Hui o Wa‘a Kaulua announced that Mo‘okiha o Pi‘ilani, Maui’s own voyaging canoe, is scheduled to launch on Friday, July 11. Here, the canoe’s crew prepares for launch at the Mala Wharf Ramp in Lahaina. Follow the canoe’s progress at www.huiowaa.org. PHOTO BY KATHERINE KAMA?EMA?E SMITH.

Church to host music benefit

LAHAINA – On Sunday, May 18, Lahaina United Methodist Church will host an evening of music to benefit the American Heart Association and recognize May as Stroke Awareness Month.

Music will begin at 7 p.m. with harpist Kristine Snyder, Celtic artist Hamish Burgess and folk singer-songwriter Pastor Paul Tangonan, who personally experienced a Transient Ischemic Attack in the Pons region of the brain in July 2013.

During his song segment, Pastor Tangonan will talk about the steps in his recovery process. Kauwela Bisquera of AHA will also share information on heart and stroke awareness.

All are welcome. Donations to the American Heart Association will be appreciated. The church is located at 988 Front St.; call Tangonan at 661-0420 for information.

Catherine Whattam (left), a 2010 graduate of Lahainaluna High School who is now studying film production at San Diego State University, was recently nominated for an award by The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences’ Pacific Southwest Chapter. She was nominated for a college-level Emmy Award for the short film “Xtreme Justice.” Learn more about the film that Whattam directed at https://www.facebook.com/xtremejusticemovie.

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Kamp Kumulani set

NAPILI- Kamp Kumulani 2014 is set for June 2-6 from 9 a.m. to noon at Napilihau Recreation Center.

The free program is for keiki who have completed Kindergarten through fifth grade.

This year’s theme is “Agency D3” (Discover-Decide-Defend). “While at Agency D3, kids can put their investigative skills to work as they collect and log evidence about the life of Jesus. As special agents, they will examine eyewitness reports, physical proof and biblical accounts to uncover and defend the truth about who Jesus really is,” Kumulani Chapel noted.

Pacific’O at 505 Front Street will have live music on the last three weekends of May. Summer Macedo and Shawn McLaughlin will play music on May 16, 23 and 30 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Pre-registration isn’t necessary – just show up! For information, call 669-6905.

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Man found floating near Black Rock

KAANAPALI – Maui Police Department reported that on Sunday, May 11, at about 12:26 p.m., Ronald Saubers, 55, from Wichita, Kansas, was found floating face down in the water off of “Black Rock” in Kaanapali.

First-responders attempted lifesaving measures on Saubers, but he expired at the scene. The cause of death has not been determined pending autopsy results.

The Wharf Cinema Center was full of the sweet smell of plumerias and tropical Hawaiian music by Ron Hetteen & Friends on May Day. Many travelers to Lahaina waited in line to enjoy the lei demonstrations and receive one of the beautiful creations to wear for the day. The lovely ladies from the Lahaina-Honolua Senior Citizens Club shared their love of the craft for all to enjoy.

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Event promotes Maui agriculture

WAILUKU – GO Maui and the Maui County Farm Bureau will hold a family-friendly event promoting Maui agriculture on Sunday, May 18, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Baldwin High School gym.

KOKUA AG “Growing Our Future Together” will feature local food, entertainment, games and educational displays about Maui’s farmers and ranchers.

Organized by community volunteers as a benefit for the Maui County Farm Bureau, KOKUA AG dovetails the farm bureau’s mission to educate and connect Maui’s ag community with the general public.

A busload of energetic students and tutors from the Lahaina Complex Tutor Project took action for Earth Day by picking up trash at D.T. Fleming Beach Park. Along with thousands of people around the world, the students worked hard to clean up the beach, all on behalf of the environment. Sponsored by The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua and organized by hotel Educational Director Robert Hudgins, the students learned about the importance of protecting our ’aina. The highlight of the day was working in teams to create imaginative designs using the trash they collected. Students from Lahainaluna High School served as mentors to the Lahaina Intermediate students in the tutoring programs.

“Maui’s agricultural roots are so deeply entwined with our community, from our family connections to agriculture, to our daily connections to the foods we eat and enjoy every single day,” said Alice Lee, event chair and president of GO Maui.

“KOKUA AG is a great way for the community to come together and celebrate all that Maui ag is today and all that it will be in the future.”

Event highlights will include taiko drummers, line dancers, games, prize drawings, a fun kendama dance contest, and great local foods by well-known families, including Lilia Ross’ pork adobo, Buddy Nobriga’s stew and rice, and Tommy Lau Hee’s chicken hekka. Mary and Manuel Tunta will serve as emcees.

Admission tickets are $5 suggested donation each; children up to 12 years old are free. To obtain tickets, contact Lee at 244-2119. For more information, visit www.KokuaAg.com.

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Celebrate National Safe Boating Week

KAHULUI – The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Team will launch National Safe Boating Week with an informative and fun event at the Kahului Boat Ramp on Saturday, May 17, from 8 a.m. to noon. There will be free safe boating information and services available, as well as free stuff for the keiki.

Trailer your boat down for a free Recreational Vessel Safety Exam by the Coast Guard Auxiliary and get your 2014 sticker. “Register” your kayak and standup paddle boards with a free orange sticker (with your name and phone numbers) to put on your water toys, which can help you recover your property if it is lost. The information can also help determine whether a Search and Rescue mission is needed or not!

U.S. Coast Guard Station Maui is expected be there with its 25-foot response boat.

The Coast Guard Marine Safety Team will have special equipment to test EPIRBs (yellow safety beacons) for free. Bring your EPIRB and your manual. Boaters can also get help to register their EPIRBs.

Keiki will enjoy the Coast Guard Auxiliary’s “Coastie The Safety Boat” Youth Education, Boating and Water Safety Program.

For more information, e-mail Phylecia Platte at phyleciaplatte@gmail.com. For information on boating classes, including the new State of Hawaii-mandated licensing course, visit www.mauiboatclass.com.

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Music community mourns Chino Montero’s passing

NAPILI – George Kahumoku Jr.’s Slack Key Show-Masters of Hawaiian Music is deeply saddened to report that one of Hawaii’s most talented guitarists and falsetto vocalists, Chino Montero, suddenly passed away May 2.

Just beginning to emerge as a solo artist with the release of his acclaimed “Made in Hawaii,” Montero recently completed a Mainland Christmas tour with Herb Ohta Jr., Keoki Kahumoku and John Keawe.

Montero was added to the Slack Key Show roster last October when he came to Maui with Dennis Kamakahi to perform at the anniversary show.

One of Hawaii’s most versatile guitarists, he performed and recorded with many of Hawaii’s top artists and was the founder of the group Palolo.

He played and recorded in Hawaii, the Mainland, and throughout Japan and the world as a band member with such artists as Amy Hanaiali’i (11 years) and Willie K. His music was featured on Hanaiali’i’s five Grammy-nominated albums, all of which received Na Hoku Hanohano Awards.

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Pop Warner Football registration slated

LAHAINA – Lahaina Chiefs Football and Cheerleader registration for keiki ages 5-15 will be held on Sunday, May 18, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the football field by the Boys and Girls Club of West Maui.

The divisions are: Tiny Mites, ages 5-7, weighing 35-75 pounds; Junior Peewees, ages 8-11, 60-105 pounds; PeeWees, ages 9-12, 75-120 pounds; and Midgets, ages 12-15, 105-170 pounds.

The registration fee is $85; scholarships are available. Bring copies of the child’s last fourth quarter report card, birth certificate and medical card.

Keiki must have a physical done or appointment slated to be able to play. For information, call Kalama at (808) 866-7012.

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Advisors offer information on attending college

KAHULUI – Mark your calendar and celebrate the University of Hawaii Community College’s 50th anniversary year with “50 Acts of Kindness.” As a service to Maui County residents, the Educational Opportunity Center (EOC) at the University of Hawaii Maui College is offering free “Ask an Advisor” college advising from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesdays throughout the summer.

It’s quick and easy. Stop by EOC’s office in UHMC’s Ho’okipa Building or call 984-3286.

The Educational Opportunity Center is a federally-funded college access program that provides college admissions and financial aid advising to Maui County residents interested in college but unsure of where to begin.

Need more help with your college dreams? Become an EOC participant today and get in-depth, personal assistance with admissions, financial aid and more.

For more information, call 984-3286 or visit maui.hawaii.edu/services/eoc or www.facebook.com/MauiEducationalOpportunityCenter.

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Soroptimists to host monthly dinner meeting

KAANAPALI – Soroptimist International of West Maui will host its monthly dinner meeting on Wednesday, May 21, at 5:30 p.m. at Paradise Grill in Kaanapali.

For reservations, contact Ruth McKay at (808) 283-5193.

Soroptimist International offers programs that improve the lives of women and girls through social and economic empowerment.

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DMVL closing satellite offices for staff training

WAILUKU – The county Division of Motor Vehicles & Licensing last week announced that it will be closing its satellite offices for a day to conduct staff training.

On Friday, May 16, the Hana, Kihei, Lahaina, Lanai City, Molokai and Pukalani satellite offices will be closed.

The Kahului Service Center located at Maui Mall will remain open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 16.

All DMVL offices will resume their regular customer service hours on Monday, May 19. Customers with questions may call 270-7363.