Dangers of Lithiuim Cell Batteries to Children

FROM THE NEW YORK TIMES:

For Very Young, Peril Lurks in Lithium Cell Batteries
By TARA PARKER-POPE


Last fall, 13-month-old Aidan Truett of Hamilton, Ohio, developed what seemed like an upper respiratory infection. He lost interest in food and vomited a few times, but doctors attributed it to a virus. After nine days of severe symptoms and more doctor visits, the hospital finally ordered an X-ray to look for pneumonia.

What they found instead was totally unexpected. The child had ingested a “button” battery, one of those flat silver discs used to power remote controls, toys, musical greeting cards, bathroom scales and other home electronics.

The battery was surgically removed the next day, and Aidan was sent home. But what neither the doctors nor his parents realized was that the damage had been done. The battery’s current had set off a chemical reaction in the child’s esophagus, burning through both the esophageal wall and attacking the aorta. Two days after the battery was removed, Aidan began coughing blood, and soon died from his injuries.

To this day, Aidan’s parents don’t know where the battery came from. “This is something I would never want another parent to live with,” said Michelle Truett, Aidan’s mother. “I was oblivious as to how dangerous they were, and I want more people to know the danger.”

Such deaths are extremely rare. There were fewer than 10 documented during the last six years. But ingestion of lithium cell batteries, which children may mistake for candy and elderly adults for medication, is a surprisingly common problem, documented this week in two reports in the medical journal Pediatrics.

About 3,500 cases of button cell battery ingestion are reported annually to poison control centers. But while swallowing batteries has occurred for years, the development of larger, stronger lithium cell batteries has increased the risk of severe complications.

Data from the National Capital Poison Center in Washington found a sevenfold increase in severe complications from button cell ingestions in recent years. Moderate to severe cases have risen from less than a half percent (about a dozen cases per year) to about 3 percent (nearly 100 cases per year), based on a review of 56,000 cases since 1985.

Among the serious complications, the chemical reaction triggered by the batteries can damage vocal cords, leaving children with a lifelong whisper. Damage to the gastrointestinal tract means some children require feeding tubes and multiple surgeries. “The injuries are so much more serious,” said Dr. Toby Litovitz, director and lead author of both articles in Pediatrics. “It’s like drain opener or lye. It’s not something you want in the esophagus of your child.”

The batteries that pose the greatest risk are those that begin with the number 20, which stands for 20 millimeters. They are larger and stronger than older models. Batteries numbered 2032, 2025 and 2016 are responsible for more than 90 percent of serious injuries.

“Industry has shifted to this battery, and it has very popular appeal,” Dr. Litovitz said. “There are a lot of reasons why we want to use this battery, but the problem is we’ve got to use it in a safer way.” Federal safety rules require toys that use the batteries to have battery compartments that are locked with screws. But devices intended for adults — like bathroom scales and remote controls — often hold the batteries in with a simple plastic cover that can fall off or be removed easily.

That’s what happened when 13-month-old Kaiden Vasquez of Bristow, Va., picked up the remote control to his parent’s iPod docking station. Somehow, he dislodged the battery and swallowed it. But his parents did not notice the missing battery when he began crying hysterically and could not be calmed. Emergency room doctors diagnosed a stomach flu, but a week later the child’s pediatrician took an X-ray and saw what he thought was a quarter. When the round item was removed, doctors discovered the battery and kept Kaiden for observation. The battery had burned a hole in his esophagus and trachea and he required a feeding tube and two months of home nursing care.

Kaiden, who will be 3 in July, has recovered, although severe reflux after the incident damaged his teeth. “I don’t allow any of those disc batteries into my home,” said Kaiden’s mother, Amy Vasquez, who has three other young children. “I never thought a remote would do so much damage to my child.”

Battery ingestion is also a problem among the elderly, who often mistake hearing aid batteries for medication. But in those cases, the battery typically doesn’t get stuck because the digestive tract is larger and the battery used in hearing aids is smaller.

When children ingest batteries, it’s usually not because they found one loose in the home. In 60 percent of the cases involving children under age 6, the child has removed the battery from the electronic device. The problem is that most parents are not even aware when it happens, yet studies show the battery begins to cause severe damage within just two hours of ingestion. “It’s really a tight timeline, because a lot of these cases aren’t witnessed,” Dr. Litovitz said. “Children present with symptoms that are nonspecific, the parent doesn’t know the battery was ingested — that makes it difficult for the doctor to diagnose.”

Dr. Litovitz said the problem needed to be addressed by manufacturers of electronic products, who should secure the battery compartments in all devices, not just toys.

“Children have ready access to remote controls, watches, garage door openers,” she said. “Our major pitch is to get the industry to do something about the battery compartment, but parents also need to know that they need to be dealing with these batteries with a lot more vigilance and keeping them out of reach of the child.”

Cara George of Littleton, Colo., has been working to raise awareness about lithium batteries ever since her 18-month-old daughter, Brenna, died after ingesting one nearly two years ago. “I want to raise awareness for parents, for doctors, for the community,” she said. “I think there should be warnings on every item the batteries are in. They are in greeting cards and children’s books that talk. They’re everywhere.”

A version of this article appeared in print on June 1, 2010, on page D5 of the New York edition.

Hawaiian Monk Seal Beached at "Bayviews" on 6/6/10

Residents along Pokai Bay St. were delighted to see this Hawaiian monk seal on the morning of 6/6/10.

Click on photo for larger view.

Makahiki Maoli Festival to Raise Funds for Punana Leo o Honolulu

From: Erica Miles (Wai`anae native)

Aloha,

Punana Leo o Honolulu School's first fund-raising event is coming up - they are hosting the Makahiki Maoli Festival at Kapiolani Park on November 20-21, 2010.

The school needs help so please forward this message along. I will update with more information as I get it from the school. Please let me know if you or anyone you know can donate or help.

We Need:

Vendors (You Will Have A 10x10 Booth)
Equipment
Donations Of Any Kind (There Will Be A Silent Auction & Race)
Volunteers

Mahalo Nui Loa,

Erica

leialoha3babygirl@yahoo.com

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE SCHOOL PLEASE VISIT:
http://www.ahapunanaleo.org/olelohawaii/schools/schools_honolulu.html

Seeking MLTs for UHM Bachelor's Degree Program

SEEKING IMMEDIATELY!!!

MLTs (Medical Laboratory Technicians) to Major in Medical Technology (Bachelor of Science)


For More Information:

University of Hawaii at Manoa
John A. Burns School of Medicine
Department of Medical Technology
1960 East-West Road, Biomed C206
Honolulu, HI 96822

URL: http://www.hawaii.edu/medtech/Medtech.html


Contact: Dick Y. Teshima (dick@hawaii.edu)

PH: 808-956-8557

Surf Lessons by Danny Boro

Click on the image to enlarge.

William Aila Presents: Peoples' Path

Karen Young (Maile's mom) was featured recently on the "William Aila Presents" show, primarily to share information about the Peoples' Path for the Leeward Coast.

View the video HERE.

OR, cut and paste the link below into your browser:

http://www.viddler.com/explore/Graygrumpy/videos/1/

MA`O Update

MA'O NEW Website !

The BRAND NEW MA'O Website is officially up and running!

Check out the new look, produce pictures and recipes for your use, blog, events info etc.! www.maoorganicfarms.org

Mahalo to By Human Hand for their work on this site. www.byhumanhand.com


MA'O MaTOWN!

Where:
Bishop Museum
1525 Bernice Street
Honolulu, HI 96817-2704

When:
July 10, 2010
From 6-9PM

Register Now!
MA'O MaTOWN Tickets for SALE!

Join us at our annual MA'O Ma Town celebration.
Saturday, July 10, 2010 at the Bishop Museum!

The event will feature:
The best locally grown food, drink and entertainment by our co-producers: Town/Downtown, Kona Brewing, and Kupa 'Aina.

Silent and Live Auction of unique and exclusive culinary and cultural experiences.

Good times all-around with the entire MA'O Ohana!

Individual tickets are $150, VIP tables $3000 - $10,000
All proceeds benefit the education programs of MA'O.

Visit www.maoorganicfarms.org to register or RSVP.



CSA Subscriber Opportunity!

We are looking for new additions to our CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) family! For only $32 dollars a week you can get a box of fresh, organic fruits and veggies for pickup in Honolulu or West Side/Kapolei.

Pick-ups every Monday afternoon/early evening.

Sign up today: www.shop.maoorganicfarms.org


Please contact us with any questions, event sponsorship enquiries or auction item donations.

Mahalo,
MA'O Organic Farms
(808) 696-5569 info@maoorganicfarms.org

Blue Planet News: Free CFLs for apartments, Hands Across the Sand

Free CFLs for apartment buildings
If you live in an apartment, help us recruit your whole building to upgrade your lights and downgrade your energy bill. Blue Planet will give FREE CFL bulbs to your apartment building. We'll give you a new CFL for each old style bulb your building removes from service. We are able to make thousands of bulbs available to swap the bulbs in every apartment in your building. This offer is for a limited time only. For more information or to register your building for the program contact cflexchange@blueplanetfoundation.org or visit blueplanetfoundation.org/cflexchange.


No more oil spills: Hands across the Sand Hawai'i
The ongoing disaster in the Gulf of Mexico is a painful reminder of why we need to move off of dirty oil as quickly as possible. Join Blue Planet Foundation, Honua Consulting, Malama Na Honu, and other local partners next Saturday, June 26, in showing the world that it's time for clean, renewable sources of power. Hawaii's "Hands Across the Sand" activities will be part of hundreds of such gatherings across the country on Saturday. Be part of this highly symbolic event and meet others who care about the ocean and our clean energy future: HandsAcrosstheSandHawaii.org.

Think it can't happen here? On February, 23rd, 1977, the supertanker "Hawaiian Patriot" cracked its hull in storm, resulting in a massive oil spill 300 miles west of Hawai'i. After leaking, the tanker caught fire and exploded, killing one crewmember and sending 99,000 tons of light Indonesian crude oil into the ocean.

2010 Governor's Intent to Veto List

To view the list, click HERE.

OR cut and paste the link below into your browser:

https://docs.google.com/fileview?id=1rRiooPObB5iCs7pIcAPtAUJFHwiAwfGGsfXW-Si5LDrbwWvobEnaDfUwLFC_&hl=en&authkey=CJaq0rkH

End of Session Highlights - 2010

[PREPARED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES' COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE]

At the start of the 2010 legislative session, the state faced a $1.2 billion shortfall. It was evident that the primary focus of the legislature would be to balance the budget which would require significant cuts to programs and increasing taxes and fees.

We were successful in not raising the General Excise Tax which would have affected every person and business in the state. The legislature did not increase income taxes on low and moderate-income families. In addition, we did not take away the Transient Accommodations Tax from the Counties, which would have only resulted in increased property taxes for Hawaii’s homeowners.

In summary, the actions we took were responsible. They demonstrate where our priorities lie: to preserve the safety net for the poor, the disadvantaged and the elderly; to support education; to protect the health and welfare of our citizens. Here are some highlights:

How the Budget Was Balanced
In order to close the $1.2 billion shortfall, the legislature made about $794 million in General Fund budget cuts and lapses, accounted for the Governor’s tax refund delay of $275 million, passed about $68 million in new tax or fee increases, took about $78 million from special funds and $185 million in credit adjustments. Below is a pie chart showing the percentages of these actions. Some of the major budget and tax revenue bills passed this session include:

HB2200 State Budget. Included $4.9 billion in General Funds and $10.2 billion in all Methods of Financing. Highlights: Added $22 million to the Department of Education, added over $1 million to restore 25 plant quarantine inspectors at the Department of Agriculture, restored $3 million for state libraries, added $4.3 million to restore state and federal funding for 112 Child Welfare Services and Child Support Enforcement positions, added $3 million for Charter Schools, added $64 million for payments owed to Medicaid providers, added $1.3 million for Specialty Courts, added approximately $2 million for community health centers statewide.

HB1907 Cap on itemized deductions. Temporarily places a cap on itemized deductions, $50K for joint filers with $300K and over in adjusted gross income, and $25K for single filers with $150K in adjusted gross income.

HB1985 Cigarette Tax. Increases the cigarette tax by 1 cent per cigarette, raising about $14.8 million per year in revenue.

HB2421 Barrel Tax. Landmark legislation that sets the stage for Hawaii’s future energy and food security and helps decrease the state’s near total dependence of imported fossil fuel and food supply. Hawaii already spends $8.6 billion out of state for imported fuel and food. Helps keep more dollars within the state and strengthen the local economy. Adds $1 to the tax on a barrel of imported oil to fund energy and food security programs, renewable energy tax credits and agricultural inspectors.

HB2452 Transfer of excess balances from special funds. Collects $46 million from various special funds and transfers excess to general fund.

HB2866 Estate Tax. Allows decedent an exemption of up to $3.5 million before being subject to any taxes.

SB2401 Defer high tech investment credits. Temporarily suspends the claiming of credits, for three years, to 2013. Raises about $93 million for general fund. SB2001 provides for early repeal of the state high tech credits but extends the tax credit for research activities by one year, saving the state $13 million.

Education
SB2124 Restore School Furlough Days. Appropriates $67 million from the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund for the purpose of funding teacher furlough days at the Department of Education for the fiscal year 2011.

HB2376 Constitutional Amendment. Proposes amending the Hawaii State Constitution to change the Board of Education from an elected board to a board appointed by the Governor. HB2377 Appointed Board of Education. Establishes a process by which the Governor appoints the Board of Education. New board will consist of nine voting members, one member respectively from Hawaii, Kauai, and Maui Counties, six from the City & County of Honolulu, and one non-voting public school student.

HB2486 Minimum Instructional Hours. For the 2011-2013 school years, public schools will be required to implement a school year of 185 days, including instructional, professional development and other non-instructional days. This will include 915 student instructional hours for elementary grades, and 990 student instructional hours for secondary school grades. Phases in greater instructional hours for future years.

Human Services
SB2469 Social Services Funding through Rainy Day Fund. Appropriates $23 million from the Emergency and Budget Reserve Fund, known as the Rainy Day Fund, to maintain critical programs in education, human services and health.

SB2650 DHS EPOD System. Authorizes the state to develop the “eligibility processing operations division” or EPOD system for public assistance and welfare services as a pilot project for Oahu only. Prohibits the Department of Human Services from implementing a reorganization plan which would have closed assistance offices statewide.

Health
HB2084 Disproportionate Share Hospital Funding. Extends to June 30, 2011, the state’s matching funds to receive federal Medicaid funding for hospitals, known as the disproportionate share hospital funds. Appropriates $12.3 million in state funds in order to receive $15 million in federal funds.

SB2599 Colorectal Cancer Screening. Mandates health insurance coverage for colorectal cancer screening based on the recommendations of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Requires health insurance providers in Hawaii to provide information about the risks of undiagnosed colorectal cancer and to encourage consultation with their physician about screening options.

HB2688 Sanitation Inspectors. Inadequate monitoring of health and sanitation conditions in Hawaii food establishments has led to recent reports of vector control problems and salmonella outbreaks. Changes the name of the Environmental Health Education Fund to the Sanitation and Environmental Health Special Fund and allows the funds to be used for sanitation program activities and functions, including hiring of inspectors.

Public Safety
HB1987 Fireworks Nuisance Abatement. Addresses the illegal importation, sale, and transfer of fireworks through the state’s nuisance abatement laws, establishing nuisance abatement and forfeiture actions to discourage those illegal activities.

SB1059 Fireworks Task Force, County Authority. Establishes an illegal fireworks task force to stop the importation of illegal fireworks and explosives. Allows counties to enact ordinances regulating fireworks that are more stringent than state law regulating fireworks.

Judiciary/Crime
HB2003 Campaign Financing. Updates and organizes the state’s campaign financing law, including clarification on the reporting requirements for corporations.

HB2129 Graffiti. Requires a person convicted of criminal property damage involving graffiti to remove the graffiti within 30 days of sentencing. In addition, the person must perform community service removing graffiti from within 100 yards of the site of the offense.

SB2045 Human Trafficking. Establishes Class A and Class B felony offenses for sexual human trafficking and includes these types of cases in the investigations that are given greatest priority for witness protection programs.

Employment
HB2169 Unemployment insurance. Significantly lowers the cost of unemployment insurance for businesses. Sets new employer contribution rates while maintaining maximum unemployment benefits.
SB2840 Local Jobs for Construction Procurement. Requires at least 80% of workers on state and county construction procurement projects to be Hawaii residents.

Housing
HB2318 Housing First. Establishes the Housing First Special Fund to assist the homeless. Housing First aims to get the chronically homeless off the street and into stable housing, where they can better address related issues such as job training, employment, and healthcare.

Environment
HB1808 Beach Access. Preserves public access to Hawaii’s beaches by requiring Department of Land and Natural Resources to maintain beach transit corridors and prohibiting any obstruction of the corridors by vegetation induced by adjacent property owners.

SB466 Leaf Blower Restrictions. Prohibits leaf blowers in residential zones except within the following allowed time periods: Between 8 am and 6 pm on Mondays – Saturdays, and between 9 am and 6 pm on Sundays and any state or federal holiday. Fines for violators.

Agriculture
HB1684 Invasive Species. Establishes or refines various fines and penalties for the intentional spreading or introducing of invasive species, causing harm to Hawaii’s natural environment, economy, and quality of life.

SB2523 Agriculture Inspection and Biosecurity. Strengthens and clarifies the state’s law regarding pest inspection, plant quarantine, eradication of invasive species, and biosecurity. Includes requirements for various fees and charges, certifications, and exemptions.

Lawmakers Listen event: July 29, 2010

Public Invited - Informational Briefing

Lawmakers explain how the budget was balanced.

Please join Rep. Karen Awana & Rep. Maile Shimabukuro as they welcome House Finance Chair Rep. Marcus Oshiro who will make a presentation to the community on the 2010 state budget bill and how they resolved a $1.2 billion shortfall.

INFORMATION WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED ON MAJOR CAPITOL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS FOR THE WAI`ANAE COAST.

THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2010
630PM TO 830PM
SEA COUNTRY COMMUNITY CLUBHOUSE

Directions:

-- Turn mauka (toward the mountains) onto Kaukama Road from Farrington Highway;

-- Go all the way to the end of Kaukama Road, and turn right;

-- Pool and clubhouse will be visible shortly thereafter on the left.

Wai`anae Youth Sailing's "Family Day" a Fun for All

Marcy Thomas (left) and other volunteers dedicate themselves to train keiki to sail through the Wai`anae Youth Sailing (WYS) program.

On 5/22/10, WYS celebrated "Family Day" at Poka`i Bay and spent the evening enjoying a pizza pool party at Sea Country. Mahalo nui loa to all the hard-working volunteers and parents who support WYS!

For more information about WYS, email: thomasm026@hawaii.rr.com

Click here or go to the link below to view Marcy Thomas' photo album of "Family Day":

http://photos2.walmart.com/walmart/shareethumbnailshare/AlbumID=3432592002/albumcount=1/p=197231274672165257/l=1447548002/g=5274103/cobrandOid=1011/otsc=SYE/otsi=SALB/pns/walmart/share/p=197231274672165257/l=1447548002/g=5274103/cobrandOid=1011/otsc=SYE/otsi=SALB

Click here or go to the link below to view Maile's photos:

http://maileswaianaecoastphotos.shutterfly.com/461

Wai`anae Health Academy Congratulates Graduates on 6/1/10

Miulan Nihipali (left), posed with Wai`anae Health Academy (WHA) employee Ho`oipo DeCambra. Nihipali was the spokesperson for her graduating class.

WHA celebrated the graduation of Medical Assistant, Phlebotomy, Landscaping, and other students at Wai`anae Coast Comprehensive Health Center's (WCCHC) amphitheatre on 6/1/10. WCCHC board president Anthony Guerrero, LCC Chancellor Manny Cabral, and other representatives from the University of Hawaii, WCCHC, and the community congratulated the students.

Click here or visit the link below to view more photos of the graduation:

http://maileswaianaecoastphotos.shutterfly.com/468

Kamaile Academy May Day Videos

The Kamaile Academy 2010 May Day King & Queen performed beautifully for the crowd. [Click on the image to enlarge].

Maile enjoyed the 2010 Kamaile Academy May Day performance, and shot the following 2 videos:

Traffic Update from DOT

In response to complaints about the Wai`anae Coast's on-going traffic problem, Rep. Shimabukuro recently corresponded with Department of Transportation Director Brennon Morioka, and received these responses to her questions:

1) What is the status of the turn lane projects at Nanakuli and Haleakala Avenues?

Current schedule is to advertise the intersection project in February of 2011. We are wrapping things up for the Environmental Assessment and the design. We believe we might be able to finish by the end of the year if everything goes smoothly in completing the EA and we will advertise the project earlier if possible but that depends on the comments we get back during this environmental review period.

2) Is there any possibility of connecting these turn lanes at Nanakuli and Haleakala Avenue to create a center lane that could be used for contraflow in times of emergency?

The left-turn lane will be continuous through these intersections. Whether it is used to contraflow traffic in the event of an emergency is not for us to say as HPD takes control of the roadway in times of emergency. A contraflow system could possibly work but it would obviously depend on the situation and nature of the emergency so a contraflow system may not be appropriate for all instances.

3) Could Kole Kole Pass ever be used on a regular basis to divert traffic in times of emergency?

We already have an agreement with the military (both Army and Navy) that in times of emergency we can utilize Kole Kole. I will usually call General Lee and General Lee coordinates with the military on both sides of the road. It takes about 30 minutes for them to set up with appropriate staffing and inspect the road to make sure it is suitable for public use. The public can then use it as long as they have their registration, insurance cards, and driver's license.

My understanding of the agreement we have with the military is that we can request Kole Kole to be opened for emergency use on the weekends as well. The fact that they may be closed on weekends would mean that it would take them longer to staff up to man the posts. Not sure how long that would take. During normal operations, preparation time to handle the public is typically 30 to 45 minutes. However, please note that the use of Kole Kole is for emergency use only and not for an incident that might be cleared up over a relatively short period of time.

4) What is the status of the Wai`anae Coast Emergency Access Road?

This would be a City issue.

5) What phone number can the public call, especially on weekends and in the evenings, to find out where traffic is being diverted or to ask for traffic to be diverted, in times of emergency?

They could call our H-3 Tunnel Control Office for information, at 485-6200, or the police.

6) Are there any other comments you'd like to make regarding the Wai`anae Coast's traffic situation?

None at this time. But OMPO is in the process of updating the Oahu Regional Transportation Plan (ORTP) and will go out to public meetings later this year, I believe, to get comments and feedback from the public on this document. This is the long-range planning document for both State and City transportation projects over the next 20 to 25 years.

KAPOLEI HEALTH CARE CENTER RELOCATES TO KAPOLEI MEDICAL PARK BUILDING

The Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center’s satellite clinic in Kapolei, the Kapolei Health Care Center, relocated to its new home in the Kapolei Medical Park building on Monday, June 14th. Patients were pleased with the new facility and convenient location.“The new clinic was a lot nicer and bigger,” said Darcel Baricuatro, the mother of one of Kapolei Health Care Center’s first patients at the new site, 8-month old Alishay Baricuatro.

“Finding the new location was easy and the parking was much better than the first location,” she added. The organization’s Kapolei Health Care Center’s 6,939 square foot office is nearly 3.5 times larger than its original location, with almost 2 times more exam rooms to service patients. Patients can expect a larger waiting room and ample parking at its convenient new location, 599 Kamokila Boulevard, located on the corner of Kamokila Boulevard and Fort Barrette Road, across from Chili’s restaurant and between Kaiser Permanente and Mina Pharmacy in the Kapolei Medical Park building.

“The staff is so happy in our new clinic,” said Donna Domingo-Silva, Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center’s Team Office Manager at the Kapolei Health Care Center. “Now that we have this beautiful new office, we have so much more space with which we will be able to provide more services. And with more exam rooms, we are able to see more patients with less waiting time,” Donna added.

The Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center continues to expand its services through its satellite clinics. In the Fall, the Kapolei Health Care Center also intends to open up pharmacy services. Currently, the Kapolei Health Care Center provides pediatric, family practice, women’s health, teen clinic and Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) services. Other programs and services available are nutritional counseling and smoking cessation. Patient assistance services are also available to assist those in need of medical insurance.

The Kapolei Health Care Center hours are Monday – Friday, 7:30 am – 5 pm and Saturdays, 7:30 am – 4 pm. The Kapolei Health Care Center is now accepting new patients. If you are interested in becoming a patient at the Kapolei Health Care Center, please call (808) 697-3800 to schedule an appointment.

Pictured above: Dr. Raymond Salazar, Pediatrician, exams 8-month old Alishay Baricuatro at the Kapolei Health Care Clinic’s new location. (L-R) Dr. Raymond Salazar, Pediatrician; Pomaikai Baricuatro (3); Darcel Baricuatro; and Alishay Baricuatro (8 months)

________________________________

For more information, contact:

Desiree Hikuroa

Director of Communications

Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center

86-260 Farrington Highway

Waianae, HI 96792

Phone 808.697.3516 Fax 808.697.3500

dhikuroa@wcchc.com http://www.wcchc.com/

Wai`anae Coast Housing Summit 7/9/10

Wai'anae Coast Housing Summit: Facilities & CIP Planning

The Leeward Housing Coalition invites you to attend this up coming summit to discuss specific service areas and the need for improved coordination and collaboration between the community and service providers. Details on this up coming summit are on the attached flyer. We look forward to your valued participation.

Click here to view the flyer, or visit this link:

http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B6mZ93QO2ki3OTY1MTg3NzctYzIyNi00YzQwLWEyZmUtZTc3MGYwMGYzZWNi&hl=en&authkey=COLX76wI

Searider Productions Hosts Neighbor Island Students, Launches Digital Media Program!

Timothy "Ku`i" Bradley (SP student), posing with SP director Candy Suiso. Ku`i and Maile are related through their grandmothers.

Timothy Bradley, Chanel Deponte, Jordan Wu, and Chanel Keaulana placed 2nd in the HMSA Teen Video Awards Contest for their video "Smoking Will Kill You."

Maile visited Wai`anae High's Searider Productions on 6/18/10, the last day they were hosting students from Kaua`i and Maui. Maile got to meet their special guest, a cameraman from CBS, as well as several students and teachers. Maile also got to visit the new Searider Productions Digital Media Program, where she shot a short video (see below).

Maile's Video of the SP Digital Media program:

Click here or go to the link below to visit the Searider Productions website:

http://www.seariderproductions.com/newsite/index.html

Click here or go to the link below to view a WHS video regarding the Digital Media Program:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S788Sosc0lA

Following beach eviction, Waianae man commits suicide

Click HERE to read the story from the Hawaii Independent.

Mark Suiso's "Makaha Mangoes" Featured in Honolulu Weekly

Johnny mangoseed » Honolulu Weekly

Public Comment Sought re 8-STEP WETLANDS ANALYSIS FOR FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT AND PROTECTION OF WETLANDS, MAKAHA & WAIANAE

Click
HERE to view the public notice announcing: the 8-step process FOR COMPLIANCE WITH 24 CFR PART 55 , and the opportunity for public comment.



Comments will be accepted for 15 days AFTER the date of publication (June 8, 2010).

Hiring: WIS Garden & Curriculum Coordinator

MA'O is looking to hire a new Wai'anae Intermediate School Garden & Curriculum Coordinator (Kumu Alaka'i). Job description is attached and basic information below.

Basic Job Information

• Start date: July 26, 2010 (2.5 year, full-time grant contract)
• Kuleana/Duties
• Maintain an organic garden (living lab) @ Wai'anae Intermediate School.
• Engage students & teachers in garden through in-school activities (i.e. science, social studies) and after school enrichment activities (i.e. leadership, nutrition, advocacy, entrepreneurship)
• Become a part of a team working at Wai'anae Intermediate, Wai'anae High School, Leeward Community College & UH to create pipeline of programs that engage youth with the 'aina, community and higher education.
• Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree
• Salary: $42,750 annually. All benefits apply.
• Job Posting Closes: June 18, 2010.

--
Aloha,
Summer Miles
Director of Education
MA'O/LCCW
(office/fax) 696-5569
summer@maoorganicfarms.org

'Impact of Budget Cuts on Human Services'

Alex Santiago, Executive Director of "PHOCUSED", a Consortium of Social Service Nonprofits, will be the guest speaker for the July Case Management & Social Workers monthly teleconference. Alex is also a Makaha resident.

Please click on the link below for more information on this FREE event scheduled for July 14, 2010 and how to register for a seat if you are interested in attending.

'Impact of Budget Cuts on Human Services'

Legislators Visit Kea`au Beach Park

Click here to read the article in the Honolulu Advertiser, 4 June 2010.

Click here to see the KITV report.

Waiʻanae High School Honors Leeward CC

Leeward Chancellor Manuel Cabral, Waiʻanae High School/Searider Productions program coordinator Candy Suiso, and LCC instructor Irwin Yamamoto pose with the award. Click here to read the article. News and photo from News@UH, 4 June 2010.

July 4th Event for homeless keiki

From: Project Hawaii


Aloha Kakou--Hello Everyone,

Thank you for your interest in helping us provide our homeless keiki with a fun and
wonderful 4th of July event.

This is part of our summer camp outreach to keep the children living along the beaches of Waianae clean and healthy during the summer months.

Until we are able to configure a full volunteer staff, this is what we are
able to provide to these keiki:

Our agency is a nonprofit run 100% by volunteers and solely supported by the publics
donations. We are not government, or receive any other funding, so we rely on the
public to help us with our events.

What we are looking for as volunteers:

First, let me say if you are volunteering you will need to be responsible for
bringing all your supplies and such needed to complete the task you decide to take
on. I live on the Big Island and do not have the means to bring needed items to the
site.

With this in mind, here is what we are looking for:

1. To provide a game or activity. This can be a simple game like ring toss, or bean
bag toss, any type of interactive game they CAN WIN a prize. (of course everyone
needs to win).

2. A group outdoor game, like relay race, bubble blowing challenges, or something of
that nature geared towards elementary aged children.

3. Face Painting

4. Meal Crew:
this is someone or group that is willing to bring a dish for approx.
75 people, like rice, spam musubi, hot dogs, chili, chips, etc. Of course you can
choose what you'd like to bring/make. I would like to bbq hotdogs on site. I will
need someone to bring the bbqer as well. What ever food you bring needs to be ready
to serve...including the sterno stands, etc.

5. Paper goods contribution to serve 75

6. Drinks/, refreshment. The easiest way we found is to use capri suns and water
bottles. That is a simple way and nothing gets spilled. The keiki only need one
juice at lunch, and one water bottle while playing.

7. Prizes for the games: We want to give items they can use, such as bars of soap,
shampoo, wash cloth, tooth brushes, tooth paste, color crayons, color books, etc.
(we would like 50 of each item, if possible) For example if your group chooses to
take on a prize for a game, please collect ONE ITEM, like the 50 bars of soap. or if
two prizes, then tooth paste and brushes, etc.

Our event will be hosted from 11A-1P which will include the games, activities and
food service. We DO NOT need volunteers just to participate in the event, we need
volunteers who can PROVIDE one of the above projects.

Please let me know how you'd like to help, if you are with a group, how many in your
group. Please be specific on what you are going to bring, and how you plan to
implement your project.

I will be emailing more details and a confirmation once everyone has responded with
their activity chosen.
The MOST important aspect is to have the FOOD taken care of first.


Mahalo with Aloha
Magin Patrick
Program Director
P.O. Box 1844
Kea'au, HI 96749
(808) 987-6018
http://www.HelptheHomelessKeiki.org

2010 Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program

The Hawaii Foodbank will be distributing Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program booklets worth $50 at its member outlets around the island.

Please click HERE to view flyer with complete information.

`Iolani Select Middle School Orchestra Wins National Orchestra Competition

Santa Clara, California - Hawaii's own `Iolani Middle School Orchestra is now ranked number one in the nation following a stunning performance at the American String Teacher's Association's 2010 National Orchestra Festival.

Six middle school orchestras from around the nation were chosen to compete in the Middle School Orchestra division. `Iolani Orchestra Director Katharine Hafner was notified in September that the group had been selected. Students rehearsed before and after school, on weekends, and on holidays.

"These kids worked extremely hard," says Ms. Hafner. "We are proud to be able to demonstrate, at a national forum, the excellence of our student musicians."

While in California, the group performed at a public school in San Francisco, visited museums, a redwood forest, and toured an elephant seal breeding ground.

The National Orchestra Festival is an annual event, bringing together orchestras from around that nation and providing a performance opportunity in a national setting. 17 orchestras from several states attended this year's competition which was held at the Santa ClaraConvention Center in Santa Clara, California. This was `Iolani School's first application to a national event.

Each orchestra was required to play a minimum of 20 minutes of music. `Iolani’s program included: The Entrance and March of the Guests from Tannhauser by Richard Wagner, Air by Emil Kalled, Fantasia Espanola by Soon-Hee Newbold, The Girl with the Flaxen Hair byClaude Debussy, and Mantras by Richard Meyer.

Contact:

Katharine Hafner at `Iolani School
Orchestra Director
'Iolani School
Office - (808) 934-2244
Email - khafner@iolani.org


note: Rep. Shimabukuro and her Office Manager Colleen Teramae are both proud graduates of Iolani School.

Scholarship Award Opportunity

Aloha HYCC Alumni and Friends,

Kupu would like to extend an exciting scholarship opportunity with the Aloha 'Aina Gen Fujikawa Memorial Award through the University of Hawaii Foundation.

This award is for $500.

Gen Fujikawa was a member of the HYCC summer Molokai Team and Hana Hou programs. Gen died in a diving accident on Dec. 23, 2005.

This award was made by his family for a person who continues Gen's legacy of aloha for the people and nature of Hawaii.

Anyone interested in this opportunity must meet the followng qualifications: be a student at KCC or LCC (Leeward or Waianae campus) who continue Gen's legacy for the care of the people and nature of Hawaii through demonstrated action.

If you have someone who qualifies, please submit the attached form and a one page essay of what the person has done (rather than will do) and what aloha 'aina means to them.

Please submit entries by email no later than 3:00pm Thursday June 10th.

Entries can be emailed to brittney.orton@kupuhawaii.org.

Basic Health Hawaii for Micronesians and Other Immigrants to Begin 7/1/10

From: Legal Aid Society of HI


Basic Health Hawaii will start effective July 1, 2010. This is the health insurance for COFA (Micornesians, Palauans, etc.) and other ineligible legal permanent residents as they will no longer qualify for QUEST. Here are some things of note:

I. Basic Eligibility (current COFA recipients)

Deeming/eligibility: COFA individuals who have received some form of state medical assistance through June 30, 2010 will be automatically deemed into BHH from July 1, 2010. On September 30, 2010, BHH enrollees will be subject to an eligibility review.
Important: Non-pregnant COFA adult age 19 or older shall be ineligible for BHH if the eligibility determination is made on or after June 1, 2010. (Example – A person applies for medical insurance on April 5, 2010. The determination is not made until July 1, 2010. The person is not eligible for BHH.) If enrollment falls below 6,500, individuals can apply during an open enrollment period.

Long term care: A COFA recipient who is receiving LTC services on May 31, 2010 shall continue to receive LTC services. They will continue to be on the QExA plan.

SHOTT: Individuals who are in the SHOTT program (State of Hawaii Organ and Tissue Transplant) program will continue in the SHOTT program if they received transplants by May 31, 2010. If the transplant is after May 31, 2010, they will be enrolled in BHH.

II. Basic Eligibility (current other legal permanent residents)

Deeming: Non-pregnant legal permanent residents who (1) have not resided in the US for more than 5 years, (2) received financial assistance, and (3) maintained eligibility through June 30, 2010 shall be deemed into BHH as long as their income and assets do not exceed BHH limits. They will also be subject to an eligibility review on September 30, 2010.

Long term care and SHOTT: same as above

III. Basic Eligibility (non-medical)

COFA or legal permanent resident
19 years of age or older
Not pregnant
Limited assets: $2000 for household of one, $3000 for household of two, $250 for each additional member
Limited income: below 100% of the federal poverty line
Not enrolled in another health plan, except for individuals on state financial or participating in DHS subsidized employment

IV. Benefits

10 days of inpatient hospital
12 outpatient visits
6 mental health visits
3 medically necessary procedures
Emergency room
4 prescriptions per month
Diabetic supplies
Family planning

Note: No exception for cancer treatment (i.e. it will count towards the 10 inpatient, etc.) See below for dialysis.

V. Dialysis

Dialysis will be covered under Medicaid. This means that COFA individuals with diabetes need not worry that BHH is not covering dialysis. Medicaid will cover it. Any drugs used during the dialysis will be covered. However, prescribed medication used outside of the actual dialysis sessions will count towards the 4 prescription medications per month.

General Tips for Park Cleanups

Click HERE or go to the following link for helpful beach clean-up tips from the Kokua Foundation:

http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0AQAZGLwY0KrNZGR4Y3RteHhfMTJjaDhwMnZkeg&hl=en


Please also see Rep. Shimabukuro's personal tips for beach clean-ups below.

Beach Clean Up Tips:

1) If a back hoe is needed, try contacting the City Parks & Rec Department Director, Lester Chang (lchang@honolulu.gov), Mike Alvarez of Henkels & McCoy (malvarez@henkels.com), or other public service minded private companies about volunteering manpower and heavy equipment such as this.

2) Check with the City &/or State to see if they're interested in partnering with you to do the clean up. For the City, try contacting Iwalani Sato (isato@honolulu.gov), and for the State, try contacting DLNR director Laura Thielen (laura.thielen@hawaii.gov).

3) If the City/State is unable to partner with you for the clean up, be sure to make arrangements with them beforehand to haul away whatever trash you collect. For City parks, I usually make arrangements with Clint Jamile (cjamile@honolulu.gov). For State parks, highways, etc., make arrangements with DLNR (laura.thielen@hawaii.gov).

4) If you are cleaning an area with a large homeless population, your should alert the area homeless outreach workers to help coordinate the effort. Partners In Care (partnersincarehawaii@yahoo.com) may be able to assist with locating the appropriate outreach workers.

5) Be sure to have gloves, trash bags, a first aid kit, and water for volunteers. In terms of water, I'd recommend filling out an application with your local McDonald's, who provides free coolers, ice water, and cups for these types of events. You just have to return the cooler afterwards.

Note: The following tips apply to major clean-ups involving tons of trash which your group plans to haul away:

6) Assess the area you are cleaning up. Thereafter, ask the City to waive the tipping fees for trash you're hauling to their landfill and other disposal services. You will have to sort the trash into at least 4 categories: metal, batteries, tires, and regular trash. Check with Wayne Hamada of the City's Department of Environmental Services regarding these issues (whamada@honolulu.gov).

7) If possible, arrange for assistance with hauling away the various types of trash collected on-site. Rene Mansho (rmansho@schn.com) of Schnitzer Steel is an excellent resource person who can sometimes help arrange for companies to volunteer their trucks and employees to assist with this.

8) Matson has a program which provides a 40' container to non profits doing community clean-up's for up to 3 days. If the group sorts, fills, and disposes of the trash using the container and meets other criteria, Matson will provide a monetary donation to the non profit. For more info, visit http://maile45.blogspot.com/2009/12/matsons-ka-ipu-aina-container-for-land.html or call 848-1252.

9) In regards to tires, keep in mind that Unitek at Campbell Industrial Park, which is where you have to take tires, is not open on weekends. Individuals are allowed to take a limited amount of tires (2-4 per day?) to community convenience centers.

10) If your group is hauling the trash away or to containers on-site, you should have as many trucks on hand as possible. Consider renting flat bed or other large trucks if possible. Further, as stated above, contact private companies like Henkels & McCoy, who may be interested in volunteering their time and heavy equipment.

Friends Of Waianae Library (FOWL) Membership Form

FOWL's membership form is attached HERE.

Please support the Wai`anae Library by becoming a member of FOWL!