Candidate forum slated Wednesday in Pepeekeo
Crucial times demand crucial solutions.
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With many defining issues such as ag and energy at the forefront of our community conversations, we need strong, servant-minded leadership to facilitate discussion and forge solutions.
Who is best suited to lead us, the community?
Participate in the “Meet the Candidates” forum hosted by the Rural South Hilo Community Association from 6-9 p.m. Wednesday at the Kulaimano Community Center in Pepeekeo.
Join the gathering around the table to share food and thought. State and county races for the Hamakua Coast will be present.
The event will allow for an informal meet-n-greet, as well as a formal panel discussion. For more information, call Donna Johnson at 895-1907.
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This summer, there is the “Free Math Boot Camp” for Hawaii Community College students.
The class is 8:30-11:30 a.m. from July 14-25 (except July 18) at Kanu O Ka ‘Aina Computer Lab. These classes are for returning and incoming students. A free nine-day math intensive to brush up on basic math and algebra skills before the fall semester begins.
Instruction and computer-assisted learning at your own pace. Students will be eligible to take the Compass placement test free of charge at the end of the class.
For more information or to register, contact Lily Chan-Harris, Just in TIME coordinator, at 937-0950, or email chanharr@hawaii.edu.
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Register now for the last Junior Lifeguard Summer Session for 12- to 17-year-olds this summer. This session is 9 a.m.-3 p.m. daily, July 14-18, and the cost is $20.
The class will take place at the south end of Hapuna Beach. This class is sponsored by the Alex &Duke De Rego Foundation to increase self-confidence, physical conditioning and ocean awareness including water safety, first aid, CPR and surf rescue techniques. Participants are required to bring lunch, drinking water, sun screen.
Participants are required to qualify by completing a 200 yard swim for basic proficiency. There will be competitive local and statewide competitions at end of training.
The Big Island Championship is July 19; the State Championship Aug. 2 is on Kauai.
For more information, visit alexanddukederegofoundation.com.
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The second annual Waimea Small Business Expo is slated from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday, July 18, at Kanu o Ka ‘Aina.
Themed “The Go-To Place for Our Business Community,” the expo is free and open to all — whether they are a startup or want to manage their small business more efficiently.
There will be free business workshops, too, such as Entrepreneurship, Payroll Law, LinkedIn and Top 20 Business Apps. Exhibitor booths are available to companies that provide resources to small businesses.
Booths are $30 with all proceeds going to support community and school programs in Waimea.
To register for a workshop or booth or for more info, visit www.waimeabusinessexpo.eventbrite.com or call 890-2516.
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Waimea Community Education celebrates the 30th anniversary and legacy of Richard Smart and the Parker Ranch Foundation Trust.
For more information and to register for classes, visit www.waimeaeducation.com.
Please check the website for ongoing ballet a Capoeira classes, and writing and computer consults.
Also, if you have a class you would like to teach, or an interest in learning something in particular, call Matilda Tompson at 885-1539 or email learn@waimeaeducation.com.
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Health Insurance help is available for free for individuals, families and small businesses.
Kipuka O Ke Ola (KOKO), a native Hawaiian Health-Wellness clinic in Waimea led by Dr. Claren-Kealoha-Beaudet and Dr. Franco Acquaro is a certified Hawaii Health Connector site located in the Waimea KTA Shopping Center. KOKO provides assistance in exploring health insurance choices available under the new federal Affordable Care Act and can assist with the application process.
Open enrollment for individuals and families starts Nov. 15.
Qualifying events will enable some to apply prior to open enrollment. Small business owners can apply throughout the year.
For more information, call Brenda Case Resendiz or Marcya Gleason at 885-5900 to schedule an appointment.
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To encourage voting in the all-important Aug. 9 Primary Election, when many races are expected to be effectively decided, Waimea Community Association (WCA) and more than a dozen other community groups are collaborating to cohost two candidate forums in coming weeks.
Both will be from 5-7 p.m. in the Waimea school cafeteria and all residents are encouraged to participate.
Cosponsoring groups confirmed to date include WCA, Lalamilo Farmers, Friends of the Future, Tutu’s House, Mala’ai School Garden, North Hawai’i Rotary, Parker School, Waimea Town Market, Waimea Preservation Association and Waimea Middle School.
Both forums will be facilitated by Hawaii Island news woman Sherry Bracken with Hawaii Public Radio and LAVA 105.3 FM and KKOA 107.7 FM.
The Forum date is Thursday, July 17, spotlighting these three district races — the newly established Senate District 4 (North Kona to North Kohala including Waikoloa, Puako and Kawaihae, Waimea and Hamakua to North Hilo), and County Council District 1 (east Waimea-Hamakua) and District 9 (west side of Waimea-North Kohala-Kawaihae-Puako-Waikoloa).
This forum will begin with introductions and rapid-fire questions and answers, and then shift to a “speed dating” format with candidates moving from group to group around the room for an up close and personal talk to address the attendee’s priorities.
To reach the Kokua Way, email waiukahenutz@gmail.com or call Carol on her cellphone at 936-0067.