HAWAI'I BRIEFS
Northwest swell expected to build
Advertiser Staff
Surf is headed up for the north-facing shores of the Hawaiian Islands, according to the National Weather Service.
A high surf advisory is in effect for northern shores of all the islands and the western shores of Kaua'i, O'ahu, Moloka'i and Maui.
Because of an approaching northwest swell, surf was expected to build last night, reaching heights of up to 18 to 24 feet on northern shores.
It is expected to remain at Weather Service advisory levels — 15 feet for northern shores and 12 feet for western shores — into tomorrow, and then dip lower during the day.
Tomorrow evening, however, another much larger swell is expected to arrive, according to a National Weather Service advisory issued last night, bringing the surf back up to well above advisory levels.
Because of the hazardous waves and currents, beachgoers are advised to stay out of the water and well away from the shore break.
HONOLULU
Jan. 13 to honor first from Korea
The Korean American Foundation will join groups around the country in observing Jan. 13 as "Korean American Day" and has planned a fund-raising banquet for that day, set to start at 6 p.m in the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Regency Ballroom.
Jan. 13, 1903, is the date the first immigrants from Korea landed in Hawai'i, and its centennial was marked with a year-long celebration last year.
The foundation, a product of that centennial, seeks to sponsor events that will maintain the higher profile the culture enjoyed during the 2003 observance.
The event, which will include a silent auction and entertainment, also will honor Agnes Chun, Mayor Harry Kim, City Council member Ann Kobayashi, the Rev. T. Samuel Lee, Frank Min and Evelyn Shon for their contributions in furthering the culture of the Korean community in Hawai'i.
Tickets cost $75, with tables starting at $1,500. Information: 275-3020.
H-1 lanes to close for bridge repair
The state Department of Transportation will close lanes and ramps along the H-1 Freeway eastbound from the Pi'ikoi viaduct to the Vineyard on-ramp today through Wednesday to replace bridge joints.
• One lane on the Vineyard on-ramp will be closed from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• The right lane from Captain Cook Avenue to Ward Avenue will be closed and traffic detoured.
• The Ward on-ramp will be closed from 10 p.m. today to 5 a.m. tomorrow.
• Single and double lane closures will be made on the freeway near the Pi'ikoi viaduct from 9 p.m. today to 5 a.m. tomorrow.
Retired dentist is 'Citizen of Year'
The United Chinese Society has named Dr. Joseph Wah Chow Young, a retired dentist, to receive its Citizen of the Year award for 2005.
Young, 79, is the son of a Chinese immigrant who arrived as a contract laborer and went on to operate a grocery and then Kuapa Fish Pond in Hawai'i Kai.
Young was drafted by the Army Air Corps during World War II and served in the Philippines; after the war he attended college and dental school. He then married and with wife Barbara raised four children.
He has been active in Chinese benevolent societies, the East Honolulu Neighborhood Board, the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, the Palolo Chinese Home and other groups. He headed a task force to have Chinatown street signs translated into Chinese characters and helped with the drive to erect Chinese gates in Chinatown.
Narcissus plant workshops set
A series of workshops on the practice of growing narcissus for the Chinese New Year celebrations will begin Jan. 8 and run through Feb. 5 at the Academy Art Center, 1111 Victoria St.
The classes will meet in the center's ceramics studio for five consecutive Saturdays, with a morning section at 8:30 a.m. and an afternoon section at 1 p.m. Two instructors will teach each class.
Fees are $35 for new academy students and $25 for returning students.
The workshops are being offered in conjunction with the annual Narcissus Exhibition, Feb. 12-13 in the Honolulu Academy of Arts courtyards.
Registration: 532-8742.
