Kudos, KPD — That’s The Ticket
A few months ago I wrote about the traffic zipping past pedestrians (and keiki playing) in the sidewalkless Wailua Houselots. So you can imagine my pleasant surprise when I heard Lt. Mark Scribner‘s voice telling a speeder, “it’s 25,” and witnessed him hand the driver a ticket. It’s also pleasant to report that Scribner was recently named kaua’i Police Department‘s Officer of the Year, and senior clerk Michael Lane was named its Employee of the Year. Scribner, who began his police service in 1987, has been with the department’s traffic safety unit for more than 17 years, and quickly moved up the ranks from officer to sergeant to lieutenant. He also serves as senior traffic commander for the state of Hawaii, and worked on the draft of the new ignition interlock law. He also has played a key role in the island’s Shattered Dreams program, which simulates a fatal drunk driving accident at our high schools (which I’ve also lauded in this column). Mahalo, Lt. Scribner, I hope to hear your voice in the houselots again. Lane, a senior clerk, also deserves recognition for, among other things, treating people with aloha in an environment that is oftentimes less than friendly. Well done, Mr. Lane. It can be challenging to rise above negativity …
Also, e komo mai to the five new public safety workers assigned to the KPD Detention Center, which falls under the department’s Patrol Services Bureau: Ronald aceret, Matthew Beadle, Clyde Letreta, arthur T. Styan and Creighton Tamagawa recently completed their training and their oath of office ceremony. Assistant Chief ale Quibilan says he is pleased to add such qualified candidates to the force …
The work ethic at KPD seems to be contagious, as congratulations also are due to Kaua’i’s sexual assault nurse examiners (our cover story in January), who also were recently given a certificate of appreciation by the Police Commission. Kudos to Jennifer Antony, Char Ono and Ricko Rask. It’s a tough job, and you do it well …
Not only is Rask a SANE nurse, she is an advocate for animals with disease. She is volunteering and helping spread the word for the inaugural Bark for Life dog walk, a benefit for the American Cancer Society. The event begins at 7:30 p.m. June 12 at Kaua’i Community College …
As usual, it’s not just adults getting recognition. Congratulations to the awardees from Kaua’i who made the island proud May 13 at the eighth annual ‘Olelo Youth Xchange Video Contest. The 582 entrants made videos in different categories the winners received high-definition Sony video cameras after being judged by a panel of local news media and filmmaking professionals, as well as subject-area experts. Kaua’i winners were Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School for the At 21 Project category, Shot to Shot, and the News category, Friday Night Lights, as well as the Start Living Healthy category, for their Milly Hays Commercial. Kapa’a High School also took a win with “Children at Play One Hour a Day.” Way to make Kaua’i proud! …
It’s likely more keiki will make their parents proud. At 7 p.m. June 9, Kalaheo Elementary’s Drama Club will perform songs from its fundraising hit Beauty and the Beast at Kukui’ula Shopping Village. Don’t miss it …
Those seeking some grown-up music shouldn’t miss the last on-island performance of the Happy Enchalata Band, headed up by Marty and Denice Sheffer (whose primary adage is “we make our own happiness” – nice!). The Sheffers are moving to Portland, Ore., in mid-June, and will perform from 2 and 10 p.m. June 11 at Salt Pond. The bluegrass band, started in 1985 in Michigan by Marty Sheffer and Mark Keiser, has grown to include Pat Gmelin on banjo and guitar, Jimmy Trujillo on dobro guitar and harmonica, Larry Heller on bass and YA! Kaduce on jaw harp and saw. The group says the June 11 show date will be its “Adios Happy Enchalata party.” Aloha, beloved, misspelled band …
And speaking of creative people, if you have a chance, check out the new artist-made entrance to 22 Degrees North, conceived and created by none other than artist Wayne Zebzda. I loved his silver road toads exhibit at galerie 103, but this was inspired, too …
What could be more inspiring than enjoying a mo’olelo under the moon? The National Botanical Gardens will have such an occasion from 7:30 to 9 p.m. June 11 at its Limahuli Garden location in Ha’ena (gates open at 6 p.m.). The band Maluhia will be there, known for its traditional Hawaiian music and skill in oral histories. It’s the perfect event to enjoy the lovely Garden Isle, so pack up chairs, mats, blankets and a flashlight for this alcohol-free get-together. As is customary with the progressive and practical nature of the folks at NTBG, they’re asking that those who attend carpool. Tickets cost $35 ($40 on the day of the event), free for children under age 13 accompanied by an adult. Tickets are discounted $5 for NTBG members. For more information or reservations, contact Limahuli Garden at 826-1053 or email limahulievent@ntbg.org …
So happy to see the Ocean Safety Bureau honor its members and raise awareness during National Beach Safety Week. The group does an amazing job advocating for beachgoers and protecting them from water-related hazards and tragedy. Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho Jr. and Water Safety Task Force chairman and emergency room doctor Monty Downs gave special attention to Chris Kanahele, who saved a female visitor at Polihale Beach. Of course, the group took the opportunity to remind beachgoers to never swim alone, always swim near a lifeguard, never drink alcohol before swimming and to respect the power of the surf …
CORRECTION: A photo on Page 29 of the May 25 issue should have stated Grove Farm and Waioli Mission House museums will feature 13 plein air artists the week of June 5-11. From 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 11 there will be a reception and sale of the artwork at the Grove Farm Museum, 4050 Nawiliwili Road. Admission is $10. For more information, call Barbara Kennedy at 826-1528 …
