Understanding Opportunity Zones workshop
The West Hawaii Small Business Development Center will be offering a workshop, “Understanding Opportunity Zones in Hawaii: Kona” from 2-4 p.m. Feb. 21 at the West Hawaii Civic Center, Council Chambers, 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Highway in Kailua-Kona.
Opportunity zones are a new federal tax incentive designed to attract private investment and stimulate economic growth in disadvantaged areas across the country — including neighborhoods in all of Hawaii’s counties. Enacted in Congress through the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, this new incentive offers tax benefits to individuals and businesses when they invest capital gains from a prior investment into opportunity funds that deploy capital into designated zones.
Come join the conversation as we explore possibilities for Opportunity Zones on Hawaii Island. Local and national experts including Maurice Jones of LISC will focus on what we know so far about how this new tax incentive can be used and the roles regional stakeholders can play to ensure the benefits of this investment vehicle are broadly shared. There is no cost to attend this event, but please register by Friday.
Registration is no cost and space is limited. Register online at www.eventbrite.com, or call 333-5000 for more information.
Women Build 2019 March 9
Women Build is an annual Habitat for Humanity International program that encourages women to make a difference by volunteering on a Habitat project on Women Build Day and to fundraise for build programs in our community.
It is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 9 in Puna and volunteers will be working on homes for some of the families affected by the eruption last year.
Businesses that could put teams together are needed. Teams can consist of up to 10 people (men can join, too). You don’t have to be on a team to participate. Individuals can sign up and we will find a team for them to connect with at the event.
Prizes will be given to the team and individual that raises the most monies. To sign up as a team or individual, go to our website www.habitathawaiiisland.org/events.
To donate prizes to the event or help sponsor the Women Build shirts, please contact community relations manager Margo Takata at margo@habitathawaiiisland.org or at (808) 331-8010 ext 106.
Rotary scholarships available
The Rotary Club of Kona Community Foundation is accepting applications from West Hawaii public and private high school seniors for three scholarships:
The $4,000 Jim and Sis Bedingfield Scholarship and the $8,000 Ken and Marge Clewett Scholarship are paid in four annual installments.
Eligible students for either scholarship are generally those who would have difficulty continuing their education without some type of financial assistance. Candidates are evaluated in five areas: scholastic and academic achievement, leadership, personal involvement on campus, community service and activities, extracurricular activities, employment experience, and financial need.
The $2,000 Ron and Kathy Hawkes Vocational Scholarship is paid in two annual installments. Students planning to attend a vocational or trade school are invited to apply for the scholarship.
In addition: scholarships are available for any full-time student attending Hawaii Community College West Hawaii. This scholarship is for individuals presently or planning on being enrolled at Hawaii Community College who are working toward their associate degree or associate of applied science degree.
Applications are available from any school guidance counselor or by contacting Peggy Peckham at 326-1101. The deadline for submitting applications is March 29.