About Town: 2-19-17

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Kealakehe Elementary School hosts Science and Art Showcase

Kealakehe Elementary School will host a Science and Art Showcase from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Thursday in the school’s cafeteria.

Attendees are invited to view student science projects, explore hands on experiments and art projects, meet the robots of the Kealakehe High School’s Tiki Techs, meander through the mobile planetarium and stroll through the art walk. This event is free to the public.

Film documents return of Chief Kalaniopuu’s treasures

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs will host a series a free public screenings for its film documenting the historic return of Chief Kalaniopuu’s sacred cloak and helmet, which left Hawaii more than two centuries ago. The 25-minute documentary film is called “Na Hulu Lehua: The Royal Cloak &Helmet of Kalaniopuu.”

In West Hawaii, the film will be shown Friday at Hulihee Palace and Saturday at the Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park Amphitheater. Doors will open at 6 p.m. and the program will start at 6:30 p.m. Seating is first come, first served.

In 1779, Capt. James Cook landed in Kealakekua Bay. In a diplomatic gesture of goodwill, Hawaii chief Kalaniopuu gifted his ahu ula (cloak) and mahiole (helmet) to Cook. While Cook was later killed in Kealakekua, the chief’s cloak and helmet sailed to Europe with Cook’s crew. In March 2016 these symbols of mana and excellence in Hawaiian artisanship were returned to Hawaii.

Those who are unable to attend may watch the film and share their feedback at www.oha.org/kalaniopuu.

Camp Tarawa Detachment meets

The Camp Tarawa Detachment No. 1255 of the Marine Corps League meets on Saturday at the VFW Post, 74-5543 Kaiwi St., Suite 185A, behind Kona Locksmith.

A no-host lunch is planned at 11:30 a.m. and the business meeting is at 1 p.m. All Marines and Navy Corpsmen serving, retired or reserve and their spouses are invited. Dress is resort casual.

Info: Bob Strickland, 960-4897.

Travel book, conversation club meets at library

The “Not-Just-a-Book Club Travel Conversation Club” provides opportunity to share travel experiences, gain new ideas, share enjoyable itineraries and favorite travel books.

The group meets from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at Kailua-Kona Public Library. Sponsored by Friends of the Libraries, Kona, the meeting is free.

Info: 327-4327.

Auntie’s Angels seeks fresh produce and canned food

Auntie’s Angels will hold their monthly Soup Kitchen ‘n’ Pantry on Saturday for the low income seniors at Hualalai Elderly Housing. They will also drop off goods as part of their Brown Bag Food Program at Hookena Elementary School the following Monday.

The nonprofit seeks donations of fresh fruits and vegetables from local farmers or property owners. Streamlining their program since the addition of Hookena Elementary School, the charity concentrates on soup and fresh produce.

To donate, call Auntie Jan at 329-7897.

P.E.O. luncheon planned

Kona Chapter I of P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization) is planning its monthly unaffiliates no host luncheon. It will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at Amici’s Vista Restaurant at Kona Country Club.

Those who plan to attend should contact Nancy at 322-8141.

UH-Hilo banquet Saturday

Tickets are on sale for the University of Hawaii at Hilo’s 17th annual Distinguished Alumni and Service Awards Banquet scheduled for Saturday at the Campus Center Dining Hall. Doors open at 5 p.m.

This year’s Distinguished Alumni honorees are Drama Professor of the Performing Arts Department Jackie Pualani Johnson, Director of E Makaala School and Director of the Haili Invitational Volleyball Tournament Lyndell Lindsay and Hawaii County Mayor Harry Kim. The late Sen. Gilbert Kahele’s memory will be honored with the Distinguished Service Award presented for his contributions to the university and community.

The event is organized by UH-Hilo and the University’s Alumni and Friends Association. The public is invited. The evening includes a buffet dinner, auction and opportunities to connect with UH-Hilo’s community.

Seats are $85 each or $680 for a table of eight. To purchase tickets, call (932) 7670 or 7672.

Mayoral luncheon planned

Mayor Harry Kim and select cabinet members discuss opportunities and challenges to West Hawaii’s economy at the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce 2017 Luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. March 2 at the Sheraton Kona Resort &Spa at Keauhou Bay.

Attendees can have lunch with a specific county department, as well as pose questions to the mayor and cabinet heads. Issues discussed may include an update on county priorities, roads and infrastructure, affordable housing, mass transit and opportunities for economic development in West Hawaii.

Attendees can also learn about new and existing businesses at the chamber’s annual business expo, which precedes and follows the banquet. Times are 10-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-2 p.m.

General admission is $68. Chamber and rotary members are $58. Make reservations by Feb. 27. No walk-ins are allowed.

Info and registration: www.kona-kohala.com or call the Chamber office, 329-1758.

Big Island Retired Military Association meets

Big Island Retired Military Association will gather Saturday for lunch and a meeting. A representative from the Transportation Security Administration will be the speaker. Make reservations by Wednesday,

BIRMA is a group of retired military with the goal of helping retirees navigate the maze of retirement and serving the community. New members and visitors are welcome. To make it comfortable for all, rank and political views are left at the door.

Info: Al at 326-9287.