The more sports the merrier is the theme when it comes to Waialua High School, according to athletic director Bryce Kaneshiro. At a time when specialization in one sport is as common as ever at the prep level, Waialua is thriving with student-athletes who are playing multiple sports.

Of course, low enrollment demands it, but the school can be proud of its athletic achievements over the past year.

“As an athletic director I’d love to see championships, but more important are the life lessons learned through athletics,” Kaneshiro said. “Sports gives them a sense of belonging and the opportunity to represent (the community) with Bulldog Pride.

“I’m always happy with the effort our kids put in,” he added. “If they play to win and give their best effort, it’s all we can ask. We have limited numbers, so we depend on a lot of kids to play two or three sports. They keep the program alive.”

Among the advantages of playing multiple sports is that it keeps them fresh, in Kaneshiro’s view. “I grew up playing soccer and baseball (at Aiea High), and what I enjoyed was that it gave me a break from one of the sports when I was playing the other. It made me want to come back to it that much more.”

Of Waialua’s 425 students last semester, 228 were playing at least one sport at the school. “We had 26 kids playing three different sports, and seven kids playing four sports,” Kaneshiro said.

Among the multi-sport athletes this spring were seniors Amber Alejandro and William “Tripp” Blaser. Both were among 30 student-athletes honored at the HMSA Kaimana Awards and Scholarship Program awards luncheon at Hawaii Convention Center. HMSA presented each honoree — representing all five Hawaii High School Athletic Association leagues — with a $3,000 scholarship.

Alejandro competed in softball, volleyball and soccer. Blaser was on the boys basketball team in addition to competing in tennis and golf for the Bulldogs.

Kaneshiro also had high praise for Waialua junior-to-be Brandon Aceret, who qualified for both the judo and state wrestling championships. Aceret also was OIA junior varsity individual champion in his weight class.

Waialua had several teams turn in solid seasons in 2013-14. The football team won three games after going winless the season before. The baseball team made the OIA playoffs, while the softball team had yet another winning season under Jay Keao, going 13-6 overall en route to qualifying for the Division II state softball championships. Waialua also fielded a water polo team for the first time ever this spring, finishing 6-6.

“The program is definitely headed in the right direction,” Kaneshiro said.

jackster.1969@yahoo.com

Email Central Oahu calendar items to cchang@midweek.com by Aug. 6 for the Aug. 13 edition.

* WAHIAWA FILMS Free film night at Wahiawa Library screens Disney’s Little Mermaid (for families) at 5 p.m. July 29 in the meeting room, Enough Said Aug. 5 (young adults), Leviathan (adults) Aug. 12 and Kung Fu Panda: Good Croc, Bad Croc Aug. 19 (families). Fans are welcome to bring their own snacks. Call 622-6345.

* OSHIRO FORUM State Rep. Marcus Oshiro hosts a post-session forum — “Everything You Wanted To Know About the 2014 Session, But Were Afraid To Ask” — from 6 to 8:30 p.m. July 30 at Wahiawa District Park’s Hale Koa room. A light dinner, dessert and socializing start at 6, and the meeting begins at 6:30. Call 586-6700.

* KEIKI FILM HUI Mililani 14 Theatres’ Keiki Film Hui screens Rio 2 at 10 a.m. July 30 and 31, with children’s tickets costing $1. Call 239-0919.

* NATURE HELP Oahu Army Natural Resources Program seeks volunteers to remove weeds, collect seeds and plant native species at various North Shore preserves in August, with all workdays starting from the Wahiawa baseyard. For details and to register, call 656-7741 or email outreach@oanrp.com.

* BLOOD DRIVES Hawaii Blood Bank has donor drives from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 1 at Wahiawa General Hospital, 7 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Aug. 2 at Mililani Town Center, and 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Aug. 25 at Waialua Intermediate and High School library. Call 848-4770.

* PARKINSON’S A Parkinson’s support group meets at 1 p.m. Aug. 2 (and every first Saturday) in Waialua United Church of Christ’s office, 67-174 Farrington Hwy. Call Grant at 282-9864.

* WAIALUA BON Waialua Hongwanji has its bon dance at 7 p.m. Aug. 2 at 67-313 Kealohanui St. Service is at 6 p.m. Call 637-4395.

* BANDSTANDWaialua Bandstand hosts entertainment by the International Cultural & Friendship Association at 4 p.m. Aug. 3. Email waialuabandstand@gmail.com or call 637-9721.

* POLO MATCHES Hawaii Polo Club hosts the Walter Dillingham Trophy match Aug. 3 between Equus Hotel and WSP; the Aug. 10 match is Mexico v. Hawaii. Gates open at 11 a.m. each Sunday on Mokuleia field, and action starts at 2 p.m. Admission is $10, or $25 for clubhouse seats. Call 226-0061.

* SWIM SERIES The Jamba Juice North Shore Challenge starts at 9 a.m. Aug. 9 with a 2.3-mile swim from Pipeline to Waimea. For more details and applications for this leg of the North Shore Swim Series, visit hawaiiswim.com.

* WAIALUA WRITERS The Waialua Library writers group meets at 11 a.m. Aug. 9 at the library on the topic “Write Something Humorous.” Call 637-8286.

* MEETING DOGS Hawaii Dog Foundation hosts a “meet and greet” session with its adoptable dogs from noon to 2 p.m. Aug. 9 and 23 at Mililani Mauka Dog Park, 95-1069 Ukuwai St. Call 782-8387.

* MOON WALK Waimea Valley sponsors a guided Moon Walk through the park at 8 p.m. Aug. 10. Bring flashlights, water, bug repellent and rain ponchos. Fee is $10 per person. Walkers are invited to dine earlier at the newly reopened Proud Peacock Restaurant. Call 638-7766.

* CAREGIVERS Central Oahu Caregivers sponsors a support group at 7 p.m. Aug. 14 at Wahiawa General Hospital. Everyone is welcome. Call 623-6707.

* GOLF BENEFIT Hana Pa’a Softball 12U girls 2001 team plans a benefit golf tourney at noon Aug. 14 at Mililani Golf Course. Fee is $150 per golfer on a three-man team. For details and to sign up, email jocelyn@kahalaassociates.com.

* AUDITIONSApplause! Performance Academy holds auditions at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 15 and 5:30 p.m. Aug. 16 for Diamond In The Rough’s fall production of Peter Pan, to be staged at Paliku Theater in Kaneohe. A large cast of all ages is required (though Capt. Hook is taken). The Wahiawa academy is located at 614 Kilani Ave. For details, email ditrdirector@yahoo.com.

* BOOK SALE Friends of Waialua Library have a book sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 16. Call 637-8286.

* NEIGHBORS Wahiawa-Whitmore Village Neighborhood Board meets at 7 p.m. Aug. 18 at Wahiawa District Park, Mililani Mauka-Launani Valley meets at 7 p.m. Aug. 19 at Mililani Mauka Elementary, North Shore meets at 7 p.m. Aug. 26 in Waialua Elementary cafeteria, and Mililani-Waipio-Melemanu meets at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 27 at Mililani Rec Center III, Call 768-3710.

* BIATHLON The inaugural Turtle Bay Biathlon is set for 8:30 a.m. Aug. 23 with an ocean swim and 5K trail run plus after-party at the Kahuku resort. Fee is $80 for individuals through July 20, and proceeds benefit Hawaii’s Lifeguard & Water Safety Fund. For details, call 293-6000 or email tbbiathon@hotmail.com.

* WAIMEA CONCERT Waimea Valley’s second annual summer concert series concludes with Timi Abrigo, Jeff Au Hoy and Eddie Palama performing from 1 to 5 p.m. Aug. 23 on the Main Lawn. Tickets cost $20 at the gate, with discounts for children and seniors. Call 638-7766 or visit waimeavalley.net.

Ongoing

* ZUMBA Mililani Town Center has a free Zumba demonstration class at 6:30 p.m. on the last Friday of the month at the gazebo. Call 625-0108.

* OHANAWaimea Valley sponsors La Ohana (family day) from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the third Sunday of the month (through December), with half-price admission for kamaaina and military families. The day includes a scavenger hunt, stories, hula, lei making, petroglyph rubs, cultural demonstrations and makahiki games. Call 638-7766.

* CRESTVIEW CLUB Crestview Seniors Club meets from 9:30 a.m. to noon each Friday at Crestview Community Park for planned fun activities and outings. All residents age 55 and older are welcome. Call Guy at 671-4838.

* ZUMBA Debbie Rosario leads Zumba classes at 6:45 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. Saturday at Mililani Waena Elementary. Fee is $5 per class or $45 per month. Call 780-5640.

* ALZHEIMER HELP An Alzheimer’s support group meets at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of the month at The Plaza in Mililani. Call 591-2771.

* MILILANI SENIORS The Mililani Golden Years seniors club meets from 9:30 a.m. to noon Fridays at Mililani District Park for planned activities. All residents age 55 and older are welcome. Call 623-5258.

* PUPUKEA SENIORS Pohai Na Makua o Pupukea seniors club meets monthly at 9:30 a.m. on the first Tuesday, August through May, at Sunset Beach Recreation Center. Call 638-7213.

* HALEIWA SENIORS The Haleiwa Seniors club meets from 8 to 11:30 a.m. every Thursday at Waialua Community Association, across from Haleiwa post office. Arts and crafts teachers also are welcome to assist. Call 637-4606.

* WHITMORE CLUB The city sponsors weekly programs and activities for Whitmore Seniors Club at 9 a.m. Fridays at Whitmore Community Park. Call 622-2420.

* MASTERS SWIM The Veterans Memorial Aquatic Center offers a U.S. Masters swimming program, meeting at 7 p.m. each Monday and Wednesday at Central Oahu Regional Park. Call 677-8849.

* TOASTMASTERS Mililani Toastmasters Club meets at 7:30 p.m. Mondays at Mililani Ike Elementary School to help members improve their public speaking and leadership skills. Call 220-5093.

* STORIES, FILMS Wahiawa Library sponsors a free storytime from 6 to 7:15 p.m. each Thursday and a free Movie Night at 5 p.m. each Tuesday. Call 622-6345.

* ESCRIMA Patrick Delos Santos leads Kali Escrima classes in Filipino self-defense (stick fighting) at 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays and 9:30 a.m. Saturdays at Mililani Waena Elementary School. Fee is $50 per month. Call 398-0119.

* STRIDERS Central Oahu STRIDERS FIT4-MOM offers stroller striding and Stroller Barre classes at 9 a.m. Monday-Friday at Central Oahu Regional Park and Monday, Wednesday, Friday at Kapolei Regional Park, Schofield Barracks and Hickam AFB. Prices and memberships options vary, and the first class is free. Visit centraloahu.fit4mom.com or call (610) 217-9285.

* JAZZERCISE Kate Moore leads low-impact Jazzercise classes at 6 and 7 p.m. Mondays at Mililani District Park, beginners welcome. She also has a class at 6:15 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at Mililani Rec Center 5. Call 621-2482.

* KEIKI COUNCILThe Central District North Community Children’s Council meets at 5:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday at Mililani High Room C101. All parents of children with special needs are invited. Call 586-5363.

* CONSERVATION Oahu Army Natural Resource Program seeks volunteers for its service trips and environmental outreach projects in the Waianae and Koolau mountains to control invasive weeds, etc. Call 656-7741.

* SUP YOGA Judy Kosaka leads SUP Yoga (yoga on a stand up paddle board) at 9:30 a.m. Sundays at Anahulu Stream for $10 per class (bring board). Call Aloha SUP Yoga at 627-9444.

By SGT. MAJ. MARK SWART Public Affairs

Pacific Theater’s senior Army logistics welcomed a new commanding officer July 23 at Hamilton Field. Maj. Gen. Stephen R. Lyons relinquished command of the 8th Theater Sustainment Command to Maj. Gen. Edward F. Dorman III during the ceremony hosted by Gen. Vincent K. Brooks, U.S. Army Pacific commander.

The 8th TSC is responsible for synchronizing logistics and supply efforts for land operations throughout the Pacific region. The unit boasts more than 8,000 troops representing 167 different skill sets, including 35 unique capabilities such as military police, explosive ordnance disposal, Army watercraft, dive, engineer, transportation and sustainment operations.

“Battles have been won and lost because of logistics, and the sustainment of our forces is essential, especially considering the tyranny of distance we face in the Pacific,” Brooks said. “We rely on this command for our Army, joint and multinational operations at the tactical and strategic levels across the globe.”

Lyons applauded the service of 8th TSC troops, civilians and families, noting: “It has been an absolute honor and privilege to have been a part of this unit these past two years as our National Security Strategy pivots to the Pacific.”

Brooks said that Lyons’ logistics skills, experience and vision brought tremendous accomplishments in setting the theater for this new era, and that with Dorman, the TSC was getting another great logistician to lead the unit.

Dorman last served at the Pentagon as the deputy G4 for the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff.

The Lyons family is heading to Fort Lee, Va., where he will assume command of the Combined Arms Support Command and the Army Sustainment Center of Excellence.

Mililani’s Jared Higashi is the new director of government and community affairs for Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association, bringing skills honed as a legislative aide in the state House, advertising experience for a farmers market in Palo Alto, plus a degree in radio/television and film from San Jose State …

North Shore artist Heather Brown has launched a new collection of colorful, surf-inspired iPhone cases, with 15 percent of sales proceeds going to charities like HUGS, Make-a-Wish Hawaii and Kokua Hawaii Foundation. Check them out at truprotection.com/heather-brown …

Jewel Montgomery

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The Wahiawa Lions‘ annual school supply drive continues through Aug. 31 at Our Lady of Sorrows Church and at Wahiawa General Hospital. The need is great, according to Lion Dick Crislip, former Wahiawa Elementary principal … Stephanie Huff (Mililani 2014) won a $2,000 scholarship from the Defense Commissary Agency’s Military Children’s Program; it was presented to her in a recent Schofield Barracks ceremony. Stephanie plans to study at UH-West Oahu …

Mililani’s Jewel Montgomery has won a $2,000 scholarship from the Defense Commissary Agency’s Military Children’s Program; it was presented to her in a recent Schofield Barracks ceremony. She will use it at UHManoa … Haleiwa’s John Broc collected his degree in exercise and sport science June 14 at Oregon State University … Jesse Messamer (Mililani 2012), Valen Kondo-Herrera (Mililani 2013), Isaac Cehr (Mililani 2012) and Mililani’s Brian Kamphaus have graduated from Air Force basic training at Lackland AFB, Texas …

Area graduates off to a good start on college business studies are the following Longs Drugs $1,000 grant recipients: Jordan Ebisu of Hanalani, Candace Okouchi of Leilehua, Alissa Kelly of Mililani and Nicole Verdadero of Waialua … Dillon Aguirresaenz of Wahiawa has graduated from Army basic training at Fort Benning, Ga. & & & cchang@midweek.com

First Baptist Church of Wahiawa will conduct a special worship service at 10:45 a.m. Aug. 24 to help mark its 80th year in the community.

Thomas McDonald, son of the church’s founder, will attend, evangelist Phil Waldrep will speak and everyone is invited.

According to the church’s historical account, it had its roots in a Sunday school that met at a park pavilion in the mid-1920s. When it outgrew that space, the laymen found and rented a house on California Avenue in 1934 and called it Wayside Baptist Chapel.

The next step was to recruit a minister, so founder Charles McDonald wrote an appeal to friends, including these very tempting perks: “We have a well-equipped chapel and Bible school building in Wahiawa,” he wrote. “We have a Chevrolet station car — seven passenger — ready for a pastor’s use.” The need was urgent, McDonald noted, as “Baptists in Hawaii are challenged by the forces of evil and sin.”

The church eventually found dedicated pastors and started a dozen missions, many to support the spiritual needs of pineapple plantation workers. Two new churches grew out of this missionary effort, and one of them is Mililani Baptist Mission, established in 1972.

The Wahiawa church now operates from 1233 California Ave. with a congregation of 460 residents, and conducts services in English, Japanese and Filipino dialects. The current pastor is Steve Gray, whose wife Dee Ann is church pianist, as well as a chorus teacher at Wahiawa Middle School.

The congregation also is celebrating its 80th year with a family picnic and an Aug. 23 luncheon for invited guests at Dot’s in Wahiawa.

For more information about the public worship service, call 622-4321.

Peter Pan and his delightful band of lost boys are set to leave Neverland for Paliku Theatre Aug. 22. But before then, director Kristi Kashimoto-Rowbottom is looking to cast young men and women to play Peter, Tinker Bell, Tiger Lily, pirates, fairies and the entire Darling family. Sorry, New York actor Jason Summers has the plum role of Captain Hook.

Auditions for Peter Pan are Aug. 15 and 16 at Applause! Performance Academy at 614 Kilani Ave. in Wahiawa. Men, women and children, ages 4 through adult, are encouraged to audition for any number of the vibrant characters.

Actors should be prepared to sing, dance and act, and bring with them 16-24 bars of prepared Broadway or Disney songs that best show off their voice. An accompanist will be provided. Sheet music and karaoke tracks — limited to one verse and chorus — are allowed.

Audition times are 7:30 p.m. Friday and 5:30 p.m. Saturday. Casting times may be flexible. If you can’t make either of the scheduled dates, call 622-1272.

Peter Pan runs from Aug. 22 to Nov. 23. Rehearsals will be held Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Add another successful effort to Wahiawa Lions Club’s list of achievements.

After two days of collecting donations, the Lions 12th annual school supplies drive generated 204 pounds of much-needed study materials and $1,022 in cash so far. The two collection sites were Longs Drugs (July 19) and Tamura’s Market (July 26). Ongoing collections through Aug. 31 are at Our Lady of Sorrows

Church (1403 California Ave.) and Wahiawa General Hospital (128 Lehua St.).

Donations also can be sent to P.O. Box 860651. Indicate on the package that it’s for school supplies.

Supplies needed include No. 2 pencils, red and black ballpoint pens, three-hole wide-ruled binder paper, portfolios with inside bottom pockets, bar and pencil-top erasers, glue, paper towels, napkins, facial tissue, liquid soap, boxes of large crayons (8, 16, or 24), Crayola colored pencils and marker sets, watercolor paint sets, marble composition books, Sharpie permanent black markers, yellow highlighters, manila folders, and 5to 6inch Fiskars scissors. A full list is posted at major retailers. For more information or to make a donation, call 621-0852.

Biathlon enthusiasts have a brand new course to conquer when Turtle Bay Resort presents its inaugural Turtle Bay Biathlon Aug. 23. The North Shore resort has two race options, both starting at 10 a.m., with racers checking in at 8:30 on the Great Lawn.

The Master’s long course starts on the beach in front of Ola restaurant, a 1,200-meter course around Kuilima Point. The Shaolin short course is a 1,000-meter rush, starting along the reef near Hang Ten Bar & Grill. Both routes close with a 5K run around the coast a Kawela Bay. Everyone reconvenes at the Great Lawn for the awards ceremony and post-party.

Artis Family Band and DJ Baumer perform, with an aerial yoga demonstration from The Hangout. Food from Ke Nui Kitchen, Gerald’s Smoked Meats & Plates, Hawaiian Fresh Farms, ProBar and Paletas Ice Cream also will be available, as well as beer from Kona Brewing Co. Vendors, nonprofits and conservation group booths round out the event.

To register, visit active.com (search “Turtle Bay”) or turtlebaybiathlon.com. Adults pay $90 ($110 on day of race) and relay team members pay $170 ($200 race day). Register by Aug. 16 to guarantee a T-shirt. Entry fees come with discounts on resort rooms and a free Kona Longboard beer for those of age. Proceeds from the event go to Hawaii’s Lifeguard & Water Safety Fund. For more information, email tbbiathlon@hotmail.com.

Safe boating is more than just prudent behavior: Effective Nov. 10, it becomes Hawaii law.

According to Jerry Mershon of U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, by that date recreational boaters must show that they’ve successfully completed a boating safety course. Otherwise, Mershon said, “There will be fines, suspensions and other penalties for noncompliance.”

Wahiawa Community School will host Auxiliary Flotilla 10′s “About Boating Safety” course Aug. 19-Sept. 2, meeting from 6:15 to 8:15 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays on the WCS Wahiawa campus at Leilehua High School. The course is free, but $45 is requested for instructional materials. The class also includes a training session on local waters.

For more details, call Mershon at 778-5738. To register by the Aug. 18 deadline, call 622-1634.

Direct from Donovan …Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz

MORE ON LITTLE FIRE ANTS:

In recent weeks, there has been much information disseminated on the little fire ants (LFAs) that have invaded parts of Oahu, but some residents are still unsure of what to look for. Hawaii Invasive Species Council has provided the following information:

LFAs were first discovered in Waimanalo and more recently in Mililani Mauka. Efforts are underway to eliminate the ants because once they become established, there is little hope of eradication. The ants would become the state’s most devastating pest, and we stand to lose much of our agriculture industry and biodiversity. We will lose our ability to grow our own food, enjoy our yards and hike through the forest. Throughout the Pacific, LFAs have overwhelmed communities.

The Department of Agriculture and Hawaii Ant Lab have worked with property owners in Mililani Mauka to obtain consent to treat LFAs on their properties. Treatment began Aug. 7, with the Mililani Town Association cutting access trails for treatment.

Don’t confuse LFAs with the much bigger tropical fire ant that has been around for decades. LFAs are 1/16th of an inch, not aggressive and move very slowly, but stings will produce large welts on the neck, arms or torso when trapped under clothing or in hair. They usually fall on people from above. Besides being a serious nuisance to humans, this ant has been known to attack the eyes of domestic animals and blind them.

LFAs do not build mounded dirt nests but nest in a variety of habitats including trees, around potted plants, under leaf litter, rocks, pieces of bark, irrigation lines and in electrical boxes. On Hawaii island they have been found in clothes, furniture, bedding and food.

We need to be vigilant. LFAs are in Hawaii, but are not yet widespread. Report LFAs to your local invasive species committee at Report-a-Pest, or call 643-PEST (7378) if you suspect that you may have them in your yard.

We will have another meeting in October as a follow up to the meeting we had last month on LFAs. We will publish the information when a date and place have been decided.

DYSLEXIA:

Dyslexia is a lifelong learning disability people are born with that affects about 15 percent of Americans in all socioeconomic and ethnic groups. There have been effective strategies to help children, teenagers and adults overcome struggles at school or in the workplace.

The Hawaii branch of International Dyslexia Association is collaborating with Wayland Baptist University (WBU) by offering three reading disabilities workshops Saturday mornings in September and October on WBU campus at 95-1091 Ainamakua Drive in Mililani Mauka. The Reading Disabilities Workshops are scheduled as follows:

* When Children Struggle To Read, Sept. 6, 9-11 a.m.

An overview of language-based reading difficulties, how these affect learning and what kind of teaching and intervention works best for learners with language-based reading difficulties.

* Dyslexia Simulations (Interactive Workshop), Sept. 20, 9-11:30 a.m.

Participants will rotate through six learning stations with simple activities designed to give a hands-on awareness of what dyslexic persons experience every day.

* Help/Support For Struggling Readers (An Overview), Oct. 4, 9-11 a.m.

Community experts will share and discuss information about help and support for struggling readers including strategies, tips and resources.

For more information, call Margaret Higa at 538-7007 or email mhiga@dyslexiahawaii.org . You may register by visiting dyslexia-hawaii.org.

Call Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz at 586-6090 or email sendelacruz@capitol.hawai i.gov.

Five years of renovations end January 2015 when Polynesian Cultural Center opens its Hukilau Marketplace, a new collection of restaurants and shops that will evoke old Laie.

The 119,000-square-foot marketplace, which will be located in front of PCC near Kamehameha Highway and Pacific Theater, will be open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. While still part of PCC, Hukilau Marketplace will have its own separate entrance and exit, and admission to PCC is not required to visit its shops.

Future food vendors include Pounder’s Restaurant, with island-inspired dining; Polynesian Bakery, with treats such as pani popo and malasadas; Roulotte Court, with Tahitian “street eats”; Confection Store, with candies and other chocolate-covered sweets; plus kiosks and carts loaded with hot dogs, haupia custard, crepes and more.

Specialty goods vendors include Laie General Store, which will offer souvenirs and practical items; and Hapa Home Store, which will sell furnishings and lifestyle products. PCC also is negotiating to bring in a ukulele shop, a Hawaiian jeweler and a sports vendor to the complex.

There also will be an open stage in front of Pounder’s Restaurant, where regular live music and dance are expected.

An official website will open closer to its completion date. For more information, call 293-3333.

By JACK DANILEWICZ

When the OIA opted to restructure its football conference in the off-season, exciting new matchups like this weekend’s Kailua-Leilehua and Mililani-McKinley games are just what the league had in mind.

While some old rivalries were lost (Leilehua-Mililani), new ones are sure to come out of the latest format.

In the new OIA Blue division, defending league champ (and state runner-up) Mililani finds itself alongside East teams Farrington, Moanalua and Kailua, in addition to old Red West rivals Aiea, Campbell and Kapolei.

As for Leilehua, it’s in the new Red division with Castle, Kahuku, Kaiser, McKinley, Waianae and Waipahu. Waialua will remain in the OIA (Division II) White, which did not restructure.

A look at this weekend’s games involving Leilehua, Mililani and Waialua is below.

Kailua v. Leilehua, noon Saturday at Aloha Stadium

An early kickoff awaits in this OIA divisional crossover game. After a 6-4 season in 2013, Leilehua comes to this contest after opening against defending Division I state champion Punahou last weekend.

Following this one, the Mules return home to play East team McKinley before a huge road date against Waianae in two weeks.

Kailua had one of the youngest teams in the OIA a year ago and finished 2-7 overall. Head coach Joseph Wong is in his first year, after spending the last nine years on coach Gary Rosolowich’s staff working with the offense and, most recently, defense. A Kailua High and BYU graduate, Wong played for Miami, Philadelphia and Oakland in his NFL days.

Mililani v. McKinley, 5:30 p.m. Saturday

With Leilehua off of the Trojans’ slate, the featured game on their schedule now is unquestionably the Sept. 27 home date with Farrington. Mililani has to keep winning to stay in the mix for the title before meeting the Governors. Mililani is coming off of a tough test last weekend, when they played Saint Louis, led by its returning head coach Cal Lee.

The Tigers’ first month is as demanding as any team in the state, with road games against Leilehua and Waianae and a home game with Kahuku to follow this one with the defending OIA Champion Trojans. McKinley, which finished 5-5 in 2013, was to play Roosevelt last weekend in its preseason game.

Waialua v. Kalani, 6:30 p.m. Saturday at Kaiser stadium

After struggling in the win-loss column for years because of their smallish enrollments, both Waialua and Kalani have turned the corner, making this game one of the weekend’s more intriguing. Waialua’s three wins last year made the school’s best record in recent memory, while Kalani’s 6-5 finish (and playoff appearance) last fall was a major breakthrough.

Without a preseason game last weekend, this matchup with Kalani will be Waialua’s first appearance in 2014. Conversely, the Falcons played a pre-season game versus Pac-Five over the weekend.

A win here on the road could figure big for the Bulldogs, who will return to play four of their next five games at home. Kalani won last year’s meeting 67-7 at Waialua.

Among the prep football games cancelled last weekend because of Hurricanes Iselle and Julio were a couple of epic matchups featuring Mililani-Saint Louis and Leilehua-Punahou.

Whether those games will be rescheduled had not been revealed heading into press time, but there remains a possibility that Mililani and Saint Louis could play this weekend. Mililani’s remaining schedule has only one open date on the weekend of Sept. 5 and 6, but Saint Louis has an Interscholastic League of Honolulu game with Pac Five on that day. However, Saint Louis has an open date this weekend, and although Mililani is scheduled to play McKinley this weekend, that game may be cancelled because the Tigers don’t a large enough roster to compete, according to Mililani head coach Rod York.

“It’s not like baseball or basketball, where it is easy to reschedule. Our bye weeks usually don’t cross over,” he explained.

York said that if a game with Saint Louis were to take place this weekend, it would have to be called a “scrimmage.”

Even so, the Trojans would be happy just to be able to play against the Crusaders, said York.

“Any time we have an opportunity to play an ILH team, we’ll take it,” said York, who was a standout in the ILH at Iolani in his own prep days.

Game cancellations became inevitable late last week when the hurricanes prompted state Department of Education superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi to announce that all schools on Oahu and Kauai would be closed last Friday. (Classes already had been cancelled at schools on Maui and Hawaii island.)

Extracurricular activities, such as athletic events, are not able to be held on public school grounds until the schools reopen. All but one of the 20 prep football games in Hawaii (Kamehameha-Maui versus Iolani last Saturday at Aloha Stadium) were cancelled as of press time.

The Mililani-Saint Louis and Leilehua-Punahou encounters were to represent two of the more intriguing matchups. Punahou is the defending Division I state champion, while Leilehua entered 2014 fall camp looking to return to their winning ways after slipping to 4-6 last season.

Mililani comes into 2014 with high expectations once again after finishing last season as the Division I State Tournament runner-up and defending Oahu Interscholastic Association Red Conference champion. Last weekend’s game with Saint Louis also was to mark the return of coach Cal Lee, who returned to the program during the off-season.

jackster.1969@yahoo.com

Email Central Oahu items to cchang@midweek.com by Aug. 20 for the Aug. 27 edition.

* NATURE HELP Oahu Army Natural Resources Program seeks volunteers to remove weeds, collect seeds and plant native species at various North Shore preserves in August, with all workdays starting from the Wahiawa baseyard. For details and to register, call 656-7741 or email outreach@oanrp.com.

* WAHIAWA FILMS Free film nights at Wahiawa Library present Leviathan (for adults) at 5 p.m. Aug. 12, Kung Fu Panda: Good Croc, Bad Croc Aug. 19 (families) and Wizard of OzAug. 26 (1936 re-release). Fans are welcome to bring their own snacks. Call 622-6345.

* CAREGIVERS The Central Oahu Caregivers sponsor a support group at 7 p.m. Aug. 14 at Wahiawa General Hospital. Everyone is welcome. Call 623-6707.

* GOLF BENEFIT Hana Pa’a Softball 12U girls 2001 team plans a benefit golf tournament at noon Aug. 14 at Mililani Golf Course. Fee is $150 per golfer on a three-man team. For details and to sign up, email jocelyn@kahalaassociates.com or call 864-3571.

* MILILANI BON Mililani Hongwanji has its bon dances from 7 to 10:30 p.m. Aug. 15 and 16 at 95-257 Kaloapau St. Craft fair begins at 5 p.m., food booths open at 6 both nights, and a lantern parade starts at 6:45 p.m. Aug. 15. Call 625-0925.

* BOOK SALE Friends of Waialua Library have a book sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 16. Call 637-8286.

* BEACH CLEANUP Volunteers clean up and beautify Haleiwa Beach Park from 8 to 11 a.m. Aug. 16. Visit adoptabeach-hawaii.org.

* POLO MATCHES Hawaii Polo Club’s 2014 season features the USPA Constitutional Cup Aug. 17, and India versus Hawaii Aug. 24 and 31 (final match). Gates open at 11 a.m. each Sunday on the Mokuleia field, and action starts at 2 p.m. Admission is $10, or $25 for clubhouse seats. Call 226-0061.

* NEIGHBORS Wahiawa-Whitmore Village Neighborhood Board meets at 7 p.m. Aug. 18 at Wahiawa District Park, Mililani Mauka-Launani Valley meets at 7 p.m. Aug. 19 at Mililani Mauka Elementary, North Shore meets at 7 p.m. Aug. 26 in Waialua Elementary cafeteria, and Mililani-Waipio-Melemanu meets at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 27 at Mililani Rec Center III, Call 768-3710.

* MEETING DOGS Hawaii Dog Foundation hosts a “meet and greet” session with its adoptable dogs from noon to 2 p.m. Aug. 23 at Mililani Mauka Dog Park, 95-1069 Ukuwai St. Call 782-8387.

* WAIMEA CONCERT Waimea Valley’s second annual summer concert series concludes with Timi Abrigo, Jeff Au Hoy and Eddie Palama performing from 1 to 5 p.m. Aug. 23 on the Main Lawn. Tickets cost $20 at the gate, with discounts for children and seniors. Call 638-7766 or visit waimeavalley.net.

* BOOK SALE Friends of Mililani Public Library conduct a book sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 23 at the library on Makaimoimo Street. Membership applications also are available, and volunteers are welcome the day of the sale. Call Alice at 626-7292.

Though its busy summer reading program has ended, Wahiawa Library remains a bastion of creativity via its continuing display of Leilehua High School student art.

The exhibition, which opened in early June, offers 33 two-dimensional works from the 2013-2014 school year — many of them already recognized statewide and nationally — and the library will officially honor the artists in a public reception from 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 17. “If it’s not on exhibit, people will never get to see

it,” explained Matt Brown, Wahiawa’s youth services librarian, who also mounted a show last summer of a dozen of Leilehua’s teen artists. The reception will be “an opportunity for the public to talk to them and find out what inspires their work.”

The show includes pencil renderings, photography, acrylic on canvas and charcoal pieces. The students themselves, as well as Leilehua art teacher Larry Taguba and photography teacher Keith Sasada, will be available to talk with interested fans about the creative process, and the art of teaching art.

View Summer Art Exhibition 2014 during library hours to appreciate the talents of Rhea Erice, April Supnet, Bennet Cariaga, Scout Bender, Russel Zaragosa, Vaitau-saga Tamamu, Elijah Flores, Pomaikai Canady, Cassidyann Kuni-Navares, John Cabias, Scarlet Roberts, Cyliss Cunningham, Carina Kusaka, Nicole Gottman, Alexis Garza, Maxwell Mulbury, Ryne

Cabias, Genesis Rodrigues, Lino Pregoner, Paris Clark, Netane Muti, Christina Masutani, Kelsey Duffy, Danielle Martinez, Dasha Directo, Odelyn Castillo, Shazary Sinclair, Sandra Sasada and Alexis Jacang.

For more information, call Brown at 622-6345.

Mililani High School valedictorian Isis Usborne will receive a $3,000 college scholarship today (Aug. 27) from the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislatures.

Making the presentation in the lieutenant governor’s office will be state Sen. Michelle Kidani. Applications are accepted from Hispanic students who attend schools in districts represented by Hispanic lawmakers, which also includes the area covered by state Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz. Both senators are of Puerto Rican descent.

“Mililani is a diverse community where we celebrate and share each other’s heritage,” stated Kidani. “I encourage Hispanic students in my district to apply for this prestigious award each year, and we are so pleased to congratulate Isis for her outstanding accomplishments.”

As one of only 11 of the 2014 recipients nationwide, Usborne was an easy choice. She excelled academically, earned awards at the district and state science fairs, and competed on the Trojans’ We the People team of constitutional experts in Washington, D.C. She also was a legislative intern, a mentor and tutor, and was involved in multiple community service projects.

Usborne will use the grant to attend UH Manoa this fall.

Wahiawa native Alyshia Shimizu won the title of 2015 Miss Ultimate Elite at a Scottdale, Ariz., pageant Aug. 3. Currently 19 years old and a Leeward Community College student, Alyshia first made headlines when she was 5 and contracted a virulent flesh-eating bacterial infection from a fall at her Wahiawa home. Following years of surgery, recovery and physical therapy, Alyshia has continued to win pageants that serve as her platform to end bullying, build her self-confidence and grow “comfortable in my own skin.” She also has served as a Patient Ambassador for Shriners Hospital, which saw her through much of her ordeal …

Alyshia Shimizu

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Prolific North Shore muralist Hilton Alves has just completed his third “perfect wave” project in Wailuku, Maui. The Brazilian native now has only 98 wave murals left to go all over the world … Winning $1,000 each this spring from the Mamoru and Aiko Takitani Foundation (Hawaiian Host founders) were Leilehua’s Karam Yang, Mililani’s Sharyse Nadamoto, Waialua High’s William Blaser III and Hanalani’s Angusina Campbell …

Winning in other ways this spring were these downtown Las Vegas slot players: Wahiawa’s Laila Acido $51,047, Waialua’s Juanita Sadoy $33,000, Wahiawa’s Allen Wakabayashi $20,000, Josephine Chargualaf $13,755 and Jane Oda $11,198; Mililani’s Myra Weisskopf $10,148, Wahiawa’s Harry Nakasone $10,000, and Mililani’s Richard Mori $10,000 … Jeffery Ramos (Mililani 2005) and Samuel Chong (Mililani 2012) have both graduated from Air National Guard basic training at Lackland AFB, Texas …

Paul Wescott (Leilehua 1994) has retired from the U.S. Air Force as a senior master sergeant after 20 years of service, much of that time he spent supervising the 65th Operations Support Squadron (“The Proud Bulls”) in Portugal … Hanalani Schools graduate Michael Sonson has earned a $1,000 scholarship from Honolulu Police Community Foundation & & & cchang@midweek.com

After back-to-back home games, the Trojans will now test their mettle with three straight road games. A preview of Mililani, Leilehua and Waialua weekend games follow.

Mililani at Kapolei, 6:30 p.m. Friday

Mililani enjoyed a season-opener 63-47 win over Saint Louis 10 days ago. Quarterback McKenzie Milton was the catalyst, throwing for 367 yards and four touchdowns, while adding another 204 yards and three scores on the ground. All told, offense netted 729 total yards in the opener.

Can the Trojans keep the momentum going against Kapolei this week? Like Mililani, Kapolei also drew a tough week one assignment, traveling to Kahuku. Kapolei hung tough before losing 33-19. The Hurricanes gained 239 total yards in that game against a solid defense, including 141 on the ground. Look for Kapolei to try to run the clock with its running game against Mililani this week.

Mililani won last year’s game between the schools 35-0.

Leilehua at Waianae, 8 p.m. Friday

Going 6-4 in 2013 was not what Leilehua had in mind. The Mules’ 50-7 drubbing of Kailua at Aloha Stadium was exactly the tone-setting performance they needed.

Offensively, Leilehua rolled up 558 total yards against Kailua. Expect yardage in the run-game to be harder against a Waianae team that held Moanalua to just 1.7 yards a carry in week one.

Waianae won last year’s game between the teams, 39-21.

Waialua v. Kalaheo, 8:30 p.m. Friday at Kailua High

Offense was hard to come by for both teams in week one. The Bulldogs were shut out on the road by Kalani, while Kalaheo was routed 39-6 by host Nanakuli in its 2014 opener. Last weekend, both schools faced additional tests against solid competition, as Kalaheo was to play Kalani, and Waialua was to host defending OIA White runner-up Pearl City.

A win over Kalaheo could figure big in Waialua’s season, as this game marks the Bulldogs’ last true road game until their finale Oct. 10. Waialua won last year 32-0.

jackster.1969@yahoo.com