Hawaii Public Radio’s announcement that “second stream” is coming soon to North Hawaii will top the Waimea Town Meeting agenda on Thursday, Nov. 1, at 5:15 p.m. in the Waimea Elementary School cafeteria.
All permits are in place and most of the funding required is, as well, for Hawaii Public Radio (HPR) to introduce its second “stream” — HPR-2 — programming to North Hawaii residents, and this exciting news will be presented at the Waimea Community Association Town Meeting.
As always, all residents of the region are invited and there is no charge, though a donation of cash or check — or non-perishable food — for a local food pantry is suggested.
Special guests at the Nov. 1 Town Meeting will be HPR President and General Manager Michael Titterton and Vice President and Asst. General Manager Valerie Yee, who will share what it means to soon install a new transmitter hopefully before year’s end above Keahole Airport. The new signal will be identical in quality with KWXX 101.5 FM, which currently operates a transmitter of identical strength in the same location.
All permits are in place and all equipment has been purchased, but HPR’s policy is cash-only and they still have fundraising to do to complete the actual installation and cover first-year overhead costs, and this will be discussed as will be the new programming this will bring to North Hawaii.
“This is really exciting news for HPR’s avid listeners who have tuned into HPR-2 when in Kona — picking up the KIPM 89.7 signal from Ulupalakua, Maui, said Mike Luce, who has organized the November WCA Town Meeting presentation.
HPR-2 programming is distinguished by an unusual blend of intelligent news and informational programming as well as locally produced programs ranging from statewide call-in shows to scientific and business discussions to Hawaiian music to Island-originated local theatre and literature.
Also on the agenda will be a preview of the 2013 Legislature by Rep. Cindy Evans, an update on Hawaii Island YMCA by Fred Yamashiro, and a preview of the 52nd annual Waimea Christmas Twilight Parade and Big Island Giving Tree Project, which are sponsored by Waimea Community Association in partnership with dozens of other community groups and businesses along with hundreds of volunteers and donors.
Waimea’s holiday festivities and Giving Tree Project will kick off with a tree lighting and caroling at 5 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 29, on the front lawn of historic Barbara Hall at Parker School. All are invited to participating in lighting the giant Norfolk pine at Parker School. Warm clothing and beach chairs are recommended!
For information, call WCA Vice President Patti Cook (937-2833) or go to www.WaimeaTown.org.
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Waimea families and community friends are again invited to participate in Waimea Middle School’s annual Thanksgiving Imu — both as part of a cultural learning and sharing tradition and to help underwrite the annual eighth-grade East Coast educational trip in June 2013.
There is a $20 per pan donation requested, and families may bring one or several pans to be cooked in the traditional underground oven, which will be created and managed by students with the guidance and help of their families.
Funds raised go entirely to the student trip to Washington, D.C., Philadelphia and New York City to bring to life the lessons learned in eighth-grade American History classes. The trip is also organized to provide students with a glimpse of post high school opportunities, and for many, represents their first visit out of state.
Pans of food may be dropped off between 3-5 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 21, and picked back up between 9-10 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 22 (Thanksgiving morning).
Foods must be thawed, seasoned and placed in heavy-duty foil pans, and then double wrapped with heavy-duty foil.
It is recommended that clean green ti-leaves or parchment be wrapped around the foods before the foil outer wrapping to keep foods from directly touching the foil.
Tickets are required in advance as space is limited. They may be purchased ahead of time from any of the East Coast trip student or family member, or by stopping by the school office or calling Patti Cook (937-2833).
Donations of ti leaves and banana stalks are also most welcome for the imu.
Waimea Middle School’s East Coast Trippers are also selling Holy Bakery pies. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Tickets are $10 for freshly baked 8-inch apple, custard or pumpkin pies or $15 for frozen 10-inch pies, which include apple, peach, pear or coconut.
Carol Yurth’s column is published every Sunday and spotlights activities on the Hilo-Hamakua coast. She welcomes items for her column. Reach her by mail (46-1240 Kalehua Road, Honokaa HI 96727) at least 10 days before the requested publication date, call her at 775-7101, or e-mail waiukahenutz@gmail.com.
