Bringing you today’s stories on issues important to Native communities. Native NewsClips is a complimentary service of the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement.  For information and updates on our training workshops and events, please visit our Web site: www.hawaiiancouncil.org.

 

 

 

January 26, 2005

 

 

 

 

Hawaii Congressional Delegation Introduces Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act

January 25, 2005

Washington, D.C. - The Hawaii Congressional delegation introduced legislation which would clarify the legal and political relationship between Native Hawaiians and the United States. U.S. Senators Daniel K. Akaka and Daniel K. Inouye introduced the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act of 2005 in the Senate while U.S. Representatives Neil Abercrombie and Ed Case introduced the measure in the House of Representatives.

The measure aims to extend the federal policy of self-determination and self-governance to Hawaii's indigenous, native people - Native Hawaiians, thereby establishing parity in federal policies towards Native Hawaiians, Alaska Natives, and American Indians. The bill would: 1. Authorize the Office of Native Hawaiian Relations in the Department of the Interior to serve as a liaison between Native Hawaiians and the federal government. Funding for Native Hawaiian programs currently administered by the Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS), Education, or Housing and Urban Development (HUD) would continue to be administered by those agencies. 2. Establish the Native Hawaiian Interagency Coordinating Group - an interagency group to be composed of federal officials from agencies which administers Native Hawaiian programs and =rvices. 3. Establish a process for the reorganization of the Native Hawaiian governing entity. While Congress has traditionally treated Native Hawaiians in a manner parallel to American Indians and Alaska Natives, the federal policy of self-governance and self-determination has not been formally extended to Native Hawaiians. The bill establishes a process for the reorganization of the Native Hawaiian governing entity for the purposes of federal recognition. The bill itself does not extend federal recognition - it authorizes the process for federal recognition.

Senator Akaka said, "This bill is important to the people of Hawaii because it provides a structured process to address the many longstanding issues resulting from the overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawaii. The time has come for us to constructively address these matters through the negotiations process envisioned after federal recognition is granted."

The bill provides that following the recognition of the Native Hawaiian governing entity, negotiations will ensue between the Native Hawaiian governing entity and federal and state governments over matters such as the transfer of lands and natural resources; the exercise of governmental authority over any transferred lands, natural resources and other assets, including land use; the exercise of civil and criminal jurisdiction, and the delegation of governmental powers and authorities to the Native Hawaiian by the federal and state =vernments.

Senator Inouye said, "I pray that the Congress and the Administration will join us in concluding that the cause set forth in this measure is not only just but it is long overdue."

Congressman Abercrombie added: "This legislation gives the Native Hawaiian community the tools to chart its own destiny. It offers Hawaiians a seat at the table and a direct voice on issues critical to their material interests and cultural identity. The measure represents a lot of hard work and mana'o from the community, all directed toward the goal of justice for Native Hawaiians."

"With the bi-partisan and broad-based support from Hawaii's political leaders and Hawaiians and non-Hawaiians alike, it is imperative that the Bush Administration work with all of us toward enactment of this necessary legislation which is vital to the perpetuation of the Native Hawaiian people and culture and to the soul of our Hawaii itself," said Congressman Case.

The bill is expected to be referred to the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and the House Committee on Resources.

 

 

 

 

Posted on: Tuesday, January 25, 2005

Kahala leaseholders sue city

By Ken Kobayashi
Advertiser Courts Writer

A group of Kahala condominium leaseholders sued the city yesterday, alleging that tomorrow's expected repeal of the 1991 condo conversion law will violate their contractual rights to purchase full ownership of their units.

The Circuit Court suit by the leaseholders at 4999 Kahala Ave. says they have already entered into contracts with the city under the law to convert their leasehold condos to fee simple units.

The suit asks that the city be ordered to comply with the contracts. It also asks for an unspecified amount of damages.

The City Council gave strong indications earlier this month that it will repeal the law. All nine members sit on the executive matters committee that voted 6-3 on Jan. 13 in favor of repeal.

The committee also rejected a proposal by Councilman Charles Djou to amend the measure to allow people who have already applied for conversion to complete their purchases.

Djou yesterday said he will seek another amendment tomorrow to allow condo leaseholders who have gone far along in the process to still proceed with the conversion.

He said cutting off leaseholders who have substantially gone through the process would expose the city to lawsuits. "I expect a whole bunch more (of lawsuits) if we don't do something to take care of this liability," he said.

Condo leaseholders own their units, but lease the land under the buildings. The 1991 law allows them to force the landowners to sell them the land.

The city law is opposed by landowners such as Kamehameha Schools and the Queen Lili'uokalani Trust, which don't want to be forced to sell their land. But it has been supported by the leaseholders who want full ownership of their condo units.

Bill Brennan, Mayor Mufi Hannemann's press secretary, said he had not seen the suit and declined comment. Council chairman Donovan Dela Cruz also declined comment, saying he would need to first check with the Corporation Counsel's Office.

Reach Ken Kobayashi at kkobayashi@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8030.

 

 

 

 

Posted at 11:14 a.m., Monday, January 24, 2005

Lingle proposes tax breaks for low-income families

By Gordon Y.K. Pang
Advertiser Capitol Bureau

Calling it the "single most significant thing the Legislature can do if they want to help those individuals and families who are living paycheck to paycheck," Gov. Linda Lingle once again proposed raising the state's income tax standard deduction.

In her third State of the State address this morning, Lingle also resurrected her call for a food and medical tax credit to help families earning less than $40,000 a year and she called for lawmakers to eliminate the practice of reducing welfare benefits for parents who work.

"I want to use some of the revenues generated by our recent prosperity to pay for a modest yet important $63 million tax cut over the next two years for individuals and families with low to moderate incomes," the governor said.

The governor has failed to push through an increase in the standard deduction during her first two years in office. Lingle said increasing the standard deduction over the next three years to one-half of the federal standard deduction will mean 27,000 people will no longer need to file state tax returns, and 78,000 more will see their taxes reduced.

The governor delivered the speech this morning, just having returned from a snowy Washington, D.C., where she attended the second inauguration of President Bush. She returned to Hawai'i late Friday, and attributed her hoarseness to "that Washington, D.C." weather.

Lingle touched on a number of other issues, including constructing more affordable housing, expanding early childhood education and charter schools, increasing funding and autonomy for the =iversity of Hawai'i, promoting economic development and addressing long-term insurance.

Looking at the Democratic in the Legislature with whom she has fought with during her first two years, the Republican Lingle called affordable housing "the issue that brought us together." She called for tax credits of up to $4,000 for each of the first 2,500 affordable units constructed by the end of 2007, streamlining a government review process she described as "cumbersome" and doubling the amount of conveyance tax revenues that are transferred to the Rental Housing Trust Fund.

Like House and Senate leaders in their Opening Day speeches last week, Lingle struck a conciliatory tone. "The people have given us a couple years to get to know each other and now they want results," she said. "They want creative thinking and bold actions. They want what they have paid for — elected officials who put the public first."

 

 

 

 

CNHA Partners With Thrifty Car Rental

 

The Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA) has partnered with Thrifty Car Rental and will receive a commission from Thrifty for cars rented using CNHA’s reference number, and in addition, renters will receive special discounts (during peak seasons).   CNHA is proud to announce that all commissions received from Thrifty will be used to support CNHA’s Hawaiian Way Fund.

 

“This is a wonderful opportunity for the community to receive rental car discounts while helping to support community development initiatives,” said Brandi Lau, Vice President of Events and Corporate Development.  “We are excited about this partnership with Thrifty and the ability to raise money for our small nonprofits that do incredible work in our Hawaiian communities.”

 

Car reservations can be made by visiting Thrifty’s Web site at www.thrifty.com/res/main.asp?iata=00142141&pc=2141 or by calling Thrifty’s Hawaii office at 808-952-4238, Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and on the weekends from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  CNHA’s special identification number is PC2141/ IATA#00142141.

 

CNHA is a national, member-based nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting community development in Native communities.  CNHA’s Hawaiian Way Fund was established in 2004 to fundraise and direct resources to the Annual Native Hawaiian Conference and to community-based organizations that focus on cultural knowledge, values and practices in the delivery of education, affordable housing, healthcare, environment and economic development.  For more information, please call 808-521-5011 (toll free at 800-709-2642) or visit www.hawaiiancouncil.org.

 

 

 

 

Officials scrap harbor plan after opposition

 

By Gary T. Kubota
gkubota@starbulletin.com

 

January 22, 2005

WAILUKU » State harbor officials have abandoned a proposal to expand a Kahului Harbor pier in an area where canoe clubs practice and hold regattas.

The decision follows opposition to the proposal from canoe clubs, some lawmakers and a Maui citizens group that advises Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle on funding priorities.

"We are thrilled," canoe paddler Karen Chun said. "A big mahalo to everyone who had a hand in creating this wonderful outcome."

In a Jan. 13 letter to Hawaiian Canoe Club member Mahina Martin, state Deputy Harbors Director Barry Fukunaga said the plan to develop Pier 2c had been canceled.

Fukunaga said the decision to eliminate the pier expansion will be reflected in an environmental assessment that will be completed in late January or early February.

He said the pier expansion will also not be included in the master plan for Kahului Harbor.

In addition to support for continued recreational uses in the harbor, Fukunaga said that cargo and cruise ship officials said they did not believe the proposed pier expansion would "satisfy their requirements."

Fukunaga said that based on the responses of various groups, it has been determined that expansion plans for the harbor "should focus on alternative methods, improvements or locations to address the need for ­ditional pier space."

Lingle's citizens advisory committee said rather than building the pier expansion, the state should seek a secondary site within Kahului Harbor to accommodate cruise ships.

Two canoe clubs have clubhouses at the harbor, including Hawaiian Canoe Club, Maui's largest.

 

 

 

 

Governor Announces Native American Manufacturing Initiative

 

January 18, 2005 -- AUGUSTA – Governor John Baldacci and the five Native American Tribes in Maine today unveiled a new initiative that could result in long-term economic opportunities for Maine’s Native Americans and numerous small-and medium-sized manufacturers throughout the state. This initiative is made possible through the successful award of a $200,000 Cluster Enhancement Grant from the Maine Technology Institute. Key to the initiative is a partnership between the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD), the Maine Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), the Aroostook Band of Micmacs, the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians, the Penobscot Nation, the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Indian Township and the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Pleasant Point.


“The Native American Manufacturing Initiative is a unique opportunity to strengthen Maine’s manufacturing cluster and build Native American manufacturing capabilities and capacities as a sustainable economic development strategy,” Governor Baldacci said. “The manufacturing cluster strategy we plan to develop has already been successful in enhancing economic opportunities for entrepreneurial Native American tribes in several other states. This project represents a chance to take full advantage of emerging economic opportunities and enhance the overall self-sufficiency of our Native American communities.”

“Our goal,” DECD Commissioner Jack Cashman said, “is to identify and capitalize on Maine’s tribal manufacturing capacities to fulfill procurement opportunities in government and private sectors. This will further position Maine’s Native American tribes as contributing players in the growth of the state’s emerging technology clusters, while creating high skill/wage employment.”
=r> Opportunities include developing effective business partnerships and expanding and adapting the tribes’ economic infrastructure to address global challenges. One particular target will be the Department of Defense (DoD), which annually solicits about $50 billion in federal research and development and manufacturing contract opportunities. The DoD has established a policy to purchase products and services from small, disadvantaged and women-owned businesses, with specific set-asides for Native American corporations.

“This is one of the most exciting and potentially far-reaching programs the Maine MEP has ever been involved in,” said Rod Rodrigue, Director of the Maine MEP. “There are tremendous business opportunities for both Maine’s Native Americans and numerous small and medium sized manufacturers throughout the state. We are pleased to be involved in this effort and I believe this has the potential to give a shot in the arm to Maine’s declining manufacturing sector.”

“The realization of a sustainable economic development strategy for Maine’s Native American communities has always been a priority and a critical element of my administration’s overall economic development strategy,” Governor Baldacci said. “I am delighted to announce this initiative.”

 

 

 

 

Indian caucus will have special role in session

By JARED MILLER
Tribune Capitol Bureau

 

Great Falls Tribune

 

January 24, 2005

HELENA — Montana voters sent more Native Americans to Helena this =gislative session than ever before.

In all, there are eight Indian legislators — two in the Senate and six in the House, all of them Democrats. They comprise the "Indian caucus," which huddles weekly to discuss bills that affect Montana tribal members.

"The main thing is to support each other, see if there are bills out there that have an impact on the Indian community and find ways to reach the Indian community," said Rep. Joey Jayne, a third-term representative from Arlee on the Flathead Reservation in western Montana.

The caucus will have a special role this session as lawmakers confront the looming issue of mandatory funding for "Indian Education for All." The 59th Legislature has the task of following a Supreme Court ruling to recognize and preserve American Indian culture and heritage in all state classrooms.

Gov. Brian Schweitzer has proposed spending $1 million to implement the requirement. Indian lawmakers, meanwhile, are asking for $23 million over the next two years.

"This will be one of the key pieces of legislation for the Indian caucus," said Rep. Carol Juneau, who represents most of the Blackfeet Reservation.

Members of the caucus know they have their work cut out for them. They also have reason to be hopeful.

"I think for the first time in my legislative life, the governor is listening to us," Jayne said.

Miller can be reached at (406) 443-8237 or capbureau@mt.net.

 

 

 

 

From the January 21, 2005 print edition

 

Hawaii's hotbed of creative expression keeps lawyers busy

 

Terrence Sing

Pacific Business News

When the Hawaiian music category debuts at the 47th Annual Grammy Awards next month, Honolulu intellectual property attorney Bill Meyer will be in the audience.

Meyer has helped artists Kelii Reichel, Willie K. and Amy Hanaialii Gilliom -- who are up for Grammys this year -- copyright their music and negotiate licenses for TV shows shot in Hawaii, including "North Shore" and the police drama "Hawaii."

Meyer is one of about a dozen lawyers in Hawaii who specialize in intellectual property law, which covers trademarks, copyrights and patents.

Music, software, scripts and various creative inventions all fall under the broad definition of intellectual property and Hawaii has in recent years become a hotbed of creative expression, as well as a place where researchers are breaking new ground. It's a small, but growing field.

"Across the board, it's a small group of people working in intellectual property law," Meyer said. About half specialize in patent law.

"I've been working on trying to get a Hawaiian music category in the Grammys since the mid-1990s and that finally became a reality this year," Meyer said. "This is the first year Hawaiian music will be in the Grammys."

Before getting lawyers involved, Meyer encourages songwriters to take the relatively easy first step of copyrighting their songs.

"It's just $30 to register the songs," he said.

Registration includes filling out a two-sided form and submitting it the U.S. Copyright Office in Washington, D.C., with a recording of the musical composition.

"Once you've fixed it by writing it down and recording it, you get protection," Meyer said. "But it's still a good idea to register the copyright. If you do, you get enhanced protection."

Two of Honolulu patent attorney Martin Hsia's clients also have received patents within the past year.

Honolulu-based defense contractor STI received a patent on its medical hyperspectral diagnostic imaging technology used for cancer detection.

"The patent covers an invention for a device and a process for real-time screening of tissue that can be identified as suspicious for cancer," said STI Senior Vice President Will Alameida. "If the screening detects a suspicious area, the invention allows for acquiring auto-fluorescent images that will allow us to differentiate cancerous tissue."

Alameida said STI is pursuing many more patents on its technologies.

Hsia also assisted Maui kite-surfing company Naish International, a division of Nalu Kai Inc., to secure a patent on the company's quick-release loop system.

The safety device is part of the control bar used to maneuver the kite. Naish International has been selling the device for the past two years, but only recently obtained a patent.

"The quick release helps you release yourself from the board in an emergency," said Andy Church, general manager of Naish International.

Now that Naish International has secured a patent on its quick release system, it will begin collecting royalties from two other major brands in the market that have copied the company's system

Reach Terrence Sing at 955-8001 or tsing@bizjournals.com.

 

 

 

 

Ancestral lands returned to original owners

 

Marianas Variety

Posted on Tuesday, January 25, 2005

By Mar-Vic Cagurangan, Variety News Staff

 

HAGÅTÑA — The waiting was over for several ancestral landowners, who officially got their property back yesterday. Gov. Felix P. Camacho signed 16 deeds for 15 lots in Asan, Barrigada, Dededo and Piti. “This day is a long awaited one for the families gathered here and I take great pleasure in being part of this ceremony to present these families with the deeds to the land they and their parents and grandparents have so patiently waited to have returned,” Camacho said.


Properties that were returned were those under the names of Jamie SN Limtiaco, Rufina Duenas Sauget, Rosa Flores Muna, Maria Palacios Bitanga, Jesus Crisostomo, Tomas Santos Mesa, Tomasa San Nicola Tenorio, Jose Torres Martinez, Vicente Mendiola and Vicente Guerrero Benavente, Ana Hernadnez Acosta, Joaquin Fraga Hernandez, Jose Fraga Hernandez, Trinidad Cruz Guzman, Jose Cruz Guerrero and Josefa Salas Guerrero.

The governor’s chamber, where the deed signing ceremony was held, was packed with members of the land-owning families.


“This ancestral lands deed signing ceremony is a special occasion for the people of Guam. The signing of these 16 deeds and the historic land return of 15 lots is a significant achievement in this continuing process,” Camacho said.


“Land has always been a symbol of life and vitality in the history of the Chamorro people, a mark of strength and endurance that we are proud of,” the governor added.
Speaker Mark Forbes, author of three laws that authorized the return of the ancestral lands to their original owners, said the “desire to see the lands returned to their owners” motivated him to write the pertinent legislation.


“I want to make sure that every single family that can get their land, gets their lands back,” said Forbes, who himself belonged to a family that owned parcels of ancestral lands that were never returned to them.


“I know what it feels like to have property where you grew up and farmed for generations, sitting vacant and unused by the people who are literally part of that soil,” Forbes said during brief remarks addressing the landowners.

 

 

 

 

Nanakuli Housing Corporation/Baseyard Hawaii Tent Sale at the BIA Home Building & Remodeling Show 2005

 

Honolulu, HI - Nanakuli Housing Corporation/BaseYard Hawaii is holding their 3rd Annual Tent Sale at the BIA Home Building & Remodeling Show 2005 at the Neal Blaisdell Exhibition Hall, February 3 – 6.

 

Find great bargains on new and scratch-and-dent items at the BIA & BaseYard Hawaii Tent Sale.   Donated surplus building materials will be selling at 50 – 75% off the regular retail rates. Items include appliances, windows, doors, light fixtures, plumbing fixtures, general construction materials, and much more.

All proceeds will benefit BaseYard Hawaii, which provides low to moderate-income families a means to repair or build their own homes. BaseYard Hawaii also provides free construction materials to non-profit organizations.

 

BaseYard Hawaii is a program of the Nanakuli Housing Corporation, a community service, Native Hawaiian non-profit organization.

 

BIA Home Building & Remodeling Show 2005 Showtimes:

Thursday, February 3, 2005     5:00pm – 9:00pm

Friday, February 4, 2005          5:00pm – 9:00pm

Saturday, February 5, 2005      10:00am – 9:00pm

Sunday, February 6, 2005        10:00am – 4:00pm

 

For more information, please contact Nanakuli Housing Corporation/BaseYard Hawaii at 808.842.0770.

 

 

 

 

Arizona tribes oppose English as official language

 

Posted:  January 21, 2005

By:  Brenda Norrell/Indian Country Today

 

 

PHOENIX - Arizona Indian tribal leaders opposed new legislation that would make English the official state language, as they struggled for solutions to meet the needs of economic development and housing, during the 10th annual Indian Nations and Tribes Legislative Day.
=r> Arizona Indian women leaders received standing ovations at the Arizona State Capitol when they objected to the proposal to make English the state language.

''In plain English, sir, we don't like it, and we don't want it,'' said San Carlos Apache Chairwoman Kathy Kitcheyan. ''As the first Americans, we never asked anyone to speak a specific language.''

Tohono O'odham Chairperson Vivian Juan-Saunders said the proposal was reminiscent of BIA boarding schools, where Indian children were verbally and physically abused for speaking their Native languages.

Juan-Saunders, also president of the Inter-Tribal Council of Arizona, said Navajos and other American Indian soldiers used their Native languages as unbreakable codes to pass messages, which helped win World War II.

House Concurrent Resolution 2030, being considered during this year's legislative session, would allow Arizona voters to declare English the official state language.

Speaking before a luncheon crowd of 500 representatives on the lawn in front of Senate Building, Navajo President Joe Shirley Jr. said Indian tribes are beginning to feel like endangered species.

''We've been a true sovereign, but we're doing everything we can to save ourselves and our culture,'' President Shirley said, criticizing the English measure. ''One hundred years from now, 500 years from now, we will continue to be Navajo people telling our stories in the Navajo language.''

However, Rep. Russell Pearce, R-Mesa, sponsor of the legislation, criticized tribal leaders for their comments. In the audience, Pearce accused tribal leaders of not reading the proposed law. He said there is nothing in the proposal that affects how tribes conduct their own business.

During his address, Pres. Shirley praised Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano, pointing out that she has fulfilled her pledge to meet with tribal leaders four times a year.

''We appreciate all the help that's been given,'' he said. ''You've been helping out the Navajo Nation all these years, as well as reaching out to other tribes.

During the presentations, Indian leaders expressed concerns over water, education, transportation and health care.

Hopi Chairman Wayne Taylor Jr. said his tribe is faced with the loss of water because of coal slurry. Peabody Coal on Black Mesa pumps water from the Navajo Aquifer to Mohave Generating Station in Laughlin, Nev. Navajo and Hopi tribes say the operation is depleting the aquifer and they will not allow it to continue after 2005.

''Some of our wells and springs are drying up already.''

While many Arizona Indian tribes have prospered from gaming, and shared generously with charities while developing roads, clinics, homes and businesses, the Hopi people have not voted in favor of gaming.

Taylor said the tribe has worked hard to find economic solutions, without relying on the depletion of natural resources.

''During the past seven years, the Hopi Tribe has worked diligently to =versify the tribe's economic portfolio in its goal to build alternative revenue streams by investing in new lands, by purchasing commercial property in Flagstaff and Oak Creek Village near Sedona, Ariz. and by acquiring a truck stop in Holbrook.''

However, he said, half of the adults remain unemployed on the Hopi Nation in north-central Arizona. The average household income is less than $16,000 a year. Forty percent of the houses lack adequate plumbing and kitchen facilities.

''But gaming is not the Hopi Way. The Hopi in two referendums rejected casinos. The people have spoken,'' Taylor said.

Former Sen. Jack Jackson Sr., honored as the father of the Indian Nations and Tribes Legislative Day, said he organized the event to try to deal with problems Indian tribes have, some dating back to drawing the state's borders without input or consideration of tribal lands.

Jackson pointed out that the Tohono O'odham Nation is divided by the international border of Arizona and Mexico, while the Navajo Nation is =ssected by the state borders of Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Colorado.

 

 

 

 

Groups work hard so Waimanalo kids can play

 

The Home Depot and KaBOOM! help out Weinberg Village


By Pat Gee
pgee@starbulletin.com

 

January 21, 2005

WAIMANALO, HI - One little playhouse and a rusty basketball hoop in the parking lot. For 72 children. That's all there was for recreation at Weinberg Village Waimanalo, where the closest park is a 15-minute drive away.

But that was yesterday. Today, thanks to the Home Depot and a charitable organization called KaBOOM!, there's a custom-designed playground at the transitional housing program for homeless families.

In a single day, about 80 volunteers from the Home Depot and dozens of residents assembled and installed swings, slides and other playground equipment. Now there's a basketball half-court, picnic tables and planter benches.

Resident Veronica Williams said her 6- and 4-year-old children "can't wait to get on it. Normally, I take them to Kailua District Park after school," about 15 minutes away by car, because "there wasn't really much to do here."

Now they can play with other kids in their own neighborhood and remain under the watchful eye of neighbors who know them.

And because the playground was a community effort -- "it was us sweating and putting in the hard work" -- the residents will take care of it and keep anyone from marking it with graffiti, Williams said.

Williams, a Polynesian dancer, said she taught children at Waimanalo village for three weeks so they could perform a thank-you program for the workers who helped with the playground.

Joscelyn Givens has five children who will enjoy the new equipment. Her son and daughter, Kaumoana and Kuuipo Makakau, were among those who decorated the steppingstones with their initials and brightly colored pebbles and shells.

All the children were asked to make drawings of their "dream playground" when the project was designed in October, said Brian Zinn, project manager for the Home Depot. Many of their ideas were incorporated into the design to give them a feeling of pride and ownership, he said.

This is the first playground project for the Home Depot and KaBOOM! in Hawaii. Both have partnered to construct nearly 700 playgrounds across the nation.

Kari Wallace, the Home Depot's district manager, said the company contributed more than $40,000 of equipment and supplies, from swings to paintbrushes.

And employees were eager to lend a hand, including Sandy Tiell and Marge Lepolo of the Pearl City store.

Tiell, who helped put picnic tables together and painted, said she volunteered "to keep kids busy and not on drugs -- out of trouble."

Lepolo said: "I know a lot of children need help so they stay off the streets. This gives them something worthwhile to do. I love to do this."

Holly Hollowach, director of Weinberg Village, got the project under way when she wrote KaBOOM! for a brochure in October 2003. Weinberg Village put up only $10,000 to pay for the project, she said, adding, "This is a blessing to me."

 

 

 

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