Updated at 1:45pm Hawaii time.

We are breathing a sigh of relief as it appears that there has been no major tsunami impact here in Hawaii. The tsunami warning was cancelled at approximately 1:40pm Hawaii time, though the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center will continue to monitor the ocean. Please be vigilant. Normal, non-ocean activity is expected to resume shortly. Mahalo to the Governor, the Hawaii State Civil Defense team, Fire and Police departments, media and others who have assisted our community during this difficult time. We continue to pray for the people of Chile.

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At approximately 8:40pm Hawaii time last night Friday a major 8.8 earthquake struck Chile. A tsunami warning is in effect for Hawaii and the Pacific region. The first wave is expected to hit Hilo at 11:05am this morning Saturday and the other islands shortly afterwards (Kahului at 11:26, Honolulu at 11:37, and Nawiliwili at 11:42). Beach shorelines should be avoided.

We highly recommend that all non-essential parish and diocesan activities be cancelled. The meeting of the Diocesan Implementation Commission has been cancelled. In order to facilitate evacuation and emergency access, please limit use of roadways.

Please stay tuned to your local radio and TV stations for up to date information. And please check on your elderly neighbors and be prepared to assist. Patience and prayer are encouraged. Do not panic.

For the latest information on the tsunami warning check out the Hawaii State Civil Defense website at http://www.scd.state.hi.us/index.html. The site also includes a Tsunami Evacuation Zone Mapping tool to check whether your location should be evacuated.

 

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Bishop Larry received word that father of Fr. Anastacio (Jun) Postrano, Mr. Anastacio R. Postrano Sr., , passed away February 1^st in the Kona hospital, at age 89. The funeral will be this Saturday, February 6^th, 9:30am at St. Michael Parish, Kona.

 

RE:                   Strong Opposition to HB 444 HD1 Relating to Civil Unions

 

Aloha members of the Senate Judiciary & Government Operations Committee, I am Rev. Dr. Marc R. Alexander, vicar general and diocesan theologian for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Honolulu.

 

Thank you for the opportunity to testify. I also thank you for your very difficult work on this and other issues that impact our community.

 

I register my strong opposition to HB 444 HD1 Relating to Civil Unions.

 

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MEMORANDUM

FROM:     Very Reverend Marc R. Alexander, Vicar General

DATE:      December 16, 2008

TO:           Pastors, Administrators & Principals

As you are aware, final IRS regulations issued in 2007 mandated many changes to 403(b) plans, tax deferred annuity (TDA) plans and tax sheltered annuity (TSA) plans.  These changes directly affect many of our employees.

 

[more and to read full memo]

On Thursday, September 11, 2008, the Diocese of Honolulu's first ever strategic plan, Witness to Jesus – Diocesan Road Map for Pastoral, Program, and Facility Needs (2008-2013), was honored by the American Planning Association Hawaii Chapter with the Donald Wolbrink Chapter Achievement. This award recognizes an individual, firm, or organization for exemplary related activity(ies) which warrant special recognition by the Chapter. In particular the late Tom Papandrew, Diocesan Director of Planning, is recognized for his outstanding leadership and expertise in planning as exemplified in this project.



Click here for more information.



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The remaining Vicariate town hall meetings have all been scheduled:

• East Hawaii: Thursday, November 13th, 7:00 pm at St. Joseph, Hilo


• Leeward Oahu: Tuesday, November 18th, 7:00 pm at St. Jude, Makakilo

Completed Meetings: (Thank you for attending!)

• West Honolulu: Tuesday, August 12th, 6:30 pm at the Co-Cathedral, Kalihi


• East Honolulu: Thursday, August 14th, 7:00 pm at St. Pius X, Manoa


• Molokai: Monday, August 25th, 6:00 pm at St. Sophia, Kaunakakai

• Central Oahu: Wednesday, July 30th, 7:00 pm at Resurrection of the Lord, Waipio

[MORE]

Check out the latest news in the Diocese of Honolulu via our new Twitter site: twitter.com//catholichawaii.

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Tom Papandrew, Diocesan Director of Planning, passed away May 16th at 8:48am with a few family and friends gathered around him. He is now at peace with the Lord. We join Willa and the entire family in offering our condolences and prayers for the repose of his soul.

Services for our brother Tom are scheduled for Friday, May 23rd at St. Pius X Parish in Manoa Valley (2821 Lowrey Avenue). Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. with the Mass of Resurrection beginning at 10:30 a.m. Bishop Larry Silva will preside with Fr. Marc Alexander offering the homily. A reception will follow in the parish hall.

We continue to take comfort in Christ’s victory over death, knowing in faith that our brother lives.

Due to fallen trees which destroyed telecommunications lines, phone and internet service will not be available at St. Stephen Diocesan Center until Friday, December 14th at the earliest. This is also impacting the email accounts at the Center and voice mail for both the Center and the Chancery. We apologize for this inconvenience. For emergencies or assistance please contact Stephanie Cuyno at 585.3346 or stephanie@rcchawaii.org.

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Due to the severe weather conditions and its consequences, most Catholic schools on Oahu will be closed today, Wednesday, December 5th. This is confirmed for St. Anthony's Kailua, St John Vianney, St Joseph's Waipahu, Maryknoll School, St. Louis School, St. Patrick's Kaimuki, Holy Family Academy, Sacred Hearts Academy , St Michael's Waialua, Damien, and Holy Trinity. Dr. Carmen Himenes, Superintendent of Hawaii Catholic Schools, recommends that due to loss of electricity, closed roads and dangerous driving conditions, that all Oahu Catholic schools be closed.

Last updated 6:45am, December 5, 2007.

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