NHERC Community Advisory Committee

The North Hawaii Education and Research Center Advisory Committee met to receive a report on the on-going program and actives at the center. Adult and Pediatric CPR, Hawaiian Quilting, Japanese Conversation and Hiking Hamakua are among the non-credit offerings in the coming months. Check these and other for-credit offerings at www.hilo.hawaii.edu/academics/nherc/

In a capital improvement update, Director Farrah-Marie Gomes reported that bidding has already begun on Phase 2-B which comprises the enclosure and completion of the first floor of the Phase 2 building. Bids are scheduled to be opened at the end of August and construction is expected to last for 12-15 months.

Once completed, the project will house a heritage center and a one-stop elder care services.

Hamakua Ditch Meeting

Mark participated in a teleconference discussion of the Hamakua Ditch working group held at NHERC. The group has been meeting for a number of years to address concerns regarding the continued availability and service of water from the Hamakua Ditch..

Waipio Stream. Jim Cain reported on success in clearing the mouth of Waipio Stream to allow for water to flow freely into the ocean. State Civil Defense chief Ed Texeira coordinated the efforts of numerous state, federal and county agencies worked together to expidite the numerous permits and clearances necessary to allow the project to move forward in a timely manner. The work was completed by Royal Construction who donated the equipment and operator to complete the work. The State Civil Defense Office has opened discussions with US Senator Daniel Inouye's Office to see if additional money can be secured for additional stream maintenance work.

Hamakua Ditch. The $4 million ditch mitigation project is currently on hold as the Department of Agriculture has identified three property owners who have not signed on to the plan to retro-fit the Hamakua Ditch with a buried pipeline to prevent future debris from interferring with the water flow. There will be several efforts underway to attempt to resolve the conflict with the land owners while also continuing to investigate other legal avenues.

Fire Prevention. The group also agreed to pursue the necessary legal and logistical means to allow the Hawaii County Fire Department to draw water from the Hamakua Ditch for fire fighting purposes should the need arise in the Kukuihaele area.

Visayan Club of Honoka'a Installation

Mark with President Roy Soto and members of the Visayan Club of Honoka'a

Mark was honored to be asked to officiate the Installation of Officers for the Visayan Club of Honoka'a. While we are facing many challenges in the state and communities throughout the island, it is encouraging that community organizations such as the Visayan Club provide a social network and system of support to address the diverse need and interests of our residents.

August 2009 Newsletter

If you have not recieved a copy of my legislative wrap-up, please email me at nakashima08@hawaii.rr.com and we will be sure to get one to you.

Hamakua Lions Installs 2009-2010 Officers

President Terry Baxter and her Officers and Board of Directors were installed in a ceremony held at Everett Souza's residence. This is a milestone year for the Hamakua Lions who is celebrating their 75th anniversary and is the fourth oldest club in Hawaii.

Lions Induct New Members

Lions Engage in Fellowship