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Kapolei Middle School Student Selected For Exchange Program

February 7, 2013, 12:05 am
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Kapolei Middle School Student Selected For Exchange Program

Editor’ s Note: This letter is special to MidWeek’ s West Oahu Islander from 11-year-old Sara LaCalamito, who is a sixth- grader at Kapolei Middle School. She has been invited to participate in the international exchange program People to People Student Ambassadors, which seeks students who excel in academics or leadership activities for its trips. LaCalamito, a soccer player and former Junior Police Officer captain, recently was invited to travel to England and France this summer with the group. The day I received the invitation to travel with People To People, I really didn’t know what it was all about. But after attending an introductory meeting with my mom and dad, we knew it was a worthwhile program. People to People Student Ambassador Program was established by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956. It’s purpose is to give young citizens of the United States an opportunity to travel and meet people from other countries in order to learn about different places and cultures President Eisenhower once said, “I like to believe that people in the long run are going to do more to promote peace than our governments.” The program’s motto is “pro- moting peace through understanding.” President Eisenhower, along with other leaders, created the program as a way to ease tensions and provide a diplomatic alternative to future wars. I was very flattered to know that I was invited to travel with them! I wondered why they picked me. We were told People to People contacts schools and sports groups asking for outstanding students and future leaders. Hard work and determination do matter! This year, our P2P delegation will go to England and France. The trip is called “Tale of Two Cities” because we are going to London and Paris. We will visit important monuments like the Eiffel Tower, Normandy Beach, The Louvre, Big Ben, and the English Parliament. We will go into the Parliament and get a behind-the-scenes tour in exclusive places! This might sound like a vacation, but it’s not; it’s an educational journey. We will even learn some French and experience Shakespeare. These days, students have a lot of educational travel options, but this trip is designed to create global awareness in a fun-packed two-week summer adventure. As President Eisenhower knew, it’s the meeting of two different cultures, face to face, that builds true understanding and global awareness. I am so excited for this trip, but I need funds to help me get there. My parents can’t afford to pay for the whole trip. So they offered to help me fundraise and to pay for half, if I can fundraise the other half. So if you want to help me reach my dream ... My donation website is gofundme.com/SaraDreamTrip. On the site, you also will find more information about People to People and the trip. Please visit it and help me reach my dream!

Kapolei Middle School Student Selected For Exchange Program

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Kapolei Center To Train New Real Estate Agents

February 7, 2013, 12:20 am
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Newly licensed, as well as experienced real estate agents can obtain extra training at Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties’ (CBP) New Agent Training Office (NATO) in Kapolei Commons. Vice president and branch manager of NATO West Tammy McGrew will lead courses that provide agents with hands-on training both in and out of the branch. Students are partnered with experienced sales agents or sales managers who provide one-on-one coaching and support. “This is a great option for new real estate licensees and existing agents in the West Oahu areas that would
like a solid training foundation,” McGrew said in a release. The facility comes to Kapolei just months after the company opened a sales office in the area. For more information, call 262-3163. “We are committed to serving Oahu’s growing population on the West side, where we have identified tremendous growth opportunities,” stated Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties president Mike James. NATO is CBP’s comprehensive training program. Since 2004, more than 400 agents have graduated from NATO.

Kapolei Center To Train New Real Estate Agents

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Lion Dancers Ring In Chinese Year Of The Snake In Kapolei

February 7, 2013, 12:29 am
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Plantation Celebrates Chinese New Year

February 7, 2013, 12:36 am
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Hawaii’s Plantation Village celebrates the Year of the Snake by inviting guests to “Relive the Plantation Days” from 10 this Saturday. The village park, located in Waipahu, will mark the occasion with games and prizes, crafts and a lion dance performance. The August Ahrens Elementary Music Ensemble also will perform.
Plate lunches will be for sale by Steven Pang, and Rev. Amano of Izumo Taishakyo will provide a New Year’s blessing. Admission is free, and free parking is available on site. Hawaii’s Plantation Village is located at 94-695 Waipahu St.
For more information, call 677-0110 or visit hawaiiplantationvillage.org.

Plantation Celebrates Chinese New Year

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Chargers’ Project Grad Fair Recycles Too

February 7, 2013, 12:39 am
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While the Pearl City High School Project Graduation Committee certainly hopes to raise funds with its next event, it’s also aiming to raise awareness about the importance of sustainable living.
The committee will conduct a Green Day Garage Sale and Fair from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 16 in the high school cafeteria on the theme of “Reuse, Recycle, Reinvent and Renew.” Charger students and parents hope the benefit will encourage others to live “green.” The fair and sale will provide a wide range of activities, including food trucks, health and wellness booths, craft vendors, exhibits and a farmers market.
Recycling stations for various goods — including old cellular phones and laptops, glass and plastic bottles and aluminum cans — also will be open on site. For a $5 fee, supporters also can participate in a clothing swap by bringing used or new clothing and accessories to trade with other attendees. Traders can select one item for every item they bring.
All proceeds from the event will benefit Pearl City High School seniors for Project Graduation — an all-night, drug-and- alcohol-free celebration. Vendor applications also are being accepted. Vendor fees are $50; booth space is free for students. For more information about the event or vendor participation, email pchsprojectgrad@gmail.com. Vendor applications are due Feb. 28.

Chargers’ Project Grad Fair Recycles Too

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Get The Basics In Karting Clinic

February 7, 2013, 12:41 am
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Those interested in becoming go-kart experts should head to Podium Raceway in Kapolei for its Karting Clinic, to be held every third Tuesday of the month beginning Feb. 19. John Ledesma, a graduate of the Jim Russell Racing School at the Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif., conducts classes from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
For $45, participants receive three races, classroom instruction and on- track lead and follow. Technical instruction will include karting dynamics, driving lanes, braking and racing line. Spaces for this class are limited. To sign up for a clinic, email superquickleague@yahoo.com or call 682-7223.

Get The Basics In Karting Clinic

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Zumbathon Will Rock ‘The Kroc’

February 7, 2013, 12:42 am
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The Kroc Center of Hawaii will sponsor its first Zumbathon from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, offering residents a way to get fit for 2013 at the Ray and Joan Kroc Salvation Army Corps Community Center. Intended for ages 13 and older, the free exercise session is led by instructors Mike Grimes and Shinobu Yagi. Participants will engage in easy-to-follow, Latin-inspired, body dance movements that will burn away calories. The Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center opened in February of last year and is the largest community center of its kind. Registration for the Zumbathon is required at the Kroc Center Hawaii Member Services Desk. For more information, visit kroccenterhawaii.org.

Zumbathon Will Rock ‘The Kroc’

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Waipahu Teens Running Their Own Cafe

February 13, 2013, 12:48 pm
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The culinary academy at Waipahu High School is proving to be a delicious way for students to learn the ropes of running a restaurant, from purchasing and ordering ingredients to cooking and plating meals. And now the community can have a hearty meal prepared by talented students who have a heart for cooking. "They plan out their menu and make sure they can purchase what they need to make a profit," explained principal Keith Hayashi. "They tried out different recipes and prepared three different menus. They are able to learn the front and back of the house." Waipahu High has six career pathways so students can focus on a specific area of interest, and the Marauder Café is one component of the public and human services pathway. Through the school's partnership with First Hawaiian Bank and Leeward Community College, these future culinary artists were able to learn from the chef at The Bankers Club on top of the First Hawaiian Center. So those who choose to dine at the Marauder Café can feel confident knowing they're going to get a great meal. Proceeds from the café go toward scholarships for the students. LCC helps those who would like to continue their culinary ventures after high school by providing support to students who want to start college courses in the culinary arts. Adviser Elaine Matsuo is proud to see her students honing more than just their culinary skills. "It's not just learning about things in the food industry," she said. The café was created to help students build skills for both life and work, instill strength of character, and empower students to take charge and make a smooth transition to the real world. According to Hayashi, Waipahu High School strives to provide its students with "real life" experiences to give them skills to change and adapt to different situations, and the Marauder Café is a great way to do that. The students will be preparing lunches every Thursday through April. But it's been such a hit that it's booked for the rest of the semester. For more details, email jess_nakashima@notes.k1 2.hi.us.

Waipahu Teens Running Their Own Cafe

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New Fire Station In Ewa Beach Celebrates Grand Opening

February 13, 2013, 12:49 pm
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New Fire Station In Ewa Beach Celebrates Grand Opening

Nearly 100 community members visited fire station Ewa Beach - Station 24 Jan. 29 to mark the grand opening of the Kaileolea Drive facility. Joining in the celebration was Mayor Kirk Caldwell, City Councilwoman Kymberly Pine, City Councilman Ron Menor, acting Fire Chief Emmit Kane, along with fire company Engine 24, which has been operating out of the station since November. The $6.1-million facility was constructed by Haseko Development Inc. and is located on one acre of land that Haseko donated to the city. At 12,300 square feet, Ewa Beach-Station 24 currently is housing five firefighters. Ewa Beach-Station 24 has been in the planning stages for several years, and construction began four years ago. It replaces the station on Pohakupuna Road - a move that Honolulu Fire Department hopes will improve coverage for area residents, as well as increase comfort and safety for workers. "The (station) on Pohakupuna was built in the 1950s, and it was in need of renovation and repair," explained HFD public information officer Capt. Terry Seelig. "It was rather small, and it really wasn't the best location for the density of the area ... Ewa has really developed over the last 25 years, from largely agricultural to mostly residential and some commercial. We needed to have a station in a better position to get to the majority of the population." The station also marks a couple of firsts in building design: It is the first city project built to achieve Leadership in Energy Environmental Design (LEED) Silver Certification and also is HFD's first gender-neutral fire station. LEED certification is a mark of excellence in sustainable building design and operation awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council. The facility earned its certification through features that include improved water runoff containment, cost-efficient ventilation and lighting, pollutant containment and increased efficiency for water usage. As HFD's first gender-neutral fire station, Station 24 will provide each worker with individual sleeping quarters and bathing areas in lieu of barracks-style facilities. "It is built so that there is privacy for both genders," Seelig said. "The sleeping areas are separated. You don't have the traditional dorm arrangement, and you have individual bathing areas instead of a locker room. "(Gender-neutral stations) are a trend nationwide, and it is a reality that it works best for the workforce to give a higher level of worker privacy and worker comfort," Seelig said. The facility also includes an equipment decontami-nation room, a gym, a kitchen, work stations, and a three-story training tower. This type of sustainable and gender-neutral building design seems to be a sign of what's to come for HFD. "As we build, we will continue to use this concept," Seelig said. "It is a standard for us now, and that is what we are hoping to be able to consistently do." HFD also has plans to open a new fire station in East Kapolei early this summer.

New Fire Station In Ewa Beach Celebrates Grand Opening

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Workshop Discusses Ways To Improve Yourself, Your Business

February 13, 2013, 12:59 pm
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Whether you're looking for a little nudge toward self-improvement or guidance in building up your business, you'll find it at West Oahu Women (WOW) Social and Business Network Hawaii's "Trans-form Yourself. Transform Your Business" meeting from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 21 at Kapolei Golf Course. The evening will include networking, along with two workshops. Success coach and motivational speaker Kathy Davenport will lead a "Transform Yourself" workshop, discussing ways to refocus energy. Participants will learn strategies to think more clearly and make decisions more quickly - with the goal of gaining more success and happiness. In "Transform Your Business," public relations and marketing guru Krista Sherkey will share her knowledge on ways to help you improve your business, including establishing your personal brand and implementing social media. "While it seems that the workshops are covering two totally different areas, they really aren't. Kathy's presentation, 'Transform Yourself,' is designed to empower and strengthen people," WOW administrative assistant Debra Hartley explained. "In Kathy's words, 'Skills training can be given to someone endlessly, but if they aren't secure in their own skin and have a lot of self-doubt, they will still be ineffective in their personal and business lives.' "Krista's presentation will build on Kathy's by giving them the tools they need and build on that strength and confidence. "We're very excited to be bringing a new format to business networking," Hartley said. "There will still be time to network with other businesspeople, but with these workshops, each attendee will take away something of value to see 'transformational growth' in 2013." The event also will feature light pupu, and beverages will be available for purchase. Fee is $35 pre-registration, $25 for WOW members, and $45 at the door. To register online, visit wowfeb2013.eventbrite.co m. Seating is limited. For more information, call Hartley at 780-9754. WOW is dedicated to empowering women through community connections, mentoring and information sharing. All events are open to the public. Visit wownetworkhawaii.com or facebook.com/wownetworkhawaii.

Workshop Discusses Ways To Improve Yourself, Your Business

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Learn About Immigration Services

February 13, 2013, 1:02 pm
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The Filipino Community Center in Waipahu is partnering with federal agencies now through March 2 to present a free public outreach program on immigration services and issues. Topics are discusses from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturdays at the FilCom Center, located at 94-428 Mokuola St. #302. Remaining sessions include: * Feb. 16 - Getting a Green Card * Feb. 23 - Becoming a U.S. Citizen * March 2 - Getting a Passport (presented by the Honolulu Passport Agency) For more information, call 680-0451 or email filcom@filcom.org. Partners in the effort are the U.S. Immigration Community Outreach Program and the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services.

Learn About Immigration Services

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Classes Encourage Youths To Examine Ewa Beach Through Art

February 13, 2013, 1:02 pm
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Spring is around the corner, and nature will be flourishing. Thanks to a new program in Ewa Beach, so will art. Spaces are available for up to 24 students in the new Art For Ewa Beach Youth program sponsored by Ewa Beach Community Based Development Organization (CBDO). Separate classes for younger and higher-level students will be held Feb 27 and March 6, 13 and 20. The first is Art Narrative, which will run from 1:30 to 3 p.m. and is geared toward students in grades 4 to 6, while Life in Ewa Beach Photography runs from 3:30 to 5 p.m. and is for students in grades 7 to10. Classes will be conducted by artisan and educator Leonard Kelemoana Barrow. Art Narrative will teach students elements of design, while looking at art as a form of communication. "Each pupil will create an initial art narrative concerning life in Ewa Beach, and especially what is important and special to them about the area," said Ewa Beach CBDO president Christiane Bolosan-Yee. "Students will then write a story about their sketched art piece, starting with 'I come from a place called Ewa Beach ...' " Life in Ewa Beach Photography will teach students elementary photography techniques and the use of photography as art. "Students will use the techniques they learn to photograph what they think is important, beautiful and culturally relevant in relation to the Ewa Beach community," explained Bolosan-Yee. All participating students will take a trip together to Honolulu Museum of Art, and their final projects will be displayed during the month of April at Kapolei Hale. Ewa Beach CBDO, a nonprofit organization that caters to low-income residents, is able to offer the classes thanks to a grant from Hawaii Community Foundation Ewa Beach Community Fund. The classes are part of Ewa Beach CBDO's objectives to increase activities for area youths and to establish a gathering place with community events and volunteerism opportunities. Speaking of volunteerism, volunteers are needed for Art for Ewa Beach Youth, to assist Barrow with his classes. "To keep the project sustainable and continuing beyond the initial offering, there will be a train-the-trainer aspect to the program," noted BolosanYee. "We are looking for two local community members who can assist with the Art Narrative and Photography projects and, in turn, teach the courses to other Ewa Beach youths in the future." Classes will be held at Ewa Beach Community Park (91-955 North Road) To register, download the signup form at ewabeachcbdo.org and send it with $25 to Ewa Beach CBDO, 91-884 Fort Weaver Road, Suite A, Ewa Beach, HI 96706. Make checks payable to Ewa Beach CBDO. Application deadline is Feb. 15. For more information, call Chantell Smeisser at 694-6282 or email info@ewabeachcbdo.org.

Classes Encourage Youths To Examine Ewa Beach Through Art

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West Oahu Highlights

February 13, 2013, 1:04 pm
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Send West Oahu items by fax to 585-6324 or email cchang@midweek.com by Feb. 13 to be considered for the Feb. 20 edition. * OSTEOPOROSIS Kaiser Permanente has a free Senior Summit talk on osteoporosis at 10 a.m. Feb. 11 in its Waipio Clinic conference room. Call 432-2235. * NEIGHBORS Aiea Neighborhood Board meets at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 11 at Aiea Library, the Ewa board meets at 7 p.m. Feb. 14 at Ewa Beach Library. Call 768-3710. * CIVIL WAR SHOW UH-West Oahu hosts the traveling exhibit, "Civil War 150: Exploring the War and its Meaning Through the World of Those Who Lived It," with special discussion topics set for Feb. 11-16. Call 689-2800. * BLOOD DRIVES Hawaii Blood Bank has donor drives from 8:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. Feb. 11 at Leeward Community College, 7:30 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Feb. 12 at the Pali Momi Medical Center conference room, 7 to 11 a.m. Feb. 13 at Kapolei Bank of Hawaii, 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Feb. 16 at Kapolei Shopping Center, and 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 17 at Waikele Center. Call 848-4770. * LINCOLN DAY Ewa Elementary School honors President Abraham Lincoln at 8:30 a.m. Feb. 12 in its 69th annual Lincoln Day program for the school and community, fronting its Lincoln statue at 91-1280 Renton Road and featuring student tributes, the Royal Hawaiian Band Glee Club and traditional lei draping. Call 681-8202. * CAREGIVERS The Caregiver Foundation leads a monthly caregiver support group at 7 p.m. Feb. 12 in the Pearl City area. For location, call 625-3782. * KART RACES The Super Quick Racing League sponsors 14-lap kart races at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 12 and on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at Podium Raceway, 91-1085 Lexington St., Bldg. 1844 in Kapolei. Fee is $45 for three races. Call 682-7223 or email superquickleague@yahoo.com. * HEALTH FAIR UH West Oahu's Kealaikahiki Native Hawaiian Program presents "E Ola Pono Health & Wellness Fair" from 2 to 6 p.m. Feb. 13 on the Great Lawn with lomilomi, music, games, exhibits and exercise. Call 689-2684. * JOB READY Leeward Community College observes Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month with activities in its job-ready training programs from 8:30 a.m. to noon Feb. 13 (Discover Leeward Day for high school students), 9 a.m. to noon Feb. 20 (job-prep services), 9 to 9:50 a.m. Feb. 21 (labor market), noon to 1 p.m. Feb. 25 (LifeSmarts student competition) and 5:30 p.m. Feb. 27 (AA in teaching details). A culinary scholastic arts brunch also is set for 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. Feb. 17, and a CTE open house from 9 a.m. to noon Feb. 26. Call Kathleen Cabral at 455-0524. * HANDBELLS The Hakuoh University Handbell Choir performs a free concert at 10 a.m. Feb. 14 in Leeward Community College Theatre, offering a program from opera classics to Hawaiian music on its 22nd Goodwill Tour. Call 956-0321. * ROTARY TALK Hawaii Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald is guest speaker at the Kapolei Rotary Club's 7:30 a.m. meeting Feb. 14 in the faculty lounge at Kapolei High. His topic is family issues plaguing Kapolei and statistics from cases handled by Kapolei's family court. Email info@lime-lighthawaii.com. * CAFE MUSIC 3rd Cup Cafe & Venue in the Royal Times Kunia Building presents Tony Kato and Ken Leung playing traditional jazz at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 15, and Slam Poetry Night at 8 p.m. Feb. 16. Artist of the month is Radley Urata with graffiti-based works. Call 888-6087. * CANDIDATES Residents must register by Feb. 15 (postmark) to run in the next Neighborhood Board elections, which will take place by mail April 24-May 17 for a term starting July 1. Those age 18 by the deadline are eligible to run. Call 768-3717 for the candidate registration form. * WAFFLES, CARS Pearl City High's Project Grad plans a car wash and waffle dog sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 16 at Cutter Ford Aiea. Tickets are $7 for sedans, $10 for trucks, $4 for waffle dogs. Proceeds go to Project Grad 2013. Order tickets at pchsprojectgrad@gmail.com or just come on down. Call 295-0072. * STARGAZING The Hawaiian Astronomical Society brings its telescopes to Geiger Community Park in Ewa from 6 to 10 p.m. Feb. 16 for a free stargazing party. Go to hawastsoc.org. * CYCLING TIPS Hawaii Bicycling League instructors run a Commuter Cycling 101 class from 1 to 3 p.m. Feb. 16 and also April 13 and May 11 at Leeward Community College's Learning Commons. Topics are safe practices, cyclist rights, rules of the road, equipment safety checks, lane positioning and more, including practice drills outside and a group ride. Space is limited. Call 735-5756 or visit hbl.org. * HOME SEMINAR Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties hosts a free seminar on "How to Upgrade to Your Dream Home" at 4:30 p.m. Feb. 17 at its office in Kapolei Commons. Call 947-8101. * KARTING John Ledesma leads karting clinics from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 19, and on the third Tuesday of each month through December at Podium Raceway, 91-1085 Lexington St., Building 1844 in Kapolei. Fee is $45 for each session, which includes three races, classroom instruction (dynamics, driving and racing lines, braking) and on-track lead and follow. Ledesma is a graduate of the Jim Russell Racing School in Sonoma, Calif. Call 682-7223 or email superquickleague@yahoo.co m. * URGENT CARE Pearl City Urgent Care marks its first anniversary from noon to 6 p.m. Feb. 20-23 at 1245 Kuala St. with prizes, free gifts and refreshments. Call 456-2273. * SAFE CAR SEATS Safety technicians inspect children's car seats or booster seats for proper installation from 3:30 to 6 p.m. Feb. 22 at Kaiser Permanente -Waipio Clinic. Come with seats installed and bring manual and instructions. Preregister at 432-2260. * GABBARD HOUR State Sen. Michael Gabbard hosts a "listen story" meeting at 9 a.m. Feb. 23 at Kapolei Starbucks (next to Chevron gas station). Call 586-6830. * MANANA HIKE Hawaiian Trail & Mountain Club leads a 12-mile advanced ridge hike in Pacific Palisades/Manana at 8 a.m. Feb. 23. Go to htmclub.org. * EARTH OVENS Malama Learning Center has a class on making earth ovens at 9 a.m. Feb. 23 at the Kaala Cultural Learning Center in Waianae. Fee is $10 per person, or $25 for families of three or less. Call 542-9107. * AIEA BOOK CLUB The Aiea Book Club meets at 6:30 p.m. March 7 at the Aiea Library to discuss Georgia O'Keefe's Hawaii by Patricia Jennings and Maria Ausherman. Email thereadingtutor@gmail.com. * LIFEGUARDS The Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center offers a lifeguard training course March 8, 15, 17 and 24 at Central Oahu Regional Park in Waipio. It's a blended learning course that has online/hands-on skills. Call aquatic director Ruthie Heuton at 677-8510. * GREEN DAY Pearl City Project Grad seeks vendors for its March 16 Green Day Garage Sale and Fair. Fee is $50 per outside booth and $25 per student booth. Submit applications by Feb. 28 for the fair, which has a theme of "reuse, recycle, reinvent and renew." Call 778-2752, 722-5101 or pchsprojectgrad@gmail.com. Ongoing * AARP TAX HELP Foundation Tax-Aide offers free tax preparation help through April 11 for lowto-moderate income individuals and families from 9 a.m. to noon Tuesdays at Waipahu Civic Center and from 9 a.m. to noon Thursdays at Kroc Center in Ewa Beach. Call 450-2549. * STORYTIME Waipahu Library has a storytime for children ages 3-5 at 10:30 a.m. Thursdays now through March 28 in its Children's Room. Each storytime offers a short craft project, puzzles or educational toys. Call 675-0358. * STRIDERS The Leeward Stroller Strides group meets at 8:45 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at Central Oahu Regional Park, offering a fitness walk for moms with tots in strollers. Monthly fee is $60. A Kapolei group meets at 8:45 a.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Call 398-6275. * HULA No Kealoha O Hula has hula classes Wednesday nights in Waipahu, with beginners at 6 and intermediate students at 7:10 p.m. Call Desiree at 478-0404. * ROLLER DERBY The Aloha City Rollers are recruiting new players and referees for league play in the West Oahu area. All men and women ages 18-50 are welcome to learn and compete in this fun team sport. Call 454-3847 or visit 808derby.com. * ZUMBA WAIPIO Kaiser Permanente has Zumba classes at 5:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays now through Feb. 25 at its Waipio Clinic, 94-1480 Moaniani St. Fee is $6.50 for non-members. Call 432-2260. * EWA CERT The Ewa Beach Emergency Preparedness Committee is organizing 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. * 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. * 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. * STORIES Kapolei Library has free, interactive children's storytime sessions at 10 a.m. Mondays and Thursdays for ages 3-5. Call 693-7050. * MCC MARKET The Momilani Farmers Market at Momilani Community Center offers about 20 vendors and a new family activity from 3 to 7 p.m. each Friday at 715 Hoomoana St. Call Kasey at 341-0568. * MAKEKE KAPOLEI Kapolei High School hosts a farmers' and green market, Makeke Kapolei, from 3 to 6:30 p.m. Thursdays in the school parking lot, with more than 30 vendors selling locally grown produce, prepared foods, plants, arts and crafts. There also are demonstrations and cultural presentations for the public. Call 697-3599.

West Oahu Highlights

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Kapolei High Swimmer Gears Up For State Championship

February 13, 2013, 1:05 pm
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Leilani Herrera's transformation from shy student to swimmer extraordinaire begins long before she gets to the pool, and with a little aid from her iPod. The Kapolei sophomore often is found listening to music before a race in an effort to get her mind ready for swimming. "I'll usually listen to music and tune myself out from everything else," said Herrera, who will compete in both the 100 breaststroke and the 100-yard backstroke at this week's state swimming and diving championships. "When I swim, I see a side of myself that I never see before. With swimming, my competitive side comes out." Pre-game rituals alone don't explain Herrera's flair for swimming, of course. Her work ethic may be her best attribute, as well as her natural athleticism, according to coach Dex Lee. "She's athletically gifted," he said. "She probably has a vertical leap of 30 inches, and she's very flexible. Her weight-to-strength rating is awesome." Herrera finished fourth in the state in the 100-yard backstroke last year although only a freshman. More recently, she took first at the OIA individual finals in breaststroke, while finishing second overall in backstroke. Herrera claimed OIA West individual titles in both events. With two full seasons of eligibility following this weekend's state meet, expectations are understandably high for her. Whether practicing with Kapolei High or Hawaii Swim Club, she typically trains two hours a day, six days a week. "It's not a challenge," she said of her training. "I love to train. I think of it as a fun thing to do, not as a hard thing to do." Herrera credits her parents, Willie and Lu, as fueling her interest with their support. "I was 10 years old when I started. It came easy to me. My dad used to train me for three hours a day, and I really liked it. I really love swimming. I used to swim for fun - at the beach or in our own pool. When we moved (from town) to Kapolei was when I started to swim competitively. By the sixth grade, I felt confident. "What I enjoy are the people that you meet, and doing what I care about doing the most," added Herrera, who also competes for the Kapolei water polo team in the spring. "I like the feel of competitive swimming." With two years of high school remaining, earning a Division I college scholarship would seem a realistic goal for Herrera, who also is an A-student. When time allows, her artistic side also shows itself in drawings that she has produced. "I like abstract art," she said. "I like using my imagination to create. I do a lot of artwork in my free time." Next semester, Herrera will begin taking art classes at Kapolei. For the present, she has an all-consuming mindset for this week's state meet. "As we get closer, we'll actually increase our training until near the end, when we scale down. I'm really excited to swim at states."

Kapolei High Swimmer Gears Up For State Championship

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Rush Team Tries Its Luck In Vegas Cup

February 13, 2013, 1:07 pm
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Rush Team Tries Its Luck In Vegas Cup

Keenan Soares and his Hawaii Nike Rush '99 youth soccer teammates used stellar defensive play to punch their ticket for the U.S. Youth Soccer Far West Regionals in Phoenix last July. This week, they'll try and recapture the magic when Nike Rush begins play at the Las Vegas Mayor's Cup International Showcase. Beginning Thursday, the team will play at least four games. Soares is fresh off his freshman season at Campbell, which finished its 2012-13 campaign last week in the Division I state tournament. As with the Sabers, Soares is a mainstay in the back for Hawaii Nike Rush. He was a key contributer to Hawaii Nike Rush's win over top-seeded Mt. Hamilton Atlas (of California) at the Far West Regionals from his defensive position. "I'm really excited," said Soares. "I should come back a better player, and travel is always fun. It gives me a chance to explore different places." Soares recently took some time away from the practice field to visit with MidWeek's West Oahu Islander. What is your earliest soccer-related memory? I started when I was 7 years old. I can remember walking to practice the first day, and I was really nervous and didn't know what to expect. I liked it, and I wanted to continue on. Who's had the biggest impact on your life? My mom (Lorna). She's been there for me and supported me through hard times. She made me the person that I am today. What area of your game have you been focusing on lately? Technicality. I've kind of struggled lately, and I could be making better decisions on and off the field. What's the most important thing you've learned through soccer? Probably to remain calm. You have hard times, and you have to work your way through them. Who is Nike Rush '99's best "practice player" - the guy who gives 110 percent at all times? Boogie Mattos. He plays center-back alongside of me. He always gives his all and helps other players to see things we wouldn't see ourselves. He pushes us to our limit. What Internet site do you frequent the most? Probably Facebook. What is your least favorite household chore? Washing dishes. I hate that. What movie could you watch over and over? It would most likely be a comedy, because I like to laugh. When you turn on the TV, what channel do you go to first? Channel 230 - I like to watch soccer. Do you play video games? What systems do you have and what is your favorite? I have an Xbox360. I probably play BlackOut the most. You're stuck on Kahoolawe and can have an endless supply of just one food. What would it be? Probably burgers from McDonald's. If you could have your pick, what celebrity would you choose as your date for a Saturday night? Alex Morgan from the U.S. National Soccer Team.

Rush Team Tries Its Luck In Vegas Cup

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Focus on West Oahu

February 13, 2013, 1:13 pm
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Free Tax Aid Offered For Needy Area Residents

February 13, 2013, 3:54 pm
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Free tax preparation assistance is available at two Central Oahu sites now though early April, especially for low- to moderate-income workers. The Family and Individual Self-Sufficiency Program has trained volunteers at the following sites by appointment: * Hickam Federal Credit Union, Mililani branch, 95-1249 Meheula Parkway #119 - 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays through April 5. Call 423-1391. * Waialua Federal Credit Union, 67-292 Goodale Ave. #A-2 - 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Friday through April 5. Call 753-8498. The statewide service began in 2005 as a pilot program of Aloha United Way and is designed to alert taxpayers to valuable tax credits, save them money, encourage financial literacy and recruit and train others to work at the sites. For more details, visit hawaiitaxhelp.org.

Free Tax Aid Offered For Needy Area Residents

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Award For Pearl City Urgent Care’s Help

February 20, 2013, 11:31 am
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Award For Pearl City Urgent Care's Help

Pearl City Urgent Care, which marks its first anniversary this week, was honored Feb. 4 by the City Council for its contribution to the community at a special awards ceremony. The clinic's CEO Donna Schmidt, who founded the service in order to provide an alternative to emergency room care, also was recognized at the ceremony. In presenting a Certificate of Appreciation to Schmidt, Councilman Breene Harimoto stated: On behalf of the people of the City and County of Honolulu, the Council hereby congratulates Pearl City Urgent Care on its first anniversary, expresses its gratitude for bringing much-needed medical services to Pearl City, and welcomes the facility as a full-fledged member of the Pearl City community." "I was so excited," Schmidt said about receiving the certificate. "I just felt really blessed, and very, very appreciative for the recognition. We really did what we could to ... serve the community." Before opening the urgent care center in November of 2011, she worked for a medical case management agency. During her time there, she noticed that patients she worked with often were told to go to an emergency room for non-emergency cases. The result was the over-use - and overcrowding - of emergency rooms. "On nights and weekends, when they needed a doctor, oftentimes ... they were using the emergency room in a way that was unnecessary," she said. "We didn't have a place where folks could go other than the emergency room. "If we can keep the appropriate number of people in the emergency room ... there will be more room for the people who need to be there," Schmidt said. Pearl City Urgent Care is a full-service urgent care center, offering X-rays, drug screening and lab testing. Since opening its doors, it already has expanded in response to the high volume of patients, adding two new treatment rooms, extending its weekend hours, and launching an occupational medicine program. In the future, Pearl City Urgent Care hopes to launch a medical card systems for college students. To celebrate a successful first year, it will host "I Love, Love, Love Pearl City Urgent Care" from noon to 6 p.m. Feb. 20 through 23. The event will feature blood pressure screenings, prize raffles, refreshments and tours of the facility. Reflecting on the first year, Schmidt said, "I think things have gone extremely well." Schmidt had hoped to be serving 30 patients a day by the end of the first year. But the center grew quickly - in part because of the closure of HMC West that occurred around the time of the center's opening - and reached that benchmark after just a couple of months. Currently, her staff treats about 50 patients daily, and is anticipating further growth. "Our capacity with the new rooms is about 80 to 85 patients a day," Schmidt said. "And we expect that by this time next year, we will be seeing that many patients." Pearl City Urgent Care wants the community to be aware of when they should go to an urgent care center, and when they should seek help from an emergency room. Schmidt provided a brief rundown: Go to the emergency room if you are experiencing any signs of a heart attack (including chest pains or shortness of breath); any signs of a stroke (including sudden numbness in your limbs, confusion or difficulty speaking); or profuse bleeding. Come to Pearl City Urgent Care if you are experiencing vomiting, migraine, allergy, asthma, allergic reactions, broken bones, burns, coughs, colds, rashes, sore throats and sports injuries. Schmidt also recommends residents call their primary care physician first for non-life-threatening conditions. Pearl City Urgent Care is located at 1245 Kuala St. in Pearl City. No appointments are necessary. Call 456-2273 or visit pearlcityurgentcare.com.

Award For Pearl City Urgent Care’s Help

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Area Artists On BWS Calendar

February 20, 2013, 11:35 am
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Residents still may be looking for that perfect 2013 calendar - the kind that has a local feel to it and plenty of good advice on saving money and water. The Board of Water Supply has available its 2013 Water Conservation Calendar, which showcases the winning artwork and poetry of Oahu public and private school students, including three from West Oahu. A poster by fifth-grader Seri Nakamura of Pearl Ridge Elementary (teacher Liane Tanigawa) graces the month of February, while sixth-grader Kekoa Oishi of Kapolei Middle School (Daryle Mishina) is the May selection, and kindergartener Stecya Santos of St. Elizabeth School (Sommerlyn Leong) anchors December with her poster design. They all competed in the BWS contest last year on the theme of "Save, Water, Save Energy," and their messages reflect this. Santos and Oishi both placed first at their grade level, and Nakamura placed second. Free calendars are available at the BWS headquarters on Beretania Street, or can be downloaded at hbws.org. Entry deadline for the 2014 contests is March 6. For more information, call 748-5041 or email contactus@hbws.org.

Area Artists On BWS Calendar

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Teens Can Go Green For Spring

February 20, 2013, 11:37 am
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If area teenagers are looking for something to keep them busy during the upcoming spring break, Hawaii Green Collar Institute has a fun and informative experience ready. Its Spring Intercession Program runs from March 18 to 22 and is designed for grades 10-12, introducing them to local environmental issues, as well as future jobs in "green collar" careers. The program will expose them to ocean conservation and related careers via field trips, hands-on activities and an overnight camping trip. Students must submit an application form and at least one reference. Preference will be given to those who have not attended previous HGCI sessions, which are based in Kapolei. Registration deadline is Feb. 25. The $20 fee also covers supplies and meals. The intersession runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with an overnight camping trip scheduled for March 19-20. For more information and to download application materials, visit malamalearningcenter.org/index.php/programs/hawaii-green-collar-institute.

Teens Can Go Green For Spring

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