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MEDIA RELEASE

The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary is currently accepting applications for primary and alternate seats representing Business/Commerce, Citizen-at-Large, Commercial Shipping, Conservation, Ocean Recreation, Tourism, and Whale Watching on its Sanctuary Advisory Council.

Council members serve two-year terms, which are staggered to allow for continuity within the council.

The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council was formed in 1996 for the purpose of providing advice to sanctuary management on the management and protection of the sanctuary.

The Council, through its members, also serves as a liaison to the community regarding sanctuary issues and acts as a conduit, relaying the community’s interests, concerns and management needs to the sanctuary.

At this time the sanctuary is opening up the selection process to the community and providing applications to interested individuals. The deadline for applications is Dec. 1, 2010.

The application form can be downloaded below. Before submitting the application, please read the Council Charter and the Council Handbook to familiarize yourself with the Council’s roles and responsibilities.

Questions may be directed to Council Coordinator Joseph Paulin joseph.paulin@noaa.gov at (808) 397-2651 ext. 257.

— Find out more:

http://hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov/

MEDIA RELEASE

It’s that time of year again for our annual plant sale – now called Kona Outdoor Circle Plant Sale (formerly Pua Plantasia but more about that another time).

It will be held in the pavilion at The Old Kona Airport, everyone seemed to enjoy that venue last year and it worked out very well for the vendors, too. Hold the date of October 23 for the sale.

Please think about volunteering – WE NEED VOLUNTEERS – we have many areas you can volunteer for: set up, clean up, cashier, donated plants, jams & jellies, collectibles, volunteer food, layout, security, inventory, will call.

Please call the KOC office at this time if you can help – 331-2426.

Don’t forget to start propagating your plants now for the donated plant booth – any vegetable starts should be started at the end of August or first part of September. Our pot size limit for propagated plants is three gallons, anything larger is too heavy to handle. We are also in need of items for our collectible booth – these items need to be better than garage sale items.

Should you have any question regarding the sale please call Joan Lamont 329-0718 or e-mail lamontj001@hawaii.rr.com

MEDIA RELEASE

The 13th annual Daniel R Sayre Memorial Foundation Awards Dinner is Saturday, Sept. 4 at the Fairmont Orchid Hotel. Special guest is Lt. Gov. Duke Aiona.

Silent auction starts at 4:30 p.m., followed by gourmet dinner and awards program. Tickets $80 per person.

The foundation is dedicated to providing essential life-saving equipment and training needed by the Hawaii County Fire, Rescue and Lifeguard Departments. Also, the foundation honors exceptional Hawaii County Fire Department personnel for meritorious service above and beyond the call of duty.

Current needs include a Jaws of Life Rescue unit, stretchers, brushfire truck, ambulance, night vision goggles for chopper pilots, transportable repeaters, rope rescue system-pac kits , forward-looking infrared unit, coats, hats and gloves for cold weather rescues and specialized training courses.

The Foundation welcomes Silent Auction Donations of gift items, art, hotel and golf packages and donated excursions and services from the community to help our first responders to save lives.

To donate or attend, call 329-8069 or email: Info@DanielSayreFoundation.com, or visit: www.DanielSayreFoundation.com

The foundation was founded in 1998 to honor the life of Daniel Sayre, who passed away after suffering a fall while hiking in the Kapaloa Falls in Pololu Valley on the Big Island. Although valiant rescue attempts from the fire rescue team were unsuccessful, Daniel’s parents, Frank and Laura Sayre realized the importance of recognizing those employed by fire, rescue and emergency organizations.

Trail clean-up crew

The Leleiwi Community Association organized a trail clean-up on Saturday (August 28) in Keaukaha.

Community members, along with the County of Hawai’i Parks and Recreation Department and the Hawai’i Police Department’s Community Policing Section, worked in partnership to beautify the Lokoaka Trails. Trails begin from the parking lot area off Kalanianaole Avenue and lead to Carlsmith Beach Park and the Lalakea area.

The participants widened marked trails, trimmed shrubs, raked leaves and gathered rubbish.

Police encourage anyone wishing to participate in trail clean-ups to call the Community Policing Office at 961-8121.

Cancer survivors and caregivers take the first lap at the Relay for Life event at Waimea Park Saturday (Oct 17, 2009). Photography by Baron Sekiya | Hawaii 24/7.

MEDIA RELEASE

Team Captain Meetings – Wednesday, September 1, 15 and 29 starting at 6:00pm at the W.M. Keck Observatory Headquarters.
Teams are encouraged to sign up early for Relay, a fun-filled, overnight event that mobilizes communities, celebrate survivors, remember loved ones, and empower others to fight back against a disease that takes too much. For more information call 808-895-3168 or visit the event Web site at http://www.relayforlife.org/waimeahi

Cancer Survivor Tea Party – Sunday, September 12, 12noon to 2:00pm at North Hawaii Community Hospital Café.
Cancer survivors and their caregivers are invited to celebrate their victory over cancer and pre register for the Relay. Survivors are also invited to attend the Survivors Birthday Celebration at the Relay For Life of Waimea. Event starts at 5:00pm on Saturday, October 2. Please preregister for both events with Ramona Rodrigues by September 1 at 808-333-4269

Luminaria Ceremony – Saturday, October 2 at 9:00pm.
The American Cancer Society hosts its Relay For Life of Waimea luminaria lighting ceremony to recognize those touched by cancer. Individuals or companies can make a $5.00 contribution in memory of those who have lost their fight with cancer and in honor of those who have survived. Each will be recognized by a lighted luminaria candle. Contributions can be made by calling 808-895-3168 or visit the event Web site at www.relayforlife.org/waimeahi

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Waimea is October 2 and 3, 2010 at the Anderson Arena, Mamalahoa Highway near mile maker 51. For more information on the Relay For Life of Waimea call 808-895-3168 or visit the event Web site at www.relayforlife.org/waimeahi

Contacts: Naomi Grace – Publicity Chair
Maile Carvalho – Community Manager

American Cancer Society
Relay For Life of Waimea

West Hawaii Office
75-5995 Kuakini Hwy, Ste. 443-Kailua Kona, HI 96740
(808) 895-3168

The following letter is from Magin Patrick, executive director for Christmas Wish Program:

Aloha Everyone,

Many mahalos for all those who helped put together our successful summer camp for our keiki, but for those who maybe were not able to help or didn’t get the requests, we really need your kokua now!

We had a sponsor back out after the fact, and now we are stuck with a bill we cannot pay. Our Adventures Abound tide pool exploration day was a huge success and we had so much fun. The keiki were able to learn about so many sea creatures and how to help take care of the coral reef and other great things about our ocean.

Now that all is said and done, we need the kokua to pay the bill.

So, please take a few minutes to follow this link: www.firstgiving.com/HelpHomelessKeiki and make what ever donation you can, then spread the email along to all those who might also be able to help support our educational programs.

Mahalo with Aloha,

Magin Patrick
Executive Director
Christmas Wish Program, Inc. & PROJECT HAWAI’I
P.O. Box 1844
Keaau, HI 96749
(808) 982-8128 or outreach cell 987-6018
www.ChristmasWishProgram.org
HelpingHands@ChristmasWishProgram.org

From the Kohala Watershed Partnership:

We are going to out plant dibbles of Pilo, Manono and some Olapa in the upper Koaia corridor. If we get enough hands, planting 200 dibbles is not unrealistic. Wouldn’t that be fantastic!

Please let us know by Wednesday, Aug. 25 if you can come. Phone: 443-2751; email:
pelekaneadmin@kohalawatershed.org

Be prepared for sun, wind, mist, and wet conditions. Water repellent pants and waterproof boots come in real handy.

Future volunteer days are: Sept. 11, Sept. 25, Oct. 9 & Oct. 23

We will provide additional water, snacks, tools, gloves, and transportation. Bring a water bottle and sack lunch. If you have your own gloves and favorite hand tools, bring them along too. Long pants and sturdy shoes are recommended.

Meet at 8:30 a.m., at the back of Parker Square on Kawaihae Road. We will return by 3 p.m.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support.

MEDIA RELEASE

You could be a part of fulfilling a dream for someone in your community by becoming a Habitat for Humanity West Hawaii volunteer!

“It is our vision to see that all residents of West Hawaii live in safe, decent, and affordable homes”, states Community Relations Director, Margo Takata. “It takes all of us in our community to help make it become a reality. We are currently recruiting volunteers, skilled and unskilled, for our builds on Hawaiian Home Lands in Kawaihae, Hawaii. We are also in need of lunch sponsors, too.”

Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit, grassroots faith-based community organization that seeks to eliminate homelessness all over the world. If you want to volunteer for Habitat for Humanity West Hawaii, please call (808)331-8010, or visit their website www.habitatwesthawaii.org. They are located in Kaloko Light Industrial at 73-5576 Kauhola Street, #4 near Home Depot.

MEDIA RELEASE

(HILO)— As part of the Adopt-A-Highway program, Hawaii Electric Light Company (HELCO) employees cleaned a stretch of Kanoelehua Avenue on August 14, 2010.

Over 20 volunteers spent two hours on Saturday morning picking up litter along busy Kanoelehua Avenue, from Puainako Street to Kamehameha Avenue. The team effort was coordinated by HELCO’s Engineering Department.

“This event is another example of HELCO employees’ commitment to our community,” said Tom Cummins, Engineering Department Manager. “The event also brings employees together from different departments to meet, talk story, have some fun, and share in a common goal.”

HELCO employees have participated in the Adopt-A-Highway program since 2009. Volunteers from throughout the company work together to clean the highway several times each year.

“Our employees are dedicated to the community in which we live, work, and serve,” said HELCO President Jay Ignacio. “We are proud to be a part of this effort to keep our highways clean and safe for our community.”

The Adopt-A-Highway program was developed by the State of Hawaii, Department of Transportation, Highways Division. It is a public service program that gives people the opportunity to make a contribution towards a cleaner community.

MEDIA RELEASE

HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle today announced Hawai‘i is joining a nationwide effort started by California First Lady Maria Shriver in 2005 to connect residents with money-saving resources and opportunities.

Participating in the WE Connect campaign is part of Governor Lingle’s push for statewide economic recovery.

“My Administration is proud to offer various state programs to residents through WE Connect,” said Governor Lingle. “Providing Hawai‘i’s working families with a springboard to greater opportunity and success during these difficult economic times is important for our state’s recovery and long-term success.”

The WE Connect campaign aims to bring various resources to the attention of those seeking opportunities, including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) a refundable federal income tax credit for low-income working families and individuals. For example, the EITC allows qualifying families of four to earn up to $5,028 in credits. In 2008, Hawai‘i recipients of the EITC reached 88,000 and received more than $155 million in credit.

“We launched California’s WE Connect program in 2005 when we found that so many families struggling financially were not aware of the money-saving programs and support services that were already available to them,” said First Lady Shriver. “Today, the need for these vital resources is greater than ever, and we are pleased that Governor Lingle has partnered with us to expand WE Connect nationally and ensure that millions more families in need have an opportunity to get ahead.”

The WE Connect campaign is multi-faceted, with the primary push being WEConnect.net, a website with links to resources, locations, and contact information for helpful organizations and offices. The WEbConnector tool is designed to help people determine whether they qualify for any assistance programs: EITC, Child Tax Credit, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Women, Infant, and Children’s Program (WIC), or Child Care Credit.

Because of the recent economic downturn, many who have not previously qualified for programs may now be eligible, so all residents are encouraged to explore their options on WEConnect.net

“With unemployment in decline, Hawai‘i’s residents are gaining economic ground,” said Lt. Governor James R. “Duke” Aiona, Jr. “Our residents clearly benefit from these assistance programs, but how to obtain financial help and job opportunities is not always easy or clear. WE Connect can provide additional help to get people back on their feet on their own.”

The Hawai‘i site features links to public and private local resources, such as food pantry locations, free tax locations, job postings, career fairs, internship and volunteer opportunities, and free legal help locations. Contact information for public community schools and social service offices are also listed on the website.

The Hawai‘i WE Connect site also provides small business resources, including links to online business registration though the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) and advice for new business owners.

Visit: www.WEConnect.net

The Hawaii Bike MS: Go BIG or Go Home Ride was Aug. 7-8 along West Hawaii roads.

The ride started and finished each day at Anaehoomalu Bay in Waikoloa. Both days of the 115-mile ride covered parts of the Ironman Triathlon bike portion 65 miles (Saturday) and 50 miles (Sunday).

Day 1 ride toured the coast leading north toward Hawi, where the original Kamehameha Statue resides, and down through the ancient Puukohola Heiau in Kawaihae. Day 2 toured acres of untouched lava rock south into Kailua-Kona.

Riders already have raised more than $26,000 toward their goal of $30,000 and you can still donate to National Multiple Sclerosis Society through this event.

— Find out more:

http://bikehih.nationalmssociety.org

Photography by Susan Knight | www.SusanKnightStudios.com

2009 Overall Juror's Choice winner, Kyle Rafol of Waikoloa School (Courtesy photo)

MEDIA RELEASE

“Youth and Future” are powerful themes for this year’s Peace Day celebrations around the globe. Young people can focus on creating a more peaceful future, by entering the Peace Poster Contest, part of the 4th Annual Parade & Festival for the United Nations International Day of Peace, Sunday, Sept. 19 in Honokaa.

The contest is open to all youth, and winners will be announced noon-3 p.m. at the Festival in the County Sports Complex.

First, second and third place prizes of $50, $35 and $25 respectively, will be awarded in each grade category, K-3, 4-6, 7-9 and 10-12. The grand prize for “Best in Show” is $100 and a one-night stay for the winner and parents at the luxurious Waianuhea Bed & Breakfast in Ahualoa (minimum value $200).

“We are reaching out to all educators in Hawaii, on the mainland and around the world, to use this contest as an opportunity for student dialog,” said contest organizer Cindy Navarro-Bowman, who teaches at Honokaa High School. “The U.N. theme has inspired us to reflect on the role youth play in creating a peaceful future, and our hope is that kids everywhere will send their artwork to Hawaii for Peace Day.”

How to enter the Peace Poster Contest:
* Detailed information and required forms are available at www.PeaceDayParade.org
* Deadline for submission: 6 p.m., Friday, Sept. 10, 2010 and there is no entry fee.
* Posters submitted will be considered a donation to the Peace Committee and will not be returned.

Posters will be evaluated for Focus (as relates to the theme “YOUth: Creating a Peaceful Future”), Purpose, Layout and Design, Drawings, Mechanics, Creativity and Neatness. Previous Peace Poster Contests have inspired hundreds of entries, and it continues to grow bigger every year.

“The kids make it special,” said Parade & Festival Chairman Miles Okumura, also a teacher at Honokaa High School. “They are the ones who can make it happen on the world scale too, who may actually see peace in their lifetime. Our goal is to help inspire them, with the Peace Poster Contest, the Parade and music, the slam poets at the Festival — whatever it takes. We want our events to be the most recognized Peace Day happenings in Hawaii, with major participation from kids everywhere.”

The festivities begin with the Peace Day Parade, stepping off at 11 a.m. from Honokaa High School. A “moving stage” down Mamane Street, the parade features Taiko drum ensembles, High School marching bands, colorful “Prince Dance,” cirque performers from “Terminal Circus,” the Honokaa Jazz Band, rock & roll, hip hop, hula, bon dancers and much more.

The parade ends at noon at the County Sports Complex where the community Festival begins, with great local and ethnic foods, artists and crafters, more music and live entertainment onstage.

The Peace Committee is also recruiting food booths, vendors and community organizations to participate in the festival, as well as contributions to the silent auction and flatbed trucks and drivers for the parade. Plans are underway for the annual Mamane Street decorating contest for shops and restaurants, support programs for the Carteret Islands relocation project, and other events.

Last year’s festivities drew more than 2,000 participants and news coverage on all the major local television network stations. Plus, live streaming video linked the parade and festival with Peace Day concerts around the world for a potential 2 million viewers.

The United Nations has celebrated Peace Day annually since Sept. 21, 1982. A youth group, the United Federation of the Junior Young Buddhists Associations, successfully lobbied the state legislature in 2007 to establish a permanent Peace Day in the State of Hawaii.

On the Big Island, the 4th Annual “Peace Day” events are presented by the Peace Committee of the Honokaa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple in cooperation with the United Nations and numerous community organizations. Major financial support has been provided by the County of Hawaii Department of Research and Development (Tourism Division) and the Honpa Hongwanji Mission Buddhist Temples of Hawaii (Social Concerns Committee and Propagation Grant Committee).

Sunday’s Parade & Festival are free and open to the public. Deadline to enter the Peace Poster Contest is 6 p.m., Friday, Sept. 10. For more information call (808) 883-0669, email PeaceDayParade@gmail.com or visit www.peacedayparade.org