For more information, or to obtain an application, call 322-4900, email info@kppcs.org or visit kppcs.org.
Free HIV testing available in area
Free 20-minute HIV testing is available from 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesday and again March 20 at the West Hawaii Community Health Center in Kailua-Kona.
Testing is also available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily at the Hawaii Island HIV/AIDS Foundation in Kailua-Kona.
For more information, call 331-8177.
Boat Day event is fundraiser for park boosters
The public is invited to attend the Friends’ “Aloha Friday” Boat Day Fundraiser on board Holland America Line’s Rotterdam, which docks in the Hilo Harbor. Held March 9, the benefit luncheon takes place in the ship’s La Fontaine Dining Room.
“The Rotterdam’s decor of fine woods and priceless antiques and art collections reflects the theme of Dutch seafaring exploration,” said Julie Mitchell, Friends of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park spokeswoman. “People will have an opportunity — either before or after the luncheon — to take a self-guided tour of the ship.”
With 600 crew members, the midsize cruise ship is 780 feet in length with a passenger capacity of 1,404. The La Fontaine Dining Room is located in the aft of the ship on deck 5, the upper promenade.
Served with wine, the benefit luncheon features a four-course meal of appetizer, soup, choice of lunch entree and dessert. Vegetarian options are available.
Entertainment features the Kuahiwis, who for more than 10 years have been perpetuating the spirit and sound of Hawaiian music. Band members are Kiliona Young, Grant Kaaua, T.R. Ireland and Kalei Young. Dancers from kumu hula Ab Valencia’s Halau Hula Kalehuakiekieikaiu will present hula auana.
“Aloha Friday” Boat Day Fundraiser tickets are $65 and benefit the nonprofit Friends of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Group rates are available for tables of five or more.
For tickets, call 985-7373 or visit fhvnp.org. Because of Transportation Security Administration regulations, tickets are not transferable, photo identification is required to board the ship, and reservations must be made by Monday.
Magic Spectacular slated for March 17
The Society for Kona’s Education and Art and the Big Island Magic Club present the 26th annual Magic Spectacular, to be held March 17 at the Aloha Theatre in Kainaliu. Two shows, at 2:30 and 7 p.m., will highlight top local and mainland performers.
This year’s headliner is Stephen Bargatze; international performer, master of comedy and magic, and winner of many awards and honors, including Magician of the Year four times.
Magic Spectacular is a benefit for Society for Kona’s Education and Art, a nonprofit organization located in Honaunau, that provides education in the arts to children in public schools, art camps for children during school breaks and serves as a community center in South Kona for classes, workshops and events.
Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for children and seniors. Call 328-9392 or visit skea.org for more information or to order tickets. Tickets can also be purchased at Sandy’s, Kiernan Music, Patels Spirit Station, Kona Wine Mart, Kona Stories or online at apachawaii.org.
After Dark in the Park programs scheduled
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park continues its tradition of sharing Hawaiian culture and After Dark in the Park programs with the community and visitors throughout March. Programs begin at 7 p.m. These programs are free, but park entrance fees apply.
— March 13: “Kau laau: Traditional Hawaiian Ulua Fishing” is at 7 p.m. in the Kilauea Visitor Center auditorium. The After Dark in the Park program will discuss the ulua, a prominent fish in Hawaiian culture. The largest one caught in recent times weighed in at a whopping 191 pounds. While modern ulua fishing equipment and tournaments haul in countless fish each year, some Hawaiians are revisiting their ancestral traditions for more sustainable practices. Aku Hauanio, a Hawaiian kau laau fisherman, will discuss cliff-top fishing, or “hang baiting.”
— March 14: Lei Hulu a me Ulana Papale Lauhala (Feather Lei and Lauhala Hat Making). Master lei maker Kilohana Domingo demonstrates the intricate art of feather work, and his highly prized na lei hulu (feather lei) will be on display. Kilohana’s mother, Lehua Domingo, is also a renowned Hawaiian artist, and will share the unique anoni style of weaving pandanus leaves into an exquisite hat. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing Ike Hana Noeau “Experience the Skillful Work” workshops, it is scheduled from 10 a.m. to noon on the Kilauea Visitor Center lanai.
— March 21: Performance by Hula Halau ke Olu Makani o Mauna Loa is slated from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Kilauea Visitor Center auditorium. Hawaiian entertainer Meleana Ulrich-Manuel, a native of Kilauea, and her halau have participated in many festivals, competitions and events throughout Hawaii, the mainland and Japan. Part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing Na Leo Manu “Heavenly Voices” presentations, the event features hula, music and songs of the Hawaiian culture.
— March 27: “Loulu: Hawaii’s Ancient Native Palms” is an After Dark in the Park program scheduled for 7 p.m. in the Kilauea Visitor Center auditorium. Park Ranger John Stallman will discuss the natural history and conservation of Hawaii’s native palms, loulu.
— March 28: “Ulana Lauhala — Pandanus Weaving” is part of Hawaii Volcanoes’ ongoing Ike Hana Noeau “Experience the Skillful Work” workshops. Participants will learn to weave a lauhala bracelet from the lau (leaves) of the hala (pandanus) tree. It is scheduled from 10 a.m. to noon on the Kilauea Visitor Center lanai.
Kona Pacific taking applications
Kona Pacific Public Charter School is accepting applications for junior kindergarten through eighth grade for school year 2012-13 through March 31.
Lottery selection for available spaces will be April 9. Rolling admission begins after April 9.
The public is invited to tour the school and classrooms. Open houses are at 8:10 a.m. Tuesdays until April (except March 13).
The school offers a Waldorf education rooted in the land and culture of Hawaii. It is a tuition-free public school. The campus is located above Kona Community Hospital in Kealakekua.
For more information, or to obtain an application, call 322-4900, email info@kppcs.org or visit kppcs.org.