MEDIA RELEASE

Honolulu, HI – “SBA Resource Days” are increasingly important in providing tools and information for Hawaii’s economic recovery. These special community-based events offer 30-minute free, confidential consultations with small business specialists from the federal agency and address critical issues like access to capital and credit. The full range of programs and resources available from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) can help small business owners get back to the business of doing business.

SBA’s experienced staff can help existing small business owners and start-ups evaluate their current operations and find resources available to deal with the current economic slump. Information is available about the agency’s guaranteed loan programs, government contracting certifications and other sources for training, business counseling, planning, and technical assistance.

Thursday,
March 4
9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Hawaii National Bank
Kapiolani Branch
1311 Kapiolani Blvd., Honolulu
(808) 541-2990
extension 210

Thursday,
March 4
9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Bank of Hawaii
Kailua-Kona Branch
75-5595 Palani Rd., Kailua-Kona
(808) 541-2990
extension 211

Thursday,
March 25
9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
American Savings Bank
Lihue Branch
4318 Rice St., Lihue
(808) 541-2990
extension 212

Tuesday,
March 30
9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Central Pacific Bank
Main Branch
220 S. King St., Honolulu
(808) 541-2990
extension 211

Reservations are recommended for the 30-minute appointments. Registration is also available at www.sba.gov/hi . Appointments will be confirmed by SBA.

MEDIA RELEASE

The Kokua Kailua Village Stroll is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 21. More and more people are finding Kokua Kailua the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon with friends and family as they stroll Alii Drive, which becomes a pedestrian marketplace from 1pm until 6pm.

At 4 p.m. Hulihee Palace hosts a free concert on the lawn adjacent to the historic landmark. Concert-goers are encouraged to bring their own beach chairs or mats, which can be checked for free while dining or strolling Alii Drive.

Kokua Kailua is appreciative of the many volunteers that help with event promotion, basket donations and assembly. More volunteers are always welcome and interested persons should contact Dorlene Kolina Chao at 936-9202.

Kokua Kailua Village Stroll is sponsored by the Kailua Village Business Improvement District, the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce, Destination Kona Coast, Kailua Village Merchants Association, Hulihee Palace and Pacific Radio Group. The program is designed to rally support for merchants and restaurants and to remind residents to shop, dine and buy local.

Concert remembers former palace resident

The Daughters of Hawaii and the Calabash Cousins present a free concert 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 21 at Hulihee Palace to remember the late Princess Ruth Keelikolani. Enjoy the voices of the Merrie Monarchs and performing arts by Kumu Hula Etua Lopes and his Halau Na Pua Ui O Hawaii. Bring a beach mat or chair as seating won’t be provided.

Concert goers are encouraged to take advantage of the free “chair check” conveniently located across from the palace and enjoy the Kokua Kailua Village Stroll from 1-6 p.m.

Princess Ruth (1826-1883) was the half-sister of King Kamehameha IV and V. She inherited Hulihee after the death of her husband, William Pitt Leleiohoku; he was the adopted son of John Adams Kuakini. Kuakini built the palace after erecting Mokuaikaua Church, which faces the palace on Alii Drive.

A tall woman of great girth, Princess Ruth outlived all of her husbands and children. Ancient Hawaiians, who were known for their statuesque presence, saw beauty in great size.

“Ruth used the palace for entertaining her royal kin but preferred to sleep in a grass house she had built on the palace grounds,” said Fanny Au Hoy, palace administrator. “During Ruth’s time of ownership, the palace was often visited by her sister-in-law, Queen Emma. The monarchs considered Hulihee a lovely vacation spot away from the diplomatic pressures in Honolulu.”

After closing for earthquake repairs in December 2007, Hulihee Palace reopened for self-guided tours. Museum and gift shop hours are 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday through Saturdays.

Hulihee Palace admission, which at this time includes a self-guided tour brochure, remains $6 for adults, $4 for seniors and $1 for keiki under 18. Volunteer docents are sometimes available to give guided tours. For details, contact the palace at 329-1877, the palace office at 329-9555 or visit www.daughtersofhawaii.org. The gift shop can be reached by phoning 329-6558.

Caretakers of Hulihee Palace are the Daughters of Hawaii. The organization was founded in 1903 and opens membership to any woman who is directly descended from a person who lived in Hawaii prior to 1880. Helping the Daughters in its efforts since 1986 are the Calabash Cousins; membership is available to all.

Lions Club collecting eyeglasses

The Kailua-Kona Lions Club will be collecting used eyeglasses at the Kokua Kailua Village Stroll, Sunday, Feb. 21.

Winning posters in the recent “Sight is Beautiful” contest will be on display. Local schools participating in the contest were Kona Christian Academy, Kealakehe Elementary and Innovations Charter School.

Tickets will be on sale for the Kailua-Kona Lions Club’s annual pancake breakfast 6:30-11 a.m. March 14. While enjoying the delicious breakfast you will be entertained by a variety of local kupuna groups, always a highlight of the event.

Sunday concert and stroll schedule for 2010

Jan 17: Band Concert remembering King Kamehameha II “Lunalilo” and Aunty Io Luahine

Feb 21: Hula Concert remembering Princess Ruth Keelikoolani

March 21: Band Concert remembering Queen Kaahumanu and Prince Kuhio

April 18: Hula Concert remembering Prince Albert

May 16: Hula Concert remembering King Kamehameha IV “Alexander Liholiho”

June 13: Band Concert remembering King Kamehameha I “Paiea”

July 18: Hula Concert remembering John Adams Kuakini

Aug. 22: Hula Concert remembering King Kamehameha II “Kauikeaouli”

Sept. 19: Band Concert remembering Queen Liliuokalani

Oct. 17: Hula Concert remembering Princess Kaiulani

Nov. 21: Band Concert remembering King Kalakaua, Palace Curator Aunty Lei Collins and Bandmaster Charles “Bud” Dant

Dec. 12: Hula Concert remembering Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop

MEDIA RELEASE

On Friday (February 12) at 1:27 a.m., Hawai’i Police Department Patrol Officers responded to a report of an assault victim at the Kona Community Hospital.

Officers determined that the victim, a 21-year-old male from Kailua-Kona, had sustained multiple lacerations during a confrontation with another adult male occurring earlier that morning within the parking lot of the King Kamehameha Center in Kailua-Kona. The victim was treated for his injuries and released.

Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Section Area II are continuing with the investigation.

MEDIA RELEASE

Kailua-Kona, Big Island of Hawaii — Kona Brewing Company will celebrate 15 years of making beer on the Big Island on Friday, February 19, with a 5 p.m. tapping of its latest specialty brew, Pohaku Pale Ale. The pub will donate $1 for every pint served from 5 p.m. until closing to The Neighborhood Place of Kona, an organization that ensures the well being of children and families by promoting environments of peace and safety.

Kona Brewing Company’s first batch of beer, Pacific Golden Ale (now called Big Wave Golden Ale) was packaged on February 14, 1995. In its first year of producing beer, Kona Brewing Company’s four employees brewed 1,461 barrels or 45,291 gallons of beer. Now, 15 years later, the company employs 170 Hawaii residents within its brewery and two restaurants. In 2009 the same brewery – but with more tanks – turned out nearly 10,000 barrels, or 306,900 gallons, of beer.

Pohaku Pale Ale, a strong pale ale, was crafted by Kona Brewing Company’s brewers to include 15 ingredients: three types of malts, nine varieties of hops, organic sugar, yeast and water. It is pale copper in color, full-bodied and assertively hoppy. The strong hop flavor and aroma are balanced by the symphony of malts. Pohaku Pale Ale will be available exclusively at Kona Brewing Company’s two Hawaii pubs on Hawaii’s Big Island and Oahu.

“It is so exciting to be celebrating 15 years of beer,” said Mattson Davis, Kona Brewing Company’s President and CEO. “It is also an honor that we don’t take lightly. We’re pumping out more beer than ever because we have such a strong local and visitor following. Our beer, brewery and pub are all integral parts of our community. That community support has led us to our success.”

Kona Brewing Company is a Hawaii-born and Hawaii-based craft brewery that prides itself on brewing the freshest beer of exceptional quality, closest to market. It has grown into Hawaii’s largest brewery, has three restaurant sites in Hawaii and beer distribution reaching 28 states and Japan. The brewery was named the fastest growing top-50 craft brewing company in the country based on 2008 sales figures. It posted 19.8 percent year over year growth in 2009. For more information call 808-334-BREW or visit www.KonaBrewingCo.com

Kona Brewing’s solar system will be among beer industry’s largest Sunetric to install the 229 KW photovoltaic system

MEDIA RELEASE

Kailua-Kona, Big Island of Hawaii — Kona Brewing Company recently announced it has signed a contract with Sunetric to install a 229 kW solar energy generating system at its Kailua-Kona brewery and pub on Hawaii’s Big Island. Construction has begun on the system, and it is expected to be fully operational by April. Sunetric is the largest Hawaii-owned and operated commercial solar energy contractor.

“Going solar is a huge step for us,” said Kona Brewing Company’s President and CEO Mattson Davis. “It is something we have been working toward for a number of years, and I’m ecstatic that Sunetric is helping us make it happen. We will be the first beer production facility in Hawaii to go solar, and our system is one of the largest in the country among craft breweries. We are proud to be able to say our facility is making a contribution to easing the state’s energy problems.”

The project, a roof-mounted grid-tied photovoltaic (PV) system, is estimated to produce an average of 900 kWh of electricity each day, which will allow Kona Brewing Company nearly 60 percent offset of its current electricity usage. It will include 880 260-watt solar modules on the brewery’s rooftop space. At the entrance to the restaurant, Kona Brewing Company guests will be able to check out a real-time monitor that shows how much energy the solar system is generating. At the current commercial retail electricity rate, the system will offset more than $100,000 in Kona Brewing Company’s electricity expenditures per year.

“In the long run, the cost savings in utilizing solar power are obvious,” continued Davis. “But even more important, our system will provide improved environmental performance and reduced carbon emissions. We feel we have a responsibility to take a leadership role in establishing production methods that minimize taxing our environment. It makes economic sense and it is the right thing to do. It’s not just good business… it’s our way of life.”

Sunetric President Sean Mullen added, “Hawaii businesses are finding the use of renewable energy is not only the right choice for the environment, but for business as well. With generous federal and state tax incentives out there for businesses, along with the continual increase of electricity rates, we have seen an incredible increase of Hawaii businesses switching to solar power over the last few years. Commercial solar projects have accounted for nearly 80 percent of our business since 2008.”

PV solar energy is a clean and renewable energy source. It does not pollute or consume natural resources. Sunetric estimates that over the next 30 years Kona Brewing Company’s PV system will prevent approximately 7,730 tons of carbon dioxide emissions from entering the atmosphere annually, or about 5 million car trips to a local grocery store. The solar array offsets 16,425 barrels of oil that would otherwise be burned to make electricity during the next 30 years.

In recent months Kona Brewing Company has seen several of its environmental initiatives reach fruition. In October both of its pubs on Hawaii’s Big Island and Oahu became Certified Green Restaurants® by the Green Restaurant Association. In December the brewery made Hawaii’s first certified organic beer, Oceanic Organic Saison. With the solar project moving forward, the company has fulfilled another of its goals in becoming a sustainable business leader.

Kona Brewing Company was started in the spring of 1994 by a father and son team that had a dream to create fresh, local island brews made with spirit, passion and quality. It is a Hawaii-born and Hawaii-based craft brewery that prides itself on brewing the freshest beer of exceptional quality, closest to market. This helps to minimize its carbon footprint by reducing shipping of raw materials, finished beer and wasteful packaging materials. The company is headquartered where it began, in Kailua-Kona on Hawaii’s Big Island. It has grown into Hawaii’s largest brewery, has three restaurant sites in Hawaii and beer distribution reaching 28 states and Japan. The brewery was named the fastest growing top-50 craft brewing company in the country based on 2008 sales figures. It is the 14th largest craft brewing company in the country, posting 51 percent growth in 2008. For more information call 808-334-BREW or visit www.KonaBrewingCo.com

Founded in 2004 by Sean and Beth-Ann Mullen, Sunetric specializes in photovoltaic system design and installation, including the state’s largest photovoltaic systems at Kona Commons shopping center on the Big Island and Wilcox Memorial Hospital on Kauai. Hawaii’s solar authority, Sunetric leads the way in solar energy education, installation, and investment in our future. For more information, visit Sunetric.com

MEDIA RELEASE

Detectives in Kona are investigating a robbery early Tuesday (February 2) on Ali’i Drive in Kailua-Kona.

A 30-year-old man from Washington state reported that he was approached by four local males just after midnight while walking north on the sidewalk fronting Hulihe’e Palace. One of the men assaulted him and demanded money.

The suspects then fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash.

The victim suffered minor injuries that did not require medical attention.

Detectives from the Area II Criminal Investigations Section are continuing the investigation.

Police ask that anyone with information about the case call Detective Walter Ah Mow at 326-4646, extension 238, or the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 935-3311. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 329-8181 in Kona or 961-8300 in Hilo. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.

MEDIA RELEASE

Kailua-Kona – Hawaii Island Hoops is now accepting applications and registration for its 2010 College-Prep Basketball Camp, from May 31st – June 4th, 2010, at the Kekuaokalani Gym in Kailua-Kona.

Hawaii Island Hoops College-Prep Basketball Camp is open to boys ages 13-20 who are looking to improve their skills and learn a college style program. The cost of the five-day camp is $350 and includes top-notch college coach/player instruction from NCAA, NAIA and JUCO level, evening college-prep seminars on academic requirements, financial aid available, and athletic recruitment. Each camper will also receive a Reversible Jersey, shorts, Basketball, Camp T-shirt, College-Prep Handbook, All-Meals included, athletic trainer on site, Hapuna Beach trip…and a week of fun!

Building on the success of last year’s camp, Hawaii Island Hoops will include daily fundamental drill stations, shooting clinics, defensive breakdowns, team offense, individual skills competitions and championship game. There will also be a 3-point shootout, free-throw, slam dunk contest, all-star game and awards ceremony.

Kekuaokalani Gym offers great facilities with 3 full indoor courts, 3 outdoor courts and an Olympic size swimming pool to refresh and relax during break time. The College-Prep camp also offers daily inspirational guest speakers while promoting a positive-mental-attitude.

Applications and registration can be found online at www.HawaiiIslandHoops.com or for more information, contact Director Andy Smith at (808) 937-3082 Director@HawaiiIslandHoops.com

MEDIA RELEASE

Business owners, residents, community leaders invited to share ideas on creating jobs

State Executive Director Diane Ley announced today that the state offices of Farm Service Agency and Rural Development and the County of Hawai`i Department of Research and Development will hold a roundtable on job creation and economic growth.

The roundtable will be held on:

Wednesday, February 3, 2010. Kailua-Kona. 9:00 am – 11:00 am.
Old Kona Airport Main Events Pavilion

The roundtables follow the Forum on Jobs and Economic Growth that President Obama hosted at the White House on December 3. Participants will discuss steps that can to be taken to grow the economy and put Americans back to work.

“This forum will provide an opportunity for residents, business owners and community leaders in West Hawaii to share ideas on creating jobs and economic opportunities,” Diane Ley said. “Government can help lay the groundwork for economic growth, but the best ideas for continued growth and job creation often come from local and community leaders. I look forward to hearing these ideas and sharing them with the Obama Administration.”

The primary focus will be on ideas to accelerate job growth in rural America. Some of the topics to be discussed are:

• Exploring ways to rejuvenate and promote local businesses;
• Creating jobs by rebuilding America’s infrastructure;
• Creating new opportunities from existing ones, such as with value-added agricultural products;
• Supporting job growth among small businesses; and
• Preparing workers for 21st century jobs.

The County of Hawai`i Department of Research and Development works to provide pro-active leadership, enhancing the quality of life, and sustainability of Hawaii Island communities through programs related to: agriculture, energy, tourism, economic development, community development and film.

USDA Rural Development administers and manages more than 40 housing, business, and community infrastructure and facility programs as laid out by Congress through a network of 6,100 employees located in 500 national, state and local offices. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America. Rural Development has an existing portfolio of more than $125 billion in loans and loan guarantees.

USDA’s Farm Services Agency works to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural Americans. Some of the agency’s efforts include facilitating income support, disaster assistance and conservation programs, providing operating loans for the procurement of farm equipment, seed and fertilizer, as well as offering ownership loans to help new and veteran producers purchase a farm. FSA also works to procure various commodities to benefit low-income families through domestic food assistance programs.

For more information, please call the Farm Service Agency in Honolulu at
(808) 441-2704, Ext. 136 or the Farm Service Agency in Kealekekua at (808) 322-2484, Ext. 111.

MEDIA RELEASE

Jose J. Garcia

A Kailua-Kona man was charged on Friday (January 29) with various drug offenses.

Officers from the Area II Vice Section served a search warrant on Thursday (January 28) at a Kanaka Street residence in Kailua-Kona. A 24-year-old man was arrested after officers recovered 23 grams of powdered cocaine, 7.8 grams of crystal methamphetamine, 9 grams of hashish, 7 grams of dried marijuana and 24 marijuana plants from the residence.

Police also seized $950 in cash for forfeiture. The drugs have a combined street value of about $4,000.

Jose J. Garcia, of Kailua-Kona, was charged with two counts of drug paraphernalia and one count each of promoting a dangerous drug, promoting a harmful drug, promoting a detrimental drug and meth trafficking.

His bail was set at $64,000.

MEDIA RELEASE

The Honolulu Theatre for Youth is currently presenting a special performance of “Keiko and Louie: Best Best Friends (Mostly),” a play created by Daniel A. Kelin, II, through March 25 at selected public libraries statewide, including five Big Island libraries. Admission is free.

“Keiko and Louie,” a story about the trials and tribulations of friendship, was recently performed at Maui public libraries, and is also scheduled for performances at public libraries on Kauai and Oahu.

In the storyline, Louie needs a friend. Keiko loves to make friends. When Louie and Keiko find each other, they also discover the ups and downs, the fun and trouble of friendship.

The “Keiko and Louie” performances are sponsored by a major grant from the Friends of the Library of Hawaii, Marriott Resorts Hawaii, Ko Olina Resort & Marina, HMS Host, Meadow Gold Dairies, and Hawaiian Telcom, with additional funding provided by the National Endowment for the Arts. In addition, the City and County of Honolulu is providing funding support for Oahu library performances.

The 30-minute interactive play combines humor, movement and participation to engage young audiences directly in the performance. It is recommended for ages 3 and older. Children must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver.

See “Keiko and Louie: Best Best Friends (Mostly),” from February 2 – 12 at the following five Big Island public libraries:

• February 2, noon at Hilo Public Library (300 Waianuenue Avenue; telephone 933-8888)
• February 4, 1:15 p.m. at Laupahoehoe Public & School Library (35-2065 Old Mamalahoa Highway; telephone: 962-2229)
• February 9, 3 p.m. at Kealakekua Public Library (81-6300 Mamalahoa Highway; telephone: 323-7585)
• February 11, 12:30 p.m. at Kailua-Kona Public Library (75-138 Hualalai Road; telephone: 327-4327)
• February 12, 10 a.m. at Bond Memorial Public Library (54-3903 Akoni Pule Highway; telephone: 889-6655)

Visit the HSPLS website: www.librarieshawaii.org for a complete listing of performances. Call the hosting Big Island library as soon as possible if a sign language interpreter or other special accommodation is needed, or for more information. Program schedules are subject to change.

iPhone/iPad version of video
Photography and story by Baron Sekiya | Hawaii 24/7

On Thursday (Jan 21) St. Michael’s Church came down after over 150 years of service in Kailua-Kona.

Saint Michael the Archangel Catholic Church suffered severe damage from the 6.7 and 6.0 magnitude October 15, 2006 earthquakes which shook the Big Island and caused widespread damage. Cracks in the front and rear arches along with severe damage to the bell tower forced the parish to abandon using the building for services.

A large tent has been used for all services on the church grounds. On Sunday, December 20, 2009 just as the 9 a.m. Mass was ending a violent thunderstorm with heavy wind and rain struck the church tent destroying it. Nobody was injured and a new tent was put up two days before Christmas and will continue to be used until a new church can be built.

Richard Leander Jr., chairman of St. Michael the Archangel Parish Planning and Building Committee, said of the demolition, “We will be moving pavers removed from the sidewalks first thing. Then we will strip wood, windows, ceilings, carpet, doors, choir loft, bell tower supports, floors and anything else that adds structural support or will gum up the equipment without having it fall on the workmen.”

When the building is down and cleaned up, archeologist Bob Rechtman will guide the contractor in the recovery of the priest buried there under a slab.

Photography by Baron Sekiya | Hawaii 24/7

UPDATED MEDIA RELEASE (1/22/10)

MEDIA RELEASE (1/22/10 5:47 p.m.)

On Thursday (January 21) at 2022 hours, Hawai’i Police Department Patrol Officers responded to a report of an assault that occurred at a residence located on Lunapule Road in Kailua-Kona. Officers determined that the victim, a 26-year-old male from Kailua-Kona, had sustained multiple lacerations during a confrontation with another 42-year-old male who resides at the same location.

The victim was transported to the Kona Community Hospital where he was treated for his injuries and released. The suspect was arrested and remains in custody at the Kona Police Station Cellblock. Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Section Area II are continuing with the investigation.