MidWeek Staff

Pearl City Hongwanji Mission will host a workshop June 15 and 16 that “broadens awareness and provide tools to improve quality of life for elders at home.”

Called Eden at Home, the workshop introduces 10 principles of The Eden Alternative, which aim to eliminate the three plagues of loneliness, helplessness and boredom.

Fee is $10, which includes a training manual for care partners and family members. The workshops meet in two four-hour sessions from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day at the mission, 858 Second St. Lunch and refreshments will be served.

A follow-up talk story meeting will revisit the concepts a month later.

Eden-certified trainers of Project Dana conduct the workshops, which are funded through Na Lei Aloha Foundation. For more information and to register, call Myra Ikeda at Project Dana, 945-3736. Checks should be mailed to Project Dana at 902 University Ave., Honolulu HI 96826. The workshops are limited to 20 participants.

Class Brings ‘Eden’ To Elders

MidWeek Staff

The Mamoru and Aiko Takitani Foundation Inc. has awarded $97,000 in scholarships to 61 students throughout the state, including some from West Oahu. Campbell High’s Sharmaine L. Sibayan won a $3,000 scholarship for qualifying as a district finalist – one of seven students in the state to so qualify. She is the daughter of Carlos and Lucia Sibayan.

Other area winners include Kapolei High’s Penina Lima, Nanakuli High’s Ronald Ramo-nes, Pearl City High’s Kara Lynne Ogawa, Waipahu High’s Hannah Beltran and Waianae High’s Joey-Anna Chevalier. These five students each received $1,000 scholarships.

Chansonette F. Koa

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All of the winners were nominated by their schools and were evaluated based on academic achievement, community service and financial need.

Speaking of academic achievement, Kapolei High School students cleaned up at the fifth annual Internet Safety Awards May 11 at Farrington High School. The Internet Safety Contest had students create their own public service announcements on Internet safety issues centered around three topics: Cyber Bullying, Online Piracy and Plagiarism, and Online Predators and Social Networking Precautions. Kapolei placed first in two of three categories, took second place in one category and also tied with Waianae High for the Best In Show award.

“The level of quality and creativity in these student-produced PSAs is really quite impressive,” stated event co-founder Chris Duque. “Not only are students challenging their filmmaking skills, but they’re also addressing real-life issues that affect them and their peers.”

The winning PSAs will run on various cable channels during the next few months.

Chansonette F. Koa (RA) of Kapolei has rejoined Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties (CBP) in its Leeward office. Koa first joined the company in 2008 as a Realtor-associate, and also has worked in that position at Properties Unlimited. Koa is studying business management at the University of Phoenix.

CBP also has announced that two employees of its Leeward office – Mikiko Terahira (RA) of Halawa Heights/Aiea and John M. Kagimoto (RA) of Waikele – have been designated previews team members (sales associates who have been accepted to the program and are working toward earning the previews specialist designation. This refers to agents who meet a certain criteria of luxury market experience and have completed a series of training sessions. It is a prestigious international designation granted by Coldwell Banker.

CBP also announced that Janine Chang (RA) of Pacific Palisades has rejoined the firm’s Kahala office. Chang first joined the firm in 2007 as a Realtor-associate and rejoined in March.

Chang also brings experience from her career as a payroll professional and has owned her own printing company. Most recently, she worked as a Realtor-associate at Distinctive Homes.

Central Pacific Bank recently promoted Joy Agni to assistant vice president and Waipahu branch manager. Agni, a Waipahu resident, has more than 24 years of banking experience, primarily in leadership positions. She previously served as customer service manager and branch manager. Most recently, she was manager at the Pearl Highlands branch.

In her new position, she is expected to lead, coach and inspire her team to meet the needs of CPB customers.

Gennyrose Contaoi and Hermana Kenyel, both of Ewa Beach, were promoted recently by Taco Bell.

Contaoi, who has been a member of the Hawaii Taco Bell team since 1997, is now general manager of the Navy Exchange Taco Bell – a promotion from assistant manager.

Kenyel is now general manager of the Pearl Harbor eatery. She has been with Taco Bell since 2005 and previously worked as assistant manager in charge.

Air National Guard Airman Chase C. Cary (Aiea High 2010) recently graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. Cary is the son of Bryan Cary.

Air Force Airman Michael L. Williams (Aiea High 2011) graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. He is the son of Luther Williams.

Army Pvt. Agaluma S. Filoialii (Kapolei High 2008) has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. He is the son of Makatara Filoiali.

Air Force Reserve Airman Andrew R. Abila (Kapolei High 2010) graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. He is the son of Robert Abila.

Air National Guard Airman 1st Class Anjanette M. Vendiola (Waipahu High 2009) graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. Vendiola is the sister of Alisha Vendiola, also of Waipahu.

Army Pvt. Ernesto B. Visitacion Jr. of Waipahu has graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. He is the brother of Melvin Visitacion, also of Waipahu, and is a 2008 graduate of Waipahu High School.

Lauren Fujisaki of Pearl City joined 1,400 undergraduate and graduate students who earned their degrees from the University of Northern Colorado this spring. Fujisaki earned a Bachelor of Science degree in nutrition.

West Oahu Roundup

MidWeek Staff

Following the first installment of the Kunia Live! singing competition in March, the second event was held in April at Kunia Shopping Center in Waipahu.

The winners from April will compete against other winners in October.

Marjury Cabanlit delight the audience at last month’s Kunia Live singing competition.

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For those who still want a chance to wow the crowds, it’s not too late. The next Kunia Live is from 3 to 5 p.m. June 30 with registration by 5 p.m. June 29. For this contest, there are new age groups: 6 to 11, 12 to 17, and 18 and up. The next Kunia Live! is scheduled for Aug. 25. For more information, visit shopkunia.com.

Keiki Shining In Monthly Vocal Competition At Kunia Center

Nicole Kato

Volunteer Paul Dumas is about to signal the start of the Solar Sprint for Kapolei Middle School student Ciara Alagao, whose model solar-powered vehicle then raced down the 60-foot course. Photo from HECO.

A total of 320 elementary and middle school students working in pairs put their solar-powered vehicles to the test April 26 at Kapolei High School during the Solar Sprint Exhibition.

Forty students from Kapolei Middle School participated.

Sponsored by the state DOE and Hawaiian Electric Co., the event tested the speeds of 160 handmade solar vehicles and gave the students an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and application of science and math to design and create a working sun-powered vehicle.

Ariel Villanueva, an industrial technology teacher at Kapolei Middle, focuses his classes on STEM-related (science, technology, engineering and math) activities. Villanueva, along with enrichment teachers Wayne Fagaragan and Steve Markham, helped the students during the two weeks they had to build their vehicles.

“In the future they’re going to need to use all these subject areas in the things that they use, the things they do, and the things that they work at,” Villanueva said. “Just having them think and use the information differently is going to help them in any of their endeavors.”

They began with a basic kit consisting of a motor, solar panel and wheels. It was their job to come up with the design. Each pair put their electrical-wiring skills to the test by connecting the small motor to a miniature photovoltaic panel on a bare, lightweight frame.

As if connecting tiny wires to more tiny wires wasn’t enough, they also had to make sure their vehicles made it down the 60-foot runway within 20 seconds, which met the Hawaii Performance Standards established by the DOE. And, if the students met the first standard, during the second run, they had to add 12 ounces of lead weights to the frames in an attempt to run that same course within 35 seconds, twice.

Of the 20 teams from Kapolei Middle School, 14 exceeded the standards and five met the first standard.

“Last year only one succeeded, so it was a big jump this year,” Villanueva explained.

Students from Kapolei and Niu Valley Middle; Waipahu, Wheeler and Kahuku Intermediate; and Laie Elementary schools participated this year.

Part of HECO’s motive is to educate young students about renewable energy, and it has many educational programs and presentations it offers to teachers – some of it based on solar energy and some on energy conservation.

The exhibition demonstrates support for renewable energy education, which is going to be a greater and greater part of the students’ lives as they get older, especially in Hawaii.

Solar Sprint Has Students Racing Their Own Sun-powered Cars

MidWeek Staff

By Shannon Rosenberg

Everyone loves watching them on the big screen and reading about them in comic books, but now you get to see superheroes come to life with the Pearlridge Center’s 15th annual free Hall of Heroes display both Uptown and Downtown this summer.

Children will want to report to Uptown Center Court to see the Super Train, which will go on a wild ride through 30-foot buildings with eerie sound effects, dramatic lightning and everyone’s favorite comic book heroes.

Adults, unfortunately, can only ride the train if they are under 48 inches tall, but Pearlridge hasn’t forgotten about them. Downtown Center Court has been revamped into a Batcave experience, identical to the Batman headquarters featured in the 1960s Batman TV show.

The experience includes interactive displays, vintage computer terminals and Batman’s coveted Super Computer.

Batman also has been nice enough to lend his custom-built Barris Bat-mobile, which will be on display for free photo opportunities.

Other fun, hands-on activities include prop replicas, interactive comic book displays, trivia questions and games based on famous comics through the decades.

The Hall of Heroes is on display through Aug. 4 during Pearlridge Center hours. For more information, call 488-0981 or visit pearlridgeonline.com.

Comic Heroes Visit Pearlridge

MidWeek Staff

Below are highlights events in West Oahu. Fax items to 585-6324 or email cchang@midweek.com one week ahead of the Wednesday publication date.

* ROTARY Professional organizer Denise Mazzanti is guest speaker at the Rotary Club of Kapolei Sunset meeting at 5:30 p.m. June 4 at Roy’s Ko Olina, second floor. Cost for the light dinner is $20. RSVP to txtutu@yahoo.com.

* BOOK TIME Aiea Library presents “Book Time with Ronald McDonald” at 10:30 a.m. June 5. Call 483-7333.

* BALLROOM The Pearlridge Ballroom Dance chapter registers students at 7 p.m. June 5, 12, 19, 26 and July 3 and 10 for classes that begin July 3 at Waimalu Elementary School (Tuesdays 7-9 p.m.) in merengue, tango and salsa. Call 488-3935.

* CONTRACTS The Small Business Administration runs a free workshop on federal government contracting for small business owners from 9 a.m. to noon June 6 at Kapolei Hale. To register, call Mary Dale at 541-2990, ext. 211.

* RETIRING TIPS Trina Simeona discusses how to prepare for retirement at 6 p.m. June 6 at Aiea Library. Call 356-9300.

* GABBARD State Sen. Michael Gabbard hosts a “listen story” at 9 a.m. June 6 at the Kapolei Starbucks. Call 586-6830.

* ROTARY TALK Hawaii Credit Union League president and CEO Dennis Tanimoto is guest speaker at Kapolei Rotary Club’s 7:30 a.m. breakfast meeting June 7 in the faculty lounge at Kapolei High School. Call 722-1489 or email info@limelighthawaii.com.

* BLOOD DRIVES Hawaii Blood Bank has donor drives from 7 to 11:15 a.m. June 7 at Kapolei Bank of Hawaii, 7:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. June 9 at Kapolei Shopping Center, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. June 12 at Pali Momi Medical Center’s first-floor conference room, and from 8:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. June 12 at Youth Challenge Academy in Kalaeloa. Call 848-4770.

* KUNIA MUSIC 3rd Cup Cafe & Venue hosts Stacey & Company on percussion and guitar at 7 p.m. June 8, and Taking Care of Business at 7:30 p.m. June 9 with Hawaiian and contemporary music on the second floor of the Times building in Royal Kunia. Call 888-6087.

* ORCHID SHOWAiea Orchid Club has its 31st annual Orchid Show & Plant Sale from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 8 and 9 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 10, featuring demonstrations, displays and sales of blooming plants. A chicken sale runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 9. Email aieaorchidclub@yahoo.com.

* NISHIHARA State Sen. Clarence Nishihara hosts his monthly coffee hour with constituents at 8 a.m. June 9 at the Waipahu Don Quijote. Call 728-1008.

* ORGANIZE Simply Organized has a free workshop on “FreedomRail” at 1 p.m. June 9 at its Kapolei store, 889 Kamokila Blvd. Call 529-5801

* SOCCER TRYOUTS Ka’oi Soccer Club has a free tryout from 9 a.m. to noon June 9 at Central Oahu Regional Park for boys and girls ages 7 to 19. Call 864-2791.

* CANCER HELP The Kapolei Cancer Self Help Group meets at 5 p.m. June 10 at Island Pacific Academy, 909 Haumea St. to help each other, learn and share feelings. Email support.windisch@gmail.co m.

* HOLIDAY All area libraries are closed June 11 in observance of King Kamehameha Day.

* BRITISH SOCCER Leeward AYSO hosts a British Coaches Youth Soccer Camp June 11-15 at Kapolei Regional Park for ages 5 to 16 with full and half-day sessions. Camp T-shirt is included, and walk-ins are OK. Email Ron Matar at matar02@hawaiiantel.net.

* UNCLE WAYNE Pearl City Library presents “Sing Along with Uncle Wayne” at 1 p.m. June 12 (453-6566) and Ewa Beach Library hosts him at 10:30 a.m. June 15 (689-1204).

* JOB FAIR The Leeward Job and Career Fair is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 12 at Salvation Army Kroc Center, 91-3257 Kualaka’i Parkway in Ewa Beach. Call 586-9730.

* HEARING Kaiser’s Waipio Clinic presents a free Hearing Loss seminar at 9:30 a.m. June 12 at 94-1480 Moaniani St. Call 432-2155.

* REUNION Aiea High’s Class of 2002 has a final deadline of June 14 to sign up for its 10-year reunion, which is set for 5:30 p.m. Aug. 11 at Cupola Theater in Honolulu. Go to aieaclassof2002.org.

* WATER ART The Board of Water Supply displays winning entries in its Water Conservation Week Poster and Poetry Contest from May 30 to June 14 in the Kapolei Hale courtyard. Call 748-5041.

* PUMPKINS Halawa Xeriscape Garden sponsors a two-part pumpkin program with planting at 10:30 a.m. June 16 and harvesting and decorating them at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 27 at the garden, 99-1268 Iwaena St. Fee is $5. Call 748-5363 by June 15.

* BENEFIT Big City Diner in Waipio, Pearlridge and elsewhere hosts a fundraiser for a former cook Melarie Templo June 18 and will donate a percentage of each meal check to her medical fund that day. Templo has a rare form of brain cancer.

West Oahu Highlights

Jack Danilewicz

The call Charlinda Ioane hoped for came on Valentine’s Day, which seems fair. While the Kapolei High track and field standout had kept her options open during her recruitment, her love affair with the University of Hawaii goes back to her childhood.

“That was the day I found about my scholarship offer (from UH),” she said. “It was a relief. Mainland kids look up to NFL players and pro teams, but UH is the only thing kids have here. I’ve always been around UH and followed them. I had been contacted by 23 different schools, but had always kept my options open to see who offered and then who offered the most.

“Going to UH is more of a blessing,” she added. “I can stay home, and I don’t have to live on the Mainland. I’ll be dorming.”

It’s been quite a year already for Ioane, who recently set a new state record in the shot put at the state track and field championships with a throw that covered 45-09.75. The previous record of 44-03, held by Sarah Bryant (Kaiser), had stood for 27 years.

The morning of the finals was far from routine for Ioane, who had thrown 42-10 in the prelims. “Normally I don’t practice on the day (of the event), but there were things I hadn’t done as well as usual in Friday’s preliminaries,” she said. “I went to work on my technique because it wasn’t clicking as usual. Usually, you have a day off to make corrections, but this was the state meet.”

Ioane won both the discus and the shot put events in the OIA finals this spring and was the OIA discus champion in 2011 as well. Her personal best was recorded at the Punahou Relays in mid-April, where she threw 46-05.5 to also set a new record. Her reward for a memorable season was a mere two days off, however, as Ioane is traveling to Indianapolis next weekend to compete at the U.S. Junior Nationals.

“I took two days off mainly for school (studies), and then we were right back at it,” she said. “(Track and field) takes a lot of dedication. You have to constantly go over your steps.”

At the Jr. Nationals, Ioane will need to cover 47 feet to move on to the next competition. “That’s the next part – having to throw it (47 feet and beyond),” she laughed.

For her long-range development, Ioane is excited to compete at UH under second-year assistant Seilala Sua-Zumbado, the program’s “throws” coach. During her own playing days at UCLA, Sua-Zumbado won seven NCAA championships and was a 14-time All-American who competed in all four throwing events – shot put, discus, hammer and javelin. She still ranks in the UCLA’s all-time Top 10 in each of those events.

At UH, Ioane is will major in kinesiology. “I hope to get into their physical therapy program,” she said. “Class work and athletics help keep me balanced.”

Kapolei Track And Field Standout Sets State Shot Put Record

Jack Danilewicz

Waipahu senior Isaac Tusitala has been selected as the OIA Western Division Boys Volleyball Player of the Year.

A middle blocker/outside hitter, he was one of the catalysts for a team that went 14-4 en route to earning one of the league’s berths at the Division I state championships. Waipahu finished third in the OIA post-season tournament and was the Consolation Champion at the state tournament.

All-Star selections were made in a vote of Western Division coaches at season’s end.

“He’s a nice kid, very personable, and he seems very coachable,” Aiea head coach Erin Okamoto said. “On the court, he’s a coach’s dream. He can set, he can hit, he can hit from the back row … he’s a good all-around player – and I am glad he’s graduating,” she added with a laugh.

Senior teammates Stacen Konohia and Jordan Bee also made the First Team at outside hitter and libero, respectively. Chayse Antonio (setter/outside hitter) was picked for the Second Team from the Marauders, while Clyde Ortega, Luu Vailuu and Christopher Fidow received Honorable Mention.

Aiea, which went 7-4 on the season, had a First Team selection in senior Quentin Montgomery. Teammates Dylan Yukitomo and Faasau (Samson) Maeva were both chosen for the Second Team.

“Quentin matured a lot from his freshman year to now,” said Okamoto. “We had Dylan with us since he was a freshman, and he could play anywhere (position-wise). Samson played football, soccer and volleyball here.”

Na Ali’i also had a pair of Honorable Mention selections in both AJ Aleaga and Terence Fong.

Pearl City finished 11-6 under Stephanie Shigemasa, earning a state tournament berth in the process. The Chargers’ Joseph Hammond was named to the First Team, while teammate Kailon Sabate (libero) earned Second Team honors. Luke Motoyama, Chaz Ebisu, Ryan Arguelles and Derek Chang earned Honorable Mention.

Jacob Ka’awa earned Second Team honors for Campbell, which finished its season at 4-9. Nio Povesi, Adam Amosa, Dylan Falesea, Ellery Jay Vitug and Kepa Lau earned Honorable Mention.

Also earning Second Team All-Conference honors was Kalani Faumuina of Kapolei. The Hurricanes had five players – James Tusialofa, Truce Hodges, Eleneki Fernandes, Daniel Magaoay and Javen Dias – selected for Honorable Mention.

Waipahu Volleyball Star Named OIA Player Of The Year

MidWeek Staff

Three weeks of summer preparation may be all that’s needed for a young child to make a smooth transition to kindergarten. And it’s all free.

Sponsored by INPEACE (Institute for Native Pacific Education and Culture), the Keiki Steps course helps children become familiar with the school setting and group-learning environment before public schools open July 30.

The program is set up at two West Oahu elementary school campuses – Nanaikapono (June 18-July 6, 8-11 a.m., 668-5800) and Kamaile (July 2-16, 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 697-7110).

All children must be registered for kindergarten at one of these schools in order to attend Keiki Steps. For more information, call 693-7222.

Program Prepares Keiki For Kindergarten

MidWeek Staff

For the second straight year, Pearl Ridge Elementary School students and their families won the $10,000 grand prize in the Home Energy Challenge by reducing their electricity use by 16.4 percent. At the ceremony are from left) HECO executive vice president Robbie Alm, state Rep. Mark Takai, Pearl Ridge principal Robert Ginlack, Pearl Ridge student challenge coordinators (back) teacher/school coordinator Liane Tanigawa, Randy Moore (state DOE), Sam Nichols and Kaiulani de Silva (HECO education and consumer affairs). The Challenge is sponsored by the state DOE and Hawaiian Electric Co. Photo from Janeen Miller of HECO.

Focus on West Oahu

Nicole Kato

They “never sleep, don’t sleep and won’t sleep,” as The Lightsleepers continue to spread their love of hip-hop – and they’re doing it for a good cause.

The Lightsleepers brought back Inertia 9, Hawaii’s longest-running b-boy (break boy) jam May 12 at Momilani Elementary School in Pearl City. The event brought together the state’s best breakdancers, who battled it out for the title of Inertia 9 champion, all while raising funds for Grace Bible Church’s Youth Camp and mission trips. This year’s event raised about $1,000 for the cause.

Kyle Goodness shows his best moves on the dance floor at the Inertia 9 dance contest May 12 at Momilani Elementary School. The annual breakdancing competition is hosted by The Lightsleepers. This year’s event raised about $1,000 for Grace Bible Church. Photo by Anthony Consillio.

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For the past nine years, Lightsleepers has hosted this drug- and alcohol-free b-boy jam each May with all proceeds benefiting Grace Bible Church.

“Events like Inertia 9 are important because it helps bring together Hawaii’s hip-hop community,” said Lightsleepers’ Kavet the catalyst, “from the young to the old. It’s a no-nonsense b-boy jam that promotes a ‘come as you are’ (mentality).”

The five-hour competition featured a three-versus-three crew battle, as well as a one-on-one battle between breakers. Supreme Rascals, 808 Breakers, Team Basic Rascals, Jeff Wong, Floorigami, B-Boys of Musicality, Beat Rock Krew, 808 Giants, Under-dogs, Stoner Bashing Time and Team Basik Rascals participated in the three-on-three event.

Supreme Rascals came out on top. Don Lee took first in the one-on-one battle.

DJ Enjay, DJ Jedi, DJ Observe and Kavet the catalyst provided music for the event.

In addition to the battles, Inertia 9 also presented a blackbook competition in which artists were given a specific word and/or character to artistically render on the spot.

Dancer Why won the blackbook competition and received Hawaii-born artist SLICK’s new (and signed) Dissizit Blackbook Battalion.

Since its beginnings as a radio show on KTUH 90.3 FM hosted by Kavet the catalyst in 1997, The Lightsleepers have demonstrated their nonstop love for hip-hop in Hawaii.

For more information about this and other events, email lightsleepers@gmail.com or visit lightsleepers.net.

Breakdancing Tourney Funds Church Events

MidWeek Staff

The recently closed Hawaii Medical Center (HMC) West campus could possibly be acquired and reopened by Queen’s Health Systems, the parent company of The Queen’s Medical Center. Queen’s and St. Francis Healthcare System of Hawaii announced last month that the two are in the midst of talks that would allow Queen’s to acquire and reopen the Ewa hospital campus. The two have signed a letter-of-intent and confidentiality to explore this possibility.

HMC West currently is in the process of being returned to St. Francis Healthcare System. The West Oahu hospital shut down late last year after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. St. Francis Healthcare System sold both of its hospitals to HMC in 2007, and HMC was ordered to return their assets – including properties and equipment at both the Liliha and the Ewa campuses – to St. Francis Healthcare in April.

As required by the agreement, Queen’s will determine the feasibility of re-establishing HMC West as an acute care hospital by investigating physical, environmental, facility and other regulatory requirements.

“Meeting the health needs of the community remains our foremost concern,” stated Jerry Correa, president and chief executive officer of St. Francis Healthcare System of Hawaii. “We believe that Queen’s is well-positioned to provide quality acute health care to the Leeward community.”

“The Queen’s Medical Center is very mindful of the importance of the West Oahu hospital campus to the people of that community,” stated Art Ushijima, president of The Queen’s Medical Center.

Details regarding all further terms of the agreement are confidential.

Queen’s To Acquire St. Francis?

MidWeek Staff

Summer might just be beginning, but if you want to grow your own pumpkin by Halloween, now is the time to start.

The Board of Water Supply and the Friends of Halawa Xeriscape Garden will host a two-part workshop where participants will plant their own pumpkins – and later harvest and decorate them.

The first session is from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday for planting seeds; participants will return Oct. 27 to harvest and decorate their pumpkin.

Fee is $5 for the public and free for Friends of Halawa Xeriscape Garden members. Both sessions will be at the garden, 99-1268 Iwaena St.

Advanced registration is required by 2 p.m. Friday. To sign up for the sessions, call 748-5363 or email workshops@hbws.org.

BWS Offers Pumpkin Workshops

MidWeek Staff

By State Sen. Mike Gabbard

Congratulations to Kapolei High School valedictorians: Sharon Cabjuan, Caitlin Cavarocchi, Madison Healy, Tyler Kushima, Gabryn Kam, Kristen Kuakini and Aisha Tierra. Also, congrats to American Renaissance Academy vale-dictorian Laurent Drui, and Island Pacific Academy valedictorian Kianna Bill-man and their Navigator Award (best all-around student) winner Ciera Fleming. I wish all the 2012 high school graduates the best! Here are a few things I’d like to share with you.

State Sen. Mike Gabbard

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Contraflow Zipper Lane

Good news … There is a recent update from the state Department of Transportation on the status of the P.M. Contraflow Zipper Lane project, which had been delayed because of a bid-protest issue. The total cost of this project, which started in May, is approximately $82.1 million.

Phase I will involve the deck repairs of the Pearl City and Waimalu viaducts. Phase II will be the zipper lane construction (from Radford Drive to the H1/H2 split). The project will take roughly 20 months.

A Work of “Aloha”

It was a moving experience to attend the dedication of the Mural at Pu’u o Kapolei April 28 at Kapolei Regional Park. I had the opportunity to present an honorary certificate from the state Senate to Kapolei High School principal Elden Esmeralda and his team for making this project happen. The mural is part of the Malama Kapolei Project, a partnership between the ‘Ahahui Siwila Hawai’i O Kapolei (Hawaii Civic Club of Kapolei) and the Honolulu Police Department District 8 Community Policing Team. Despite efforts by the civic club to keep the park’s military bunkers clean, the area was a continual target for graffiti.

Their solution was to enlist Kapolei High to create a community mural on the bunker walls that reflects the history of Kapolei. The mural represents images that reflect the cultural heritage of the indigenous people of Hawaii and Pu’u o Kapolei, which was an important region during ancient times. It was a natural crossing path for travelers.

The mural was painted by Kapolei High School students and art teachers Haley Kailiehu and Martha Richards, assisted by area residents and artists, as well as graduate students and staff from the University of Hawai’i at Manoa College of Education.

Inspiration for the mural came from longtime Makakilo resident and Hawaiian cultural expert, Uncle Shad Kane. Uncle Shad, along with police officers Debbie PohinaMaioho and Jodi Taitaiau, gave lectures about the history of Kapolei. It is truly a work of “aloha” that will be appreciated by Kapolei residents for many years to come.

“Listen Story” Meeting

My next “Listen Story” meetings will be held from 9 to 10 a.m Saturday (June 16) at the Kapolei Starbucks (next to the Chevron station) and from 9 to 10 a.m. July 21 the Kamokila Community Park Meeting Room in Honokai Hale.

Contact state Sen. Mike Gabbard at 586-6830 or sengabbard@capitol.hawaii. gov.

Teens, Community Dedicate Kapolei Park Mural

MidWeek Staff

Reflecting on healthy, active lifestyles could win keiki a little bit of summer spending cash.

The Ewa Beach Community-based Development Organization is searching for the poster that best depicts how Ewa Beach residents can live healthier and more active lives in the “Let’s Move, Ewa Beach” art contest.

Artists should submit designs on an 8 ¹/2 x 11 sheet of paper with their name, age, school, phone number and address on the back. Judging will be based on originality, creativity, effort and how well an idea is conveyed. Submissions will be judged according to the following age groups: 5 and under, 6-10, 11-14 and 15 and over. Cash prizes will be awarded to first, second and third place winners in each age group.

In addition, winners will be recognized this summer during Ewa Beach CBDO’s dedication ceremony of the new playground and exercise equipment areas at Ewa Beach Community Park.

Entries should be submitted to the Ewa Beach CBDO c/o Ewa Weed and Seed, Hale Pono Boys and Girls Club by 3:30 p.m. Friday at 91-884 Fort Weaver Road, Suite A, Ewa Beach, HI 96706.

Ewa Beach Seeks Art With Healthy Theme

MidWeek Staff

Below are highlights of West Oahu events. Fax items to 585-6324 or email cchang@midweek.com one week ahead of the Wednesday publication date.

* HEARING Kaiser’s Waipio Clinic presents a free Hearing Loss seminar at 9:30 a.m. June 12 at 94-1480 Moaniani St. Call 432-2155.

* BLOOD DRIVES Hawaii Blood Bank has a donor drive from 7 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. June 17 at the Ewa Town Center Foodland. Call 848-4770.

* WAIPAHU MARKET The Waipahu People’s Open Market is at Hans L’Orange Neighborhood Park from 8:15 to 9:15 a.m. June 12, and will return to the district park June 19. Call 522-7088..

* NEIGHBORS Ewa Neighborhood Board meets at 7 p.m. June 14 at Ewa Beach Library. Call 768-3710.

* UNCLE WAYNE Ewa Beach Library presents “Sing Along with Uncle Wayne” at 10:30 a.m. June 15. Call 689-1204.

* KUNIA MUSIC 3rd Cup Cafe & Venue hosts Heavy Weights with Hawaiian music at 8 p.m. June 15, and slam poetry artists at 8 p.m. June 16 on the second floor of the Times building in Royal Kunia. Call 888-6087.

* ELDER CARE Pearl City Hongwanji Mission hosts a free training workshop from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 15 and 16 at 858 Second St. Project Dana’s workshop, Eden at Home, aims to bring quality of life care to at-home elders. Call Myra at 945-3736.

* ORGANIZE Simply Organized has a free workshop at 1 p.m. June 16 on “The Top 5s of Connecting, Networking and Organizing through Technology with Laine Kohama” at its Kapolei store, 889 Kamokila Blvd. Call 529-5801.

* WAIMANO HIKE Hawaiian Trail & Mountain Club leads a 5-mile intermediate hike to Waimano Tunnels in Pearl City at 8 a.m. June 16. Go to htmclub.org.

* AIEA DAD’S DAY Ige’s Restaurant in Aiea has a Father’s Day celebration from noon to 3 p.m. June 17 at 98-761 Oihana Place with a lunch buffet and music by Brother Noland and Daphne. Tickets cost $25 pre-sale or $30 at the door. Keiki 5 to 12 are admitted for $15. Call 561-6079.

* ART ENTRIES Oahu Arts Center accepts entries until June 18 for an art show it will sponsor at Kapolei Hale Art Gallery from July 2 to 25. Call Corinne at 271-1344.

* THE RONALD “Book Time with Ronald McDonald” is at Waipahu Library at 2:30 p.m. June 20 (675-0358), Pearl City Library at 1 p.m. June 26 (453-6566) and Ewa Beach Library at 10:30 a.m. June 29 (689-1204).

* PANTHERS The nonprofit Waipio Panthers football league signs up players age 5-13 through the end of June for flag and tackle football (depending on age). Teams practice at C.O.R.P. and other sites. Email waipiopanthers@gmail.com.

West Oahu Highlights

Jack Danilewicz

Head coach Stan Fuller III (back, from left), Daniel Woo, Chay ‘Boogie’ Mattos , Keenan Soares, Brad Yamashita, La‘akea Aiu, Noah Alejado, Luke Wyman, Noa Harrison, Toamana Makaiau, assistant coach Shayne Fuller, (front) David Paul Tupper, Trey Yogi, Jonny Connor, Garrison Lee, Rusty Crowder and Dylan Cabalang. Photo from Peachy Crowder.

By his own admission, convincing his team to take pride in defense is no small task – not when it comes to 12- to 14-year-old athletes – but Hawaii Nike Rush Soccer ’99 head coach Stan Fuller III has managed to get his message across.

“This age group, they definitely want to have fun,” said Fuller. “Their mindset is usually wanting to score goals, but you recognize a real defensive-minded player right away (as a coach). Having your team become defensive-minded is one of the struggles for all of us who coach youth soccer.”

Fuller and Hawaii Nike Rush ’99 are counting on defensive play to carry them again next week in Phoenix, Ariz., where they’ll play in the U.S.

Youth Soccer 2012 Far West Regionals.

The team punched its ticket for the event by winning the USYS state tournament last month. Through the spring, Nike Rush had a 9-0 mark in tournaments and finished second in its H.I.S.A. league despite playing against older competition in the 15-and-under division.

In its nine tournament games this spring, the team has yet to be scored against, while putting up big offensive numbers along the way.

“We’re attack-minded, which is why we’ve scored a lot of goals,” Fuller explained. “We defend all over the field, and our goal-keepers have kept us in games. They’ve earned those shutouts.”

In addition to the skills of goalies Rusty Crowder and Brad Yamashita, Fuller also acknowledged the play of center mid-fielders David Tupper and Keenan Soares. “They complement each other. David is a field general, and Keenan is a physical specimen with a ton of speed.”

The roster also includes

La’akea Aiu, Noah Alejado, Dylan Cabalang, Jonathan Connor, Garrison Lee, Toa Makaiau, Chay (“Boogie”) Mattos, Daniel Woo, Luke Wyman and Trey Yogi. Most team members live in Aiea, Pearl City, Ewa Beach, Kapolei and Mililani.

Although the team has its share of athleticism, Fuller said its cohesiveness is a big factor. “The boys have definitely grown through the year. Out on the field, they’re always looking out for each other. They’ve become more of a family. That’s been a key ingredient.”

Fuller is assisted by his son, Shayne, one of Hawaii’s top players from his own age group and a key member of Hawaii Nike Rush’s ’94 premier league team. “He’s a role model for them – someone they can look up to,” he said of Shayne.

As they begin regional play Monday, another factor will be part of the mix, according to Fuller, who is expecting a step up in competition in Phoenix. Having taken away the suspense early in a series of blow-out wins, Fuller’s team has played in few close games. “Winning has shown we have focus, but we’re also wondering if we can play from behind,” he said. “We think they can.”

The Far West Regionals run next Monday through June 24. The winner advances to the Nationals in August.

Strong Defense Lands Nike Rush A Spot In Phoenix Tourney

Jack Danilewicz

Although only a junior-to-be, it seems like Tanner Tokugawa has been playing for Pearl City much longer.

As he and the Chargers American Legion League season plays out in the coming weeks, Tokugawa finds himself in a different position as one of the veterans now on a team that suddenly seems very young. (Pearl City was just 1-4-2 heading into last weekend.)

“Playing against the older kids will get them up to speed,” said Tokugawa, the starting center fielder. And Tokugawa can speak from experience. As a freshman two years ago, he broke into the lineup on a team stocked with seasoned players and has been a mainstay now for 38 straight games.

“I was lucky enough to start. It was a good experience, and it made me much better being able to play with the other guys.”

In his first two years, the Chargers have gone 25-13 overall in addition to winning the 2011 Division I state title. He recently took some time away from the practice field to visit with Midweek West Oahu Islander.

Who’s had the biggest impact on your life? My dad (Glenn) because he stands by my side all the way. He practices with me and keeps me headed in the right direction.

What is your earliest sports-related memory? When I was 8 and we came in second place at the Pinto (level) state tournament to Millian. We’d beaten Ewan Beach in extra innings earlier to make the championship game.

What area of your game will you focus on this summer? I’m working on my strength. I’ll be going to the weight room a lot to lift. I play football, too.

Who is Pearl City’s best ‘practice player’ – the guy who gives 110 percent at all times? Jason Komodo. He’s always focused in practice and never gets off track. He’s a smart guy.

What Internet site do you frequent the most? Savoringlies.com.

What is your least favorite household chore? Cleaning my room. It gets messy every week.

What movie could you watch over and over? Never Back Down 2.

What’s the most difficult class you’ve taken at Pearl City? Spanish IHI.

Do you play video games? How do you spend your free time? I used to, but I grew out of it. I mostly like to go to the beach and hang out with my friends now.

What person in history would you like to have met? Babe Ruth.

If you could have your pick, what celebrity would you choose as your prom date? Selena Gomez.

You’re stuck on Kaho’olawe, and you can have an endless supply of just one food. What would it be? A rack of lamb.

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