David Ige - Community Notices

[Taken from the Neighbors section of the Honolulu Advertiser, Monday, May 1, 2006 edition]

For residents near and around Waimano Ridge, we have potentially good news regarding the Regional BioLab (RBL).

As printed in Advertiser Staff Writer Rod Ohira's article, the National Institute of Health (NIH) has approved the new proposed Kaka'ako site. Legislators on Friday have also approved this new location and additionally budgeted $12.5 million for the project, representing the state's share of matching funds, half of the NIH award of $25 million.

With these positive steps we are taking, hope look stronger for the residents of Pearl City that the RBL will move out of Waimano Ridge.

(Click here to view the full article.)

[Taken from the Honolulu Advertiser's Neighbors section of the Friday, April 28, 2006 edition]

Congratulations to Ahromi Wang of Pearl City High School for winning the Hawaii Publishers Association 2006 Cover Art & Design Award!

Ahromi competed against entrants from high schools throughout the state. Awards were presented on Thursday, April 17th at the Pagoda Hotel.

(Click here to view the full article.)

[Taken from a press release from the Pacific and Asian Affairs Council]

Congratulations to Kimberly Rivera of Pearl City High School for being one of 20 public high school recipents ofthe Summer Study Tour Scholarship. Kimberly will serve as a gracious representative of the 50th state and undoubtedly form lasting relationships with all she meets.

"A life-changing experience lies ahead for the students. This tour, scheduled for June 19-July 5, will give students the chance to explore Japanese history, culture, and modern society. They will focus on the historical and contemporary relationships between Japan and the outside world, and meet with international, educational, diplomatic and business entities active in Japan. The students will visit Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, and Okinawa."

According to a memo from the State Department of Education, two of our district schools will begin construction projects.

• Aiea High School - Building B Reroofing


• Highlands Intermediate School - Building H - Replace A/C equipment

Please bear in mind that there will be some disruption and disturbance during the construction work; however the DOE will do their best to minimize the inconvenience where practical.

[Taken from Waiau Elementary School's monthly news bulletin "News from Us to You", May 2006 edition]

Congratulations to third grader Samuel Motonaga and fourth grader Deija-Lyn Kaneaiakala of Waiau Elementary School for their sharing their artistic talents with thier community!

Samuel Motonaga won the Drug Free Poster Contest held at Zippy's Pearl City!

Deija-Lyn Kaneaiakala was a winner in the Mokichi Okada Association's "Beauty Through the Eyes of Our Children". Her artwork will be on exhibit at the Honolulu Academy of Arts Center at Linekona from June 3-11! Exhibit hours from Tuesday to Saturday are 10-4:30pm and 1-5pm on Sunday.

[Taken from the Aiea High School news bulletin, "AHS News", May 2006 edition.]

Congratulations to Aiea High School senior, Melanie Minami for receiving the prestigious National Scholastic Arts and Writing Silver Award for her portfolio and "Kokeshi" drawing. (Click here to view her award winning "Kokeshi" drawing in our online gallery!)

Melanie and her instructor, Ms. Wendy Larrow attended the award ceremony held on May 16th.

Melanie has also been a 2-year contributor to the Capitol Artist Program, an annual program to exhibit artwork from students in our district. Her beautiful and inspiring artwork has graced our halls and walls during session and impressed our staff and visitors alike. We all wish Melanie the best in her collegiate years and hope she will continue her artistic endeavors.

[Taken from the Aiea High School news bulletin, "AHS News", May 2006 edition.]

Congratulations to teachers Corena Talioaga and co-advisor, Ken Kang and their Video Production students for the many awards they have garnered this past year!

• David Han, Kyton Fung, Michelle Diehl, and Jackie Lamug won first place for their video, "A Dream Lost" in the Island Movie contest (High School Division, Category: Teach Me Something) on February 12, 2006.


• Michael Donato and Kaylyn Dunhour placed first in the SkillsUSA Hawaii Convention Exhibition TV/Video Production competition on April 5-7, 2006.


• Troy Uyeshiro and John-Patrick Whitaker were finalists at the 2006 HMSA Teen Video Awards contest. They were recognized at the red carpet Awards Ceremony on May 4, 2006.

Congratulations for all your hard work this past year!

[Taken from the Honolulu Advertiser.]

Congratulations to Jennifer Lam of Aiea High School and Marnelli Joy Basilio of Pearl City High School for being 2006 finalists for the Mamoru & Aiko Takitani Foundation Awards, better known as the founders of Hawaiian Host.

Both students will receive a $1000 scholarship to further their academic pursuits!

"In its desire to give back to the local community, the Mamoru and Aiko Takitani Foundation's scholarship program for high school seniors recognizes students who embody hard work, innovation, and commitment to excellence and assists winners through financial contribution toward furthering their higher education.

Founded in 1993, the Mamoru and Aiko Takitani Foundation has provided more than $700,000 in scholarships to students from virtually every accredited, eligible high school in the State of Hawai'i. The Foundation offers individual scholarships of $1,000 to an outstanding graduating senior nominated by each qualifying high school in the State. Ten finalists chosen by the Foundation's Scholarship committee will receive an additional $1,000 scholarship. From this group, three of the ten scholarship finalists will receive the Foundation's top scholarship awards, two (2) $10,000 awards (total amount), and one (1) $5,000 award (total amount). Criteria used in the selection process includes consideration of financial need, academic and extra-curricular achievement, personal essay, and an individual's unique circumstances. Applications are available ONLY through the Counselors' Office at respective high schools and must be received by the stated deadline for consideration."

Visit the Takitani Foundation website for more information!

[Taken from the Honolulu Advertiser, May 10, 2006 edition.]

Congratulations to Britton Brooks, an Aiea High School alumnus and UH Manoa graduate for being one of the 2006-7 ambassadorial academic and university teacher scholarship winner from the Hawaii Rotary 5000 District!

Britton intends to attend the University of Oxford in England to study Anglo-Saxon to Medieval English. According to the Honolulu Advertiser article, Britton, who wants to be a college professor, has done Christian ministry work in Japan and spent the last summer studying archeaology at a dig site in Egypt.

(Click here for the honoluluadvertiser.com article!)

[As printed in the Honolulu Advertiser, Thursday, May 11, 2006 edition]

Congratulations to Brittney Ching, Co-Editor of Aiea High School's Ka Leo O 'Aiea, and Kristen Kaneshiro, Co-Editor-in-Chief of Pearl City High School's The Messenger for being named "Hawaii's Most Valuable High School Journalists of 2006!

According to the Honolulu Advertiser, "the Hawaii Publishers Association recognizes 34 of Hawaii's top high school journalists for their excellence in upholding the highest standards in journalism. Each has been an integral part in building his or her school newspaper into a credible and trustworthy voice throughout the year."

Congratulations for being a part of Hawaii's best! We look forward to all your future successes!

Congratulations to Earl Andueho, Mariel Joy Sagucio, Alyssa Rozade, Arlene Urmenete, and Monique Paogofie for participating in and being the Alvah Scott Elementary school winners for the Play-It-Safe poster contest, hosted by Play-It-Safe International, Inc.! Their postered helped to promote the idea of playing safe and smart in our communities during the "Play It Safe" month.

The students gathered on Friday, May 12th at the State Capitol, Governor's Chambers for the proclamation presentation and then recessed to Room 407 for the Poster Contest Awards & Presenation.

All sponsors and Honored guests are also invited to attend the "Majic of Safety" assemblies held at the various participating elementary schools throughout our island state!

For those of us keeping tracking of the Neighborhood Board meetings, the June meetings have been scheduled and posted!

Pearl City Neighborhood Board Meeting - Tuesday, June 27th at Highlands Intermediate School, 6:30pm

Aiea Neighborhood Board Meeting - Monday, June 19th at Aiea Library, 7:30pm

Take part and get involved with your community!

According to a press release from the State Department of Education, Highlands Intermediate School will undergo construction to replace the program bell system this summer.

Please bear in mind that there may be disruption and disturbance during the construction work process; however the DOE will do their best to minimize the inconvenience where practical.

[Taken from a press release from the City and County Board of Water Supply.]

RE: Puaalii Street, Puaalii Place and Puuanuhe Street: 8-Inch Mains and Cathodic Protection, Waimalu, Oahu, Hawaii

The Board of Water Supply has awarded a construction contract to Perfector Engineering & Construction Services, Inc. for work on this project. The construction contract startes July 24, 2006 and is scheduled to end on November 20, 2006.

The work involves the installation of a new 8-in water main, fire hydrants, and appurtenances along the area show on the attached map. The project will improve fire protection and water service reliability for the residents in the area.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Francis Fung at 748-5710.

[Taken from the Honolulu Advertiser, Tuesday, May 9, 2006 edition]

The State Department of Transportation's contractor plans to close the loop ramp from Aiea leading to Moanalua Freeway Friday night through early Monday morning for the next two weekends for road resurfacing work.
The closures will be limited to May 12-15 and May 19-22 if there are no weather-caused delays.
The Aiea Access Road work on the loop will involve removing the asphalt surface and replacing it with concrete. The closure is necessary becaouse new concrete requires three days to cure.
After each weekend closing, the loop will be reopened at 4:30am the next Monday.

News Update:
According to State Department of Transportation Spokesperson Scott Ishikawa, "Due to the asphalt shortage, Grace Pacific said work along Kamehameha Hwy. to repave over the bad stretches will run through this week (Tuesday, May 16-14th), but may have to be put on-hold the following three weeks. The contractor for Aiea Access Road said he will continue electrical and lighting work while waiting for the new supply of asphalt."

Below are photos attached to the press release:

As announced today on the KHON-2 news, Pearl City High School principal Gerald Suyama was named one of the two semi-finalists of the Masayuki Tokioka Excellence in School Leadership Award sponsored by Island Insurance Foundation.

Other nominated principals are Norman Minehara of Leilehua High, Catherine Payne of Farrington High, Milton Shishido of McKinley High, Robert Stevens of Radford High, August Suehiro of Olomana School, Randy Yamanuha of Maui High and Gilmore Youn of Kapa'a High.

At a dinner ceremony on May 17th, the winner and two semi-finalists were announced. The winner recieved a $10,000 personal cash award plus $15,000 for a school project while the two semi-finalists each received a $2000 personal cash award.

Congratulations Mr. Suyama of Pearl City High School for all your years of hard work and dedication to bettering our schools!

Pearl City Elementary School has broken boundries and created a tremendous opportunity for its students and surrounding community be being selected as a 2006 NASA Explorer School. After a rigorous application and selection proecess, Pearl City Elementary School was chosen this year to be one of only 26 schools in the nation to participate in this prestigious program that provides unique opportunities to engage and educate future scientists who may someday wish to become a part of the history of space exploration.

From this award, Pearl City Elementary School will receive monies that will help it to expand its inventory of technological tools and equipment for students' use, and the program provides the school with classroom lessons and activities that will reinforce science curricula which will excite students about math and science.

As only two other schools in Hawaii have received this recognition, Pearl City Elementary School has distinguished itself as a progressive institute of education. As the first Hawaiian elementary school to win the designation, it places itself in the unique position to capture the minds and imagination of students from an even earlier age.

Pearl City Elementary School will celebrate this event on Thursday, May 25, 2006 at a mid-day school assembly.

Congratulations to a year of wonderful highs!

Pearl City Elementary School turns 50 this year!

As one of the first elementary schools to be established in our district, this is a wonderful distinction for the staff, students, and alumnai of the school alike. To celebrate, the school is hosting a celebration spaghetti dinner and gathering on the evening of May 24th.

As an alumnus myself, this is an exciting moment in Pearl City Elementary School's history!

According to Wilson Okamoto Corporation, "The State Department of Transportation Highways Division is undertaking planning and preliminary engineering to develop a second access road to the Leeward Community College (LCC). Wilson Okamoto Corporation has been retained as consulting planners and engineers for this project. The proposed access will begin at Waipio Point Access Road and connect to Ala Ike Road which fronts the LCC campus."

Attached to the letter was the project overview:

"The State of Hawaii Department of Transportation Highways Division is undertaking planning and preliminary engineering to provide a second access to the Leeward Community College (LCC) campus in Pearl City, Oahu. This access will begin at Waipio Point Access Road and connect to Ala Ike Road which fronts LCC. The road is planned to be a two-lane, two-way facility that will include curbs, gutters, sidewalks, and utilities. The roadway is expected to be approximately 5,000 to 6,500 feet in length within an approximately 70-foot right-of-way.

Preliminary planning and engineering studies are expected to be completed by December 2006."

(Click here to view the map of the proposed routes.)
Please note: The map opens in a new window - the file is 990kb in size, so it may take some time to load on slower connections.

[Taken from the Pearl City High School Monthly School Bulletin, June 2006, Volume 10, Number 11.]

Congratulations to all the scholarship recipients from the Pearl City High School graduating class of 2006!

• Marnelli Joy Basillio - Foodland Shop for Higher Education Scholarship, 2006 Youth Citizenship Award, Hawaii Union Builders Foundation Scholarship, Thomas H. Gentry Memorial Scholarship.
• Ka'Lena Cuevas - DePauw University Annual Fund Scholarship, DePauw University Holton Memorial Scholarship, DePauw LEAD Scholarship, DePauw Old Gold Honor Award.
• Jennelle Daite - Hawaii Pacific University Spirit Club Scholarship, Longs Senior Scholarship.
• Jessica Fabrigas - Foodland Shop for Higher Education Scholarship, Thomas H. Gentry Memorial Scholarship, Filipino Women's League Scholarship.
• Marjorie Jones - Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Scholarship
• Ty Kobashigawa - Senator David Y. Ige Scholarship, Hawaii USA Federal Credit Union Scholarship.
• Christian Luis - DeVry Dean's Scholarship
• Denise Muramoto - Burger King Scholars Program
• Dane Nakagawa - Foodland Shop for Higher Education Scholarship
• Kori Oshiro - Leeward Partnership Scholarship
• Sharon Sakuda - University of Oregon WUE Scholarship
• Jaren Shigeta - 2006 Superintendent's Scholarship Award, Hawaii USA Federal Credit Union Scholarship.
• Noemi Solano - Creighton University Grant, Creighton University Academic Scholarship, Hawaii Rotary Youth Foundation Scholarship.
• Keilyn Tanimoto - Hawaii USA Federal Credit Union Scholarship
• Kara Toma - Thomas H. Gentry Memorial Scholarship
• Cheryl Yasumoto - Pacific University Presidential Scholarship, Pacific Community Grant

Note: This list was compiled as of May 2, 2006

[Taken from the Honolulu Advertiser, Thursday, May 18, 2006 edition.]

At the Public Schools of Hawaii Foundation banquet held on May 17, 2006, numerous teachers, administrators, grant awardees and corporate supporters were honored. One of which is Florence Yamada.

According to the article:
"Florence Yamada, who during her 43 years of service as a state employee never took sick leave. Yamada who worked for 25 years as administrative services assistant at Aiea High School, secretary to the superintendent of education and executive secretary to the chief of staff in the governor's office."

Congratulations Florence Yamada for your many years of tireless service to our schools and community! This is an award well deserved!

(Click here for the official honoluluadvertiser.com article.)

[Taken from the Honolulu Advertiser, Tuesday, May 30, 2006 edition - High School Sports section]

Congratulations to the high school Girls Basketball League All-Stars from the district!

OIA White

• Co-Coach of the Year: Mike Yen (Aiea)


• First Team: Natasha Helsham (Pearl City)


• Honorable Mention: Capri Holiona (Aiea)


• Honorable Mention: Tasha Johnson (Aiea)


• Honorable Mention: Michelle Shiroma (Aiea)


• Honorable Mention: Jennifer Yuen (Aiea)

OIA West
+ Honorable Mention: Tiani Alatani (Pearl City)

(Click here for the full OIA White article.)
(Click here for the fill OIA West article.)

[Taken from the Honolulu Advertiser's 2006 Citizenship Awards newspaper insert.]

Congratulations to Mary Rose Parase Lansangan of Aiea High School and Marnelli Joy Basilio of Pearl City High School.

Mary Rose, according to the Advertiser, ranks first in her class of 251 students. She wil also be the first in her family to attend college.

"Mary Rose stands out in so many ways. She is an outstanding leader, an enthusiastic scholar, and a compassionate volunteer. As student government president, she sees that she can make a difference and has initiated her own unique projects to foster united and communication among students. She is a mix of assertiveness and humility, optimist and realist. She will, I have no doubt make a significant contributution to the community."
-Luana Fukutomi, College Counselor

Mary Rose will continue her studies at the University of California at Berkeley as a Biology major.

Marnelli Joy Basilio, according to the Advertiser, maintained a 3.7 GPA, performed over 1,200 hours of community service for the Pearl City Community Youth Organization United to Help (PCC YOUTH) and PRIDE Productions in the past six years, and currently serves as Youth Board President and holds and ex-officio seat on the PCC YOUTH Board of Directors.

In her own words, Marnelli writes in her personal statement:

"To persevere in the face of adversity, to demonstrate self-respect and the respect for others, to live life with intergrity, to integrate discipline in everything you do and to encourage others to make positive choices. These are the character traits I have learned to live by. These things are part of me now and have helped me become the person I am today."

Marnelli will continue her education at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, majoring in Business Administration.