Final deadline for insurance enrollment
Hawaii residents who have started the process of applying for health insurance coverage through the Hawaii Health Connector before March 31 but were not able to select a plan can still receive coverage if they complete their enrollment by April 30.
April 30 is the absolute deadline to complete enrollment to avoid tax penalties and no further extensions will be offered. Individuals will have to wait until the next open enrollment period that begins Nov. 15 to apply for health coverage unless they are waiting to determine whether they are eligible for tax subsidies or have special circumstances such as a change in employment or marital status.
Applicants can fast-track their enrollment by visiting a community partner in person. Visit the Hawaii Health Connector website at hawaiihealthconnector.com and click on the Marketplace Assister tab to find a community partner. Applicants may also call the Connector’s customer support center at 877-628-5076.
Hawaiian cultural workshops offered
Hui Malama Ola Na Oiwi has announced that kahuna lapaau Ikaika Dombrigues will provide islandwide community laau lapaau, lomilomi and hooponopono workshops.
West Hawaii workshops will be offered from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 3 at the Waimea Community Center, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 17 at the Old Kona Airport Park’s Makaeo Events’ Pavilion, and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 21 at the Old Pahala Club House.
Light refreshments will be served. Participants should bring a bag lunch.
For more information, call Julie at 969-9220 or visit any of the Hui Malama Ola Na Oiwi offices.
Park programs offered at Kahuku
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is offering several upcoming programs in the park’s Kahuku section.
A guided hike of Palm Trail is offered from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m April 19, May 25, and June 29. The moderately difficult 2.6-mile loop traverses scenic pasture along an ancient cinder cone.
People and Land of Kahuku is a moderate, 2-mile, three-hour guided hike that loops through varied landscapes to explore the human history of Kahuku. It is offered from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. April 20, May 18 and June 22.
A third program explains the vital role of ohia lehua in native Hawaii forests, the many forms of the ohia tree, and the lehua flower. The Ohia Lehua program is offered from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. April 27, May 11 and June 15.
To attend these activities, enter the Kahuku unit of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the mauka side of Highway 11 near mile marker 70.5, and meet near the parking area. Sturdy footwear, water, raingear, sun protection, and a snack are recommended.
Celebration at Kaloko-Honokohau
Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park will host cultural demonstrations and traditional craft activities during National Park Week, April 19 through 26.
Learn how to create an ohe kapala stamp during the Ohe Kapala Bamboo Stamp Carving Activity Monday. This activity is for adults only. Bring an ukulele and learn to play with a talented musician from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. every Monday at Hale Hookipa, the park’s visitor center. The center has some ukulele available for use. Also, Kani ka pila music jam with a group of talented musicians is held from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. every Monday at the visitor center.
Join Ranger Jon at 9 a.m. Tuesday for a two-mile hiking tour through the park to see petroglyphs made centuries ago by ancient Hawaiians. Meet at the visitor center. Closed toe shoes and water are required.
Learn basic hula steps with kumu hula Lani and her students from 10 a.m. to noon every Wednesday at the park’s visitor center.
Finally, A Junior Ranger Day will be celebrated April 26.
For more information visit nps.gov/kaho or park’s Facebook page.
National Park Week programs offered
Admission to all fee-charging national parks is free Saturday and Sunday to kick off National Park Week, and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park will offer 12 Hawaiian cultural events Wednesday through Friday. These events are free but admission fees apply.
Edna and Sam Baldado will share the cultural uses of kalo, or taro plant, Helene Hayselden will demonstrate the art of making a feather kahili, Na Hoku Hanohano Award nominee Rupert Tripp Jr. will perform and Kaohu Monfort shares her knowledge of the island’s native plants from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday on the Kilauea Visitor Center lanai.
Vi Makuakane will demonstrate the intricate art of feather work, Na Hoku Hanohano award-winning singer Kenneth Makuakane will play his original songs, Keiko Mercado will show how ohe kapala, or bamboo stamps, are made and used and Patricia Kaula will demonstrate different styles of lei making from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday on the Kilauea Visitor Center lanai. Also, Kumu hula Robert Cazimero will sign the latest edition of “Men of Hula” from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday at the Kilauea Visitor Center.
Kapa maker Kuuleimomi Makuakane-Salavea shares the art of kapa making, members of Aha Puhala o Puna demonstrate the ancient art of lauhala weaving, Lito Arkangel plays his original compositions and Hawaiian favorites, and participants will create their own nose flute from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday at Kilauea Visitor Center lanai.
In addition to the cultural programs, there are Stewardship at the Summit volunteer opportunities, Kahuku hikes, and After Dark in the Park programs. Check the park website for a complete schedule.
Community picnic held Saturday
A Kailua Kanikapila Community Picnic will be held from 4 p.m. until sunset Saturday at Hale Halawai.
Participants should bring their own food, chairs and mats. Hawaiian music will be played by Darlene Ahuna and John Cruz. There will be games for the keiki and a taco truck available for those who prefer to purchase food.
The picnic is sponsored by the Kailua Village Business Improvement District, Hawaii Tourism Authority, and the County of Hawaii.
Aloha Quilters meets Saturday
Aloha Quilters of Kona meets at 9:30 a.m. Saturday in Wallace Hall at Christ Church Episcopal in Kealakekua.
The quilters work in traditional and Hawaiian styles and meet informally on the third Saturday of each month to share old and new ideas and techniques and to promote the art of quilting in the community. Quilters of any skill level are welcome. For more information, call Eileen at 328-8027.
VFW events planned
Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars meets at 11:30 a.m. Saturday. There will be the election of officers for the year.
The group will also hold an Easter brunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. Cost is $20 and Bosco will provide entertainment. Johnny Shot will perform April 25. That event will include dinner and dancing for a $15 donation.
For more information, call 326 5675.
Puuhonua plans park week activities
Admission to Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park will be free Saturday and Sunday to celebrate National Park Week. Entrance fees Monday through April 26 will be $5 per vehicle or $3 per person for walk-ins.
Programs throughout the week include daily orientation talks in the park amphitheater, daily DVD show times in the amphitheater, a puohe bamboo trumpet activity, ohe kapala bamboo stamp printing activity, ohe kapala bamboo stamp printing activity, ulana niu coconut weaving demonstration, ulana lauhala weaving demonstration, Junior Ranger Day and ohe kapala bamboo stamp printing activity.
Visit nps.gov/puho or the park’s Facebook page for updates, or call the park’s visitor center at 328-2326, ext. 1702.
Kawaihae Canoe Club fundraiser Saturday
Kawaihae Canoe Club will hold its spring Heritage Bazaar and Silent Auction from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Kawaihae Harbor. The event will include a rummage sale, silent auction, canoe rides and food.
Funds raised will help perpetuate canoe culture and outrigger paddling, and support keiki paddlers. For information or to donate, email kccbazaar@gmail.com.
Community sunrise service held Sunday
Come and See is the theme for the Kona Community Sonrise Service held at 6 a.m. Sunday on the ball field at Old Kona Airport Park.
The service will include a boys choir, a 38-person hula performance and a children’s message. This 33rd annual event is sponsored by Kona Minister’s Fellowship. Attendees should bring chairs or mats for seating.