Global Healthcare sponsors a financial literacy meeting Feb. 19 at the Filipino Community Center, focused on financial impact of health care, specifically "Understanding Medicare," and "Guidelines and the Affordable Care Act."
The program runs from 6 to 8 p.m. in Room 213 at the FilCom Center, located at 94-428 Mokuola St. #302.
Panelists include AARP Filipino Advisory Committee chairman Toy Arre and AIM Healthcare Institute president Nancy Atmosphera-Walch.
Primary presenter is health care advocate Violeta Arnobit, a member of many local health care boards.
To register, call 680-0451.
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Financial Talks At FilCom Center
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Dedicated Partners Tackling Trashed Stretch Of Ewa Shoreline
A stretch of Ewa shoreline went from dumping grounds to shining sands in a matter of hours, thanks to a dedicated crew that coordinates cleanups in the area. The most recent work-day was Feb. 6, with 120 volunteers donning hygienic gloves to fill large plastic bags with opala found along the shores from the west end of Oneula Beach Park to White Plains. After their hard work, participants relaxed and cooled off with lunch and shave ice. While helping out, volunteers young and old learned about the area's cultural and natural history. The cleanup's organizer, Hoakalei Cultural Foundation, was established in 2006 for the purpose of restoring the neglected, trash-strewn area to its natural beauty in order to preserve its land and sea resources for future generations. The initiative was inspired by Kupuna Arline Wainaha Kuuleialoha Brede Eaton, who in the 1990s began documenting the area where she was raised in the 1920s to '30s. Her work, along with the help of other kupuna, involved looking at historical records and recording oral histories about the area. The stretch of Ewa shoreline also benefits from the annual "Get the Drift and Bag It" campaign, which last took place in September and also is conducted by community volunteers and various organizations, including Hoakalei Cultural Foundation. For more information about foundation, visit hoakaleifoundation.org.
Dedicated Partners Tackling Trashed Stretch Of Ewa Shoreline
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Nonprofit Seeks To Reach West Residents With Ewa Expansion
Hale Kipa has served as a haven for at-risk youths for more than four decades, and now the nonprofit seeks to expand its reach with a forthcoming Ewa campus.
The additional service comples will target what has been identified as an Oahu area of need.
"The decision to prior-itize this complex was not made easily or lightly," said Tracy Janowicz, director of quality improvement and facilities.
"After significant research, it became clear that the majority of the youths and families that Hale Kipa serves are in Central and Leeward Oahu."
With locations currently in Waikiki, Honolulu and Kaneohe, an additional campus in Ewa would enable easier access for those that use Hale Kipa's services the most.
The organization has been in the process of acquiring the funds necessary to begin construction for several years.
In order to achieve its goal of building a campus in Ewa, it launched a capital campaign, writing grant proposals for state and city funds.
The organization is now $800,000 away from the $6 million needed to obtain a USDA loan that will provide it with $12 million, so it's now recruiting support from individuals and businesses.
The campus complex, which is expected to begin construction this summer, will be built on the Old Fort Weaver Road and will include all the programs Hale Kipa currently offers.
"It includes not only our historical roots as a shelter, which is where we started in 1970," said Janowicz, "but also the educational facility, which addresses the educational and vocational needs of our youths, (skills that are) essential to their economic, as well as their emotional emancipation."
Shelter services, foster care and professional counseling are some of the ways in which Hale Kipa supports at-risk youths.
According to Janowicz, the organization's mission is to "provide opportunities and environments that strengthen and encourage youths, their families and communities to actualize their potential and social responsibility."
It has developed a video that shares the story of Hale Kipa and provides more information on the organization from the perspective of the youths it assists. It can be viewed on the homepage of its website, halekipa.org.
Those interested in supporting the construction of the Ewa campus can contact Hale Kipa at 615 Piikoi St., Suite 203, via its website or by phone at 589-1829, ext. 102.
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West Oahu Event Calendars
Send West Oahu items by fax to 585-6324 or email cchang@midweek.com by Feb. 20 to be considered for the Feb. 27 edition.
* 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., Bldg. 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.com.
* JOB READY Leeward Community College observes Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month with activities in its job-ready training programs from 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 CTE open house also is set for 9 a.m.-noon Feb. 26. Call Kathleen Cabral at 455-0524.
* KAPOLEI ROTARY Kapolei Rotary Club meets at 7:30 a.m. Feb. 21 at Kapolei High's faculty lounge with guest speaker Manuel Mollinedo, outgoing director of Honolulu Zoo. He will discuss the challenges of the job as he prepares to retire March 1. Email info@lime-lighthawaii.com.
* BLACK HISTORY Kapolei Hale hosts a Black History Month exhibit from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. week-days through Feb. 21. Call 768-6622.
* 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's Waipio Clinic. Come with car seats installed, and bring manual and car seat instructions. Pre-registration is required for the free service. Call 432-2260.
* CAFE MUSIC 3rd Cup Cafe & Venue in the Royal Times Kunia Building presents Open Mic Night at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 22 and 1Light playing jazz and Latin music at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 23. Artist of the month Radley Urata has graffiti-based art. Call 888-6087.
* 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 conducts a class on making earth ovens at 9 a.m. Feb. 23 at Kaala Cultural Learning Center in Waianae. Fee is $10 per person, or $25 for families of three or less. Call 542-9107.
* IMMIGRATION The FilCom Center has free public outreach programs on immigration issues at 9 a.m. Feb. 23 (Becoming a U.S. Citizen) and March 2 (Getting a Passport). Call 680-0451.
* BAD BUGS Halawa Xeriscape Garden has a "Good Bug vs. Bad Bug" workshop from 10:30 a.m. to noon Feb. 23 at 99-1268 Iwaena St. in Halawa Valley, featuring tips on attracting the good ones to plants and identifying and managing the bad ones in a good way. Bring mystery bugs in a chilled, air-tight bag. Fee is $5. Call 748-5363.
* TAGALOG The Filipino Community Center presents cultural and educational activities and performances on "The Best of the Tagalog Region" from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 24 at 94-428 Mokuola St. Call 680-0451.
* BLOOD DRIVES Hawaii Blood Bank has donor drives from 8:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Feb. 25 at Aiea High library, 8 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Feb. 26 at Pearl City High multi-purpose room, and 8 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Feb. 27 at the state's Kakuhihewa Building on Kamokila Boulevard. Call 848-4770.
* NEIGHBORS The Pearl City Neighborhood Board meets at 7 p.m. Feb. 26 at Waiau District Park, the Waipahu board meets at 7 p.m. Feb. 27 at the FilCom Center on Mokuola Street, and MakakiloKapolei-Honokai Hale meets at 7 p.m. Feb. 27 at Kapolei High cafeteria. Call 768-3710.
* CAREGIVERS The Caregiver Foundation sponsors a support group from 7 to 9 p.m. Feb. 28 at its Kapolei offices. Call 625-3782.
* 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 conducts a lifeguard training course March 8, 15, 17 and 24 at Central Oahu Regional Park in Waipio. It's a blended learning course that shares online/hands-on skills. Call aquatic director Ruthie Heuton at 677-8510.
* GREEN DAY Pearl City Project Graduation seeks vendors for its March 16 Green Day Garage Sale and Fair (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.). Fee is $50 per outside booth and $25 per student booth. Applications are due by Feb. 28 for the fair, which has a theme of "reuse, recycle, reinvent and renew." Call 778-2752 or 722-5101
Ongoing
* KART RACES The Super Quick Racing League sponsors 14-lap kart races at 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at Podium Raceway, 91-1085 Lexington St. Building 1844 in Kapolei. Fee is $45 for three races. Call 682-7223 or email superquickleague@yahoo.com.
* AARP TAX PREP Foundation Tax-Aide has free tax preparation help for low-to-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, running through April 11. Call 450-2549.
* MASTERS SWIM Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center conducts a U.S. Masters swimming program at 7 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at Central Oahu Regional Park. Call Ruthie Heuton at 677-8510.
* SLACK KEYYameen Fong leads beginner slack-key guitar classes at 6:30 p.m. Thursdays at Ewa Beach Community Park on North Road. Call 685-6035 evenings or visit fongsmusic.homestead.com.
* BRIDGE PLAYERS Bridge players are invited to join in games with West Oahu residents, playing in the Makaha area. Call Flo at 695-8106.
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Pearl City, Kapolei Ready For State Basketball Tournament
The final test for the Pearl City and Kapolei basketball teams has arrived, as both will take part in state tournament this week. Pairings for the event, which runs Tuesday through Saturday at various sites, were to be revealed on Sunday. A look at both teams' prospects follows.
Kapolei High
Record: 11-1 overall, 10-0 during the OIA season, heading into last weekend's game for third place
What's next: The Hurricanes were to learn of their first-round opponent Sunday
How they got here: The team won all 10 of its games in the OIA West to earn the league's No. 1 seed for the OIA tournament.
A win over East No. 4 seed Kahuku lifted Kapolei into the semifinals, where it was defeated last Wednesday for the first time this year by Moanalua. It was to meet Farrington in the third-place game over the weekend, already having secured a berth at states
Key wins: Over Mililani (47-28) Jan. 3; over Pearl City (47-44) Jan. 26; over Campbell (51-39) Feb. 4; over Kahuku (48-44) Feb. 9
Players to watch: Curtis Tavares (10.4 points per game), Chris Dillard (9.8), Zach Reeves (7.9)
What to watch: The Hurricanes figure to be in a hungry mood after their bid to make the OIA post-season championship for a second year in a row fell just short last week with their loss to Moanalua. Even so, the team should be poised to make some noise this week if it can get its free throw shooting untracked. Kapolei uncharacteristically made just nine of 27 from the charity stripe in the Moanalua game. Balance and senior leadership have been its strength all year with several players capable of big-scoring nights. The Hurricanes are at their best when they have an inside presence going with Dillard and perimeter shooting from their guards. Kapolei's 47 three-pointers to date led the West.
Pearl City High
Record: 10-2 versus OIA competition, heading into last weekend's conference tournament fifth-place game
What's next: This week's Division I state tournament. (The Chargers were to learn of their first-round opponent Sunday, if they made the field.)
How they got here: They went 9-1 in the season, losing only to Kapolei, to earn the West No. 2 seed for the OIA tournament. Following a loss to East No. 3 seed Farrington, Pearl City bounced back to defeat Campbell in the consolation bracket and had already earned one of the league's five berths for this week, heading into their game with Mililani last Saturday.
Key wins: Over Mililani (45-36) Jan. 5; over Leilehua (43-29) Jan. 9; over Campbell (45-36) Jan. 13
Players to watch: Sonny Glisson (9.9 points per game), Tyson Hickcox (9.7), Isaac Amorin (6.6)
What to watch: The Chargers were just a couple of plays away from going through their OIA season undefeated, as an overtime loss to Kapolei Jan. 26 was the only blemish. Their only other loss was to East No. 3 seed Farrington in last week's OIA post-season tourney. With that in mind, the Chargers could be a "tough out" at states, in large part because their best offense is its defense. Coach Lionel Villarmia's team gave up more than 40 points only twice during its 10-game season, and one was the aforementioned overtime contest with Kapolei. Glisson has been a steady performer all season, especially of late with nine three-pointers in his last three outings. He's also averaged 3.3 per game during that span.
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Chargers Facing Baseball Preseason Test
The Pearl City baseball team won't have to wait long for its first true pre-season test. With home dates Thursday and Saturday against Punahou and Maryknoll, respectively, the Chargers and third-year head coach Mitch Yamato will have an early opportunity to face first-rate competition.
Those outcomes aside, the games should figure big for Yamato, whose staff is in the evaluation stage with a talented young lineup. "We're a young team, but it's a great bunch of kids and they're all talented," said Yamato, whose team went 11-8 last season, a year after winning the 2011 Division I state championship. "We've been blessed with the talent that has been coming to us (the last several years). The coaches have had a hard time knowing where to put everyone. We're not short on talent this year; we're short on game-experience at this level. (Coming up to) the speed of the game at this level is crucial."
Pearl City's 2011-12 campaign was defined by close encounters, as 10 of the Chargers' 19 games were decided by one run or less. While Yamato will have mostly underclassmen in the fold, seniors Sean Milan, Kamalu Neal and Tanner Tokunaga are about as seasoned as high school players can be, given that the Chargers made deep runs into the post-season in their freshman and sophomore seasons, including winning the state title in 2011.
"Those three really help us out since they've been here and know what's expected. At some point, all three will pitch for us. Sean also will play in the outfield. Kamalu will see time as a pitcher, he'll see time catching, and he'll sometimes be somewhere in the infield. Tanner will see time in the outfield and the infield."
Tokunaga and Milan were both First Team All-Conference selections in a vote of OIA Red West coaches last May.
As in past years, the Chargers' roster is comprised of players who competed throughout their elementary and intermediate years in the community's talent-laden Little League program.
"Our team chemistry is there," Yamato said. "We've always had that here, but with a fairly young team we don't have an age gap (on the roster). This is probably the best team chemistry overall that we've had. These guys have played together for a long time.
"We have some pitching, and we have some defense. Hitting-wise, we don't have the luxury of that (consistent) home run hitter, but they all seem to handle the bat well."
Punahou is coming off of a 15-4 season in which it was the consolation champion at last May's Division I state tournament. Mary-knoll took third at last year's Division II state tournament, finishing 9-9 overall.
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West Oahu Ohana Photos
DO YOU HAVE A PHOTO TO SHARE? Do you enjoy taking pictures? We accept good-quality photographs from West Oahu residents. Photos should be in good taste, in sharp focus and depict life in West Oahu. Mail them to MidWeek Zones, 500 Ala Moana Blvd, Suite 7-500, Honolulu, HI 96813. Remember to include a description of the photo, the names of all the people in it, your name and phone number. Send digital photos by email to thefner@midweek.com.
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Kahi Mohala Stays On Track With Upgrades
Thanks to a $10,000 grant from the Public Health Fund of the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, psychiatric hospital Kahi Mohala Behavioral Health can move forward with its Master Facilities Plan initiative, which will address existing capital improvement goals over a five-year period.
"Demands for patient care change far more rapidly than the physical buildings that house (patients), so the plan will be designed to respond to emergency situations and changes in regulations," said CEO Leonard Licina. "The plan will guide the hospital with proactive strategies that address the services and environment in order to effectively meet the current and future behavioral health care needs of those with psychiatric disorders."
The Master Facilities Plan began in late January and completion is expected by June. Architects Hawaii has been hired to assess the possible upgrades to the facility.
In order to obtain the grant, the 88-bed licensed facility submitted its application to the Public Health Fund Committee of the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, which makes money available twice a year for project proposals that address health care issues on Oahu.
"The plan will be an ongoing decision-making tool to prioritize, schedule, budget and fundraise for capital improvement projects," Licina added.
Established in 1983, Kahi Mohala is located on a 14.5-acre Ewa Beach property on Old Fort Weaver Road.
"The park-like grounds offer a complete therapeutic environment with an emphasis on patient safety and security," Licina explained.
The heart of Kahi Mohala's philosophy of care is to improve the overall quality of life for its patients and provide an essential mental health safety net service for people throughout the state.
The organization also provides therapeutic inpatient programs for children ages 3-12, adolescents and adults with psychiatric disorders.
Hospital services include inpatient acute care and residential treatment for depression, anxiety, suicidal episodes, psychotic disorders, eating disorders, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD and ADHD) and dual diagnosis mental disorders.
"Kahi Mohala's pyschiatrists and clinical staff guide the recovery of patients and help their loved ones through some of the most difficult experiences they will ever face - surviving and thriving after a life-threatening mental health crisis," Licina said.
For more information on Kahi Mohala, visit kahimohala.org or call 671-8511.
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Aiea Students Excel In History
Aiea Intermediate School came away with six winners at the Central District History Day Fair, held Feb. 9 at Mililani High School, sending them on to the state-level competition for grades 4 to 12 April 20 at Windward Community College.
More than 150 research, display and performance-based projects, designed to broaden students' appreciation and enthusiasm for history and civics education, were entered in the district fair. The Hawaii Council for the Humanities sponsors the yearlong program in the state's public and private schools, with some worthy efforts moving up for national judging.
The Aiea students researched the varied topics of Coco Chanel, suffrage, cubism, the telephone, Benigno Aquino and Japan's Meiji Era.
The Leeward District gets its turn March 9 with a history day fair at Waipahu Intermediate School, and the public is welcome. For more information, call 732-5402, ext. 2.
The 2013 History Day theme is "Turning Points in History: People, Ideas, Events."
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Ewa Fair Has Food, Entertainers
Our Lady of Perpetual Help School will have a Grand Giveaway and Family Fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
The event features a food booths, rides, games, and a country store stocked with plants, vegetables, baked goods and crafts. HPD also will be on site to provide keiki ID cards, and a first aid station and blood pressure screening will be available.
The school's keiki also will share their talents at the fair, with a performance by the drama club and a demonstration by its karate class. Also featured is the community group Kapolei Chorale.
And the giveaway portion of the event will indeed be grand. Attendees will have a chance to win cash up to $2,000, a flat screen TV, gift certificates and more.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help is located at 91-1010 North Road in Ewa Beach.
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Waipahu High Turns 75; New Bills Adopted At ‘Ledge’
A milestone for Waipahu High School
Save the date! Waipahu High School is gearing up for a day of celebration to mark the 75th anniversary of its campus. Since its founding in 1938, the school has graduated nearly 35,000 students. WHS has been at its current location since 1969, and has blossomed into a wonderful educational and community resource for our surrounding neighborhoods.
Under the guidance of dedicated teachers and administrators, students have distinguished themselves in district, state and even national forums, competing admirably in the arts and the sciences.
Its career pathways and leadership academies engage eager students in a broad variety of disciplines, and an enhanced college prep program guides graduates to future success.
The Diamond Anniversary celebration begins April 5 and continues with events through December. WHS plans to invite the entire Waipahu community, all alumni, its many business partners and friends to join the commemoration. Mark your calendars.
LCC Construction Progresses
Leeward Community College chancellor Manuel Cabral and LCC's vice chancellor for administration Mark Lane visited my Capitol office recently. They brought me up-to-date on construction of the new teacher education building for which we broke ground last year. Major construction work is expected to be completed late this summer, and then through fall 2013, work will be under way on installing furnishings, fixtures and equipment.
LCC plans to welcome its first students into the new facility for the spring semester 2014 - less than a year from now.
Legislative Session Continues
I am pleased to report that a number of bills I introduced this session continue to move through the legislative process. Below are just two of them that I believe deserve further consideration.
Senate Bill 573 authorizes a state income tax credit of up to $250 for certain out-of-pocket expenses incurred by a schoolteacher. So many teachers expend their personal dollars to supplement classroom resources, and this would recognize that extra effort in a meaningful way.
The Legislature also is considering the governor's budget request for a comprehensive overhaul of the state's information technology, which is woefully inefficient and outdated. As a part of revamping our IT capabilities, I have proposed in SB 1287 that state agencies be required to share information to the extent possible to increase efficiency and eliminate duplication in their operations.
Too many times, agencies act as guardians rather than providers of information, even when dealing with other state entities. The state's information technology director has plans to change this through upgraded IT systems that will greatly facilitate services to the public. This bill would assure that this becomes a required standard practice.
You can follow the progress of these bills and others on the Legislature's website, capitol.hawaii.gov, by entering bill numbers or searching key words in the appropriate boxes.
Contact state Sen. Kidani by email at senkidani@capitol.hawaii. gov, call 586-7100 or visit her office in state Capitol room 228.
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Acting Class Teaches Life Lessons, Too
Spring break brings with it an assortment of activities for learners young and old.
A new class in Kapolei aims to bring out the actor in children, youths and adults. Chris Riel and his company Play 4 Life will teach "Easy as PAI: Play, Act, Improvise" on Sundays, from March 3 to May 5 (no class St. Patrick's Day or Easter). The program operates out of Smart Karate Kapolei, 338 Kamokila Blvd. #201.
Hours are noon-1:30 p.m. for keiki, 1:30-3:30 p.m. for youths and 4-6 p.m. for adults. A limit of 10 students will be accepted in each class at a cost of $160 per student, or $25 for drop-ins per class.
Students will play roles and scenes, and use their voice, emotions and physicality while exploring the essentials of artistic performance. For the younger students in particular, Riel said that participants will build confidence, practice creative thinking and learn to work together.
"In addition to the obvious skills of acting and improvising, I think students in this class will learn to see the possibilities all around them, in everyday moments, all the choices we make, all the choices we could be making, the potential to live richer, fuller lives, both on and off stage," Riel said.
Riel, who also founded the performance group In Yo Face Improve, is a comedian, performer and all-around entertainer. Originally from Waipahu, Riel got his start in the Leeward Community College theater department.
"There truly are no limits to what we can create if we give 100 percent every scene, every show, every day," he noted.
Prospective students are encouraged to register as soon as possible in order to guarantee a spot.
For more information, call 630-4392 or visit play4lifehawaii.com.
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Beloved ‘Mr. Kalani’ Ready To Help All
For 33 years, Kalani Gonsalves Sr. did more for Barbers Point Elementary than his position as a custodian required of him. Better known to everyone as "Mr. Kalani," he was also an on-call handyman, friend and, during the hol-days, Santa Claus. "All of our students naturally gravitated to him and saw that he was more than just our custodian of facilities," said principal Claudia Nakachi. Gonsalves was forced into an early retirement at age 54 after being diagnosed with bone cancer last June. "Mr. Kalani was an advocate for our students - especially the challenging ones and the ones needing a friend," said Nakachi. "He always tried to let them know that he was here to support them." For students, this meant being able to enjoy Gonsalves' involvement in their activities, such as playing music for the May Day programs and dressing as Santa for Breakfast With Santa, during which he would take pictures with students. Recently, Barbers Point Elementary hosted a retirement party for Gonsalves. His sister-in-law Diana Tiedemann Okamura, who attended, said many teachers shared this sentiment when talking of their memories of him. "They told stories about how he was so caring and gentle with the kids, and that even in bad situations, when he had to chase down (a naughty child) and have them work out detention, he did it in such a caring way that the kids respected him for it," said Okamura. Beyond the elementary students, the staff and community also knew that they could rely on Gonsalves. "Anything that was on campus was his business, even if it did not fit his job description," Nakachi said. This included jump-starting car batteries, unlocking car doors if someone locked their keys in the car and more. "He was our ambassador of aloha," says Nakachi. Though Gonsalves is no longer working there, Nakachi says it is comforting that his granddaughter is enrolled for kindergarten at Barbers Point Elementary School, which means he is still part of the school.
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West Oahu Highlights
Send West Oahu items by fax to 585-6324 or email cchang@midweek.com by Feb. 27 to be considered for the March 6 edition.
* JOB READY Leeward Community College observes Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month with activities in its job-ready training programs from noon to 1 p.m. Feb. 25 (LifeSmarts student competition) and 5:30 p.m. Feb. 27 (AA in teaching details). Also, a CTE open house is set for 9 a.m. to noon Feb. 26. Call Kathleen Cabral at 455-0524.
* BLOOD DRIVES Hawaii Blood Bank has donor drives from 8:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Feb. 25 at Aiea High library, 8 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Feb. 26 at Pearl City High multi-purpose room, 8 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Feb. 27 at the state's Kakuhihewa Building on Kamokila Boulevard, and 7 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. March 2 at Pearlridge Center. Call 848-4770.
* NEIGHBORS Pearl City Neighborhood Board meets at 7 p.m. Feb. 26 at Waiau District Park, the Waipahu board meets at 7 p.m. Feb. 27 at the FilCom Center on Mokuola Street, and Makakilo-KapoleiHonokai Hale meets at 7 p.m. Feb. 27 at Kapolei High cafeteria. Call 768-3710.
* KAPOLEI ROTARY Kapolei Rotary Club meets at 7:30 a.m. Feb. 28 at the U.S. Coast Guard Station at Barbers Point, followed by a tour of the station's aircraft. Email info@lime-lighthawaii.com.
* CAREGIVERS The Caregiver Foundation sponsors a support group from 7 to 9 p.m. Feb. 28 at its Kapolei offices. Call 625-3782.
* IMMIGRATION The FilCom Center hosts a free public outreach program at 9 a.m. March 2 on "Getting a Passport." Call 680-0451.
* PIANO TALK Internationally acclaimed pianist Jeffrey Siegel presents "Keyboard Conversations: Gershwin and Friends" at 8 p.m. March 2 at Leeward Community College Theatre, including discussion of each piece. Tickets cost $30, $25, $23 and $15. Call 455-0385.
* MANANA SALE The Manana School Chorus plans a benefit garage and plant sale from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 2 in the elementary school cafeteria, 1147 Kumano St., featuring items from more than 50 families. Call 722-7289.
* NISHIHARA TALK State Sen. Clarence Nishihara hosts coffee hours at 8 a.m. March 2 at the Pearl City McDonald's (in Walmart), at 9 a.m. at the Pearl City Gateway McDonald's on Kuala Street; and 8 a.m. March 9 at the Waipahu Don Quijote. Call 728-1008.
* SENIOR DIET Kaiser Permanente sponsors a free Senior Summit talk on nutrition facts at 11:30 a.m. March 6 at Leeward YMCA on Mokuola Street (671-6495), and at 10 a.m. March 11 at its Waipio Clinic on Moaniani Street (432-2235).
* 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.
* PARENTING TEENS The Parent Project, "Empowering Parents, Transforming Teens," will begin a 10-week course March 7 at Waiau Elementary School library. Classes meet from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursdays and will cover arguing, alcohol, drug use, school attendance and performance, and family resources. It's free, but materials cost $24. Call June at 753-8135.
* LIFEGUARDS The Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center conducts 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.
* KRISTIAN LEI West Oahu entertainer and Broadway singer Kristian Lei presents a concert and solo album release at 7:30 p.m. March 9 at Leeward Community College Theater, featuring Honolulu Broadway Babies and a surprise guest star. Tickets cost $50, $35 and $25. Call 979-6557.
* GREEN DAY Pearl City Project Grad seeks vendors for its March 16 Green Day Garage Sale and Fair (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.). 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
* KARTING John Ledesma leads karting clinics from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month through December at Podium Raceway, 91-1085 Lexington St., Building 1844 in Kapolei. Fee is $45 per session. Call 682-7223 or email superquickleague@yahoo.com.
* KART RACES The Super Quick Racing League sponsors 14-lap kart races at 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at Podium Raceway, 91-1085 Lexington St. Building 1844 in Kapolei. Fee is $45 for three races. Call 682-7223 or email superquickleague@yahoo.co m. * STORYTIME Waipahu Library has a storytime for ages 3 to 5 at 10:30 a.m. Thursdays through March 28. Each session offers a short craft project, puzzles or educational toys. Call 675-0358.
* AARP TAX PREP Foundation Tax-Aide offers free tax preparation help for low-to-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. The sessions run through April 11. Call 450-2549.
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Waipahu Faces New Opportunities In Division I Baseball
With its promotion to Division I this spring, the Waipahu baseball team will see a new lineup of opponents. Even so, the emphasis remains firmly internal as it begins OIA Red conference play, rather than scouting reports on the opposition, according to long-time head coach Milton Takenaka.
"We're concentrating more on our game and trying to raise that up," said Takenaka, whose team opens its season Saturday at home against Kapolei. "We have a lot of returnees, and the kids are excited to be moving up to DI. Last year, we were relatively young. Having the kids compete at that level and win a state championship was a big boost for them confidence-wise, I think."
The Marauders had competed in Division II since 2008, the year the OIA split into two divisions. Waipahu is coming off its first-ever state title last year when it went a perfect 15-0 en route to winning the DII crown. The team also captured its second OIA White title in four years. In fact, Waipahu's riveting season was enough for Takenaka, who has been Waipahu's coach since 1985, to delay retirement from coaching by one season.
Although Waipahu lost a trio of mainstays to graduation last spring, it's in regroup mode rather than rebuilding mode. Takenaka is building his current team largely around junior pitcher Dylan Sugimoto.
Sugimoto figured big for Waipahu during the post-season last spring, tallying 20 strikeouts in wins over Kalaheo and Konawaena in back-to-back starts. "Dylan is probably our No. 1 pitcher right now," Takenaka said. "He's had a really good preseason, and he's ready to go. He got a little stronger (in the off-season), and now his fast ball has a little more zip on it. His curve and change-up are pretty good."
As in recent years, pitching should be Waipahu's strength again. "We have Dylan, and Joshua Maglangit has been throwing, and we have some other young pitchers.
"Defensively, we have to pick it up, and our hitting will come around as the season goes on. We're still working out some kinks, but we're doing OK."
Waipahu was 4-1 in preseason games, heading into last weekend, having played in both the Kauai High School tournament and the Richard Kitamura tournament.
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West Teams Are OIA Soccer Honorees
You know it's a banner year for boys prep soccer on the West side when Aiea, Campbell, Kapolei and Pearl City all post winning seasons. All four programs were well-represented when the OIA Western Conference's All Star teams were announced.
Kapolei, which went 9-0-1 to tie Mililani for the West Division title, had a trio of First Team selections in attackers Dylan Orian and Keo Ponce and defender Brandon Begonia.
The Hurricanes also placed goal-keeper Aldo Ramirez, mid-fielder Shandon Hopeau and defender Max Wren on the West's Second Team. (The OIA's All Conference selections are made in a vote of league coaches at season's end.) Clarence Wong, Lyric De Leon, Vineal Singh and CJ Harvey also received Honorable Mention from Kapolei, which finished 12-3-1 overall en route to a state tournament appearance.
Pearl City had three players on the First Team, including goalkeeper Jared Louis, mid-fielder Andrew Tanaka and defender Tyler Terashima. Teammate and attacker Lane Tomita made the Second Team from Pearl City, while Matthew Cabacungan, Paul Enriquez, Sean Baker, Carter Casuga and Christian Nakabayashi received Honorable Mention. The Chargers finished 7-3 in the West.
Jason Chancheck made the First Team from Campbell as a defender, while Saber teammates Tevin Sales and Chay "Boogie" Mattos were chosen to the Second Team. The Sabers, who finished their season at 6-2-1, also placed Ikaika Wilkerson, Bryson Maximo, Keenan Soares, Tyler Subia and Deshawn Azucena as Honorable Mentions.
Mid-fielder David Lam was First Team choice from Aiea, which went 5-5-1 during its Western Division slate. Na Ali'i's Jon Shirafuji was chosen as the West's Coach of the Year by his peers. Receiving Honorable Mention from Aiea were Cedric De Francia and Brooks Tanonaka.
Waipahu's Jayson Gon-salves, Desmond Mahor and Storm DeAsis also earned Honorable Mention. jackster.1969@yahoo.com Editor's Note: Part 2 on girls' soccer will run in next week's edition.
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Focus on West Oahu
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‘Joseph’ Takes The Stage In PACK’s Latest Production
The talented keiki of Performing Arts Center of Kapolei (PACK) are at it again, this time with Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, which will run from March 22 to April 6. The musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber is based on the Bible story of Joseph. It tells how young Joseph is sold into slavery by his brothers and how he overcomes great obstacles to become one of Egypt's most powerful people. "Audiences of all ages are sure to enjoy the show's high-energy mix of music and dance genres from '50s rock to country western," stated director Meagan Olson. Thomas Olson, who audiences will recognize as Scarecrow in PACK's production of Wizard of Oz last year, stars as Joseph. Other stars include Benjamin Edwards as Joseph's father, Peter Wulf as the Pharaoh, and vocal narrators Annie Espinosa and Lauren Nagamine. Kapolei High orchestra students will accompany the production with live music under the direction of Nicholas Alexander. PACK is a nonprofit theatre program for students of all ages that aims to educate them through performing arts experiences. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat takes the stage at 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 6 p.m. Thursdays. All shows will be at the Kapolei High School Forum at 91-5007 Kapolei Parkway. All performances also will have food and drinks available for purchase. Tickets currently are on sale. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit packapolei.org or email pack96707@gmail.com.
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Kunia Resident Creates Scholarship Fund
A Hawaii Pacific University alumna and Royal Kunia resident is giving back to the Native Hawaiian community and her school with the inception of an annual scholarship. The Brittany Pohakea Yap Scholarship Fund will award one or two Native Hawaiian students up to $2,000 per year toward tuition costs. The deadline to apply for the Fall 2013 semester is April 5. "I made being Native Hawaiian one of the requirements. That reflects on my education at Kamehameha Schools and giving back to my people in that sense," explained Yap, who graduated from Kamehameha in 2002. Yap graduated from HPU in 2006 with a bachelor's degree in journalism and again in 2008 with a master of arts in communication. Aside from receiving education from HPU, the 28-year-old Yap also worked at the university as the assistant director of university relations and as an adjunct journalism instructor. "I definitely feel loyalty for my alma mater," Yap explained. "It's home for me, and I just feel a connection to the school. I wanted to set it up with the school because of all they've done for me." Yap understands how hard it can be for students to pay for school. "It's always been a goal of mine to start up a scholarship fund," explained Yap, who currently is the marketing and communications director of Kenner Dermatology Center and SkinHappy MediSpa in Kailua. "When I was trying to go to college, I must have applied for over 20 scholarships my incoming year as a freshman. "I didn't want to wait until I was 50 years old. As soon as I could, I wanted to help other people reach their dreams of getting a college education." While the scholarship will help students with the financial burden, Yap also hopes her actions will impact those in her community. "It's not a huge amount, and I'm hoping to grow it," she said, adding that she hopes another $10,000 can be added to the scholarship amount within the next five years. "I also hope it shows students that a young alum can start giving back right away. "But I also hope they get to know a little bit about my background and realize I'm also an alumna ... and they can do that too hopefully, once they get set up with a career they can help someone else." Preference will be given to students with a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.0 and majoring in education, communication, English, journalism or humanities. Those interested in applying can email scholarships@hpu.edu, call the HPU Scholarships Office at 566-2430 or visit hpu.edu/financialaid/Scholarships.
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Student Orchestra Raises Funds With Pearl City Performance
The 92 Moanalua High School students in the symphony orchestra have been selected to perform at Carnegie Hall on March 31. This will be the third time the school's orchestra has performed at the historic auditorium, having gone once in 1998 and again in 2005. To alleviate the costs of the trip, the symphony orchestra also will perform this Sunday in a fundraising concert that begins at 6 p.m. at Pearl City Cultural Center. "This tour is not just a performance, but an educational experience to enrich their lives," explained Elden T. Seta, who has been the orchestra director for the last 25 years. The school was chosen by unanimous vote of a selection committee, after it submitted a recording of a recent performance. In addition to each student paying for their expenses, the orchestra also must transport equipment, and rent instruments, stands, chairs and space for rehearsal time while traveling. Family and friends, as well as the community, who are not able to travel with the students at the end of the month can preview their performance at this Sunday's concert, where the orchestra will treat the audience to the same 45-minute show that it will play at Carnegie Hall. The performance consists of four pieces: Russlan and Ludmilla Overture by Glinka, Internet Symphony Eroica by Tan Dun, Aloha From Hawaii arranged by Byron Yasui and Finale From Symphony No. 4 by Tchaikowsky. While on their way to New York City, the orchestra also will stop in Washington, D.C., for four days. "For many students, this is their first experience to the East Coast," said Seta. "Many of the things we will see in D.C. and New York City are things they only see in books or on the Internet." Beyond that, Seta is thankful the students have received this opportunity and is grateful to everyone who has helped them. "We have an extremely supportive administration that supports the arts and its benefits to create the ideal person for the world," he said. That's not to mention the Moanalua High School Music Booster Association, community, alumni and friends who continue to contribute to the program. Tickets for Sunday's concert cost $10 and are available for purchase at the door, or through any Moanalua High School Symphony Orchestra member.
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