Hawai'i briefs
Advertiser Staff and News Services
HONOLULU
Kalihi agency burglarized
The Kalihi office of Health Care for the Homeless Project was burglarized last week, with thieves making off with five desktop computers, a laptop computer and a VCR.
The agency, which provides services for the mentally ill and homeless, was set back at least $5,000 in the crime, according to project coordinator Laura E. Thielen.
"To steal from a homeless program, how low can you get?" Thielen said.
The office is located on the third floor of a Kohou Street building, and the burglary occurred between 6 and 9 p.m. Dec. 11, according to police.
"We are looking for help from the community," Thielen said. "We will try to borrow some computers until we can check with our insurance to see what is covered. Right now, we are all just really bummed. Overall, our services won't be affected, but it makes it much harder to operate on a day-to-day basis."
To donate to the homeless project, call 791-6344.
To report any information to police, call the CrimeStoppers hotline at 955-8300 or *CRIME on a cellular phone.
Christmas Day meals for elderly
More than 1,000 hot meals will be delivered to homebound seniors on Christmas Day by volunteers supporting the Lanakila Meals on Wheels program.
About 250 volunteers will be working that day cooking and delivering a hot chicken dinner to O'ahu seniors.
Groups helping include the Hawai'i Kai Jaycees, the Veterans Biker Association, Fleming Companies, Matson Navigation Co. and Honolulu Chinese Jaycees.
"Sometimes, something as simple as a warm meal and a friendly visit can make all the difference during the holidays," said Laura Colbert, president and chief executive officer of Lanakila.
To make a donation or request a meal for a homebound senior, call 531-0555.
NEIGHBOR ISLANDS
Noni plants being stolen
Big Island police in Puna are seeking information on an increasing number of thefts of noni that have occurred from Hawaiian Paradise Park to Kalapana.
The noni plant, an Indian mulberry, is used for medicinal purposes and fruit juice.
Police said there have been an increasing number of thefts since noni farmers first began reporting problems about eight months ago.
Anyone with information about the thefts should call the Kea'au police station at 966-5835, the police nonemergency number at 935-3311, or CrimeStoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona.
Waimea parade on Saturday
LIHU'E, Kaua'i — The island's brightest and most colorful year-end procession, the eighth Waimea Lighted Christmas Parade, starts at 6 p.m. Saturday.
Lighted floats developed by families and businesses in the West Kaua'i community will start at Waimea Canyon Park, travel down Kaumuali'i Highway to Ala Wai Road and Waimea Road, and end at Hofgaard Park.
No parking will be allowed on the parade route.
