Informational meetings set at massage school
Island Spirit School of Massage is hosting free informational evenings for anyone interested in becoming a licensed massage therapist.
They are planned from 6-7 p.m. Dec. 6 and Dec. 19 at Island Spirit Spa and massage school, Pualani Terrace, 81-6587 Mamalahoa Highway, Kealakekua
The school offers a 750-hour comprehensive program that prepares students to take the Hawaii State Exam in six months. It also teaches national standards so students will be ready to take the MBLEx. The next class starts in January.
Info: 769-5212, 825-9666, islandspiritmassageschool.com.
Household hazardous waste collection coming up
Household hazardous waste will be collected from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday at the Kealakehe Recycling and Transfer Station.
Business, government agency, nonprofit agency or farm waste, electronic waste and tires will not be accepted.
Accepted household hazardous waste includes automotive fluids, used batteries, fluorescent lights, latex paint and pesticides. For a list of acceptable or unacceptable waste, visit hawaiizerowaste.org.
The next collection event will be March 4 in Waimea.
Info: Chris Chin-Chance, recycling specialist, Department of Environmental Management, 961-8554, recycle3@co.hawaii.hi.us.
Lauhala bracelet weaving class planned
Attendees of a lauhala bracelet weaving class will learn about the many traditional uses of varied parts of the hala tree, including how to gather and prepare leaves for weaving. They will also create their own bracelet.
The class is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday at Christ Church on Konawaena School Road. Cost is $15.
Attendees should bring a hand towel. To register: Cindy Kuupua Whitehawk,blossoming_whitehawk@yahoo.com, 987-2662.
Seniors observe Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
The Kailua-Kona Seniors will meet at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Hale Halawai to observe Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.
Info: Elaine, 325-6653.
Public input sought on proposed changes to food safety code
The Hawaii State Department of Health will hold a public hearing in Kailua-Kona to introduce amendments to the Hawaii Administrative Rules (HAR) Title 11, Chapter 50, Food Safety Code, which outlines standards for all food establishments statewide.
The meeting is from 2-5 p.m. Thursday at West Hawaii Civic Center, Building G.
The proposed amendments include establishing a new food safety education requirement for persons-in-charge at all food establishments. It will require at least one employee on every work shift be certified at the formal Food Handlers Training level.
The department is also proposing the adoption of the 2013 FDA Model Food Code. Updating the state’s food code will align Hawaii with national standards and provide consistent requirements for food facilities that operate across multiple states.
Additional proposed changes to the state’s food safety rules include:
· Removing the 20 days of sale limit for homemade foods that are not considered a potential public health risk
· Removing the restriction on the number of days a Special Event Temporary Food Establishment permit may be valid
· Establishing a new fee structure for Temporary Food Establishment Permits ($100 for a 20-day permit plus $5 for each additional day over 20 to a maximum of one year)
· Streamlining regulations for mobile food establishments (e.g. food trucks) by incorporating the requirements into existing rules for their base operations or “brick and mortar” establishments
· Revising the fee structure for mobile units with no increase to the total amount currently paid
· Allowing placarding during all inspections
· Allowing the state to refuse permit renewal for nonpayment of fines or stipulated agreements more than 30 days overdue
· Requiring state approval for the sale of wild harvested mushrooms
The draft rules are available at health.hawaii.gov/opppd/proposed-changes-to-department-of-health-administrative-rules-title-11/. Written public comments are recommended and may be submitted at the public hearings or to the Sanitation Branch at 99-945 Halawa Valley St., Aiea, HI 96701 prior to the close of business on Dec. 16.
Line dancing classes set
A four-week session of line dancing classes starts Thursday, Dec. 8 at Pacific Island Fitness on Luhia Street.
A beginning level class is from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursdays and a class for those with more experience is from 7:30-8:30 p.m. Classes end Dec. 29.
Cost is $15 for one hour of class for all four weeks, or $7 to drop in for one class. For both hours, the fee is $20 for the session or $9 per night.
Participants should wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Shoes that may scuff the wood floor are not allowed.
All ages are welcome. Those younger than 12 may attend free. Sign in at the front door before class begins.
Info: Jean at 328-9946.
Kona Traffic Safety Committee meets
Kona Traffic Safety Committee will meet from 4:30-6 p.m. Thursday to discuss traffic issues with public officials who can make a difference. The opening of the new bypass has created some new issues. Everyone is welcome.
The committee meets the second Thursday of each month at West Hawaii Civic Center in the Mayors Conference Room above the license bureau.
VFW garage sale to benefit Purple Heart Memorial
The VFW Auxiliary Post 12122 will hold a garage sale at 7 a.m. Saturday at the VFW Post, 74-5543 Kaiwi St. Suite 185A.
All proceeds will help fund the new Purple Heart Memorial at West Hawaii Veterans Cemetery. Donated items are greatly appreciated.
Info: Tracy Bennedsen (Gold Star Mom), (206) 715-4874.