Newswatch
POSTED: Thursday, June 25, 2009
Share your stories of statehood
Were you around when Hawaii became a state in 1959? We'd like to hear from you for a commemorative 50th-anniversary edition. What do you remember about that day—Aug. 20, 1959? Was it small-kid time for you, were you caught up in the moment? Do you remember the parades or the sounding of church bells? What are your impressions half a century later? If you were older in 1959, what did you think about Hawaii becoming a state? Has statehood been good for the islands? Why or why not? If 1959 was way, way before your time, we'd like to hear how you feel about statehood, too.
Please write to the addresses below. Include your name and phone number.
E-mail your thoughts to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Or mail them to Statehood, Star-Bulletin, 500 Ala Moana Blvd. Suite 210, 96813.
|
Akaka calls for structural changes at VA
WASHINGTON » The chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee called yesterday for more centralized control of the VA medical system after recent breakdowns in cleaning colonoscopy equipment exposed thousands of veterans to the risk of contracting HIV and other infections.
Disparities in quality-control procedures at VA medical centers raise questions about whether local, regional or national leaders are in charge, Democratic Sen. Daniel Akaka of Hawaii said in a statement before the committee hearing.
“;True quality assurance has to be managed across the system and that means central office must exercise greater control,”; Akaka said, adding that he expects the question to be a major issue at upcoming confirmation hearings for top VA staff.
Singer gets stolen computer back
Hawaii entertainer Anuhea Jenkins said she has recovered her computer, in addition to the two guitars stolen from her vehicle, according to an updated story on her Facebook page.
Jenkins said her computer was found at a swap meet by the mother of one of her friends.
Jenkins' aunt, entertainer Nalani Choy, recovered the two guitars on June 15 from a pawn shop in Waikiki after receiving a tip.
Two men were arrested in connection with the theft in Waikiki on June 14.
Jenkins said she has not recovered the missing guitar cases, her laptop case and a bag “;with a bunch of my songwriting books and stuff.”;
Class offers Alzheimer's care tips
The public is invited to a free presentation on care of people with late-stage Alzheimer's disease from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday at the Ward Warehouse Kakaako conference room.
The Alzheimer's Association is sponsoring the workshop with Elaine Slavinsky, a registered nurse, who will discuss providing comfort and care during the final stages of the disease.
Reservations are requested; call 591-2771. More information on Alzheimer's disease and the association's services are available at that number or at www.alz.org/Hawaii.
NEIGHBOR ISLANDS
Smoking ban at Hilo parks to be enforced
HILO » The Big Island is about to begin enforcing a 14-month-old law banning tobacco use at all Hawaii County parks.
The law has gone largely unenforced because of the lack of signs informing people of the prohibition.
County Parks Director Bob Fitzgerald says that will change beginning today, when the first of about 40 no-smoking signs will be posted at popular Hilo parks. Signs will go up at other facilities later.
Assistant Police Chief Henry Tavares says a sign is required for officers to cite a smoker. He says if no such sign exists, police warn both the offending smoker and the agency responsible for posting them.
Under county law, every public place where smoking is prohibited must have a sign posted at every entrance that smoking is prohibited.
