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 Pahoa Senior Center.

The public is invited to the dedication ceremony at 10 a.m. Monday, June 18. It 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 Hawaii Carpenters Union teamed with Department of Parks and Recreation carpenters, plumbers and electricians to convert the former Pahoa Fire Station into a convenient location in the center of Pahoa.

Seniors, who have been using the adjacent Pahoa 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,” Kenoi said. “Mahalo to the Hawaii Carpenters Union apprentices and Department of Parks and Recreation maintenance staff for working together to complete this project, along with the many Pahoa 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, Pahoa Cash & Carry Store, Sanford’s Service Center Inc., Madie Greene, and Blas 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 Pahoa 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.