About Town 3-21-15

Volcanoes National Park partnership recognized

Volcanoes National Park partnership recognized

The nonprofit group Friends of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park received the Association of Partners for Public Lands 2015 Partnership Award for public lands partners for their shared achievements.

Because of the partnership, nearly 140 high school students in Ka‘u and Puna have landed paid internships in the park since 2010, and thousands of island residents, visitors and students will be able to participate with scientists in discovering the unique biodiversity of the park.

The organization’s mission is to support the park in the protection, preservation and interpretation of the natural and cultural resources for the enjoyment of current and future generations. It has raised more than $700,000 for the national park since 2009.

Kamehameha Scholars program applications now available

Students entering grades nine through 12 in the fall who are not currently enrolled full-time at one of Kamehameha Schools’ three campuses, and who reside on the islands of Oahu, Kauai, Maui or Hawaii are now eligible to apply for Kamehameha Scholars.

Kamehameha Scholars is a year-round supplementary educational enrichment program with a focus on college and career guidance. The mission of the Kamehameha Scholars program is to support Native Hawaiian students in achieving a higher education degree, entering the career of their choosing and cultivating their ability to be servant leaders.

Students who complete the program will receive a college scholarship.

Applications must be submitted and postmarked by March 30. Applications may be downloaded at .ksbe.edu/admissions. Families may also call the Admissions Office at 842-8800 or toll free at 800-842-4682, ext. 8800, to have an application mailed to them. Kamehameha Schools’ policy on admissions is to give preference to children of Hawaiian ancestry to the extent permitted by law.

Additional program information is available at apps.ksbe.edu/kscholars.

Kailua-Kona Seniors to attend movie

The Kailua-Kona Seniors will attend a free movie at 10 a.m. Wednesday at West Hawaii Civic Center in Building A. The club will not meet at Hale Halawai.

For more information, call Dave at 345-1388 or Pat at 329-2424.

Applicants sought for Judicial Council, Hawaii State Ethics Commission

The Judicial Council has extended the deadline in its search to find qualified applicants to fill an upcoming vacancy on the Hawaii State Ethics Commission created by a term expiring on June 30. The council is also extending its deadline in its search to fill two upcoming vacancies on the Campaign Spending Commission. The new application deadline is March 31.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens, Hawaii residents and may not hold any other public office.

Those interested should submit an application along with a resume and three letters of recommendation attesting to the applicant’s character and integrity postmarked by March 31 to: Judicial Council, Hawaii Supreme Court, 417 S. King St., Second Floor, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813-2902.

Applications are available on the Hawaii State Judiciary website or by calling the Judicial Council at 539-4702.

Funds available for ag conservation projects

Farmers or ranchers who want to address water management and erosion control on their farming operation can access federal funds.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service reminds potential applicants to contact their local NRCS office to find out if they are eligible for one of the agency’s Farm Bill programs, Agricultural Management Assistance. Applications for this ranking period are due at NRCS offices by close of business on April 17.

“This federal money is only available to farmers and ranchers here in the islands and a few other states,” said Craig Derickson, NRCS acting director for the Pacific Islands Area.

The Agricultural Management Assistance program provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers to voluntarily address issues such as water management, water quality and erosion control by incorporating conservation into their farming operations. At this time, AMA is only available in Hawaii and 15 other states. The NRCS office locator is available at pia.nrcs.usda.gov.

Caregivers program planned Thursday

AARP will present an event for Hawaii Island caregivers and residents preparing to care for their aging loved ones. The event will be from 9 a.m. to noon Thursday at the West Hawaii Civic Center and is intended to familiarize residents with community resources and supports needed to care for older friends and family members — as well as plan for their own future needs. The event is free and open to the public. Register online at aarp.cvent.com/konacare3-26 or call 877-926-8300.

The event will feature a keynote presentation by retired U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Antonio “Tony” Taguba, who serves as a caregiving ambassador for AARP. His message for Hawaii residents: Don’t wait for a crisis to start planning to care for your aging parents.

Taguba borrows from the experience that he and his siblings – who lived in different states – had in caring for their own parents in Hawaii.

The session will also include an update on the latest efforts by AARP Hawaii to gain legislative support for caregivers and their families.

Co-dependent women meet Thursday

Co-Dependents Anon-ymous women’s meeting will be from 3 to 5 p.m. every Thursday at the Unity Church sanctuary, 75-5722 Hanama Place, Kailua-Kona.

For more information, contact kona.womensgroup@gmail.com or 990-2649

Libraries observing Prince Kuhio Day

All public libraries will be closed Thursday in observance of the Prince Kuhio Day holiday.

Kealakekua Public Library, normally closed on Thursdays, will also be closed on Friday in observance of the holiday.

Visit librarieshawaii.org or call a local library for public service hours.