About Town | 8-12-15

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Free iPhone classes offered in Kailua-Kona

Free iPhone classes offered in Kailua-Kona

Verizon Wireless in Lanihau Center is offering free classes for smartphone users.

Apple iPhone: Getting Started will cover features of the iPhone including using Maps, Siri, FaceTime and the app store. The class is offered from 8 to 9 a.m. Saturday and 9 to 10 a.m. Sunday.

Register at vzwworkshops.verizonwireless.com/vzwworkshops or call the Verizon store for more information.

Free Ham radio license class offered

A free Ham radio license class will be offered on the University of the Nations campus in Kailua-Kona.

Those with the basic technician license can operate powerful but inexpensive UHF/VHF handsets and start learning how to communicate during emergencies.

Six optional evening classes will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m Mondays and Wednesdays between Aug. 17 and Sept. 2, followed by a final study day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 5. An exam will follow from 3 to 3:30 p.m. Classes will be in the University of the Nations CCHC Building in Room 201.

The class is free but the exam and subsequent license for those who pass costs $15. An exam for both Technician, General and Extra class will be offered. Ham technician study guides are free online. An optional ARRL Technician Manual may be purchased. For more information, email cert@uofnkona.edu.

Young Brothers accepting applications for nonprofit grants

Young Brothers Ltd. is accepting online grant applications from nonprofit community organizations in Hawaii County for its Community Gift Giving Program. The program will award grants of up to $1,000 per organization.

Applicants meeting the following criteria should go to givingtrax.com to register their organization, create a profile and submit an application.

Applicants must have a 501(c)3 number, and have a purpose related to health, education, civic and community service, youth activities, cultural enrichment, environment or community projects.

The deadline for applications is Sept. 25.

For more information about Young Brothers, visit youngbrothershawaii.com.

Governor’s West Hawaii liaison office now in Captain Cook

The governor’s West Hawaii liaison office has moved to Captain Cook.

The office is now in State Office Building No. 2 at 82-6130 Mamalahoa Highway, next to the fire station. It is open from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The new office phone number is 323-4542.

Two Kealakehe High grads receive Spadaro Scholarships

The Joseph E. Spadaro Scholarships have been awarded by Friends of the Library–Waikoloa Region to Kealakehe High School graduating seniors Rylen McComber and Nalukea Serion-Miranda. The scholarships will pay for two years of tuition, fees, books and supplies in the Transportation and Applied Technology Department at Hawaii Community College.

McComber and Serion-Miranda were selected for their academic records, as well as their enthusiasm for special projects. Both stand out as team players who ask questions to figure out the best solutions to new problems. McComber has an affinity for difficult jobs, including an entire engine replacement. Through job shadowing, Serion-Miranda had the opportunity to work on heavy equipment such as bulldozers, log haulers and dumptrucks.

The scholarships are funded by Joseph Spadaro’s family and Friends of the Library– Waikoloa Region. Because Joseph Spadaro was a World War II veteran who was born in Italy and later lived in Waikoloa. He was an advocate of trade education – automotive mechanics in particular – and when he died in 2013, his family chose to honor his memory by helping future mechanics. Automotive mechanics is one of the trades that does not enjoy much financial support.

Hauanio receives Umu Kai Award

On Aug. 4, the Papahanaumokuakea Umu Kai Award was presented to Clarence “Aku” Hauanio for a lifetime of conservation management and education of Hawaii’s keiki and adults in traditional Hawaiian fishing techniques. The award, established by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries Pacific Islands Region, is presented to a Native Hawaiian cultural practitioner who invokes the spirit of traditional fishing practices and management while adapting to modern fishing environments.

The presentation, made at an evening reception at the Mokupapapa Discovery Center in Hilo, coincided with the 23rd annual Hawaii Conservation Conference titled “Hanohano Hawaii Kuauli – Celebrating Collaboration and Wisdom across Hawaii’s Ecosystems.”

A fisherman, educator and natural resource manager, Hauanio has inspired generations of fishers and natural resource managers throughout Hawaii. Over the years, he has educated people on the perpetuation of customary fishing techniques including kau laau, a traditional Hawaiian ulua fishing practice. In 2014, Hauanio retired after 29 years of service to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where he worked to recover and protect endangered species.