About Town | 11-24-14

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Crivello named Kohala Officer of the Quarter

The Hawaii Island Safety and Security Professionals Association recognized community policing officer Kristi Crivello as “Kohala Officer of the Quarter” during a ceremony Nov. 14 at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai. Officer Crivello, assigned to the South Kohala District, was honored for discovering and solving a felony theft case before it was reported.

Crivello routinely follows up on thefts and burglaries by making checks with pawn shops and gold buyers. During such a visit to a gold merchant, she observed an unusual piece of jewelry that had been sold under suspicious circumstances. Crivello’s detailed investigation led to the identity of the owner and to confirmation the item had been stolen. Further investigation led to the arrest of the suspect, who was charged with felony theft and theft of prescription medications. Lieutenant Juergen Canda commended her for her diligence, dedication to duty and professionalism.

The Hawaii Island Safety and Security Professionals Association is an organization of hotel and airport security managers and visitor industry professionals. Its “Kohala Officer of the Quarter” program is an opportunity to recognize outstanding officers from the North Kohala and South Kohala districts.

Hawaiian Independence Day celebrated Friday

La Kuokoa, or Hawaiian Independence Day, will be celebrated from 3 to 6 p.m. Friday at Kahilu Town Hall in Waimea. The event is sponsored by the Royal Order of Kamehameha I, Moku O Kohala, in partnership with the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and the Kailapa Community Association.

This celebration is an educational event that brings back a long-forgotten Hawaiian holiday declared by Kamehameha III Nov. 28, 1843. It was on that date Britain and France formally declared their recognition of the Hawaiian Kingdom and vowed never to take possession of its sovereign lands. The United States and Belgium followed suit shortly thereafter. This holiday was celebrated each year until it was banned in 1895 by Sanford Dole, who replaced it with Thanksgiving Day.

There will be an informative presentation by Hawaiian historial Kalaniakea Wilson, informative displays, keiki activities and free T-shirts for the first 200 people. Adults, keiki and student groups are encouraged to come and celebrate this important day in Hawaiian history. Inquiries can be made to kakaukii@hawaiiantel.net.

AdvoCats Hawaii wins national shelter challenge

AdvoCats Hawaii has received a grant from GreaterGood.org, a charitable organization devoted to improving the health and well being of people, pets and the planet, as part of The Animal Rescue Site’s 2014 Shelter Challenge. Thanks to the support of local voters, AdvoCats Hawaii has received $1,000 to help animals in its care.

GreaterGood’s Animal Rescue Site has funded more than $1.3 million in grants to shelters and rescue groups since 2008.

To support additional shelters, visit shelterchallenge.com.

Hawaiian Independence Day march scheduled

Hawaiians and supporters will march on La Ku oko a, Hawaiian Independence Day, Friday on one of the longest standing national holidays of the Kingdom of Hawaii. Marchers will gather at 7:30 a.m. at Old Kona Airport Park across from Makala Boulevard for opening thoughts and pule. The march will begin at 8 a.m. and cover approximately 8 miles, ending in Keauhou.