This calendar is prepared by Patti Cook on behalf of Waimea Community Association (WCA). To include community events in this calendar, email [email protected]. Deadline for information: Saturday please! For complete calendar, go to www.WaimeaTown.org.
IMPORTANT COMMUNITY EVENTS:
WAIMEA MIDDLE SCHOOL Back-To-School ‘Gear-Up’: 8 a.m. – 4 p. m., Thursday-Friday, July 28-29. School office. Families with students may pick-up class schedules, order and/or pick-up uniform t-shirts, pay fees, sign up for tutoring. Info: 887-6090 Ext. 222.
JULY 28 DEADLINE TO RSVP FOR KOHALA WATERSHED PARTNERSHIP WORK DAY IN THE ‘BOONIES’: 8:30 a.m., Saturday, July 30. Volunteers will go to Kanea’a-Ponoholo Biodiversity Preserve in North Kohala for a day of invasive weed control. This 500-acre preserve is on private ranch lands of Parker and Ponoholo Ranches, and was the partnership’s first fenced preserve. Come see how trees and ferns have grown back along the valley walls over the past three years as the forest reclaims the land. Will be doing the “cut and squirt” method of kahili ginger control, walking in sweeps through the regenerating wet forests on the slopes of Honokane Nui valley. A splendid place to do good work with rare plants and snails (last known habitat of the once-thought-extinct “singing snails” of Kohala – Partulina physa) which are “in recovery” here! Day will be longer than usual with more than an hour’s drive to the work site. Meet at 8:30 a.m. behind Parker Square on Kawaihae Road and carpool in 4X4 van and truck to work site. Will return to Waimea by 4 p.m. Tools, gloves, snacks and drinking water provided. Bring clothing for extreme conditions – it may be hot and dry, or very wet and cold – and wear sturdy shoes. Bring lunch and drinking water. Space limited. RSVP with number in group by emailing: [email protected]. More info: www.kohalacenter.org/pelekaneblog.
EXPECT TRAFFIC DELAYS – LINDSEY ROAD BRIDGE ‘STRENGTHENING PROJECT’: Now through mid-September. 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., weekdays only; contractor must keep two lanes, one in each direction, open at all times. This is a Hawai’i County project with Global Specialty Contractors, Inc. t install four additional reinforced concrete beams under this 70-year-old bridge. Questions/concerns: Contractor’s contact: Jerry Aldridge (341-1378); County’s contact: Bob Yanabu (961-8321). Concurrently, Goodfellow Bros. is concluding an ADA compliance sidewalk replacement project in Waimea town but now digging a Dry Well fronting Waimea School – expect detour for another week or longer and drive with caution – school starts Aug. 1. Hotline for info/updates on the Goodfellow/sidewalks project: 887-0381.
2011 WAIMEA COWBOYS TACKLE FOOTBALL REGISTRATION – FINAL WEEK: 5-6 p.m., Now thru Friday, July 29. Cowboys locker room at Waimea Park. Three divisions:
Mitey Mite (ages 7-9/45-90 lbs); Pee Wee (ages 9-11/75-120 lbs plus older/lighter age 12/74-100 lbs); Midgets (Ages 11-14/105-140 lbs plus older/lighter age 15/105-140 lbs). $225 with $50 refundable when tackle equipment returned. Does not include cheer. Info: Russell Crabbe (960-1565); Keola Tavares (960-8654) or email: [email protected]; Raynette Pierson (987-9636) or email: [email protected]; Shanelle Tavares (960-2753) or email: [email protected]; or Angela Miller (896-6574) or email: [email protected].
WAIMEA HAWAIIAN HOMESTEADER ASSOCIATION – MONTHLY GENERAL MEETING: Thursday, July 28. Kuhio Hale. Begins at 5:30 p.m. with Meet the Board, refreshments and activities; meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. All homesteaders invited. Info: Tisha Hodson (Secretary) (960-2648) or email: [email protected].
IMPORTANT – WAIAKA BRIDGE DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT PUBLIC HEARING: 6-8 p.m., Thursday, July 28. Waimea Civic Center Conference Room. DOT to present draft findings of “No Significant Impact” and present six alternatives. No decision has been made on which alternative, and community urged to attend, ask questions, share their preferences. Info: http://oeqc.doh.hawaii.gov/ – search for Hawai’i Island projects. SKTSC to meet to discuss committee recommendation for preferred route.
‘MEET THE ICE GIANTS’ PUBLIC LECTURE HOSTED BY KECK TELESCOPE: 7 p.m., Thursday, July 28. Hualalai Learning Theatre at W.M. Keck Observatory headquarters in Waimea. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Presentation by Heidi Hammel, Executive Vice President of Association of Universities for Research In Astronomy (AURA). Community invited; coffee and snacks served. Info: 881-3827 or email [email protected]. Or sign up via Twitter@KeckObservatory
NHERC’S NEW ‘RURAL OUTREACH SERVICES’ INITIATIVE BRINGS SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY: Mondays through Thursdays at NHERC in Honoka’a. Mondays focus on agriculture including Kapulena ag project; Tuesdays on adult ed programs with Kona Community School for Adults; Wednesdays on employment opportunities, job training, home ownership and housing (Section 8); Thursdays on eldercare, health and wellness, veterans and disability services; and Fridays on drug prevention education, parenting, recovery. Agency reps are bringing a wide range of services so residents don’t have to drive long distances to Hilo or Kona. No appointment needed. More info: go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/North-Hawaii-Education-and-Research-Center/91544554478 or go to www.WaimeaTown.org for monthly ROS calendar.
KOHALA WATERSHED PARTNERSHIP WORK DAY: Saturday, July 30. See above.
KA HUI KAPA APANA O WAIMEA (QUILT CLUB): 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, July 30 and last Saturday of every month except November and December when the meeting is on the third Saturday. St. James Episcopal Church Parish Hall. This is Hawaii’s oldest Hawaiian quilting club. Everyone welcome. Free. Info: Kathy Tanaka (775-0765).
4TH ANNUAL WAIKOLOA PTSA BACK-TO-SCHOOL BASH: 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturday, July 30. Waikoloa school. Celebrate the new school year. Free and scripts available for fun activities
such as Party Bouncers, Rock Wall Climbing, Games and Face Painting. Enjoy a variety of food, a silent auction and live entertainment while also making lunch deposits, viewing class assignment postings and filling out bus applications. All proceeds benefit Waikoloa School PTSA. Info or to volunteer, email [email protected].
DROP OFF ‘CULINARY & GARDEN GARAGE SALE DONATIONS’ SATURDAYS AT WAIMEA CROP SHARE: 12:30-3 p.m. every Saturday. At Mala`ai: The Culinary Garden of Waimea Middle School. Bring surplus produce from your back yard garden or farm to exchange with or donate to others – and/or bring new/gently used treasures to contribute to Slow Food Hawai’i’s Aug. 27 “Culinary and Garden Garage Sale” at Waimea Hawaiian Homestead Farmers Market to benefit Mala’ai. Crop Share coordinators will facilitate exchanges by displaying and storing produce, helping participants determine fair exchange conditions, and collecting excess food at the end of the day for delivery to local food pantries. Everyone invited — and help welcome. Info: Nicole Milne (987-9210) or email: [email protected].
PAPA’ALOA HONGWANJI O BON CELEBRATION: Saturday, July 30. 6 p.m. Service; 7 p.m. dancing begins. Temple is on the makai side of Mamalahoa Highway (Hwy 19) near the 24 mile marker. The Young Buddhists Association from Hilo will host concession stand and the temple will sell Bon Odori towels. Four drummers from Bon Odori Taiko will accompany the music. Community invited!
WAIMEA COMMUNITY TEEN THEATRE TROUPE PERFORMANCE: 7:30 p.m., Saturday, July 30. Kahilu Theatre. Presenting “Sondheim and Friends.” Tickets $15/13/10; available at Waimea General Store & Without Boundaries in Waimea; Suite Possibilities in Kona. Info: www.waimeacommunitytheatre.org or on Facebook, or call 885-5818.
WAIMEA NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS WEEKLY MEETING: 5:30 p.m., Saturdays. At Mama’s House Thrift Store – next to Napa Auto Parts on Mamalahoa Highway. Everyone welcome.
FREE TAHITIAN DANCE CLASSES WITH TE ‘E’A O TE TURAMA: Offering a variety of classes including Tahitian dance, drumming, Samoan fire-knife, Maori and Hawaiian hula. Classes: Waimea: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., 1st and 3rd Sundays; Waikoloa: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., 2nd and 4th Sundays More info, go to www.teeaoteturama.com, or call Maile Lee (450-9664) or Dave Tavares (354-6499).
IMPORTANT – WAIMEA ELEMENTARY & MIDDLE SCHOOL CLASSES RESUME: Mon., Aug. 1. Reminder: Morning and afternoon student drop-off/pick-up – use back gravel entry drive for one-way movement around campus. All students must be dropped at the back of the cafeteria. Please drive with extreme caution.
AUG. 1 DEADLINE TO REGISTER FOR ‘SURFING SITES ON LAND & SEA’ HAWAI’I ISLAND TRAIL CULTURE & TRADITIONS COURSE AND OTHERS OFFERED BY UH-Center – WEST HAWAI’I: Eight Saturdays beginning Aug. 27, Sept. 10, 17; Oct. 1, 8, 22 & 29 and concluding Nov. 5. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Instructor E. Kalani Flores. Will explore cultural sites and traditions associated with holua (sledding) and he’e nalu (surfing) along the coastal and inland areas of West Hawai’i. Course HWST 119. Includes moderate hiking. No pre-requisites to enroll. Students can earn 3 college credits or audit the class. Admission/Registration, call: Student Services (322-4856), or for specific course information, contact instructor at [email protected].
WAIMEA COMMUNITY EDUCATION: See website (www.WaimeaEducation.com) for complete program listing and to register. There is a small fee for to support this not-for-profit community learning center established in 1984:
* Zumba classes: Monday and Friday, 8:15-9:15 a.m., Wednesday 8:15-9:15 a.m. with Jessica Ochoa, and Friday 5:30-6:30 p.m. with Susan Griley.
* Karate Do for Adults & Keiki (5 and above) Thursdays, 3:30-4:45 p.m. with Maria Lineker.
WAIMEA BALLROOM DANCE CLUB – CHA CHA LESSONS: 7 p.m., Monday evenings through Aug. 22 – a 6-week class at Waimea School Cafeteria. There is a charge. Dance instructor Sharon Petrosky. Info: Peter In (885-4776).
‘SECURING OUR FUTURE’ – THE FINAL OF A 4-PART CONVERSATION ON ENERGY OPTIONS IN HAWAI’I: The final three of a 4-evening Monday series (6-8 p.m.), open to the public with experts and concerned citizens alike in a roundtable conversation on Hawaii’s energy future. At Ward Warehouse in Honolulu. May be one or several locations on Hawai’i Island with video converence link or skype, too. More info:
www.EnvironmentalCaucusoftheDemocraticPartyofHawaii.com. Programs to include:
* August 1- Fuel For The Future: Biofuels, Geothermal – What’s Next? w/ Kelly King, Pacific Bio Diesel; Robbie Cabral, Innovations Development Group; and Jeff Mikulina, Blue Planet.
Additional Speaker Pending.
BREAST FEEDING FRIENDS TALK-STORY: 10-11 a.m. on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday every month. Family Support Services of West Hawai’i’s Waimea Conference Room (across the parking lot from Tutu’s House). Free. For breast feeding moms, those who intend to breast feed and supportive past breast feeders (aunties, tutus). To share and continue to educate, problem solve and mentor each other. Facilitated by Breast Feeding Educator and Birth Doula Kiah Teves. Info: 936-4345.
‘BUSINESS FIRST! TUESDAYS AT DANIEL THIEBAUT’S RESTAURANT: 5-7 p.m., Tuesday, August 2 and the first Tuesday of every month. An informal networking session of business people who are eager toserve North Hawai’i clients, and potential North Hawai’i clients or customers who want to meet and speak informally with business people in the area. Co sponsored by North Hawai’i Rotary and Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce. Bring plenty of business cards and enjoy drastically discounted prices from Daniel Thiebault’s.
NEW WEDNESDAY FARMERS MARKET AT ANNA RANCH: 1-5 p.m. weekly. A great solution for those who run out of fresh local produce mid-week and/or can’t make it to the Saturday morning markets. Features fresh produce, plants, baked goods, jams and jellies, sauces, juices, Hamakua and Koa coffees, local tea, bedding and landscape plants, local crafts and massage. Interested vendors, call Anna Ranch (885-4426) or email Vicki at [email protected]. Please use caution if parking along the edge of Kawaihae Road though this is permitted.
FREE COLLEGE-BOUND COUNSELING FOR WAIMEA FAMILIES: From 5-7 p.m. every Wednesday evening through April in the Thelma Parker Library Meeting Room with Nancy Honda. Will provide help for families with high school students needing financial assistance for college or trade school. Mrs. Honda shares not only what is available in the way of scholarships, grants and financial assistance, but also how to write a resume and an introductory letter, etc. Drop by the library during this time for information and to schedule a personal appointment.
NEW NORTH KOHALA ‘DIGITALMOKU.NET’ WEBSITE: Offers a rich cultural history of North Kohala with photos, videos, etc.
FREE & LOW COST DENTAL CARE ON THE AMAZING TOOTH BUS: Thanks to community friends, this urgently needed service is again available for uninsured and MedQUEST-eligible youth up to 20 years of age who live in Honoka’a, Waimea, Kohala and Waikoloa. Scheduling based on urgency of care. Sponsored by Hamakua Health Center and Kohala Family Health Center with grants and other community support. Financial counselors will assist individuals and families with application for the Sliding Fee Discount Program and MedQUEST enrollment if not already a member. The bus will rotate between Honoka’a and Kohala Family Health Center on Hospital Road in Kapa’au. Info: 333-8410.
IMPORTANT – ANUENUE PLAYGROUND – WAIMEA COMMUNITY CALL TO ACTION: Initial attention will focus on keiki safety — pressure washing, sanding, sealing, decking and seating repairs, fencing repair/replacement, post replacement. Will need a wide array of skills, tools, materials & financial support. Go to www.WaimeaTown.org, for more details. This project is being coordinated by Waimea Community Association and Waimea Preservation Association in partnership with Hawaii County Parks & Rec staff, and with kokua from North Hawai’i Rotary and Waimea Outdoor Circle. Everyone’s help and generosity needed. Info: Sherman Warner (885-1725), Alex Woodbury (640-1566), Bill Sanborn (895-1122).
EXTENSIVE CLASSES OFFERED AT KOHALA’S NEW ‘LEARNING CENTER’: Go to www.KohalaLearning.org for full class roster and how to register. A project sponsored by the North Kohala Community Resource Center for all ages. There is a charge for some programs. Info: www.kohalalearning.org. .
IMPORTANT – WAIMEA COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION TOWN MEETING: 5:15 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 4. Waimea School Cafeteria. Everyone invited. Program will begin with guest performance by recently graduated Parker School student Zen Kuriyama and friends. Meeting will discuss a number of current projects including DHHL’s Lalamilo homes waterline project along Kawaihae Road, and planned paving of another portion of Mana Road. As always for WCA Town Meetings, donations for Waimea food pantries requested and project chair Elaine Warner will “Pass the Hat” preferably for checks or cash to enable pantry staff to purchase fresh fruit, vegetables and other essentials for families in need. Also, hot coffee provided by Starbucks-Waimea for all meetings. Donations welcome for the coffee which are given to the food pantry too. Info: Sherman Warner (885-1725).
IMPORTANT – AUGUST 5 DEADLINE FOR NATIVE HAWAIIAN ROLL COMMISSION APPLICATIONS: Nominations for the Native Hawaiian Roll Commission are being accepted online at the state website for boards and commissions (Hawaii.gov/gov/about/boards-commissions.html). Individuals must certify they meet qualifications to be nominated by themselves or by Hawaiian membership organizations, which must also fulfill certain qualifications. Gov. Neil Abercrombie will appoint five members from the applicants – one each from the counties of Hawaii, Maui, Honolulu and Kauai, and one at large. For more specifics, google Hawaii.gov and search for Act 195/2011.
NORTH KOHALA PUBLIC LIBRARY’S PRESCHOOL STORYTIME: 10 a.m. every Friday throughout August-September-October 2011. For keiki ages 2 – 5 and their caregivers to join the fun with stories, songs, games and simple crafts. This story series, which coincides with the beginning of a new school year, is particularly appropriate for newcomers to story time. With many of the regular attendees starting kindergarten, the August and September sessions will be small and parents will not need to worry if their child does not sit quietly or remain attentive through the program. Librarians are patient and realize that this is the first group experience for many young children. Info: Janet Lam (889-6655). Please call three weeks in advance for a sign language interpreter or other special accommodation.
HAWAI’I HORSE EXPO: Friday-Sunday, Aug. 5-7. Benefits Hawai’i Island Humane Society’s Horse Rescue Fund, which helps abused and abandoned horses on the island. Begins with Equine Medical Symposium August 5 at Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, then continues with clinics and demonstrations August 6-7 at historic Anna Ranch in Waimea. Friday symposium to address breeding, training newborn foals to be good patients, handling the equine patient, calming a spooky horse, making a horse road-safe, how to deal with bucking, rearing and running off, how to change a horse’s attitude and more, plus a panel on the feral donkeys of Waikoloa. Top equine veterinarians Dr. Robert Miller from California, Dr. Brady Bergin of Waimea and Dr. Mark Fitch from Colorado will share their experiences so that attendees learn better animal care. Sunday begins with a Blessing of the Horses. Horse owners are welcome to bring a strand of their horse’s mane or tail for a traditional Hawaiian blessing. Also on Sunday, Hawaii Horse Expo will present the event’s Mana Award to recognize an individual on the Big Island who has inspired and educated the community about horses in line with the goals of Hawaii Horse Expo. Throughout Saturday and Sunday the Hawaii Horse Expo Vending Hall will be open for shopping and a Silent Auction will benefit Hawaii Island Humane Society. There is a daily event charge and Gold and Platinum benefactor passes available. Event is limited to fifty people. Info and tickets available at Hawaii Island Humane Society shelters in Kona, Waimea and Keaau or may be downloaded at www.HawaiiHorseExpo.com. Anyone interested in becoming a supporter, vendor or sponsor should contact Jones at 808-887-2301 or email [email protected].
59th ANNUAL HILO ORCHID SHOW – STATE’S LARGEST – OFFERS ‘ORCHID SAFARI: Friday-Sunday, Aug. 5-7. Edith Kanakaole Stadium. 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Friday; 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday; and 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Sunday. 28 vendors, mostly of orchids including over 2,000 specimen plants, plus “green” vendors and demonstrations on orchid culture and flower arranging and Hawaiian entertainment during lunch hours. A silent auction throughout the show. A preview party kicks off the event from 6-9 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 4 with delicious local fresh cuisine by Audrey Wilson and Russell Ruderman from Island Naturals, desserts from Eclairs, coffee from Hilo Coffee Mill, wines including some from Africa in keeping with the safari theme, and Kona Brewing Company’s locally brewed beer. $65 preview party tickets benefit Ku`ikahi Mediation Center, the non-profit alternative dispute organization serving east Hawai’i for the last 26 years. Displays and plants will be judged for ribbons and trophies Thursday morning, and American Orchid Society merit judging will be conducted Thursday afternoon with awards presented at the preview party. The coveted best of show trophy will be the Yasuji Takasaki perpetual trophy. Mr. Takasaki, who was a pioneer in the orchid industry in Hawai’I, passed away this year at age 95. An avid grower, he worked in the family nursery, Carmela Orchids, until the month before his death. There will be a memorial display honoring him at the show. Tickets available at Basically Books-Hilo, or call Danny Robinson (557-8886) or Ku’ikahi Mediation Center (935-7844 Ext.3, or email: [email protected].
AUG. 6 DEADLINE TO SUBMIT COMMENTS ON DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR PROPOSED WAIAKA BRIDGE REPLACEMENT AND REALIGNMENT. DOT contractors have concluded “No Significant Impact” and are presenting six alternative realignments. No decision has been made on which alternative, and community urged to review alternatives and share preferences. Info: http://oeqc.doh.hawaii.gov/ – search for Hawai’i Island projects.
NEW HOPE WAIMEA’S ‘INDOOR SWAP MEET’: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 6 and the first Saturday of every month. Many schools, groups/organizations, and individuals utilize the gym, and proceeds from this monthly marketplace benefit the Gymnasium Improvement Fund at New Hope Waimea. Bring a friend and shop for antiques, unique collectables, crafts, clothes, books, food, art, rummage, jewelry, toys and more. Vendor space still available and reasonable. For vendor information please call Skip @ 989-4422 or email [email protected].
HPA KA MAKANI FOOTBALL CAR WASH & BAKE SALE: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 6. HPA Village Campus. Everyone invited to fundraiser for team. Info: 885-6424.
IMPORTANT – 1ST ANNUAL WAIMEA HAWAIIAN HOMESTEADERS BENEFIT LUAU: 4-10 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 6. Kuhio Hale – Hawaiian Homes Hall. A delicious feast w/ entertainment to raise funds to launch planning for a new, much needed 45-acre community park on land Mauna Kea (south) side of Kuhio Village plus a new cemetery. Feast will include laulau, chicken long rice, poi or rice, lomi salmon, poke and dessert plus terrific entertainment by Napua Makua, Darlene Ahuna, Ku’uipo Kumukahi and others. Co-Emcees: Penny Vredenburg, Nelson Ray Parker, Pat Kahawaiola’a. Tickets $20. Available at Without Boundaries, Waimea Music, Parker Ranch Store, Halau Ho’olako and Mama’s House Thrift Store. Everyone invited! Info: Mike or Tisha Hodson email: [email protected].
FISH CAGE EXPERIMENTS ON KAWAIHAE LOCAL RESOURCE COUNCIL AGENDA: 2-4 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 7. Hamakua Macadamia Nut Factory Visitors Center on Maluokalani Street – Kawaihae. All invited. Washington State University graduate student Tony Spitzack will review recent experiments involving small fish exclusion cages conducted off the Kona coast of the Big Island. The second presenter will Jeff Hood, Harbors District Manager from State DOT will discuss plans in the works for Kawaihae Harbor, including the anticipated by-pass road and harbor expansion. Sarah Peck, long time volunteer and driving force behind the establishment of KLRC, will be attending; this is her last council meeting before moving to the Mainland. Everyone invited to attend to thank her and convey good wishes. KLRC meetings are hosted by the Kailapa Community Association (KCA), an 501(c)(3) representing more than 120 families residing on Hawaiian Home Lands, Kawaihae – Mauka. Info: Diane Kaneali’i, President, (880-9798).