Filipino center receives $1.1 million federal grant
The Filipino Community Center received a $1.1 million federal grant by the Department of Commerce's Economic Development Agency.The funds will be used for construction purposes. It will also cover equipment costs for a full commercial kitchen and a community technology center.
To date, the Fil-Com Center has raised $11.6 million and needs an additional $2.2 million to complete the project by 2002.
U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie previously helped secure a $5 million federal loan guarantee for the project.
"The center will be an impressive tribute to Hawaii's multicultural society," said Abercrombie (D, Hawaii). "It will be a focal point for the community, highlight the contributions of Hawaii's Filipinos and showcase Filipino culture."
Youth police academy applications available
High school students are invited to join the Honolulu Police Department's Youth Citizens Police Academy.The program covers topics ranging from the criminal justice system, juvenile laws, drug and gang awareness and traffic safety.
The eight-week program is open to sophomores, juniors and seniors, ages 15 to 17. Classes will be held Saturday mornings beginning June 30.
Deadline for applications is June 15. For more information, call officer Harris Donlin at 529-3619.
Building industry gives $15,000 to state libraries
The Building Industry Labor Association of Hawaii has given $15,000 to the Hawaii Library Foundation to purchase books for state libraries.The funds will be used to buy materials pertaining to the building trades for the general public and provide a free public information series in selected libraries later this year.
The check was presented at a ceremony Monday at the Hawaii State Library on King Street.
The foundation was created in 1993 to support the Hawaii State Public Library System.
IHS seeks volunteers for summer fun program
The Institute for Human Services is looking for volunteers to staff a Summer Fun program for children of homeless families staying at IHS. Orientation and training will be held 1 to 5 p.m. June 14-15.Volunteers must love children, be a creative team player, accept direction willingly and have a desire to help those less fortunate.
Minimum requirement is four hours per week for six weeks beginning June 18. Shifts run 9 a.m. to 12 noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Lunch is provided.
Call Catherine at 537-2724 for more information.
>> The Waikiki Kuhio Beach Park and Kalakaua Promenade Project has been named winner of The Outdoor Circle's Beautification Award. The award is given for efforts to combine development with current social, cultural and economic needs. Mayor Jeremy Harris accepted the award on behalf of the city at The Outdoor Circle's general membership meeting May 17. Project coordinator R.M. Towill Corp. and landscape architects Lester H. Inouye & Associates were also recognized for their contributions to the project. [TAKING NOTICE]
>> Hawaii Baptist Academy senior Jeanine Yonashiro has been named winner of the 7th Annual Gene Seiji Yagi Citizenship Award presented by the Law Offices of Ian L. Mattoch. Yonashiro was chosen for her academic excellence, commitment to community service and leadership qualities. She will receive a $6,000 scholarship towards her college education.
>> The University of Hawaii Alumni Association honored the following people May 16 at UHAA's Distinguished Alumni Awards Dinner: Naleen Naupaka Andrade, chairperson of the John A. Burns School of Medicine's Psychiatry Department; Jack S. Fritz, speaker of the Federated States of Micronesia Congress; Haruyuki Kamemoto, professor emeritus with UH-Manoa's Department of Horticulture; Robert N. Katayama, Kapolei Holding Corporation president; Lydia L.W. Tsui, Panda Travel, Inc. president; and Edwin S.N. Wong (deceased), former chair, president and chief operating officer for Waterhouse, Inc. The late Kane S. Fernandez, former chief executive officer of Fernandez Entertainment, Inc., will also be honored with a UHAA President's Award.
>> Gloria Keller of HNL Travel Associates was awarded a PATA Award of Merit at the recent Pacific Asia Travel Association Annual Conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Keller was presented with the award for her long service to the association. She was 2001 conference program committee chairperson and has served multiple terms on the PATA Industry Council and the group's Board of Directors.
>> Meiji Life Insurance Company has donated $50,000 to the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii. The funds will be used to further JCCH's mission to preserve and promote the Japanese culture in Hawaii. The JCCH received the money May 16 during a check presentation ceremony at the center.
[WINNERS & LOSERS]
[WINNERS]
Billionaire alumnus: AOL Time Warner Inc. Chairman Steve Case returned to his alma mater, Punahou School, bearing big bucks and some lessons from the top. His multimillion-dollar donation will go toward rebuilding Punahou's middle school.Controversial paddlers: The Hawaii Canoe Racing Association, fearing lawsuits, reversed a ruling that two paddlers, a transgender and a transsexual, had to submit to DNA testing before being allowed to compete on women's teams.
Isle smiles: Queen's Medical Center's dental clinic, which provides emergency dental care to the poor and the seriously ill, will receive $305,000 to continue its mission.
[LOSERS]
Schools chief: School Superintendent Paul LeMahieu acknowledges the state Department of Education has to cut $11 million from its budget as it continues to fight over the language of the new contract for public school teachers. If the teachers get their way, the bill might be a lot bigger.Molokai man: William P. Luuloa of Kaunakakai was sentenced to five years in prison for repeated sexual assault on a girl during a two-year period.
Ex-cop: Former Maui police officer Phillip Bugado Jr. was sentenced to 10 years in prison for domestic abuse and threats aimed at his wife.
Staying safe while you're getting wet
Now that summer vacation is here, the American Red Cross Hawaii chapter reminds everyone about the need for water safety, first-aid and swimming classes.The National Safety Council said drowning is the leading cause of accidental injury and death among children nationwide. The Red Cross offers free swimming lessons and can be reached at 734-2101. General water safety tips include:
>> Learn to swim and never swim alone. Swim in supervised areas only.
>> Obey all rules and posted signs.
>> Watch out for the "dangerous toos" -- too tired, too cold, too far from safety, too much sun and too much strenuous activity.
>> Don't mix alcohol and swimming; it impairs judgment, balance, coordination, swimming and diving skills and the ability to stay warm.
>> Stop swimming at the first indication of bad weather.
>> Know how to prevent, recognize and respond to emergencies.
Home pool tips:
>> Never leave a child unsupervised around the pool, not even for a minute.
>> Enclose the pool with a completely self-locking and self-closing fence.
>> Keep toys away from the pool when not in use.
>> Keep a phone near the pool when using the pool.
>> Pool covers should be completely removed before pool use.
>> Learn about pool safety and infant and child CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).
Water park safety tips:
>> Be sure the area is well supervised by lifeguards.
>> Follow posted signs and directions given.
>> When you go from one attraction to another, note that the water depth may be different.
>> Before you start down a water slide, get in the correct position: face up and feet first.
>> If you cannot swim, wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket, which some facilities provide at no charge.
Solve tax problems at Saturday session
\ Do you have tax headaches lingering even after April 15?Federal and state tax officials are holding a Saturday session to help you resolve problems.
Internal Revenue Service and state Tax Department experts will be available from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Prince Kuhio Federal Building at 300 Ala Moana, Room 1-128.
"By being available on Saturday, we hope to make it more convenient for taxpayers who work Monday through Friday," said John Dalrymple, IRS Wage and Investment Division commissioner.
Problems may encompass everything from failure to file, not receiving a tax refund, inability to pay and more, said state taxpayer advocate Janet Fujii.
Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are recommended so officials can gather relevant information beforehand.
Call 800-829-1040 for federal and 587-1791 for state appointments. Taxpayers are asked to bring any relevant documentation or correspondence.
Almost 60,000 taxpayers nationwide have had their cases resolved at problem-solving days, which started in 1997.
Nurse to give free talk about prostate cancer
Cheri Shimose Eng, public health nurse, will discuss risks and symptoms of prostate cancer at a free public presentation from 7 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Waipahu United Church of Christ, 94-330 Mokuola St.The American Cancer Society's Central/Leeward Unit is sponsoring the educational event, "Let's Talk About It."
To register, call the cancer society at 486-8420.
The Honolulu Star-Bulletin strives to make its news report fair and accurate. If you have a question or comment about news coverage, call Publisher and Editor in Chief John Flanagan at 529-4748 or email him at jflanagan@starbulletin.com. Corrections and clarifications
Police, Fire, Courts
By Star-Bulletin staffHonolulu Police Department Crimestoppers
Fight outside club leaves man critically injured
One man is in critical condition after a fight outside a Sand Island strip club early yesterday morning.Police were called to a fight outside Dancers night club on Sand Island Access Road where four or five men reportedly beat up two men, ages 31 and 35, at about 4:10 a.m.
Both men were taken to the Queen's Medical Center. One is reported in critical condition. The other is listed in fair condition.
Man arrested in alleged assault of neighbor
Honolulu police arrested a 46-year-old man who allegedly broke into the home of a neighbor and assaulted him early yesterday morning.Police said the suspect was intoxicated and angry at his neighbor and intoxicated when he broke into the house on Hoapono Place in Aiea Heights shortly after midnight. The 55-year-old man sustained a cut lip and bruises, but refused treatment.
When police arrived, the 55-year-old identified the suspect.
