http://www.thehawaiiindependent.com/local/Kalihi News • Culture • Community English news@thehawaiiindependent.com Copyright 2011 The Hawaii Independent Corporation Thursday, February 9 2012 9:05 AM /story/city-rail-workshop-in-kalihi-finds-consensus /story/city-rail-workshop-in-kalihi-finds-consensus KALIHI—The City’s rail transit plans are among the most contentious and divisive issues Oahu residents face. But you wouldn’t have seen that at Tuesday’s Transit Oriented Development (TOD) public workshop at the Farrington High School library, offered by the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP). The process has been marred by conflict from its beginning decades ago, and it remains as hotly debated today as it was then. Preliminary engineering and evaluation for rail on Oahu began in 1968. Routing, contracting, environmental and cultural preservation, and funding concerns all remain unresolved. Having never quite moved beyond the conceptual, bureaucratic, and legal realms, rail has been bogged down in the planning stage since Mayor Frank Fasi began Honolulu Area Rapid Transit efforts in 1977. Clearly, Oahu has historically resisted rail transit. But the prevailing sentiment evident at the workshop was something akin to “rail is coming, so let’s make it work.” When about 60 people from throughout Oahu gathered to envision development around three rail stations in the Kalihi-Palama area, it would have been reasonable to expect a certain amount of combative rhetoric. The atmosphere was entirely amicable and friendly, however, as citizens gathered around tables in six groups of five to ten to express their personal visions for rail. In 20-minute sessions facilitated by DPP representatives, the groups discussed changes to existing conditions along Dillingham Boulevard at planned stations at Middle Street, Kalihi Street, and Kapalama Stream. Each group then gave a brief presentation on their findings. The concerns of those who participated were uniform. They focused mainly on public safety, accessibility, and aesthetics. When discussions drifted into housing the homeless, the evils of fossil fuels,  and “how it used to be,” facilitators gently steered the focus back to planning around the three stations. Some of those who participated oppose rail, but have accepted (or resigned to) the fact that rail is coming to Honolulu. They just want it to serve its purpose without destroying the fabric of life on Oahu. “I live in on the Windward Side,” said one woman from Kailua. “I just want them to make it safe and not this big ugly thing.” “I work in Chinatown,” said another. “I want to know how they plan to make it work in such a dense area.” Admittedly, it’s not hard to get a roomful of people to agree on goals like “Retain a sense of community and cultural and income diversity” and “Develop parking strategies, provide bicycle amenities as part of a regional bike network, enhance street connectivity, provide sidewalks and street repair as needed, and convenient and safe access to stations.” The materials provided to participants asked them to do just that, and the participants agreed. All also agreed that although it seems unlikely, moving Oahu Community Correctional Center out of the area would be desirable. “Put it, I don’t know,” said one man. “Put it at Fort Shafter.” The room erupted in laughs. Organized by the DPP, the workshop was led by Rajeev Bhatia, of Dyett & Bhatia, which has been hired to do the planning for TOD around the three Kalihi area stations. Bhatia discussed emerging consensus, or several concerns relating to each station shared by area residents. Also discussed was an Executive Summary of a community survey conducted by the City with the assistance of the National Research Center. The survey was distributed to 4,000 randomly selected households and collected data on commuting modes, benefits of living in the area, and the types of businesses found there. Bhatia said that the information collected at Tuesday’s workshop will be used for TOD planning as the project moves forward. The workshop seemed designed to build community support for rail as much as it was designed to gather community input. Whatever the case, both ends were served and participants left with a feeling that their concerns were heard. For more information on Transit Oriented Development, visit www.honoluludpp.org   News Culture Community Thursday, October 27 2011 10:07 PM /story/princess-kailuani-elementary-to-receive-sustainable-landscaping-facelift /story/princess-kailuani-elementary-to-receive-sustainable-landscaping-facelift KALIHI — Princess Victoria Kaiulani Elementary School will be getting a landscaping makeover on Saturday, with the help of community partnerships and the hard work of faculty and staff. The school is in need of a sustainable landscape facelift that can be maintained by the school staff. The volunteers will be landscaping different areas of the campus and planting native Hawaiian plants donated by Hui Ku Maoli Ola. Most of the other work will also include removing invasive plants and trash, and installing irrigation lines. As part of Weston Solutions’ “Making A Difference” event, Representative Karl Rhoads, school faculty, Weston Solutions, Hui Ku Maoli Ola, and M Nakai Repair Service are sponsoring sustainable improvements and beautification of the school’s campus. This is the first of many projects with Kaiulani School. News Culture Community Thursday, September 15 2011 11:56 PM /story/honolulu-city-council-to-discuss-fuel-tax-electrical-and-gas-projects /story/honolulu-city-council-to-discuss-fuel-tax-electrical-and-gas-projects HONOLULU—The City and County of Honolulu’s Committee on Public Works and Sustainability and the Committee on Budget will be meeting on Wednesday, August 31 at City Hall. The Committee on Public Works and Sustainability will be discussing grants of easements for electrical purposes within the Middle Street Bus Facility property to Hawaiian Electric Company, Inc. as well as a subsurface easement for gas pipeline purposes within the Ewa Villages Golf Course to The Gas Company, LLC. Councilmembers will also be discussing force main constructions at the Ala Moana Wastewater Pump Station as well as an agreement with the United States Geologic Survey (USGS) for the collection of hydrologic data on Oahu. For information on how to testify and to read the entire Committee on Public Works and Sustainability agenda, click here The Committee on Budget will be discussing Bill 49 (2011), which dedicates a portion of the City and County of Honolulu fuel tax for development and construction of certain road projects. Councilmembers will also discuss various parking measures at the Kapolei Hale Complex, City Hall, and Satellite City Halls. For information on testifying and to view the full Committee on Budget agenda, click here News Culture Community Friday, August 26 2011 10:34 PM /story/kaupa-mural-in-kalihi-embodies-community-effort /story/kaupa-mural-in-kalihi-embodies-community-effort KALIHI—A project that began as a brainstorm in a board meeting two years ago came to fruition in a massive, vibrant mural conceived and created by the community it represents. Nearly a hundred are responsible for bringing a bright new mural to life along Kalihi Stream. The purpose of the collaborative street art is to beautify the community and educate its members about the ahupuaa’s heritage, its reality, and its potential. The years-long efforts were led by Kalihi Ahupuaa Ulu Pono Ahahui (KAUPA), whose work in the community had been most attributed to educating people about the Kalihi watershed. At a time when economic conditions see non-profits sustain ruinous losses in grant funding, KAUPA was able to keep its vision alive, despite the evaporation of available resources. “It was kind of a painful process,” says KAUPA Executive Director Barbara Natale of the mural project. “But we got through it.” Natale speaks of hurdles and delays in conducting workshops, gathering tools and materials, and finding the volunteers needed to get the work done. After the initial planning phase was completed, resources dried up and the project stalled. A grant from the Hawaii Community Foundation eventually came through, and it was crucial in securing materials. But above all, Natale marvels at the perseverance of the people of Kalihi, and their desire to turn a graffiti-stained stretch of Kalihi Stream into a remarkable work of public art, vivid with color and symbolism. “About 60 people volunteered,” says Natale. “And we had at least a dozen people who were there every step of the way.” Among those who contributed to the mural project is a list of renowned Hawaii artists, including John “Prime” Hina, who recently completed another monumental mural project on the side of a warehouse near Honolulu Community College in Kalihi. Solomon Enos, Meleana Meyer, Harinani Orme, and Kahi Ching were also instrumental in the creation of the massive work of art. In all, over 40 gallons of paint, 72 cans of aerosol paint, and hundreds upon hundreds of hours of work by dozens of individuals have resulted in the beautification of an area blighted by graffiti. Completed over one week, the 250-foot long mural depicts the mythology, history, and aspirations of a vital Hawaii community. Natale speaks reverently of the images of kupuna and ceremonial drums, of references to the god Wakea and the sacred wind that blows through Kalihi Valley. “It’s just beautiful,” she says, smiling. The Kalihi Stream mural at Kalihi Waena Elementary is a shining example of the ability of a relatively small community to galvanize around a vision for positive change. It has the power to serve as an inspiration to not only the people of Kalihi, but to all who face the challenges of diminishing resources.   News Culture Community Thursday, August 4 2011 11:00 PM /story/learning-center-keeps-families-together-prevents-intergenerational-incarcer /story/learning-center-keeps-families-together-prevents-intergenerational-incarcer HONOLULU—Summer is a time when moms don’t have to wake their kids up at the crack of dawn, get them out of bed, prepare breakfast or pack their lunch. It’s a time where moms and kids can sleep in or relax at the beach; luxuries that the incarcerated mother does not have. Keiki O Ka `Aina Family Learning Centers (KOKA) offers opportunities for mothers and children to cuddle, read, paint nails, and play games together; reigniting the mother child bond during Keiki Fun Days. In a unique partnership with the Women’s Community Correctional Center (WCCC) in Kailua, KOKA offers six “Keiki Fun Days” annually. The Mothers Day Fun Day, to be held Saturday, August 6 from noon to 2:00 p.m. will give mothers and their children a chance to do what so many mothers and their children do on the outside: relax, play, eat and bond together. Keiki booths are set up in a carnival like setting; mats, books, and toys envelop the grounds; craft and game centers are located under an outdoor pavilion. A scrumptious mother’s day buffet awaits each mother and grandmother and their children or grandchildren. In a report published by The Office of Hawaiian Affairs, “Hawaii has the largest proportion of its population of women in prison” (September 2010). They alone are mothers and grandmothers to over 300 island children (Warden Patterson 2008). KOKA’s mentoring program addresses the direct impact parental incarceration has on families in hopes of preventing the children of these inmates from entering prison themselves.  The average age of children with an incarcerated parent is eight years old; 22 percent of children are under the age of five. Angel Tree Prison Ministry’s listing of keiki dealing with parental incarcerations in our islands has reached an all time high of 2,000 (January 2010). In order to help rehabilitate the women and help mothers reenter into the community, WCCC and KOKA recognize the importance of working with the whole family.  Former inmate Jackie Bissen shares that Keiki Fun Days like this one helped her to bond with her son. “It gave me reason to live,” says Jackie, “a chance to be a mom, a chance to hold my son like I never did before and give to him what I always wanted; my love and attention.” Warden Patterson knows just how critical events like Keiki Fun Days are. “Such special events,” says Patterson, “help maintain the bond between mother and child in an effort to prevent intergenerational incarceration.”  According to Rucker Johnson, Phd. of The University of California at Berkley Goldman School of Public Policy, over 70 percent of children with a parent in prison will enter or be involved in the criminal justice system by age 16. On the flip side, 30 percent of children impacted by parental incarceration who have a mentor for one year or more help to prevent the intergenerational cycle of incarceration (Amachi Coalition Project 2010). According to The Bureau of Justice Statistics, Washington, D.C., the average age of children with an incarcerated parent is eight years old; 22 percent of children are under the age of five. “Keeping families together and strong, supporting parents as their child’s first teacher and supporting the unique bond between parent and child is what KOKA’s mentoring program is all about,” says Momi Akana, KOKA’s executive director. “Participating parents make positive decisions to change their lives, to have healthy and meaningful relationships with their children and to stay on track once they return home to their families.”  Jackie and her son participated in Keiki Fun Days and Keiki Hale preschool while she was detained at WCCC. In addition, Jackie’s son had a caring mentor from KOKA’s Mentoring Children of Promise Program. Mentor Kimberly Feliciano became a mentor because mentoring was a way to give back to her community and provide hope to a child. “Mentoring has changed my life,” says Feliciano. Jackie’s son has ambitions of becoming a counselor, helping other children in similar situations with his mind, hands, and heart. Jackie is married, employed and just gave birth to a new baby boy. For more information about mentoring a child of promise or if you know of a child affected by parental incarceration, please contact Momi Akana at (808) 843-2502 or mentoring@keikiokaaina.org. News Culture Community Wednesday, August 3 2011 9:19 PM /story/artists-gearing-up-for-kaupa-community-wall-mural-marathon /story/artists-gearing-up-for-kaupa-community-wall-mural-marathon KALIHI—A troupe of local artists, including Solomon Enos and Meleanna Meyer, are leading the charge to involve the island community in a mural marathon the week beginning Monday, July 25. The efforts are part of one of the largest and most ambitious community mural projects in Hawaii. A first of its kind and the first of a series of large scale murals covering the length of lower Kalihi Stream, the project has been coordinated by KAUPA. The event caps off a yearlong project that included art workshops, community meetings, and late night artistic brainstorming. Spaces are still available for artists who are interested in painting the mural. Painting will occur July 25 to 30 from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. KAUPA is a nonprofit, community-based organization centered in Kalihi Valley. For more information or to volunteer, contact Barbara at (808) 381-3643 or email kaupa4kalihi@hawaii.rr.com. Related Stories: KAUPA, Kokua Kalihi Valley partner to restore Kalihi Stream at nature park KAUPA receives grant for Kalihi Stream mural Kalihi nonprofit faces dissolution in funding crunch KAUPA: Education, outreach, and action flows through Kalihi Stream News Culture Community Thursday, July 21 2011 11:54 PM /story/city-considers-hauling-excess-sewage-sludge /story/city-considers-hauling-excess-sewage-sludge HONOLULU—The City and County of Honolulu will be testing the feasibility of hauling sewage sludge from the Sand Island Wastewater Treatment Plant to the Honouliuli Wastewater Treatment Plant starting in mid-August. Tests will include hauling no more than one 5,000 gallon truck load per day from Sand Island to Honouliuli, on intermittent days, for no more than 30 days. Future testing may also include hauling similar loads to the Waianae and/or Kailua treatment plants. Prior to testing, a public informational meeting will be held on Monday, August 1 at 7:00 p.m. in the Mission Memorial Auditorium (Civic Center grounds, beside Honolulu Hale). The Department of Environmental Services will also set up a hotline for callers to report any problems encountered during the feasibility testing. Mayor Peter Carlisle ordered an environmental assessment of the potential of hauling additional loads of sludge for a sustained period. According to the City, the sewage sludge processed at the Sand Island plant currently exceeds the capacity of the single Sand Island digester, and a contingency plan must be in place to protect public health and safety. The efficiency of the plant was improved in 2008, and this led to increased amounts of sludge being removed from the wastewater. Like the water, the sludge must also be treated. By early 2010, the digester was reaching its designed capacity. The mayor’s proposed budget provided for funding a second sludge digester at the Sand Island plant, but a vote by the City Council on June 3 defunded the project. “If the funding for a second digester had not been removed, some limited trucking of sludge would have been a remote contingency during the interim construction period,” said Environmental Services Director Tim Steinberger. “It is more likely now, and on a sustained basis, which is why test runs are necessary.” “If circumstances go south at Sand Island, we will have no choice but to truck sludge to the other treatment plants on Oahu,” Carlisle said. “As an absolute last resort, if trucking is not available, the City must issue a moratorium on sewer hookups to limit the volume processed by the existing digester. A moratorium unnecessarily harms the economy and of the State and County during a time when jobs here are essential. To do nothing would be irresponsible.” News Culture Community Thursday, July 21 2011 12:55 AM /story/monumental-mural-at-hcc-honors-hawaiian-legacy-of-water-stewardship /story/monumental-mural-at-hcc-honors-hawaiian-legacy-of-water-stewardship KALIHI—A spectacularly vivid and colorful mural was unveiled Thursday at Honolulu Community College in Kalihi, a massive work nearly the length of a football field and reaching three stories high on the side of the JBL Hawaii warehouse on Kokea Street along Kapalama Stream. The theme of the piece is Hawaii water rights and usage, dominated by the words “Flow Mauka to Makai” and a stunning portrait of Queen Liliuokalani. Headed by renowned local artist John Hina, the mural project was a collaborative effort involving the work of 20 artists. Hina himself created the Queen’s familiar image, draped with flowing waters rather than the familiar regal sash of historical portraiture. Although the mural was created by graffiti artists, a milieu that conjures images of the Martian scribblings of disaffected youth and urban blight, it represents a remarkable achievement in public art. The project intends to raise awareness about the importance of water use issues in Hawaii’s past, present, and future. It will. In conceptualizing the piece, Hina says, “We got together and decided to check with the kupuna.” The result is a visually lyrical and compelling work of truly fine art that honors both tradition and change. The project was spear-headed by Hawaii artist Estria, whom Hina says has a vision to create 10 such murals around the world with theme of the importance of water to community and culture. The mural is the third such work that is part of that vision. Barbara Natale, Executive Director of Kalihi Ahupuaa Ulu Pono Ahahui (KAUPA), who is currently working with Hina on a mural at Kalihi Waena Elementary School, says “We’re thrilled. It will help invigorate the community about the environmental and cultural issues that KAUPA is committed to.” Gov. Neil Abercrombie made an appearance at the unveiling, pressing the flesh and marveling at the sheer scope and impact of the giant work of art. He exchanged pleasantries with noted native Hawaiian activist Vicky Holt-Takamine and posed beneath the Queen’s portrait for a photo-op with Hina. “I’m inspired,” Abercrombie said. “It makes you think about it in an integrated way.” Abercrombie demonstrated a deft political savvy common among career politicians when pressed by an attendee about his signing of the Native Hawaiian Recognition Bill. He kept the focus of the event on the mural, politely refusing comment. When asked about the recent Na Wai Eha court case developments regarding the drying of natural streams on Maui, Abercrombie would say only that his administration cannot comment on the specific case, but remains committed to implementing an “integrated water and land use policy.” As beloved Hawaii entertainer Palani Vaughn entertained the dozens gathered before the stage, many more roamed the area, snapping pictures and recording the moment for posterity. It was a decidedly positive and supportive atmosphere. Speaking casually about the process of creating the mural and the work behind it, artist Jonh Hina was candid and affable. When asked if he’ll need more refreshments for the artists on his next project, he was prophetic about the future of water use in Hawaii. “Nah,” he smiled. “I’m just going to bring more straws.” News Culture Community Friday, July 8 2011 11:57 PM /story/kaupa-receives-grant-for-kalihi-stream-mural /story/kaupa-receives-grant-for-kalihi-stream-mural HONOLULU—Kalihi Ahupua‘a Ulu Pono Ahahui (KAUPA) has been awarded a $15,000 grant from the Hawai‘i Community Foundation to support the Public Art Kalihi – Art & ʻĀina program.  The grant will allow KAUPA to plant native Hawaiian edible and medicinal plants along the banks for continued streambank restoration work, and complete its first wall mural along Kalihi Stream, an effort that began last year. KAUPA envisions the stream mural as a way to enhance community pride in the area, as well as create a conversation piece about our streams and how we should care for them.  Kalihi stream is one of the last urban streams on O‘ahu that has a native stream bed throughout the full length of the stream.  This has allowed four of the five native ‘o‘opu (gobies) to find a home here, along with native ‘opai (freshwater shrimp and prawns) and aholehole (mullet).  Funding will support KAUPA volunteers in removing trash from the stream and planting native plants along the streambanks, helping to reduce erosion.  Trash and excess sediment in the stream are threats to native life in the stream. In 2010, 15 Kalihi youth, aged 14 to 30, attended four art workshops in preparation for painting of the wall mural along Kalihi stream.  Meleanna Meyer, John “Prime” Hina, Kahi Ching, and Solomon Enos are the talented master artists who directed the youth in the basics of line, form, color and proportion.  Funding at that time was not enough to complete the mural.  The new grant will provide the funds needed to make the mural reality.  An additional art workshop will take place again this year, culminating in the painting of the mural in July. The Kalihi Waena wall mural will be the first of a series of murals to be painted along Kalihi stream.  KAUPA surveyed the community and held a public meeting in July 2010 to find out what residents would like to see in the mural.  Initial responses include scenes of nature and a representation of the various ethnicities of Kalihi.  The volunteer artists, under the guidance of the master artists, studied the history of Kalihi and used the opinions of the community to create the draft design of the mural.  The initial sketch sets a scene from mauka to makai, and depicts symbols from the legends associated with Papa and Wakea, as well as Kalihi wildlife and people that represent the diverse cultures in Kalihi. Spaces are available for artists over 14 who are interested in attending the workshops and painting the mural.  The remaining workshop will take place on July 9th, with painting of the mural in the last week of July. For more information, visit www.kaupa4kalihi.org. News Culture Community Tuesday, June 28 2011 7:41 PM /story/city-seeks-community-rail-input-for-downtown-kalihi /story/city-seeks-community-rail-input-for-downtown-kalihi HONOLULU—The City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Planning and Permitting will hold community workshops to receive input in preparing the Downtown and Kalihi Neighborhood Transit-Oriented Development Plans. The Kalihi workshop will be held on Monday, June 27 at the Kalakaua Middle School cafeteria at 821 Kalihi Street. The Downtown workshop will be held on Tuesday, June 28 at the Hawaii Community Development Authority Conference Room at 461 Cooke Street. Both workshops begin at 6:00 p.m. Light refreshments will be provided. For more information, visit: http://www.honoluludpp.org/Planning. Kalihi Workshop Monday, June 27 at 6:00 p.m. Kalakaua Middle School Cafeteria 821 Kalihi St. Downtown Workshop Tuesday, June 28 at 6:00 p.m. Hawaii Community Development Authority Room 461 461 Cooke St. News Culture Community Monday, June 20 2011 6:47 PM /story/kaupa-kokua-kalihi-valley-partner-to-restore-kalihi-stream-at-nature-park /story/kaupa-kokua-kalihi-valley-partner-to-restore-kalihi-stream-at-nature-park KALIHI — The Kalihi Ahupuaa Ulu Pono Ahahui (KAUPA) is back from the brink of dissolution thanks to donations to the Save KAUPA Campaign. The nonprofit group will now be able to continue its work toward the restoration of the Kalihi Stream and the Kalihi ahupuaa, and the preservation of the area’s natural and cultural resources. KAUPA has announced a partnership with Kokua Kalihi Valley (KKV), one that will see KAUPA volunteers assist KKV with the restoration of the part of Kalihi Stream that runs through KKV’s nature park property, including the uncovering of an ancient auwai, or irrigation channel. Both KAUPA and KKV are seeking volunteers for this work, which will be, at times, rigorous. KAUPA provides gloves, bags, boots, and tools, as well as water and light refreshments. It is recommended that volunteers clothes they don’t mind getting dirty, close-toed shoes, sunscreen, and a hat. The cleanups will take place on Saturday, May 14, May 21, June 11 and June 18, from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Cleanups will also be held on Tuesday/Wednesday through the end of June. To volunteer, call 381-3643 or email kaupa4kalihi@hawaii.rr.com. News Culture Community Wednesday, May 11 2011 1:29 AM /story/farrington-high-school-to-celebrate-75-years /story/farrington-high-school-to-celebrate-75-years Over 100 student performers in collaboration with FHS alumni, faculty, and community groups will be putting on a spectacular show filled with music, dance and theatrics for the public in celebration of the 75th anniversary of the school. Founded in 1936, Farrington High School has a long and proud history that will be shared with the Kapalama community. The public will be treated to a special video tribute in honor of the school’s namesake, Wallace Rider Farrington, who served as the sixth governor of the Territory of Hawaii from 1921 to 1929. Students from the popular T- Shirt Theater will then perform an original script, followed by a 30 member Lei Day court paying tribute to the many ethnic groups that make up the student population at Farrington. There will be a second showing of the May Day celebration that is open to the community starting at 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. This will be the school’s second “green” event in partnership with Jack Johnson’s Kokua Hawaii Foundation who will be collecting data that evening to measure the school’s carbon footprint through food and beverage waste. All consumables will be properly disposed of in marked receptacles further educating the public about recycling and compost waste as methods of living sustainably. Ample parking on campus and admission to the public event is $3.00. FHS students, faculty and FACF Board Members are free. Friday, May 6 1:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. Farrington High School; Kitamura Gym 1564 North King Street News Culture Community Thursday, May 5 2011 3:11 AM /story/trey-smoov-comes-to-honolulu-for-high-school-concert-series /story/trey-smoov-comes-to-honolulu-for-high-school-concert-series R&B and Hip Hop trio Trey Smoov is coming to Honolulu to share their story and provide guidance and strength for Hawaii’s youth with a high school concert series. Trey Smoov will be performing for the students at Farrington High School on May 12 at 12:00 p.m. and Waipahu High School on May 13 at 12:00 p.m. where they will offer insight into life through their journey to where they are today and play their music from their debut album Misconception. The three southern Californians comprise Trey Smoov (Mack Daddy, YC, and Vocalz) posted a YouTube video, simply tagged “Samoans Singing,” which quickly got attention. The members hoped to shatter the misconception that “Samoans are only good at sports.”  Trey Smoov’s angelic harmonies and pitch-perfect delivery tell stories of love, life, and relationships. Their debut album, Misconception deals with universal issues and speaks to anyone who appreciates music regardless of their race or socioeconomic background. Trey Smoov recently finished a major West Coast six-city tour with their cousin band Nesian NINE, playing shows in Las Vegas, Washington, Portland, San Francisco, San Diego, and Los Angeles. Grassroots support from fans have led to a higher demand for shows all over the Pacific Rim and the continental United States. Their next album, The Smoov Island sounds of Trey Smoov embraces their island roots and will be released in August with the single “Rude Boy.” Through the high school concert series on May 12 and 13, Trey Smoov hopes to positively impact the lives of the students and share their stories of success and hope.  For more information about the concert series and Trey Smoov, visit TreySmoov.com.   News Culture Community Tuesday, April 26 2011 11:55 PM /story/budget-crunch-time /story/budget-crunch-time News Culture Community Monday, April 25 2011 8:24 PM /story/uh-to-receive-million-grant-to-combat-childhood-obesity /story/uh-to-receive-million-grant-to-combat-childhood-obesity HONOLULU—The University of Hawaii at Manoa’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources will accept a $24.8 million grant to guide a children’s obesity prevention program and policy development in Hawaii and the Pacific region. The five-year competitive grant, the only one of its kind nationwide, will be awarded by the USDA National Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA). USDA NIFA Director Roger Beachy and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsak will deliver congratulatory remarks by videotape. U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye, UH Manoa Chancellor Virginia Hinshaw, and Dean Sylvia Yuen will speak. Children’s obesity prevention program grant announcement Wednesday, April 20 at 2:30 p.m.                                                              Lanakila Park Head Start Center News Culture Community Wednesday, April 20 2011 12:14 AM /story/iolani-palace-to-unveil-restored-music-room-monday /story/iolani-palace-to-unveil-restored-music-room-monday HONOLULU—The Music Room at Iolani Palace has been fully restored to its original 19th Century splendor, and will be open to the public beginning today. It will be the first such “room reveal” at the palace in 20 years. The cost of the restoration exceeded $250,000, much of which came from private donations. Many textile items such as the carpeting and drapery had to be completely recreated. Many other items have never been seen by the public before, including original watercolors and statuary. Some of the notable items on display include the throne of Kamehameha III, a photo of Princess Kaiulani, and the Silver Yacht. The original pedestal for the yacht was lost during the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani and was recreated by Martin & MacArthur. A two-tusk table is of particular interest, as the two tusks that make the table had been separated for over 100 years. State Rep. Corrine Ching (R) was facilitated the return of one tusk from the continental United States. For more information, visit www.iolanipalace.org. News Culture Community Monday, April 18 2011 9:27 PM /story/kamehameha-schools-seeking-new-board-trustee /story/kamehameha-schools-seeking-new-board-trustee HONOLULU—A Kamehameha Schools screening committee appointed by the State Probate Court is assisting in the selection of a new Kamehameha Schools trustee. The new trustee will replace Trustee Diane Plotts, who ends her term in June 2011. Kamehameha Schools is a private, educational, charitable trust founded and endowed by the legacy of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop. Kamehameha Schools operates a statewide educational system enrolling more than 6,700 students of Hawaiian ancestry at K-12 campuses on O’ahu, Maui and Hawai’i and at 31 preschool sites statewide. Thousands of additional Hawaiian learners are also being served through a range of other Kamehameha Schools outreach programs, community collaborations and financial aid opportunities in Hawaii and across the continental United States. In addition to Plotts, the current Board of Trustees includes Chairman Corbett Kalama, Vice Chairman J. Douglas Ing, Secretary/Treasurer Micah Kane, and Trustee Janeen-Ann Ahulani Olds. The Trustee Screening Committee will present a list of three candidates to the Probate Court. From that list, the Court will name the new trustee. The appointee would qualify for a five-year term and could be eligible for an additional five-year term, to be determined by the Court. The committee is looking for active leaders within the community “with a deep sense of commitment and the ability to ensure Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop’s vision and legacy continue to be perpetuated.” Candidates must possess demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following areas: business administration; finance and investment; strategic planning and policy setting; or areas of interest to Kamehameha Schools, including education, law or governance. The committee describes an ideal candidate as someone who possesses a recognized reputation of integrity and good character; the capacity to fulfill the responsibilities of a fiduciary under trust law; and respect for and from the community; consistent and active leadership in the community with specific emphasis on issues impacting the well-being of the people of Hawaii; history of success in business, finance or related areas; a formal education; outstanding personal traits including Hawaiian values; and willingness and sincerity to uphold the purposes of the Kamehameha Schools. The Trustee Screening Committee is made up of seven volunteer community members: Richard Coons; Wendy B. Crabb; George “Keoki” Freeland; Cheryl L. Ka’uhane Lupenui; Benjamin M. Matsubara, Esq.; Wesley Park; and Michael E. Rawlins. Each trustee currently receives an annual compensation of $122,000. The chairperson receives $158,000. Candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and a statement on their view of the role of a trustee; their vision, goals and objectives for the trust estate; and what they would do to attain those goals. Nominations should be submitted to Trustee Screening Committee, c/o Inkinen & Associates, 1003 Bishop Street Suite 477, Honolulu, HI 96813. Applications can also be faxed to (808) 521-2380 or emailed to jobs@inkinen.com. The deadline is June 10, 2011. For more information, visit www.inkinen.com. News Culture Community Monday, April 18 2011 7:40 PM /story/city-partners-with-costco-for-recycling-project /story/city-partners-with-costco-for-recycling-project The City’s Department of Environmental Services (ENV) is partnering with Costco Hawaii to educate its customers about recycling while shopping. Specially designed in-store signage will make it easier to identify recyclable products. ENV and Costco surveyed all of the products on its shelves, identified blue cart recyclable products such as plastics, corrugated cardboard, aluminum cans and glass containers. Product signs were amended to include blue cart instructions and integrate a recycling theme throughout the store. “This innovative recycling education project is a first for Costco worldwide and the City welcomes the opportunity to teach more people about recycling,” Mayor Peter Carlisle said. “With thousands of daily shoppers, Costco’s efforts will have a tremendous impact on what ends up in the blue carts. Our waste is a resource for new products and energy, along with mulch and compost.” All four Costco stores on Oahu are participating – Waipio, Kapolei, Iwilei and Hawaii Kai. Almost 1,000 products in Costco were identified as blue cart recyclables. The new pilot recycling education program launches April 1. The program will be evaluated at the end of one year and may become a permanent component of Costco’s customer service. The Recycling and Disposal Guide for Oahu and The Opala IQ Book are available at all Costco locations while supplies last. For more information, go to opala.org. News Culture Community Friday, April 1 2011 8:38 PM /story/kalihi-non-profit-faces-dissolution-in-funding-crunch /story/kalihi-non-profit-faces-dissolution-in-funding-crunch KALIHI—The Kalihi Ahupuaa Ulu Pono Ahahui, or KAUPA, a community-based non-profit organization dedicated to promoting education and preservation of cultural resources along Kalihi Stream, lost its prime funding source in October of last year. KAUPA now seeks the community’s support to sustain operations and allow the completion of a rock wall mural at Kalihi Waena Elementary. The aim of the mural project is to visually represent the cultural, environmental, social, and political issues and stories of the community. The project is one of many organized by KAUPA to instill pride in the surrounding community. The nonprofit was formed as a way to revitalize Kalihi, a bustling, multicultural community, formed by long-time residents and newcomer immigrants from across Asia and the Pacific. KAUPA volunteers also recognize that much of Kalihi is overshadowed by poverty. Of Kalihi’s 46,500 residents, 17.1 percent receive public assistance income, and 22.8 percent of families with children live in poverty, more than double Hawaii average, KAUPA reported in its monthly newsletter. Per capita income in Kalihi is in the lowest 25 percent of the state. Kalihi is home to overcrowded public housing, including some of the largest public housing projects in the state. KAUPA stated in its newsletter: “Although there are many social and environmental problems in the Kalihi ahupuaa, KAUPA believes that the opportunities far outweigh the challenges. Kalihi’s people of diverse cultures and backgrounds have a wealth of expertise and innovative ideas that can help to solve the community’s problems. The Kalihi ahupuaa still has many pockets of natural areas, and native species, though rare, can be found in the lowest and highest reaches of the stream. Finally, Kalihi is home to many willing partners that have demonstrated their commitment to improve their community, and believe that environmental change can lead to social change.” Since 2007, KAUPA has touched many lives, educated thousands about the ecology Kalihi Stream and removed countless tons of trash, metal, and green waste from dozens of sites along the stream during its monthly stream cleanups. KAUPA applies traditional Hawaiian watershed management practices and good science to improve the environmental quality of the Kalihi watershed. Hundreds of native plants have been planted along Kalihi Stream. KAUPA also provided an ecological and cultural curriculum for students at Kalihi Waena. KAUPA hopes to raise $5,000 by March 31, or the non-profit faces dissolution. Donations of cleanup supplies such as heavy duty garbage bags and gloves are also being accepted. Credit card donations can be made at www.networkforgood.org. Checks can be sent to: KAUPA P.O. Box 17637 Honolulu, HI 96817 For more information, visit kaupaforkalihi.org. News Culture Community Thursday, March 10 2011 8:56 PM /story/kalihi-valley-neighborhood-board-to-discuss-improvements /story/kalihi-valley-neighborhood-board-to-discuss-improvements The Kalihi Valley Neighborhood Board is scheduled to meet at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 9 at the Akira Sakima Recreation Center on Kamehameha IV Road. Current Kalihi improvement projects to be discussed are the Kalihi Valley Homes renovation project and safety improvements to an S-turn on Kalihi Street that has been the subject of many frequent concerns expressed by residents at past board meetings. At the most recent meeting of the board on February 9, many residents expressed concern over a variety of traffic related issues, among them the need for a four-way stop sign at Hihio Place and Kilohi Street due to the number of schoolchildren in the area. The department of Transportation Services will conduct an investigation to assess the request and report to the board at the June 2011 meeting. A copy of the March 9 meeting agenda is available here. A copy of the February 9 meeting minutes is available here. News Culture Community Thursday, March 3 2011 7:58 PM