Hurricane preparedness information offered
Hawaii Island Public Health Nurses will be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday at KTA Super Stores in Hilo, Waimea, Waikoloa and Kailua-Kona, J. Hara Store, Oshima Store, Choicemart and Malama Market in Pahoa and Ocean View to educate the public on hurricane preparedness.
They will tell about nine essential items that should be stored before a storm and they will answer questions about disaster response and emergency preparedness.
This year the Central Pacific Hurricane Center has predicted that at least five potential tropical cyclones could form in the Central Pacific region. During a natural disaster, individuals may become cut off from water, food, radio service, medication, clothes, flashlights, electricity, hygiene items, first aid supplies and can openers.
For more information, contact Cassie Baybayan at 322-1500, Kona Public Health Nursing Office and Christine Barteluce at 974-6025, Hilo Public Health Nursing Office.
Traditional hale building workshop planned in Hilo
A hale building workshop will be conducted by certified traditional Hawaiian hale builder Unko Waltah from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 11 at Panaewa Zoo Rainforest &Gardens in Hilo.
Using materials from the area, participants will learn about this Hawaiian skill and help construct a traditional hale at the zoo. Attendees should wear closed toed shoes, sunscreen and bring rain gear.
Space is limited. Reserve a space by Tuesday by emailing hfia@hawaiiforest.org or calling 933-9411.
For more information about Hawaii Forest Institute, visit hawaiiforestinstitute.org.
Senior Roundtable Hui meets Tuesday
The Senior Roundtable Hui will discuss “Sports, Fun and Aging Well” from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Tuesday at Pink Mocha Cafe.
The hui is a gathering of seniors, family members, those in the aging industry and anyone interested in aging issues, which meets on the first Tuesday of every month. The first hour of the meeting focuses on the topic, while the last half-hour is dedicated to a question and answer session that may cover other aging issues.
There is no charge for the meeting other than if purchasing a coffee of tea. Parking is easy access and free.
For more information, call gerontologist Laura Guluzzy at 326-2100.
State Department of Health launches new crisis line
The new crisis line of Hawaii, which is staffed 24 hours a day, opened Wednesday and is dedicated to suicide prevention in Hawaii. Neighbor island residents may call toll free at 800-753-6879.
In addition to the crisis line, state Department of Health’s Adult Mental Health Division offers a phone line for people to call to find out whether they are eligible for government-sponsored mental health services. That number is 808-643-AMHD.
In Hawaii, suicide is the most common cause of fatal injuries among residents, outpacing car crashes, homicide, poisoning and drowning. It is estimated that one suicide is committed every two days in Hawaii.