Latest news with #DepartmentofParksandRecreation
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Kokua Line: What will city do about mongooses and feral cats at Magic Island?
Question : Lately on my weekly walks at Magic Island, I've noticed many mongooses feeding on cat food left by well-meaning people. The rock jetty along the perimeter of Magic Island houses both mongooses and cats. How will C &C monitor or control this population, which seems to be increasing ? Answer : 'Our park staff are increasing their awareness of these feeding trays and will be removing them appropriately. Ala Moana Regional Park is not an appropriate place to feed animals. Particularly feral cats which have a known parasite in their fecal matter (that causes ) toxoplasmosis, which is detrimental to native marine life and some people, ' Nathan Serota, a spokesperson for Honolulu's Department of Parks and Recreation, said Wednesday in an email. Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by the single-celled parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which many species, including cats, mongooses, pigs and chickens can carry—complaints about these animals proliferating in Oahu neighborhoods frequently cite health concerns. Cats are considered the definitive hosts because the parasite reproduces in their digestive tracts and spreads through their feces, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains at. Not all cats are infected. In Hawaii, spinner dolphins, monk seals and nene (Hawaiian geese ) have died of toxoplasmosis, presumably having ingested the parasite through contaminated water or prey, according to news reports. T. gondii oocysts shed in the feces of infected cats are not immediately infectious, but once they become so, they are hardy and can wash out to sea in storm runoff and infect marine life. This is one reason marine conservationists oppose the feeding of feral cats near shorelines. Humans also can carry the parasite ; more than 40 million people in the U.S. are infected, although those with healthy immune systems generally show no symptoms and don't spread the disease from person to person, according to the CDC. Pregnant women, their infants and immunocompromised people are more susceptible to severe disease, which might cause blindness or brain damage. Read more about preventing infection on the CDC website, at, which says not to undercook meat or eat raw shellfish ; to wash or cook fresh produce ; to wear gloves when touching soil or sand that may be contaminated with cat feces ; to wash hands with soap and water after touching anything that may be contaminated ; and, if you have a cat, to clean its litter box daily. 'Eliminate cat feces on a daily basis ; T. gondii oocysts require one to five days after being passed in the feces to become infectious, ' says the Companion Animal Parasite Council, a nonprofit organization the CDC refers cat owners to for more information about toxoplasmosis. Q : For the past few days I have heard heavy helicopters. They almost sound like military, although not quite that loud. Definitely not tourist, I don't think. I can't see them from my window. I live near Kamiloiki Elementary School. Do you know what this is ? A : Yes. Hawaiian Electric is using a helicopter to replace utility poles and upgrade related equipment in East Oahu, flying above Kamehame Ridge and Kalama Valley, according to the company's social media feeds. Flight paths avoid populated areas while carrying loads, but the noise can reverberate through nearby neighborhoods. The work is expected to continue through today. Mahalo In April, I passed out in the parking lot fronting Kahala Longs. A man and a woman came to my aid instantly. They both stayed with me until my husband arrived to assist me. God was watching over me and sent these wonderful strangers to my side. I'd like to send a great mahalo to them for caring for me and treating me like their ohana.—Aloha, S.T.------------Write to Kokua Line at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite 2-200, Honolulu, HI 96813 ; call 808-529-4773 ; or email.------------
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
New details emerging about Pittsburgh's Juneteenth celebration
11 Investigates has learned that the City of Pittsburgh is scaling back its Juneteenth celebration. It was just last year that the city pulled funding from a long-time promoter's popular festival and hired a marketing firm with ties to Mayor Ed Gainey to produce the first city-run event. The city still plans to hold a celebration this year, but the Department of Parks and Recreation is putting it together. And the one-day celebration will be the week before B. Marshall's popular Juneteenth Festival, which he's held for more than a decade. Marshall's celebration is the largest in the region. 11 Investigates has learned the city plans to hold a Juneteenth CommUnity Concert event at Allegheny Commons East Park on the North Side on June 14th from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The event will feature musical performances, activities for children, vendors and a cookout. The city, this year, is declining to hire an event coordinator like they did for the first time last year. Instead, the city will rely on the Department of Parks and Recreation to organize the event. In a controversial move last year, Mayor Ed Gainey pulled city funds from long-time promoter B. Marshall. Mayor Gainey defended his decision at the time. 'We felt that at the end of the day we need to be more transparent,' said Mayor Gainey. Marshall fired back and said he felt betrayed by the city's first African American mayor. 'It's like a betrayal. It's like your brother doing something to sabotage you,' Marshall said. Instead, the city put it out for bid and awarded the $125,000 contract to Bounce Marketing, which had done work for the mayor before. At a news conference last year, the mayor introduced the owner of Bounce Marketing. She outlined her plans for the festival. 'We plan to bring the best in talent, art, fashion, food, music and dance right to the heart of downtown Pittsburgh,' Fantasy Zellars said. After public outcry, Pittsburgh city council reinstated Marshall's $125,000 in funding because it had already been promised to him. Marshall's three-day festival at Point State Park, Gateway Center and Market Square last year drew more than 70,000 visitors. Two weeks later, the city held its first-ever celebration known as FusionFest on Smithfield Street Downtown at the Greenwood Plan building. While the city is doing its own scaled-back celebration this year, Marshall is also gearing up for his festival from June 19th to the 22nd. 'This will be our 12th year of doing this event. This year will be inside of Mellon Spray Park,' Marshall said. Because of renovations at Point State Park, Marshall will be holding his festival at Mellon Park in East Liberty. And while the city isn't contributing any money this year, Marshall is getting support from other big names. 'We got the (Pittsburgh) Penguins that are going to be a part of our parade. We're so happy about that. We got Dollar Bank here. Dollar Bank helps us generate over $6 million in economic impact with our Juneteenth celebration,' Marshall said during a recent news conference at Mellon Park promoting his celebration. The Pittsburgh Penguins have partnered with B. Marshall for the past four years. Marshall told 11 Investigates he's still waiting for a final permit from the city. He's confident it will happen soon, and he says he's looking forward to the celebration. Marshall has a number of food and gift vendors, events and activities for youths and musical entertainers planned for the festival. The renowned funk and R and B band, Morris Day and The Time, will be the featured entertainer. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Kokua Line: Will city clear Summer Fun waitlists?
Question : I noticed the enrollment capacity for Honolulu Summer Fun is down this year, with the Makiki District Park only initially having 65 total spaces. Last year they had well over a 100. I know the enrollment numbers are based on the number of summer hires they can bring on, but it still seems like many families (the waitlist is over 105 ) are stuck waiting with summer just about upon us. Does the City have a notional timeline for when families can expect to hear about expanded enrollment so we can ensure our kids have summer activities ? Answer : 'We are onboarding more staff at that location and hope to accommodate that waitlist of over 100 keiki with those hires, ' preferably by the end of this week, said Nate Serota, a spokesperson for Honolulu's Department of Parks and Recreation, confirming that low staffing, not a change in physical capacity, limited initial enrollment. Other Summer Fun sites also continue to process new hires and will whittle down their waitlists as employment is confirmed, he said. 'We appreciate the patience of the waiting families while we work diligently to get these staff ready for Summer Fun, ' Serota said in an email. However, another 16 of the youth recreational program's 59 sites across Oahu need to attract more staff to be able to welcome all the children who want to attend, he said. 'We strongly encourage anyone interested in working for the program to apply immediately. We are also in need of lifeguards in addition to the Summer Fun Aides. More information, and the ability to apply online, is available at.' Sites seeking more employees, and which have corresponding waitlists, include :—Booth District Park—Halawa District Park—Kalakaua District Park—Kanewai Community Park—Kauluwela Community Park—Moanalua Community Park—Pu 'unui Community Park—Hau 'ula Summer Fun—He 'eia Summer Fun—Kahaluu Summer Fun—Kailua Summer Fun—Kapunahala Summer Fun—Sunset Beach Summer Fun—Maunawili Summer Fun—Waimanalo Summer Fun—Pacific Palisades Community Park Moreover, the city couldn't use four intended sites—Kilauea District Park, Kalihi Uka Community Park, 'Aikahi Community Park and Keolu Elementary. 'Because there was little to no staffing at these locations, we did not include them in the registration and reallocated any available staff to other nearby sites, ' Serota said. He said DPR works hard every year to recruit Summer Fun staff to serve up to 10, 000 keiki and teens, aiming for a ratio of no more than 25 keiki per adult staff member. Summer Fun jobs pay from $15 to $20.10 an hour, depending on the role, according to the program's website. 'This week (the week of May 27 ) represents the deadline for when we can get more staff into the program before ' Summer Fun kicks off June 9, Serota said. The program runs through July 25. Not every site has a waitlist ; well more than a dozen had space available for keiki participants when we checked Friday. See for details. Note : Online registration for Junior Leaders is designed to be waitlist only. 'That's because we need to interview the teens before they can enter the program, as they act as volunteer assistants for the Summer Fun staff, ' Serota said. Mahalo On May 12 at 11 p.m., I was on my way to the Hono lulu airport. The airport offramp was totally closed. Where do I go ? Where do I turn off ? I hadn't a clue ! I continued on to Pearl City in total darkness, turned around and headed back. I called my cousin, who was waiting for me at the airport. In total darkness and unfamiliarity an angel who stood alongside my cousin remained online with me giving me instructions back to the airport. My cousin was relieved to finally see me and we headed home to Kaimuki, all thanks to our angel, security guard Meredee Strong. Mahalo piha Meredee. You saved two kupuna that late night. —Maile and Cris------------Write to Kokua Line at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite 2-200, Honolulu, HI 96813 ; call 808-529-4773 ; or email.------------
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Participate in the City's ‘Sew a lei for Memorial Day' event
HONOLULU (KHON2) — For Memorial Day, the City continues to honor a solemn promise to adorn every grave at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific with fresh lei. As WakeUp2Day's Chris Latronic learned from Kilauea District Park, the public is encouraged to stop by and sew a lei or two to participate in the annual tradition. Honolulu to hold 74th Mayor's Memorial Day Ceremony Officials said the tradition is a 'uniquely Hawaiian display of gratitude,' as a way of saying mahalo to veterans for their service. The City aims to make and gather 38,000 lei for every service member laid to rest at the ceremony. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news Along with this significant task, the City is hoping to assist the Hawai'i State Veterans Cemetery in Kāne'ohe with their Memorial Day ceremony by donating extra lei to help them adorn the graves of the 15,000 servicemembers laid to rest on those hallowed grounds. In hopes of reaching these goals, the public can contribute the following: Lei made of fresh flowers or ti leaf Measures 20 to 22 inches untied Please tie Lei flowers Preferably plumeria or crown flower Anthurium bouquets Attend a lei-making session 'If you have a graduating senior who has their ceremony and has an extra lei, any of those fresh lei would be greatly appreciated,' said Nate Serota, Department of Parks and Recreation spokesperson. Check out more news from around Hawaii To find a lei-making station near you or for more information, click HERE. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Honolulu to hold 74th Mayor's Memorial Day Ceremony
HONOLULU (KHON2) — The City and County of Honolulu, in collaboration with the national Department of Veterans Affairs, are holding the 74th Mayor's Memorial Day Ceremony at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific at Pūowaina on May 26. The event is open and free for the public and will begin right at 8:30 a.m. The city said the event will feature ceremonial presentations and tributes, such as comments from Mayor Rick Blangiardi and Admiral Samuel Paparo, as well as color guard, military flyovers and much more. 59-year-old Honolulu man drowns off Kailua Beach The Royal Hawaiian Band and Sounds of Aloha will also be in attendance, joined by the 96th Lei Court who will be performing hula. 'On this Memorial Day, we stand united in gratitude, honoring the brave men and women who gave everything for the freedoms we hold most dear,' Blangiardi said. 'Their sacrifices echo through time, reminding us of the immense price of liberty and the strength of their resolve. As we pause to remember, let us renew our pledge to uphold the values they fought to defend, cherishing the peace they secured. May their legacy live on in our actions, and may we always strive to build a world worthy of their courage and devotion.' The ceremony will be broadcast on ʻŌlelo Channel 49 and will re-air on the same channel throughout the next at the cemetery will be extremely limited, but Abraham Lincoln Elementary and Robert Louis Stevenson Middle Schools will provide parking for the public beginning at 7 a.m. A courtesy shuttle between the schools and the ceremony will be available. Parking for the ceremony is also available at the Civic Center Parking Structure, with TheBus running between the structure and the ceremony throughout the morning. Bus fairs will apply. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news The city also said that sun protection and drinking water are recommended to bring for all visitors, given the limited covered seating available. They also ask that the guests do not bring their own chairs unless medically required, as well as refraining from bringing pets that are not service animals. Recent graduates and their families are also encouraged to donate their fresh flower or ti-leaf lei to lei-sewing locations or drop-off sites such as city fire stations and at the Department of Parks and Recreation. There are also several locations throughout the island where members of the public can sew lei. For more information about lei making or the Memorial Day celebrations, visit the mayor's Memorial Day website. 'We are looking to gather 38,000 lei; so, we can adorn every single gravesite here at punchbowl with a lei as well as a flag,' said Ted Hayden of the Department of Parks and Recreation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
