Neighborhood boards seek members

There are plenty of slots still available on Oahu's neighborhood boards for residents interested in representing their communities, as the application deadline for running in this year's elections approaches Feb. 20.

Only 140 people had filed candidate forms as of yesterday for the 445 seats at stake on the boards. In the last systemwide election in 2007, more than 500 candidates applied.

Neighborhood board members serve as volunteers, meeting monthly to deal with community concerns and ensure local participation in government decision-making.

Information on the elections as well as candidate and voter registrations forms are available at http://www.honolulu.gov/nco. Completed forms must be postmarked by Feb. 20 or turned in to the Neighborhood Commission Office at Honolulu Hale, Room 406, by 4:30 p.m. that day.

The elections will be held in April and May. A list of everyone who has filed a candidate application form to date is posted on the Web site.

Oahu residents who voted in last year's state election are pre-registered to vote in the neighborhood board elections. Those who did not vote or have moved since the election, as well as noncitizen residents, must file a voter registration form to participate.

Contest seeks student videos

March 2 is the deadline for student filmmakers to submit TV public service announcements for the 2009 Teen Video Awards Contest.

The Hawaii Medical Service Association is working with the state Department of Education and Mothers Against Drunk Driving to encourage middle and high school students to create health messages.

They must not exceed 27 seconds in length. Winning videos will be broadcast on local television stations.

Winning schools, to be announced May 14 at a ceremony at Ward Consolidated Theaters, will receive money to purchase video equipment or software.

First-place winners in each category will receive $1,000; second place, $500; and third, $250. An additional $1,000 will be awarded for the “;Best of Show”; PSA.

Contest information and entry materials are available at hmsa.com.