Posted on: Sunday, November 21, 2004

HAWAI'I BRIEFS
Library to reopen in Hawai'i Kai

Advertiser Staff

Hawai'i Kai Public Library, which was closed for more than two months for roof work and other renovations, is scheduled to reopen at noon tomorrow.

In addition to the roof, renovations on the 31-year-old library included repairs to the central air-conditioning system, and replacing interior lighting with energy-efficient light fixtures.

For the upcoming Thanksgiving Day holiday observance, Hawai'i Kai Public Library will be closed on Thursday and Friday, and will reopen Saturday, at 9 a.m.

Hawai'i Kai Public Library's normal hours of operation are: Mondays, from noon to 7 p.m.; and Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The library is closed Fridays and Sundays.

West Nile Virus to be discussed

A free information session on the West Nile Virus will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Waikiki Community Center, 310 Paoakalani Ave.

Maile Sakamoto, the public participation coordinator for the state Department of Health, will conduct the session and discuss how it is transmitted and how it can be prevented.

For reservations, call 923-1802.

Blood Bank seeks more donors

The Blood Bank of Hawai'i will have several blood drives next month to help meet the high demand for blood during the holidays.

Dr. Robyn Yim, blood bank president and medical director, said turnout is traditionally low with people busy with holiday activities, but the need for blood never stops.

The Bloodmobile will be at the following locations:

• Dec. 2, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Kaimuki municipal parking lot at Harding Street and 11th Avenue.

• Dec. 4, 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Mililani High School cafeteria.

• Dec. 5, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Waikele Center.

• Dec. 6, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Manoa Shopping Center.

• Dec. 11, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. St. Ann's Church in Kane'ohe.

• Dec. 18, 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Town Center of Mililani.• Dec. 26, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Foodland Super Market in the 'Ewa Town Center.

• Dec. 31, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Hawai'i Kai.

Preparation for M.L. King parade

Applications for the 18th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Parade and Unity Rally on Jan. 17 are being accepted.

The parade route starts at Ala Moana Beach Park, goes through Waikiki on Kalakaua Avenue and ends at Kapi'olani Park for the rally. The parade includes local bands, floats and thousands of people marching.

All groups are welcome to join. The registration fee for the parade is $75.

For more information, call Bill Rushing at 741-4038 or 672-4129, or visit www.mlk-org.

Senior center needs donations

Windward Senior Day Care, a nonprofit organization, is seeking donations to provide holiday meals and festivities for its frail, elder and memory-impaired clients.

The center, which is regulated by the state Department of Health, must follow specific nutritional guidelines in serving meals that are prepared by a certified provider. But holiday meals are costly, said Kelika Ishol, center director.

"The price of a special holiday meal exceeds our operating budget and because we are a nonprofit organization, we must depend on donors to help subsidize some of our costs," Ishol said. "In the spirit of the holiday season, we are looking for donors to help pay for a special Thanksgiving and Christmas lunch."

For the past three years the community has generously donated money for the special meals, he said. "We are once again asking for your support."

To donate send a check to Windward Senior Day Care, P.O. Box 1716, Kailua, HI, and make a note for Holiday Donation in the memo section. All donations are tax deductible, Ishol said.

Island Air donates food

LIHU'E, Kaua'i — Island Air, which conducted a food drive as part of its opening of service to Lihu'e Airport, donated 1,353 pounds of rice and canned goods to the Kaua'i Food Bank.

"Island Air's generous contribution will benefit many needy families," said Judith Lenthall, executive director of Kaua'i Food Bank. "We greatly appreciate Island Air's support and hope that it encourages others to help ensure that we have enough food to feed those in need, throughout and after the holiday season."

Forum to discuss Kiholo reserve

For more information, call Jerome Judd at the North Kona office at (808) 327-4961.