(Media release) — Puna's kupuna will have a new gathering place starting June 18, when Mayor Billy Kenoi, Puna Councilman Fred Blas and other dignitaries welcome them into the P?hoa Senior Center.
The public is invited to Monday's 10 a.m. dedication ceremony that will feature a formal blessing by
Father Joey Ranjo of Sacred Heart Church, live entertainment and food donated by area businesses.
Volunteer apprentices from the Hawai'i Carpenters Union teamed with Department of Parks and Recreation carpenters, plumbers and electricians to convert the former P?hoa Fire Station into a convenient location in the center of P?hoa.
Seniors, who have been using the adjacent P?hoa Community Center, now can go to the new facility to enroll in weekday classes ranging from foreign language to dancing, sign up for the nutrition program and obtain picture identifications. Booths showcasing Senior ID, Senior Employment, RSVP and various other services will be assembled for public benefit during Monday's dedication ceremony.
"It's an honor and privilege to present this new facility to our cherished kupuna," Mayor Kenoi said.
"Mahalo to the Hawai'i Carpenters Union apprentices and Department of Parks and Recreation maintenance staff for working together to complete this project, along with the many P?hoa businesses, groups and volunteers who have made generous donations for the dedication ceremony."
The No. 1 Chinese BBQ, L&L Drive-Inn, Luquins Mexican Restaurant, Bryson's Cinders, Paul's Repair Service and Gas Station, P?hoa Cash & Carry Store, Sanford's Service Center Inc., Madie Greene, and Councilman Blas all donated food for the event. Also, Dan Nicks AKA "Elvis Presley," the Puna Men's Chorus, Ernie Cruz, the Alu Like Senior Group, and the P?hoa Senior Center ukulele class instructed by Nohealani Sarong will entertain the attendees. Stanley Oishi from Big Rock Anthurium is providing flowers, while na kane volunteers are helping with the event.
For more information, please contact Jason Armstrong, Public Information Officer, at 345-9105, or jarmstrong@co.hi.hawaii.us.
(Submitted by Jason Armstrong.)
