Big Island Beach Cleanup returns
Big Island Beach Cleanup returns
The annual Big Island Beach Cleanup is returning to the island.
The event, which seeks to clean up from Keauhou to Kawaihae, and Honolii in Hilo, is scheduled for March 5.
Check-ins on the west side will begin at 8 a.m. and cleanup starts at 8:30 a.m. There will be check-in stations at the last pavilion in Old Airport, the Puako Boat Ramp, Kohala Divers in Kawaihae Harbor and Honolii. The stations will provide participants with shirts, trash bags, gloves and other materials they’ll need.
Although they previously did work in Kealakehe, it’s been removed this year due to dengue fever concerns.
Afterward, lunch with music, prizes and activities at the Old Airport will be offered.
“We just have a blast,” said organizer Tom Fear. Last year they gave out about 600 plate lunches, he said.
Potential sponsors and interested people can call him at 896-6966.
Tax-Aide underway
Tax-Aide sites are open and free tax preparation is again being provided by the AARP Foundation in conjunction with the IRS at five sites across the Big Island.
Staffed by over 40 volunteers who are IRS-certified, the free service provides tax assistance for low to moderate income taxpayers, especially those over 50, although the program is open to taxpayers of all ages.
Last year, Tax-Aide e-filed 1,817 returns resulting in refunds of $732,777 for Big Island residents. Statewide, 215 volunteers prepared 8,549 returns with Hawaii taxpayers receiving $3,882,034 in returns.
Site locations and days are:
Kona: Catholic Charities, 73-5618 Maiau St., Ste. B201 (mauka of Costco) on Tuesdays from noon to 4 p.m. Call 491-9085 for appointment. Thursdays at Hale Halawai in Kailua from 8 a.m. to noon. Walk-in only.
Captain Cook: Yano Hall, 82-6156 Mamalahoa Highway from 9 a.m. to noon on Wednesdays. Walk-in only.
Waimea: Waimea Community Center from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays. Call 885-4722 or 388-6645 for appointment. Walk-ins accommodated if time allows.
Hilo: A&D Resource Center, 1055 Kinoole St., from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays and from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thursdays. Appointments required: 961-8777.
Certified Mediator class offered
The nonprofit organization, West Hawaii Mediation Center, is offering a Basic Mediation Training, led by Diane Petropulos
The training runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 18, 19 and 20 at the Kanu O Ka Aina Charter School in Waimea. Cost is $200 and includes all training materials and lunch.
The 3-day training offers instructions in the process of mediation and how to apply advanced communication skills to help people resolve their differences.
In this training, you will learn a variety of approaches for dealing with people in conflict through lecture, group discussion, hands-on exercises, and mock mediation practice.
Deadline to register is March 7. To register, contact Chelsea at 885-5525 or clafrance@whmediation.org