HCEOC workshops cover weatherization assistance program
The Hawaii County Economic Opportunity Council will offer a free presentation and workshop, “Energy &Money Efficiency,” on Friday in Waimea, Sept. 15 in Naalehu and Sept. 21 in Kailua-Kona.
The Waimea meeting is at 4:30 p.m. at Waimea Community Center, 65-1260 Kawaihae Road. The Naalehu meeting is at 3 p.m. at the Naalehu HCEOC office located behind the Naalehu Senior Center. The Kailua-Kona meeting is at 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 21 at West Hawaii Civic Center, 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway.
The Weatherization Assistance Program helps low-income individuals and families reduce energy costs and increase comfort and safety in their homes. Individuals, families, the elderly and the disabled who are making no more than 200 percent of the current federal poverty income level are eligible for help. However, priority is given to the elderly and disabled, households with high-energy consumption, emergency situations and homes with preschool-age children.
Participating households average nearly 33 percent in savings, or approximately $293 per year, after the completion of weatherization improvements. During the workshops, anyone interested in weatherizing their homes can come apply for Energy Saving Products.
Info: Call 961-2681.
Give Aloha 2017 underway
All Foodland and Sack N Save stores statewide are currently hosting Give Aloha 2017, a program in which customers are encouraged to make a donation at checkout to their favorite Hawaii nonprofit organization.
During the month of September, Foodland and the Western Union Foundation will match each donation with more than $300,000 for all organizations combined. Since the program began in 1999, more than $27.3 million has been raised for Hawaii’s charities.
To participate, shoppers must show their Maikai card at checkout, provide the participating organization’s five-digit code and tell the cashier how much you’d like to donate, up to $249 per organization, which will be added to the grocery bill.
The funds raised allow for a wide spectrum of benefits and services that nearly 700 organizations are able to provide annually — including enhanced educational programs, protecting the environment, spiritual teachings, culture and the arts, technology, athletic programs, and health and human services, to name just some.
Dozens of Big Island organizations are taking part in this year’s program. For a full list, visit https://www.foodland.com/files/give_aloha_organizations_2017.pdf.
Tummons to speak at LWV’s meeting
Current, former, and prospective members as well as other interested persons are invited to join the League of Women Voters of Hawaii County to hear
Patricia “Pat” Tummons, editor of Environment Hawaii will speak at the League of Women Voters of Hawaii County meeting on Friday at the Regency at Hualalai in Kailua-Kona.
The meeting starts with registration at 9:45 a.m., followed by a welcome and call to order for the general meeting at 10. Tummon’s talk, “Twenty-seven Years of Environmental Reporting in Hawaii,” will start promptly at 11 a.m.
A no-host buffet luncheon follows her talk around noon. Cost is $11, payable by cash or check to LWVHC at the door.
The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan, political organization, encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Membership in the LWV is open to all citizens of voting age; noncitizens and citizens not yet of voting age can be Associate Members.
For more information about the League, check out the websites www.lwv.org and http://www.lwv-hawaii.com/hawaii.htm.
Info/reservations: Contact Rosemarie Muller at (631) 294-0021 or rcmuller27@hotmail.com.
Landscape techs obtain certification
The Hawaii Island Landscape Association and the University of Hawaii Cooperative Extension Service recently conducted a landscape certification program in Kona.
This is a national testing program administered by the Landscape Industry Council of Hawaii under a licensing agreement with the National Association of Landscape Professionals. Currently offered in 22 states and four Canadian Provinces, the LICT certification program seeks to raise the standards of the landscape profession, recognize proficiency in the landscape workforce and provide the public with a means of identifying qualified landscape professionals.
Each exam consists of four written exams and a series of hands-on field problems. The Landscape Industry Certified Technician designation was awarded for irrigation to Danny Aegler of Hawaii Lawn and Landscape Inc. and Ian Robledo from Pacific Aina Management LLC. Earning designation for ornamental maintenance were Nephi Brown, of Four Seasons Resort Hualalai; Bruce Costello, of Bruce Costello Landscape Maintenance; Daniel E. Damazo and Melvin K. Thomas Jr., of MLM LLC; Clinton Hirayasu, of Kukio Community Association; Rocco Mico-Talon, Bezona Botanical; Sean Prentiss; and Zachary Price, of Landes Home Services. Earning designation for softscape installation were Esther Aila, of Royal Contracting Ltd., and Richard Ostrander, of R&R Complete Landscaping.