The Makakilo/Kapolei /Honokai Hale Neighborhood Board has given its approval to chain off the entrance of Kapolei Community Park at night to keep out loiterers.

The board last week voted 6 to 1 with one abstention to approve the idea. Lenny Farm of the citizens patrol that watches the Kapolei neighborhoods during the evenings was seeking help in keeping people out when the park is closed from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.

The resident patrol will meet with city park officials on making arrangements so the group can chain up the park entrance at closing time and have park crews open it in the morning.

HONOLULU

Mid-Pac center gets grants

Mid-Pacific Institute has received two grants toward its $12 million Shared Pride campaign to build a new math, science and technology complex at the school's Manoa campus.

The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation has awarded $2 million to the campaign and the G.N. Wilcox Trust has given $150,000.

The complex will include a 12,000-square-foot learning center and two other buildings for math and science classes. Groundbreaking is set for January.

Mid-Pacific is an independent, co-educational college-preparatory day and boarding school for grades 6 to 12 with an enrollment of about 1,080. The present school was built in 1908 on 34 acres next to the University of Hawai'i.

Police panel leaders chosen

The Honolulu Police Commission last week re-elected Leonard K.P. Leone as chairman and Cha M.K. Thompson vice chairwoman of the group for 2002.

The Police Commission is made up of seven people appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the City Council. All members are volunteers and serve staggered terms of five years. The commission elects its own leaders.

The Police Commission has the mandated responsibility to appoint and remove the chief of police; review rules and regulations for the administration of the department; review the annual budget prepared by the chief; receive, consider and investigate charges brought by the public against the conduct of the department or any of its members.

In reviewing 21 cases involving 30 officers since Oct. 17, the commission ruled that two cases involving two officers were sustained, 12 cases involving 16 officers were not sustained and 12 officers involved in seven cases were exonerated.

Since Oct. 17, the department received 95 letters of commendation and six letter of complaint.

The next public meeting is scheduled for 2 p.m. Feb. 20.

Al-Anon offers support

For people who need help during the holidays dealing with a family member or friend who is an alcoholic, the mutual support organization Al-Anon Family Group will be holding several support meetings on O'ahu.

Al-Anon meetings bring members together to learn more about how they are affected by a loved one's drinking. There are no dues or fees for the meetings and the goal is to provide a saner, healthier and happier way of life.

For more information, call 599-7755.

NEIGHBOR ISLANDS

Cultural expert wins award

HAPUNA, Hawai'i — The Waikoloa Foundation has named Danny Akaka, director of cultural affairs for Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows, as winner of its Naupaka Award for promoting international understanding of the Hawaiian culture and for a program to help endangered green sea turtles.

Akaka, son of U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka, created "Twilight at Kalahuipua'a" to educate visitors about Hawai'i through storytelling. In 1990, he launched the Honu Independence Day program, which releases young sea turtles into the ocean.

Award Chairman John DeFries said Akaka is "truly committed to helping keep Hawaiian culture alive and strives continuously to teach both kama'aina and visitors alike about Hawai'i's rich and beautiful heritage."

Akaka has worked at the resort for 18 years in addition to serving on cruise ships as a guest lecturer.