O'ahu briefs

Advertiser Staff and News Services

CENTRAL

Freeway project to be discussed

The state Department of Transportation will have a community meeting next week to discuss the planned widening of the H-1 Freeway Waimalu viaduct.

The meeting is 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Waimalu Elementary School cafeteria at 98-825 Moanalua Road in 'Aiea.

State officials plan to widen 1.3 miles of H-1 Freeway in the westbound direction by 29 feet between the Kaonohi Street overpass and the Pearl City/Waimalu off-ramp. Work is tentatively set to begin in spring 2003.

The estimated $50 million project is meant to help alleviate the afternoon rush-hour commute to Central and Leeward O'ahu by increasing that portion of freeway from five to six lanes.

The DOT will also discuss its application for a noise variance permit to allow night and weekend construction work for the project.

HONOLULU

Participants for pageant sought

The Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Hawai'i is accepting contestant applications for the 54th Narcissus Festival Pageant until July 31.

Contestants in the pageant, which is Jan. 11, must be 18 to 25 years old, 50 percent Chinese with a Chinese surname, single and never married and a resident of Hawai'i for at least six months.

Participants will have the opportunity to learn about Chinese history, cooking, calligraphy, narcissus bulb carving, paper cutting and Chinese knotting.

The 2003 Narcissus Queen will receive tuition scholarships and a trip to China.

For details call 533-3181.

LEEWARD

Garden, home package won

Roberta Kaleikini won $100,000 in Home and Garden products and services at the Finance Factors Home and Garden Show Sunday at Blaisdell Exhibition Hall.

The 'Ewa Beach woman was among seven finalists selected for the contest. She unlocked the door to the Home and Garden Fantasy package with her winning key.

Among other products and services from the prize, Kaleikini will receive free termite fumigation, a home security system, carpet installation and maid service for one year.