About Town | 6-28-15

Kona Suicide Prevention Task Force meets

The Kona Suicide Prevention Task Force will hold a monthly meeting from 2 to 4 p.m. Wednesday in the West Hawaii Community Health Center conference room, 75-5751 Kuakini Highway in Kailua-Kona. Everyone is welcome.

For more information, call 333-8988 or consult preventsuicidekona.com.

Kiwanis meets Wednesday

Kiwanis West Hawaii meets at 5 p.m. Wednesday at Quinn’s Almost By the Sea on Palani Road. All visiting Kiwanis and prospective members are invited.

Kiwanis looks to serve the community by conducting service projects that respond to identified needs, especially related to children.

For more information, contact Marge Anderson at kiwaniswesthawaii15@gmail.com or call 327-0090.

Hawaiian heroes highlighted at library

Nyla Fujii-Babb, one of Hawaii’s premier storytellers, will be a featured performer at a 3 p.m. Wednesday program at the Kailua-Kona Public Library. She will present “Hawaiian Heroes: Past and Present,” stories featuring Maui, Punia, Laka, Ikua Purdy and Duke Kahanamoku. The 45-minute performance is suitable for all ages. Young children must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver.

In addition to being a storyteller, Fujii-Babb has been an artistic director, puppeteer and actress for more than 20 years, and is a retired Hawaii State Public Library System children’s librarian.

The event is part of the HSPLS Children’s Summer Reading Program and is subject to change. Call the library at 327-4327 as soon as possible if a sign language interpreter or other special accommodation is needed.

Rodeo and horse races set for July 4 at Parker Ranch

Parker Ranch will celebrate its paniolo heritage at the 53rd annual July 4th Rodeo and Horse Races from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday at the Parker Ranch Rodeo Arena in Waimea.

While celebrating our nation’s independence, Parker Ranch paniolo will be joined by other Big Island paniolo for a round-up of traditional rodeo events including horse races, mugging and team roping.

The day starts with the introduction of the ranch teams and the grand entry. Horse racing kicks off a morning of excitement with 1/4-mile, 1/8-mile and relay races. Then, events such as the unique-to-Hawaii po‘o wai u, ranch mugging and team roping showcase the skills that have made the Hawaiian paniolo famous.

Food trucks and keiki activities, including pony rides and a petting zoo are planned.

Each year the festivities also include recognizing an individual or group who has contributed to the Waimea community. This year Parker Ranch will honor Gwen Ahana, a 36-year resident of Waimea, for her outstanding community service and volunteer work. Her work with Habitat for Humanity in Kuhio Village has revitalized the neighborhood and inspired many to share their aloha.

Tickets are available in advance for $7 or $10 at the gate. Children 12 and younger are free. For more information, call 885-7311 or visit parkerranch.com.

Democratic Party holds July 4 picnic

Residents from all districts of Hawaii Island are invited to the 14th annual Democratic Party July 4 Picnic from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday in the Old Kona Airport Park Makaeo Pavilion.

The event’s special guest is Brendan Burns, the grandson of Hawaii’s second governor. The state’s top elected Democrats and prospective candidates will also be present.

Attendees are encouraged to bring a dish for the potluck that serves 12 to 20 people and reflects their heritage or is a family favorite. If bringing a prepared dish, the contributor is asked to make a card describing it and an appropriate serving utensil.

Complementing the potluck spread will be free hotdogs. Water, plates and utensils will be provided.

The picnic will conclude at 4:30 p.m. and attendees are invited to join the Hawaii County Democrats marching in the Kailua-Kona Independence Day Parade, which begins at 6 p.m. and culminates with fireworks over Kailua Bay at 8 p.m.

For more information, contact Barbara Dalton at barbiedalt@gmail.com or 333-0484 or Phil Barnes at 494-8426 greenhi3@yahoo.com.

Annual Waikoloa Rubber Duckie Race is on

Kings’ Shops will host its 24th annual Waikoloa Rubber Duckie Race at 3 p.m. Saturday to raise funds for the United Cerebral Palsy Association of Hawaii.

Adoption certificates for the rubber duckie race are on sale now. The first 50 duckies that cross the finish line will share over $27,000 in prizes. Individual duckie adoptions are $5 each. Quack packs are $25 each and include four adoption certificates and one event T-shirt while supplies last.

The festivities at Kings’ Shops start with a sidewalk sale throughout the center on July 4 and include entertainment and activities into the evening.

See kingsshops.com for more information.

Hui Laulima meeting canceled

Because of Independence Day, West Hawaii Hui Laulima will not hold its regularly scheduled meeting on Friday. The next meeting will be Aug. 5.

For more information, contact Linda Jeffrey at 989-4241 or khparentcenter@yahoo.com.