Hawai'i briefs
Advertiser Staff and News Services
EAST HONOLULU
Access dispute heads to court
Attorneys representing the city and a Portlock Road property owner will go to court this week to set a date for a trial in which the value of a right of way will be determined.
Bill Saunders, who represents Bert Dohmen-Ramirez, the Portlock Road property owner who objected to allowing the public to use the right of way to get to the popular Seconds surf and fishing spot, said the trial will determine how much the land is worth — the final result of condemnation proceedings the City Council began in 1998.
At one point Dohmen-Ramirez and the city reached an agreement, but the Hawai'i Kai Neighborhood Board and community members objected. The agreement called for the gate to be locked at night and open during the day.
The city has spent about $10,000 so far to determine the value of the right of way, said Carol Costa, city spokeswoman.
Dohmen-Ramirez erected a gate six years ago after complaining that his family's safety and privacy were jeopardized by people using the access adjacent to his property. He has since moved but still owns the property.
HONOLULU
Kalihi school to honor alumni
Distinguished alumni from Governor Sanford B. Dole Middle School in Kalihi are being sought for the school's Pride of Dole Award.
The award recognizes graduates who have brought honor and pride to the community. The award is used to inspire students with examples of people who started from humble beginnings in Kalihi and became successful.
Nominees must have attended the school for at least two years and be at least 40 years old.
Last year's winners were Coronado Aquino, banquet manager at The Royal Hawaiian hotel; Gail Tagashira, a reporter and editor at the Los Angeles Times; and Raphael Sanders, a music professor at the University of Nevada.
For a nomination form, call Pam Kino or Vera Shishido at 832-3340. Selection will be completed by November, with an induction ceremony next January.
Head Start seeks enrollees
O'ahu Head Start, a comprehensive early-childhood program that provides services to more than 1,700 economically disadvantaged preschoolers, infants and toddlers and their families, is accepting applications for the 2003-04 school year.
Enrollment opportunities are available for children with special needs. Infant and toddler programs are available in selected areas.
Applications should be submitted by April 30. Call 847-1000 for details.
NEIGHBOR ISLANDS
Commencement ceremony slated
The Maui campus of the University of Phoenix will graduate 33 students at 2 p.m. commencement ceremonies today at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center's Castle Theater. A reception will follow at 3:30 p.m. in the courtyard.
Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa will give the commencement address.
