Guava Bee

Waimea HIHS Shelter Bark Park Yard Sale- February 20

Got stuff? Want stuff? Either way, mark your calendar for Saturday, February 20 from 8:00 a.m. to noon for the Hawaii Island Humane Society's Yard Sale to be held in Waimea at the shelter's Bark Park.

Donations are being accepted so it's an excellent time for some early spring cleaning. And for bargain hunters, we can guarantee some excellent finds on February 20.

All proceeds will benefit the many programs operated by the Hawaii Island Humane Society including community education and low-cost spay and neuter programs. Funds raised will also help offset rising costs associated with the care and feeding of thousands of pets that are abandoned or turned over to HIHS annually.

Call 329-8002 if you have items to donate and need assistance with pickup. Otherwise, items may be dropped off in Keaau, Waimea or Kona at the Hawaii Island Humane Society shelters there.

HPA Hosts Financial Aid Information Sessions for Big Island Families

Hawaii Preparatory Academy (HPA) will host four financial aid information sessions around the Big Island for prospective students entering grades K-12.  Families are invited to attend the free sessions in Hilo, Waikoloa, Kona, and Waimea:

HILO: Tuesday, February 9, 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Hawaii Community College, Manono Campus, 1175 Manono Street, Bldg. 379.

WAIKOLOA: Thursday, February 11, 6 to 8 p.m., Waikoloa Park Center, Puu Nui Street, Waikoloa Village.

KONA: Tuesday, February 16, 6 to 8 p.m., Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa, Hualalai Ballroom, 78-128 Ehukai Street.  Free parking.

WAIMEA: Thursday, February 18, 6 to 8 p.m., Hawaii Preparatory Academy, 65-1692 Kohala Mountain Road.

Josh Clark, HPA's director of admission, will share information about the school's financial aid program and HPA's new Kulia Fund Scholarships.  Clark also will outline the steps families need to take in completing a financial aid application.

For more information, visit the school's Web site at www.hpa.edu, or call 808-881-4321 (e-mail: admissions@hpa.edu).

Photo: Alumni.HPA.edu

"Raga Unveiled" Opening on the Big Island

 

INDIAN CLASSICAL MUSIC CIRCLE OF HAWAII

 

 is pleased to Co-Sponsor 

 

 

"RAGA UNVEILED" - A NEW FILM by GITA DESAI

India's Voice:  The History and Essence of North Indian Classical Music

 

Wednesday, February 3 at 7pm, Honoka'a  People's Theatre

Friday, February 5 at 7pm, Aloha Theatre, Kona
Sunday, February 7at 2:30pm, Palace Theatre, Hilo

 

"Divine and transporting....  a rare treat" 

See the trailer at www.ragaunveiled.com

Kailua Village Business Improvement District Issues Website Upgrades RFP

Historic Kailua Village, Hawaii's Big Island ~ The Kailua Village Business Improvement District is seeking responses to their Request for Proposal (RFP) for improvements to its website, www.KVBID.org.

 

The upgraded Kailua Village Business Improvement District website should create a user-friendly and informative interface that is easily updated and managed. Design elements should consider branding standards developed for the District. The winning proposal will address graphic re-design, options for revenue opportunities through advertising, online sales, interactive event calendar, site links, web cam links, social applications and more.

 

The complete RFP may be downloaded at www.KVBID.org. Proposals are due on or before February 15, 2010. Deliver to Debbie Baker, Kailua Village BID, 75-5751 Kuakini Hwy #202, Kailua-Kona HI 96740 or electronically to kailuavillage@gmail.com.

The mission of the Kailua Village Business Improvement District is to make Kailua Village a model sustainable community that is a better place to invest, work, live and play. KVBID is working cooperatively to improve and maintain the physical appearance and aesthetics of public right of ways, open space and parks, increase cleanliness and security, and attract long term sustainable business and community activity in Kailua Village.

Image: Visibility Speaks

Book Sale - February 6

 

The Friends of the Libraries, Kona (FOLK) will hold its next Book Sale on Saturday, February 6th from 9 AM to 1 PM on the lanai of the Kailua-Kona Library.  Funds from sales help support the needs of Kona libraries, with funding that includes educational and entertainment programs, community summer reading programs, visiting authors, magazine subscriptions, CD’s, DVD’s and new book purchases.

 

Come and take advantage of great prices and as always volunteers are welcome.  If you find yourself willing and able, please email FOLK@folkhawaii.com or call 328-1666.

Photo: Roanoke.com 

Prevent a Litter, Fix the Critter

 
Spay Day USA is slated for February 23, 2010 and in recognition of the national event, the Hawaii Island Humane Society is offering sixteen free spays or neuters at both their Kona and Keaau shelters.

Those interested must sign up at a Hawaii Island Humane Society shelter in Kona, Keaau or Waimea by February 19 to be eligible for the free surgery.  If sign-ups exceed the limit of thirty-two (total) a random drawing for the surgeries will be held and winners will be notified. Surgery dates will be February 23 in Keaau and March 11 in Kona. Spay and neuter surgeries for those from Waimea will be in Kona.

In 2009, the Hawaii Island Humane Society spayed and neutered a total of 2,903 dogs and cats.  "Every cat and dog we spay and neuter exponentially lowers our island's pet overpopulation problem," says HIHS Veterinarian Dr. Kristina Henricks. "It is our mission to end pet overpopulation on the Big Island and the only way is by preventing unwanted litters."

 

According to Dr. Henricks, spaying and neutering not only minimizes pet overpopulation but also has many health benefits including  preventing testicular cancer and reducing prostate problems for males and preventing ovarian/uterine cancer and deadly uterine infections and reducing breast cancer for females. Spaying and neutering also reduces behavioral problems such as roaming, spraying, marking and crazy "in heat" behavior.

 

Hawaii Island Humane Society extends a mahalo to Spay Day USA participating Veterinarians Dr. Annette Hall, Kamuela Animal Clinic, Dr. Seska VerSluys, Kilauea Veterinary Services, Alii Veterinary Hospital doctors Elizabeth Jose, Aaron Lorshbough, Maria Jose and Amber Ball and Dr. Robin Woodley with Kapaau Veterinary Center for their participation in Spay Day USA.  Pet owners may contact these providers regarding Spay Day USA spay/neuter surgery availability as well as HIHS Kona Shelter (329-1175) or Keaau Shelter (966-5458) for more information.

Mayor Supports Withdrawal of Spigot Bill

 

Councilman Enriques to convene task force on free water issues.

Mayor Billy Kenoi is supporting a request to withdraw the administration’s proposal to regulate the use of public County water spigots on Friday’s Hawai‘i County Council agenda.
 
 The administration submitted Bill 189 to prevent abuse of the free water provided by the County at 15 public spigots located around the island.
 
 The County provides the water for personal, non-commercial use. Residents are encouraged to limit their use to 50 gallons per person per day for personal, non-commercial use, but currently no restrictions apply to the intended use or amount of water that an individual may take from the spigots.
 
 The County has received reports of people taking amounts far in excess of 50 gallons and using the free water for agricultural and commercial purposes. The County pays for the water that is provided free at the spigots.
 
 Bill 189 was intended to prevent abuse of the free public water in fairness to all residents of the County. But concerns raised in a January 14, 2010 letter from 6th District Councilman Guy Enriques prompted Mayor Kenoi to support the request that the Bill be postponed for further review.
 
 Councilman Enriques asked Council Chairman J Yoshimoto on January 14, 2010 to postpone discussion of the Bill on the Council’s Friday, January 22 agenda, based on “heavy public response after the presentation at the Finance Committee on January 5, 2010, (which) brought forward many questions about the rights, costs and accessibility of water.”
 
 “Furthermore,” Enriques wrote, “Bill 189 comes at an inappropriate time with the current drought coupled with the economic downturn dramatically increasing the spigot use in every district.”
 
 Kenoi responded to Enriques in a letter delivered today.
 
 “Having heard from your constituents in Council District 6, who are the largest consumers of water from public spigots in the County, I respect your concerns,” Kenoi wrote. Mayor Kenoi concurred with Enriques’ request, “provided that (Enriques) convene a task force involving residents, stakeholders and the Hawai‘i County Civil Defense to explore a fair and equitable management solution for our County spigots.
 
 “I appreciate Councilman Enriques’ understanding of his district’s residents and their concerns and accept his offer to convene a task force to look into the complex issues regarding the spigots before we move forward with this proposal,” Kenoi said.
 
 “We should give our residents a better opportunity to present alternative ideas and solutions with the intent that a new bill will be submitted for the Council’s consideration following further review of the important issues involved.”

Photo: Paul Myrick

Hawaii Island Humane Society to Benefit from TTouch Session

 

Learn Gentle Methods for Pet Control

Linda Tellington-Jones, PhD (Hon), is the world-renowned author, creator and founder of the Tellington TTouch Method®, a gentle form of bodywork for the enhancement of behavior, performance and health of companion animals and horses. She will host an afternoon learning session and fundraiser for the Hawaii Island Humane Society on Saturday, February 6 from1:00 until 5:00 p.m. at the Keauhou Kona Yacht Club at Keauhou Bay.

 

Participants will learn how to do TTouch on the mouth, ears, tail and paws of their dogs. They will also learn selected exercises in the Playground for Higher Learning under Tellington-Jones’ watchful eye.  Participants may bring their own dog but dogs from Hawaii Island Humane Society will be available to practice with as well.

 

“My small, mixed-breed female was stubborn and willful. The only way I could control her was with a prong collar,” said Barbara Hoke, a TTouch advocate.  “It seemed cruel to me and was actually doing damage to her throat. I had one session with TTouch and there was a radical, immediate, and positive change that’s continued to progress. Since I’ve learned to use TTouch, she’s become a joy to be around.”

 

Register by Monday February 1 and cost for the 4-hour training session is just $35. Cost is $45 after February 1. Hawaii Island Humane Society volunteers are $20. Pupus are included in this worthwhile afternoon of canine companionship and learning. To register, contact Tellington-Jones at (808) 322-6672, or email ltjk@kona.net. Or, contact Kim Cox Carneal at (808) 315-3725 or via email, kim@ttouch.com. More information is also available online at www.ttouch.com.

 

About the Hawaii Island Humane Society:
The mission of the Hawaii Island Humane Society is to promote respect for all animals, prevent cruelty to animals, eliminate pet overpopulation, and enhance the relationship between humans and animals. HIHS holds a contract with the County of Hawaii to enforce certain animal-related laws and it offers 24-hour service for injured animals and other animal emergencies, humane education classes, low-cost spay and neuter services, lost and found assistance, microchipping and more. Learn more at HIHS.org or call 329-1175.

Photo:KatBerard.com

Cowboy Storyteller in Kona, January 16

Kaiser Permanente's doctors to volunteer in island school gardens, January 18.

Kaiser Permanente Hawaii physicians and staff members will be partnering with Hawaii Island School Garden Network volunteering their time working in sustainable gardens at Waimea Middle and Kahakai Elementary Schools on January 18 in commemoration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. Hawaii Island School Garden Network helps Big Island schools increase consumption of locally grown foods through sustainable food production. This volunteer effort is part of several community service activities being initiated by nearly 300 Kaiser Permanente's physicians and staff on Oahu, Big Island, and Maui.

 

"As physicians and health care providers, we're naturally enthusiastic about helping people get healthy. Having the opportunity to do that outside of our clinics by supporting sustainable gardens in our community and sharing activities that teach students and their families about good nutrition is so important, and it's something we're extremely proud to be a part of," said Dr. Daryl Kurozawa, Kaiser Permanente's physician leader for the Neighbor Islands.

 

Kaiser Permanente Hawaii physicians and staff members will be volunteering at Waimea Middle and Kahakai Elementary Schools in Kailua-Kona from 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. on January 18 working in the schools' sustainable gardens weeding, pruning and planting crops. Part of the volunteer effort will include shared learning through fun activities that teach students and their families about nutrition based on the 5-2-1-0 nutrition program, a statewide effort to combat childhood obesity through public awareness and education. The 5-2-1-0 program encourages 5 fruits and vegetables or more per day, 2 hours of screen time or less, 1 hour of moderate to vigorous physical activity, and 0 sodas and sugar-sweetened sports and fruit drinks. Dr. Cris Ancog, a pediatrician with Kaiser Permanente, serves as a volunteer medical advisor for the program.

 

"The Hawaii Island School Garden Network (HISGN) is pleased to work with Kaiser Permanente in creating this tremendous community service and learning opportunity. The work day will help acquaint doctors and other health care professionals with our island's school garden movement that is reconnecting our keiki and youth with their food and helping to change nutritional choices for students and their families," said Nancy Redfeather, HISGN director.

 

In conjunction with Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, Kaiser Permanente physicians and staff will also be volunteering at Ka Umeke Kaeo Charter School in Hilo and, in partnership with 'AINA in the Schools Program on Oahu, at Waikiki Elementary School, tending to the schools' sustainable gardens; and on Maui visiting with residents, playing interactive games, teaching crafts and other one-on-one activities, serving meals and working to beautify the campus at Hale Makua Health Services elderly care home.

 

This volunteer effort is part of series of events taking place this year in celebration of the 50^thanniversary of the Hawaii Permanente Group in Hawaii, which was formed on August 20, 1960 to provide care to all Kaiser Permanente members in Hawaii.

 

About Kaiser Permanente Hawaii

Kaiser Permanente Hawaii has provided total health to the people of Hawaii for more than 50 years. All of its physicians are members of the Hawaii Permanente Medical Group (HPMG), the largest and most experienced multi-specialty physician group practice in the State of Hawaii. Care for members is focused on their total health guided by our personal physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert care and medical teams are supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education and the support of community health.  Visit kp.org for additional information.

 

About Hawaii Island School Garden Network

The goal of the Hawaii Island School Garden Network (HISGN) is to help island schools build gardening and agricultural programs that will significantly contribute to the increased consumption of locally produced food by involving students, their school communities, and their family networks in food production. HISGN is one of The Kohala Center's self-reliance initiatives. Visit www.kohalacenter.org/HISGN/about.htmlfor more information.

Photo: The Kohala Center