In brief

East Hawaii officer honored

Officer Jared Cabatu, a nine-year police veteran, was named the East Hawaii Aloha Exchange Club’s Officer of the Month for July.

Cabatu was honored for his diligence that led to the prompt arrest of two suspects wanted in a theft that occurred in a Hilo home.

Juried art exhibit input requested

Because of the low number of entries, the Wailoa Center and the Hawaii Island Art Alliance is seeking input from artists in the community regarding September’s Contemporary Craft Juried Exhibition.

“We want to know if you plan to enter or not, possible reasons why, such as it is not the right time of year, not your medium or costs too much,” said Wailoa Center director Codie King.

The Contemporary Craft Juried Exhibition is scheduled for Sept. 8-28. Artwork in glass, ceramics, metal, wood, fiber and mixed mediums will be accepted. Artists can submit up to five entries online at hawaiicraftsmen2017.artcall.org.

To submit comments, call 933-0416 or email wailoa@yahoo.com.

Habitat Blitz Build volunteers sought

Habitat for Humanity Hawaii Island and Hawaii Forest and Trail are coming together to raise money for the next month’s Blitz Build and encourage volunteering for the community project to build 10 homes for 10 families in 10 days.

There will be a fundraising challenge for volunteers, with the prize of a private tour with Hawaii Forest and Trail going to the team that raises the most.

Volunteers can sign up in teams of 10 and begin fundraising by asking friends, family, co-workers and even local businesses to support them.

“With the cost of living on the rise, and homelessness continuing to plague Hawaii, Habitat for Humanity’s mission has never been more vital,” said Jason Cohn, Hawaii Forest and Trail’s director of sales and marketing.

For more information, visit www.habitathawaiiisland.org/events, email amanda@habitathawaiiisland.org or call 491-5420.

Taste of Hilo tickets on sale

The Japanese Chamber of Commerce &Industry of Hawaii has scheduled its 19th annual Taste of Hilo for 1-3 p.m. Oct. 22 at Sangha Hall in Hilo.

Presale tickets are on sale for $55. They can be purchased by calling 934-0177 or by email at jccih@jccih.org. Tickets may also be purchased at the door for $70 if the event has not been sold out.

The Taste of Hilo annually features the culinary skills of more than 35 chefs, restaurants and patisseries who provide their talents, ingredients and staff to make this annual event a success.

A portion of event proceeds goes to support educational programs at Hawaii Community College.