Website recognized for its transparency
Maui County's website is one of the most transparent government websites in the nation, according to Sunshine Review, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to government transparency.
Maui County is one of the winners of the organization's fourth annual Sunny Awards, Maui County Council Chairwoman Gladys Baisa announced last week.
For the 2013 awards, editors at Sunshine Review analyzed the top-ranked 1,000 of the more than 7,000, government websites and graded each on a 10-point transparency checklist. Editors looked at content actually available on government websites against what ideally should be provided.
The editors sought information on items including budgets, meetings, lobbying, financial audits, contracts, academic performance, public records and taxes. The winners of the Sunny Award all received an "A" grade during the extensive grading process.
*****
Kihei association to host public meeting
Kihei Community Association will hold a public meeting at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Kihei Charter School, 41 East Lipoa St.
The agenda includes an overview of the state Land Use Commission and its functions as well as an update to the Pump Don't Dump program and learning about our "Sense of Place."
Doors open at 6 p.m. for pupu and talk story. Nonperishable food donations will be accepted for the Maui Food Bank.
For more information, call (508) 499-9996 or visit www.gokihei.org.
*****
UH-MC nets grant for dental services
The HMSA Foundation has awarded a $100,000 grant to support the University of Hawaii Maui College's "Improving Oral Health for Native Hawaiian Prenatal Mothers and Children" demonstration project.
The program will provide educational sessions and oral health screenings for 3rd- and 7th-grade students. It will also provide the service at Maui schools, churches and health fairs for women who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. The outreach will allow UH-Maui College students to gain hands-on service-learning experiences.
Women and children will also receive oral health and blood pressure screenings and recommended preventative dental care an referral for further treatment when necessary.
The program is a collaboration between the college, Hui No Ke Ola Pono and Maui schools.
*****
Bank award offers funds for nonprofits
Grants for nonprofit organizations are being offered through the Bank of Hawaii Mike Lyons Maui Community Awards.
Nominations/applications currently are being accepted from members of the public or from 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations. The application deadline is April 17.
The award provides one or more grants totaling up to $25,000.
The award was established in honor of the late, retired bank Senior Vice President and Maui District Manager Michael H. Lyons II, who was a dedicated community leader in his 41-year career with the bank.
Award selection will be based on exemplary fulfillment of the organization's mission, the leadership demonstrated by the organization's executive director and board and the organization's engagement in one of the following focus areas: community development, education, human services and arts, and culture.
Nomination forms are available at all Bank of Hawaii branches in Maui County or by calling: (808) 856-2302. Nomination materials should be submitted to: Maui Regional Office, Bank of Hawaii, 2105 Main St., Wailuku 96793.
