About 50 people attended the Waikoloa Talk Story on June 8 at the Waikoloa School cafeteria.
Sherry Davis, a member of the Skate Park Committee of the Waikoloa Community Development Corporation, announced the Skate Park groundbreaking on Sept. 1 at the Kamakoa Nui State Park. She said the group is looking for donations.
“This is a major step forward,” Davis said.
Lt. Col. Rolland Niles gave an update on upcoming activities at Pohakuloa Training Area and discussed military flyovers in the Waikoloa area. He recommended anyone with questions or concerns visit the Pohakuloa Training Area website at www.garrison.hawaii.army.mil/pta/default.htm or contact the public information officer. He said people can report flyovers on the website and also check the website for convoy schedules.
Lt. Col. Niles also discussed the Saddle Road extension project. He said the Department of Transportation project would extend Saddle Road from Mamalahoa Highway to Queen Kaahumanu Highway and it would allow convoys to bypass Waikoloa Road, easing traffic for residents.
Representative Cindy Evans and Senator Josh Green gave an overview of key legislation passed this session, focusing on issues concerning: energy, the environment, health education, school bus transportation and the economy. Rep. Evans reviewed the $800,000 appropriation for the Waikoloa Public Library, calling it a “major victory.” She also highlighted the $7.5 million appropriation for the new community college campus in West Hawaii as well as $11 million in funding for improvements to Kawaihae Harbor.
Senator Josh Green said that due to redistricting, he will now be in District 3, but he was glad to serve the area. Senator Green also discussed appropriations for improvements to both Kona and Kohala Community Hospitals.
The next Waikoloa Village Meeting will be a District 9 Candidate Forum from 6 to 8 p.m. on June 27 at the Waikoloa School Cafeteria. The four candidates – Bob Green, Bill Sanborn, Sonny Shimaoka and Margaret Wille – will participate. The event is sponsored by the Friends of the Library for the Waikoloa Region (FLWR), Waikoloa Lion’s Club, Waikoloa Seniors and Waikoloa Community Development Plan. Questions may be e-mailed to [email protected]. For more information, call 883-2424. For more information on the proposed Waikoloa Skate Park, visit Waikoloaskatepark.com.