Hawaii Keiki Museum announces events
The Hawaii Keiki Museum presents “The Beat of my Heart,” an event in honor of Valentine’s Day and National Read Aloud Literacy Month on Saturday, Feb. 11.
The event will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the museum at the Kona International Market in Kailua-Kona. At 10 a.m., the museum will present “Write a Haiku for your Valentine (Beats = Syllables) and “Build a Lovebug” craft challenge. At 1 p.m., I am a Scientists hosts a heart rate activity using math, science and data tracking. At 2 p.m., Mr. Kneel beat boxes and raps to Dr. Seuss with special guest break dancers Zoob and Sunyata. Regular admission applies.
On Presidents’ Day, Monday, Feb. 20, the museum hosts a drop off workshop from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for kids ages 6 to 12. Cost is $30 for museum members, $40 for nonmembers with a limit of 30 students.
The workshop will feature fun-filled art activities with artist Cindy Coats and fascinating STEAM projects related to the contributions of presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.
For more information, visit www.hawaiikeikimuseum.org.
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Applicants sought for $1,000 scholarships
The Hawaii Island AJA Veterans Legacy Association is offering up to two $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors who plan to continue their post high school education this fall.
These scholarships are sponsored by the Hawaii Island AJA Veterans Legacy Association, a nonprofit community organization dedicated to honoring and perpetuating the legacy of veterans of Japanese-American ancestry during World War II. This year is the 8oth anniversary of the revered 442nd Regimental Combat Team’s official formation.
Applicants must be a senior at any Hawaii Island public or private high school and must enroll full time (12 credits or more) at any accredited college or university for the 2023-2024 academic year.
In addition to the application and other documents, an essay of no more than 1,000 words is required and must describe the significance and role of Americans of Japanese ancestry in the 100th Infantry Battalion, Military Intelligence Service or the 442nd Regimental Combat Team in World War II (focusing on a minimum of one), and their legacy.
Application forms and instructions are available at the counselor offices at Hawaii Island public and private high schools, and by calling the AJA Veterans Hall in Hilo at (808) 959-4460 and leaving a name, phone number and email address. The deadline for the scholarships is Friday, April 7. Applications, including the essay, must be postmarked by that date.
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State accepting proposals for crop grants
The state Department of Agriculture, Market Development Branch, is currently accepting applications for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program for Fiscal Year 2023.
The DOA will be awarding a total of approximately $450,000 to Hawaii proposals that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. Project awards may range up to $50,000.
Under the program, the U.S. Department of Agriculture allocated funding to each state based on the value of the specialty crops produced in the state. Specialty crops are defined by the USDA as fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops (including floriculture).
Much of Hawaii’s diversified agriculture falls under this specialty crop designation. Eligible plants must be cultivated or managed and used by people for food, medicinal purposes, and/or aesthetic gratification to be considered specialty crops.
The primary goal in this grant program is to support projects that could provide the highest measurable benefits or return-on-investment to the specialty crop segment in Hawaii. Projects must enhance the competitiveness of Hawaii-grown specialty crops, in either the domestic or foreign markets.
Preference will be given to projects that measurably increase the production and/or consumption of specialty crops, and/or foster the development of fledgling crops and organic operations.
Information about the request for proposals (RFP23-03-MDB) is available on the State Procurement Office website at https://tinyurl.com/4t5dmuxx.
The Market Development Branch’s contact is Yukashi Smith at (808) 973-9627 or Yukashi.M.Smith@hawaii.gov. Applications are due by noon March 3.
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