Starting today, KTA Super Stores customers can use their shopping skills to help local high school athletic programs. According to the “Hawaii Tribune-Herald”, KTA and Sports Line are once again launching “Sport Up”, a six-week program that allows customers to help 17 Big Island high schools win money fro travel and sports equipment. Approximately 50 percent was cut from high school athletic programs state-wide in the 2009-2010 school year. To make up for the shortfall, KTA, Sports Line, and Hawaiian Air have donated $50,000, which will be split between schools participating in the “Sport Up” program.
A man wanted by police for theft at a Hilo supermarket is in federal custody in Oregon, accused of bank robbery. Last week, police issued a statement saying that 34-year old Michael Foley-Long was wanted for questioning in a theft investigation. Police Lt. Mitch Kanehailua told the “Hawaii Tribune-Herald” that Foley-Long tried to steal about $500 worth of groceries on September 18th from the Sack N Save store in the Puainako Town Center. Kanehailua said he wasn’t sure if Foley-Long will be sent back to Hawaii to face charges.
The Hawaii Tourism Authority has told the Associated Press that it is giving $600,000 to 27 programs seeking to preserve and honor Hawaiian culture. The announcement of the awards comes several days after a survey found that most Native Hawaiians hold a negative perception of the visitor industry and its impact on their culture and language. Our station news poll also showed a largely negative reaction to the impact of tourism on Native Hawaiian culture. More than $180,000 will go to Hawaii Island programs aimed at perpetuating Hawaiian culture.
A lawsuit from former Hawaii County Councilman Stacy Higa is getting closer to a trial date. According to the “Hawaii Tribune-Herald”, Higa is hoping to clear his name in a scandal involving former aide Melissa Chang. Higa has insisted that he did nothing wrong. Higa said “I;m suing to make sure she doesn’t get one penny.” A judge dismissed the federal case, but the state version remains alive in the Big Island’s 3rd Circuit Court.
On Thursday, February 11th, Rowenn Cabalo of Waimea and father of two young children, lost his life in a surfing accident. A celebration oflife will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday at Anaeho’omalu Bay. Any donations to the family will be greatly appreciated. You can send donations to Chantelle Cabalo, P.O. Box 7045, Kamuela, HI, 96743.
The Laupahoehoe Music Festival is coming to Laupahoehoe Beach Park this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Proceeds from the fifth annual festival will go toward shcolarships for area high school seniors who want to attend college. Malama Hawaii Nei president Lucille Chung tells “West Hawaii Today” that the effort hopes to raise $5,000 in scholarship aid. Chung says “we haope the students realize and fulfill their dreams…we want them to come back to Hawaii and be educated, productive citizens. Tickets are only $5.00. Tickets can be bought at Laupahoehoe High School and the “50’s Highway Fountain.”
You are invited to attend the Puna CDP Action Committee monthly meeting on Thursday, February 18th, 3-6 p.m. at the Keaau Community Center. Agenda items include an update from Bill Walter of W.H. Shipman, Limited, on the status of the Keaau Town Conceptual Master Plan, various amendments, and other plans that W.H. Shipman may have in place for its lands in Puna.
The Hawaii Forest Institute has been awarded an $8,000 grant from the Arthur Lawrence Mullaly Fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation for the Ka’upulehu Dryland Forest Restoration and Educational project. This year, 150 volunteers will participate in a variety of stewardship activities, including the planting of seedlings, building trails, and pulling weeds.
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