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Isle senator jokes
about his recent
bike accidentChampion surfer, conservative and Senate Republican leader Fred Hemmings traditionally signs off his letters with "Slide Right," but he may want to rethink his direction after last week's mishap.
Hemmings (R, Kailua-Waimanalo) was biking through Kailua last Monday when a truck in a driveway startled him, causing him to grab the brakes and fly over the handlebars.
The resulting impact, Hemmings said, dislocated his right shoulder.
While being treated in the hospital for what turned out to be a minor injury, Hemmings tallied up his wounds: three right knee surgeries, a right hip replacement three months ago and now a right shoulder dislocation.
"I don't know what somebody is trying to tell me with this, but now when I exercise, I think I will get an indoor bike and maybe strap myself to it," Hemmings laughed.
27 town meetings planned
Gov. Linda Lingle's first "talk story" session starts tomorrow at 5:30 p.m. in the Republican neighborhood of Kailua. Lingle and Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona plan 27 town meetings from now until October. Tomorrow's meeting will be at Kailua High School.Aiona is using his appearances to also solicit information for his anti-drug task force.
Lingle plans her meetings to both gather community information for the 2004 legislative session and also give an update on the first year's work of her new Republican administration.
Free film screening
The movie was on Councilman Mike Gabbard, who organized a free screening of the acclaimed film "Whale Rider" at the Kapolei Theaters on Friday."I know this movie has the power to make a difference in lives, especially lives that are hurting," Gabbard said in a written statement.
The movie tells the tale of a Maori girl who strives to overcome adversity to stake a claim to the traditions of her people.
Several organizations that work with troubled youths were invited to attend the movie.
Gabbard said that the movie's message of hope is so strong that he believes it will help to bring communities together to battle "ice" and other substance abuse problems.
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