Wet ‘n’ Wild Hawaii is looking to gather hundreds of water enthusiasts at 9 a.m. Friday to help break the Guinness World Record for the largest swim lesson.

The water park is teaming up with other parks worldwide for The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson, an annual event that tries to break its own record each year.

Kapolei’s Wet ‘n’ Wild serves as one of the host sites, and participants at the park will contribute to the overall record.

The event also doubles as a way to raise awareness about the importance of teaching kids to swim. Kama’aina Kids will conduct the 30-minute swim lesson in the Hawaiian Waters pool.

The first 500 people into the park before 6:30 a.m. will be admitted free. The public can begin lining up at 5 a.m., and the park opens at 5:30.

For more information, call 674-9283 or visit wetnwildhawaii.com.

Kapolei Station-based HPD officers (from left) Shannon Dresser, Mike Dela Cruz and Jody Willard read to more than 100 keiki at Kapolei Library during Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month. Photo from Prevent Child Abuse Hawaii.

A group of Honolulu Police Department officers stopped by Kapolei Library to read to keiki April 24 during family story time with a special message.

Officers Shannon Dresser (who is also Miss Hawaii Intercontinental 2013), Mike Dela Cruz, Jody Willard and Tanya Fiaseu, who all work out of HPD’s Kapolei Station, read to more than 100 children in an effort to raise awareness about child abuse.

The event was part of Prevent Child Abuse Hawaii and The Parent Line from Child and Family Service’s family storytimes across the island to mark Child Abuse Prevention Awareness Month. According to the nonprofit Prevent Child Abuse Hawaii, reading aloud to your children strengthens a parent-child bond.

That’s not all HPD officers have been up to recently. City Councilmen Ron Menor and Breene Harimoto honored HPD’s District 3 Community Policing Team April 16 for its dedication to serving the residents of Waipahu, Waipio, Kunia, Waikele, Pearl City and Aiea.

The community policing team officers often work with various schools, businesses and community groups to help with efforts like cleanups, crime prevention seminars and homeless outreach projects.

“Over the years, the community has come to love and respect the District 3 Community Policing Team because of each team member’s passion for public service and commitment to the public’s well-being,” stated Menor (Council District 9). “The team constantly and consistently goes above and beyond the call of duty to work with everyone for the betterment of our community. Our best and warmest wishes to these hardworking officers for good health and continued success.”

“By working closely with the public,” added Harimoto (District 8), “the dedicated officers from District 3′s Community Policing Team have built stronger relationships and positively impacted the community.”

State Sen. Mike Gabbard (far right) and Rep. Sharon Har (far left) present certificates May 23 from the state Legislature to honor the new Pier 1 Imports store in Kapolei Commons shopping center. Also present are Pier 1 Imports regional manager Jeffrey Trinh and Kapolei store manager Leia Naehu. Photo from Sen. Gabbard.

Talking Story…Sen. Mike Gabbard

Aloha e, Friends,

Happy Father’s Day on June 15 to all my fellow dads out there!

Also, big congrats to the 2014 high school graduates from Campbell, Kapolei and Waipahu high schools, Island Pacific Academy and American Renaissance Academy, as well as a special shout-out to Waipahu principal Keith Hayashi for being named Principal of the Year.

And a huge welcome to The Queen’s Medical Center-West Oahu in Ewa into our community. As of May 20, we are very fortunate to have our hospital back!

As always, please let me know if I can ever help you or your family in any way. I can be reached at 586-6830 or sengabbard@capitol.hawaii.gov.

District 20 Construction Funding

It’s great news that the Fiscal Years 2013-2015 State Budget included $178,722,000 in construction projects for District 20 schools, UH-West Oahu, roads, nonprofits and other infrastructure.

Here’s a rundown of some of those projects.

* Kualakai Parkway Extension — Kapolei Parkway to Roosevelt Avenue, $15,001,000

* H-1 Westbound P.M. Contraflow Lane: $55 million

* H-1, Modification of Makakilo to Palailai Interchange: $5.7 million

* H-1 Kunia Interchange Improvements: $780,000

* Oahu Bikeways — Waipio Point Access Road to Lualualei Naval Road: $11,932,000

* University of Hawaii-West Oahu Science Technology and Creative Media Facility: $2 million

* University of Hawaii-West Oahu Allied Health Building: $28.8 million

* University of Hawaii-West Oahu Road B — UHWO to Kualakai Parkway: $3.5 million

* Kunia Road — Third Lane over Farrington Highway to H-1: $3 million

* East Kapolei High School: $5 million

* East Kapolei Middle School: $3 million

* Mauka Lani Elementary School — Electrical Upgrades: $700,000

* Kalaeloa Enterprise Energy Corridor: $7 million

Mokulele Takes Flight at Kalaeloa Airport

If you’re looking to hop over to a Neighbor Island this summer, consider leaving from Kalaeloa Airport to get to your destination.

That’s because Mokulele Airlines is launching flights from Kalaeloa Airport starting July 1. They’ll begin with three round-trip passenger flights from Kalaeloa Airport to Kahului Airport on Maui.

Departing flights from Kalaeloa will be at 7:35 a.m., 1 p.m. and 6:20 p.m. Returning flights from Kahului will be at 6:15 a.m., 11:40 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Listen-Story Meeting

My next “Listen Story” meeting will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. June 28 at Ewa Mahiko District Park.

State Sen. Mike Gabbard represents District 20, which includes Kapolei, Makakilo, and portions of Ewa, Kalaeloa and Waipahu.

If you’ve got old plant pots cluttering up the house and yard and aren’t sure what to do with them, the Board of Water Supply has solutions at its Terracotta Madness workshop from 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturday at its Halawa Xeriscape Garden.

The workshop shares environmentally friendly ways to bring new life to old pots to make them not only functional, but also artistic. Even damaged or scrap pieces of terracotta pots can be salvaged for repeated use. The workshop also will cover succulent propagation, care and placement.

Fee is $5, or free for Friends of Halawa Xeriscape members. Participants should bring their own old (or new) pots.

For more information, visit boardofwatersupply.com. Advanced registration is required by 2 p.m. Friday, or when all spaces are filled. To register, call 748-5317 or email workshops@hbws.org. The Halawa Xeriscape Garden is located at 99-1268 Iwaena St.

Send West Oahu items to cchang@midweek.com by June 18 to be considered for the June 25 edition.

* BLOOD DRIVES Hawaii Blood Bank has donor drives from 9 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. June 16 at Aulani resort, and 7:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. June 28 at Kapolei Shopping Center. Call 848-4770.

* GOLF BENEFIT Pearl Country Club hosts a Pearl City Football benefit golf tourney June 17, with shotgun start at 12:30 p.m. Fee is $160 and it includes prizes, bag lunch (provided) and dinner buffet. Call 387-3428 or 216-2950.

* HARDWARE “Experience Hardware Science,” a free lesson for keiki using simple tools to learn about STEM, is set for 10:30 a.m. June 19 at Kapolei Library. Call 693-7050.

* RONALD Ronald McDonald brings his interactive show to kick off the Children’s Summer Reading program at 10:30 a.m. June 20 at Ewa Beach Library. Call 689-1204.

* HEALTH FAIR Hawaii Okinawa Center hosts a Senior Health & Fitness Fair from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 20 at 94-587 Ukee St. in Waipio Business Park. Planned are workshops, door prizes, fun and plenty of vendors. Call 676-5400.

* MARSH CLEANUP Hawaii Nature Center volunteers help clean up Pouhala Marsh from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. June 21 in Waipahu. Call 955-0100, ext. 118.

* ROYAL MUSIC Royal Hawaiian Band performs a free concert at noon June 21 at Pearlridge Center Uptown. Call 922-5331.

* EWA BON Ewa Hongwanji has its annual bon dance from 7 to 10 p.m. June 21 at 91-1133 Renton Road. Food booths open at 5:30. Call 677-4221.

* ORGANIZED Simply Organized offers a free workshop at 1 p.m. June 21 at its Kapolei store on “Downsizing and Decluttering” and a FreedomRail demonstration at 1 p.m. June 28. The store is located at 889 Kamokila Blvd. Call 693-8888.

* SENIOR LIVING Wesley Young discusses senior living options in Hawaii at 1 p.m. June 22 at Pearl City Library, covering retirement living and home services. Call 453-6566.

* FAIRY GRANDMA Fairy Grandmother Susie Roth presents a keiki storytime at 1:30 p.m. June 23 at Pearl City Library, combining fun, magic and science. Call 453-6566.

* NEIGHBORS Pearl City Neighborhood Board meets at 7 p.m. June 24 at Waiau District Park, Makakilo-Kapolei-Honokai Hale meets at 7 p.m. June 25 at Kapolei High cafeteria and Waipahu meets at 7 p.m. June 26 at FilCom Center on Mokuola Street. Call 768-3710.

* JAPAN THEATER Ewa Beach Library hosts a live staging of Bento Rakugo, a unique presentation of Japanese comedy, at 10:30 a.m. June 27. Call 689-1204. * ART TALK Kapolei Library presents “Understand Art” with museum art school outreach manager Justin Davies at 1 p.m. June 28. Call 693-7050.

Ongoing

* ALZHEIMER HELP An Alzheimer’s support group meets at 7 p.m. on the third Monday at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church in Aiea. Call 591-2771.

* FLEA MARKET Hawaii Self Storage hosts a flea market/swap meet from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays at 2009 Lauwiliwili St. in Kapolei with new items and plenty of vendors. Email rrennoe@gmail.com.

* HULA WAIPAHU No Kealoha O Hula halau offers adult beginner classes at 6 p.m. and intermediate classes at 7 p.m. Wednesdays in Village Park. Fee is $25 plus a refundable $25 deposit. Call instructor Desiree Numango at 478-0404.

* ADOPTING PETS Hawaii Dog Foundation has pet adoptions from noon to 2 p.m. Sundays at Petco Pearl City. Call 782-8387.

* HABITAT HELP Habitat for Humanity Leeward Oahu seeks help with its mission of self-built housing for low-income families in West Oahu. Call Toni Anduha at 696-7882.

* HIDEAWAY BAND 11th Hour plays original and cover rock music from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. every third Saturday at the Hideaway, 1 Coral Sea Road in Kalaeloa. Free admission for ages 21 and older with military ID. Call 347-1323.

* VEGGIE COOKS Down to Earth has free vegetarian cooking classes at 4 p.m. on the first Wednesday at its Kapolei store. Call 947-3249.

* COMIC JAMS Pearl-ridge Center hosts Comic Jam Hawaii from 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays Uptown. Call 488-0981.

For those with an interest in vegan cooking, the Malama Learning Center offers an informative introduction with its Vegan Cooking Made Easy workshop from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at its Kapolei High campus site.

Led by Hawaii-based vegan chef Ori Ann Li, the session includes health benefits of eating vegan, how to find ingredients and various food-prep techniques. Li also will demonstrate three recipes (and provide samples): Chinese long rice and vegetable salad, pasta with eggplant and tempeh, and herbal tea created from local plants.

Li, who studied culinary arts at Le Cordon Bleu and Natural Gourmet Institute, is the author of Ori Ann Li’s Vegan Paradise: 65 Unforgettable Recipes. She currently is working on her second book, which will focus primarily on European and Middle Eastern flavors.

Fee is $15, or $40 for families of up to three people. Registration is required at malamalearningcenter.org. For more information, email chelsey@malamalearningcenter.org or call 220-4166.

Maile Shigemasa. Photo courtesy Shigemasa family.

Athletics was secondary to academics when Pearl City runner Maile Shigemasa was deciding on her short list of colleges. “If they had a cross country team, I’d contact an assistant coach there to let them know,” she said.

High atop her list was Creighton University in Omaha. Soon after making contact with the Blue Jays’ cross country staff, Shigemasa was offered and accepted an athletic scholarship. If recruiting in college football were only this easy.

“The other schools I was interested in were all in Oregon, but I really liked what Creighton had to offer,” she said. “I’m interested in going there for physical therapy, and it is Division I (in athletics). It is a perfect fit for me.”

Shigemasa closed out her prep career at Pearl City in style recently, finishing first in both the 800 meters (2:23.23) and the 1,500 meters (4:56.35) at the OIA track and field finals. (She also finished fourth and fifth, respectively, in the 1,500 and 800 at the state championships in May.)

Shigemasa recently made time to visit with MidWeek‘s West Oahu Islander.

What is your earliest sports-related memory? I grew up playing soccer, starting in AYSO when I was 4. It wasn’t until high school that I started running.

Who’s had the biggest impact on your life? My mom (Fran) definitely. She really helped me along in school and athletics. She was the one who took me to practice and the one who helped me with my schoolwork. She’s a big part of my life.

What will be your area of focus during the summer months? Getting back into shape. My coach (Creighton’s Matt Rogers) wants me to build slowly. Our season is really long, from mid-August into November.

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned through athletics? Time management. I’ve had to balance my running and my school-work. That definitely helps.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Hopefully, I’d like to have my own physical therapy practice or be practicing under someone else.

What Internet site do you frequent the most? Because it’s the summer, I’ve been watching a lot of Netflix.

What is your least favorite household chore? Cleaning the bathroom.

What movie could you watch over and over? The classic Disney movies. They’re fun to watch.

Who are three of your favorite musical artists? I listen to a lot. I definitely like Justin Timberlake, One Direction and Katy Perry.

When you have free time, how do you like to spend it? I spend time with my friends and family, and I go shopping. I love to go shopping. I like to go to Macy’s, and I’m really into H&M (Hennes & Mauritz).

You’re stuck on Kahoolawe and can have an endless supply of just one food. What would it be? I really like pasta. I’m really into Italian food.

If you could have your pick, what celebrity would you most like to meet? Jennifer Lawrence.

jackster.1969@yahoo.com

One obstacle lawmaker Cynthia Thielen faced after her yearlong campaign for Bill SB2175 — passed into law April 30 as Act 56, the state’s Industrial Hemp Research Project — has been removed.

Federal Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) recent approval of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s hemp seed import permit means a green light for Hawaii’s efforts.

“We have been closely watching the fast-moving drama which has been playing out in Kentucky regarding DEA seizure of industrial hemp seeds from Italy,” stated Rep. Thielen, R-District 50 (Kailua-Kaneohe Bay).

“We are grateful to Kentucky for providing us a model to follow in applying for our own DEA permit.”

The Hawaii project, slated to break ground this summer, was made possible through the national Farm Bill that legalized hemp research in states that allow it to be grown. Since hemp, an innocent and useful relative of marijuana that won’t get you “high,” was made illegal in 1970, states are now forced to import hemp seeds from other countries. The bill establishes a two-year industrial hemp remediation and biofuel research program at UH Manoa.

Kapolei High School graduates Jalen Payongayong (left) and Kelsey Cruz take a bite out of their very own award-winning power cookies, Aina Bites, developed in the school’s culinary lab and headed for a national competition. Photo by Christina O’Connor.

School may be out for 2014 Kapolei High graduates Jalen Payongayong and Kelsey Cruz, but they’ve been busy prepping for the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America National Leadership Conference in San Antonio, Texas, where they will compete July 6-10 in the Food Innovation category.

Their secret weapon is a “power cookie” they concocted earlier this year.

In February, the girls presented their product at the state FCCLA conference — and won. Since then, they’ve been perfecting packaging and presentation, and whipping up more batches of their Aina Bites cookies.

They are packed primarily with ingredients that come from local sources, which was crucial for the students. They wanted their product to promote sustainability and food security within Hawaii.

“When you use local ingredients, you support our local farmers,” Cruz explained.

“And it keeps the money in our community,” Payongayong added.

Their interest in food politics was cultivated last fall, when they went on a fall-break program with the high school to Hawaii island to talk with local food producers and farmers.

They returned home wanting to continue to be involved with food and sustainability in some capacity.

That is when culinary teacher Cynthia Pratt introduced them to the FCCLA club. They started developing the idea of a cookie that was healthy and used local products.

“It was all trial and error,” Payongayong recalled. “We were in the lab for days trying new things.”

Some of their creations, they admitted, did not turn out so great, such as dough with teriyaki sauce and furikake.

But through long hours in the lab, the winning treat was born. Aina Bites are high in protein and fiber and use kiawe pod bean flour as a main ingredient. The good-for-you cookies also are free of gluten, GMOs, eggs and dairy, plus there’s no added sugar.

Although neither girl was enrolled in Kapolei’s culinary academy — Payongayong graduated from its business academy, while Cruz was in human services — they both are toying with the idea of pursuing a related career.

Cruz will study at Leeward Community College in the fall, and Payongayong plans to attend UH-West Oahu.

Cruz also has landed a summer internship with Catering Connections. In fact, she’s one of four Kapolei High students doing an internship in the culinary industry this summer — a fact that teacher Pratt is proud of. Two are working at a lodge in Alaska, and the other is stationed right down the street from the school at Hapa Grill.

While the girls are surprised Aina Bites has done so well, Pratt could see it coming. “When they called out the gold medals,” she said, “we were not surprised at all.” And of the upcoming competition, she added, “They’ll do well. Everybody seems to like the taste of the product.”

Kapolei Community Development Corporation has received $1.15 million in capital improvement funds from the state for Phase I of its Heritage Center.

The nonprofit, volunteer-run KCDC has been working for the last seven years to build the center, in line with its mission to serve the 1,000 Native Hawaiian families who live in East Kapolei II, Kanehili, Kaupea and Maluohai.

The envisioned facility will be a community and cultural learning center for Hawaiian homesteads in Kapolei. Phase I will feature classrooms, a commercial kitchen and an outdoor learning area, among other things. Eventually, KCDC hopes to add a meeting hall, business space for itself and a gallery for alii and homestead culture, including a spotlight on Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalaniana’ole.

The one-acre Heritage Center will sit next to the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands’ Kapolei headquarters.

Hoakalei Cultural Foundation was honored May 7 by the City Council. Pictured are (front, from left) Councilman Breene Harimoto, Councilwoman Ann Kobayashi, Councilwoman Kymberly Pine, Ku’uwainani Eaton, Kaui Serrao, Councilman Ron Menor, Pua Serrao, Councilman Stanley Chang, (middle) Nainoa Eaton, Kanani Eaton, Lisa Enanoria, Kim Kalama, Frances Rivero, Kakela Serrao, (back) Calvin Eaton, Kepa Maly, and Kala Serrao. Photo from Kymberly Pine’s office.

City News …City Councilwoman Kymberly Pine

Some traditional places have been lost, altered or revived with the passing of time, but through place names, oral narratives and memories of the kamaaina (those who are descended from the traditional families of the land), we still find rich stories of such places. One such place is Hoakalei.

Last month, the City Council proudly honored Hoakalei Cultural Foundation of Ewa Beach. The foundation was established in 2006 as a means to preserve the culturally abundant lands of the Honouliuli ahupua’a and coastal areas cared for by the late kupuna Arline Wainaha Kuuleialoha Brede Eaton and Aunty Mary Kaipo Malama Serrao.

Through its cultural and stewardship programs of Kauhale, Ahu and Kuapapa Preserves, the foundation engages the community and enriches lives by raising awareness of its landmarks and culturally rich heritage.

Hoakalei Cultural Foundation executive director Kepa Maly, a recognized and highly esteemed cultural specialist, has found an amazing description of the journey made by the goddess Hi’iaka, who traveled across the Honouliuli ahupua’a to Pu’uloa. In the account was the description of Hi’iaka walking the open plain and greeting various residents of the land, while also gathering blossoms to make a lei for herself.

Kepa shares, “Passing the Pu’uokapolei vicinity, Hi’iaka descended toward Kualaka’i, and found a grove of small, multicolored lehua trees, laden with blossoms. Hi’iaka chanted and made garlands for her to wear, and upon reaching the coastal area then known as Hilo One, she came upon a spring of water. Stopping at the spring, Hi’iaka removed her garlands of ma’o and ‘ohai blossoms and adorned herself with the lei of lehua. She then looked into the spring and saw her reflection adorned with the lei.

Because of this event, the spring came to be called Hoaka-lei (reflection of the garland).”

The foundation was granted its federal nonprofit status in 2006, and since then has developed educational outreach and implemented site-preservation plans.

Through an agreement between Haseko Inc. and the state of Hawaii, the foundation assumed stewardship of nearly 25 acres along the Honouliuli coastal zone. Kupuna Arline held the position of president and Aunty Mary vice president of the board of directors until their passing in 2013. Aunty Arline’s belief in “preserving knowledge by passing down to the young” has been fulfilled as their descendents have taken their place on the foundation.

City Councilwoman Kymberly Pine serves District 1 (Waianae to Ewa Beach). Call her at 768-5001, email kmpine@honolulu.gov, or visit councilmemberpine.com.

From now through July 31, all children will be able to take advantage of Honolulu Community Action Program’s Summer Food Service Program.

All keiki are invited to grab a free snack from 3 to 3:30 p.m. weekdays at two area sites: HCAP Central District Service Center in Aiea and HCAP Leeward District Service Center in Waianae.

The snacks also will be available at St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church (Shim Hall) in Kalihi during the same time period.

For details, visit hcapweb.org.

Earth Day turned out to be an ideal date to demonstrate the power of the sun.

Kapolei Middle and Waipahu Intermediate School students arrived on the tennis courts at Kapolei High School April 22 ready to test the performance of their model solar-powered vehicles in timed trials.

Waipahu Intermediate teammates Ryan Kawabata (left) and Khasper Balisacan display their lightweight solar car at the Solar Sprint Exhibition, held on Earth Day at sunny Kapolei High School. Photos from HECO.

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All entries were created from lightweight, bare frames strong enough to support a mini photovoltaic panel and small electric motor.

The annual Solar Sprint Exhibition comes courtesy of Hawaiian Electric Co. and the Hawaii DOE.

“We want to encourage students to learn how the sun’s energy is converted into useful electrical energy,” explained HECO’s program administrator Kimm Teruya.

The cars had to sprint down a 20-meter course within 20 seconds, or about 3 feet per second. To exceed the standard, the students added lead

weights to attempt to run the same course in 30 seconds. Along with the two West Oahu schools, other solar teams (about 350 youths) came from Wheeler and Niu Valley middle schools; and Laie and Waianae Elementary schools.

“The students are realizing that they learned about energy conservation and transfer of energy in science class,” said Ariel Villanueva, Kapolei Middle’s industrial technology teacher, “but now they see the application.”

Added Waipahu Intermediate math teacher Renee Blue: “The activity wraps everything together and makes it easy to teach STEM concepts.”

As she and her Rush 2001 (Under 13) team moved closer to a possible berth in the U.S. Youth National Soccer Tournament late last week, the group’s cohesiveness remained a huge reason why, according to sweeper Karlee Manding.

“Most of us on the team have been together for three or four years now,” said Manding, who will be a freshman at Waipahu High in August. “Traveling gives us a chance to bond more, since we’re doing everything together. We also have different responsibilities here than we do at home.”

Manding and her team-mates have taken easily to life on the road. Last week marked Rush 2001′s third straight trip to the Far West Regionals, when they flew to Albuquerque, N.M. With a trio of wins there last week, the three-time defending state champion won its pool and was awaiting a quarterfinal appearance on Friday. The semifinals were to be played Saturday, with the finals Sunday. The winning team will earn a berth at the nationals in Germantown, Md.

In addition to Manding, Rush 2001′s girls team also includes Kitty Jones Kamaka, Anuhea Kane and Alyssa Tokunaga Magno (Ewa Beach); Bree Fuller and Alysha Somera (Pearl City); Mya Tolentino (Kunia), Destiny Souza (Kapolei), Alyssa Primacio (Ewa Beach/Kapolei), Karalyn Lum (Aiea), Jenna Ramirez (Waikele), and Waianae’s Hayley Silipa and Isabelle Kuni. Manding recently took some time away from the soccer field to visit with MidWeek‘s West Oahu Islander by phone from Albuquerque.

What is your earliest soccer-related memory? When I was 6 and playing AYSO. I liked it because it gave me a chance to fool around and play outside and do it with friends.

Who’s had the biggest impact on your life? My family. They’ve always been there for me. Without them, I don’t think I could do all that I do today.

What area of your game have you been focusing on lately? I’ve tried to work on my communication because that’s a big part of the game. As a center back, you see everything, and it’s a big role to be able to communicate with my team-mates.

When did you know soccer was THE sport for you? When I joined an AYSO team in Kaneohe. I was about 9. That is when soccer started to become more competitive, and we learned more technical and tactical skills. That’s when it all started.

Who is the musical artist you would most like to see play live? Bruno Mars.

What Internet site do you frequent the most? YouTube. Mainly, (to view) things about soccer.

What is your least favorite household chore? Washing dishes.

What movie could you watch over and over? The Fault In Our Stars.

What do you like to watch on TV?ABC Family or the Disney Channel.

How do you like to spend your free time? What are your hobbies? Most of the time, I like to go to the beach. Sometimes I surf with my family.

You’re stuck on Kahoolawe and can have an endless supply of just one food. What would it be? Pizza.

Given the chance, what celebrity would you most like to meet? Bruno Mars.

jackster.1969@yahoo.com

Aiea girls volleyball’s return to the state tournament last November had another benefit besides bringing a good closure to the 2013 season. A return to winning ways last fall also helped lure a large number of newcomers to summer workouts recently, according to second year co-head coach Kory Toyozaki.

“We had a lot more freshmen try out this year, with 20,” she said. “We haven’t had that many (in past years).”

Numbers were an issue within the program last year, despite the varsity team going 8-6 versus OIA opponents, including a 6-4 season mark in the OIA’s West. (Aiea’s state tournament appearance was its first in four years.) Indeed, Na Ali’i's junior varsity team numbered just six last year, while Aiea’s Blue Division team had just eight players.

The large and talented freshman class is plainly what the program needed. Toyozaki, who works with co-head coach Blythe Yamamoto, expects “two or three” of the first-year players to make the varsity roster in early August. Aiea graduated five seniors, but much talent is still found among the 2013 returnees, including Katelyn Nakasone, Lole Kalani-Liulama, Leleo Maeva, Marissah Martinez and Destyni Grace.

Nakasone and Kalani-Liulama are both seniors.

“Katelyn will bring experience,” Toyozaki said. “She’s a 4.0 student and a talented paddler. And Lole is amazing. She’s going to run our defense. She’s also come a long way in the classroom and is now looking at college. I think she can get a scholarship, she’s that good.”

Grace had a stellar freshman year as setter, earning OIA All-Conference honors, and is currently competing with the Hawaii High Performance Team while attending Aiea’s summer workouts.

“She’s a year-round player,” Toyozaki said. “She also attends a lot of clinics.”

Maeva was a starting outside blocker last season, while Martinez moved up to varsity from the Blue Team late in 2013. “Marissah is working hard this summer, that’s for sure. Leleo is one of our more experienced players there. Our other girls will look to her.”

Senior leadership was one of the key pieces in Aiea’s breakthrough 2013 season, and Toyozaki is hoping for more of the same this year, although she has only a handful of veterans in her current group.

“They got a taste of it last year,” she said of the returnees. “Right now, we’re trying to make them step up and be leaders. We have a lot of freshmen practicing with the varsity right now. I think we’ll come around this year. We’re excited. It’s an awesome group of girls.”

jackster.1969@yahoo.com

Holomua Elementary School in Ewa Beach was one of about 40 Oahu schools to visit the ‘Inquiring Finds’ exhibit at Honolulu Museum of Art’s Spalding House in Makiki. Pictured here is Erin Imamura’s fifth-grade class. Photo from HECO.

West Oahu students were among many who have checked out the new science-meets-art exhibition “Inquiring Finds” at Honolulu Museum of Art’s Spalding House in Makiki.

Hawaiian Electric Co. donated $15,000 to the museum to fund the exhibit, as well as to bring in school groups on tours. The exhibit explains the origins of its wide range of art pieces and features hands-on activities for students.

Holomua Elementary in Ewa Beach and Mauka Lani Elementary in Makakilo both visited the museum in May to view Inquiring Finds.

“The exhibition adds interest to our existing curriculum, and my students are able to make the connection between art and other subjects, like science,” said Holomua teacher Erin Imamura. “The other benefit of going on the school tour is the hands-on activities. The supplies for the make-and-take projects are already provided, and my students do better and learn more from these experiments.”

“I saw cool things that I’ve never seen before and had a great time!” declared Mauka Lani’s Anahi Guerrero, 7.

“The view from here is nice, and this is the coolest place,” added schoolmate Jeina Bright, 9. “I also learned that certain metals are used to make the pottery different colors, and how pottery was made in the olden days.”

The exhibit continues through July 6. For details, visit honolulumuseum.org.

Send West Oahu items to cchang@midweek.com by June 25 to be considered for the July 2 edition.

* FAIRY GRANDMA Fairy Grandmother Susie Roth presents a keiki storytime at 1:30 p.m. June 23 at Pearl City Library, combining fun, magic and science. Call 453-6566.

* BALLROOM The Pearlridge chapter of Hawaii Ballroom Dance Association signs up students at 7 p.m. June 24 and July 1, 8 and 15 at Waimalu Elementary School for lessons in rumba and East Coast swing. Classes begin July 8. Call 456-2129 or 488-3935.

* NEIGHBORS Pearl City Neighborhood Board meets at 7 p.m. June 24 at Waiau District Park, Makakilo-Kapolei-Honokai Hale meets at 7 p.m. June 25 at Kapolei High cafeteria and Waipahu meets at 7 p.m. June 26 at FilCom Center on Mokuola Street. Call 768-3710.

* ROAD SHOW Hawaii Republican Assembly meets at 7 p.m. June 26 at Ewa Mahiko District Park to present “The Good, Bad and the Ugly of Hawaii Politics” and more. Email alerts@hawaiirepublicanassembly.com.

* NATIVE HEARING The U.S. Department of the Interior conducts a public forum on procedures to reestablish a Native Hawaiian government from 6 to 9 p.m. June 26 at Makakilo Elementary. Email interior_press@ios.doi.gov or call 202-208-6416.

* FENCE HEARING The city Department of Planning and Permitting conducts a public hearing at 1:30 p.m. June 26 at the Mission Memorial Building on a Public Storage request to retain a 6-foot high chain-link fence at its Ewa yard at 91-923 Fort Weaver Road. Call 768-8017.

* JAPAN THEATER Ewa Beach Library hosts a live staging of Bento Rakugo, a unique presentation of Japanese comedy, at 10:30 a.m. June 27. Call 689-1204.

* ORGANIZED Simply Organized offers a free FreedomRail demonstration at 1 p.m. June 28 at its Kapolei store, 889 Kamokila Blvd. Call 693-8888.

* BLOOD DRIVE Hawaii Blood Bank has a donor drive from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. June 28 at Kapolei Shopping Center. Call 848-4770.

* ART TALK Kapolei Library presents “Understand Art” with museum art school outreach manager Justin Davies at 1 p.m. June 28. Call 693-7050.

* GABBARD LISTENS State Sen. Mike Gabbard hosts a “Listen Story” at 9 a.m. June 28 at Ewa Mahiko District Park. Call 586-6830.

* HOME BUYING Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties hosts a free seminar on “Buying with No Money Down” at 5:30 p.m. June 29 at its Kapolei Commons office, 4460 Kapolei Parkway. RSVP to 947-8101.

* PIE CONTEST Hawaii Farm Bureau Federation invites recipes by June 30 for its “Best Local Pie” contest. Finalists will be judged at the State Farm Fair July 12 at Kualoa Ranch. Email recipes to farmfair@hfbf.org or mail them to the bureau at P.O. Box 23, Kunia, HI 96759.

* MEDIA DEGREE Deadline is July 1 to apply for the fall UH West Oahu Creative Media program, which offers multiple pathways to a four-year degree in cooperation with all seven UH community colleges. For more information, call 689-2900.

* ROTARY TALK State Sen. David Ige is guest speaker at Kapolei Rotary Club’s 7:30 a.m. meeting July 3 in the faculty lounge at Kapolei High. Email htnedd@gmail.com.

* WEST SIDE DANCE Kapolei chapter of Hawaii Ballroom Dance Association registers students at 7 p.m. July 7, 14 and 21 at Makakilo Community Park for classes in waltz and samba that begin July 7. Call 781-2076.

* YOUTH FOOTBALL KapCity Hurricanes register players for youth flag and tackle football now through Aug. 31 for the fall season (September-November). Area practices are held from 4 to 6:30 p.m. week-days. Call 393-5844 or visit facebook.com/usoathletics.

* CAMPBELL ’72 Campbell High School’s Class of 1972 plans 60th birthday festivities for Sept. 19-23 in Las Vegas. To make arrangements, call Vacations Hawaii by July 15. For more details, call Myrna at 265-2412 or email coachabang@earthlink.net.

Ongoing

* METH ART Kapolei Hale Courtyard displays original works by Hawaii teens in “Not Even Once … Take a stand against METH,” now through July 17. Call 922-5331.

* WAIPAHU ZUMBA Zumba classes with Sexy Crew are back every Thursday at 6:30 p.m at United Visayan Community Hall, 94-833 Awanei St. in Waipahu. Drop in fee is $5. Call 393-8073.

* ADOPTING PETS Hawaii Dog Foundation sponsors pet adoptions from noon to 2 p.m. every Sunday at Petco Pearl City. Call 782-8387.

* WAIPIO MARKET Kaiser’s Waipio Clinic has a Fresh Days Farmers Market 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Wednesdays at 94-1480 Moaniani St. Call 432-2260.

* LCC MARKET ‘Nalo Farms runs a weekly farmers market from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sundays in parking lot C at Leeward Community College with local produce and prepared dishes. Call 259-7698.

A month before school starts, Locations Foundation is having its annual “Backpack to School” supply drive to help equip needy keiki with the simple tools of learning.

From July 7 to 11, the foundation will accept donations of items at six Prudential Locations Oahu offices, including two in Aiea — at 98-161 Kaonohi St. and at its Pearlridge Center Uptown kiosk. Needed are Elmer’s glue sticks and 4-ounce bottles, black pens, red pencils, finepoint black Sharpie markers, composition books, wide-rule folder paper, 1-inch binders, white erasers, rulers and 24-pack Crayola Crayons. Readers also may drop off items at any Prudential open house July 6 and 13.

The foundation’s goal is to pack and deliver at least 500 backpacks to Boys & Girls Club, Women in Need, Weinberg Village, Family Promise, Vancouver House, Loliana Hale and HIS. For more information, call 488-7700.