Carol Yurth’s column is published every Sunday and spotlights activities on the Hilo-Hamakua coast. She welcomes items for her column. Reach her by mail (46-1240 Kalehua Road, Honokaa HI 96727) at least 10 days before the requested publication date, call her at 775-7101, or e-mail waiukahe@interpac.net.
In this new year of the dragon, the Hamakua Youth Center sends greetings: “Aloha Kakou! This year has been a growing and exciting year for the youth of the Hamakua Youth Center. We have enjoyed the tremendous support of our community through various fundraising efforts and staff changes, and want to thank all of you who have supported the continuation and expansion of our programs.
“During the summer we had a cadre of volunteers who assisted in our improvement efforts at the center. We got a new coat of paint inside and out, some long-needed repairs, and an overall facelift for the center.
“Also during the summer, we had three very successful summer camps, which brought in youth not only from Hamakua, but other parts of the island as well. Through the generous support of community members and our partnership with the Kanu O Ka Aina program, our youth enjoyed a stimulating summer program in Waipio Valley, learning about taro farming and sustainable agriculture.
“We have the beginnings of a new music studio, which we believe will be functional by March. The center offers music lessons for the kids, a great art program run by one of our valued volunteers, and our focus on healthy lifestyle choices, including healthy eating habits, which has increased with cooking activities and grant-seeking efforts which support this focus.
“In addition to our special programs, we continue to provide the youth of Hamakua with our enriching, free, drop-in, after-school program at the center. Just come by any afternoon, and you will find anywhere from 25 to 40 children at the center, playing pool, working on the computers, getting homework assistance, cooking, playing music, or just hanging out.
“(We) would like to ask for your continued support of the Hamakua Youth Center. We have received numerous donations from the community, which include food items, art supplies, kitchen items, music room supplies, office equipment and holiday decorations. While we continue to write grant proposals, which support our various programs, we also continue to need the financial support of our community.
“If you are able to make a donation to the center, of any amount, it would be greatly appreciated by the youth who participate in our programs and find a nurturing and safe ‘Our House’ to come to every afternoon. Thank you in advance for your belief in the vision of the Hamakua Youth Foundation, and your vital financial support.”
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It’s tax time again, and there is help.
Check out the free tax preparation for low-to-moderate-income individuals and families, and seniors with simple taxes. Appointments are now being made for this free service at Tutu’s House provided by the AARP Foundation of the American Association of Retired Persons, in conjunction with the IRS. The service will open Feb. 3 and run every Friday and Monday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. throughout tax season (except on Monday, Feb. 20, which is Presidents’ Day), ending April 16.
To schedule an appointment or ask questions, call 808-388-6645. Federal and state tax returns will be prepared by volunteers who have donated their time and skills to serve their community. All returns will be filed electronically, with a few exceptions. When scheduling an appointment, please ask what items are needed to prepare your tax packet to bring with you.
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Rep. Mark Nakashima reports that the roadwork for the Papaikou traffic safety improvements on Hawaii Belt Road will start the second week in February. Please observe the speed limit through the construction zones, as it will be reduced by 10 mph for worker safety. There will be a day or two of lane closures as they work on the guardrails, and about five days of lane shifting as they install rumble strips and work on changing strips. Weather permitting, the anticipated completion date for this project is June 2012.
The 2012 Legislative Session opened on Jan. 18. Since then, lawmakers have been holding informational briefings with state departments and hearings have begun on many of the bills introduced.
The Hawaii State Legislature has a website (http://capitol.hawaii.gov) where the public can create their own tracking lists for the bills they are interested in, as well as receive hearing notices for these bills, and submit and view testimony.
If you have any questions, call Nakashima’s office at 808-586-6680 or email repnakashima@capitol.hawaii.gov.
Carol Yurth’s column is published every Sunday and spotlights activities on the Hilo-Hamakua coast. She welcomes items for her column. Reach her by mail (46-1240 Kalehua Road, Honokaa HI 96727) at least 10 days before the requested publication date, call her at 775-7101, or e-mail waiukahe@interpac.net.