Applications accepted for conservation grants
Do you have an innovative conservation approach or technology that other farmers and ranchers in the islands might adopt?
The Natural Resources Conservation Service, an agency under the United States Department of Agriculture, is accepting applications for Conservation Innovation Grants to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies.
All Office of Management and Budget standard forms necessary for submission are posted at Grants.gov, forms repository. Applications for the pre-proposal phase must be received by 4 p.m. April 30. To submit applications electronically, visit Grants.gov, apply for grants and follow the instructions. Applications may also be emailed to jessica.newpher@hi.usda.gov or jessica.mcarthur@hi.usda.gov. All applicants who submit electronically are encouraged to also submit a paper copy to USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Jessica (Newpher) McArthur, CIG Program Manager, P.O. Box 50004, 300 Ala Moana Boulevard, Room 4-118, Honolulu, HI 96850.
Officer Nakamoto recognized for investigation
The Kona Crime Prevention Committee recognized officer Sheldon Nakamoto as “Officer of the Month” for April in a luncheon ceremony Wednesday at Huggo’s restaurant.
Nakamoto was honored for an investigation that led to felony charges in a stolen vehicle case. On Sept. 22, Nakamoto and another officer responded to a report that a possible stolen car had been seen near a home in Captain Cook. It was reported that a couple on an all-terrain vehicle told an area resident that a car parked nearby had broken down and that they were on their way to a gas station. The resident noticed the car’s license plate had been altered with black electrical tape. The officers investigated and learned the car had been stolen from Kealakekua while the owner was jogging. Using forensics from the stolen car, Nakamoto was able to identify a female suspect who had an extensive criminal record. The woman was charged with the felony offense of unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle.
Sgt. Mekia Rose commended Nakamoto for his “diligence, attention to detail, thorough investigative techniques and dedication to duty.”
As “Officer of the Month,” Nakamoto is eligible to become “Officer of the Year.”
Guided meditation classes offered
Gavin Harrison leads Walking Meditation in the Wild from 8:30 to 10 a.m. on the first Saturday of each month at Iole, the Historic Bond Homestead, at 53-496 Iole Rd. in Kapaau.
Participants should bring a hat, hiking shoes, water, a cushion for rest stops, raingear and mosquito repellent. There is no charge, but a donation of $10 to $15 is suggested. For more information, email info@iolehawaii.com or call the Iole office at 889-5151.
Harrison also leads a sitting and walking meditation with dialogue, and meditation guidance from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. on the first Sunday of each month at Waimea Events Salon, 66-1664 Waiaka St. Experienced and beginning meditators are welcome. Donations are accepted. For more information call Matilda Tompson at 885-9206 or email TompsonP001@hawaii.rr.com.
Children’s chess games held in Hilo
Children are invited to learn the game of chess and challenge one another in friendly competition with the aid of experienced chess players from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday at Hilo Public Library.
Children will learn on official chess tournament boards, which were purchased by the Hilo Friends group with the support of Big Island Chess Club. Club members will have opportunities to participate in upcoming tournaments as a way to sharpen their chess skills and win prizes.
For more information, call Marsha at 933-8890.
Holualoa Village holds monthly art stroll
A free Holualoa Village First Friday &Village Stroll will feature live music, free wine tasting and local artists.
The event is scheduled from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday in Holualoa Village.
For more information, call Pat Pearlman at 990-5686 or email patpearlman@gmail.com.