Haleakala entry free to mark park week
HALEAKALA - Entry fees will be waived at Haleakala National Park from Saturday through April 29 in celebration of National Park Week.
The park will also mark the week with special events and activities, including Volunteer Day on Saturday, Earth Day on Sunday and Junior Ranger Day on April 28.
Summit area activities will include guided hikes, a citizen scientist program and trivia challenges. The Kipahulu section of the park will feature Hawaiian cultural demonstrations, talk-story hours and guided hikes.
A multimedia presentation sponsored by Friends of Haleakala National Park will be offered April 26 at University of Hawaii Maui College. Titled "A Walk in the Park: A How-To Guide to Camping, Hiking and Service in Haleakala National Park," it will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Ka Lima 103.
For more information, visit www.nps.gov/hale, or call 572-4400.
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$650K awarded for safe routes projects
The state Department of Transportation has recently awarded $650,000 to two Maui Safe Routes to School projects.
The county Department of Public Works received $155,000 for a Princess Nahienaena Elementary School project to replace and construct new curb ramps and revised crosswalk striping at the intersection of Niheu and Kumukahi streets. Other improvements in the area and on other streets are scheduled.
Also, the department in partnership with the Keonekai Neighborhood Association was awarded $495,000 for a Kamalii Elementary School project. It includes midblock crossing areas, replacement and construction of a new sidewalk and curb ramps, radar speed feedback signs and other improvements.
The Safe Routes to Schools program is an effort to increase highway and pedestrian safety and to promote walking and bicycling to school.
For more information on the federal program, go online to hawaii.gov/dot/highways/srts.
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Friday kicks off event at Kalama Heights
KIHEI - The Kalama Heights retirement community's Spring Fling will be held Friday through Sunday and is open to all Kihei-area senior citizens at no charge.
Among the events will be a veterans benefits seminar focusing on a little-known Veterans Affairs Aid and Attendance program, according to an event announcement. Many veterans and surviving spouses may be unaware that they are eligible to receive these benefits, which could be as much as $2,019, the announcement said. It will be held Friday at 3 p.m., to be followed by a happy hour.
An old-fashioned sock hop with refreshments and live music is on tap Saturday at 3 p.m., and the Spring Fling will wrap up Sunday with karaoke, desserts and other refreshments at 6:30 p.m.
To sign up or for more information, call 879-1500.
Kalama Heights is an independent senior retirement community at 101 Kanani Road.
