Volunteers (from left) Robert Lau, Anna Mistele, Ashlee Grover and Kiyomi Smothermon wave at motorists to bring attention to the new Friends of Hawaii Kai bookstore. Photo by Tony Grillo.

Following a months-long “labor of love,” the Friends of Hawaii Kai Library officially opened their bookstore Aug. 22-24 on the ground floor of the library, and it’s got that true community feeling.

“We saw an open area downstairs that was not being used at all,” said Lillian Yoshimura, “and since we had only two sales a year, we decided to make it year-round for everybody.” They got ideas from visits to the bookstores operated by Friends at the busy Kaneohe and Kailua libraries.Then help and donations started coming in – enough that they were open their doors for business in April.

Volunteer carpenters and artists did their part to enclose and enhance the space, helped by Kaiser High’s Key and Leo club and other students. “People from all over, age 83 to 11, have come to help, and we’ve had a lot of repeaters,” said Yoshimura, Hawaii Kai Community Book Store interim manager.

Many of the informal group’s 30 members are retired teachers, and there’s also a retired principal. In addition, area retirees like to come in to trade for “new” books, CDs, audio books or DVDs among the donated inventory. (Prices range from 25 cents to about $3, with proceeds going to the library.)

But the happiest customers so far, she said, are teachers and parents of little kids. Keiki play groups, care centers and shelters also benefit from bargain-priced inventory that continues to mount.

A Hawaiian blessing Aug. 22 by Kahu Charlie Yabui of Kahalehoano Hou O ke Akua signaled the grand opening, followed by prizes and extended special hours. “We hope to continue to thrive,” the Friends stated on their Facebook page, “so that we are able to circulate books and other materials within the community to be loved and passed around, while helping to support our library’s many programs.”

The bookstore is open from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Mondays, and 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

For more information, call 348-5034.

Pali Ka‘aihue

Kaimuki teenager David Zimmerman has his first book available on Amazon.com – all because his parents said he was playing too many video games. The Massive Adventures of Massive Guy: The Orange Avenger Unleashed (a character he created in third grade) is David’s tool to entertain and inspire other kids to write their own stories. His theme: “To protect America’s freedoms against a hate cult’s best warrior and misguided government agents” …

Palolo mother-of-five Monica Lee - also with an English degree from Chaminade – has written her first novel as well: Fricken Kids, via Makali’i Productions. It’s available to amuse you at amazon.com. Plot device: “Three girls are neglected and forced to fend for themselves for three weeks” … East Oahu’s Valerie Chang, Beth-Ann Kozlovich and Lucille Chun all are speaking at the annual, free COPD Education Day for the public, set for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Queen’s Conference Center. Sign up for better breathing and better health at 699-9839 …

Good news: Uncle Clay‘s House of Pure Aloha in Aina Haina now is catering its shave ice treats (hopa-catering.com) … Mayor Kirk Caldwell has picked Portlock resident (and Kalani alumnus) Raynard Soon to be his chief of staff, bringing decades of public and private-sector experience into Honolulu Hale …

Giovanna Neuman opens her Kahala home from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday for a special benefit, the annual Giovanna’s Goddess Gala, which supports Family Program Hawaii’s Project Visitation (uniting siblings in foster care). For $125, expect a buffet lunch, dancing, psychics, auctions and plenty of fun (540-2534) … Kapahulu ukulele artist Pali Ka’aihue has a new album out (or in) called All In (292-0067, mkaloha.com) …

Hillary Juliette‘s Winam Hair Studio (above the post office on Koko Head Avenue) is once again in the national rankings – listed with Elle Magazine‘s “The 100 Best Salons in the Country” … The city’s ocean safety chief Jim Howe debunks the myth that Sandy Beach has the most rescues of any beach in the state. The correct answer is, no surprise, Hanauma Bay … Have you seen Kaiser senior Aaron Nee‘s Alaska Airlines jet design yet? It’s spectacular. Aaron won a trip for four (to anywhere it flies) and a $5,000 scholarship for winning the airline’s Paint the Plane competition

Children's Miracle Network Hawaii Champion Ikaika Kaahanui (front) celebrates the network's fundraising radiothon with parents Solomen and Amanda (behind him), KSSK DJ Curt Williams and special guests. Photo courtesy of Kapiolani Medical Center.

Aikahi Elementary fourth-grader Ikaika Ka’ahanui will fly to Washington, D.C., and Orlando, Fla., Oct. 8-16 as Hawaii’s advocate for hospitals in the Children’s Miracle Network.

The busy 9-year-old’s life kicked up a notch after he was named Hawaii’s CMN Champion in May. The Waimanalo family – Ikaika, mom Amanda and dad Solomen – make the rounds to support the charity’s money local fundraisers, such as the annual Radiothon for Kids Aug. 22-23 that brought in $151,088 for Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children. It’s Hawaii’s only CMN hospital out of 170 nationwide.

KSSK personality Michael W. Perry, a key player in his station’s 28-hour radiothon, called them “the two most inspirational days of the year.” It featured dozens of patients like Ikaika and caregivers who shared their Kapiolani miracle stories on air, showing how vital the hospital’s service is for our island-bound youngsters.

“If everyone living in Hawaii gave $1 or $5 to Kapiolani, we could turn this event into millions of miracles,” said Amanda Ka’ahanui, who knows every part of that hospital well – from ER, to pediatrics, imaging, rehab and intensive care. “We’re so excited,” she added, “to give back to the hospital that has given us a healthy child.

“Ikaika is part of a group of kids who have survived amazing things,” she explained, and it’s been “really cool” to meet all of the local CMN supporters. Since the day he was born, their son has endured life-threatening health problems and a dozen surgeries, including an ongoing procedure this summer to implant a bone-anchored hearing aid. It started from day one when a congenital hole between his trachea and esophagus caused him to gasp for every breath. Tracheal tubing was removed when Ikaika was 7, helping him to grow stronger even as he continues therapy for speech and feeding functions at Kapiolani. The active youngster communicates using American Sign Language as well as speech, and has special attention on Aikahi’s “total communication” campus.

He also spends more time at Honolulu Zoo than the average child: Solomen is zookeeper to the chimpanzees, and Amanda is head instructor for the Honolulu Zoo Society. His favorite animal there? The hippos. His favorite place? The turtle ponds at Waimanalo Beach Park.

Ka’ahanui’s one-year ambassador role requires him to raise awareness about the 10 million children treated every year at CMN hospitals, so the family’s October trip, courtesy of Delta Airlines, will serve to highlight the network’s vital fundraising mission via ceremonies, awards, parades, a DisneyWorld visit and more. Ikaika also makes appearances here at home during his one-year reign.

However, the main thing for the Ka’ahanuis, said Amanda, is “looking forward to my son being a typical teen who can eat me out of house and home!”

Selected as a National Endowment for the Humanities Summer Scholar, Kalaheo High English teacher Marc Murdock attended the NEH workshop “One Place, One Time: Jackson, Mississippi, 1963″ at Millsap College in July. The event coincided with the 50th anniversary of the murder of Medgar Evers. Marc also met Evers’ widow and several key players in the Civil Rights movement at the Mississippi workshop …

Kailua High’s P.E. department needs a DVD player and a 40- to 46-inch TV set with remote for sports training. If you can help, call Kathie Wells of Community Helping Schools, 225-2621 … The Actors’ Group (TAG) sponsors its Young Playwrights Festival Thursday-Sunday at Dole Cannery Square, featuring plays written and performed by Le Jardin Academy and Kalaheo High students (722-6941) …

Mike Leidemann

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Kaneohe’s Karen Thorp has been promoted to chief operating officer at Arcadia Retirement Residence in Honolulu, where she’s worked since 1978 … Kaneohe’s Cydnee Somera, a junior at Union College in Schenectady, N.Y., will study in Athens, Greece, this fall as part of her school’s study abroad program. Cydnee is majoring in math and the classics …

Kailua’s Mike Leidemann is the first non-architect to join the American Institute of Architects board of directors for the Honolulu chapter. A retired reporter and current journalism instructor at Honolulu Community College, Mike hopes to “bridge the gap between what the architectural community does and how it affects all of us” …

Kailua’s Katherine “Kate” Lloyd has joined HPU as deputy general counsel, switching from similar work at Hawaii Community Foundation. She also lectures at UH law school and has banking and private law practice experience … Former area resident Kenna Ogasawara Marriott has written Coulda, Shoulda, Woulda, a tribute to daughter Jeannine, who died in 2008 after a seven-year battle with cancer. Many insights and lessons to share (rsimpson@bohlsen-group.com)

Kainalu Elementary teacher Irene Yamashita holds up a year's worth of free gasoline coupons, which she won as the grand prize in the Capturing Aloha Video Contest. Photo from Blake Parsons.

Veteran video production teacher Irene Yamashita, who has seen her Windward students go far with their own skills over the years, has won the means to “go far” herself.

The Kainalu Elementary School enrichment teacher won the grand prize in Aloha Petroleum’s first-ever “Capturing Aloha” video contest – a year’s supply of gasoline worth $2,600. The top 10 entries were determined by online voting, and judges then found her one-minute video to be the best out of a field of 27 entries that described the meaning of aloha.

Her video portrayed children in various countries passing a paper airplane to each other, and each time it unfolded to reveal the word for love and peace in different languages, leading up to Hawaii’s message of “Aloha Maluhia.” The piece ends with the message: “No matter where you are or what language you speak, you should always spread love and peace.”

Yamashita said she initially made the video with her students for a class project, then found it was a perfect fit for the contest.

A Kaneohe resident, Yamashita most recently saw her students win first place in the state for two History Day projects, which took them to the national competition in June. Kainalu also was the first elementary school team to debut its work in 2011 on PBS-Hawaii’s Hiki No, a statewide student-produced news network. It’s no surprise that she was selected in 1998 as a Hawaii Milken Educator award winner, while guiding young video crews at Kapunahala Elementary School.

Former BYU-Hawaii women’s basketball coach Wendy Anae has joined the Rainbow Wahine coaching staff, returning from BYU in Utah, where she’s directed basketball operations for its women’s team since 2010. Anything to do with basketball here has her touch, it seems. Wendy coached at Kahuku a few years back, and played on its girls basketball team herself, earning 1983 State Player of Year …

Hi‘ilei Haru

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HPU’s seabird expert and assistant oceanography prof David Hyrenbach of Waimanalo will share his insights on marine life and pollutants (as in plastics) at 6 p.m. Sept. 16 at the college’s new Science Pub-Hawaii showcase at Gordon Biersch at Aloha Tower Marketplace (544-0879) … King Intermediate staff just bid a fond aloha to their security guy (for 30-plus years), Stan Dickson. Also active in Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association, Stan is going to work for Hawaiian Airlines …

Got a few aches? Noriko Sabatine and staff at Nori Kohana Massage Therapy on Kainehe Street recently expanded, offering plenty of therapists (14) to ease the pain. Noriko is a graduate of Hawaii Healing Arts College in Kailua … Hi’ilei Haru (Castle 2009) was class valedictorian in June at Art Institute of California in L.A., where she earned her degree in fashion marketing and management …

Have any “softly worn” shoes lying around? Soultrex president Jacinda Elias invites you to donate them to Soles for Souls at the Windward Mall store. They will go on the feet of IHS clients, and you can get a discount on a new pair (247-8735)

You may have noticed a film crew and familiar faces at Waimea Bay, Pupukea and Marconi Road on recent weekends. It’s producer/actor Arlene Newman-Van Asperen (a part-time North Shore resident and 2005 Mrs. Hawaii America) and a full complement of local actors and crew working on Angel By Thursday, a drama/love story they hope to take on next year’s film fest circuit. Kahuku firefighter Jeff Wallace wrote the screenplay and doubles as director. “It’s a wonderful local production team, and we’re all working hard for free,” Arlene says. “I’m so proud” …

Ben Benjamin

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North Shore native and award-winning virtuoso guitarist Ian ‘O Sullivan plans a recital at 4 p.m. Sunday at Orvis auditorium at UH Manoa (where he also teaches). He’ll play songs from his debut solo album Born & Raised with guest artists. Some sales proceeds from his CD, funded entirely by Kickstarter, will go to a new music program at the college …

Gregory “Ben” Benjamin, a Mililani resident and federal employee at Wheeler Army Airfield, received the Transportation Corps Regimental Association Military Saint Christopher Medal this summer at Wheeler, where he is a veteran traffic management specialist with the 599th Transportation Brigade … The lady behind the phenomenally successful (and fattening) Eat the Street festivals is Leilehua High graduate Poni Askew. Her team of tasty food trucks will be open for business from 2 to 7 p.m. this Saturday by Mililani Rec Center 7 …

Nathaniel Ray (Leilehua 2009) has graduated from Army basic combat training at Fort Jackson, S.C. … Stafford-Ames Morse hopes to publish his book next year on the history of Waialee, and anyone interested in the old North Shore training school for boys (it burned down decades ago near Crawford Convalescent Home) is welcome to contact him at morsesa@hotmail.com …

Funeral services were held – with full Lions Club honors – last week for Keiji Amemiya, 88, a member of both the Wahiawa and Mililani Lions clubs for decades. Born in Waialua, Keiji also was a retired Dole Wahiawa superintendent

While the annual Windward Ho’olaulea is a campus showcase with plenty of food and fun, it also can be serious business for the craft vendors – especially if they’re trying to pay their college tuition bills.

Windward Community College woodcarving students Sean Ross and Tiffany “Nani” Enslen are examples of ambitious artisans on the move, and you’ll find them among the arts and crafts vendors at this year’s ho’olaulea, set for 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sept. 28 at WCC.

Windward Community College students Tiffany 'Nani' Enslen and Sean Ross (above) will put on their wood-carver hats Sept. 28 at the Windward Ho'olaulea, where they'll sell their unique creations to earn money to continue their college studies.

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Ross creates wood chains and carvings. “I’m fascinated with wood that moves,” he said.

When he moved here from California, Ross brought a family tradition of whittling and nurtured it into a 21st century Hawaiian cultural vibe. “There’s not a lick of Hawaiian in me,” Ross admitted, “but I’m really into the Hawaiian studies and the arts side of it.” Whatever he sells at the 13th annual community festival will go toward his expenses next fall at UH Manoa, where he plans to study Hawaiian plants and agriculture.

A Hakipuu native and 2010 Castle High graduate, Enslen has settled into life at WCC, but looks ahead to a bachelor of fine arts in sculpture. She carves glass beads, fish hooks, bones – all with Polynesian designs, and especially enjoys handweaving cordage.

“The cordage itself is an art,” she said. “I’m giving cordage its own life. I enjoy carving wood, bone, shell and engraving beads with ink, sort of like scrimshaw. It’s like an old art, only updated.”

Visitors also can view the latest in academic, drama and music programs on campus, visit Gallery ‘Iolani’s manga art show or the new library, stuff themselves with great food and sit back for nonstop entertainment on the Great Lawn. On stage will be Kahaluu Ukulele Band at 10:15 a.m., Hawaii Loa at 11:15, Na Kupuna o Ko’olau at 12:15 p.m., Pila Nahenahe at 1:15, Hawaiian Soul at 2:15, Jamarek at 3:15, Hi’ikua at 4:15, Chinky Mahoe’s Halau Hula ‘O Kawaili’ula at 5:15, Le Jardin jazz ensemble at 6:15, Kapena at 7:15 and Brother Noland & Band at 8:15.

Also planned are health screenings, flu shots, exhibits, keiki activities, a silent auction, art and cultural demonstrations, an orchid sale, tips on disaster preparedness, and a trade show by Kaneohe Business Group, which partners with WCC to raise funds for college scholarships. (Last year, more than 25 WCC students received $1,000 each from ho’olaulea proceeds.)

Event chairman Eddy Kemp, a longtime KBG member, said the ho’olaulea has grown to be one of the Windward side’s largest community events. “We’re very grateful for the tremendous community support,” he noted. “It’s a way to highlight local talent and businesses as well as the educational opportunities at WCC.”

For more information or to offer help with the silent auction, call Bonnie Beatson at 235-7374.

A ha Hipu’u, a hui of Hawaiian royal societies, honored six “priceless cultural treasures” at its Sept. 7 Kalani Ali’i Awards luncheon for their lifetime of teaching, living, preserving, translating and perpetuating Hawaiian culture. Could this be someone we know? Yep. Congratulations to Kaneohe’s Alice Pualeilani Kanae Hewett.

Now in her 80s, Auntie Alice is active in Ko’olaupoko Hawaiian Civic Club, Kaneohe sports and more … If it’s not too late, you can catch Waimanalo Canoe Club women in Kai Wahine, a documentary by former Kailuan Ann Marie Kirk, at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 16 on OC16 … Laie’s Lara Leimana Fonoimoana is the new group sales manager at Turtle Bay Resort. Lara already wears many hats and crowns: Polynesian Cultural Center marketer and dancer, mother, wife, flight attendant, Realtor, BYUH grad and Mrs.

Eddy Braucht

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America 2011-2012 …Windward Cars owner and retired Army Ranger Frank Caliri will give away a “Warrior Wagon” at the end of UH football season. See the 1998 Cadillac limo for yourself at 1005 Keolu Drive, or in Aloha Stadium parking lot before every UH home game. The contest entry that names the winner of the Nov. 30 Army-Hawaii game and comes closest to the total score (without going over) will win the car Dec. 7. For details, check out windwardcars.com/giveaway … Kailua’s Ken Zeri, nurse-turned-chief operating officer of Hospice Hawaii, was honored Aug. 30 with a $10,000

Ho’okele award for individual professional development. The annual grant is for “exceptional work of selfless leaders,” giving them a chance for some rejuvenation before that nonprofit burnout sets in … Eddy Braucht has moved from the mountains to the sea. He’s the new director of revenue management for Turtle Bay Resort. Now settled in Hauula, he was previously an award-winning reservations manager at Vail Marriott Mountain Resort … Kailua divinity student Annie Grogan, daughter of Christ Church Uniting pastor Kerry Grogan, has won the inaugural grant from John and Maxine McCaw Scholarship Fund for Prophetic Living, Teaching and Preaching, and she’ll use it to study at Brite Divinity School in Fort Worth, Texas

Kahuku.org manager Alicia Esche displays the symbolic $34,000 from store profits to coach Reggie Torres and football team. Photo from KC Connors.

Kahuku.org was on a roll last year with record profits – resulting in a record donation back to the school this fall.

Located on campus next to the library, the student-run store sells Red Raiders items online as well as in person and has been doing so since 2001 for the benefit of, well, everyone. For starters, the unique entrepreneurial program recently gave a check for $34,130 to the school, representing dedicated profits from 2012.

According to Kahuku.org manager Alicia Esche, there were three factors in the year of record sales: strong community sales, great new products and more student clubs as sales partners selling their own T-shirts and gear.

“The enthusiasm and attendance for our high school’s sporting events, especially football games, drove our apparel sales,” Esche said. “The day of any football game, the line at our school store has stretched out into the parking lot. And at the games, our Kahuku.org booth sales were phenomenal.”

Students who work at the store learn modern business skills, marketing, inventory, product design and display and much more. As interns, they also are paid by grants from nonprofits and by government work programs. Meanwhile, the Raider Nation is always thirsty for new ways to show its Kahuku pride, and the store stays stocked and ready for orders from near and far.

Kahuku Film Club also produced a promotional video on YouTube that shows KHS football star Kawehena Johnson endorsing the store. More such videos are in pre-production now, and mentor Don Sand called it a perfect learning vehicle. “Our film students learned about advertising and social media marketing,” he said. “Digital media skills are the NOW and the FUTURE of education, communication and business skills.”

Football coach Reggie Torres is a big fan as well. “The donations from Kahuku.org help us with our equipment, like refurbishing our football helmets. They help keep our players safe and allow us to suit up more players for our teams.”

Want a beanie, head band, T-shirt or license plate frame (all in bright red, of course)? It’s just as parent company Ko’olau Loa Educational Alliance intended more than a decade ago when it first assembled community support for the online experiment in e-tail enterprise. Visit kahuku.org now and support education.

Wahiawa Library staff, family and community members held a memorial ceremony and reception last month for the late Patricia Lognion, longtime Wahiawa library manager, and planted a gardenia bush in her honor. A Haleiwa resident, veteran Hawaii librarian and lover of books, Pat died a year ago at age 84 … Speaking of veterans, Wahiawa’s Veterans Day parade was led this year by two grand marshals, both distinguished WWII vets: Lawrence Enomoto (military intelligence) and Mitsuo Honda of the 442nd RCT …

Erika Ordonez

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After OHA chairwoman Colette Machado had her mini stroke Nov. 1 at the state Capitol, she credited state Rep. Marcus Oshiro (Wahiawa-Poamoho) with spotting the symptoms right away and insisting she get immediate treatment, which has helped her in her recovery …

Honolulu HomeLoans has hired Mililani’s Erika Joy Ordonez as a residential loan officer. Erika was previously with Wells Fargo and Bank of Hawaii. She’s also the 2013 Miss Hawaii Filipina … Among the 20 high school graduates winning $1,000 scholarships (plus one year’s tuition) to UH from Fun Factory this year is Mililani High’s Jacob Dazzeo … If it’s not too late, you can catch May Shumway directing the Northshore Singers at 5 p.m. Dec. 10 at Kahuku Library …

Mililani teen Tasi Reid plays competitive soccer and loves the beach. So naturally, at the age of 17, she established her own line of bikinis. Nalu Swimwear is making the private and public trunk show circuit, as well as Fresh Cafe’s Art & Flea. The young entrepreneur says her mission is to “create bikinis that compliment all body types and make the girls feel beautiful while having fun in the sun.” View the fun at facebook.com/naluswimwear …

Jordan Iwase (Mililani 2005) has graduated from Air Force basic training at Lackland AFB, Texas … Considered a musical prodigy in his native England, Haleiwa classical pianist David Hicken has released his fourth album, Carols of Christmas, available at davidhicken.com. He also has a music school here, and once taught piano to the keiki of celebrated composers David Foster (Princes of Malibu, Mask of Zorro) and James Horner (Titanic, Avatar)

Cole Horibe

WCC graduate Dan Boland recently won a 2013 Creative Arts Emmy for Outstanding Lighting Design/Lighting Direction for a Variety Series (The Voice). A Castle graduate, Dan has had a great touring career as lighting tech to the stars, ranging from Tori Amos and Eminem to Blue Man Group, Shakira and Alicia Keys … Temple Valley Dental Group has a new CadCam machine that’s making fine, permanent crowns for patients’ teeth in one visit. “We’re pretty excited about it,” says a rejuvenated David Brown, who trained with fellow dentist Jason Revestir on the computerized procedure: 1) numb, 2) scan, 3) manufacture and 4) install. They also can easily restore cracked teeth …

A veteran of Castle Performing Arts Center, 24-7 Danceforce and TV’s So You Think You Can Dance, Cole Horibe is now set to star as Bruce Lee in David Henry Hwang‘s world premiere Broadway drama, Kung Fu. It opens in February at New York’s Pershing Square Signature Center. According to playbill.com, Cole’s “electrifying” martial arts and dance skills, raw acting talent and resemblance to the late icon made him an obvious choice …

Former Kaneohe theater couple Mark Lutwak and Y York have invited me via Facebook to their traditional Strudel Party Dec. 15 in Cincinnati. Maybe a virtual nibble is in my future … Each December, Pohai Nani lights up the Kaneohe hillside with its highrise sparkles. How many lights, you ask? New marketing and sales director Kelika Ishol says there are “more than 100,000″ lights on those long wires … If it’s not too late, you can catch pro entertainers Shari Lynn and Don Conover fill Pohai Nani’s renovated auditorium with music at 7 p.m. Dec. 9. And then May Shumway directs the Northshore Singers at 5 p.m. Dec. 10 at Kahuku Library …

Online fundraiser Kick-starter is helping launch a creative project by Kailua actress B.K. Cannon. Having been in front of the camera for a few years, the L.A.-based pro is producing a short film (Evelyn’s Wake), and her team needs $5,500 by Dec. 20 via kickstarter.com/projects/1025639554/evelyns-wake … Hilary Burns says Valley of the Temples Memorial Park’s recent candlelight vigil raised $5,235 for Typhoon Haiyan victims … A seventh-grade English class at King needs a wireless keyboard. To help them out, call Kathie Wells of Community Helping Schools at 225-2621

Suzie Henyan (left), donations coordinator for 7-Eleven Hawaii, presents Windward Spouse Abuse Shelter director Avis Kalama with a check for $6,980.85 from its annual canister drive. Photo from Donna Ho’omanawanui.

As people push and shove their way to retail bargains – or even as they gather calmly for family feasts in keeping with the holidays – still others are alone, fearful and crushed by human cruelty. Such is the daily experience of women and children who flee to Hale Ola, the Windward Spouse Abuse Shelter.

Founded in 1992 by and for Windward residents, Hale Ola (“house of life”) is open 24 hours a day to take in victims of trauma from domestic violence and homelessness. Recent donations have helped keep its doors open, but more is always needed, as the home operates at capacity (26) most of the time.

Last month 7-Eleven Hawaii gave a check to shelter director Avis Kalama for $6,980.85, representing earnings from its annual canister drive (see photo).

In October, Roland and Kitty Lagareta hosted a fundraising reception at their Lanikai home, where guests honored Hale Ola founders and contributed more than $7,000 to shelter operations.

A special plaque was presented that night in memory of Waimanalo’s Cathie Carvalho, whose violent death in 1987 inspired the Hawaii Women’s Caucus to strengthen bills related to crimes against women, and to urge the community to open a shelter. The plaque is to be installed at the shelter.

For those who may need emergency help quickly, call the shelter hotline at 528-0606.

For others who want to help by donating items, check the suggestions below. For more information, call 528-1033.

Holiday wish list for the women and children: new underwear (sizes 5-10), journals, health and beauty products, women and children’s slippers, arts and crafts items, school supplies, birthday gift certificates, bus tickets, movie tickets and $5 phone cards.

Ongoing needs: Clorox and Clorox wipes, Lysol disinfectant spray, Dawn liquid soap, Pine-Sol, dish sponges, toothbrushes and toothpaste, hair brushes, shampoo and conditioner, washcloths and towels, laundry detergent, dryer sheets and facial tissue.

Hawea Heiau Complex and Keawawa Wetland stewards with Livable Hawaii Kai Hui recently cleaned out this water well, visible behind a distinguished coconut palm on the 5-acre property. The tree itself won the 2012 National Big Tree (of its species) competition, sponsored by American Forests and nominated by Chris Cramer of Aina Haina. Photo from the state Division of Forestry and Wildlife.

A wetland cleanup day last month turned out to be much more than feeling good about getting dirty.

Livable Hawaii Kai Hui folks got acquainted with an old spring-fed water well in the Hawea Heiau Complex, bringing amazement and pride to all helping hands.

The group removed “buckets of rubbish and mud” from the well Nov. 9, allowing for a renewed flow of water. They followed up with a fourth annual drumming and cleansing ceremony at the well, witnessed by 18 participants. (Historians say elders have told of a bubbling well at this former village site in the Keawawa wetlands.)

Avid volunteer Sam Camp reported on the moving event, which is printed below in part.

“At dusk Kaleo Paik and her associates conducted a Drumming and Cleansing ceremony at Hawea. It started with a cleansing of the participants by Kaleo with salt water. She then opened with a chant followed by blowing of a bamboo pu. Following that, the drumming began with several small pahu and ipu which were initially played by Kaleo and her associates but later circulated so that all had opportunities to join in. During the hour, the bamboo pu were blown several more times, followed by a short chant, which ended the drumming. Then each participant, in turn, cleansed themselves. A circle was formed, with everyone holding hands, where they were asked to remember the meaning of Hawea, thanked for their participation and asked for their comments.

“Near the end of the drumming a remarkable phenomenon was observed by many of us, myself included. The answering note of a pu was heard in the distance to the northeast – the historical location of the main Hawea heiau.

“The importance of cleaning the well and the resulting restoration of water to Hawea was stressed. The rain, which had poured down on Maunalua all day long and helped to somewhat clarify the water in the well, abated for the duration of the drumming. We were able to visit the well and honor it. The rain resumed in full force an hour later.”

The nonprofit Livable Hawaii Kai Hui will next meet at 8:30 a.m. Jan. 11 for its monthly community cleanup and restoration in the complex. New volunteer coodinator is Kapiolani Community College student Tom Johnson, who recruited Kaiser High’s JROTC cadets for a Dec. 14 work day. Call 864-8081 or visit hawaiikaihui.org.

Its mission is to “uphold the integrity of the East Honolulu Sustainable Communities Plan, which sets guidelines for sensible development respectful of natural resources that make East Honolulu a unique place to live; protecting the ‘aina and saving the beauty of East Honolulu.”

Kaimuki High grad and Chaminade student Takumi Abe received a Purple Heart Nov. 10 in Hawaii Army National Guard ceremonies at Kalaeloa. A veteran of Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan deployments, Takumi was wounded by an IED in 2011 during another ceremony, for Afghan National Army members, yet he went on to help others …

Lance Parker

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Palolo’s Maxine Burkett, Kaimuki’s Suzanne Skjold, Kuliouou’s Paul Chattergy and Hawaii Kai’s Lance Parker are 2013-2014 Omidyar Fellows, picked for the honor and rigorous training program because of their experience and leadership potential. Maxine is a UH law professor noted for her expertise in climate change; Suzanne leads Hawaii Literacy and helps coordinate Hawaii Book & Music Festival; Paul is chief investment officer for Hawaii Employees Re-tirement System. As senior vp and principal broker at Alexander & Baldwin, Lance handles acquisitions and dispositions for all of its commercial real estate …

Chaired by Melanie Long, Hawaii Kai Rotarians hosted a party at shelters in Waianae Dec. 14 for 480 homeless folks, bringing dinner, gifts, entertainment and activities for all … And Pastor Nofo Eletise and his Kaimuki Christian Church members were busy Nov. 24 with a Thanksgiving feast at Palolo Elementary for about 600 guests from the nearby public housing …

Happy 10th birthdays to Great Harvest Bread Co. and KCC Farmers Market … Thinking of making a gift of your blood during December? Hawaii Blood Bank will give you a bag of fruit bars in thanks, plus a chance to win a trip to Las Vegas (Dec. 23-Jan. 4 donors) … Now in her 22nd year in Hawaii Ballet Theatre’s Nutcracker this week at LCC Theatre (456-8100), Hawaii Kai’s Carole Richelieu says she can’t stay away because “I like it so much”

Award-winning Kailua Realtor Rachel Barnette stars in HGTV’s hit series House Hunters at 11 p.m. Dec. 24 (check updates) helping client Sergio buy his first condo. The Prudential Advantage agent says their good relationship makes the show. “We had a lot of fun together, and it shows,” she says of the episode, which delivers laughs and realistic challenges …

Billie Yugawa

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Walt Keale‘s Windward YMCA ukulele class is caroling at 6:30 tonight (Dec. 18) in Kailua town, starting by Longs Drugs. Proud student Bonnie De Freitas says they’re having a great time. Plus: “We can sing, play and stand up at the same time!” – thanks to kumu Walt’s patient, expert teaching … Pohai Nani human resources director Billie Yugawa completed her 10th Honolulu Marathon last week in 6 hours, and the whole office is proud of her …

Windward Ahupua’a Alliance has a $500 stipend for a social media expert who will help promote World Wetlands Day Feb. 8-9 in Kailua. Call Shannon Wood at 224-4496 … Kahuku teen brothers Keanu and Kawika Akina have an online service for fellow basketball players who want good shoes at a good price. They post real reviews from real players. “I don’t know how many times I’ve gone to the store, bought a pair of $200 shoes, and then got on the court only to find they didn’t have enough support or grip!” declares Kawika. Go to kickssource.com for your feet’s sake …

Kailua’s Cyndia Pilkington and Kaneohe’s Tarlok “Sodhi” Singh have joined Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties’ Windward office as Realtor associates. Both are married with children. Sodhi, meanwhile, can describe your dream house in English, Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu … Kailua Music School’s keiki rock band, the Random Weirdos, plays at 4 p.m. Saturday at Kahala Mall

Waialua native Natalie Eichner graduated with distinction at UH West Oahu Dec. 14 and spoke on behalf of her class, following state Sen. Michelle Kidani‘s keynote address. Natalie has made her mark there, working as a tutor and mentor as well as leading the Humanities Club. For balance, she’s also raced in several national motocross competitions …

Gene Caliwag

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Mililani’s Michael Furoyama is a new information technology interface analyst for Hawaii Health Information Exchange – a key role in the health care world right now. Michael previously developed software for Clinical Laboratories of Hawaii, and also worked for Puko’a Scientific, Innovative Technical Solutions, and Spirent Communications. He has an electrical engineering degree from UH Manoa …

Mililani’s Gene Caliwag is the new president and chief executive officer of Pacific Historic Parks, overseeing operations on Oahu, Molokai, Guam, and Saipan. Gene has held key posts at Young’s Market Co., Hawaii Pacific Health and Cardinal Health. He also lived in many parts of the Pacific as the son of a navy officer …

North Shore surfer John John Florence is having a good month, on and off the water. The annual Surfer Poll Awards for Best Short Film, for example, went to him as co-director of Begin Again, and for Best Performance in Done and Movie of the Year (Done), both films co-directed by Blake Kueny … Mililani Uka Elementary School happily announces that it has a new crossing guard, William Medeiros, and he’s already made a huge difference …

Sam Yarbrough Jr. (Mililani 2012) has graduated from Air National Guard basic training at Lackland AFB, Texas … Brazilian-born North Shore author Celma Ribeiro has published her first novel, The Thief of Secrets, a tale surrounding Ferdinand Magellan‘s last voyage. You can find it on amazon.com

James Brewbaker

Kailua scientist James Brewbaker, also known as Hawaii’s father of sweet corn, has given $1 million to UH College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources to start an endowment for fellowships in plant breeding at the campus from which he’s spent a half century improving local crops, seeds and food sources around the world. “The 2 billion people this world held when I was born in 1926 have sadly grown to more than 7 billion, of whom 1 billion go to bed hungry,” Brewbaker says. Noting his effort and outstanding contributions to international crop science, the Crop Science Society of America named him its Presidential Award winner Nov. 27 in Florida …

As federal, state and county officials beef up security for the Obama ohana, Kailuana Place neighbor and retiree Doug Miller has been doing his part to beat off the redbrown paper wasps that swarmed a bit recently by his house and also by the marsh. “I’ve killed about 80 with my badminton racket,” he says, adding that at one point Hardware Hawaii ran out of its five kinds of hornet spray. And, no, the insects are not spy drones in disguise. “I’ve smashed them; they have no electronic parts.” If you notice a wasp problem, call state DOH official Peter Oshiro at 586-8020 …

Kalaheo’s student gov’t. needs a microwave, and Olomana School needs new rubber slippers (to swat wasps?), adult sizes 8-13. To help them out, call Kathie Wells of Community Helping Schools at 225-2621 … Kaneohe writers Sebastian and Shaley DeGiorgio - aka “S DeGiorgio” – have a new keiki book, Yo Ho Ho and a Very Merry Christmas!, and are finishing the science fiction Orion Connection. Join their adventures at amazon.com …

Lanikai artist Michael Ives has created a 5-minute Vimeo as a gift to his community “for all the beauty it has given my wife and me over the years” (vimeo.com/80301248) … Ka’ohu Cazinha has a big mahalo for the crowds at the Kaneohe parade and Keiki Christmas Hoolaulea who helped her halau collect more than 100 gifts for Toys For Tots …

You have until Dec. 30 to view the annual Frog and Critter Art Show at Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden gallery. Winners on the recycling theme are Nicole Popp‘s Friendly Mice (made from dryer lint), Anne Waters‘ Puffer Fish Ensnared in Net (marine debris) and Susan Scott‘s Giant Frogfish (beach and plastic debris). Call 233-7323

As a unique patron of the arts, Kaimuki resident Jackie Ward was honored Dec. 28 at a special fundraiser by dozens of musicians who have benefited from her support over nearly a half century.

Ward, 94, has opened her “Ward’s Rafters” home to thousands of performers and fans in a singular mission to help local artists gain exposure – despite some difficulties with city zoning restrictions. According to Kutmaster Spaz, an East Oahu resident and host of the Back 2 Back Music Extravaganza, Ward is a “beautiful soul.”

“She has opened her home to musicians … given them a free venue to jam, (while being) open to the community at no cost,” he said. “She has taken on the cost of maintaining against the wear and tear of her home, as well as providing amenities for the musicians and guests because she saw the struggles of local musicians and wanted to give them and their followers a comfortable place where they could come together and celebrate music, all kinds of music.”

The event was held in two parts, 4 to 8 p.m. and 8 p.m. to midnight at Hawaiian Brian’s, with tickets ranging from $26 to $472. (Results were not available at press time.)

Paul Sato of the Saloon Pilots, a frequent treat at Ward’s Rafters, said that Ward has dedicated about $80,000 to operating her venue over the past 20 years. This was his band’s opportunity to say mahalo to her.

Ward herself has been a musician and producer in her own right, enjoying time on stage with a Balkan and Middle East dance group. She also created the nonprofit Hawaii Chamber Orchestra and was a founder of Hawaii Public Radio.

A&B Properties is moving swiftly to establish a presence and a visible role in its newly acquired community of Kailua.

The kamaaina company already has an interactive website – abkailua.com – and a temporary office at 146 Hekili St. # 202 (265-0658). Perhaps more important, however, it has hired police officers to direct traffic in the commercial areas from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Jan. 5.

“The holiday shopping period is already stressful as it is,” said David Haverly, senior vice president of leasing, in a Dec. 20 announcement. “We hope the additional security will provide a smoother traffic flow and ensure a safe environment for everyone enjoying Kailua Town shopping and dining during the holidays.”

An HPD officer is stationed at the Kailua Road and Kainehe Street/Hamakua Drive intersection, and another one at the Kailua Road/Hahani Street intersection to assist pedestrians. Security also is beefed up within the new A&B retail properties, and several left-turns are on hold to improve traffic flow on Hahani.

The company has expressed its desire to get to know the community in coming months and has retained key Kaneohe Ranch officials, such as Kimo Steinwascher, Marcia Murakami, Miles Nishijima and Chester Hughes.

Outgoing Kaneohe Ranch and Harold K.L. Castle Foundation head Mitch D’Olier assured Windward residents that the foundation itself is “far more likely to remain a perpetually endowed institution and will allow for additional grants to strengthen our impact on communities we serve.”

One example of this is a five-year, $50,000-per-year grant to the Boys & Girls Club Windward Clubhouse – voted for by the foundation board of directors since the sale was announced. The board also has directed a $450,000 grant to Hawaii Community Foundation for a variety of environmental restoration projects. Other recent beneficiaries include St. Mark Lutheran School in Kane-ohe, Kokokahi YWCA, the PACT Domestic Violence Shelter and Kahuku Rainbow School. The foundation will retain its offices and staff at Castle Junction.

The historic $373 million sale to A&B was officially announced Dec. 20, with most of the Kaneohe Ranch property – shopping centers, retail strip malls, light industrial properties and ground leases – located within Kailua town.