(from left) Mark Carey, Stephanie Ano, Jonell Kaohelauli‘i and Michael Buono were charged up about the electric vehicle charging station at Kukui Grove. Amanda C. Gregg photo
Kilauea resident and Chevy Volt electric car owner Mark Carey got more than rock star parking earlier this month at Kukui Grove Shopping Center. Carey was able to pull up and charge his car at one of the center’s new charging stations (old-school directions alert) located in front of where the old Blockbuster used to be. Kukui Grove Shopping Center spokeswoman Jonell Kaohelauli’i says the shopping center has been working toward more green and sustainable goals, which have included LED lights during the holiday season, a new roof application and higher-efficiency lights in the parking lot. Carey, who relies on the photovoltaic system at his house to keep his car charged, says he’s put 16 gallons of gasoline in his car since he bought it, during which time he’s driven some 7,000 miles. The efficiency has definitely put a smile on his face, just like the new charging station did. Looking for a way to kill some time while the car charged, Carey said, “lunch, anyone?” …
The Wailua Cane Haul Road Bridge earned honors. Unlimited Construction Services Unlimited photo
Congratulations to Unlimited ConstructionServices Inc., which recently was acknowledged at the General Contractors Association Build Hawai`i 2012 Awards. The company won a first-place award in the statewide competition for the Wailua Cane Haul Bridge widening project. The company also received second place awards for Kalanipu’u at Kaua’i Lagoons, and for its Kukui’ula Cottage model home in Po’ipu. The $29 million Wailua Cane Haul Bridge widening project, in which a new 510-foot, two-lane steel bridge was launched on top of an old, narrow, one-lane bridge that was once used to haul sugar cane across the Wailua River, relied on teamwork by architects, subcontractors, project owners and employees, says Jay Manzano, Unlimited’s president,.”We are grateful that we’ve had work during these hard economic times.” Unlimited also built the Kaua’i Judiciary Complex in Lihu’e, Kalepa Village affordable apartments in Hanama’ulu, the National Tropical Botanical Gardens Botanical Research Center in Kalaheo, the Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas and the St. Regis Princeville renovation …
A program for youths ages 12-17 that’s demonstrated its participants are less likely to use gateway drugs, (cigarettes, alcohol and marijuana) will make its way to Kaua’i. The program, called Botvin LifeSkills (sic) will be offered from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 1 to July 20 weekdays at Kalaheo Neighborhood Center.
Yvette Sahut and Gary Heu accept the Historic Hawaii Foundation award on behalf of the county. Photo courtesy Historic Hawaii Foundation
Activities in the program are designed to teach students how to resist social pressures, develop greater self-esteem and self-confidence, and cope with anxiety, among other goals. To register, call 241-4926 or email dyamaguchi@kauai.gov…
Kaua’i County was among entities recently honored by the Historic Hawai’i Foundation for its exemplary achievement in the field of historic preservation. The county received an award for the restoration of the Historic County Building. Other parties involved in the project also were lauded, including the Kaua’i Historical Society, Mason Architects Inc., Shioi Construction,
Portech Engineering, Martin & Chock, Prepose Engineering Systems, Douglas Engineering Pacific and AMEL Technologies Inc. The presentation of the award was made at the 37th annual Preservation Honor Awards ceremony in Honolulu earlier this month. Managing director Gary Heu and Yvette Sahut, legislative assistant to the County Council, accepted the award on behalf of the county. Heu thanked Phyllis Kunimura and Robert Schleck, co-chairs of the Kaua’i County Building Restoration Committee, among others. Designed with Neoclassical Revival features, the Historic County Building underwent a 16-month restoration until reopening in September last year …
Ramon Garza with wife Ruthie. Photo courtesy JEanette Kawakami
Deputy County Attorney Justin Kollar has joined the Hawai’i Highway Safety Council, and will join retired Kaua’i Police Department Lt. Mark Scribner as Kaua’i’s second representative on the council, which advises the governor on matters relating to the programs and activities of the state in the field of highway safety. The members of the council serve without pay but are entitled to reimbursement for necessary expenses while attending meetings and while performing their duties. Kollar was nominated by Gov. Neil Abercrombie earlier this year and was confirmed by the full Senate last month. Kollar’s term with the Hawai’i Highway Safety Council will expire June 30, 2016. Kollar also worked as a deputy prosecutor from 2008 to 2009 handling drunk driving and vehicular manslaughter cases on Kaua’i …
In honor of National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week, Hawaii Life Flight joined the local community in congratulating those who provide the day-today lifesaving emergency services that benefit all the people of Hawaii. Ramon Garza of Kekaha was one resident whose life was changed thanks to the service. Following a heart attack, Garza was transported to O’ahu by the company’s service. Grateful for the “second chance” he received, Garza says getting to see his 14 mo’opuna grow up, (with one more on the way) is a truly a gift …
Speaking of gifts, Kaua’i Humane Society is beefing up its fundraising efforts and is in production of its first-ever online fundraising campaign aimed at raising $50,000 for its mission to ensure compassionate, informed care of all Kauai’s animals, and promoting the human-animal bond. According to its executive director, Shannon Blizzard, thanks to a generous donor, KHS has a challenge campaign of $25,000. For every donation of more than $60, the donor will match it up to $25,000. So if you’re an animal lover, go to kauaihumane.org and hit the “donate” tab …
