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For more information, visit www.hiwta.org or call 885-2181.

Residential property managers to meet Feb. 15

The Big Island Chapter of the National Association of Residential Property Managers’ next monthly membership/luncheon meeting will be held Feb. 15 at Jameson’s by the Sea restaurant from 11:45 a.m. until 2 p.m. The meeting is open to members, affiliates and their guests.

Guest speakers from R&R Roofing and Recycle Hawaii will make presentations and conduct question-and-answer sessions.

Cost is $18.50 per person and includes lunch. Call Linda Sasaki at 329-8097 for more information or to make a reservation.


Market Day benefits children in need

The Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union’s Market Day raised more than $16,000 to benefit children and families in need.

On Dec. 7 and 8, the branches of HCFCU held their annual Market Day sale. During those two days, shoppers left the credit union branches with their bags full of fresh produce, baked goods and crafts — raising a record amount to give to charity.

“We’re thrilled with the response of the community to Market Day. Everyone who could pitch in did so with enthusiasm and commitment. This effort carried itself into the community and brought out a terrific support to aid in making our project a success. Community members donated goods and labor, came out to buy our products or just outright donated dollars to help us support this cause,” said Mike Asam, president/CEO of HCFCU.

Every three years, HCFCU identifies a local charitable organization to support. Since 2005 that charity has been Friends of the Children’s Justice Center of West Hawaii, a volunteer group organized on behalf of West Hawaii children who have been abused or who have witnessed a violent crime.

“I can’t think of a more worthy organization to support,” said Asam, who recently presented Friends of the Children’s Justice Center of West Hawaii with a check for $16,367. “Although we do not actually see what our dollars do or which child we helped, we take comfort in the knowledge that we have helped a child in some way to make their lives better. This is why we do what we do for this most worthy organization.”


Jack’s Diving Locker featured at photo classic

Jack’s Diving Locker will be one of the featured scuba diving operators for the 2007 Kona Classic Photo and Video Competition.

Photographers and videographers from around the world will be converging on Kona in May for the sixth annual Kona Classic underwater photo and video competition. They will be diving some of the world’s most pristine waters with some of the world’s top professional photographers. The opportunity to learn from these top pros will extend into the evening with nightly review sessions and seminars on all aspects of underwater photography and videography.

The competition is for all levels from beginner to advanced with opportunities for everyone to learn. The structure of the competition ensures that everyone gets a chance to learn from the pros and compete with their peers.

The Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort is the official hotel for competition.

Check-in begins May 5; competition begins May 6.

Space is limited so register early and get a free T-shirt. Call 329-7585 or (800) 345-4807 to reserve a space for the Kona Classic Photo competition.


Wellness travel group launches new Web site

The Hawaii Island Wellness Travel Association has launched its new Web site, www.wellnesstravelhawaii.com. The site assists travelers with planning healthy vacations on the Big Island and it represents the island’s burgeoning wellness travel industry.

Found in October, the association is an alliance of health and wellness practitioners and hospitality providers located on the Big Island. Its mission is to help direct the sustainable development of wellness travel.

Members represent health, wellness and cultural practitioners; owners of retreats, spas, bed and breakfasts and vacation rentals; ecotourism businesses; health food stores and other allied interests. Members are supported with education and training, standards and guidelines, networking, media outreach, marketing and more.

The Big Island Visitors Bureau is redesigning its Web site, www.bigisland.org, which will soon include a spa and wellness option on the home page. The relaunch of the BIVB site is expected in mid February.

For more information, visit www.hiwta.org or call 885-2181.