Ho‘ala students (from left) Aidden Murray, Sophie Park and Naiya Trujillo go for a ride. Ho‘ala Schools photo.

Ho‘ala School students in grades K-4 participated in the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Trike-A-Thon April 8 at their Wahiawa campus.

The annual event targets younger students, with older schoolmates supporting them as the junior keiki make their way around the Trike-A-Thon track on bicycles or scooters. Through this fundraiser and others, students learn about the importance of community service and how they can help others.

Students at the Wahiawa private school have participated in the Trike-A-Thon for seven years and have raised more than $7,500 to date.

Counter Culture Foods owners Jay Bost and Rob Barreca. Photo from Kamehameha Schools.

By MAE RUSSELL

Kamehameha Schools Communications Specialist

A North Shore farm has won $15,000 and rent-free use of a five-acre parcel of land on the North Shore after taking second place in the 2015 Mahi‘ai Match-Up Agricultural Business Plan Contest sponsored by Kamehameha Schools and the Pauahi Foundation.

Counter Culture Foods is a seed-to-countertop fermented foods producer that will offer raw, probiotic kimchi and tempeh as its primary products.

Mala Kalu‘ulu Inc. won the $25,000 first prize and will have access to 3.7 acres of farmland in South Kona.

“The contest focuses on increasing food production for the local market by finding innovative farmers and providing them with the tools they need to succeed,” said Pauahi Foundation executive director Keawe Liu. “It has developed into a creative and exciting new venue to encourage farmers to develop their ideas and submit a plan to help with Hawaii’s food-security issues.”

The awards were revealed at a Feb. 28 fundraiser at Dole Cannery. Proceeds from the event will fund agricultural scholarships and grants to help cultivate a new generation of local farmers.

Four semi-finalists presented their business plans before a panel of judges who selected the two winners.

“The opportunity attracted many talented local farmers,” said Liu. “Mahalo to this year’s applicants for their passion and commitment to moving Hawaii one step closer to sustainability. We are thrilled to welcome the winning teams to our ohana.”

Judges included Kamehameha Schools CEO Jack Wong, Ulupono Initiative managing partner Murray Clay, American Savings Bank executive vice president of marketing and business development Tab Bowers, MA‘O Farms co-founder Gary Maunakea-Forth, and Hui Ku Maoli Ola and Papahana Kuaola founding partner Matt Kapaliku Schirman.

Central Concerns …Rep. Feki Pouha

Aloha Kakou, I hope everyone had an enjoyable Easter holiday.

For the past 16 years, Hawaii Women’s Legislative Caucus has spearheaded the donation of Easter baskets to Institute for Human Services (IHS).

During this donation drive, hygiene products, school supplies, food items, first-aid supplies and other essential items were donated.

For this year’s event, I had the honor of dressing up as the Easter Bunny. In addition to spreading Easter joy throughout the Capitol, I helped collect more than 140 donated baskets. Mahalo to the caucus, IHS and all those who donated.

Turtle Bay Easement

Senate Bill 284 (SB284), which would extend the deadline and allow for completion of the Turtle Bay easement deal, was heard March 25 by the House Water and Land Committee.

As a committee member, I conveyed to my fellow members the significance of the deal to North Shore residents, and encouraged them to pass the bill out of committee.

Fortunately, it was a unanimous vote in favor. SB284 then passed a second reading on the House floor and is now scheduled to be heard in the House Finance Committee. As a member of the Finance Committee, I will continue to promote the necessity of the Turtle Bay easement agreement in a responsible manner.

(From left) State Rep. Della Au Belatti, Institute for Human Services director Kimo Carvalho, state Sen. Suzanne Chun Oakland, state Rep. Feki Pouha, state Sens. Rozalyn Baker and Laura Thielen, and state Reps. Lauren Kealohilani Matsumoto and Cynthia Thielen. Photo from 2015 Women’s Legislative Caucus.

I want to express my thanks to all of you who sent in testimony and also emailed me and my fellow legislators. I love the civic engagement of our community.

Vacation Rentals

Senate Bill 519 (SB519) seeks to regulate transient accommodations by doing the following: 1) extending Act 326, SLH 2012, for one year, requiring registration numbers on all Internet advertisements for transient vacation rentals; 2) requiring the Department of Taxation (DOT) to submit an annual report to the legislature on the implementation of Act 326; and 3) authorizing the DOT to enforce civil penalties for operators and plan managers who fail to display the certificate of registration for transient accommodations.

SB519 has passed out of three House committees thus far, and has passed a second reading on the House floor. The measure now is being considered by the House Finance Committee.

To follow the status of SB284 or SB519, and any other measures you may be interested in, please visit capitol.hawaii.gov and type the measure number into the search box at the top-left side of the page.

Community meeting

Please join us for an informational briefing and community input meeting on the Honolulu Rail Project at 7 p.m. April 21 in the Waialua Elementary School cafeteria. Representatives from Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transit will be present, as well as other area legislators. I look forward to seeing you there.

Contact Rep. Feki Pouha at 586-6380, by email at reppouha@capitol.hawaii.gov or visit his Hawaii State Capitol office in Room 319.

Mokuleia Writers Retreat is returning to the North Shore May 3-8.

The annual retreat at Camp Mokuleia offers two dozen writers for a week of intimate workshops and one-on-one coaching on fiction, nonfiction, poetry, essays and memoirs.

Featured workshop leaders include Zoe FitzGerald Carter, essayist and author of the memoir Imperfect Endings; Constance Hale, North Shore native, writing coach and author of Sin and Syntax; Kathryn Ma, author of award-winning novel The Year She Left Us; Don Wallace, Honolulu author and journalist with Harper’s and The New York Times.

Special guests include Kellen Paik and Lihau Hannahs Paik of Abrigo Ohana, kumu hula Candy Pollack, Waialua writer George Tanabe, poet Lisa Linn Kanae and University of Hawaii writing guru Steven Goldsberry.

Cost is $1,200, which includes lodging, meals, all workshops and activities. Additional packages are available from $500. For more information, visit campmokuleia.com/retreats/writers or email connie@sinandsyntax.com.

Hawaiian Bath & Body, a natural handcrafted soap and skin care line located at Waialua Sugar Mill, is raising funds for Clean the World.

Clean the World recycles soap and hygiene products that are then given to people in impoverished areas.

The retailer has the Clean the World logo on specially marked soap boxes. Proceeds from the sale of these products will be donated to the organization.

“We know handcrafted soaps have naturally occurring antibacterial and cleansing properties that help kill germs,” said Hawaii Bath owner Debora Driscoll. “Partnering with Clean the World and sharing their message is an important part of our mission as well. Soap does save lives!”

Carissa Moore (left) and Stephanie Gilmore hoist their firstand second-place trophies at Bells Beach, Australia. World Surfing League photo.

North Shore Surf News…Gary Kewley

Aloha surfers and beach-goers,

Last week flew by, and when it did, we saw our very own Carissa Moore soar into history at Bells Beach in Australia, ringing the famous Trophy Bell April 10 for the third consecutive year.

No one has ever accomplished such a feat. The wave at Bells is super complicated, with a broad playing field very sensitive to tides. It reminds you of Sunset Beach — a spot you never totally wire.

A lot of luck is involved, no matter how good you are. To consistently harness such seemingly uncontrollable forces is rare.

The win places Carissa in the “best ever at Bells” conversation. When you think of the history of the longest-running contest in surfing history (54 years), it really grabs you. This is a huge honor for the young prodigy from Oahu.

Carissa also has won the first two contests on the World Surfing League Tour 2015, putting her in a good position to win her third world title. She won both events by having to beat another prodigy, Stephanie Gilmore. The current world champ, Gilmore has six world titles and three Bells victories, just not consecutively.

Gilmore won her first four world titles in her first four years on tour. That’s a record not even Kelly Slater has (and he has most of them). This makes Carissa’s victory even more special.

The rivalry between Moore and Gilmore is the best on the world tour, and they have been up against each other 21 times now, with Carissa going one up at Bells.

Carissa is not one to miss out on the big picture.

“It’s such an honor,” she said. “I love coming down here, and it’s such a magical place. It’s just been such a beautiful experience, and I feel super blessed. It’s challenging not only to regroup after a win, but you’re also competing against the best in the world, so you really have to be in tip-top shape. I’m just stoked I got to continue my momentum here.”

The world tour is a marathon, not a sprint, and she is very aware of the challenges ahead.

“It’s a long year; there have only been two contests so far, and I know that all of the girls are fired up and they want it really bad. Everyone is going to be surfing their best. I’m just living in the moment.”

The Waves

The northwest swells have come back to life with a winter-caliber swell with beautiful size and conditions. I spoke of this last week, and sure enough, it’s cranking. At this stage of the spring season, we know these high surf advisory waves will become more rare. So catch it while you can!

When you get this week’s surf column, we should see the south-by-southwest swells dominate town. Such conditions will increase in frequency and size for the entire Leeward side as we near summer. And the country will see waves this week starting April 21 — everyone will have room to move!

Lastly, thanks to everyone who came out to support the Haleiwa Outrigger Annual Fundraiser Celebration and silent auction and raffle April 10 at Surfer, The Bar at Turtle Bay Resort.

Happy surfing and see you here in the Islander lineup next week.

Mahalo and Aloha!

gary@surfnewsnetwork.com

The Leilehua girls water polo team entered 2015 certain of one distinction — having the youngest lineup in the OIA.

That the Mules would find themselves with a 6-1 record at the midway point of the season despite their youthful roster was less certain, to hear Leilehua coach Nate Higa tell it.

“I think they’ve already accomplished quite a bit for a young team,” he said.

To be sure, these Mules are the youngest in Higa’s 12-year run at Leilehua.

“In the past, we’ve always had two or three players who had been with us for three or four years. With this group, we have six sophomores in their second year, one junior who didn’t play last year, and the rest are freshmen. We’re hoping they stay intact. When they’re seniors, we should be even more competitive as far as moving higher in the OIA.”

Despite the excitement about future success, 2015 has been a solid season for the Mules, who have made the state tournament four of the past five years.

One game into the OIA’s second round, Leilehua has posted wins over McKinley, Campbell, Farrington, Kalaheo, Mililani and Pearl City. (The Mules’ two defeats at press time came from East powers Kaiser and Kalani.)

In addition to their pursuit of another state tourney berth, Higa said the team also has rallied around assistant coach Robyn Araki, whose 1-year-old niece Curryn recently was diagnosed with leukemia.

“We dedicated the season to her and had shirts made up with her name and a ribbon on it,” Higa said. “Every day we remind ourselves that others have it worse than we do and that we should be grateful for the opportunity to play water polo.”

What the Leilehua team lacked in game experience they’ve made up for through their athleticism. (Ten of the Mules’ 19 players also are competitive swimmers for Leilehua.)

“It’s been a collective effort,” Higa said of his team’s start. “We don’t have an All-Star like Kapolei has in Tiala (Wendt), but we have some pretty athletic girls.”

Mules sophomore goal-keeper Chyel Palmer has been among the team’s leaders.

“She has a basketball background, so she’s pretty athletic, and she understands the game,” Higa said. “She keeps us in a lot of games.

“We like to stress playing good defense,” he added. “We start with (teaching) defense, and then we hope our offense will eventually start clicking. We have to work on our offense, being that we have so many new players. We have to work on our shooting and our passing to get where we want to be.”

Leilehua was to play Kapolei over the weekend before turning its attention to this Saturday’s season finale against defending OIA champion Kahuku. The game will start at 10:30 a.m. at Central Oahu Regional Park.

The OIA tournament is April 30-May 2 at CORP, where the top six finishers earn berths to the state championships, set for May 5-8 at University of Hawaii’s Duke Kahanamoku Aquatic Complex.

jackster.1969@yahoo.com

Kylie-Ann and Khloe-Ann Bello.

Even a season away from the softball field couldn’t undermine Mililani standout Kylie-Ann Bello’s momentum.

Although she missed the entire 2014 season (and the Trojans’ state championship run) while preparing to give birth to her daughter, Khloe-Ann, you would never know she’d been away from the game, given Bello’s production this spring.

Outside of her softball life, much has changed for Bello, obviously.

“It (having a child) has taught me a lot,” Bello said. “It matured me and has helped to prepare me for the future.”

As Bello is still a high school student, she depends on her family to help raise Khloe-Ann.

“My parents (George and Charly) usually watch her, depending on their work schedules,” said Bello. “When they’re not available, I bring her to practice and my coaches will help watch her.”

Mililani head coach Rose Antonio was among those who pushed Bello, who was already being recruited by colleges as a sophomore, to return.

“My teammates and coaches helped me to come back,” said Bello, who is batting .435 for the Trojans. “(Coach Antonio) had me promise I would come back for my senior year and give it my all.”

The rewards of competing for another state championship and giving birth have been many.

“I like the normal ‘Mommy’ things,” she said. “Seeing her grow and do things for the first time, like sitting up, or calling my name for the first time, or walking for the first time.”

Back on the softball field, it will be business as usual for Bello and the Trojans, who close out their regular season at 3 p.m. Thursday with a road date against Leilehua. Bello recently took some time to visit with MidWeek‘s Central Oahu Islander.

What is your earliest softball-related memory?

When we went to Irvine (California) in 2006 and won the nationals in BobbiSox (youth softball). That’s probably the first big memory I have.

Who’s had the biggest impact on your life? My dad (George). He’s been training me and pushing me to be a better softball player ever since I started playing. He wants the best for me.

What area of your game did you focus on during the off-season? My dad helped me with my hitting and my all-around game just to help get me back into the groove.

What Internet site do you frequent the most? Instagram.

What is your least favorite household chore? Washing the dishes because I don’t like to get my hands in all of that.

What movie could you watch over and over? Fast and Furious 7.

Who are three of your favorite musical artists? I like all kinds of music, depending on the situation. I like local music more (than others).

When you have free time, how do you like to spend it? With my daughter, my boyfriend (Henry), and my family and friends. We usually either go shopping or to lunch, or we play different games together.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? I see myself working in the medical field.

You’re stuck on Kaho‘olawe and can have an endless supply of just one food. What would it be? That’s a hard one because I love food. I’d probably say sushi or kalua pig and cabbage.

If you could have your pick, what celebrity would you most like to meet? (The late actor) Paul Walker.

jackster.1969@yahoo.com

Mililani Hongwanji once again is screening the popular documentary Ola: Health is Everything.

Written, directed and produced by Matthew Nagato, the film is said to challenge viewers to rethink what it means to be healthy, and explores social factors that create a sustainable society. Nagato also is communications director for Hawaii Primary Care Association.

Show time is 7 p.m. April 28 at 95-257 Kaloapau St. For more information, call 625-0925 or visit olamovie.com. An RSVP is recommended.

Send Central Oahu items to cchang@midweek.com by April 22 for the April 29 edition, or call 529-4850.

• GREYWOLF Grey-wolf presents a lecture on “Women Warriors of Europe & Asia” at 10 a.m. April 21 at Waialua Library, featuring his display of weapons, antiques, costumes and more. Call 637-8286.

• NEIGHBORS Mililani Mauka-Launani Valley Neighborhood Board meets at 7 p.m. April 21 (and May 19) at Mililani Mauka Elementary, Mililani-Waipio-Melemanu meets at 7:30 p.m. April 22 (and May 27) at Mililani Rec Center III. Call 768-3710.

• WAIALUA READS Waialua Library’s readers group meets at 9:30 a.m. April 23 to discuss its pick of the month, Paul Bowles’ The Sheltering Sky. Call 637-8286.

• TEEN ART Friends of Waialua Library host an opening reception at 5:30 p.m. April 23 for the Waialua High & Intermediate School Art Show by Howard Farrant’s students. The mixed-media exhibit runs through May 19 at the library. Call 637-8286.

• DRAWING Waialua Library hosts a drawing group, formerly Sketchers, at 11 a.m. April 25. Bring sketchbook, pencils, pens and a object for a group still-life. Call 637-8286.

• LANAI SALE St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church conducts a lanai sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 25 at 1679 California Ave. The church thrift shop also will be open during the sale. Call 226-3510.

• RECYCLING Kahuku High & Intermediate School has an Aloha Aina recycling drive from 9 a.m. to noon April 25, and Mililani Waena Elementary has one from 9 a.m. to noon May 16, welcoming all kinds of items. A shredding service also is planned. Email 3rs@kokuahawaiifoundation.org.

• KELLEY RIDE Hawaii Bicycling League sponsors the John Kelley Haleiwa Metric Century Ride at 6:30 a.m. April 26 from Kaiaka Beach Park to Kahuku High School and back. Call 735-5756 or visit bhl.org.

• POLO Hawaii Polo Club hosts matches at 2 p.m. each Sunday at Mokuleia Field. April 26 is Equus Hotel vs. Wealth Strategy Partners for the Mabuhay trophy; May 3 is Boys Bunch Fundraiser for North Shore Community Land Trust. Gates open at 11 a.m., and admission is $10 and $8. Visit hawaii-polo.org.

• SANCTUARY NOAA seeks public comment on the proposed expansion of Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary boundaries and conducts an informational meeting on it from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. April 27 at Sunset Beach Recreation Center, 59-540 Kamehameha Hwy. Call 271-3213.

• LEI PO‘O Wahiawa Botanical Garden has a workshop on making Lei Po‘o (wili method) at 9:30 a.m. April 30. Fee is $15. Register at 522-7066.

• STORE LOTS Haleiwa Store Lots has a grand opening of its new community and retail development at 66-111 Kamehameha Hwy. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 2, with activities, tours, prizes and entertainment. Call 391-7441.

• LEI DAY Waimea Valley conducts its annual Lei Day competition at 10 a.m. May 2 with live music and hula, as well as cash prizes for the best leis (lei drop-off is 7:30-9:30 a.m.). Call 638-7766.

• BANDSTANDWaialua Bandstand presents the Waialua High & Intermediate School Band at 4 p.m. May 3, sponsored by Surf N Sea. Call 637-9721.

• WRITER RETREAT Camp Mokule‘ia is home base for the Mokule‘ia Writers Retreat May 3-8, featuring top local authors, workshops and coaching. Fees range from $500 to $1,200. Email connie@sinandsyntax.com.

• ROBOT LUAU Dole Plantation hosts its annual benefit luau for Waialua High’s robotics team from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. May 7. Tickets cost $40 and are on sale through April 30 at Dole Plantation, or call the school at 637-8200.

• LEILEHUA EATS Leilehua High School presents “2nd’s at Leilehua” from 4 to 7 p.m. May 8 at the school, featuring food trucks, entertainment and more as a campus fundraiser. Visit 2nd’s at Leilehua on Facebook or email second-satleilehua@yahoo.com.

• PINEAPPLE FEST Wahiawa Historical Society presents the 13th annual Wahiawa Pineapple Festival from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 9 at Wahiawa District Park, featuring a parade at 9 a.m., crafts, food, exhibits, keiki bouncers and rides, and entertainment all day, including the Wahiawa Jazz Festival at 2 p.m. Call 694-0103.

• PINE RUN The 2015 Wahiawa Pineapple Run is set for 7 a.m. May 16, starting and ending at Kaala Elementary School. Entrance fee is $60 with proceeds going to the school. The first 650 finishers receive a medal and a pineapple. Visit the Facebook page or email pineapplerunhi@gmail.com.

• TRIATHLON North Shore Olympic Triathlon begins at 5:45 a.m. May 17 at Mokuleia Beach Park and features an 800-meter swim, 25-mile bike race and 10K run. Entries are due by May 9. Call 372-8885 or visit active.com.

BYU-Hawaii’s International Cultural Studies department is partnering with Hawaiian Islands Land Trust to infuse youths into its land protection efforts.

A conservation collaboration agreement recently signed by both parties will mean more helping hands for the trust and wider learning opportunities for the college students. As BYUH associate professor Tevita O Ka‘ili put it, the partnership “nurtures a symbiotic relationship for sharing and acting on knowledge and practices pertaining to conservation and culture.

“We look forward to many fruitful years of collaborating with HILT in caring for our honua, Earth,” he said.

HILT will present land conservation lessons to the students, for example, and the students will participate in ongoing cleanups at Maunawila Heiau in Hau‘ula. The students also will help raise funds, and will be able to join the trust’s discounted Young Friends membership program.

HILT formed a similar partnership last spring with Kihei Charter School on Maui.

Libraries across the state will observe Free Comic Book Day this Saturday, including the Mililani branch.

Costumed characters from the Pacific Outpost of the 501st Imperial Legion, Rebel Legion Hawaii, and Costumers Guild of Hawaii will make appearances at selected locations, and fans of all ages may receive a free comic book by showing their library ID card, while supplies last. This year’s featured comics, which vary from branch to branch, include Avengers, Pokemon, Attack on Titan, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Secret Wars and more.

Sponsors are Friends of the Library of Hawaii, Gecko Books & Comics, and Collector Maniacs.

For more information, call 627-7470.

Dedicated, inspiring and nationally certified, Sunset Beach Elementary kindergarten teacher Sheri Burke de Mendonca (“Mrs. Burke”) had just reached the finals of a national online “Teach for the Planet” contest to fund a class environmental project when she died unexpectedly of a heart attack April 19, leaving behind her husband Buzzy, their four daughters, age 19 years to 7 months, and an entire school community. “Sheri was the most amazing teacher to hundreds of children on the North Shore,” reads one online tribute. “She never stopped giving and exploring new avenues to help her students succeed.” Now Sheri’s ohana has begun a new online drive to help the grieving family at http://www.gofundme.com/sfn37yc …

Paige Okamura

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Accompanying Queen Pomai Akiona (Danielle Pomaika‘i ‘O Keikilani Akiona) to all of the city’s 2015 Lei Day festivities Friday at Kapiolani Park and Bandstand will be First Princess Paige Miki Kalaokananiki‘eki‘e Okamura of Haleiwa, a recent UH graduate with a Hawaiian language degree. Contestants were judged on lei making, hula, language skills and poise, and the ability to convey the spirit of aloha with warmth and dignity. Royal Hawaiian Band starts the celebration at 9 a.m., and Paige and her royal court colleagues will be “invested” at 11 a.m. …

Hanalani Schools’ annual Founders Day March 31 honored the late Wallace Sugimoto, who established the original King’s School in 1952 in Wahiawa, prior to expansion and the move to Mililani. Wallace’s son Mark, now Hanalani head of school, recalled at the gathering that the energetic leader was often seen washing buses and performing other menial tasks on campus. “He just seemed to be happier in work clothes than he did in a business suit” … Gladys Okamura reopens Kitchen Delight, her three-decade-old okazuya and plate lunch establishment May 1 at a new location, 25 Mango St. in Wahiawa (former Shigenoya Okazuya site). Rene Mansho recalls her “shock and awe” breakfast special for $1.75 at the old California Avenue place. Get ready for special okazu treats and bentos from Grace and crew (622-3463) & & & cchang@midweek.com

Maile Kaina (front, right) is joined by fellow winners and celebrity emcees: KHON weather anchor Justin Cruz, Shriners Hospital’s director of public relations Mahealani Richardson and Toyota Hawaii senior vice president Glenn Inouye. Photo from Pang Communications.

A Mililani preteen isn’t waiting for Toyota to design her dream car. She did it herself.

Maile Kaina, a 12-year-old Mililani Middle School student, took home third place and a People’s Choice award April 20 for her submission to the Toyota Hawaii Dream Car Art Contest.

Kaina’s was among more than 800 entries received, and one of only nine designs (three from each age category) selected to move on to the Toyota World Contest.

From Feb. 23 to March 15, Toyota Hawaii’s Facebook friends could view all eligible entries and vote for their favorites in each of the three age groups.

The Facebook contest received more than 8,200 votes and more than 1,700 unique visitors to the contest page. In addition to moving on to the world championship, Kaina won $100 cash.

The following entrants were awarded $100 cash and were automatically entered for final judging in the local competition for receiving the most votes in each category: (Age 7 and under) Ken Shiraishi, Honolulu; Alex Kainuma, Waipahu; Sienna Young, Honolulu. (Ages 8-11) Sophia Stark, Honolulu; Raphael Stark, Honolulu; Isabelle Toribio, Ewa Beach. (Ages 2-15) Min Hua Tsou, Kapolei; Leanza Maratita Toves, Kapolei; Maile Kaina, Mililani.

Judges in this year’s contest included DOE Art in Public Places artist in residence resource teacher Evan Tottori, Honolulu Museum of Art School assistant director Pearlyn Salvador, Hawaii News Now anchor Grace Lee, KHON2 weather anchor Justin Cruz, Shriners Hospitals for Children– Honolulu director of public relations Mahealani Richardson and Toyota Hawaii senior vice president Glenn Inouye.

The art contest was established in 2004 to teach children the importance of having a dream, while at the same time encouraging them to become interested in cars through drawing their dream vehicles.

Kailua Basketball Club will sponsor a basketball skills clinic for youths in May at Kailua District Park’s indoor basketball gym.

For three straight Sundays — May 17, 24 and 31 — club coach Rob Pardini, his staff and players from island high schools will work on fundamentals of the sport, both defense and offense, with children ages 9 to 17 years old (9 by the end of this year). Hours are 9 to 10:30 a.m.

Early-bird fee is $65 through May 7, and $75 after that. The fee includes clinic T-shirt. Some proceeds will support KBC’s travel fund for summer tournaments on the Mainland.

To register and for more information, go to kailuabasketball.eventbrite.com.

It’s time to get your robotics on.

Dole Plantation is hosting its eighth annual Plantation Benefit Luau for the Waialua High School Robotics Team, and tickets are on sale now. All proceeds from the May 7 event will be used to help fund the team’s travel expenses.

The luau begins at 5:30 p.m. and features Hawaiian food and a silent auction. A highlight will be the 45-minute demonstration of robotic technology by the Waialua team.

Dole Plantation began the fundraiser in 2007. Since that first luau, the company has presented $70,000 to Waialua Robotics.

“The Dole Plantation fundraiser is the most important community event that our team participates in each year,” said Waialua High teacher and team lead coordinator Glenn Lee. “Without the generous support that we receive from the luau, our team would not be able to participate nationally in FIRST Robotics competitions, which allow our students the opportunity to participate in science-, technology-, engineering-and math-related activities.”

The Waialua team was Hawaii’s first robotics-related program, and is a national leader that was selected for the FIRST Robotics Competition “Hall of Fame” Chairman’s Award in 2011. This year, it qualified for the world championships in St. Louis, Mo. Waialua Robotics travels to competitions annually but struggles to raise needed funds.

“To paraphrase the team’s motto, Waialua Robotics does not focus on winning; it’s about learning teamwork, commitment and responsibility,” says Mike Moon, Dole Plantation director of operations. “Because of the emphasis on those keys, it has become an institution and a pathway to a bright future for kids from this community.”

Individual luau tickets cost $40 and are available through April 30 at Dole Plantation. Tickets also may be purchased through robotics team members or by calling Waialua High and Intermediate School at 637-8200.

Kidani’s Korner …Sen. Michelle Kidani

As this edition of Central Oahu Islander is published, the Legislature is just a few days away from our scheduled May 7 adjournment. Our work on most major bills has been completed, and over the last several days we have been meeting to resolve differences between Senate and House versions of these measures.

As chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Education, one of my priorities has been legislation to modify student instructional hours to allow six hours per day to be counted from bell to bell. This would reduce the burden on administrators trying to account for every minute of instructional time.

Another priority has been to recommit to teachers for additional bonuses when they agree to teach in Title I schools or priority schools, as identified by DOE. We also want to establish pre-kindergarten opportunities for “gap group” families who don’t qualify for subsidized programs, but who cannot afford private pre-school.

I also am hoping for funding to keep Preschool Open Doors alive. No funds were included in the administration’s budget as it was sent to us.

Another bill would phase out the multi-track schedule currently in effect at four Oahu schools — including Mililani Middle School — that have reduced student classroom time, and eliminated opportunities for summer school.

Gov. Ige has released funds I appropriated in a prior legislative session to move forward with improvements to Mililani schools.

Mililani Uka Elementary’s technology capability will benefit from $1 million in system upgrades. The parking lot at Mililani Mauka Elementary will be resurfaced, and StarCom Builders has been awarded $115,000 to carry out re-roofing work at Mililani Waena Elementary.

Several projects in all Mililani schools are included in more than $50 million for school repairs and maintenance. Also, $200,000 now has been made available to begin design work for repairs and improvements to portions of Hamakua Ditch Irrigation System that brings water from Windward to Central Oahu farms.

The school year is almost over. For Mililani High School’s class of 2015, this is final exam time, and in less than a month we will be bidding aloha to some 560 seniors as they take the next steps toward fulfilling their dreams.

The school tells me that more than 40 seniors have maintained a 4.0 GPA, and 28 of those have completed their senior projects to be designated as class valedictorians. Final figures for scholarship awards will be available later this week, but the class hopes to top last year’s best-ever $14.7 million.

Graduation ceremonies are scheduled for 5 p.m. May 24 at Aloha Stadium. Mahalo to the students and teachers for the successes Mililani High School has enjoyed this year.

State Sen. Michelle Kidani represents District 18 (Mililani Town, most of Waipio Gentry, and Village Park, Royal Kunia and Waikele). Call her at 586-7100 at the state Capitol, Room 228 or email senkidani@capitol.hawaii.gov.

North Shore Surf News

Aloha surfers and ocean lovers,

This is week three of North Shore Surf News, and there’s a lot to cover. We’ve had big events and big waves.

Mid-month we had a swell that peaked bigger than anyone forecasted, including WW3 (Wave Watch 3 from National Weather Service and NOAA).

These third-generation wave models are usually very accurate. They had us going for some 6to 8-foot surf Wednesday and dropping Thursday. However, I had reports of much bigger waves from hardcore big-wave chargers, including Arnold Dowling of Natural Flow surf wear, and board shaper and Turtle Bay employee Jeff Johnson.

Arnold surfed Sunset at 8-12 feet with even higher sets late Wednesday, while Jeff surfed 10 feet of Ali‘i Beach Park perfection. One interesting quality was long lulls yet numerous waves per set. We often get three to four waves in a set, but on this special episode we had eight or more waves — big, beautiful ones.

This was a winter-caliber event that was still delivering 10 feet at Sunset Thursday morning.

Why did this anomaly occur? My theory is that the storm produced high winds with some pockets nearing hurricane force, thus creating 20to 22-second period forerunners. (Periods measure waves through time, and higher periods create faster waves and produce more energy.) A 20-second period can create a group of waves moving at about 60 knots. That’s fast!

In addition, long wave periods make a huge difference when it comes to refraction and shoaling (swells bending and pushing up off the bottom). That same 20-second period can be felt 1,000 feet down. As the water gets shallower, there’s more refraction and shoaling until we finally get to ride the swell’s final journey as a breaking wave.

It is well known that Sunset is one of the North Shore’s greatest refractors of swell energy. That’s why it’s usually the biggest spot and why it jacks so much. The refraction at Sunset helped create the miraculous 12-plus-foot bombs late Wednesday. It’s humbling when Mother Ocean reminds us that all the science, models, technology and experience cannot tame her. She always will have surprises and challenges for us to learn from.

Tour News

The ladies finished up at the Drug Aware Margaret River Pro with California’s Courtney Conlogue taking first place over Hawaii’s Carissa Moore, who finished second.

“It’s just phenomenal,” said Conlogue. “Carissa’s been on such a stellar run, and I was thinking maybe I can end it. I had a bit of a tricky start to this event and was feeling out of rhythm. On the off days I just went surfing a lot and had a bunch of fun, and I think that it got me all psyched and happy for the end of the event.”

That is a common theme you hear from top pros again and again: Just try to have fun. That may sound easy, but at this level, where careers are made or broken, that state of mind is not so easy to create.

Congrats to you, Courtney. You are now No. 2 in the world. Carissa still wears the gold jersey as the tour’s No. 1 with 28,000 points. Next stop: Rio in May.

Big shoutout to the Sustainable Coastlines crew, volunteers and Turtle Bay Resort for supporting the Earth Day Beach Cleanup April 22 at Waialua and Mokuleia. The talk story session at Surfer, the Bar that night had the best vibe. How could it not with such a great group of givers? Mahalo!

See you back here next week, and thank you for your support!

Stoked!

gary@surfnewsnetwork.com

At long last, the second season has arrived for both Leilehua and Mililani softball teams.

First up, both teams will play in this week’s OIA Red tournament, running Tuesday-Friday at various sites. (Thursday’s semifinals and Friday’s championship will be at Central Oahu Regional Park.)

Berths for the upcoming Division I state softball championships also will be on the line, as the top six finishers at the OIA tourney will get bids.

Pairings for the conference tournament were to be finalized Saturday.

Central Oahu Islander takes a look at postseason prospects for Leilehua and Mililani.

Leilehua Mules

Record: 7-4 heading into their season finale with Mililani late last week. The Mules were expecting to earn the fifth or sixth seed from the West for this week’s OIA tournament.

Wins: Waianae 19-5 March 13, Waipahu 12-7 March 21, Waianae 10-3 April 9, and Waipahu 12-5 April 16 Losses: Kapolei 6-4

March 7, Campbell 7-3 March 10, Pearl City 5-1 March 24, Mililani 8-0 March 28, Kapolei 5-2 March 31, Campbell 6-1 April 4, and Pearl City 9-2 April 18 Leilehua at a glance: The Mules probably deserved a better fate in the win-loss department, but the OIA playoffs offer new life.

If you remove Leilehua’s 8-0 loss to Mililani in the first round of the season, the Mules were in every game throughout their West slate and no doubt will be a dangerous opponent this week. Leilehua is seeking its third straight state softball tournament appearance and its fourth in five years. (It finished fourth in the state last year.)

Leilehua enters the post-season with a pair of good pitchers in Chelsea Lobitos and Chasity Stalcup, who have logged 29 and 24 innings, respectively.

The greater chore this week will be finding a way to boost offensive output. Leilehua is 0-6 this spring when scoring three runs or less. Lobitos and Ashley Salausa are among the conference’s top offensive weapons. Both rank among the OIA Red leaders in hitting.

Mililani Trojans

Record: 9-1-1 heading into its season finale late last week versus Leilehua. Mililani has clinched the second seed, and a first-round bye, for this week’s OIA tournament, regardless of the outcome against Leilehua.

Wins: Pearl City 3-2 March 7, Waianae 12-0 March 10, Waipahu 2-1 March 17, Kapolei 11-4 March 20, Campbell 6-5 March 24, Leilehua 8-0 March 28, Waianae 17-0 April 4, Waipahu 7-6 April 14, Kapolei 11-0 April 16

Ties: Pearl City (3-3 in six innings) March 31

Losses: Campbell 10-4 April 18

Trojans at a glance: Under head coach Rose Antonios, Mililani has been one of Hawaii’s elite programs with four OIA titles and three state titles since the state tournament was separated into two divisions in 2004. That includes last year’s riveting postseason run, which saw Mililani win both the OIA and DI state titles.

The 2015 Trojans appear to be cut from similar cloth, having dropped only one game as of late last week, that one coming to old nemesis and fellow West powerhouse Campbell.

Trojan pitcher Aubree Kim, who figured big in Mililani’s 2014 title run as a sophomore, has continued her stellar play this year, tallying an OIA-high 47 innings pitched through 11 games. Her 56 strikeouts tie her for first in the OIA with Campbell ace Elisa Favela. Kim also had four shutouts.

Catcher Kylie-Ann Bello has provided some offensive punch, batting .500 through 11 games to rank among the Red leaders.

The team’s ability to win close games this spring has been one of the reasons why it was able to secure a No. 2 seed, as it has a 4-0-1 record in games decided by one run. jackster.1969@yahoo.com