Hawai'i briefs
Advertiser Staff and News Services
NEIGHBOR ISLANDS
Ex-mayor has heart surgery
Former Big Island Mayor Stephen Yamashiro was in guarded condition yesterday after undergoing a 3 1/2-hour surgery to repair a damaged ascending aorta.
Yamashiro, 61, checked himself into the Hilo Medical Center Wednesday morning complaining of tightness to his neck and chest. He was transferred to The Queen's Medical Center that day and underwent the surgery yesterday.
A hospital spokeswoman said Yamashiro suffered a splitting of the aorta wall, which was related to his high blood pressure and weakening of an arterial wall.
Yamashiro is a lawyer and has been involved in Big Island politics for more than 25 years. He served two terms as mayor from 1992-2000, and also served on the County Council from 1976 to 1990.
HONOLULU
NAACP meeting tomorrow
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People will hold a general membership meeting at 1 p.m. tomorrow at Harris United Methodist Church, 20 S. Vineyard Blvd.
The NAACP is looking to start a number of programs for people of color in Hawai'i and invites everyone interested in helping to attend. Information: group president Benny King Jr. at 671-4726.
Wellness lecture scheduled today
A Japanese physician who is an international lecturer on wellness will give a free presentation at 10 a.m. today at Mo'ili'ili Community Center.
Dr. Sho Watanabe of Tokyo advocates that people restore and maintain health through nutrition, physical therapy and exercise without medication or surgery.
The lecture is sponsored by the Hawaii Nishi Kai health club. Information: 946-2091.
WINDWARD O'AHU
Peace vigil to be held Sunday
Residents are invited to a candlelight vigil for peace at 7 p.m. Sunday at Lanikai Beach near the Kuailima Street access.
Similar vigils are being organized around the world and are not affiliated with any organization nor are they opposing any war, said Elise Jadrnicek.
Residents should bring wind-protected candles or flashlights, beach chairs or blankets. Information: 263-6423.
CENTRAL O'AHU
Bone marrow drive tomorrow
A bone marrow donor drive will be held tomorrow in Mililani in honor of a 5-year-old girl who lost her battle with cancer after inspiring a drive on Guam.
"Remembering Justice," will be the theme of a drive from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Wal-Mart store in Mililani. The drive is named after Justice Taitague, a Guam native whose case resulted in the registration of 3,409 people to the donor database.
Donors must be between 18 and 60 years old, in good health and a U.S. citizen. A small sample of blood is drawn and sent to a laboratory. Information: 547-6154.
