As seen on The Honolulu Advertiser's Monday Local News Briefs:
"Pearl City High School will conduct a HI 5ยข recycling drive Saturday (January 21st) from 8 to 11 a.m. to raise money for the school's athletic programs.
Redeemable cans, plastic and glass bottles can be dropped off at the school, 2100 Ho'oki'eki'e St. Beginning in March, the school will hold similar recycling drives on the first Saturday of each month."
[Direct from a press release from the Scholastic Co-Chair, Roy Chang of Aiea Intermediate School.]
"The Department of Education in partnership with the Exhibition Space and Aloha Airlines presents the Hawai'i Region of the Scholastic Art , 2006 Exhibit and Awards Ceremony. The annual events allow middle and high school students from both Hawai'i's public and private schools to showcase their award winning visual arts both at local and national levels.
The HAWAI'I Region of the Scholastic Art Exhibition is January 29 through March 1, 2006.
This year's award ceremony and exhibit is located at the Exhibition Space on the Upper Lobby Level at 1132 Bishop Street."
The 2006 Gold Key and American Vision Award Winners will recieve their awards at the Preview Reception on Sunday, January 29th. Student art categories include ceramic and glass, computer and digital art, design, jewelry, fiber, drawing, mixed media, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, and video & film.
Also, a seperate "First Friday" Opening Reception is scheduled Friday February 3, 2006, 4-6:30 p.m. (This event is to be in concert with the"First Friday" open houses of downtown art galleries.)
We hope that you will join us in celebrating this much anticipated art contest and exhibit that nationally recognizes the creative excellence of Hawai'i's 7 to 12 grade public and private school students.
Although the Hawaii Region of the Scholastic Art Awards is a state-wide event, it is a wonderful opportunity to see the astounding artistic ability of our local students. Further coverage of this event will be displayed on DavidIge.org post-event!
The Capitol Artist 2006 Program is off to a strong start! For the month of January, we are proud to display artwork by students of Waiau Elementary and Aiea High School! Decking the walls of our halls and walls are beautiful paintings, photographs, and even illustrated poetry! I highly encourage you to come by have a look!
The artwork will be available for view throughout the month of January and early February!
For residents of the District 16, we have two hard-working neighborhood boards that meet monthly to address issues, concerns, and events that affect you on a personal level.
The following are links to their respective websites and monthly agendas. Many of their issues deal directly with the City & County of Honolulu and representatives from their respective offices often-times are present at the meetings to address the issues. The members of the boards are made up of residents who are work hard to ensure the safety and well-being of the community at large. They are your local representatives - next-door neighbors and friends who act as your voice in government.
The monthly meetings are open to the public and participation is encouraged!
Be informed and in the know in your community!
Every year, area legislators get together and plan themed town meetings that address specific issues that we feel affect the community. In 2005, the hot topics were Traffic & Transportation, the Weighted Student Formula, and Identity Theft.
In 2006, we plan to tackle long-standing problems as well as new issues that we face or will face. We hope for just as strong attendance from the community and any other interested parties as years past!
Town Meetings - 1st Quarter 2006
More specific meeting notices will be posted as more information becomes known!
A warm congratulations to all the winners of the 43rd Annual Hawaii Region of the Scholastic Art Awards held this past Saturday at 1132 Bishop Street. It is wonderful to see the quality of work and thoughtfulness of subject matter coming from Hawaii's talented youth!
Congratulations to all the winners from the 16th District:
All of their artwork, as well as photos from the event, are available for view in the site gallery. (Under Session 2006 > 43rd Annual Hawaii Scholastic Art Awards)
I encourage all to drop by the old First Hawaiian Bank building/the current HPU annex on Fort Street Mall (1132 Bishop Street). The gallery is open for view from 8am to 4pm on the Upper Level Lobby. The display will be up for view from January 29th - March 1st. Don't miss this opportunity to see the beautiful artwork by students from all over the islands.
Also, the coordinators would also like the public to attend February's "First Friday" Opening Reception on February 3rd at 4pm. Click Here for a PDF of the event postcard.
Free validated parking for up to 1/2 hour at the lobby Security Desk. Parking entrance is the third driveway/ewa side of Bishop Street after crossing Beretania.
Also, there will be televised coverage of the Scholastic Awards on Channel 56 during the month of March on "Student Connections". Be sure to tune in!
Direct from press release regarding February's Hawaii Student Digital Showcase, courtesy of Irene Yamashita:
Aiea Intermediate - Benny Goodman
Chiefess Kamakahelei - Beware of Strangers
Farrington H.S. - Racer's Story
Hakipu'u Learning Center - Wash Your Hands PSA
Hakipu'u Learning Center - Use Soap Not Dope PSA
Island School - Mountain Biking Adventure
Kailua H.S. - Winter Ball Assembly
Seabury Hall - Chess Tournament
University Lab School - Gr. 2&3 Planting Seeds Project
Kalani H.S. - The DVD
Student Anchors:
Sierra Soto - Roosevelt H.S.
Bryson Tamanaha - Kapolei H.S.
Air Dates Ch.56:
Tuesdays @ 5-6 p.m. | Thursdays @ 12-1 p.m. | Saturdays @ 9-10 a.m.
Mark your calendars for the Third Annual "Evening in Aiea", Food & Beverage tasting event complete with live entertainment on Saturday, April 22nd from 6-9pm!
The featured restaurants are Sam Choy's, Thai Kitchen, Hong Kong Harbor View Seafood Restaurant, Bandito's, and Shanghai Bistro. The $50 entrance fee offers all-you-can-eat sampler plates and dancing with Rolando Sanchez and Salza Hawaii! It will be a guaranteed fun time had by all!
This event is held by Our Savior Lutheran School. Only 500 adult tickets and 150 children's tickets for the "Kid Zone" are sold. Monies received from the "Evening in Aiea" will raise scholarship funds for 15 Oahu children to attend their school.
According to Howard H. Tanaka, Head of the Capital Projects Division - Engineering Branch of the Board of Water Supply, a construction contract has been awarded to Ideal Construction, Inc. for work on the Aiea Heights Water System. The contract starts on April 10, 2006, and is scheduled to end on November 5, 2006.
To quote the memo, "The work involves the installation of 12-inch and 8-inch water mains, fire hydrants, and appurtenances along the streets shown on the enclosed map. (Please click to view the map in PDF format.) The project will improve fire protection and water service reliability for the residents in the area."
For questions and concerns, please contact Jason Takaki at 748-5740.
[As reported in the Honolulu Advertiser Local News/ Hawaii Briefs on Thursday, February 16, 2006 edition by Advertiser Staff Writers.]
Congratulations to Momilani Elementary fifth-grader, Evan Lin for winning an award in elementary piano at the Oahu Arts Center's third annual Mozart Festival!
First place winner, Ren Martin Doike, and all other winners (including Evan Lin) will perform in a 7pm concert on February 25th at the University of Hawaii's Orvis Auditorium. Tickets to the concert, priced at $20 for adults and $10 for children 12 and younger, can be purchased at the door or by calling 848-7632.
All residents of the Aiea district are welcome to the Aiea Neighborhood Board Meeting on March 13, 2006, 7:30pm at Aiea Library, 99-143 Moanalua Road.
For the meeting agenda, please follow this link.
[Taken from the press release from the Friends of Pearl City Library]
The Friends of Pearl City Library will hold a booksale Sunday, April 23, 2006, from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm in the library meeting room. Members may enter from 9:00 am that morning.
Book prices start at 25-cents for pocketbooks and children's books; hardcover books are $1.00 each. Record albums, videotapes, and computer programs will also be sold. Hourly discounts will be announced thoughout the day.
A Members' Night pre-sale will be held Monday, April 17, from 5:30 - 7:30 pm. Special discounts will be available this evening. New and renewal memberships will be taken at the door.
Annual membership is $7.00 for adults (16 and above), $5.00 for juveniles (15 and under), and $15.00 for family (must include one adult).
All proceeds benefit the Pearl City Public Library and its programs.
For more information, call 453-6566 during library hours.
Congratulations to the Joshua Echols, an eight-grader at Our Savior Lutheran, and Jordan Komoda a seventh grader, and Aldric Ulep, an eighth-grader at Highlands Intermediate School qualifiers from the Pearl City & Aiea districts!
We wish you the best of luck on Sunday, March 26th at the Honolulu Advertiser State Spelling Bee. Cheer them on at 5pm on K-5!
We bid a warm welcome to Brittney Hamilton, Juliana Bojorquez, and Mary Jo Madamba of Pearl City Elementary School. They took time out of their busy day to visit and learn a little bit about what goes on here at the State Capitol under the wing of Senator Suzanne Chun-Oakland! They are accompanied by their teacher Mr. Russell Minobe, Mr. Hamilton (Brittney's father), and Mrs. Funikoshi.
The girls were formally introduced during session today on the senate floor.
[Taken from an official press release from Howard H. Tanaka, Head of the Capital Projects Division - Engineering Branch of the Board of Water Supply dated March 16, 2006.]
[Click here to view the attached map of the affected areas.]
The Board of Water Supply has scheduled a water main replacement project in the Pearl City area that involves the installation of an 8-inch water main, fire hydrants, and appurtenances along Nanakai Street (and its subsequent side streets) and Hooheke Street. This project will reduce the main breaks and imporve fire protection and water service to the residents in the area.
At this time, the Board to Water Supply is advertising for construction bids and will start work after the contract documents are processed and proper permits are obtains. Stay tuned for future notifications.
If you have questions or concerns, please contact Francis Fund at 748-5710.
During this rainy spring season, traffic congestion and constant construction on Kam Highway is foremost in our thoughts. Discussed at last night at the March Aiea/Pearl City town meeting, your local area legislators in conjuction with the State Department of Transportation, the City Department of Transportation Services, and Parsons Brinckerhoff have plans in place for substantial improvements to take place over the following year.
The evening started at 7pm at Waimalu Elementary School cafeteria. Despite the heavy rain and flooding, the turnout at the meeting was substantial. First on the agenda was the City Department of Transportation Services. Highlighted in their presentation were two planned traffic solutions:
Following DTS, Alan Fujimori of Belt Collins Hawaii Ltd. prepared an hour-long presentation regarding the Kam Highway Beautification Project. Through the Kam Highway Task Force, headed by the State Department of Transportation liason, Scott Ishikawa in conjunction with the area legislators, the Aiea and Pearl City Neighborhood Boards, the Pearl City and Aiea Community Associations, Pearl Ridge Shopping Center, the Outdoor Circle, and various Historic Sites in the district, a landscaping master plan has been fleshed out and is supported by all involved groups. With the intention of creating an aesthetically pleasing, yet safe, useable, and accessible Kam Highway by residents and visitors alike, the proposed plan will create a sense of belonging and emphasize the rich history of our district. Additionally, the master plan goes hand-in-hand with the future mass-transit project.
Also, Kevin Ho of Belt Collin Hawaii Ltd. in conjunction with Parsons Brinckerhoff had plans for the Ka'ahumanu Street and Hekaha Street intersection. Plans are set for approval today (March 31, 2006) to implement two new traffic lights for Blaisdell Park and Ka'ahumanu Street. During this time, they will also be making adjustments to the traffic light timing. They request the input of the community should there be additional inconveniences by these changes. Lastly, Parsons Brinckerhoff are also implementing a Corridor Signal Optimization plan to reduce waiting time and improve traffic progression. Data collection starts on April 11th and with plans to start the optimization plan at the end of the year.
Finally, the State Department of Transportation ended the meeting with their brief presentation regarding the H-1 widening, Waimalu Gardens update, and the Aiea Access Road repaving projects. Unfortunately, due to the weather (6 weeks of cleanup rather than construction) and plans to repair the viaduct strip all the way into town, construction will end (possibly) in June. DOT Director Rod Haraga announced a plan to test five different pavement materials in 100 foot patches for up to 90 days to determine the best material for the job. The blasting sounds disturbing residents over the past weeks should no longer be heard as the construction team has changed from beads to water.
The Aiea Access Road repaving on Moanalua to Aloha Stadium starts in April and will continue through October and November. The circle ramp will experience 3 weekend closures during this time (but football weekends were promised open!) (See the attached PDF of the affected areas.)
The Department of Transportation stressed numerous times the necessity to voice your concern regarding the construction and current damage to the roads. Please keep these numbers handy and call them when you see or experience problems arising:
If you feel uncomfortable calling these numbers, feel free to call my office and we can forward your concerns to the proper authorities.
And last, but not least, the next town meeting will be held on April 10th, 7pm at the Pearl Ridge Elementary School Cafeteria. This meeting, concerning Junior Kindergarden and other early-education issues is spearheaded by Senator Norman Sakamoto and Representative Roy Takumi. Check back at davidige.org as more information is made public!
The next topic of the next Aiea/Pearl City Town meeting is Junior Kindergarten, headed by the Office of Senator Norman Sakamoto and Representative Roy Takumi.
Starting school is a very exciting time for all our keiki. However, it is also a time of considerable adjustment for the child as well as their family. Some of our youngesters may not be quite ready for this change, thus for children who are five years of age on or after August 2 and on or before December 31 of the school year will be enrolled in junior kindergarten, rather than regular kindergarten.
This town meeting will explain Act 219 and the establishment of a Junior Kindergarten and report on how schools are approaching its implementation and showcase best practices.
The invited speakers for this town meeting are:
The town meeting takes place at Pearl Ridge Elementary School Cafeteria on April 10, 2006 at 7pm.
For more information, feel free to contact my office (586-6230) for my information.
To view the DOE's Junior Kindergarten informational flyer, CLICK HERE.
To view the official town meeting flyer, CLICK HERE.
(Please feel free to print, copy and distribute these flyers!)
The State Board of Education will be holding community meetings for various school complexes during the month of May. Discussions will focus on student achievement, including standards based reform, assessment and accountability and system restructuring.
For our community (Aiea and Moanalua complexes), the meeting will be held on May 10th at Alvah Scott Elementary School. from 6:30-8:30pm.
For more information, contact the Board of Education at 586-3349 or e-mail them at boe_hawaii@notes.k12.hi.us.
Junior Kindergarten was the topic of the discussion at the April 10th Aiea/Pearl City Town Meeting, headed by the Offices of Senator Norman Sakamoto and Representative Roy Takumi.
The evening started with an introduction by Amy Ng, the Primary School Adjustment Project (PSAP) liason for the Department of Education, of Deborah Johnson from the New York PSAP division. Ms. Johnson presented a certificate from the Children's Institute Board of Directors to State DOE Superintendent Pat Hamamoto to congratulate Hawaii as the only state to implement a state-wide Junior Kindergarten program.
The first presentation of the evening was by Pearl City Elementary School Vice Principal Alan Aranaydo and PCE staff members, Karol Nakamatsu, Robyn Andrade, and Gary Ginoza. The video of the school's current implementation of the Junior Kindergarten pilot program, depicts the school's choice to blend Junior Kindergarten aged children with regular Kindergarteners. PCE's program chose to focus heavily on reading, phoentics, and interaction.
The second presentation was by Pearl Ridge Elementary School Principal Laureen Dunn and teachers Jill Hiromura, Lori Kawabata, and Winifred Honda. Similarly, PRE's implementation of Junior Kindergarten was the same as PCE's - by intergrating the younger children with the regular kindergarteners. According to their findings, late-borns performed as good or better than the early-borns.
Both schools emphasized that should any late-born child be retained, it will not reflect on the child's school record. Also, a higher degree of care and attention will be directed at students who may be having more trouble than others, regardless if they are early or late-born.
For more information, view this prior community notice.
To view Senator Sakamoto's survey and results regarding Junior Kindergarten, CLICK HERE.
Photos from the Town Meeting are also up for view in our online gallery!
The next Aiea/Pearl city town meeting will be held in July! As more information is made known, a formal announcement will be posted on davidige.org!
[Taken from the Honolulu Advertiser "People" Section, Wednesday, April 19, 2006 edition. Submitted by Derek Paiva, Advertiser Staff Writer]
Congratulations to Pearl Ridge Elementary School for coming in a strong second in Reynolds Recycling's 2006 Cans for Cash Challenge! The school receives $500 from Castle & Cooke and two tickets to the Kokua Festival on Saturday from recording artist, Jack Johnson's Kokua Hawaii Foundation.
Jack Johnson and Lt. Governor James "Duke" Aiona will present the schools with their award checks on Friday at a ceremony held at the Waikiki Shell. Both schools will also earn the HI-5 recycling redemption value of their collected recyclables.
[Taken from coorespondence from DOT spokesperson, Scott Ishikawa]
The resurfacing project for Aiea Access Road has officially begun. Below is a list of lane closures for this workweek.
Aiea Access Road Resurfacing
Moanalua Road to Kamehameha Highway
Project No. HWY-O-01-05M
Weekly Lane Closure Schedule : Monday - Friday (04/24/06 thru 04/28/06)
Possible single lane closure, right lane on Moanalua Road from Uahi St. to Aiea Access Road Bridge over Moanalua Freeway.
Lane closures are scheduled between the hours of 8:30 am to 3:00 pm.
Purpose: Endpost work, barrier layout, and electrical work.
The contractor tentatively plans to close the "loop" ramp (see attached map) during the first two weekends of May (5-8 and 12-15), weather permitting. The plan is to tear off the old asphalt from the loop ramp and pour a more durable concrete surface. The two weekends are needed because it takes about three days for the concrete to cure. The weekend ramp work is being done now as not to conflict with high school graduation (late May) and the fall UH and high school football season at nearby Aloha Stadium.
We will provide more information on the ramp closures later this week.
It appears the remaining repaving work, tentatively scheduled to begin in June, will take place during the weekdays between morning and afternoon rush hours.
We will provide a project update to the Aiea Neighborhood Board at its May meeting. If you have further questions, please e-mail me or contact my office at 587-2160.
At the next Pearl City/Aiea complex Town Meeting, we are spending an evening with Mayor Mufi Hanneman!
Keep May 22nd, Monday open from 7:00-8:30pm and we'll see you at Pearl Ridge Elementary School!
For more information, please contact my office at 586-6230.
[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.
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:
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.
LCC presently has a single point of access from Waiawa Road, with no secondary access or emergency roadway provisions, nor is there convenient freeway access to H-1 eastbound. The proposed secondary access road is expected to extend from Waipio Point Access Road behind Waipahu High School to Ala Ike Road fronting the LCC campus.
Planning and alternative analyses, environmental documentation, and preliminary engineering and conceptual design are underway for the development of this second access road. The attached figure shows the three (3) alternative alignments under consideration between Waipio Point Access Road and the LCC.
For the exisiting Waiawa Road access, improvements are also planned to increase roadway capacity and improve pedestrian access and safety. These improvements include providing adaquate pedestrian facilities from the City bus stops on Farrington Highway to the LCC campus, and limited widening of Waiawa Road between its intersections with Farrington Highway westbound and Farrington Highway eastbound.
Studies that will be conducted as part of the Environmental Assessment include: archaeological inventory survey, cultural impact assessment, botanical survey, faunal survey, traffic impact, noise impact, social impact assessment, and hazardous waste assessments.
To the extent possible, the improvements will conform to various standards including AASHTO, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Hawaii Statewide Uniform Design Manual for Streets and Highway. Project planning and environmental documents will be in compliance with Title VI Environmental Justice (EJ) requirements, and the National Enviromental Policy Act (NEPA), the provisions of 23 CFR Part 771, Environmental and Related Procedures, Chapter 343, Hawaii Revised Statutes, and the provisions of Title 11, Chapter 200, Hawaii Administrative Rules, (EIS Rules).
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 a memo from the Hawaii 3R's organization, sent on May 30, 2006.]
Hawaii 3R's is a non profit organization that assists our state public schools in much needed repair and maintenance projects with available funds and volunteer support.
This year, Hawaii 3R's is assisting two of our district schools: Aiea High School and Highlands Intermediate School.
Hawaii 3Rs is always looking for volunteers. If you are interested in participating in these projects, please contact the schools directly. Volunteer work days start in the morning and work lasts for a few hours, ending with lunch and a short mahalo presentation.
[Taken from a memo from the State Department of Education.]
According to a memo from the State Department of Education, that construction to replace water lines at Phase I ofAiea High School will be initiated shortly. The contract has been awarded to D&C Plumbing, Inc.
Dates to begin construction are still pending.
Please bear in mind that there will be some disruption and disturbance during the construction work; however, we will do our best to minimize the inconvenience where practical.
[Taken from a memo from the State Department of Education.]
According to a memo from the State Department of Education, that construction for expansion of thePearl Ridge Elementary School cafeteria will be initiated shortly. The contract has been awarded to Ralph S. Inouye Co., Ltd.
Dates to begin construction are still pending.
Please bear in mind that there will be some disruption and disturbance during the construction work; however, we will do our best to minimize the inconvenience where practical.
For those of us keeping tracking of the Neighborhood Board meetings, the June meetings have been scheduled and posted!
Aiea Neighborhood Board Meeting - Tuesday, September 11th at Aiea Library, 7:30pm
Pearl City Neighborhood Board Meeting - Tuesday, September 26th at Highlands Intermediate School, 6:30pm
Take part and get involved with your community!
[Taken from the Honolulu Advertiser, August 11, 2006 edition, sports section]
Congratulations to the Pearl City Little League Juniors Division whom are advancing to the World Series for 13- and 14-year olds in Taylor, Michigan for the third consective year!
We are all rooting for you!
(Click here to view the official article as posted at Honoluluadvertiser.com)
Every month, the Hawaii Student Digital Showcase presents student-made productions. Be sure to check them out on Channel 56 on Tuesdays (5-6pm), Thursdays (4-5pm) and Saturdays (9-10am)!
Here's what's airing in September on the Hawaii Student Digital Showcase:
Kea'au Elementary "Our Health Matters"
Horizons Academy of Maui "The Evil Plan"
Pearl Ridge Elementary "The Hawaiian Cinderella"
Punahou School "Punahou's Symphony Orchestra"
Farrington High "No Excuse For Abuse"
Honoka'a High "3 Alternatives"
Mokapu'u Elementary "The Iwa and the Aeo"
Hakipu'u Learning Center "Paddling"
Aina Haina Elementary "A Dog's Eye View"
Hawaii Baptist Academy "The Fall"
Student Anchors: Callie Fisher - St. Andrew's Priory
Michael Gum - Hawaii Baptist Academy
[Taken from a press release from Department of Transportation spokesperson, Scott Ishikawa.]
We would like to inform you of our upcoming weekend road closures for the Aiea Access Road Resurfacing project. The closure dates were approved by our highways division, and are as follows:
Date and Times (Weekend Closures)
Friday (9/8) 9 a.m. through Monday (9/11) 4:30 a.m.
Friday (9/22) 9 a.m. through Monday (9/25) 4:30 a.m.
Friday (10/13) 9 a.m. through Monday (10/16) 4:30 a.m.
We have scheduled the road closures to avoid all University of Hawaii football games scheduled on 9/16, 9/30, & 10/7 although there will be high school football and swap meet events occuring during the road closure periods. We have informed the stadium officials about the closures and they did not have any objections.
Location
Full road closure of both mauka and makai bound directions of Aiea Access Road (two lanes) from Moanalua Rd. to Kamehameha Highway (see [image link]). Message boards and detour signs will be placed to inform motorists of the closure.
Purpose
Aiea Access Road will be reconstructed with 9-inches thick of concrete to provide a long lasting, safer, smoother riding roadway. This section of roadway is badly deteriorated and reconstruction is required rather than just resurfacing.
Background Information
The road reconstruction was originally intended to be constructed with asphalt in June or July (we tried to avoid football season). Due to the asphalt shortage, this work was delayed and we decided to construct the road with concrete in lieu of asphalt. Constructing the road with concrete would provide a better product for the State. Due to the nature of the road reconstruction work, the upcoming weekend closures will allow the contractor to complete the road reconstruction activities in larger segments and reduce the duration of the construction as compared to doing it on a nightly basis.
Also, please note that we have upcoming asphalt resurfacing on the Southeast and North Access Ramps (see black highlighted area) tentatively scheduled on September 25 - 28 (night work). We will inform everyone when the date is finalized.
On September 11, 2006, Halewiliko Street in Aiea was formally opened.
The dedication was held at the intersection of Halewiliko, Kulawea, and Ulune streets, makai of Aiea Intermediate School.
With this street opening, we hope to redevelop this area to rejuvinate our community. Below are photos courtesy of Mr. Richard Ito.
(Please click on the photos to view their larger versions)
[Official press release as submitted by the Office of Senator David Y. Ige]
State Senator David Ige (16th District) and Deputy Director Laurence Lau (Department of Health) announced the creation of a task force on Waimano Ridge. They will serve as Co-Chairs of the task force. The task force is a collaborative effort to encourage communication, increase community involvement, and to develop consensus on the existing and future uses of one of the largest parcels of state land on Oahu.
The 242-acre Waimano Ridge, located in the Pearl City area, is in close proximity to schools and residences, and there is a heightened awareness and concern for the future development and use of the ridge. A master plan was created for the property in 1993, but changes in law and in treatment practices for the developmentally disabled rendered the plan unusable, leaving many of the buildings and facilities to fall into disrepair.
State and health department officials would like to reexamine the condition of the Waimano Ridge property and its facilities and help to develop a consensus between the state, various stake holders, and the community on the future of the area. They hope that the new task force will ultimately lead to an updated master plan and enhanced communication and understanding about the property.
"Our community has demonstrated that they are part of the solution, not the problem, when discussing issues that impact their lives," State Senator David Ige noted. "The task force will plan an important role in developing consensus on future uses and in recreating the image that Pearl city residents have about Waimano Ridge. We will also create a website that will serve to consolidate information about the ridge and allow us to provide current information about activities on the property."
Health Department officials are also optimistic about the task force and the results it will bring about. "The Task Force will help to focus and improve communication between the department and the community about Waimano Ridge," said Laurence Lau.
The task force's first meeting will be held at the Pearl City Cultural Center on Wednesday, October 11, 2006, at 7PM, and the public is invited to observe this organizational meeting.
[Official press release as submitted by the Office of Senator David Y. Ige]
SENIOR FAIR AT PEARLRIDGE SHOPPING CENTER
Date: Saturday, October 21, 2006
Time: 10:00am - 2:00pm
Where: Pearlridge Shopping Center - Uptown Phase
State legislators representing the Pearl City and Aiea communities will host a Senior Fair to provide important and vital information regarding topics such as identity theft, social security and Medicare Part D to the public. Participants include AARP, the Social Security Administration, the State Executive Office on Aging - Sage Plus and Ombudsman Programs, the Honolulu Police and Fire Departments, the American Cancer Society and others.
Representatives from these organizations will distribute materials on many subjects and be available to discuss topics and answer questions. The event is free and open to the public.
"With so many changes affecting our communities, we hope to provide some outreach to people who may not know how to access important services," said Senator David Ige (Pearl City/Aiea).
State legislators sponsoring this event are Senators David Ige, Donna Mercado Kim, Clarence Nishihara and Norman Sakamoto, and Representatives Blake Oshiro, Roy Takumi, and K. Mark Takai.
From now through the month of October, ceramic sculptures created by 7th and 8th grade students of Aiea Intermediate School will be on exhibit at the Aiea Public Library!
The themes include, "Animals in its Habitat", "Sculptures which can open up as containers", and the "Human form in art".
The exhibit is free to the public. Library hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday 10 to 5pm, Thursday 12-8pm. Closed on Friday and Sunday.
The Pearl City High School Marching Band has been invited to participate in the July 2007 Beijing Olympic International Youth Festival, which is a prelude to the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in China. It is one of only two bands from the United States invited to the historic event.
The 200-member strong band will travel to Beijing for a 10-day tour from July 9-18, 2007 involving numerous public performances and parades, as well as opportunities for touring and cultural exchange. Festival participants include performing arts youth groups and organizations from all over the world. Never before has such an event been held in China, that brings together people of so many ethnic and national backgrounds to perform together on the same stage!
"Our selection is based on your past successes, excellent reputation and recommendations from prestigious American Organizations," said Rebecca Ji, Director of the Chinese-American Cultural Bridge Center, in extending the formal invitation to participate. "This is a special opportunity for your students, along with young musicians from all over the world, to come together in the spirit of the Olympics," she concluded.
"We are excited and honored to be invited," said Chad Kamei, Director of the band. "We are thankful for the hundreds of students, parents, and band teachers that have preceded us, and established the finest program in the country."
Gerald Suyama, Principal, added "The Pearl City High School Band has performed in many national and international venues, but this opportunity to travel to China and participate in this historic event is truly special. Whenever any band from Hawaii participates in an international event, the students represent their country, their state, and their school/community. We are proud to do just that."
"It's a tremendous opportunity and a big responsibility to represent Hawaii and the United States," said Max Louie, President and drum line captain of the band.
"This is a good opportunity to share our culture with other young musicians from around the world," said Jordie Ocenar, Band Treasurer.
"As an alumnus of Pearl City High School and a state senator representing the Pearl City community, I am very proud of our musical ambassadors and this special honor that they have received," said Senator David Ige (Pearl City/Aiea). "The Pearl City High School Marching Band has proudly represented our state in numerous events in the past, including the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York and the Parade of Roses in California. Again, they will continue their tradition of sharing music and the Aloha spirit."
The band will visit many of China's cultural and historical places, including the Great Wall, the Forbidden City and the Royal Summer Palace. The tour is sponsored and organized by the Chinese-American Cultural Bridge Center.
The Marching Band will be honored on Friday, November 3rd at the Mayor's Office at 2:45pm.
*****
To view photos from the Formal Announcement held at the Pearl City Cultural Center Auditorium on October 11, 2006 - CLICK HERE
To view photos from the Press Conference held at Pearl City Cultural Center on October 12, 2006 - CLICK HERE
For those of us keeping tracking of the Neighborhood Board meetings, the November meetings have been scheduled and posted!
Aiea Neighborhood Board Meeting - Tuesday, November 13th at Aiea Library, 7:30pm
Pearl City Neighborhood Board Meeting - Tuesday, November 28th at Highlands Intermediate School, 6:30pm
Take part and get involved with your community!
Sponsored by the Estate of James Campbell, in cooperation with the State Department of Education - Leeward District, the 2006 Leeward Young Artist Awards will be held on Thursday, November 9th at Kapolei Hale, to recognize the students of Leeward Oahu who have demonstrated both excellence and creativity in the visual arts.
Listed below are the finalists - winners are listed in red, scholarship recipients are listed in blue:
GRADES K-5
Barbers Point Elementary School
Cian Chung, Grade 1
Sean Foster, Grade 4
Matthew Guhl, Grade 2
Zayne Kaniho, Grade 2
Anolani Viloria, Grade 2
Ewa Elementary School
Eliza Silva, Grade 5
Iroquois Point Elementary School
Alex Enriquez, Grade 1
Kapolei Elementary School
Love Barrett, Grade K
Nalea Chun, Grade K
Kiana Eades, Grade K
Ashli K.A. Hasan, Grade 1
Luke Klingenberg, Grade K
Pearl City Highlands Elementary School
Bryan Canencia, Jr., Grade 1
Jady Ojiri, Grade 2 (2 Entries)
Nikita Richey, Grade 1
Waiau Elementary School
Kayla Braunthal, Grade 4
Jaret Morales, Grade 4
GRADES 6-8
Ewa Elementary School
Preston Davis, Grade 6 (3 Entries)
Highlands Intermediate School
Jouvet Apostol, Grade 7
Charlene Caraang, Grade 7
Jessica Chong, Grade 7
Rachel Ellis, Grade 8
Stephanie Ha, Grade 8
Apelila Hokoana, Grade 8
Warren Kanahele-Bautista, Grade 8
Maya Nagata, Grade 8
Darlene Pelaez, Grade 8
Manana Elementary School
Jenna Cortez, Grade 6
Chaeden Grace-Enos, Grade 6
Jacqueline Kim, Grade 6
Alisha Maeda, Grade 6
Tyler Terashima, Grade 6
GRADES 9-12
James Campbell High School
Desiree Agnagarayngay, Grade 12
Benjamin Chavez, Grade 12
Mari Joy Jatico, Grade 12
Leilani Jimenez, Grade 12
Cy Kaahanui, Grade 12
Joana Marie Sebastian, Grade 11
Kapolei High School
Emilie Caban, Grade 11
Sina Demello, Grade 12
Kelsey Dewald, Grade 10 (2 Entries)
Delissa Lacy, Grade 12
Beverly Ann Lapu, Grade 12
Pearl City High School
Janel Higuchi, Grade 12
Gavin Shin, Grade 12
Waipahu High School
DayLin Guieb, Grade 11
Mike Poscablo, Grade 11
Congratulations to all finalists and winners! All finalists' artwork will be on display from November 10-16 at Kapolei Hale!
For those of us keeping tracking of the Neighborhood Board meetings, the January meetings have been scheduled and posted!
Aiea Neighborhood Board Meeting - Monday, January 8th at Aiea Library, 7:30pm
Pearl City Neighborhood Board Meeting - Tuesday, January 23rd at Highlands Intermediate School, 6:30pm
Take part and get involved with your community!
[Articles taken from the Leeward People Current, January 3, 2007 Volume 19 Number 1 & Midweek Islander, January 3, 2007]
On December 15th, a ceremony was held at Pearl Ridge Elementary School to welcome a new addition to the school - "He Pua Momi", or the Pearl Child.
Sculpted by University of Hawaii lecturer and artist, Nicholas Bleecker, "He Pua Momi" represents a happy child in celebration. According to Bleecker, "the metaphor contained within the artwork is that the mind of a child is like a precious object that develops in a nurturing enviornment to ultimately become a jewel of great value."
Bleecker was commissioned for the project be the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts' Art in Public Places Artists in Residence Project. In attendance of the event were local area legislators, state officials, and school administrators. Emceeing the event was sixth-grader, Matthew Ige, the current student body president.
I am happy to announce that the 2007 Capitol Artist Program has officially started!
Gracing the walls of my office and the Senate Chamber halls are the outstanding artworks by students of Aiea Intermediate School and Aiea High School! Courtesy of veteran art instructors Ms. Wendy Larrow and Mr. Roy Chang, we have a wide variety of art on display from fantastic sculptures to abstract paintings to surreal drawings straight from student's imaginations.
Please stop by the Capitol to experience first-hand all that our district artists have to offer!
For those unable to make the visit, the student's artwork is also up for view in my online gallery. Please follow this link and view the Capitol Artist Program 2007 gallery!
The Scholastic Arts & Writing Awards is a prestigious, nationally-competitive recognition program that features talented intermediate and high school artists and writers around the United States. Established in 1923 by M.R. Robinson, the Scholastic Arts Awards attracts more than 250,000 entries each year, which are screened by local advisory committees. Successful entries are then featured in local exhibitions and award ceremonies to encourage and reward young artists and writers.
2007 marks the 44th year of Hawaii's participation in the Awards Program.
This year, we are proud to feature nine very talented artists from the 16th District for their successful entries in the regional competition.
3D Gold Key Awards
- "Tarnished in Revenge" by KeiLee Rivera, Aiea Intermediate School
3D Silver Key Awards
- "The Centaur" by John Mark Cajaine, Aiea Intermediate School
- "Sumasayw" by Shanda Delos Reyes, Aiea Intermediate School
2D Gold Key Awards
- "Power of Emotion" by Kirsten Donselar, Aiea High School
2D Silver Key Awards
- "Figure of a Woman Dominating Men" by Thuy Ny Le, Aiea Intermediate School
- "Feltovic" by Kendra Bradley, Aiea High School
- "Trapped" by Amber Ching, Highlands Intermediate
- "Running Man" by Chelsie Nino, Highlands Intermediate
- "Self Portrait" by Darlene Pelaez, Highlands Intermediate
Congratulations to all participants and award recipients!
Photos from the award ceremonies are online in the Gallery > Session 2007 > 44th Annual Hawaii Scholastic Art Awards - 01.29.07.
On January 26, 2007, Rashid Zhussupov, paid our office a visit. Originally from the Republic of Kazakhstan (also referred to as "Kazakstan"), Rashid is currently attending Aiea High School as an exchange student through the Future Leader Exchange (FLEX) Program.
Name: Rashid Zhussupov
Age: 16
Hometown: Temirtau, Kazakhstan
Hobbies: Surfing in Waianae, Wrestling, American popular culture
Originally from a small town, Rashid was quite surprised on his first day at Aiea High School last August. As he recalls, the students were all very warm and friendly, making him feel right at home. Rashid also contributes his acclimation to Aiea High to the many extracurricular activites that he participates in - wrestling, math team, JROTC, and Boy Scouts of America.
"Mentally awake, Morally straight, Physically strong," is the motto by which Rashid lives his everyday life.
Back in Kazakhstan, Rashid attended First Temirtau Classical Lyceum, which required all students to take a total of 16 subjects a year. Rashid compared and contrasted Aiea High School to Temirtau, explaining that high school is much easier and more practical at Aiea because students are able to focus on six subjects, rather than sixteen.
In response to our questions regarding what influenced him to come to Hawaii, Rashid gave us a very colorful explanation. Rashid was originally inspired to travel to America by watching the movie "Home Alone" back in Kazakhstan. That movie, along with "Tom and Jerry" cartoons were initally what sparked Rashid and many other Kazak youth's interests to learn English, a curiousity which eventually developed into an ambition to travel to the United States as a junior ambassador.
Rashid also shared his experiences living with his host parents and host-twin brother and sister, exclaiming how interesting life is with such an active family. Similarly, Rashid also comes from a five-member family. His older brother recently received a scholarship to attend a university in Canada for four years, and his younger brother is still in Kazakhstan. The most surprising fact about Rashid's family is its 200-member extended family get-togethers, which take place every five years. Born to a truck driver father and an accountant mother, Rashid learned the value and importance of a hard work ethic to become successful at everything in life.
At the young age of sixteen, Rashid already has large ambitions to become a future diplomat of Kazakhstan. During his tour of the Capitol, Rashid asked many questions about the steps one must take in order to enter the world of diplomacy. With vigot and determination, he details his future ambitions to study International Relations at a Kazak University. Rashid shared his dream to follow his older brother's footsteps by pursuing a Bachelor's degree in International Relations at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles.
With a hard work ethic, limitless desire to learn, and a genuine intent to serve people, Rashid is well on his way to becoming the next diplomat, and perhaps President of Kazakhstan.
-Reported by Brandon Marc Higa, 2007 Legislative Aide
For photos of Rashid's visit to the Capitol and introduction the Senate Floor, visit our Gallery > Session 2007 > Senate Floor Presentation - 01.26.07
Purchase a 2007 Project Graduation Cookbook, compiled by Pearl City High School PTSA at Ige's 19th Puka and Restaurant for $10 ($4 shipping available). Call 228-1550 for more information!
(Note: Senator Ige has no relation to Ige's 19th Puka and Restaurant!)
Wondering how likely you are to have your credit card number stolen?
Well, according to a comprehensive survey conducted by the U.S. Department of Justice, identity theft affects millions of households in the U.S. each year and costs an estimated $6.4 billion per year in damages. Hawaii has not been spared from this threat and we need to take appropriate preventative measures. To keep our communities safe from identity theft, I want to encourage everyone to attend this year's first town hall meeting on February 28, 2007, 7:00PM-8:30PM, at Waimalu Elementary School Cafeteria.
Returning guest speaker Detective Miles Jung and officers from the Honolulu Police Department will give an hour-long presentation about the basics of identity theft, as well as ways we can protect ourselves from becoming victims of financial tragedy.
Every year, talented musicians from public and private schools gather to compete in the Oahu Band Directors Association Select Band and Solo & Ensemble competitions. Held in late January and early February respectively, both ODBA events are the primary music competitions held in the State of Hawaii to feature up and coming instrumentalists, awarding top competitors with medals and highly coveted seats in the prestigious ODBA 9th Grade Select Band and ODBA High School Select Band.
Prior to their audition dates, ODBA Select Band and Solo & Ensemble contestants spend countless hours preparing solo pieces, rehearsing with ensemble members, and preparing audition excerpts. It is also not uncommon for contestants to spend additional time practicing for ODBA events with a private instrument coach. Whatever their preparation method may be, one thing is certain - auditioning for these all-state competitions is a remarkable feat worthy of applause and recognition!
Pearl City High School is home to a significant number of participants in ODBA Solo & Ensemble and ODBA Select Bamd competitions. In February, Pearl City High School Band soloists presented a diverse selection of classical and contemporary pieces, including atypical ensemble groups such as a bass clarinet duet and a trombone quartet. Contestants, who successfully "make the cut" for the ODBA 9th Grade
