Coldwell Banker hosts Giving Tree
Coldwell Banker Island Properties’ Keauhou office is hosting a Giving Tree to collect toys for keiki in Kailua-Kona.
The Giving Tree features Christmas gift wish tags collected from boys and girls from as young as six months or nearing the end of high school. Each tag lists three gift wishes of a child/teen that participants can choose from.
A total of 65 keiki that are in need of a little Christmas magic this year.
“We are looking forwarding to cheering on the Holidays and lifting the spirits of those who are most vulnerable in our community,” said Cristina Hiro, office manager.
The Christmas wish tags can be picked up from the Giving Tree at tree at Coldwell Banker Island Properties’ Keauhou office in the Keauhou Shopping Center through Dec. 16. Organizers ask that only new, unwrapped gifts be delivered to no later than Dec. 16.
Monetary donations are also being accepted to purchase unclaimed gifts or something extra special for the families that are in need this year, Hiro said.
For more information, call (808) 331-1300.
Loh selected as HVNP superintendent
The National Park Service has selected Rhonda Loh to serve as the permanent superintendent of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park starting Dec. 20. Loh has been the acting park superintendent since April 2019.
“Throughout her 25-year career with the National Park Service, Rhonda has sought creative ways to build a positive working environment that fosters collaboration among staff and partners,” said Acting NPS Regional Director Linda D. Walker. “This experience provides her a solid foundation to help further the mission of the National Park Service in Hawaii.”
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park rises from sea level to an elevation of 13,677 feet and encompasses two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa. The park includes seven ecological zones (coast, lowland, mid-elevation woodland, rainforest, upland forest, subalpine, and alpine) and is home to seven threatened species including the nene (Hawaiian goose), and 47 endangered species, including the honuea (hawksbill turtle), ua‘u (Hawaiian petrel), and the Ka‘u silversword.
“My family roots are in Hawaii, and I deeply appreciate the islands’ people and cultures,” said Loh. “I am honored to be selected for this position and remain committed to engaging with the local communities in stewardship of our public lands.”
Loh began her career in the park service as a volunteer in 1989 before landing her first permanent position as a biological technician at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. She later served as the park’s botanist and then chief of natural resource management. Loh also served as acting superintendent at other national parks across Hawaii including Pearl Harbor National Memorial, Haleakala National Park, Kaloko-Honokohau and Pu‘uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Parks, and Kalaupapa National Historical Park.
Born in Hawaii, Loh spent grew up on O‘ahu. She received her master’s degree in chemistry from Stanford University, and Ph.D. in botany from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Loh, her spouse Peter, and dog Maxy live in Volcano.