Free tax help for low- to moderate-income taxpayers
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is, an AARP Foundation program to help low- to moderate-income taxpayers have more discretionary income for everyday essentials by assisting with tax services and ensuring they receive applicable tax credits and deductions.
AARP Tax-Aide is available free to taxpayers with low and moderate income, with special attention to those 50 and older.
West Hawaii has three sites offering service between Feb. 4 and April 9.
Hale Halawai, located at 75-5600 Alii Drive in Kailua-Kona, will be open on a walk-in basis Thursdays beginning Feb. 6 from 8 am. to noon.
Yano Hall, located at 82-6156 Mamalahoa Highway in Captain Cook, will be open on a walk-in basis Wednesdays beginning Feb. 5 from 9 a.m. to noon.
Catholic Charities, located at 73-5618 Maiau St., Ste B201, Kamuna Center (mauka of Costco), will be open on Tuesdays beginning Feb. 4 from noon to 4 p.m. with walk-ins accepted after 2 p.m. For an appointment at the Catholic Charities site call (808) 498-7309.
Early Learning Conference slated Feb. 22
To create opportunities for early learning educators and others to access ongoing professional development, the Puakalehua Early Learning Consortium is hosting a conference next month on Hawaii Island open to teachers, caregivers, and anyone who cares for preschool-aged keiki.
Themed “Malama Kekahi I Kekahi” or “Take Care of One Another,” the first Puakalehua Consortium Early Learning Conference will be held 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Feb. 22 at Kauhale Oiwi o Puukapu (Kanu o ka Aina), 64-1043 Hiiaka St., Waimea.
“Early learning provides keiki and their families with a solid foundation for lifelong learning,” said Kaimana Barcarse, West Hawaii Regional Director for Kamehameha Schools, which is a member of the consortium. “The Puakalehua Consortium Early Learning Conference creates a pathway for kumu to broaden their horizons through networking with other early education professionals, learning new skills and enhancing their classroom approaches for the benefit of haumana.”
Cost to register is $50 and the deadline to register is Feb. 15. Early learning professionals can earn six credit hours toward state Department of Human Services Attitudes, Skills and Knowledge or ASK Core Standards. Early learning professionals must earn 15 hours per year to comply with state standards.
Registration includes the keynote address, three workshop sessions and lunch.
To register, visit ttps://www.eventbrite.com/e/puakalehua-consortium-early-learning-conference-tickets-79650295177.