Announcements for Saturday, June 3, 2023
The Hawaii Fire Department Ocean Safety Division announces the Junior Lifeguard Program for West Hawaii, Summer of 2023.
The one-week course will familiarize participation with ocean safety and beach rescue skills. Subjects include: Introduction to water safety; teamwork; first-aid; CPR; surf rescue techniques; and beach and ocean hazard awareness.
This program is free to all registered users ages 12-17 and is not a learn-to-swim program. Participants must be able to run and swim for 200 yards, nonstop, 100% effort with no assistance.
Registration and swim test will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday, June 17 at Kahaluu Beach Park, Kua Bay Beach Park and Hapuna Beach State Park.
For those who qualify, there will be four sessions:
• Session 1: June 19-23, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.;
• Session 2: June 26-30, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.;
• Session 3: July 10-14, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.;
• Session 4: July 17-21, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
The Big Island Championship will be held at Hapuna Beach State Park on Saturday, Aug. 5.
A parent or guardian must be present to sign waiver form at time of registration. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. And there is a limit of 25 students per session. However, the limit may be adjusted based on instructor availability.
Participants are to bring fins, athletic shoes, swim shorts or bathing suit, lunch, drinks, a towel and sunscreen each day.
For donations or more information, call West Hawaii Ocean Safety at (808) 339-4295.
First Hawaiian Bank Donates $75,000 to Kona Community Hospital’s Surgical Technology Program
First Hawaiian Bank’s (FHB) foundation announces that it has donated $75,000 over three years to support Kona Community Hospital’s (KCH) Surgical Technology Program. The funds will help offset tuition costs for five qualified students, each receiving $5,000. The first set of students graduated on May 18.
“We are pleased to support Kona Community Hospital’s Surgical Technology Program,” said First Hawaiian Bank Chairman, President and CEO Bob Harrison. “By investing in the education of qualified students and offsetting the tuition costs, we hope to empower the next generation of skilled surgical technologists. This program not only offers a promising career path for graduates, but will help to keep the talent here in Hawaii. Congratulations to the first set of graduates on their remarkable achievement.”
In August 2022, First Hawaiian Bank Foundation awarded Kona Community Hospital $75,000 over three years for its newly-launched Surgical Technology Program. The rigorous 10-month hospital-based training program includes classroom instruction, supervised laboratory, and clinical time. As part of the graduation requirements, students must take the certification exam of the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting. The KCH Surgical Technologist Program will not only address the shortage of these skilled professionals, but will also provide an on-island career path for this healthcare field. Graduates will have an opportunity to seek employment at any hospital on the Big Island or in the state of Hawaii.
