About Town | 5-10-14

Students learn traditional fishing, sailing techniques

The nonprofit Kamaaina United to Protect the Aina-Friends of Hookena Beach Park hosted Paa Pono from Milolii and Na Pea from Keauhou for a weekend event April 25 though 27.

Friday night, students from Milolii and Na Pea and fishermen from both Hookena and Milolii prepared palu, or bait, comprised of pumpkin, avocado and papaya. Handfuls of palu were then placed in a kaai bag and tossed from the canoe to attract the opelu. On Saturday morning one of the head fishermen from Hookena led students in canoes and began to palu. Within minutes the opelu started to aggregate. Nets specifically made to catch opelu were lowered beneath the fish and the opelu were led into the nets with palu. No fish were taken as students looked through glass boxes to view the fish.

Following the Saturday morning fishing activities students returned to shore and prepared the three sailing canoes that were brought by Na Pea. Na Pea is a new program supported by the National Parks that aims to teach students Hawaiian traditions around sailing canoe. Hawaiian sailing canoes are also meant to be paddled and on Saturday sailors experienced both. Several voyages were made that day with students exchanging what they had learned.

On Saturday night, Paa Pono presented slides and videos on their Opelu Project to the more than 100 in attendance.

The weekend activities closed on Sunday morning with everyone given the opportunity to speak of their experience.

Outstanding Older Americans awards luncheon scheduled

The annual Outstanding Older Americans awards luncheon will recognize 22 seniors from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. May 2 at Hilton Waikoloa Village in the Kona Ballroom.

Hawaii County’s Outstanding Older Americans for 2014 will be announced. Also featured will be individual recognition awards in four categories. Entertainment will be provided by Vizion 20/20.

Cost for the luncheon is $25 per person, tax and tip included. Free bus transportation to and from the event will be provided to the first 300 persons who sign up. Call the Hawaii County Office of Aging at 961-8600 for reservations.

Police department announces promotions

Chief Harry S. Kubojiri has promoted three police officers to the rank of sergeant/detective: Sergeant Tuckloy D. Aurello is assigned to the CALEA Project in the Administrative Bureau. He was previously a Traffic Enforcement Unit officer. He joined the police department in January 2003.

Detective Michael D. Hardie, who was most recently an officer in the Criminal Intelligence Unit, is now assigned to the Area II Juvenile Aid Section in West Hawaii. He joined the police department in January 2001. Sergeant Christopher A. Ragasa is assigned to the Puna District. He previously served as an officer in the North Hilo District. He joined the police department in November 1994. The promotions took effect May 1.

Generalao graduates basic training

U.S. Air National Guard Airman 1st Class Jaren E. Generalao graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.

The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness and basic warfare principles and skills.

Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Generalao is the son of Sharmaine P. Cera Generalao of Las Vegas, Nev. and grandson of Gilbert Cera of Papaikou, Hawaii.

Duarte named ‘Officer of the Month’

The Kona Crime Prevention Committee recognized Officer Jerome Duarte as “Officer of the Month” for May in a luncheon ceremony May 7 at Huggo’s restaurant.

Duarte was honored for stopping an assault in progress while off duty. At 6:30 a.m. March 15, Duarte, who was wearing civilian clothing, was headed to the Kona police station prior to the start of his shift.

En route, he saw a man with an aluminum bat chasing a naked man in the middle of Kuakini Highway where it intersects with Nalani Street. The suspect swung the bat at the victim several times while the victim tried to get away.

Duarte stopped his car, grabbed his duty firearm, announced that he was a police officer and confronted the suspect. He directed him to drop the bat and to get on the ground and stay in that position. After the suspect complied, Duarte called for an ambulance for the victim, who had several large red marks on his back and legs. The suspect was arrested and charged with felony assault.

Sergeant David Araki, who nominated Duarte for the award, noted the officer’s actions represent one of the reasons people become officers — to make a positive difference in the community.

As “Officer of the Month,” Duarte is eligible to become “Officer of the Year.”

The Kona Crime Prevention Committee is an organization that encourages community involvement in aiding and supporting police in West Hawaii.

Soroptimists meet Monday

The next meeting of Soroptimist International of Kona will take place at 5 p.m. Monday at West Hawaii Civic Center, Building G. All are welcome.

For more information call 937-0312

Vegetarians meet Monday

Kona Vegetarian Society will meet at 6:30 p.m. Monday at Pottery Terrace Suite 323, 75-5995 Kuakini Hwy.

The group will discuss Alzheimer’s disease, how to live a cancer-free life, heart health and diabetes. Nonvegetarians are welcome.

For more information, call Doc Martin at 327-0354.

Police Week activities planned

The public is invited to formal Police Week ceremonies at 10 a.m. Monday at the Hilo Police station and at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Kona police station. Both ceremonies include entertainment and a tribute to Hawaii County police officers who gave their lives in the line of duty.

Station tours for all districts will be offered May 16, with tours at the Hilo station being held at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Call Officer Patrick Menino at 961-2264 to schedule an appointment.

Nationally-recognized Police Week is May 11 through 17.

Walking group meets Mondays

Kaiser Permanente is hosting a free weekly Walk &Talk Group for all fitness levels.

The group meets from 7:30 to 8 a.m. every Monday at the Old Kona Airport Makaeo walking path. The walk is not held on the fourth Monday of each month.

Call 344-4400 for more information.

Hospital auxiliary meets Monday

The Kona Community Hospital Auxiliary will hold its monthly board meeting at 1 p.m. Monday in the hospital conference room. Visitors are welcome. Also, the public is invited to a bake sale from 7 to 9 a.m. every Friday in the hospital cafeteria.

For more information, call the Auxiliary office at 322-4577 or visit KCHAuxiliary.org.