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LEEWARD

Public library weighs options

Officials want to know what services the community wants to have first at the new Kapolei Public Library.

A meeting at 3:30 p.m. today at the library will take up that issue as officials discuss possible uses for the empty building until money can be found to fully stock the facility with books and allow full lending services.

While the 30,000-square-foot library may not open full-time until 2004 because of lack of money for books, library officials are considering at least opening the $6.5-million building for meetings and such services as children's storytime readings in December or January.

The meeting will include a tour of the new facility at 1020 Manawai St.

Kapolei awards honorees feted

Recipients of the 2002 Kapolei Outstanding Achievement Awards were honored by Campbell Estate at a ceremony recently at Ko Olina Resort.

The 13th annual awards program recognizes individuals, companies and nonprofit groups that demonstrate a commitment to the improvement of people, business and the community in the Kapolei region. Winners of this year's KOA awards are:

• Community service: state Sen. Brian Kanno.
• Education: Alice Ransil, volunteer tutor at Mauka Lani Elementary.
• Entrepreneurship: Jeffrey R. Stone, managing partner at Ko Olina Resort & Marina.
• Environment: Historic 'Ewa.
• Lifetime service award: Shad S. Kane, community volunteer.

Winners were selected by a committee of volunteer judges representing business, government, education, the media and community organizations.

HONOLULU

Mayor given planning award

The American Planning Association presented Mayor Jeremy Harris with its 2002 National Distinguished Leadership Award for an Elected Official during the group's national conference in Chicago last month.

In presenting the award, the association recognized Harris' commitment to community-based planning, architecture and urban design.

Bruce Knight, chairman of the association's awards jury, said the mayor "has fostered the empowerment of citizens who now take much greater responsibility for their neighborhoods and communities."

Tips offered on avoiding scams

"Consumer Alert: Scams and Breach of Contracts," a free public informational session, will be offered from noon to 1 p.m. today in the Supreme Court courtroom, 417 S. King St.

Stephen Levins, acting executive director of the Office of Consumer Protection, will provide information to help consumers avoid unfair or deceptive practices. Attendees also will learn how to file a complaint, what happens after a complaint is filed and other tips on how to avoid common consumer mistakes.

The program is part of the Lunch 'n' Learn the Law series sponsored by the state judiciary.