By JAIMIE KIM
Dr. Toby Smith, an on-site physician at Ka Punawai Ola in Kapolei, has received the Physician of the Year Award for Life Care Centers of America's Mountain States Division.
The national award was presented at a ceremony Oct. 21 as part of the annual physicians' symposium held at Life Care Centers of America's headquarters in Cleveland, Tenn.
"In only his first year here, Dr. Toby Smith has become an integral part of the Ka Punawai Ola team," stated Fred Horwitz, senior executive director at the facility. "He always makes himself available to residents, families and associates, and he's also been a physician mentor to the nursing department."
As part of his job, Smith trains associates at the facility. He also gives back to the community, sharing his experiences at local functions that deal with the elderly.
According to Life Care president Beecher Hunter, "Physicians play a pivotal role in the care of our residents ... We are proud to honor those who stand out in their commitment and their compassion to ensure the health and well-being of those entrusted to them."
Located at 575 Farrington Hwy., Ka Punawai Ola has 120 beds and is one of four nursing and rehabilitation centers in Hawaii that are managed or operated by Life Care Centers of America.
Life Care was founded in 1976 and operates or manages over 220 nursing, post-acute and Alzheimer's disease centers in 28 states across the country.
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Kapolei Physician Wins National Honor
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State IDs Available Soon At Kapolei Hale
With a transfer of duties on Jan. 2, the city driver's license offices will begin issuing state ID cards, as well as the usual drivers licenses.
Non-drivers requiring the ID cards may go to any of five Oahu offices on or after that date, including the one at Kapolei Hale on Uluohia Street.
Do not go to satellite city halls for ID cards.
The move is the result of a state law that transfers the ID program out of the Attorney General's Office and puts it under the supervision of the state Department of Transportation. The AG's office has run it since 1983 through its Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center in Honolulu. The idea is to consolidate both services to comply with the REAL ID Act of 2005, which outlines procedures for issuing identification cards.
It also opens up more locations for citizens to obtain valid ID. Other drivers license offices involved are in Wahiawa, Kaneohe, Waianae and Kalihi.
The Kapolei office phone is 768-3100.
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Waipahu Session Aids College Money Search
Help with money for college may be as close as your neighborhood high school.
The Pacific Financial Aid Association and the Hawaii Association for College Admission Counseling plan to offer a free College Goal Sunday session at 1 p.m. Jan. 13 in Waipahu High School cafeteria and at four other Oahu schools that day.
Each session comes with expert advice on how to fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), which is a gateway into private and government scholarship details. The aid applies to most colleges and universities as well as vocational schools throughout the country. CGS sponsors locally are USA Funds, GEAR UP Hawaii and the Hawaii Community Foundation.
Parents and students are advised to bring their 2012 tax return, or if not, the W-2 forms and other income and benefits information.
No advanced reservations are needed. For more information, call Frank Green at 591-2708.
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Queen’s Plans To Reopen The Former HMC West In Early 2014
The Queen's Health Systems, the parent company of Queen's Medical Center, recently announced that it has officially acquired the former Hawaii Medical Center (HMC) West from St. Francis Healthcare System of Hawaii.
The agreement comes one year after Hawaii Medical Center filed for bankruptcy.
"We recognize the critical need to reopen hospital and emergency services in West Oahu," president and CEO of St. Francis Health-care System Jerry Correa stated.
"We believe Queen's solid track record of quality care and thorough understanding of Hawaii's culture and heath needs of the local community make it ideally suited to operate the West hospital. We have a deep appreciation for their mission."
The campus will be renamed The Queen's Medical Center - West Oahu. Queen's will be making a number of renovations to the facility, including an expansion and modernization of emergency, surgical and imaging services. The facility is scheduled to open in early 2014.
"The Queen's Medical Center is looking forward to working together with the West Oahu community to open the campus as The Queen's Medical Center - West Oahu to provide needed health care services," stated Art Ushijima, president of The Queen's Medical Center.
"We are committed to being good partners and good neighbors to build a health care facility the people of West Oahu will be proud to support and utilize."
For further updates on plans and the progress toward opening the West Oahu facility, visit queens.org or call 691-5048.
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Seminar Shares Fast Ways To Eat Healthy
It's that time of year again when the food and snacks from holiday parties with family and friends start to catch up with you.
To combat holiday eating guilt, Kapolei Library is host a free seminar, "Versatile Vermicelli: Quick and Cost-Effective Ways to Prepare Healthy Meals," at 10:30 a.m. Jan. 12, sharing how anyone can keep the flavor and richness of food without going overboard on the calories.
This program is sponsored by Friends of the Library of Hawaii Chapter Affiliates.
Registered dietitian Rita Madden will discuss health and nutrition, as well as ways to support weight loss and prevent chronic disease.
She also will demonstrate ways to prepare meals that incorporate various food groups using vermicelli, a type of pasta.
For more information on this program, visit librarieshawaii.org or call the library at 693-7050.
If a sign language interpreter or other special accommodation is required, call two weeks in advance to make arrangements.
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West Oahu Highlights
Fax event items to 585-6324 or email cchang@midweek.com by Dec. 26 to be considered for the Jan. 2 edition.
* GIFT WRAP Waipahu High Project Grad offers gift-wrapping from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 24 at Don Quijote-Waipahu. All proceeds support graduation-night plans. Call 216-7449.
* BLOOD DRIVES Hawaii Blood Bank has donor drives from 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Dec. 24 at Ewa Beach Elementary, 7:15 a.m.-2:15 p.m. Dec. 29 at Kapolei Shopping Center, 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 30 at Ewa Beach Elementary, and 7:15 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Dec. 31 at Waikele Shopping Center. Call 848-4770.
* CAFE MUSIC 3rd Cup Cafe & Venue in the Royal Times Kunia Building has Open Mic Night at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 28, Josh Sharp's contemporary music at 8 p.m. Jan. 4, and Jesse Valor's rock and contemporary music at 7 p.m. Jan. 5. Featured artist for January is Guy Vaught. Call 888-6087.
* WOMEN'S BOXING Boxfit808 Boxing & Fitness Center presents "Women-only Boxing Basics" at 7:45 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, Jan. 2-30, at 98-025 Hekaha St. Building 2 #34 in Aiea. Fee is $110. Call 256-1770.
* SCHOOLS REOPEN Public schools generally are scheduled to reopen to students Jan. 3, following winter break, which began Dec. 17.
* COMPUTER DRIVE Pacific Corporate Solutions collects old computers for recycling from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 5 at Pearl City Highlands Elementary School, 1419 Waimano Home Road. Call 488-8872.
* KAPOLEI DANCE The Kapolei Ballroom Dance chapter registers students at 7 p.m. Jan. 7, 14 and 28 at Kapolei Elementary cafeteria for Monday night classes in rumba, samba and East Coast swing. Classes begin Jan. 7 for eight weeks. Call 781-2076 or 220-6026.
* HEALING TOUCH Client-Centered Massage offers free healing touch treatments from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 12-March 30 by appointment at 98-027 Hekaha St. #44 in Aiea. Call Amber at 457-2661.
* TAX PREP CLASS Hawaii Tax Help offers volunteer tax-preparer training from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 12, and 8 to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Jan. 19 at Leeward Community College in Room GT-105. Learn it yourself, then help someone else. To sign up, call 381-0881 or email info@hawaiitaxhelp.org.
Ongoing
* SLACK KEY Yameen Fong offers beginner slack-key guitar classes from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursdays at Ewa Beach Community Park on North Road. The course consists of four sessions, and students should bring their own guitars. Call 685-6035 or visit fongsmusic.homestead.com.
* EWA CERT The Ewa Beach Emergency Preparedness Committee is working to organize Community Emergency Preparedness Teams (CERT) to train residents in how to respond to a disaster. To request training or offer help, call chairman Donald Harlor at 682-0111.
* PREP FOOTBALL The Kapolei Islanderz are registering boys and girls in grades 4-8 for junior prep tackle football. Fee is $183 with no weight limit. Call Leilani Maae at 275-6134 or visit kapoleiislanderz.com.
* YOGA Holistic Energy Yoga classes meet at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday-Friday at Momilani Community Center. Fee is $5 per class. Call 381-4376.
* RUGBY Players and coaches are invited to join USO Athletics-Hawaii Youth Rugby in several age-group teams for boys, and under 16 for girls. Call Raymond Maae at 692-3589 or visit hawaiiyouthrugby.com.
* BRIDGE PLAYERS Bridge and/or pinochle players are invited to join games in Ko Olina with area residents. Call Valerie at 206-391-1755.
* ROLLER DERBY For West Oahu Roller Derby action in Kalaeloa, go to alohacityrollers.com.
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One Year’s Worth Of Memorable Moments In West Sports
From the gridiron to the hardwood, from the diamond to the track, 2012 will be remembered as an extraordinary year in West Oahu high school sports. Led by Waipahu's incredible baseball season, the West Side once again boasted some of the state's top teams and players. A summation of some of the memorable moments involving prep sports in MidWeek's West Oahu Islander communities follows.
Waipahu baseball team wins DII state title
Waipahu High's baseball team closed out an unbeaten season in style May 11 at Les Murakami Stadium, eking out a 1-0 win over top-seeded Waiakea in the championship game of the Division II state tournament. The Marauders, who had captured the OIA title days earlier, defeated both Konawaena (6-0) and Maryknoll (9-2) in the state tournament to reach the title game. The win over Waiakea in the finale was a fitting end to a perfect season.
Winning pitcher Micah Luke also showed his share of grit after loading the bases on three separate occasions in that game. He got out of each of those predicaments and went on to deliver the game-winning hit on a double to left field that had plated Drake Yoshioka, who had fueled the inning for Waipahu with a one-out single. Luke, Yoshioka and fellow senior leaders Jarinn Abreu and Dylan Sugimoto depart the program having been among the best to come out of the school.
Winning the state title also prompted head coach Milton Takenaka to ponder returning for 2013 after having planned to retire at the end of the 2012 season.
Pearl City girls basketball team wins first-ever OIA title
The Pearl City girls basketball team's gift Feb. 4 to outgoing head coach Mike Morton was sweet, indeed, as the Chargers delivered to the school its first OIA title in 35 years of basketball. The team edged out Kaimuki 31-27 in the OIA Red championship game at Farrington that night, with senior guard Sabrina Angle driving Pearl City across the finish line by converting a pair of crucial free throws with 10.1 seconds on the clock. As throughout the year, defense was their forte, as the Chargers held Kaimuki to only 31-percent shooting, limiting star Ashley Savusa to seven points and seven rebounds. Pearl City (14-3) went on to make its third straight state tournament appearance under Morton the following week, finishing sixth.
Pearl City wins girls state judo tournament
Pearl City totaled 71 points to win convincingly May 6 over three-time defending champion Punahou (58) at the HHSAA judo championships at the Stan Sheriff Center. Pearl City's Sanoe Spencer won her third consecutive state judo title in the 220-pound weight division, defeating teammate Dora Matsushima.
Sabers tops in OIA softball, state runner-up
For suspense and drama, the OIA Red softball title game between Campbell and Kapolei April 20 at Patsy T. Mink Central Oahu Regional Park stood a cut above the rest in West Oahu. A bizarre finish ensured as much, as the Sabers scored the go-ahead run in the top of the eighth inning on a botched squeeze play and then watched Kapolei's game-tying home run reversed on a controversial call in the bottom of the inning to account for a 4-3. The game also will be remembered for showcasing Kawehi Kahana of Campbell and Winona Pauline of Kapolei.
Kahana scored Campbell's last two runs, the first on a solo home run as well as the go-ahead tally after she reached base on an error. She also made a defensive play that saved a possible extra-base hit. Pauline pitched brilliantly, tossing a three-hitter, one being a popped-up bunt single, and striking out 13.
Campbell's post-season run continued as the Sabers beat Punahou and Kamehameha in the state tournament to reach the title game. The Sabers were defeated by Mid-Pacific in the finale to finish 13-6 overall. Kapolei's Pauline was named Player of the Year in girls softball at season's end.
Kapolei boys basketball team plays for OIA title
The month of February traditionally belongs to Kapolei's soccer teams, given their long line of successes. But the boys basketball team was the talk of the town in 2012, coming within a game of capturing a first-ever OIA title. Kapolei, which was to finish 15-3 overall under Gary Ellison, had defeated Kahuku in the first of a three-game championship series, but dropped two straight to the Red Raiders to finish as the league's underdog instead. Even so, 2012 was a breakthrough year for the program. The Hurricanes relied on their balance, as Kiatrell Zachary, Curtis Tavares, Zach Reeves, Joshua Wills, Joshua Farias and Christopher Dillard all came through with big games last season. Kapolei finished as the consolation champion in February at the state tournament.
Parity is order of the day in Red West football race
For the seven teams in the OIA Red West Conference, every weekend was truly an adventure with the margin for error razor thin. The game that best typified the competitiveness in the league - if not the unpredictability - came Sept. 28, when Campbell visited rival Kapolei. The Hurricanes had been overwhelmed by both Leilehua (47-0) and Mililani (45-0) the previous two weeks, while Campbell was riding high after posting an overtime win over Leilehua the Friday before. With the score tied (13-all) at halftime, Kapolei reeled off 22 straight points in the third quarter only to see Campbell come back and outscore the Hurricanes 21-0 in the fourth. Kapolei's 35-34 win over the Sabers re-ignited the Hurricanes season, as they went on to finish 3-3 in the Red West to earn a playoff berth. Campbell was to finish 3-3 in the league as well.
Waipahu girls soccer team wins first-ever OIA title
Waipahu's Alyssa Almogela saved her biggest effort for her biggest game, delivering a hat trick to help the Marauders capture their first OIA White Division girls soccer title, 4-1 over Kalaheo Jan. 28. Waipahu's Jodi Shibata and Almogela scored a combined four goals to give the Lady Marauders the victory. The two juniors scored all their goals in the first half.
Coached by Elaina Paredes, Waipahu finished 9-6 overall, including a sixth-place finish at the Division II state soccer tournament.
West Oahu players excel at state track meet
Both the Baldwin boys and Punahou girls claimed the team titles at the HHSAA state track and field championships at Ke'aau High School May 12, but the day also was good to Pearl City's Diamond Briscoe, as well as both Devin Jenkins and Charlinda Ioane of Kapolei. For her part, Ioane set a new mark in the shot put of 45-09.75, besting Sarah Bryant of Kaiser's mark of 44-03 set in 1985. Ioane also finished second in the discus. Briscoe won the 400-meter dash (57.60) and finished second and third in the 200- and 100-yard dashes, respectively. Jenkins shook off the effects of an injury to finish first in the 100 (11.0) and fifth in the 200.
Pearl City boys and girls bowling teams win state championships
From the moment the season began, both Pearl City bowling teams' rallying cry was to secure the "Triple Crown" - the term both used in reference to their goal of winning the OIA West, overall OIA title and respective state championships again. Both Charger teams held true to their word, delivering in the end. The icing on their respective cakes came Nov. 2 at Kauai Bowl, scene of the state bowling championships. Both Pearl City teams won going away. The boys, who are coached by Jimmy Hayashi, were led by Nicholas Azumi (third place), Ken Hayase-Fong (seventh) and Sheldon Naauao (13th) and totaled 8,792 pins, beating runner-up Mililani (7,914) by 878.
The girls, who are coached by Millie Gomes, received top-10 finishes from AshlynRae Castro (third), Brianna Nakamura (fourth) and Alera Chock (sixth) and amassed 7,761 to beat Mililani (7,264) by 497 pins.
Honor roll
Both Kapolei boys and girls soccer teams finished as runner-up at their respective OIA tournaments. The boys and girls teams from Aiea and Pearl City all qualified for the state tournament as well.
In golf, Campbell's Rudy Cabalar posted a top-10 finish at the state golf championships in May, compiling a two-round total of 147 to finish in a tie for sixth.
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Focus on West Oahu
Hauoli is a 2-year-old terrier mix. He came to the Oahu SPCA in early September and is looking for a permanent home. Hauoli is an affectionate, loving dog who likes to cuddle. He also enjoys going for walks. His adoption fee is $200. For more information on Hauoli and other adoptable pets, call the Oahu SPCA at 754-1519 or visit oahuspca.org.
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Getting Healthy At Leeward ‘Y’
The YMCA wants to help its neighbors get into a healthy fitness routine for the new year, and open house activities during the week of Jan. 5-12 will help accomplish that goal.
Leeward YMCA in Waipahu joins with seven other Y sites on Oahu for the "Try the Y for Free" promotion, which includes free one-day use of its facilities and equipment, healthy snacks, games, prizes, tours, a four-week Healthy Start series, specialized fitness programs and reduced membership rates.
Although the open house runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day, the Leeward branch offers the following specific activities at 94-440 Mokuola St.:
Jan. 5, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Family fun with Zumba, swimming, hip hop dance, obstacle course and games
Jan. 7, 8 to 11 a.m. - Seniors welcome for Zumba Gold, aqua class, tai chi, bingo, gentle Pilates and giveaways
Jan. 9, 4 to 8 p.m. - For working people, night Zumba, cardio kick-boxing, basketball and Sweat Box.
To conclude the open house, the YMCA Camp Erdman will offer tours, swimming, a climbing wall and archery from 1 to 4 p.m. Jan. 12 in Mokuleia.
Other sites are the Windward, Atherton, Central, Kaimuki-Waialae, Kalihi, Mililani and Nuuanu branches.
For more information, call 671-5495 (Leeward), 531-9622 or visit ymcahonolulu.org.
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Use Caution In Debris Dealings
Officials recently issued guidelines for reporting suspected marine debris from the Japan tsunami along island beaches.
Published in cooperation with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Ad-ministration (NOAA) and the state Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), the advisory recommends caution and lists contacts for the casual beachgoer to use.
While items from Asia frequently wash ashore in Hawaii, it is "significant changes in the type and amount of debris" that are potential indicators, the guidelines state. Residents should approach with caution, however: "If you don't know what it is and it looks hazardous, don't touch it. Collect as much information as you can from a safe distance."
Radioactive contamination has not been detected in tsunami items so far, but living organisms - other than gooseneck barnacles - can be a concern and should be inspected by a biologist specializing in invasive species.
To report suspect items, call the DLNR at 578-0400. You also can email dlnr.marine.debris@hawaii .gov or disasterdebris@noaa.gov.
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Aulani Lunch Aids Youth Leaders
Diners have a chance to help Hawaii's youths at the Legacy Aha'aina luncheon Jan. 25 at Aulani Disney Resort and Spa.
Guests will enjoy a buffet meal in the company of NFL Pro Bowl players, cheerleaders and mascots. They also will receive a memorabilia gift and get to participate in a live auction.
Most important, however, their $125 admission fee goes toward helping the nearly 960 youths who participate in football league's Youth Education Town (YET). The after-school program caters to 7- to 17-year-olds, with an emphasis on cultivating leadership skills.
NFL YET Hawaii, which is part of the Boys and Girls Club, got its start in 2009 in a $5.4 million facility that opened the same year next to Nanaikapono Elementary School in Nanakuli. The green, LEED-certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) facility consists of a learning center, multimedia room, art room, Native Hawaiian garden and amphitheater.
The programs are conducted in five core areas: education and career development, health and life skills, character and leadership development, the arts, and sports, fitness and recreation.
"These programs help to increase academic success, develop good character and citizenship and increase a healthy lifestyle," said NFL YET clubhouse director Claudia Fernandez. "We have programs like Leaders in Training and Torch Club that help youths develop or increase their leadership skills. Through these programs they learn to give back by taking part in community service projects. They learn entrepreneurial skills by conducting their own snack shop business.
"They also try out for officer positions ... These activities build self-esteem and give them a sense of influence, belonging and usefulness."
Students enrolled in the program come from Nanaikapono Elementary, Ka Wai Hona Charter School, Nanakuli Elementary, Nanakuli High and Intermediate School, and Maili Elementary. Students take part in NFL YET after school, and on school breaks and some holidays.
For more information on the Legacy Aha'aina luncheon at Aulani or on NFL YET, call Fernandez at 668-9399, by email at cfernandez@bgch.com, or visit bgch.com.
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Preparedness Group Forming Response Team For Ewa Disasters
The Ewa Emergency Preparedness Committee (EPC) currently is working to create a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).
The group will enable West Oahu residents to take care of themselves, their families and neighbors in the event of an emergency by offering training that provides tools and information on individual preparedness, planning, survival skills and mutual aid.
"In a catastrophic disaster, the government will be unable to provide immediate response, as priorities will be focused on clearing roads so first responders will be able to mobilize to save lives, stabilize the incident and preserve property," explained EPC chairman Donald Harlor.
"Basically, it will take time for responders to get to everyone, so every person will need to be prepared and resilient until help does arrive."
Emergency response training can be used to manage utilities, put out small fires, provide basic medical aid or conduct search and rescue missions.
"But every community has different challenges,"
Harlor said, "so we must develop a plan for the community of Ewa."
Harlor received his CERT training in Los Angeles, and wishes to bring together local sponsors, first responders, schools and other parts of the community to create a working plan.
EPC formed in 2011 shortly after a severe wind-storm swept across the Ewa Plains and pulled down utility poles and power lines on Fort Weaver Road, causing more than 1,700 residents to lose power for several days.
Following that troubling event, the 9.0 earthquake that hit Japan sent potential tsunami waves toward Hawaii.
"Both events happened within the same month, making some Ewa residents realize the need to take action to help the community," Harlor explained.
That's where CERT comes in, and Harlor hopes to form partnerships to expand its impact.
"CERT focuses on readiness, rescuer safety and doing the greatest good for the greatest number in the shortest amount of time," he said. "It is a positive and realistic approach to emergency and disaster situations where citizens will initially be on their own, and their actions can make a difference."
For more information, contact Harlor at dharlor@aol.com.
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Recycle Christmas Trees Via Curb Service
City refuse officials are reminding residents to recycle their Christmas trees curbside, as part of their normal green-waste pickup.
Trees should be free of flocking, ornaments and tinsel, and should be cut to fit into the green carts (with the lid closed). Residents also can take them to the nearest Refuse Convenience Center, or to the composting facility at Hawaiian Earth Products in Campbell Industrial Park (682-5895). There is no tip fee for holiday trees.
For more information, visit opala.org and click on Holiday Trash Tips.
For West Oahu customers, there is the Ewa Refuse Convenience Center at 91-1000 Geiger Road (near the Barbers Point gate), the Waipahu center on Waipahu Depot Road (near the police academy) or the Waimanalo Gulch Landfill.
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Pearl Harbor Excites Local Keiki During National Parks Visits
More than 700 Oahu fifth-graders visited Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial last fall as a part of the National Park Foundation's Ticket To Ride program. Among them were Waipahu, Pearl Harbor Kai, Palisades, Mauka Lani and August Ahrens elementary schools. Ticket To Ride gives financial support and educational programming to students enabling them to visit their local national parks. Nationwide, 30,000 children got the park experience in 2012.
Pearl Harbor Excites Local Keiki During National Parks Visits
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West Oahu Highlights
Send West Oahu items by fax to 585-6324 or email cchang@midweek.com by Jan. 2 to be considered for the Jan. 9 edition.
* BLOOD DRIVES Hawaii Blood Bank has donor drives from 7:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Dec. 31 at Waikele Shopping Center, 7 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Jan. 5 at Pearlridge Center, and 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Jan. 12 at Kapolei Shopping Center (near Safeway). Call 848-4770.
* ZUMBA WAIPIO Kaiser Permanente has Zumba classes at 5:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays Jan. 2-Feb. 25, at its Waipio Clinic, 94-1480 Moaniani St. Fee is $5 per class for Kaiser members, $6.50 for non-members. Call 432-2260.
* WOMEN'S BOXING Boxfit808 Boxing & Fitness Center presents "Women-only Boxing Basics" at 7:45 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays, Jan. 2-30, at 98-025 Hekaha St., Building 2 #34 in Aiea. Fee is $110. Call 256-1770.
* SCHOOLS REOPEN Public schools generally are scheduled to reopen to students Jan. 3, following winter break.
* ZUMBA KAPOLEI Kaiser Permanente's Kapolei Clinic hosts classes in Zumba Tone at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, Jan. 3-Feb. 19, in the clinic's first-floor lobby. Fee is $5 per class for Kaiser members, $6.50 for non-members. Call 432-2260.
* CAFE MUSIC 3rd Cup Cafe & Venue in the Royal Times Kunia Building presents Josh Sharp's contemporary music at 8 p.m. Jan. 4, and Jesse Valor's rock and contemporary sounds at 7 p.m. Jan. 5. Featured January artist is Guy Vaught. Call 888-6087.
* COMPUTER DRIVE Pacific Corporate Solutions collects old computers for recycling from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 5 at Pearl City Highlands Elementary School, 1419 Waimano Home Road. Call 488-8872.
* NISHIHARA TALKS State Sen. Clarence Nishihara hosts monthly coffee hours Jan. 5 at 8 a.m. at the Waimano Home Road McDonald's and 9 a.m at Walmart McDonald's in Pearl City; and Jan. 12 at 8 a.m. at Waipahu Don Quijote. Call 728-1008.
* KAPOLEI DANCE The Kapolei chapter of the Hawaii Ballroom Dance Association registers students at 7 p.m. Jan. 7, 14 and 28 at Kapolei Elementary cafeteria for Monday night classes in rumba, East Coast swing and samba. Classes begin at 7 p.m. Jan. 7 for eight weeks. Call 781-2076 or 220-6026.
* AARP DRIVERS Kaiser Permanente's Waipio Clinic hosts an AARP Driver Safety course from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Jan. 8 at 94-1480 Moaniani St. Fee is $12 for AARP members, $14 for non-members. Call 1-888-227-7669.
* CAREGIVERS The Caregiver Foundation hosts caregiver support groups at 7 p.m. Jan. 8 in the Pearl City-Aiea area (call 625-3782 for site) and 7 p.m. Jan. 24 at its Kapolei offices.
* WAIMALU DANCE The Pearlridge chapter of Hawaii Ballroom Dance Association registers students at 7 p.m. Jan. 8 and 15 for classes at Waimalu Elementary School, running from Jan. 8 to Feb. 26 at the school, with nominal fees charged. Call 488-3935.
* NEIGHBORS The Ewa Neighborhood Board meets at 7 p.m. Jan. 10 at Ewa Beach Library; the Aiea board meets at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 14 at Aiea Library, the Pearl City board at 7 p.m. Jan. 22 at Waiau District Park, Makakilo-KapoleiHonokai Hale at 7 p.m. Jan. 23 in Kapolei High cafeteria, and Waipahu at 7 p.m. Jan. 24 in the FilCom Center. Call 768-3710.
* AIEA RECYCLING Our Savior Lutheran School has a Going Green recycling drive from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 12 at 98-1098 Moanalua Road, welcoming all kinds of items except tires, paint, microwave ovens, motor oil and hazardous fluids. For curbside pickup, call 497-8815; for other details, call 291-6151.
* HEALING TOUCH Client-Centered Massage offers free healing touch treatments from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 12-March 30 by appointment at 98-027 Hekaha St. #44 in Aiea. Call Amber at 457-2661.
* TAX PREP CLASS Hawaii Tax Help offers volunteer tax preparer training from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 12, and 8 to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Jan. 19 at Leeward Community College in Room GT-105. Learn it yourself, then help someone else. To sign up, call 381-0881 or email info@hawaiitaxhelp.org.
* COLLEGE GOAL Waipahu High School hosts a College Goal Sunday at 1 p.m. Jan. 13 in the cafeteria to assist students and parents in completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form. Bring 2012 IRS tax returns, if possible, or W-2 forms and other income details. Call Frank Green at 591-2708.
Ongoing
* SLACK KEY Yameen Fong teaches beginner slack-key guitar at 6:30 p.m. Thursdays at Ewa Beach Community Park on North Road. The course has four sessions, and students should bring their own guitars. Call 685-6035 or visit fongsmusic.homestead.com.
* EWA CERT The Ewa Beach Emergency Preparedness Committee is working to organize Community Emergency Preparedness Teams (CERT) to train residents in how to respond to a disaster. To request training or offer help, call chairman Donald Harlor at 682-0111.
* PREP FOOTBALL The Kapolei Islanderz are registering boys and girls in grades 4-8 for junior prep tackle football. Fee is $183 with no weight limit. Call Leilani Maae at 275-6134 or visit kapoleiislanderz.com.
* YOGA Holistic Energy Yoga classes meet at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday-Friday at Momilani Community Center. Fee is $5 per class. Call 381-4376.
* RUGBY Players and coaches are invited to join USO Athletics-Hawaii Youth Rugby in several age-group teams for boys, and under 16 for girls. Call Raymond Maae at 692-3589 or visit hawaiiyouthrugby.com.
* BRIDGE PLAYERS Bridge and/or pinochle players are invited to join in games in Ko Olina with area residents. Call Valerie at 206-391-1755.
* COMIC JAMS Pearl-ridge Center hosts Comic Jam Hawaii from 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays Uptown, second level by Hot Unique Images, welcoming professional and amateur artists. Call 488-0981.
* ROTARY P.M. The Rotary Club of Kapolei Sunset meets at 5:30 p.m. Mondays at Roy's Ko Olina, second floor, for a program and light dinner ($20). Email txtutu@yahoo.com.
* ROTARY A.M. Kapolei Rotary Club meets at 7:30 a.m. Thursdays in the Kapolei High faculty lounge. Call 722-1489 or email info@limelighthawaii.com.
* MCC MARKET The Momilani Farmers Market at Momilani Community Center has about 20 vendors and family activities from 3 to 7 p.m. Fridays at 715 Hoomoana St. Call Kasey at 341-0568.
* MAKEKE KAPOLEI Kapolei High School has a farmers' and green market, Makeke Kapolei, from 3 to 6:30 p.m. each Thursday on campus, offering more than 20 vendors with locally grown produce, prepared foods, plants, arts and crafts. Call 692-8200, ext. 2267.
* EWA MARKET A Mahiku Farmers Market is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays at The Waterfront at Pu'uola, 5105 Iroquois Ave. Call 225-4002.
* WAIPIO MARKET The Kaiser Waipio Clinic hosts a Fresh Days Farmers Market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays at 94-1480 Moaniani St. Call 432-2260.
* EWA MARKET Ewa Beach Shopping Center and Lay Farms sponsor a farmers market from 7 a.m. to 3 or 4 p.m. daily; the Serendipitous Gardener from 2 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays and 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays; and The Bread of Life from 2 to 6 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays.
* OPEN MARKET Prince Kuhio Community Center has an open market from 3 to 7 p.m. on the first and third Friday at 91-1270 Kinoiki St. in Kapolei, near the Hawaiian Home Lands building. Call 780-6082.
* CITY MARKETS The People's Open Market sells produce on Tuesdays from 6:30 to 7:30 a.m. at Waiau District Park and 8:15-9:15 a.m. at Waipahu District Park; Fridays 7-8 a.m. at Halawa District Park and 9-10 a.m. at Ewa Beach Community Park; Sundays 7-8:30 a.m. at Kapolei Community Park, 9:30-11 a.m. at Royal Kunia Park-n-Ride and 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Waikele Community Park. For more information, call 522-7088.
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Close Competition In Red West Soccer
Halfway through the OIA Red West boys soccer season, one sentiment has prevailed among the teams: There is little margin for error.
The standings neatly summarize the parity that exists as the top five teams (Mililani, Aiea, Kapolei, Campbell and Pearl City) had a combined record of 18-4-4 heading into last weekend, with three teams still unbeaten.
As the league hits the stretch run, MidWeek's West Oahu Islander profiles the teams in its coverage area.
DI at a Glance
Aiea High (4-0-1)
Signature wins: over Leilehua (2-0) Dec. 21 and over Waipahu (3-0) Dec. 7
Remaining games: at Nanakuli Jan. 4, at Kapolei Jan. 8, at Campbell Jan. 11, Pearl City Jan. 14
Must-see game: at Kapolei Jan. 8
Make plans for the DI state tournament if: Na Ali'i continues to make teams go the long, hard route to score. Except for yielding three goals to Waianae in a tie on opening day, Aiea has been stellar defensively, giving up only two goals in its other four games. Aiea is one of the surprise teams to date in the league. Should it remain in the mix for the OIA Red West crown, it will have earned it, with key road games coming up against traditional powers Kapolei and Pearl City.
Campbell High (3-2-1)
Signature wins: over Radford (3-0) Dec. 7 and over Waialua (2-0) Dec. 14
Remaining games: at Pearl City Jan. 4, Waipahu Jan. 8, Aiea Jan. 11, at Waianae Jan. 14
Must-see game: at Pearl City Jan. 4
Make plans for the DI state tournament if: The Sabers can produce offensively. Campbell is 3-1 when scoring three goals or more, with their only loss in that span a 4-3 setback to Kapolei.
Pearl City High (3-2)
Signature wins: over Leilehua (6-0) Dec. 7 and over Nanakuli (6-0) Dec. 14
Remaining games: Campbell Jan. 4, Waianae Jan. 8, Radford Jan. 11, at Aiea Jan. 14
Must-see game: at Aiea Jan. 14
Make plans for the DI state tournament if: The Chargers come through, offensively. In its three wins, Pearl City tallied a whopping 19 goals. Conversely, in losses to the league's elite - Mililani and Kapolei - Pearl City scored just one goal.
Kapolei High (4-0-1)
Signature wins: Over Campbell (4-3) Dec. 18 and over Pearl City (2-1) Dec. 21
Remaining games: Waipahu Jan. 4, Aiea Jan. 8, Leilehua Jan. 11, at Radford Jan. 14
Must-see game: Aiea Jan. 8
Make plans for the DI state tournament if: With wins over Campbell and Pearl City already, the Hurricanes have positioned themselves nicely for the second half of the season, as well as the playoffs. With three of their final four games at home, Kapolei is in line for a favorable post-season seeding if they don't stumble.
DII at a Glance
Waipahu High (1-4-1)
Signature wins: over Radford (3-1) Dec. 4
Remaining games: at Kapolei Jan. 4, at Campbell Jan. 8, Waianae Jan. 11
Must-see game: Waianae Jan. 11
Make plans for the DII state tournament if: The Marauders sweep their final three games to get back into the mix for a playoff berth in the White conference. Waipahu's post-season hopes will hinge on how well they can fare on the road, with key visits ahead to Kapolei and Campbell.
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Strong Defense Provides Offensive Opportunities For Sabers
At the midway point of its OIA West season, the Campbell girls basketball team's best offense has been its defense. That's all fine with first-year head coach Summer Aona, who has placed a special emphasis on the Sabers being able to defend.
"We're trying to create a different atmosphere on the floor than they've had in the past," Aona said. "We're trying to instill man-to-man defense instead of sitting back in a zone. We still have a long way to go, but we're making strides. We're still learning, but I think our defense is coming along nicely."
The Sabers' attention to detail on the defensive end has fueled a lot of offensive opportunities, something Aona is counting on from her team again this Thursday when Campbell returns to action with a home date versus Waianae. "Our fast break," Aona said of the key to Campbell beating Waianae. "Our goal is to run. It's been our goal for all games. We want layups off of steals and after rebounds. Hopefully, we can continue (to generate offense by way of defense)."
The Sabers took a 2-4 record into last week, when they were idle, posting wins over Waipahu and Pearl City. The losses came to Aiea, Kapolei, Mililani and Leilehua. Thursday's game with Waianae looms large for their playoff prospects. Games with Waialua (Jan. 10, away), Radford (Jan. 12, home) and Nanakuli (Jan. 15, away) also remain before the OIA tournament. As of last weekend, Waianae and Campbell were tied for the sixth and last playoff spot for the upcoming OIA tournament.
"We want to win the rest and have a winning season," Aona said.
With last week off, the Sabers were able to use their time to fine-tune their schemes. "We're always working on our fundamentals, and we'll also have an intra-squad scrimmage on Friday. It's a matter of us working on our execution and getting them to play smarter.
"We have great shooters," she added. "They like to shoot. At the same time, we need to capitalize and get enough shots. Part of that is the execution of our offense."
Aona is most buoyed by her team's cohesiveness to date. "We have a team with really good chemistry," she said. "They all get along really well, and that helps. And we have girls who play hard. We don't have a team of stars. We're trying to instill in them that our team is 'a team.' We need all of them. They all contribute in unique ways."
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Focus on West Oahu
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Aiea Drive Accepts Recyclables
A community recycling drive is planned for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Our Savior Lutheran School in Aiea, adding a canned food drive for Hawaii Foodbank, as well as accepting an unlimited number of residential and commercial computers and e-waste, and one TV set per car.
Proceeds from redemption fees will benefit the school, which is located at 98-1098 Moanalua Road near Pearlridge Center.
The Going Green drive, coordinated by Rene Mansho, welcomes all kinds of metal, appliances, HI-5 containers, cooking oil, cell phones, printer cartridges, newspapers, cardboard egg cartons and drink trays, phone books, corrugated cardboard, magazines, plastic bags and caps, batteries, propane tanks, fire extinguishers and propane tanks (maximum of three), pet food and supplies, prom dresses, business suits, plastic playground equipment, football helmets - and even pairs of white socks (for Afghanistan).
Goodwill and Lions clubs will make use of any donated clothing, household items, hearing aids and eyeglasses.
Participants also can swap incandescent light bulbs for CFLs. The drive cannot accept tires, paint, microwave ovens, motor oil or hazardous fluids.
Also helping out are lawmakers Colleen Hanabusa, David Ige, Mark Takai, Roy Takumi, Breene Harimoto, Gov. Neil Abercrombie and and Mayor-elect Kirk Caldwell.
For curbside pick-up, call Judy Nakamura at 497-8815.
For free towing of unwanted cars and other details, call Mansho at 291-6151.
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Ewa Beach-based Sunglasses Firm Shares Products With Needy
When Keith "JR" Matsumura took off on an Indonesian surf safari in 2009, little could he have imagined that the trip and a few pairs of $5 plastic sunglasses would change his life, but they did.
Matsumura, an Ewa Beach resident who teaches special education at Mililani High School, had purchased the inexpensive eyewear from a street vendor. After returning home, he got the idea to start an inexpensive sunglasses company that, over time, would develop into a surfing and action sports accessories company.
With the help of friends in China, he began to produce low-priced plastic sunglasses that he sold over the Internet under the banner, IZRI Supply Company. "Izri" is a Hebrew word for "creator" and "tribulations," a label the devout Christian found perfect for his new company.
"I wanted to start a company that reflected my faith in God as my creator, who is also the God that is with me in my tribulations, and that's the foundation of the company," he explained.
Recently, he has moved on to producing handcrafted sunglasses made from natural bamboo. Also, this year he began donating sunglasses to Unite For Sight, a nonprofit that provides glasses and free medical care to impoverished areas.
"I always wanted IZRI to be something that was interested in giving freely to others," said Matsumura. "I looked up different organizations. I came across Unite For Sight and I found out they were open to taking donations of sunglasses. For every pair of plastic sunglasses I was selling, I'd donate one pair to them. So every month I'd put a box together for United For Sight with about 30 sunglasses."
Last year, the organization sent two boxes of IZRI sunglasses to Honduras. His most recent contribution was sent to Ghana in October.
Matsumura has moved beyond plastic glasses and is now selling the wooden-frame glasses on izrisupply.com. He's even changed his donation tactic. Now, for every pair of wooden-frame sunglasses he sells, he's donating five pairs of plastic ones to the charity. Just don't go looking for much information about the donations on his web-site.
"I'm not advertising that on my website. I feel it's OK if I talk about what I do, but I don't want it to be a marketing ploy. I wanted it to be something from my heart and not something I announce from the rooftop."
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