I got a call from someone from Celebrity Sports Challenge asking for funds for some kind of police event. Is that a new group or the same one that's been in the news recently? I contributed last year, but when I asked the Police Department about it, they said they had nothing to do with this group. Police group no longer
associated with charityIt's the same group, but it's no longer affiliated with the Hawaii Police Athletic Federation, which co-sponsored the Celebrity Sports Challenge event the first five years here.
Promoter Joseph "Mike" McGuinn said the event has been held in the United States and Canada for eight years, in total raising more than $100,000 for children's and community programs.
Free tickets also are given to some youngsters to attend, he said.
In Hawaii, the seventh annual event is set for Jan. 29 at the Blaisdell Arena, with NFL Pro Bowl and veteran players playing basketball against volunteer police officers, firefighters and "sometimes celebrities," he said.
Co-sponsors are the Federal Firefighters of Hawaii Local F-263, the Children's Foundation and a charity to be named later. Local F-263 also sponsored it last year.
In April, the state Office of Consumer Protection filed a lawsuit alleging that Tri-Star Productions, Inc. (dba Celebrity Sports Challenge) and McGuinn deceived and misled consumers during a 1996 fund-raiser.
The suit says the Hawaii Police Athletic Federation contracted with Tri-Star to raise money by selling tickets to a basketball game.The contract ended in May 1996, but the defendants allegedly "continued to solicit on behalf of the (federation) and falsely represented to consumers that they were authorized to do so despite the fact that the contract had been terminated."
State consumer protection chief Jo Ann Uchida said the lawsuit is in its "initial stages" and there is no order prohibiting the company from making solicitations.
"But people should be cautious, ask a lot of questions and call our office" if they have questions, she said. The number is 586-2630.
McGuinn, however, alleges that a copycat fund-raising group prompted the lawsuit.
"We categorically deny all these factless allegations from our competitor and anxiously await the conclusion of this investigation," he said. "Those responsible for these false allegations will soon be exposed."
Who is responsible for maintaining Makiki Cemetery, especially the upper right section, where the state built the monument in memory of Japanese immigrants? I have seen prisoners cleaning the lower section, but the upper right always seems to be neglected. Different areas are cleaned by individual families or groups.
The area you cite is voluntarily maintained by the Japanese Cemetery Association, said Keith Numazu, treasurer for Hosoi Garden Mortuary and an officer with the association.
Unfortunately, the caretaker became ill so "we are trying to find a new caretaker," Numazu said. Asked when that might happen, he said, "I'm hoping real soon."
Generally, the state maintains the lower areas of Makiki Cemetery (using prisoners), where the burials are very old and family members have moved away or are deceased, said James Hisano, central services manager for the Department of Accounting and General Services. The state also cleans the upper left portion of the cemetery and areas that "nobody maintains," Hisano said.
Mahalo
To Cindy Fuli, driver of the Liliha-Puunui No. 2956 bus, for her kindness and compassion. On July 5, we saw her helping a fragile woman off the bus. She then said goodbye with a smile and wave. And whenever an elderly person came on, Cindy wouldn't drive until they sat down. -- L.Y.
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