Bus fare increase goes into effect on Monday
Effective Monday, bus fares will increase on all Hele-On bus routes, according to the County of Hawaii.
Cash fare for all rides will be $2, according to the county. Cash fares will be $1 for students, individuals at least 60 years old, and certified disabled individuals with proper identification.
There is no charge for children under 5 years old, according to the county.
Monthly passes will be $45 for seniors, students and disabled individuals. Monthly passes will be $60 for all others.
For more information on the new fare structure contact the Hawaii County Mass Transit Agency at 961-8744 or visit heleonbus.org.
Property tax exemption applications due
Exemption applications for homeowner’s, homes of totally disabled veterans, properties of persons affected by Hansen’s disease and properties of persons who are blind, deaf and/or totally disabled programs are due Monday.
Applications must be received by Monday in order to meet the deadline for the Homeowner exemption to be effective Jan. 1, 2014, according to the Hawaii County Real Property Tax Office. All other programs go into effect immediately.
Those who are already enrolled in a program, that automatically renews, do not need to reapply. However, if there has been a change of address, personal status or other qualifying circumstance, the office must be notified within 30 days.
For more information, visit a Real Property Tax Office in Hilo or Kona or the office’s website at hawaiipropertytax.com.
Horsemanship program gets needed boost
The Kona branch of Therapeutic Horsemanship of Hawaii has received a $9,000 grant from the Rotary Club of Kona to support its advanced rider and sibling program.
The Kona branch provides riding and horsemanship lessons to special needs children and adults through its mounted program held at Horseplay Equestrian Center. Because there are not many activities that can engage both a special needs child and their nondisabled siblings together, the Kona group has established a program in conjunction with the equestrian center staff so siblings of children with special needs can take private riding lessons at the same time as their brother or sister is participating in THH group lessons.
Through the advanced rider program, it is also able to offer some riders with special needs an opportunity to have private lessons through the center once they have gained enough balance, strength and attention skills to be able to benefit from private lessons. This gives the children with special needs a tremendous boost in self-confidence and has the added benefit of opening up a space in the special needs program for another rider with higher needs.
Therapeutic Horsemanship of Hawaii is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in Kona in 2005. For more information or to volunteer, contact Nancy Bloomfield at 937-7903. A new volunteer orientation and training will be held in late July for the upcoming session that runs from August to May 2014.
Donkey Tales holds premiere event
Donkey Tales held its premiered Tuesday evening at the Donkey Mill Art Center.
More than 40 people attended the event, which featured true stories told by people who have first-hand experience. In all, seven people spoke about events ranging from hiking the Himalayas to growing up in the ’50s.
The next event will likely be held in August. The date will be posted at donkeytales.org. If you’d like to tell a story email info@donkeytales.org.
