Publisher’s Note: Many readers have responded positively to the recent enhancements made to the Oahu Island News. We thank you. “By The Way” now focuses on the good works of people, groups, charities and businesses that are helping to make Oahu a better place for us all, as well as on significant, positive achievements by our citizens, both young and old. Before going to press, we learned the Oahu Island News has been named one of the state’s top non-daily newspapers in the Hawaiian Publishers Association’s annual Pai awards competition.

UPDATE:  The Oahu Island News received a Third Place Award for Excellence for a Non-Daily Newspaper, bested only by the Pacific Business News and the Lahaina News.  No other Oahu-based, non-daily newspaper was honored for excellence.

FOODDRIVE

Hawaii Pacific Federal Credit Union’s food drive ended March 11 with the collection of 921 canned goods, five 20-pound bags of rice, two cases of saimin and $275.96 in monetary donations for the Hawaii Food-bank in support of its 16th Annual Statewide Drive. “We all wish that we could be of more assistance to our neighbors in need,” said Mark Yamane, president of Hawaii Pacific Federal Credit Union. “Enabling someone to put dinner on the table for their children is very rewarding—and so easy to do. All it takes is giving just a few things from your own cupboard, and you can make a big difference in the lives of others,” he added. “We’re very glad to conduct the drive and do our part, and we thank everyone who contributed to the bins in our branches.”

This is the fourth year that Hawaii Pacific Federal has coordinated a drive for the Hawaii Foodbank.

Iris Tamura, senior loan officer at Hawaii Pacific Federal Credit Union, counted 921 canned goods, five 20-pound bags of rice, two cases of saimin and $275.96 collected for the Hawaii Foodbank’s 16th Annual Statewide Drive.

GIFTS&GRANTS

The Outdoor Circle has received a bequest of more than $420,000 from the Trust of Helena S. Buffett. The funds will be used to support The Outdoor Circle’s efforts in preserving, protecting and enhancing Hawaii’s environment for future generations.

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The Queen’s Medical Center and the John A. Burns School of Medicine have been awarded a $6 million partnership program grant from the National Institutes of Health to conduct studies aimed at improving heart health of native Hawaiians and other Pacific peoples.

Waikiki Health Center has received a grant of $5,000 from First Hawaiian Foundation,
the charitable arm of First Hawaiian Bank. Funds will be used to help the center’s clinic and outreach programs for disadvantaged and vulnerable residents on Oahu. The Foundation gave another $10,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Honolulu.

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The Mary D. and Walter F. Frear Eleemosynary Trust presented the American Cancer Society with a grant for $6,000 in support of Families Can*Sur*Vive – the family conference for children with cancer, their parents, and siblings that brings education, guidance and support to every family member of a young cancer patient.

The Schuler Family Foundation has given $5,000 to the American Cancer Society in support of childhood cancer programs.

AWARDS&ACCOLADES

Rose Domondon is this year’s recipient of Catholic Charities Hawai‘i’s ‘Ulu Award. Pictured from left: Very Reverend Thomas L. Gross, diocesan administrator for the Diocese of Honolulu; Rose Domondon; Roger Wall, chairman of the board of directors of Catholic Charities Hawai‘i; and Jerry Rauckhorst, chief executive officer of Catholic Charities Hawai‘i.

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The Saint Francis School Varsity Softball team has made school history by winning the Data House 2005 State Softball Title. It was Saint Francis School first ever state team title. This team faced many obstacles in their first year of participation without the assistance of other schools to fill a team. The future of the team looks bright. All of the girls are returning next year.

Shown here are (front row, l. to r.) Anita Manuma, Sasha Koki, Sydney Kaneshiro, Ashley Smith, Alisha Sakamoto, and Kalyn Lee;(2nd row, l. to r.) Tawni Glushenko, Mary Hanlon, Jovan Hire, Shannon Lum (manager) Brittney Akana, Chelsea Nascimento, and Jandee Taira. Not shown are coaches Mark Glushenko, Ivan Sakamoto, Derek Koki, Paul Smith, Jen Trela, and Todd Yamamura.