Government employees raise money for United Way
Hawaii Government Employees Association, the state’s largest public worker union, raised $9,261 for Aloha United Way during its two-day Holiday Gift and Craft Fair Dec. 3 and Dec. 4.
More than 1,400 association members regularly support communities on all islands in a variety of service projects.
For more information about the association, visit hgea.org.
Cops ramp up DUI checkpoints during holidays
Police officers will conduct islandwide DUI checkpoints throughout the holiday season. The effort is part of a national and statewide campaign called “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.” The campaign runs through Jan. 1.
These are the likely penalties for an arrest and conviction of operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant: Minimum bail for release from jail—$500, installation of interlock system—$200 plus $92.56 per month month, loss of driver’s license, possible cancellation of insurance policy or a premium increase of up to $100 per month, required alcohol assessment classes, community service, criminal probation, court fines and possible jail time.
Group meets to read works of Shakespeare
A new group that gathers monthly to read Shakespeare’s plays aloud will meet from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 19 at Kona Coffee &Tea on Palani Road.
Attendees take turns reading. No previous Shakespeare or acting ability is required. There is no fee.
For more information, call Kathy Kirk at 895-4939 or Joy Vogelgesang at 557-0694.
Chanukah party is Dec. 20
A grand Chanukah party will be held from 4 to 7:30 p.m. at the Shops at Mauna Lani. Admission is free for everyone. The celebration will feature live klezmer music performed by Kona’s Traveling Jewish Wedding Band. There will be Yiddish Hula by Na Kupuna O Kona Alii and you’ll learn to dance the “Chanukah Hula;” comedian Arnie Rabin will offer his Chanukah Magic Special; you’ll play dreydles with genuine chocolate Chanukah Gelt; there will be craft painting for kids with Antoinette Sharfin. Dr. Barry Blum will tell the story of Chanukah and afterward, we can all light our menorahs (candelabras) — we invite you to bring your own. Yummy latkes (traditional potato pancakes) with sour cream and applesauce prepared by Under the Bodhi Tree will be for sale, and potluck to share is welcome (no pork or shellfish please).
The event is sponsored by Congregation Kona Beth Shalom and West Hawaii’s Jewish congregation.
Donations and volunteers sought to feed the hungry
An Ohana Dinner for the Hungry and Needy will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 20 At Queen Emma Center, Christ Church Episcopal.
All food-insecure children, teens and families in Ka’u, Honaunau, Kealakekua, Kainaliu, Captain Cook and Kona are invited. The event will include food deliveries and a buffet. Gift baskets with food and school supplies will be provided to the first 100 families upon departure.
Donations of fresh vegetables and frozen turkeys are needed. Dry food, toys, new shoes and clothes may be dropped off at a collection box at the Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden. Volunteers are also needed for food preparation, gift bag assembly and to deliver meals. Donations may be made to gofundme.com/7o8skw.
For more information, visit the Feed the Children Facebook page or call 345-0050.