Annual Senior Fair at Pearlridge Uptown

More than fifteen non-profit and government organizations - including AARP, the City & County Elderly Affairs Division, St. Francis Healthcare Systems and the State Executive Office on Aging - will be at Pearlridge Centerstage Uptown to provide information on senior living in Hawaii.

WHEN: Saturday, September 17, 2011
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

PARTICIPANTS: AARP, American Medical Response, The Caregiver Foundation, Catholic Charities Hawaii, City & County Elderly Affairs Division, Hawaii State Public Library; Library for the Blind, Hospice Hawaii, First Hawaiian Bank, In Concierge Service, Long Term Care Advisors, Mobile Notary, St. Francis Healthcare Systems, State Executive Office on Aging, and more.

Pride of Wai'anae inspires Hiki Nō

Searider Productions is the pride of Wai'anae, and it now has another project under its belt, the Hiki Nō. Rep. Georgette "Jo" Jordan, who represents Wai'anae, Makaha & Makua, tells us more about this statewide news program in the following article submitted by her office. Then, check out the YouTube video that visually tells us more about Hiki Nō. (Do you know what Hiki Nō means in English? CAN DO!)

In February, PBS Hawaii kicked off Hiki Nō, the nation's first statewide student news network. Students from across the state film and create their own news stories, which are aired in half-hour segments, uninterrupted by commercials on PBS Hawaii. The shows are broadcast online at www.pbshawaii.org/hikino and on-air channel 10 at 5 p.m. on Mondays. Hiki Nō is a unique program because it encourages video production in schools around the state, and provides them with a venue to broadcast their shows. Both Wai'anae Intermediate and Wai'anae High Schools are participating in the new program, with news segments airing in April. Wai'anae High School's broadcast will be featured on Monday, April 25 at 5 p.m., while Wai'anae Intermediate School's broadcast, which aired on April 4, can be found online.

When PBS Hawaii was designing Hiki Nō, they looked to Searider Productions founder, Candy Suiso, for inspiration and advice. Suiso, a Wai'anae High School graduate and teacher, began Searider Productions in 1993. The now highly successful video production program began as part of Suiso's Spanish curriculum in which she had students produce their own Spanish-speaking skits in order to learn the language. When she saw how driven her students were to produce their videos, she took a sabbatical from teaching and learned everything she could about video production. She looked outside the box, writing grants for funding from local and national partners in order to start the program. Today, Wai'anae High School's Searider Productions has received national awards and distinguished honors for the quality media the students produce. More importantly, Searider Productions inspires Wai'anae students to dream; developing their self-esteem and teaching them the skills they need to succeed. Students learn to write, communicate, work in teams, manage their time, and use technology to convey their messages. The program has graduated many students with video production skills well beyond their years, and these students are returning to Waianae to work in and give back to our community. Candy Suiso and Searider Productions have set the bar high for video production in our state; it is no wonder that PBS Hawaii used Searider Productions as an inspiration for Hiki No.

Manoa Legislative Town Meeting, Feb. 26, 2011

Manoa lawmakers, Rep. Isaac Choy, Sen. Brian Taniguchi and Councilmember Ann Kobayashi, will be holding a Manoa Legislative Town Meeting for community members to meet and talk  with them about current legislation.

February, 26, 2011
Noelani Elementary School Library
9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m..

Free tax preparation at the Capitol

What: Federal and State income tax preparation and filing at no cost for low- to moderate-income taxpayers who qualify. In partnership with the Hawaii Alliance for Community-Based Economic Development and its affiliate programs, State legislators kick-off this year’s tax season with a special clinic designed to help taxpayers claim valuable tax credits, file electronic returns, and get their refunds quickly and easily. Tax preparation volunteers are trained and certified by the IRS, and may help taxpayers with special tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit.

For more information about the early season clinic at the Hawaii State Capitol and to make an appointment, taxpayers should call 808-548-8887. Free parking will be available at the public blue-metered stalls in the Capitol’s underground parking.

Who: Hawaii Alliance for Community-Based Economic Development (HACBED); State Legislators: Speaker Calvin Say, Representative Della Au Belatti, Representative Tom Brower, Representative Sylvia Luke, Representative Scott Nishimoto, Representative Karl Rhoads, Representative Scott Saiki, Senator Suzanne Chun Oakland, Senator Brickwood Galuteria

When: Saturday, January 29, 2011
9:00am-2:00pm, by appointment only

Where: Hawaii State Capitol
415 South Beretania Street, Room 329

Community Happenings: Makiki Cleanup, Volunteers Needed

Volunteers are needed for Makiki Community Clean-up Day, to join Representative Della Au Belatti, Friends of the Makiki Community Library, and Hui o Makiki to paint over graffiti, clean up the park and various other projects for the library. A completed waiver is necessary to participate. Call 586-9425 for more information.

Makiki Community Clean-up Day, inspired by Martin Luther King, Jr. and his dedicated service to others, is a day for friends and neighbors to work together for the betterment of the entire community.

When:
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Monday, January 17, 2011
8:00am-2:00pm

Where:
Makiki District Park and Makiki Community Library
1527 Keeaumoku Street
Honolulu, HI 96822

Lawmakers talk art, music and the future of Hawaii at Fresh Café

Representatives Tom Brower and Marcus Oshiro joined Neil Abercrombie, Colleen Hanabusa, Kim Coco Iwamoto, Jon Osorio, Mari Matsuda, and Ramsay Taum for We Value Hawai‘i, an evening of art, politics and music at Fresh Café on Queen Street last Saturday, Sept. 25, 2010. The event was hosted by Creative Modern Activism Hawaii (CMA HI) to address the big issues that Hawaii faces, including public education, the future of the arts, tourism and the environment. CMA HI was inspired to sponsor the event because of the recently released book The Value of Hawai'i, edited by Craig Howes and Jonathan Kay Kamakawiwo'ole Osorio.

Photo (l-r):  Rep. Marcus Oshiro, Rep. Tom Brower, Kim Coco Iwamoto and Senate President Colleen Hanabusa answer questions from the public about the future of Hawai'i during a forum at Fresh Café.

A panel discussion titled "Creating Hawai'i: The Future for Arts and Artists" was held from 6-8 p.m. The public joined scholars, activists, and politicians for a discussion of the future of creative arts in Hawai'i, with a focus on the problems many young artists face in our economy and a second focus on solutions. The questions the panelists considered: What do we value about the arts in Hawai'i, and what are we willing to do to protect what we value? What do we value about Hawai‘i?

Upcoming Community Cleanups

Palolo Valley (Adopt-A-Stream/ Adopt-A-Block) on Saturday, September 11, 2010 at three locations - Pukele Mini Park, 3rd Avenue Bridge, and Mutual Housing. Check in at 8 a.m., Clean up from 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. See flyer for information on how to volunteer and who to contact.

Kaimuki Business Professional Association's Wai'alae Avenue Cleanup Day, Saturday, September 11, 2010, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. See flyer for more information.

Hawaii International Micro Robot Conference, Tournament on the Big Island

The 1st Hawaii International Micro Robot Conference and Tournament will be held at the ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center at the University of Hawaii at Hilo from July 16-19, 2010.

The effort is being led by the Waiakea High School Robotics Club and the Hawaii Space Grant Consortium, two groups that have provided many opportunities for science students and teachers in the field of robotics and technology.

Art Kimura, Education Specialist at the Hawaii Space Grant Consortium, said this event is being held to jumpstart the conversation on how the Big Island can benefit from micro mechanisms. The event will allow community leaders to talk to industry experts and learn about the advantages and possibilities of a micro mechanisms and robotics industry rooting from the islands.

"The exciting thing about this endeavor is the idea that the Big Island could become a center for the development of micro mechanisms research and development and a micro-robotics industry in the pacific," Kimura said.

Because of this tournament, Hawaii students will now have the opportunity to compete without paying high costs to fly elsewhere for the same experience.

The goal of the conference is to stimulate high technology education and assist in the creation of a technically capable workforce by developing the infrastructure and skill sets necessary to support high technology robotics based activities.

"Once this is in place,” said Rep. Nakashima, a supporter of the effort, “the next step will be identifying the real world potential and application for this growing technology as we invite new industries to the Big Island to take advantage of our newly skilled work force.”

A public event featuring an origami presentation and bipedal robot demonstration will be held on Saturday, July 17, 2010, 6:30-8:00 p.m. at ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center.

• Origami presentation by Hidenori Ishihara, a robotics professor from Kagawa University.

• Bipedal robot demonstration by Risa Saito, a Japanese high school student who won the bipedal competition in the 2009 Micro Robot Contest at Nagoya University, and Hideaki Matsutani, a Japanese technical education teacher who conducts bipedal workshops in Nagoya for middle school students.

Seating for this event is first come, first served.

Aloha ‘Aina Earth Day #82 Recycling Community Clean-Up Project

What: Aloha ‘Aina Earth Day #82 Recycling Community Clean-Up Project to benefit the Kualoa-He’eia Ecumenical Youth (KEY) Project.

The public is encouraged to bring the following items: scrap metal, refrigerators, freezer, air conditioners, newspaper, cardboard, cans, incandescent light bulbs (exchange: 2 CFLs per person), green waste, batteries (all types), cooking, telephone books/ magazines, eyeglasses/ hearing aids, used clothing and household items, cellular phones, printer cartridges, computers/ e-waste (unlimited), canned good.

Please do not bring tires, paints, hazardous fluids, microwave ovens, televisions, gas tanks, or motor oil.

Where: Kahaluu Regional Park

47-200 Waihe'e Road

When: Saturday, July 24, 2010

8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Why: The monthly recycling drive was created to provide residents with an easy way to get rid of recyclable waste while raising money for community groups.

Call Rep. Jessica Wooley at 808-586-8540 for more information.

Fantastic Fridays

Rep. Glenn Wakai (right) spent an afternoon on Fantastic Friday painting over graffiti on a freeway overpass.

"We are trying to turn something terrible into something positive."

That is what Representative Glenn Wakai had to say about a project in which students from Moanalua Middle School are using their Furlough Friday days to paint over graffiti defiling property in their community.

"It's embarrassing that our kids are out of schools so often," said Rep. Wakai. "While that battle continues to be waged between government workers and the Governor, I believe in turning negatives into positives. We give children lessons about civic responibility. We don't just hand them a brush, we talk to them about the importance of character and pride."

The students and other volunteers have already covered graffiti near the entrance to Moanalua Gardens Park and on the freeway overpass of in Moanalua Valley. They're known as the Fantastic Fridays Crew and was made possible through the contribution of several organizations including Totally Against Graffiti (TAG), the Painters Unions, McDonalds, the Honolulu Police Department, and the Office of Rep. Glenn Wakai.

Volunteers stand in front of freshly painted columns at the entrance to Moanalua Valley.

Community Happenings: Waianae 7th graders hold yard sale fundraiser

Wai'anae Intermediate School (WIS) 7th graders will sell donated items at a yard sale to raise funds for 'Ai Pohaku Workshop, a free, 9-week student program that weaves together Hawaiian cultural, aina-based practices, and academic skill-building. It also offers an after-school program and a Garden Club to any WIS student. The funds raised will help to cover program costs, staff wages and supplies. For more information contact Vince Dodge at 808-478-6492 or email him at aipohaku@hotmail.com.

WHEN:
September 19 and 20, 2009
8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

WHERE:
86-024 Glenmonger St. (corner of Pokai Bay St. and Glenmonger St.)

MA'O Ma Town Fundraiser, Sept. 5, 2009

Representative Maile Shimabukuro is putting a call out for donations of items or services for an auction being held to raise money for Wai'anae youth to attend college while learning about agricultural sustainability and community development.

The fundraiser, 5th Annual MA'O Ma Town, is scheduled for September 5, 2009 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Hawaii State Art Museum. The event boasts an epicurean feast, grown by MA'O Organic Farms and prepared by Downtown chefs, live entertainment, and silent and live auctions.

Individual tickets are $125. A table for 8 people with bottomless wine is $2,000 and a table for 8 with bottomless wine, champagne and more is $5,000. While individual tickets are selling out quick, event planners say table tickets are still bountiful.

All proceeds from the fundraiser will go to a special fund that will provide scholarships for students enrolled in the 2-year Youth Leadership Training (YLT) College Internship Program at MA'O. Most of them are first in their family to attend college and earn a degree. The monies will also be used for farm land expansion which will in turn help to nurture more young agriculture enthusiasts.

"MA'O Farm is teaching youth how to create a sustainable future – one based on organic agriculture, being good to our bodies and good to the earth," said Rep. Maile Shimabukuro, (D45-Wai'anae, Makaha, Makua), who is a member of the planning committee.

The program offers youth a unique way to start their college careers. While working toward an Associate of Arts degree with a certificate in community food systems at Leeward Community College, interns devote hours to cultivating the farms and learning the trade while participating in Farmer's Markets throughout the year.

During a special report on Hawaii Public Radio, Cheryse Sana, one of 27 student interns, talked about her experience on the farm. "This morning I woke up at 5 o'clock," she said, "We put on our pants, grabbed our hats, than at 6 o'clock the assistant farm manager sends us out to pick the vegetables that we need for the day."

"I actually grow stuff in my backyard from what we grow on the farm and I give it to my whole family," added Jonathan Abell, 19, another student intern. "I take them (the vegetables) to church, and even the people around in my community, and they're like 'eh, you get salads?' and I say, ‘oh yeah, I get’, and I cut them (salads) and give it to them (community members). So, yeah, it's actually getting around."

Last year, the auctions raised $15,000 to support scholarships for MA'O youth to enroll at the college, attend conferences in San Jose and Philadelphia, as well as hold their own conferences for other island youth on Oahu. In total, the event raked in over $34,000. More than $100,000 has been raised in previous events over the years.

"Like fine wine, each year this event just keeps getting better and better," quipped Rep. Shimabukuro.

In order for this year's fundraiser to have the same success, MA'O Ma Town is seeking donations of items or services to be auctioned off. Those who would like to donate items or purchase tickets can contact Wei Fang at wei@maoorganicfarms.org or call 808-397-0960 for more information. Credit transactions accepted.

Parks without ´ōpala: Blaisdell

A message from Majority Leader Blake Oshiro:

On Saturday, Aug. 1, 2009, the office of Representative Mark Takai and I combined forces with community members to clean up Blaisdell Park.

Nearly 50 people worked from 9 a.m. to 12 noon picking up trash and debris from around the park and surrounding bike path to fill more than 50 bags.

Volunteers included members of the Aiea, Pearl City, Waipahu, and Halawa Lions Clubs, Boy Scout Troop 176, Aiea Community Association, and members of the City and County of Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation.


While at the park, I noticed many community members enjoying their weekend. It was nice to see the park being used by so many residents for a variety of activities, including: hula practice, birthday parties, barbecue picnic, hulihuli chicken distribution, ministry, biking, etc.

Thanks to everyone who donated his or her time on Saturday!

Mahalo,

Majority Leader Blake Oshiro

Photo (top): A group shot of the community volunteers who help to clean up Blaisdell Park.

Photo (bottom) : Representative Blake Oshiro with Claire Tamamoto, a member of the Aiea Community Association.

Community Happenings: National Night Out

The public is invited to the "26th Annual National Night Out" (NNO), a crime/drug prevention event on Tuesday, August 4, 2009 at the Salt Lake Target Store. The Honolulu Police Department, civic groups, business, neighborhood organization and state leaders are expected to participate.

Here's what's on the agenda:

6:00 - 6:30 p.m. - City patrol and sign waving from
6:30 - 7:30 p.m. - Citizen patrol and sign waving
7:30 - 8:30 p.m. - Awards / Program

From the NNO website:

National Night Out is designed to:

• heighten crime and drug prevention awareness;
  
• generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime programs;
• strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships;
  
• and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

If you would like to attend this event, call your Weed and Seed or Community Policing Team Officers in your area. Find their numbers here.