Mental hospital nets security cash

Gov. Linda Lingle released $457,000 for security improvements at the Hawaii State Hospital, her office announced last week.

Improvements to the Kaneohe hospital include new fencing with access gates, installation of a surveillance camera system, new monitors for the security office and related electrical upgrades.

The hospital provides mental health care to more than 350 patients a year.

The total cost of the project is estimated at $5,139,625. The governor had previously released $4,682,625 for design and construction.

Construction is scheduled to begin next month and to be completed in May.

Cancer group combining 3 offices

The American Cancer Society is consolidating its three Oahu field offices at its Nuuanu location.

This will allow the organization “;to redirect human and financial resources to service cancer patients while reducing overhead without reducing staff,”; the society said in a news release.

The Central Leeward Field Office in Aiea and the Windward field Office are moving this month to 2370 Nuuanu Ave. and will be fully operational next Monday, said Tina Clothier, chief staff officer for organization and development.

She said current telephone numbers are operational during the transition. The toll-free number (800) 227-2345 also can be used to reach any office.

Historical Society to honor pair

Drs. Kekuni Blaisdell and Benjamin Young will be honored Thursday by the Hawaiian Historical Society for significant contributions to the preservation and perpetuation of Hawaii's history.

The Pa'a Mo'olelo Award will be presented to the two at the society's membership meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday at the University of Hawaii, Kamakakuokalani Center for Hawaiian Studies auditorium, 2645 Dole St.

Young has spent 30 years doing research on Hawaiians who have studied medicine, including those during the 1800s, and Blaisdell has studied the history of la'au lapa'au (Hawaiian healing practices) and native Hawaiian health for more than 40 years.

At the meeting, Anwei Skinsnes Law will discuss her research on the history of Kalaupapa with a presentation, “;Recovering Kalaupapa's Voices from the Distant Past.”;

The meeting is free and open to the public, with refreshments at 6:30 p.m. Parking is available for $3 in the adjacent parking structure. For more information, call 537-6271.