Hawai'i briefs
Advertiser Staff and News Services
STATEWIDE
Jellyfish at worst through Thursday
The monthly box jellyfish invasion is expected to peak on some O'ahu beaches tomorrow until Thursday, threatening anyone in the water with the possibility of painful and sometimes dangerous stings, lifeguards said yesterday.
Most commonly affected areas include Waikiki Beach, especially 'ewa of the Kapahulu groin, and Hanauma Bay, Pokai Bay, Makaha Surfing Beach and Waimea Bay.
Warning signs will be posted where lifeguards discover the transparent jellyfish.
Anyone stung by the creatures should flood the wounded area with large amounts of white vinegar to neutralize the venom.
Persons allergic or sensitive to the stings may experience breathing difficulty, muscle cramps or spasms, and/or persistent pain, and should seek immediate medical attention.
To hear the Ocean Safety Division's regular advisories on ocean conditions, call 922-3888, ext. 51.
Bank donates 24 computers
HomeStreet Bank has donated two dozen computers to schools in Hilo, Hawai'i, and Honolulu.
The Hilo bank branch donated six computers and a server to Chiefess Kapi'olani Elementary School in Hilo, while the Honolulu branch donated 18 computers and two servers to Hokulani Elementary School in Honolulu.
Kapi'olani will use the computer in its learning center; Hokulani will use the computers to replace outdated classroom equipment.
HONOLULU
Aloha Festivals seeks applicants
Aloha Festivals seeks applicants for the 2003 O'ahu Royal Court and will offer $1,000 scholarships to the chosen prince and princess.
All applicants must be of Hawaiian ancestry. Applicants for king and queen must be at least 30 years old, and prince and princess candidates must be between 16 and 20.
Deadline to apply is March 3. The selection process will take place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 15 at Hilton Hawaiian Village.
During their one-year term, the royal representatives will promote the festival through various appearances and will participate in festival events.
For applications and further information, visit alohafestivals.com or call 589-1771.
EAST HONOLULU
School to host annual Fun Day
'Aina Haina School will have its annual Fun Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at the school campus, 801 W. Hind Drive, to raise money to pay for Parent-Teacher Association programs.
There will be games, food, pony rides, inflatable rides, a silent auction and a country store. Admission is free.
NEIGHBOR ISLANDS
New headmaster of HPA named
The Board of Governors of the Big Island's Hawai'i Preparatory Academy has named Olaf Jorgenson the school's new headmaster.
Jorgenson, 38, is director of curriculum and instruction with Mesa Public Schools, a district that has 90 schools and 74,000 students. He has held administrative and teaching positions in the United States as well as Honduras, Germany and Taiwan.
He earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from Washington State University, and his doctorate in educational leadership from Arizona State University.
"Dr. Jorgenson is passionate about education and clearly possesses the character, qualities and experience required to lead our school," said Michael Fujimoto, chairman of HPA's Board of Governors.
HPA, which was founded in 1949, has two campuses at Parker Ranch in Waimea. It has about 600 students in kindergarten through 12th grade.
In addition to students from the Big Island, HPA accepts boarding students from O'ahu and 11 states as well as American Samoa, Palau, the Marshall Islands and 11 other nations.
WINDWARD O'AHU
Traffic problems likely in Makapu'u
Motorists traveling around Makapu'u this week should expect delays as the highway will be reduced to one-lane contraflow operations again at 8:30 a.m. today until 3:30 p.m. as crews resume falling rock protection work.
The daily contraflow restriction will continue through Friday, said Rodney Haraga, state director of transportation.
The section of Kalaniana'ole Highway between the Lower and Upper Makapu'u lookouts will be reduced to one lane during the work.
Haraga said motorists should allow for extra time and use caution in the area, or consider alternative routes.
A crew is operating along the ridge to anchor the protective mesh to the hillside.
The contractor also expects to periodically close both lanes on the day when more wire mesh is delivered to the site, he said.
The contractor has until April 24 to complete the project, Haraga said.
