0061.

• GET A PET Mililani Town Center’s PetSmart store hosts pet adoptions from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each Saturday and Sunday. Call 489-9231.

• COMPUTERS Waialua Library offers free computer instruction at 9 a.m. Fridays, Call 637-8286.

• KEIKI TIME Waialua Library hosts a new Toddler Time at 10 a.m. Fridays and children’s storytime and crafts at 10 a.m. Saturdays. Call 637-8286.

• JAZZERCISE Kate Moore leads low-impact, one-hour Jazzercise classes at 6:15 p.m. Mondays at Mililani Rec Center 3, and 6:15 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at Mililani Rec Center 5. Call 621-2482.

• CONSERVATION The Oahu Army Natural Resource Program welcomes volunteers for its April service trips and environmental outreach projects in the Waianae and Ko‘olau mountains to control invasive weeds and more. Most workdays begin at Wahiawa baseyard, and all tools are provided. Call Kim or Celeste at 656-7741.

• SENIOR CLASSES Anuenue Hale Wellness Center at Helemano offers a variety of free weekday classes and activities for seniors, injured war veterans and those with disabilities. Call Yvonne at 622-3929.

• GARDENERS Mililani Garden Club meets at 9:30 a.m. on the third Thursday at Mililani Mauka Rec Center 6 for a program, demonstration or excursion. The public is welcome. Call 637-0488.

• TODDLERS Waialua Library has Toddler Time at 10 a.m. Fridays, as well as its children’s storytime (with crafts) at 10 a.m. Saturdays. Call 637-8286.

• CRESTVIEW CLUB Crestview Seniors Club meets from 9:30 a.m. to noon each Friday at Crestview Community Park for planned fun activities and outings. All residents age 55 and older are welcome. Call Guy at 671-4838.

• ZUMBA Debbie Rosario leads ongoing Zumba classes at 6:45 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 9 a.m. Saturday at Mililani Waena Elementary. Fee is $5 per class or $45 per month. Call 780-5640.

• ALZHEIMER HELP An Alzheimer’s support group meets at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of the month at The Plaza in Mililani. Call 591-2771.

• PADDLE FITNESS Rainbow Watersports offers Stand Up Paddle Fitness classes 9.30 a.m. Saturdays at Haleiwa Bay. Call 372-9304.

• HULA Kumu hula Ali‘i Manu conducts non-competitive hula classes (auana, kahiko and the aloha spirit) for the public at 7 p.m. Tuesdays at Mililani Uka Elementary. Men and wo-men ages 15 and up are welcome. Call 478-2400.

• PARKINSON’S A Parkinson’s support group meets at 1 p.m. every first Saturday in Waialua United Church of Christ’s office, 67-174 Farrington Hwy. Call Grant at 282-9864.

• ZUMBA Mililani Town Center hosts a free Zumba demonstration class at 6:30 p.m. on the last Friday of the month at the gazebo. Call 625-0108.

• MILILANI SENIORS Mililani Golden Years seniors club meets from 9:30 a.m. to noon Fridays at Mililani District Park for planned activities. All residents age 55 and older are welcome. Call 623-5258.

• PUPUKEA SENIORS Pohai Na Makua o Pupukea seniors club meets monthly at 9:30 a.m. on the first Tuesday, August-May, at Sunset Beach Recreation Center. Call 638-7213.

• HALEIWA SENIORS Haleiwa Seniors club meets from 8 to 11:30 a.m. every Thursday at Waialua Community Association, across from Haleiwa post office. Arts-and-crafts teachers also are welcome. Call 637-4606.

• WAHIAWA CLUB The city sponsors weekly programs and activities for the Wahiawa Rainbows at 8:30 a.m. Mondays at Wahiawa District Park. Call 621-5663.

• WHITMORE CLUB The city sponsors weekly programs and activities for Whitmore Seniors Club at 9 a.m. Fridays at Whitmore Community Park. Call 622-2420.

• MASTERS SWIM Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center has U.S. Masters swimming at 7 p.m. Monday and Wednesday at CORP. Call 677-8849.