The state Department of Health (DOH) issued a notice of violation against the U.S. Navy Public Works Center Makalapa Compound in Pearl Harbor for alleged violations of the state's hazardous waste and used oil rules earlier this month.
The penalty fine for the violations totals $80,000.
Makalapa Compound, which is a base yard for Pearl Harbor's maintenance activities, has been notified of four counts of failure to make a hazardous waste determination and two counts of storage of hazardous waste without a permit.
The violations were discovered during a routine DOH inspection, in which officials found that Makalapa disposed of hazardous wastes in the trash rather than handling them as hazardous materials. These included wastes generated during coil cleaning of refrigerant equipment and wastes generated from the use of solvents containing methyl ethyl ketone and perchloroethylene. It also was found that Makalapa stored hazardous waste paints and fuels in open containers.
The Navy has requested a hearing with DOH to discuss the violations and provide updates on any changes they have made since the notice of violation was issued.
According to a statement the Navy submitted to DOH, it has been working with its staff to correct the problems found during the inspection.
The specifics of what the Navy will be required to do will depend largely on the discussion that takes place at the upcoming meeting.
"Many times when a violation occurs, we will work with the violator to negotiate different types of penalties," explained DOH public information officer Janice Okubo. "Sometimes, in lieu of payment for a penalty, they might develop some type of project or do some additional training, or do some other mitigation work.
"If a company is willing to make the changes and do the corrective actions, our focus of course is on compliance," Okubo added. "We want companies to comply and help keep the environment safe ... so that is what we will be working with them on."
As per standard DOH procedure, follow-up inspections will be conducted to ensure the facility's compliance.
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Navy Facility Facing DOH Fine
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Sabers Practicing Hard In Off-Season With Eye On Title
Today's prototypical running back has to play physical and fast, and there's no doubt that Campbell senior Paul Andrew Rhoden can do both. He has a special place in his heart for blocking, however.
"There are a lot of fun parts to playing running back that I like, but the most fun is probably when you're blocking and you pancake someone (drive the opponent onto his back). After that, running guys over for touchdowns and helping my team win is my favorite."
"Pancake blocks" are often the result not just of technique, but of time spent in the weight room. The Campbell weight room has become Rhoden's second home during the so-called off-season.
Head coach Amosa Amosa had given Rhoden and his teammates last week off from football-related activities with a long season set to officially begin with fall camp next week, but they stayed the course last week and worked out on their own.
"This was supposed to be our week off," laughed Rhoden, who credits his mother, Coleen Chang, for instilling in him his work ethic. "But we've been getting together every day anyway. We're usually in the weight room from 10:30 to 12 before we practice. We're building camaraderie when we work out. We're a close-knit group.
"Part of our motivation comes from not having been able to go all the way last year. We had to push even more this off-season to get there (to the post-season) and hopefully win both (the OIA title and the state title). Every school out here thinks about winning both."
Campbell went 8-3 last season, including a fourth-place finish in the OIA tournament, which left them a game short of qualifying for the DI state football championships. Among the reasons for the Sabers' success was a high-scoring offense.
Rhoden and fellow running back Triston Pebria help balance out an attack that usually incorporates four receiver-sets. "I like the offense," Rhoden said of Amosa's run-and-shoot. "It allows us to score early. We have four wide receivers out there, and that's hard for defenses to cover. Tristan and I keep the defense honest. It keeps them guessing. It's a potent offense."
They each averaged over six yards per carry last season. Rhoden has played basketball at Campbell and ran track and field as well, but his natural instincts for football guarantee his emphasis is mostly there.
Last winter, he tried wrestling. "I didn't like wrestling one bit," Rhoden laughed. "Basketball is definitely my winter sport."
Rhoden spent his early Campbell career getting used to his environment after his family relocated from Columbus, Ga., in the months prior to his freshman year. "It was a bit of culture shock," he admitted. "I'd had no exposure to Hawaii at all, and it took me a while. I didn't understand the accent here, and I was shy at first."
The Sabers open their 2012 season Aug. 17 with a road date against Kailua.
Campbell's home opener is set for the following weekend versus Aiea.
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Rail Is Top Issue With City Council Candidates
The Kapolei Chamber of Commerce luncheon drew about 100 people to Kroc Center July 13, where political dialogue stirred up as much dust inside as the busy construction sites outside.
Salvation Army Maj. Phil Lum welcomed guests to the gleaming new community center where 50 youths in summer day camp played. "We are happy to be here," he declared to the crowd. "We've been open since Feb. 1, and we recently topped 10,000 members. Obviously we're meeting a need of the community."
Then it was time for the District 1 City Council Forum.
The chamber had invited the "top four" candidates to make statements and answer questions, leaving E.J. Delacruz, 19, off the guest list. "This is very unfortunate, and I was disappointed to hear of my exclusion," Delacruz stated on his campaign Facebook page. "I am against the rail project, and would have offered valid input on the issue."
His four opponents had plenty to say on that issue, and it boiled down to state Rep. Kymberly Pine for, veteran Democrat Alex Santiago for, union leader Mel Kahele for, and City Councilman Tom Berg against.
Emcee Gina Mangieri urged the panel and crowd to "keep it civil, and no boos and no applause until the end."
* Longtime Makakilo resident Kahele spoke of his large family, including 15 grandchildren, and how he wants them to find jobs in West Oahu where they live. Rail would do that. Stepped-up recycling and more parks also are important. Speaking as a sports coach, he said: "We don't have a regional park for the Leeward Coast, we're the only area without a district park. Sometimes 11 different teams practice on one field!" Kahele also believes in the power of negotiation and compromise at the City Council level. "Sometimes something instead of nothing is best. Let's unify."
* Berg wants rail back on the ballot. "The 2008 decision is not the same anymore; the city has stumbled and failed," he said. "Ben (Cayetano) is going to win, and I'm the only one who can work with him. Stop the propaganda! Rail can be done right, but you've been lied to. Rail will generate only 600 local jobs, and all other jobs will be out-of-state people. Buses beat rail in all ways. Rail doesn't move freight, roads do; and rail sucks funds away from fixing our sewers, parks and water mains." He called his own website "loud and obnoxious - but I'm saying it because no one else is saying it." He also pointed out his remedies for the homeless (use of modular shipping containers) and getting a bill passed to fund a full-time position dedicated to the technology of reducing waste.
* Pine "can't wait to get to work" on the City Council and bring attention and funding to the Second City's schools and parks. "Indecision has delayed our prosperity," said the Ewa Beach resident and athlete. Speeding up the permitting process should "make everything move faster." She'd also seek to have the rail cars built here while there's still time. Working for US Vets helped her understand homelessness and its lack of dignity, she noted. She would work for more affordable housing units and attention to those with mental illness. She praised Campbell High's academic success and wants all area schools to have that same chance. "I want to make sure we're not forgotten, and make sure I'm not just a complainer on the City Council."
* Santiago is a Makaha social worker who now directs PHOCUSED (Protecting Hawaii's Ohana, Children, Under-served, Elderly and Disabled). He believes in public service and wants to be a leader who brings balance (in development), fairness and strength to the Council. "How many have the opportunity to create a Second City?" He'd make sure District 1 gets the tools it needs, and he'd also collaborate with the legislature. "I won't jump up and down and pound my chest," he said. "Just tell me what you want."
All panelists obeyed timekeeper Rene Mansho, and at one point - when the sound system faltered and someone shouted "Blame it on KITV!" - they laughed, in unity.
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Fresh Aloun Farms Produce Ready For Kealakai Customers
Sightings of Da Broc and Babie Jackie will make keiki smile and adults think of healthy food Aug. 4 in Kapolei. The characters represent Aloun Farms' mission to make fresh local produce readily accessible to the public. Also part of the farm family are Mr. Cobb, Sunburst and Zukie, characters who bring attention to its recently initiated food delivery program called Fresh Aloha Direct (FAD). "Fresh Aloha Direct is something we created with Castle & Cooke," said Aloun Farms spokesman Michael Moefu. "They came up with the plan for their new Kealakai development." Through the partnership, Castle & Cooke supplied tenants in the new homes with a year's membership to Fresh Aloha Direct - a total of 12 boxes packed with farm-to-table produce. "Our goal is to show that you can buy local," said Moefu. "We have 24 different fruits and vegetables that are all grown on the farm - produce you see in the store like pumpkins and corn - but also products people aren't familiar with how to cook, like Chinese cabbage and won bok. "Each month we change, so it's seasonal and we try to keep it to at least 10 different varieties of fruits and vegetables in a box." As part of the partnership, Castle & Cooke provides a recipe each month to suit the selection of goods packed in the FAD boxes. To make the process as easy as possible, FAD offers accessible pick-up locations around the island, and all ordering is done online. The cost per box is just under $30, with savings offered on a one-year subscription. As for Da Broc, Mr. Cobb and the rest of the herd? "They are our Aloun Farms characters," explained Moefu. "Sunburst is named after one of our varieties of cantaloupe. Mr. Cobb highlights the corn. "We use these characters to tour schools. We also bring students out to the farm where we offer nursery tours and pumpkin patch tours, and the characters come in and visit with the kids. They share a little bit about local agriculture, seasonal products and harvesting operations." That's what they'll be doing at the Aug. 4 event at Kealakai (91-1015 Kamaaha Ave.) from 10 a.m. to noon. The fair, with activities, entertainment, refreshments and prizes, is centered around finding children to model for Island Family magazine. FAD will be on hand with a mini farmers market and a chance for one lucky winner to walk away with a box of produce. For more information, visit FreshAlohaDirect.com.
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‘Mrs. Nishikawa’ Honored By Kapolei Schools
By State Rep. Sharon Har Kapolei area educators and administrators had one final opportunity June 29 to offer their fondest thanks and aloha to Annette Nishikawa for a happy retirement. This was a fitting end to a career of shaping the lives of our keiki. Among the gifts of mochi, manapua and pork hash, and a cornucopia of decadent sweets, I found my friend Annette buried under a stack of lei honoring her selfless and tireless efforts to improve education in the Kapolei complex. For her many accomplishments and tireless service, I would like to shine the "Second City Spotlight" on yet another asset who quietly serves West Oahu. Annette's career began in the classroom at Kealakehe Elementary and Intermediate back in 1969. From there, she went to Waianae Intermediate, where she was promoted to vice principal and eventually principal. Mrs. Nishikawa, however, is best known by students in West Oahu as the very first principal of Kapolei Middle School, serving students in one of the fastest growing districts in the state. From the time the school opened July 30, 1999, she guided the growth of KMS. Like all good things, however, this must eventually come to an end. Annette's successes there did not go unnoticed, and she was called on to serve as the acting Kapolei Complex superintendent, overseeing all schools in the area. She's not just an advocate for the community, she also works tirelessly with other administrators and legislators like myself to improve our public school system. The list of accolades she accumulated during her tenure include: 2002 Hawaii State Middle Level Principal of the Year, Kapolei Outstanding Achievement Award in Education in 2009 and MetLife/National Association of Secondary Principals Award, just to name a few. After more than 40 years of service to her students, to West Oahu and to the state, however, it's now time for her to take some time for herself. After reaching out to so many other children in the community, she looks forward to spending more time dedicated to her grandchildren. While Annette's retirement might be seen a loss to Kapolei and Makakilo school families, it is a fitting way to honor the great service and sacrifice that one of our lifelong educators has made to the community. Thank you and aloha Annette Nishikawa. To contact state Rep. Sharon Har, D - District 40 (Makakilo, Kapolei), call 586-8500.
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West Oahu Highlights
Below are highlights West Oahu events. Fax items to 585-6324 or email cchang@midweek.com one week ahead of the Wednesday publication date.
* NEIGHBORS Pearl City Neighborhood Board meets at 7 p.m. July 24 at Waiau District Park, Makakilo-Kapolei-Honokai Hale meets at 7 p.m. July 25 at Kapolei High cafeteria, and Waipahu at 7 p.m. July 26 at FilCom Center. Call 768-3710.
* KUNIA MUSIC 3rd Cup Cafe & Venue presents Open Mic Night at 7:30 p.m. July 27 and Slam Poetry at 8 p.m. July 28 on the second floor of the Times building in Royal Kunia. Call 888-6087.
* FRINGE FUNDS Pearl City High's drama department presents shows at 7 p.m. July 27-28 at Pearl City Cultural Center to help pay for its 26-student troupe to attend the Fringe Festival in Scotland next year. Admission is $10 plus a $10 donation. Call 429-7647 or email pchskam@hawaiiantel.net.
* AIEA RECYCLES Aiea Community Center has a Go Green recycling drive from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 28 at Alvah Scott Elementary School, 98-1230 Moanalua Road. All kinds of items are welcome. Call 554-6296 or 291-6151.
* OPEN HOUSE Graham Builders hosts a builder's open house from 1 to 4 p.m. July 28 at 1697 Hoolaulea St. in Pearl City. (The custom design-and-build, multigenerational home is not for sale.) Call 593-2808.
* CONVOY OF HOPE The annual islandwide Convoy of Hope has a distribution site starting at 10 a.m. July 28 at Kapolei fairgrounds (near Walmart) to help needy families with food, haircuts, health and dental screenings, school supplies, entertainment and resource information. Volunteers and donations also are welcome. Call 836-4479.
* STARGAZING Hawaii Astronomical Society brings its telescopes to Geiger Community Park from 6 to 10 p.m. July 28 for stargazing in Ewa Beach. Email peter@besenbruch.info.
* NATIVE PLANTS Malama Learning Center has a workshop on growing native plants from 9 a.m. to noon July 28 in the shadehouse at LCC. Fee is $10 per person or $25 for a family of up to three people. Call 542-9107.
* TALENT SHOW Center of Deliverance Christian Church hosts the talent show "Youth Explosion 2012!" from 4 to 6 p.m. July 29 at 94-295 Pupuole St., featuring Christian rap, spoken word, music, dance, poems and more. Donations of school supplies and clothing also are welcome. Call 733-5190.
* B-BOY JAM Shadow Wars and Red Bull present a free B-Boy Jam from noon to 2 p.m July 29 at Kunia Walmart. Call 931-9209.
* SWAP MEET, CARS Pacific Palisades Community Rec Center has a Family Fun Day, Swap Meet and Car Cruz from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 29 with vendors, food, classic cars, crafts and more. The center is at 2106 Aamanu St. in Pearl City. Call 455-5182 or email leinaumu@aol.com.
* TRANSIT TALK City Councilman Breene Harimoto hosts "Let's Talk Transit" from 7 to 8:30 p.m. July 31 at Waiau District Park. Call 768-5064.
* CHOLESTEROL A Kaiser Permanente registered dietitian leads a free public Senior Summit lecture at 9 a.m. Aug. 1 at the Leeward YMCA on "The Way to your Heart is Thru your Stomach." Call 671-6495.
* BLOOD DRIVES Hawaii Blood Bank has drives from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Aug. 1 at the Kakuhihewa Bldg., 601 Kamokila Blvd.; 7:45-10:45 a.m. Aug. 3 at Hale Kalanianaole Bldg., 91-5420 Kapolei Parkway; 7 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Aug. 4 at the Makakilo Hawaii Stake center. Call 848-4770.
* MAOLI MARKET Hawaii Maoli hosts an open market from 3 to 7 p.m. Aug. 3 at 91-1270 Kinoiki St. near Kapolei Hawaiian Home Lands building. Food, health services and vendors are planned, plus a movie at 7:30. Call 780-6082.
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Waipahu Lady Marauders Kicking Up To Division I Soccer
Waipahu High girls soccer's elevation to the high-rent district for the sport also will bring a promotion to Division I next season. Head coach Elaina Paredes will count on her team's work ethic to carry it through in the new division - just as it has the past two seasons in DII. "We just have to work a little harder," she said. Under Paredes, Waipahu has been to the DII state tournament each of the last two seasons and captured the program's first-ever OIA (DII) title last February. She attributes the turnaround in large part to an increased level of talent in the community. "The program has really blossomed in the past two years. The population we get for soccer here often only started playing it when they got to high school. Lately, we've been getting players who have played soccer since they were 8." As she enters her eighth season as the head girls coach after a stint as head boys coach at the school, Paredes recently took some time to visit with MidWeek's West Oahu Islander. What is your earliest sports-related memory? I remember watching Soccer Made in Germany every Sunday with my dad. That's when I really caught the bug for soccer - by watching the German Soccer League. Who has had the biggest impact on your life? I'm going to start crying now. Definitely, my parents (Ely and Helen Malaki). They've taught me a lot about perseverance. My folks always told me I could do anything in life, and I believed them. I tell my daughter (Kylena) every day the same thing. Who is your mentor as far as coaching goes? I played soccer and softball in college at University of Puget Sound, and my softball coach (Robin Hamilton) had a profound impact on me because of the impact she had on all of us. She wasn't afraid to put herself out there and be emotional. That's how I am with my own girls. What's the most challenging aspect of coaching? Time. Trying to fit in everything you want to teach the girls in the amount of time we have. It's about managing our time as a program. When you have free time away from the soccer field, how do you spend it? I spend it with my daughter. We love to go fishing and hiking and do a lot of non-soccer activities. My husband (Kyle) and I also ride mountain bikes together when we can. What film could you watch over and over again? The entire series of Lord of the Rings. What one thing couldn't you live without? I couldn't live without my tennis shoes. I love to go hiking and walking and being outdoors. You are stuck on an island and can have only one food. What would it be? Homemade squid luau. I could live off of that. Who is your favorite musical artist? Babyface. My cousin saw him in concert on Valentine's Day, and he sounded even better in person (than on record). What is your favorite spot on the Island? Royal Summit (above Newtown). There's a hiking trail there, and it is very peaceful. It's my place of refuge. Who would be your choice for a celebrity date on a Saturday night? Edward Cullen of the Twilight Saga series because of his old-fashioned gentleman ways, despite the fact that he is a vampire.
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Rotary’s Hot Rod Show Expecting Thousands
Kapolei Rotary Club will sponsor a classic car show, Hot Rod Heaven, from 2 to 10 p.m. July 28 at Kapolei High School, where some 5,000 spectators are expected to attend, view and admire about 200 cars on display.
The event is a new fundraiser for the Rotary club, with proceeds going to vocational scholarships for area students. Also involved is the Kapolei Project Grad committee.
Admission is $3 for adults, $2 for students with ID, and children under 6 will be admitted for free.
For more information, call 689-8673.
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Hurricanes Switching From Triple-option To Spread Offense
Injury reports have commanded as much attention from the Kapolei football coaching staff as scouting reports the past two seasons, as the team found itself down to its fifth-and sixth-string quarterback in each.
With that in mind, the shift this spring from triple-option to spread offense was done in large part to minimize injuries. Hurricane talent at the skilled positions was another factor.
"We're pretty excited about our offense, especially with the returnees we have," said head coach Darren Hernandez. "It takes some adjustments, but we've had them all spring and in pass league this summer, and they've been making great strides.
"Running the option meant our quarterback was taking a lot of hits," he added. "In high school football, you can't cut block as in college, so it's tougher to block the perimeter. When the QB runs outside (in the option), he takes a lot of hits, so our change in philosophy was out of necessity. The triple-option is a run-first offense. In the spread, we're going from the (shot)gun and throwing the ball more."
On that note, junior Aizon Kahana and sophomore Alton Julius are currently battling to be starting quarterback when the team hosts Pearl City Aug. 12 in their preseason game.
"Both have worked hard, and they're in a dead heat for the spot," Hernandez said. "Both are really good athletes, and they both throw the ball well. We're not against that policy (of going to a twoQB system), but one of them will probably be playing another position (offensively) because they're such good athletes."
Whoever emerges as starter will be surrounded by playmakers, highlighted by running backs Mana Reis, Jacob Kukahiko, Dylan Keomaka and receivers Mitchell Moses and Kaeo Kanoa.
Kanoa was a First Team all-OIA Red West pick last year at safety after leading the league in interceptions with eight. He'll play slot back and wide-out, offensively, in addition to serving as a return specialist. "We just list him as an athlete - he does it all. He's 6-0, 190 and runs 4.5 in the 40-yard dash. He's an all-around spectacular player.
"We have a good stable of running backs," Hernandez added, "and Mana can also play slot back when we want him to."
Up front, the Hurricanes will be seasoned with Micah Kapoi (6-4, 275), Andrew Julius (6-2, 290) and Darius Kila (6-5, 350). "Those three have been leading the charge. We think they can be college-type players."
Kapolei will follow up its preseason game against Pearl City with an OIA-crossover game versus McKinley Aug. 17 (at Roosevelt). Its Red West opener is Aug. 25 at Waipahu. Next up: A preview of the Kapolei defense.
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Senate Honors Pearl City Kupuna For A Century Of Service
Tomi Adaniya's wit and sense of humor are obvious to those who meet her, and according to her family, it is these two character traits that add to the 100-year-old's longevity. For reaching that milestone in her life, Adaniya recently was honored by the state Senate with a certificate delivered by Sen. Clarence Nishihara, District 18 (Waipahu, Pearl City, Crestview), who visited this kupuna at her Pearl City home while campaigning on foot in the neighborhood one day. Along with the certificate, Nishihara and wife Lynn also brought Adaniya a birthday cake and sang her "Happy Birthday." Upon knocking on the family's door and talking story with them, Nishihara said he was able to learn a little bit about Adaniya's life, and he felt honored to have someone like Adaniya hail from his district. Adaniya was born Nov. 24, 1911, in Waipahu. When she was 2, her mother returned to Okinawa to care for her family and took Adaniya and her two brothers along while her father stayed in Hawaii to work on the sugar plantation. Adaniya returned to Hawaii as a teenager, but did not know how to speak English. After her return to Hawaii, she married and had a large family. "We were poor, and she had a lot of kids to raise," Adaniya's daughter Mildred said. "She used her ingenuity to survive without having government aid. With 10 kids, one right after another, sometimes we didn't have shoes to wear, but I always remember we had clothes on our backs and food to eat and shelter. But that's largely due to my mother." Mildred recalled that a wealthy Chinese family in their neighborhood would donate its clothes to the family, and Adaniya would rip out the stitches and make her own patterns. "Like I said, she had a limited education, she didn't go to sewing school, but she would take off the stitches and keep them as a pattern and make clothes accordingly." The family also had cloth rice bags, and Adaniya would boil the cloth. It often came in red-and-white checkered patterns, and she would use that as fabric to make shirts. During this time, she also helped her husband raise pigs in Kalihi and Waianae. As she got older, Adaniya found time to give back to her community, as well. She volunteered to serve food and help clean up at a senior citizens center in Pearl City and received many certificates. Some of the most notable were certificates of appreciation signed by the mayor in 1983, 1985 and 1988. While in her 80s, Adaniya enrolled at the DOE Community School for Adults at Aiea High School and then at Waipahu High School to learn English. Most of her classmates at the Waipahu Adult Community School were in their 20s and 30s, and were impressed by her dedication. "I think the other students in the class were impressed by her diligence in studying," noted Mildred. Adaniya truly is an amazing woman with an amazing story who exemplifies that the right attitude and outlook on life can help a person accomplish anything.
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Players, Coaches Hone Skills At Tourney Before OIA Begins
As in past years, the upcoming 2012 Longy Okamoto Invitational Volleyball Tournament will be akin to a developmental league for area programs. Win-loss ledgers generally take a backseat to coaches having their first glimpse of their new team in a game situation.
"Players develop when they play," said Aiea head coach Erin Okamoto. "You can practice as much as you want, but you never know what they're going to do until it's a game. This is the time for coaches to figure out what they have and what (player) combinations they're going to use."
While in past years the Longy tournament stretched over the weekend, this time it plays out Aug. 13-15. "There are so many tournaments these days," Okamoto explained, "and our OIA season will start right after, so we couldn't push it up and we couldn't push it back."
Participation is the name of the game, as teams generally get to play nine or more matches over the three days.
The late Longy Okamoto, Erin's father, founded the Kamali'i Volleyball Club and had long, successful coaching stints at both Hawaii Baptist Academy and McKinley.
Unlike many local volleyball tournaments that cater only to varsity programs, the Longy also has a Junior Varsity Division and a Blue Division. "We're one of the few," said Okamoto. "My dad wanted everyone to have a chance to play."
Perhaps most unique is that players officiate their own games, an arrangement that gives them a firsthand perspective on how challenging officiating can be. "They see things differently when our OIA season starts. Officiating is really difficult."
The Varsity Division games will be at Aiea High, while Waipahu High School will host games in both the JV and Blue divisions. Among the teams expected to take part are University High, Pearl City, Waipahu, Mililani, Kailua, Christian Academy and Hanalani, in addition to host Aiea.
The event will come about 10 days after OIA schools begin tryouts and fall camp. In Aiea's case, the matches played at the Longy Okamoto Tournament will be their only preseason games. Na Ali'i open their OIA season Aug. 25 at Leilehua, while their home-opener is set for Aug. 29 versus Campbell. Campbell won last year's Longy tournament in the Varsity Division. Saint Francis and Mililani won the Blue and JV Divisions, respectively.
The tournament is still accepting teams, and they can register by calling 564-8125 or 393-5093.
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DOT Begins Contraflow Project
The state Department of Transportation recently launched the H-1 Freeway PM Contraflow Project, which will create an afternoon westbound contraflow lane to reduce traffic congestion during the weekday rush hour.
The project will allow a zipperlane across the approximately 7.2-mile stretch between Pearl Harbor (near the Radford Drive Overpass) and Waikele.
This project aims to improve quality of life for drivers, as those on the road will be able to get home to their families faster and save money on gas. It is a part of the DOT's overall plan to help alleviate traffic congestion, said DOT director Glenn Okimoto.
According to the DOT, the zipperlane will assist westbound freeway motorists by removing contraflow vehicles from the normal traffic lanes.
"Every vehicle that uses the PM Contraflow will be removed from the normal traffic lanes," Okimoto explained.
Phase I of this project will involve repairing concrete sections of the innermost lanes of the Pearl City and Waimalu viaducts over an estimated period of 16 months, and Phase II will install the new barrier segments over a period of four months, concurrently with Phase I.
Groundbreaking took place June 26, and the anticipated completion is late 2013.
The $82.1 million project will be funded 80 percent by the federal government and the state will pay for the remaining 20 percent.
Visit pmcontraflow.com for more information.
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Grant Assists Okinawa Center
A contribution of $200,000 has boosted a major fundraising effort for Hawaii Okinawa Center, a 22-year-old community and cultural center at the heart of Central Oahu at Waipio Gentry Business Park.
The Hawaii United Okinawa Association has set a goal of $950,000 for needed improvements and repairs to the facility, which is located on Ukee Street in Central Oahu. On the list of to-do projects are replacing the air conditioning chiller, upgrading the air handling unit, remodeling the stage, replacing outdated lights and interior and exterior resurfacing.
The generous grant came from the Albert T. & Wallace T. Teruya Foundation, a longtime supporter of HOC. The late brothers, who founded Times Supermarket, also were among the largest donors when the center was built in 1990. The goal now is to restore the beauty of the cultural center's Teruya Pavilion.
HOC can seat 1,200 people and serve up to 850 guests at banquets. It has hosted many community events, workshops, concerts and weddings over the years, serving the West and Central Oahu communities.
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West Oahu Highlights
Below are highlights of West Oahu events. Fax items to 585-6324 or email cchang@midweek.com one week ahead of the Wednesday publication date.
* REUNION RSVP Deadline to RSVP for the Waipahu Class of 1957 reunion is Aug. 1. The 55th-year party is set for Oct. 26-27. Call Jean at 488-4031.
* POP WARNER The Pop Warner Pearl City Chargers seek football players ages 7 to 14 for all divisions, and practices begin Aug. 1. Call 277-4858.
* TALK STORY State Sen. Clarence Nishihara hosts a talk story at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 1 at Palisades Elementary, and coffee hours on Aug. 4 at 8 a.m. at the Waimano Home Road McDonald's and 9 a.m. at the Pearl City Walmart McDonald's. Call 728-1008.
* REUNION RSVP Deadline is Aug. 1 to RSVP for the Waipahu Class of 1962's 50th reunion Oct. 5-7. Email dtupinio@hotmail.com.
* ROTARY TALK Dave Rolf, Hawaii Automobile Association executive director, speaks at Kapolei Rotary Club's 7:30 a.m. breakfast meeting Aug. 2 in the Kapolei High faculty lounge. Call 722-1489.
* KUNIA MUSIC 3rd Cup Cafe & Venue presents Dave and Stephanie Tamaoka at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 3 (contemporary) and Steve and Jean Martinucci at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 4 (jazz) on the second floor of the Royal Kunia Times building. Call 888-6087.
* MAOLI MARKET Hawaii Maoli has an open market from 3 to 7 p.m. Aug. 3 at 91-1270 Kinoiki St. near the Kapolei Hawaiian Home Lands building. Food, health services and community booths and poi pounding by Daniel Anthony of Mana'ai. Call 780-6082.
* WAIPAHU BON Waipahu Soto Zen Temple Taiyoji has bon dancing at 7 p.m. Aug. 3-4 at 94-413 Waipahu St. Call 671-3103.
* PET ORAL HEALTH Petco in Kapolei and Pearl City have Pet Oral Health programs Aug. 4-5, sponsored by Greenies dental chews and treats.
* PLANT SALE Halawa Xeriscape Garden has an Open House and Unthirsty Plant Sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 4 at 99-1268 Iwaena St. Call 748-5041.
* RIDGE HIKE Hawaiian Trail & Mountain Club leads a 5-mile intermediate valley-ridge hike in Pacific Palisades at 8 a.m. Aug. 5. Go to htmclub.org.
* PEARL CITY BON Pearl City Hongwanji Mission has bon dancing at 7 p.m. Aug. 10-11 at 858 Second St. Call 455-1680.
* AIEA BON DANCE Soto Mission of Aiea-Taiheiji has bon dancing at 7 p.m. Aug. 10 and 11 at 99-045 Kauhale St. Call 488-6794.
* FINANCES Hickam Federal Credit Union has a free "Planning and Building your Financial Future" seminar at 3 p.m. Aug. 11 at its Kapolei branch, 590 Farrington Hwy. Call 423-1391 by Aug. 6.
* AYSO SOCCER Leeward Region 269 seeks players 5 to 18 for fall play in Ewa Beach, Kapolei, Makakilo and Waianae. Call 696-8889.
* WEST FOOTBALL Hawaii State Jr. Prep Sports Assn. seeks players in grades 4-8 for fall play in Ewa Beach, Kapolei, Waikele and Waianae (692-3589).
* TACKLE PLAY The Kapolei Islanderz seek grade 4-8 players for tackle football this fall. Fee is $182. Call 275-6134.
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Local Salon Honors Caregivers
A well-known Hawaii salon has expanded its reach to include the care-givers of our fallen troops.
Paul Brown Hawaii recently partnered with the Wounded Warrior Project, in order to honor its caregivers. So far, the company has donated 500 Operation Mahalo Kits (full of beauty products) to them.
Master Stylist Paul Brown operates six Paul Brown Salons & Spas in Hawaii, including one in Waikele Center. He said he and his staff are honored to encourage the caregivers "who give so much of themselves on a daily basis. Sometimes," he added, "it's the little things - like a new hairstyle or tube of lipstick - that can truly make a difference in the way someone feels."
The salon firm also participates in Project Mahalo for military members and their families. It rewards deserving candidates with a weekend of pampering and luxury at a Waikiki hotel, including dinner for two, a two-night stay and full makeover.
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New Ambulance Unit Created For Ewa Beach
By SHANNON ROSENBERG
Members of the state House and Senate health committees have responded to the closure of Hawaii Medical Center hospitals by installing a new Ewa Beach ambulance unit, which the community welcomed July 9 with a blessing ceremony.
HMC West, which closed late last year along with HMC East, was the only emergency facility for many West Oahu communities.
Rep. Kymberly Pine (Ewa Beach, Iroquois Point, Puuloa), who served on the House Health Committee, stated that the new ambulance unit will ensure the safety of the Ewa Beach community.
"The closure of the Hawaii Medical Center had a substantial impact on the Leeward Coast," Pine said. "This new ambulance unit provides the crisis medical attention that our community needs."
One million dollars was allocated to fund new ambulance service to Ewa Beach and Nanakuli. The House and Senate Health committees also passed additional legislation that allocated $2 million to Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center and $1.25 million to Wahiawa General Hospital so that they can expand and upgrade their emergency departments.
The Legislature also set aside funds that will be used to turn HMC East into a long-term care facility, and emergency funds that will be used to save the organ transplant program.
Patricia Dukes, chief of city Emergency Medical Services, said the new ambulance unit has been a welcome relief and great resource for the Ewa area.
"Because of the new unit, Ewa can take care of their communities' patients, which relieves the neighboring communities' units, allowing for them to be more efficient in taking care of their own patients," said Dukes.
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Lanikuhonua’s Aug. 11 Concert Attracts Local Music Stars
Lanikuhonua, or the place "where heaven meets the earth" - a cultural institute fronting the beach at Ko Olina Resort - will be the backdrop for traditional Hawaiian festivities, which are set for 5 to 9 p.m. Aug. 11.
It's the institute's second annual summer mele and hula concert featuring the Hoku-award winning Lim Family with its Big Island roots, and Oahu slack key guitarist Ledward Kaapana. Also in the lineup is musician, chanter and dancer Kimo Alama Keaulana, as well as classic Hawaiian trio Pa'ahana.
The concert is dedicated to the memory of kumu hula O'Brian Eselu, who died April 3. The halau he founded, Ke Kai O Kahiki, a consistent award-winner at the Merrie Monarch festival, will perform in his honor.
Halau Hula Olana, another multiple Merrie Monarch winner, also will take the stage along with Kapolei High School's Halau Kaululau'e and the keiki of Aha Punana Leo O Wai'anae preschool.
In support of West Oahu schools, the James Campbell Company will take advantage of the festive occasion to present donations to nine public schools.
It will award $45,000 to Kapolei High and Middle schools, $25,000 to Kapolei, Barbers Point, Makakilo and Mauka Lani elementary schools, and $20,000 to Campbell and Wai'anae high schools and Nanakuli High and Intermediate School.
Gates open at 4 p.m., and tickets cost $30 in advance or $35 at the door. They are available at No Fear Kapolei in the Marketplace at Kapolei, at the Ihilani Resort concierge desk, at tix.com, or by calling Hawaii Elite Events at 220-8874.
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Focus on West Oahu
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Women’s Center Grows To Meet Increased Need
By Rep. Heather Giugni
One of the highlights of representing Aiea is meeting so many compassionate women who are caregivers for their children, spouses, parents, relatives and friends. Some of you have shared with me your joys, as well as your challenges, while others have preferred to keep their struggles inside.
Wherever you fall on the spectrum, it is important to recognize that, in order to take care of others, we need to also take care of ourselves. Taking time to focus on our own needs makes us stronger women and caregivers.
As a member of the House Finance Committee, sometimes working until 3:00 a.m., I know how hard it is to find time for one’s self.
In ancient Hawaii, Aiea was revered for its healing properties. Keaiwa Heiau, a medicinal temple, was a sacred site for the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses and injuries. Aiea still serves as an important center of healing, especially with its Pali Momi Medical Center ranked in the top 5 percent of the nation for Outstanding Patient Experience.
Recently, I had the honor of touring the new Pali Momi Women’s Center at Pearlridge, which is transforming the former Inspiration furniture store into a state-of-the art facility dedicated to the health and well-being of women.
Since its opening in 2003, Pali Momi has served thousands of area women, and that number is rising as our population ages in place.
According to Liz Chun, Pali Momi director of philanthropy, “The Pali Momi Women’s Center is growing to meet the needs of our West Oahu community. For the past ten years, patients have come to depend on the Women’s Center for regular check-ups, bone health and advanced breast health. In late summer 2012, Pali Momi Women’s Center will move to their brand new Pali Momi Medical Pavilion.
“The new expansion combines the community institution’s tradition of excellent care, patient safety with expanded services for OB/GYN, a patient navigator, a resource library and the most advanced technology with 3-D breast imaging and breast MRI. Pali Momi Women’s Center remains the only facility in West Oahu that offers women of all ages patient centered comprehensive health services.”
While we await the opening of the Health Center along with a host of services, including transportation services for those needing shuttling support, don’t forget to continue to take the time to take care of yourselves.
The center’s hours are 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 7:30 am to 4 p.m. Friday, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. For more information, call 485-4500.
State Rep. Heather Giugni serves District 33 (Aiea, Halawa Valley, Halawa Heights, Aiea Heights). She can be reached at 586-6340.
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Focus on West Oahu
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