JOHN LEGEND GIVES MAUI THE GREEN LIGHT: CONCERT SEPT. 10, 2009

The Maui Arts & Cultural Center today confirmed a date for the upcoming John Legend concert.  The five-time platinum album selling Legend will perform on Maui at the Castle Theater on September 10, 2009 at 7:30 p.m.  The venue has listed a six ticket limit with sales to the general public beginning this Saturday, June 6, 2009 at 10 a.m.

John Legend. Image courtesy, Maui Arts & Cultural Center.

Legend is responsible for three hit albums Get Lifted, Once Again, and Evolver with award-winning songs, “Green Light,” “Ordinary People,” “Used to Love U,” “Save Room,” and “Another Again.”

The Maui Arts & Cultural center notes that the 30-year-old Legend has been labeled by music critics as “one of the most compelling and important singer/songwriters of this generation.”

Legend founded the non-profit Show Me Campaign, to fund under-developed African villages.  A portion of the proceeds from the Hawaii shows and the Evolver Tour will go to provide healthier living conditions for these villages, such as, mosquito nets, free meals to children attending school, and clean water sources.

Hawaii’s concerts are considered the close-out show, and will feature a showcase with a full chorus line, orchestrated live music, and a solo piano performance by John Legend himself.

Tickets are: $65, $55, and $45 (plus applicable fees) and can be purchased at the MACC Box Office, on line at www.mauiarts.org, or by phone at 242-SHOW.

(Posted by Wendy OSHER ©2009, Information provided by the Maui Arts & Cultural Center)

FIRE WEATHER WATCH; MOLOKAI BLAZE STANDS AT 8,000 ACRES

By Wendy Osher

UPDATE @  3:45 P.M. Thursday, September 03, 2009

Firefighters continue to maintain their posture in fighting the 8,000 acre Molokai fire that has been burning for six days.  County Civil Defense Administrator Gen Iinuma tells us crews have been doing an exceptional job of maintaining the perimeter of the fire, but continue to monitor flare ups and conduct fire suppression efforts in the upper elevations.  The National Weather service has issued a fire weather watch in effect from Friday morning through Friday afternoon.  Breezy and gusty trades combined with warm and dry weather will create the potential for critical fire weather conditions across leeward areas.  The emergency command plans to reassess operations later this evening to determine staffing projections as the containment improves.  Containment remained at between 70 and 80% today.

MOLOKAI FIRE 70-80% CONTAINED; FLARE UP DOUSED NEAR PLUMERIA FARM

By Wendy Osher

UPDATE: 7:15 A.M. Thursday, September 03, 2009

Progress has been made on the Molokai fire that remains at between 70 and 80% containment.  The six-day old fire has burned 8,000 acres since it started on Saturday.  Four-hundred acres was scorched in the Molokai State Forest Reserve and 100 acres was burned in the Nature Conservancy where endangered species are grown.  Most of the burned area affected on the conservancy land was the pines on the perimeter, which are non-native plants.

Photo courtesy Jeff Zuckernick

Crews have discontinued their use of the Chinook helicopters from the National Guard and are back to using local air assets to battle the blaze at the upper elevations.  The focus of efforts remains monitoring of the perimeter and battling the fire in the upper elevations where the fire has proven to be persistent.

Overnight there was a flare up reported near the plumeria farm in Kalamaula, and a similar flare up in the ‘Onini Gulch on the Eastern flank of the fire.  While the Kalamaula fire was knocked out over night, firefighters had planned to focus on the ‘Onini flare up as their first point of contact this morning.

Civil Defense Administrator Gen Iinuma tells us conditions are better today with less smoke, and less visible fire activity.  Iinuma said the Red Flag Warning was canceled for today because of more moisture in the air and cloud cover during the morning.  However, that cloud cover is expected to lift later in the day and breezy trade winds are expected to continue.

Iinuma called the firefighter’s efforts to date remarkable, and credited them with their skill and tenaciousness in protecting life and property in the populated areas of Molokai.

WEATHER INCREASES FIRE DANGER: FRESH LAHAINA CREW ROTATES INTO FIREFIGHTING EFFORT

UPDATE: 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, September 02, 2009

By Wendy Osher

Firefighters now have 50% containment on a 5-day old fire on Molokai that has burned 8,000 acres since Saturday afternoon. 

Photo courtesy Jeff Zuckernick

Two TH-47 Chinook Helicopters from the National Guard are being used today to assist as crews work to get a better handle on the forestry area above Kaunakakai in an area known as the ‘Ōnini Gulch.  The choppers have been returning to Kaneohe for fueling and are now using Onealii Park as a landing zone.

County Civil Defense Administrator Gen Iinuma said crews are mindful of the reduced maneuverability of the larger helicopters.  The helicopters drop large amounts of water weighing 8 pounds per gallon into rugged terrain that is otherwise inaccessible by ground crews.

Iinuma said the idea is to saturate the forestry area to prevent the fire from jumping across and getting down into the Kawela Plantation district where there is still a significant source of un-burnt brush that could fuel the fire.

Crews continue their efforts to maintain the perimeter of the blaze near the populated Kalamaula, Kaunakakai and Kawela, and are focusing on monitoring hot spots for potential flare-ups.

Of the 8,000 acres that has burned, 400 acres was scorched in the Molokai State Forest Reserve, and 100 acres was burned in the Nature Conservancy area, posing a threat to endangered species.

There are a total of about 60 firefighter personnel on scene today including a fresh crew from the Lahaina station.  Fifteen people from the National Park Service and more than 20 wildland firefighters from the Department of Forestry and Wildlife are assisting dozens of County firefighters on the ground.

Firefighters will face some additional challenges today in terms of weather.  The National Weather Service issued a Red Flag warning for the Leeward side of all islands.  The warning means there will be a combination of strong trade winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures, increasing the fire danger to critical levels.  The warning is in effect from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  The National Weather Service says little change in weather conditions is expected on Thursday, with the possibility of another day of critical fire weather conditions.

MOLOKAI BLAZE 50% CONTAINED; FIREFIGHTERS DEAL WITH DROP IN HUMIDITY

3:30 P.M. UPDATE:  Tuesday, September 01, 2009

By Wendy Osher

Firefighters continue to maintain their hold on a fire that has burned between 7,800 and 8,000 acres since it started Saturday afternoon.  The blaze is now 50% contained overall, but the upper portion of the fire in the forestry area remains active, and is not considered under containment.

Photo courtesy Jeff Zuckernick

Deputy Chief Robert Shimada said firefighters dealt with some troublesome flare-ups toward the eastern flank of the fire earlier in the day.  Batallion Chief Val Martin said the challenge today is the weather which has not been working in the department’s favor.  He noted a drop in humidity to 40 percent and an anticipated increase in winds as well.

Department officials say the focus of today’s efforts has been to maintain a perimeter around the populated areas of Kalamaula, Kauanakakai and Kawela as they work toward their main priority of protecting life and property.   There are still pockets of unburned brush in the Kawela Plantation, as well as in some abutting residential areas.

This morning, five helicopters were on scene to assist dozens of state and county crews from the Maui Department of Fire and Public Safety, the Department of Forestry and Wildlife, the National Park Service, and the Nature Conservancy.  On the ground, there are more than 62 firefighter personnel that are actively working the fire.  Two crews from Maui were rotated into the lines today to relieve fellow firefighters on the front lines.

Maui Civil Defense Administrator Gen Iinuma tells us firefighters have been active in maintaining a perimeter or buffer zone on the blaze with bulldozers to protect residents and businesses.  The department has also been using water drops in the upper forestry region to protect endangered species.  Iinuma said there are areas that are tactically back burned or intentionally left alone to manipulate the flames and control the blaze in the firefighters’ favor.

Fire officials say they do not expect the fire to increase significantly in size, but do expect to monitor areas for flare ups, and keep watch over locations that could smoulder for days or even weeks.

MOLOKAI FIRE BURNS 7,800 ACRES; 70 FIREFIGHTERS ON SCENE

UPDATED @ 4:00 P.M. MONDAY, AUGUST 31, 2009

More than 70 state and county firefighters are on the scene of a three day old fire on Molokai that has now burned an estimated 7,800 acres.  Crews are being assisted by 5 helicopters, 7 bulldozers, and 5 water tankers.

Photo courtesy Jeff Zuckernick

Bulldozer activity remains heavy as equipment operators place fire break lines to help prevent the fire from advancing. Firefighters are dealing with flare-ups throughout the burn areas.

“Our crews are doing an outstanding job and we truly appreciate the great support from the people and businesses of Molokai,” said Fire Chief Jeff Murray. “So many have come forward to offer whatever help they can provide including dropping off food for our firefighters and support personnel. We want them to know that we’re grateful for their generosity and can’t thank them enough,” said Murray.

The Department of Education announced this morning the closure of four schools on Molokai. Kaunakakai Elementary, Molokai Middle School, Molokai High and Kualapuu School were closed because of access conditions. According to DOE Maui Complex Superintendent Lindsay Ball, the fire has no direct threat to the school campuses, but the conditions and hazards caused by the fire in nearby areas created a situation where faculty and parents were not able to access roadways leading to the school campus. To check for Tuesday’s school closure information parents can call DOE’s Maui District office at 984-8001 or the Molokai Complex office at 553-1723.

The County’s Cooke Memorial Swimming Pool will remain closed while it is being used as a water source for helicopters conducting aerial water drops. Helicopter assistance will cease at nightfall as a safety precaution and is expected to resume tomorrow at daylight.

At 1:00 p.m. today the Red Cross closed an emergency shelter it opened yesterday at the Mitchell Pauole Community Center. Aside from one firefighter who was treated for smoke inhalation on Saturday, no injuries are reported.

The cause of the fire remains unknown.

(Posted by Wendy Osher, Information provided by the County of Maui.  Photos courtesy Jeff Zuckernick)

MOLOKAI FIRE NOW IN ITS 3RD DAY BURNS AN ESTIMATED 7,200 ACRES

UPDATED @ 12:30 P.M. MONDAY, AUGUST 31, 2009

County and state fire crews continue their third day of battling a brush fire on Molokai that has increased in size to 7,200 acres since it was first reported Saturday afternoon.

Photo courtesy Jeff Zuckernick

On the ground, 40-plus County firefighters are joined by 28 wildland firefighters from the State’s Division of Forestry and Wildlife. Four helicopters returned this morning to assist firefighters with aerial water drops.

The fire is burning in a westerly direction and fire crews are dealing with gulches throughout the terrain. Bulldozer activity remains heavy as equipment operators place fire break lines to help prevent the fire from advancing.

Last night, an abandoned structure near Kalamaula was completely burned as firefighters fought to save the home adjacent to the abandoned building. The home was not damaged. A pig farm near Kalamaula was also threatened by the fire but did not sustain damage and the livestock were unharmed.

The County’s Cooke Memorial Swimming Pool remains closed today while it is being used as a water source for the helicopters.

A portion of the Maunaloa Highway was closed last night as fire crews and equipment traveled through the area to keep the fire from advancing.

Red Cross opened an emergency shelter at the Mitchell Pauole Community Center yesterday to accommodate anyone displaced.

Aside from one firefighter who was treated for smoke inhalation on Saturday, no injuries are reported.

The cause of the fire remains unknown.

(Posted by Wendy Osher, Information provided by the County of Maui, Photos courtesy Jeff Zuckernick)

Photo courtesy Jeff Zuckernick

Photo courtesy Jeff Zuckernick

Photo courtesy Jeff Zuckernick

Photo courtesy Jeff Zuckernick

Photo courtesy Jeff Zuckernick

FIREFIGHTERS FACE CHANGING WINDS AND PRE-EXISTING DRY CONDITIONS; 4 SCHOOLS CLOSED

UPDATE:  6:45 A.M. MONDAY, AUGUST 31, 2009

FIRE FORCES SCHOOL CLOSURES:  The department of Education closed four schools on Molokai today because of the ongoing fire above Kaunakakai. Closures today include Molokai High, Molokai Middle, Kaunakakai Elementary and Kualapuu Elementary Public Charter School.

DROUGHT CONDITIONS ON MOLOKAI:  The island of Molokai has been having especially dry weather in recent months.  The latest update from the National Weather Service indicates severe drought on the western third of the island and moderate drought conditions covering the eastern two-thirds of the Friendly Isle.  The reservoir in West Molokai remains low and the mandatory cutback on irrigation water use had increased from 10 to 20 percent from the previous month.  The next drought update will be issued in two weeks.

UPDATE: 9:00 P.M. SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2009

Photo courtesy County of Maui.

Photo courtesy County of Maui.

More than 50 firefighters from County and State agencies are on the scene of a 6,000 acre fire on Molokai tonight.  Fire personnel have been fighting shifting wind directions since the fire started.

The fire is currently moving in a westerly direction and residents of the Kalamaula area are being allowed to remain in their homes. Helicopters providing air water drops ceased operating at nightfall and are expected to return at daylight Monday morning when conditions are safe for flying.

Firefighters from Maui’s Wailuku, Makawao and Kihei fire stations were sent to Molokai this afternoon to assist crews battling a brush fire that started shortly after 12 noon on Saturday, August 29.

Homes in the Kalamaula Mauka area that were threatened late this afternoon were evacuated when the fire came dangerously close to their residences.

Since the fire began, a single home sustained damage to its garage and one firefighter was treated for smoke inhalation on Saturday.  The firefighter was reported to be in stable condition after being treated at Molokai General Hospital.

(Posted by Wendy Osher; information provided by the County of Maui)

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DROUGHT MOLOKAI

On August 6, 2009,

The island of Molokai has been having especially dry weather in recent months.  
(The National Weather Service issues drought update each month.)
 
The latest update indicates severe drought on the western third (Maunaloa, Moomomi) of the island and moderate drought conditions covering the eastern two-thirds (west of Molokai airport…Kualapuu, Kaunakakai) of the island.  The reservoir in West Molokai remains low and the mandatory cutback on irrigation water use had increased from 10 to 20 percent from the previous month.  The next update will be issued in two weeks.  
 
(ON MAUI...severe drought continues to affect the southern and central sections of the island as well as the leeward slopes of the West Maui Mountains.)  The Maui County Department of Water Supply continues to request a 5 percent reduction in water use by Upcountry residents, and a 10 percent reduction in water use by Central Maui Residents.)
 

Wildland firetrucks, capable of traversing more rugged terrain, are stationed in Napili and on Molokai and Lanai. And the Wailuku Fire Station’s minitruck “Kahakuloa” has more off-road capabilities to access some remote areas better than traditional fire engines. The brush fire season is expected to continue into September.

RESIDENTS OF KALAMAULA MAUKA EVACUATED, FIRE GROWS TO 6,000 ACRES

Kaunakakai Fire. Photo Courtesy Lani Gomes.

UPDATE TO KAUNAKAKAI FIRE SUNDAY 8/30/09 4:15 p.m.

RESIDENTS OF KALAMAULA MAUKA ON MOLOKAI EVACUATED

A change in wind conditions has caused the brush fire on Molokai to switch from a mauka direction to makai. In response, Maui Police ordered residents in the Kalamaula Mauka area to evacuate at around 4:15 this (Sunday, August 30, 2009) afternoon. Police officers conducted door-to-door notifications to the approximately 25 residents in the area. Red Cross will be operating an emergency shelter at the Mitchell Pauole Community Center in Kaunakakai for displaced residents.

The brush fire burned 6,000 acres by afternoon. More than 30 firefighters worked overnight to battle 17 different extensions of the fire.  Overnight, a single residence sustained damage to its garage.  Today crews were assisted by staffing from Makawao and Kihei as well as 23 wildland firefighters from the state Department of Forestry and Wildlife. The fire was first reported at around noon on Saturday. The cause is unknown at this time.

Earlier updates are posted below.

(Posted by Wendy Osher, Information provided by the County of Maui.)

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2009. 2:00 pm UPDATE  TO KAUNAKAKAI FIRE

Kaunakakai Fire. Photo Courtesy Lani Gomes.

The brush fire that was first reported at 12:05 pm Saturday afternoon has now burned an estimated 6,000 acres and has shifted back to burning in the mauka direction. Firefighters are currently concentrating on
the eastern flank of the fire after earlier efforts by firefighters and
helicopters to curtail the western section of the fire caused some
tapering at the western flank. No other significant changes have
occurred. See story below issued earlier today for additional
information.

(Posted by Wendy Osher, Information provided by the County of Maui)

By Wendy Osher

A brush fire on Molokai had burned 5,000 acres by Sunday morning and had damaged the garage of a single home. County officials say the shifting wind had initially pushed the fire in the mauka direction, but had changed and moved toward Kaunakakai town today, coming as close as across the street from Hotel Molokai.

Kaunakakai Fire. Image courtesy Lani Gomes.

The county Department of Fire and Public Safety sent firefighters from Napili and Wailuku yesterday to assist Molokai Firefighters from Kaunakakai, Pukoo and Hoolehua. Today, additional staffing will be sent today from Makawao and Kihei as well as 23 wildland firefighters from the Department of Forestry and Wildlife.

County Communications Director Mahina Martin said one residence sustained damage to its garage, and at approximately 2:00 am voluntary evacuations were advised. The brush fire approached a residential area of approximately 100 homes as the wind direction shifted throughout the night and early morning hours. Over 30 firefighters were on scene throughout the night battling over 17 different finger extensions of the brush fire.

At sunlight, four helicopters returned to conduct water drops after ceasing at nightfall Saturday due to safety precautions. Helicopter water drops forced the closure of Cooke Memorial Pool, which is being used as water source.

Molokai residents are reminded to stay out of the fire area for their own safety and also to assure water tankers and heavy equipment can operate in the confined area. The fire was first reported shortly after noon on Saturday, August 29, 2009.

One firefighter was treated for smoke inhalation at Molokai General Hospital yesterday and remains in stable condition. No other injuries are reported.

5 bulldozers, 2 loaders, and 3 water tankers are on scene from the County’s Department of Public Works, State agencies and private companies.

Fire officials report that no homes are in immediate danger at this time. The cause of the fire is unknown.
(Updated: 10 a.m. Sunday, August 30, 2009; Information provided by the County of Maui)

UPDATE: MOLOKAI BRUSH FIRE BURNS 2,500 ACRES

A brush fire burned an estimated 2,500 acres since it was first reported shortly after noon, Saturday, August 29, 2009.  The fire was located above the town of Kaunakakai and continued to burn in the mauka direction at nightfall.

File image by Wendy Osher.

Three helicopters assisted crews from the Molokai’s Kaunakakai, Hoolehua and Pukoo fire stations. Air operations included water drops throughout the day, but ceased at nightfall for safety reasons.

Firefighters from Maui were sent to assist Molokai crews with personnel from the Napili and Wailuku fire stations leaving Maui in the afternoon via helicopter and a fire department rescue boat. Molokai firefighters belonging to a relief engine crew were also called back to duty.

One firefighter was treated for smoke inhalation and was reportedly in stable condition at the Molokai General Hospital.

Thirty-one firefighters were joined by nearly a dozen personnel from County and State support agencies as well as heavy equipment operators from Goodfellow Brothers Co. who assisted with bulldozers used to put fire break lines in place. Water tankers from County and State highway divisions were deployed to the scene.

No structures were threatened. The fire’s closest point to structures was approximately one mile.

Crews are monitoring the fire throughout the night and air support will resume at daylight.

The cause of the fire is unknown.  A county issued update is expected before noon tomorrow, Sunday, August 30, 2009.

(Posted by Wendy Osher, Information provided by the County of Maui)

MAUI CREWS ASSIST MOLOKAI FIRE FIGHTERS AT KAUNAKAKAI BRUSH FIRE

A brush fire above Kaunakakai on Molokai burned 60 acres by 3:30 Saturday afternoon, August 29, 2009. The fire was first reported at 12:05 p.m. in a town located above Kaunakakai. County officials say the fire was burning in the mauka direction.

File photo by Wendy Osher.

Three helicopters were dispatched to the scene for water drops as well as crews from the Kaunakakai, Hoolehua and Pukoo stations.

At 2:30 p.m. a crew from the Wailuku station on Maui was sent to aid Molokai fire fighters and a crew from Maui’s Napili station was enroute to also provide additional support. County and State water tankers and heavy equipment used to build fire breaks were also on scene.

County communications director Mahina Martin said no residences were in jeopardy and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is unknown.

(Posted by Wendy Osher, Information provided by the County of Maui)

MPD’S MATSUURA PROMOTED TO ASSISTANT CHIEF

The Maui Police Department announced the promotion of Captain Danny Matsuura to the rank of Assistant Chief.

Assistant Chief Danny Matsuura. Photo Courtesy Maui Police Department.

Matsuura will serve as Commander of the Support Services Bureau in his capacity as Assistant Chief.  He fills the void created by the recent promotion of Deputy Chief Clayton Tom with the new administration.

Assistant Chief Matsuura is a 24 year veteran of the Maui Police Department, starting his career on April 16, 1985.  During his police career, he worked in the Vice Division for 7 years and in the Criminal Investigation Division as a detective.   He served as a commander with the Kihei Patrol District, Plans & Training Section and Molokai Patrol District.  His last assignment was as commander of the Internal Affairs Section.

In 2004 Matsuura was selected as the department and County of Maui’s Manager of the Year.  Additionally, he attended and graduated from the FBI National Academy and was a member of the 229^th Session, which graduated in 2007.

Matsuura graduated from Maui High School in 1979.   He later attended and graduated from the University of Hawaii-Hilo with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Liberal Studies in Criminal Justice.

He is married to Carmen, a teacher at Kamehameha Schools Maui and they have one daughter, Aubrey who will be attending.  Aubrey will be a sophomore at the University of Hawaii-Manoa campus.

The promotion took effect on Thursday, July 16, 2009.

(By Wendy Osher © 2009)

USE IT OR LOSE IT: HANA LIBRARY GETS REPRIEVE

The State Board of Education voted to remove Hana Library from a list of proposed closures.

State Sen. J. Kalani English. Photo by Wendy Osher.

State Senator J. Kalani English responded to the news after attending last night’s meeting in Honolulu saying, “I’m very pleased with the results tonight.”  English credited his colleague Rep. Mele Carroll, also of East Maui, and BOE Maui Representative Mary Cochran, with working as a team to garner the backing needed to save the facility from closure.

“We also managed to get all five libraries off the list and ask the librarian to reconsider how they’re going to look at saving the money.  One of the big issues of course is that there is very little money, and the librarian is really in a hard place,” said English.

The state library system will now consider other ways of cutting costs to come up with the $20,100 that would have been saved from the Maui closure and the combined $85,100 that would have been saved from the other libraries included on the list.

The state librarian came up with the initial list after analysis of factors that included staff vacancies, low circulation/usage, geographic proximity to neighboring libraries, repair and maintenance costs, and rising operating costs.

“So we have to increase the usage of Hana Library–that’s the message out to East Maui—Use the Library.  The old adage, use it or lose it, really applies here.  They’re looking at the statistics and we have to bump those numbers up,” said English.

The projected deficit for the State Library System in FY2010 is in excess of $3.6 million.  The department is also considering $2.2 million in savings through vacancies, and $1.3 million through a personnel reduction plan.

“So again, I’m very pleased with the outcome tonight, and the library will remain open,” said English.

(By Wendy Osher © 2009)

ULUWEHI GUERRERO NEW CD RELEASE EVENT

Celebrate the release of Uluwehi Guerrero’s brand new CD, “Uluwehi Sings Na Mele Hula Aloha.”

File photo Courtesy, County of Maui.

A CD Release Event will be held at 5 p.m., Saturday July 18^th at the Borders Books & Music store, located in the Maui Marketplace on Dairy Road in Kahului.

Uluwehi Guerrero is recognized as the Na Hoku Hanohano award-winner for Male Vocalist of the Year (2001). Guerrero, a kumu hula and choreographer who tours extensively in Japan, Canada and throughout the Mainland U.S., has performed at Carnegie Hall.

The CD Release event features Uluwehi singing selections from his new CD, accompanied by Hula dancing. An autograph session will follow.

Come join in the fun, hear some beautiful Hawaiian music and see some great Hula, too!

For additional information, visit the Kaulupono Music website at http://www.kaulupono.com.

The CD is available now through the site directly, as well as at select locations throughout the island chain and at a few other great places on line.

(Posted by Wendy Osher, Information provided by Kaulupono Music)

MARLEY ON MAUI! ZIGGY LIVE IN CONCERT

Ziggy Marley will perform live in concert on Sunday, August 16, 2009 at Maui’s War Memorial Stadium.

Ziggy Marley in concert on Maui Sunday, August 16, 2009.

In the wake of his 2006 album Love Is My Religion, which earned his fourth Grammy Award, Ziggy Marley shares his musical love with families – his own and the extended human family. Marley’s third solo release, Family Time, is produced with old friend Don Was and will be released this May on Marley’s independent Tuff Gong Worldwide label.

Ziggy’s Maui concert also features Joseph Israel & The Jerusalem Band with a special performance by Rovleta Fraser.  Also on the ticket are local favorites:  Isouljahs Ho’okoa, Zion from the Virgin Islands, Mysterious from Trinidad, Black Diamon from Jamaica and local favorite Marty Dread.

The concert is sponsored by Pacific Radio Group’s Native 92.5 FM, ZiggyMarley.com, Hard Rock Café, Aqua Hotels and Resorts, Hotel Wailea Maui, Mana Foods and Tuff Gong Worldwide.  Other supporting sponsors include Pacific Cancer Foundation, Coastline Limousine, Love Fatigues and Land of Organica.  The cash beer garden is brought to you by Maui Brewing Co.

Tickets are $35 for general admission and are available at select Ticket Outlets or online at Ticketmaster.com.  One child (12 or under) is admitted free per adult ticket purchased.

Ticketmaster outlets on Maui are:

• Westside Vibes                    991 Limahana Pl., Lahaina (808) 667-1900
• Requests Music                    10 N. Market St., Wailuku (808) 244-9315
• Hana Hwy Surf                       149 Hana Hwy., Paia (808) 579-8999
• Hawaiian Holy Smokes        320 Ohukai #404, Kihei (808) 879-2826
• Urban City                              275 Kaahumanu Ave, Kahului (808) 871-5550
• Maui Brew Pub          4405 Honoapiilani Hwy #217, Lah (808) 669-3474
• Kahului Ale House    355 E. Kamehameha Ave. Kahului (808) 877-9001

(Posted by Wendy Osher, ziggymarley.com contributed to this story)

‘AHAHUI KA’AHUMANU HOSTS MAUI RUMMAGE SALE FUNDRAISER

KAHULUI — The `Ahahui Ka`ahumanu Rummage/Plant/Bake Sale will be held from 6 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 18, 2009  in Kahului at 46 E. Papa Ave.

Members of the 'Ahahui Ka'ahumanu Wailuku, Maui Chapter will host a rummage sale fundraiser to benefit society activities. Photo by Wendy Osher.

Shoppers will find housewares, furnishings, clothing, toys, jewelry and books plus local-style pickled items, such as takuan (daikon).

The 85-member Wailuku chapter of `Ahahui Ka`ahumanu was started in 1923. The statewide group is the oldest royal Hawaiian society for women with more

than 500 members in nine chapters.

Organizers said sale proceeds of the third annual sale will benefit society activities to perpetuate Hawaii’s past and promote Hawaii’s culture and language.

(Information courtesy:  Kekoa Enomoto, Maui News;  Photo by Wendy Osher)

HANA HWY ROCKFALL MITIGATION FORCES 4-HOUR WEEKDAY CLOSURES

Rockfall mitigation continues on the Hana Highway through Friday, July 17th.  Work between mile markers 19 and 21 will result in the complete closure of the highway weekdays between 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Hana Highway photo by Wendy Osher

The state Department of Transportation also advises Maui motorists of intermittent traffic stoppages on the Hana Highway (Route 360) in both directions through Friday, July 10, at the following locations:

 Between Mile Post 19.18 (near the Wailua Lookout) and Mile Post 21.0 from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., daily, for rock scaling operations and debris removal.

 Near Honolulunui Bay between Kapaula Bridge (Mile Post 23.38) and

Kahalaowaka Bridge (Mile Post 25.95), from 8:30 a.m., to 3:00 p.m., daily for runoff preventative maintenance.

Motorists are advised to use caution while driving through the work area and to allow for extra travel time. Roadwork is weather-permitting.

(Posted by Wendy Osher)

VICTORINO’S BID FOR ALL-STAR GAME ROSTER RESTS ON PUBLIC VOTE

Maui’s Shane Victorino is among a list of baseball players competing for the last spot on the National League’s All-Star Game roster.

Photo of Shane Victorino by Wendy Osher

The Phillies outfielder finished fourth in the public balloting for the three starting outfield positions. He was not selected as a backup by the National League coaches.

Hawaii’s four mayors-Bernard Carvalho, Jr., Mufi Hannemann, Billy Kenoi, and Charmaine Tavares-joined in stumping for Shane Victornio yesterday, urging fans to cast votes through the major league baseball website.

The mayors stated, “Shane is a local boy who’s done a remarkable job with the world champion Phillies, and he deserves a spot on the All-Star team.  We’re very proud of him, as all the people of Hawaii are, and we’re urging fans to cast their votes for Shane so he can have a well-deserved place on the roster of the National League.”

Victorino is the son of Jocelyn and Maui County Councilman Mike Victorino of Wailuku.

Voting continues through Thursday at 10 a.m. Hawaii time.

The public can vote from among five candidates for the last position on the National League roster at www.mlb.com or www.phillies.com, until Thursday, July 9, at 10:00 a.m. Hawaii time.  Sprint and Nextel subscribers can text in their votes by following the instructions on either Web site.

(Posted by Wendy Osher; Information provided by the County of Maui; Photo by Wendy Osher)

MPD’S IBARRA GRADUATES FROM FBI ACADEMY

The Maui Police Department’s Lieutenant Wayne Ibarra, becomes the islands latest graduate of the FBI National Academy Program.   Ibarra is a Watch Commander with the Wailuku Patrol District and a 21 year veteran of the department.

(Photo of Lieutenant Wayne Ibarra courtesy: Maui Police Department)

Internationally know for its academic excellence, the National Academy Program, held at the FBI Academy, offers 11 weeks of advanced investigative, management, and fitness training for selected officers having proven records as professionals within their agencies.  A total of 42,459 graduates now represent the FBI National Academy since it began in July 1935. Of that number, more than 23,000 are still active in law enforcement.

Lieutenant Ibarra attended the academy from January 12, 2009 to March 20, 2009, as part of the 236^th Session, Section 2 Representative.  He received training in Police Leadership, Labor Law Issues for Law Enforcement Administrators, Chemical Munitions, Spirituality, Stress Management and CSI- Evidentiary Photography.

For the physical fitness, he received a Yellow Brick (running) and Blue Brick (34 mile swim challenge).

There were a total of 257 attendees, consisting of men and women from all 50 states and 20 countries.

Lieutenant Ibarra is married to Janice and they have 3 children- Tehani, Sydney and Tyler.

(Posted by Wendy Osher;  Information provided by Maui Police Department, Photo Courtesy MPD)

20 RECRUITS GRADUATE INTO THE MPD RANKS

20 officers join the ranks of the Maui Police Department after graduating in the 70^th Recruit Class—one of the larger classes in recent years.  Members completed 8 months of recruit training and will be assigned to the Field Training Officer Program for the next four months.

(Photo Courtesy, Maui Police Department, *Note- Missing from the photo is Officer Brian Kibby.)

Five recruits earned department awards including Taylor Kamakawiwo’ole who was named outstanding recruit; Melanie Ramsey was honored for scholastic achievement; Ryan Nagata for Firearms use; Kawika Hong for Physical Fitness and Lawrence Castaneda for Best Notebook.

The class selected Sergeant Stacey Yamashita with the Outstanding Instructor Award.  They also presented Sergeant Mark Joaquin with the Warrior Award, for his dedication and hours of training the class for their future career.

Members of the class are Wilfred Ahuna, Emiterio Alvarez, Janae Balag, Craig Carter, Lawrence Castaneda, Clinton Gouveia, Lisa Haupu, Mona Matsui, Kawika Hong, Taylor Kamakawiwo’ole, Brian Kibby, Nicholas Losvar, Marlon Madariaga, Ryan Nagata, Angela Perry, Jan Pontanilla, Melanie Ramsey, Jensen Somera, Randy Takayama and Michael Vaitu’ulala.

The graduation ceremony was held on June 26, 2009, at the Sheraton Hotel in Kaanapali. In addition to the 20 recruits, one member from the State Department of Land and Natural Resources DOCARE (Department of Conservation and Resource Enforcement), Jeffrey Kinores, also graduated with the 70^th class.

(Photo Courtesy, Maui Police Department, *Note- Missing from the photo is Officer Brian Kibby.)  (Posted by:  Wendy Osher)

18TH ANNUAL KI HO‘ALU FESTIVAL

The 18^th Annual Ki Ho’alu Slack Key Guitar Festival comes to the Maui Arts & Cultural Center on Sunday, June 28.  The Free concert runs from 2 to 7 p.m. on the Events Lawn.

Photo Courtesy: Maui Arts & Cultural Center.

Bring the lawn chairs or roll out a blanket on the lawn to enjoy an all-afternoon, all-star line-up of Hawai’i’s best slack key guitar musicians, including Kevin & Ikaika Brown, Makana, George Kahumoku, Jr., Dennis Kamakahi, Jeff Peterson, Ken Makuakane, LT Smooth, Donald Kaulia, Ocean Kaowili, David Kahiapo, Stephen Inglis, Walter Keale, Paul Togioka, Pali, Bobby Moderow, Jr., and more!

Bring the whole ‘ohana … it’s FREE!  Supported in part by National Endowment for the Arts, State Foundation for Culture and the Arts, County of Maui and KPOA Radio.

(Posted by Wendy Osher; Photo Courtesy Maui Arts & Cultural Center)