Hosting its first public meeting since reopening in November, the modernized Lahaina Public Library recently welcomed Dr. Busaba Yip-Douglas of the Wo Hing Museum. She discussed the history of Chinese immigrants in Lahaina, who at one time operated many of the businesses on Front Street. PHOTO BY KEN KIMURA/LAHAINA RESTORATION FOUNDATION.

Meeting to cover immigration news

LAHAINA – On Thursday, Jan. 24, the Kareneva Law Firm PLLC-Maui Office and county Immigrant Services Division will hold a free informational meeting on immigration.

The public is invited to attend this free session that will be held from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Kaunoa West Maui Senior Center at 788 Pauoa St. along Lahainaluna Road.

Topics to be covered include the new Provisional Waiver reform recently passed on Jan. 2, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), and an overview of immigration law updates. A question-and-answer session will follow.

Attendees will include Elena Kareneva, immigration attorney; Kevin Block, director of immigrant services for the county Department of Housing and Human Concerns; and representatives of FACE Maui. Questions may be directed to the Kareneva Law Firm at 661-8620.

Dr. Natalie Gates has been named the new superintendent of Haleakala National Park. She has worked at Point Reyes National Seashore in California for the last 12 years, first as a wildlife biologist and then as chief of natural resource management. She will transition to her new duties at Haleakala in March. “Natalie has a strong track record in the protection of native species and ecosystems. She has proven she can solve complicated issues while respecting all the voices in the room,” said Pacific West Regional Director Chris Lehnertz.

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Rotary invites community to talk on Library facelift

LAHAINA – “How we modernized the Lahaina Public Library” will be the subject of a photo-filled presentation by Project Coordinator Sara Foley and Designer Rick Cowan before the Rotary Club of Lahaina on Thursday, Jan. 24, at noon at the Royal Ocean Terrace Restaurant in the Royal Lahaina Resort.

Picking up on Hawaii State Librarian Richard Burns’ comment that the $300,000 facelift completed without public expense could be a model for the state and nation, Foley and Cowan will offer tips on what other Maui libraries and civic projects can learn from the effort.

“You do not need to be a member of the club to attend,” Rotarian Foley said. “We are hoping that many of our volunteers will join us for a-behind-the-scenes look at how we accomplished the transformation in just 60 days.”

Cowan will stress the role of good design, and Foley will review the history of the project and the important role good communications played in building community support.

Information will also be available on how to participate in future Rotary “service-above-self” projects, including the final phase of the library work (re-landscaping the Front Street lawn with Native Hawaiian plants and creating a more appealing street-side entrance).

Attendees will be able to buy lunch from the hotel menu. For more information, call Foley at 667-0589.

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Mayor to speak at LAC Annual Meeting

LAHAINA – LahainaTown Action Committee’s Annual Meeting is slated for Tuesday, Jan. 29.

The public is invited to gather at the Pioneer Inn Courtyard at 5 p.m. Light pupus will be offered with refreshments, and a no-host open bar will be available.

This year’s guest speaker will be Mayor Alan M. Arakawa.

LahainaTown Action Committee invites West Side residents to come meet the LAC board members.

LAC strives to promote, encourage and preserve the historical, cultural, social and commercial vitality of Lahaina – the town and destination.

The group, which coordinates Lahaina festivals and ongoing weekend events, would like to meet the public and discuss ideas for 2013-14. Call Lynn Donovan, LAC executive director, at 667-9175.

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PEO Sisterhood to meet

WAIKAPU – Chapter H of the PEO (Philanthropic Educational Organization) Sisterhood will hold its annual Founder’s Day Luncheon on Saturday, Jan. 26, at 11 a.m. at King Kamehameha Golf Club.

For information, call Adele Rugg at 879 9964.