EHCC is taking the first steps of an initiative to preserve and improve its home, the Old Police Station and District Courthouse. EHCC has just been awarded a grant from the Historic Hawai'i Foundation under the auspices of HHF’s Hilo Preservation and Beautification Program, which is being matched by additional resources from the Serendipity II Fund of the Hawai’i Community Foundation and members of the community. The support will enable EHCC to deal with an aggressive bee problem, tent for termites, construct interim roof repairs, and install appealing new signage.

This Saturday at 1:00 and 3:30 we present the inaugural concert of the East Hawai'i Cultural Center’s Out-of-Doors Arts Program, which will use our newly built AARP Livable Communities Stage to present free theatre, dance, music, hula, poetry, spoken-word, readers-theatre, and lectures. Home base for the stage is a just-created outdoor sixty seat space, previously unused, on the EHCC grounds.

A great Holiday Gift! Just published: “Aloha 'Aina Volume II: More Big Island Memories” Voices of 85 Big Island authors and artists about life on the Island in chapters titled: Community Builders, Courage, Encounters, Love, Plantation Life, Resilience, Special Places, and Youthful Spirit. Order through this website, calling 808-961-5711 or emailing [email protected].

Aloha 'Aina Big Island Memories, Volume I is also available. Both books sell for $36.40 (black & white, tax included) and $46.80 (color, tax included).

Last Friday evening the The Hilo Urb Farm at EHCC celebrated its first anniversary with a reception in the garden followed by a Vegan dinner (save for the poke) upstairs in the EHCC cafe. There was a great turnout with live music, and lots to eat. Even vegan Laulau! There was also a silent auction which along with other donations, raised $850. Another one is planned for next year! Contact the Hilo Urb Farm if you’re interested in volunteering.