Central Oahu Highlights

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Jakob and Ian Iwata enjoy exploring a garden pond. Photo from Joyce Iwata.

Christie Wilson of Xotic Eats located at the Waipio Gentry Shopping Center holds her low-carb, protein boosting concept - Tofushi - sushi made with tofu instead of rice, at the the one-year anniversary of the Mililani Farmers Market. Photo by Byron Lee, staff photographer.

Below are some highlights of what’s happening in the Central Oahu community for the next few weeks.

* The University of Phoenix has an open house from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 9 in suite E-1 at Mililani Town Center. Call 536-2686, ext. 35148.

* The Friends of Waialua Library hold an opening reception from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Aug. 10 in the library for its Autumn Art Exhibit, with music by library manager Tim Littlejohn. Local artists showcased are painters Joel Martin Veach, Dale Andres and Elaine Merry Kam, and sculptor Angelika Veach. Some proceeds from the sale of their works will go to the library. Call 637-7446.

* The 18th annual Pilots Tennis Championship will be held Aug. 11-13 at the Central Oahu Regional Park Tennis Complex. Billed as the state’s largest charity tennis tour-ney, it has raised more than $10,000 annually. For more information, call 946-2001.

* Schnitzer Steel is coordinating a recycling drive (metal, appliances, glass, plastic, aluminum, etc.) with the Mililani community on Aug. 12. Drop-off is from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Mililani High School gym parking lot. Call state Rep. Marilyn Lee at 542-4438.

* The Hawaii Polo Club presents family attractions, entertainment and plenty of polo at 2 p.m. Aug. 13 and every Sunday on the Mokuleia playing field. Tickets are $7, with military and students admitted “two for one.” Call 637-8401.

* A Legislative Town Meeting is planned on “Keeping Your Family Safe"at 7 pm.Aug. 15 in the Waikele Elementary School cafeteria. Police and local politicians will discuss identity theft, cyberstalking, crime and traffic safety.Call state Rep.Ryan Yamane at 586-6150.

* The Mililani Hongwanji conducts its annual bon dance at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 18 and 19 at 95-257 Kaloapau St. Call 625-0925.

* The Hawaii Blood Bank conducts donor drives from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 19 at Resurrection of the Lord Church on Lumikula Street in Waipahu; 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.Aug. 19 and Sept. 2 at the Mililani Town Center; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 20 at Waikele Center; and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 27 at Mililani Tech Park. Call 845-9966.

* The Royal Hawaiian Band performs at 5 p.m.Aug. 19 at the North Shore Cultural Festival in Haleiwa. Call 922-5331.

* The Performing Artist Academy presents Young Pinoy Idols Showcase of Stars at 2 p.m.Aug. 20 at the Pearl City Cultural Center.Tickets are $25, $18 and $15. Call 671-2547.

* Mililani Presbyterian Church throws its eighth annual block party from 2:30 to 7:30 p.m.Aug. 26 with food, activities and a bouncing castle at 95-410 Kuahelani Ave. Entertainers include 7 Simple Pieces and various church performers. Call 623-6663.

* Borders-Waikele hosts Christine Yano from noon to 1 p.m. Aug. 27, signing copies of her book Crowning the Nice Girl: Gender, Ethnicity and Culture in Hawaii’s Cherry Blossom Festival.

* Honbushin International Center presents its Daikon Festival from 6 to 9 p.m. Sept. 9 at 95-030 Waihonu St. in Mililani. Planned are family fun, dances, food, crafts and entertainment. Call 623-7693.