Page 5 - Hawaii Island MidWeek - June 16, 2021

It’s An ‘Electric’ Opportunity For Hilo Teen
FROM PAGE 4
JUNE 16, 2021
HAWAI‘I ISLAND MIDWEEK 5
a talent show with her new coat, and ostensibly, on to her destiny.
rected by Larry Reitzer, a television writer for such shows as Ugly Betty and Melissa & Joey, and someone whom Meili views as a mentor.
taking college classes this summer with plans to graduate with her as- sociate’s degree when she finishes high school.
Apparently, the scene does have some truth to it.
“She gave me a gift — that leop- ard jacket I wore in the video. She gave it to me because she hopes it gives me luck,” Meili explains.
“I saw Meili perform in a talent show at the Palace Theatre and was immediately impressed by her in- credible voice and acting ability,” Reitzer states.
“I want to go to NYU to study per- forming arts and get my bachelor’s ... I really want to do Broadway, but afterwards, I see myself doing mov- ies or TV shows or possibly a singing career,” she says.
“In her teenage years, Katy’s mom gave her a leopard jacket and it brought her luck.”
“Meili is a terrific role model for young women and her desire to work hard and push herself — and then, push herself even further — im- presses me every day.”
There’s little doubt she’ll get there, given her focus and the sup- port from her family, which also includes younger brother Cashton.
Not that Meili will need luck. She’s been performing for years now as a singer, dancer and actor in community theater productions. In addition to singing for audiences on a tour through China, she’s starred as Princess Jasmine in Center Stage Dance Alliance’s production of Disney’s Aladdin, Jr. at Universi- ty of Hawai‘i at Hilo’s Performing Arts Center. She also played Dainty June in Palace Theatre’s production of Gypsy. Both productions were di-
Now that the video’s out there, Meili’s been pleasantly surprised by the reception.
“Hone in on your craft and don’t chase stardom,” Astania says, relay- ing the advice she gives her daugh- ter. “Stardom will be there for you, if you hone in on your craft.”
(Above) Meili says that she and Katy Perry have more than looks and a knack for performing arts in common. Both were nicknamed “turtle” by their mothers. (Left) The song and video commemorate the 25th anniversary of Pokémon. Pikachu, along with its younger counterpart, Pichu, make cameos in the video (inset). IMAGE COURTESY ASTANIA CAPUTO AND THE POKÉMON COMPANY INTERNATIONAL
“I got a lot of support from the fans, too — the KatyCats were great. I don’t know how they found out it was me, but they knew before it was out.”
In the short-term however, the Hilo girl plans to keep busy as a regular teenager (she loves going to the skate park and hanging out with friends at the beach), while indulging
herself in other activities, including dance and martial arts classes.
As for her future goals, Meili wants to continue performing. She’s
“I just started boxing,” says Mei- li. “I wanted to protect myself when I’m older.”
New Location, Same Great Acupuncture Service
Cherry Healing Center has found a new home on Waianuenue Avenue in Hilo — one that is ideally suited to meet the growing needs of both owner
and customers.
Located less than a quarter-mile from its former
Keawe Street site, the center’s new digs are spacious and feature no stairs — a major plus for some clients.
“They are in wheelchairs and couldn’t physically get up the stairs,” explains acupuncturist and owner Rabakka Fulkerson. “Now, there’s no obstacle because we’re on the ground floor.”
In addition, the new location comes with a waiting area and two treatment rooms, something that could pave the way to finally bringing in a massage therapist.
“I’ve been wanting to bring in a massage therapist for a while now. We’ll see what happens now that there is more space,” notes Fulkerson, who moved into her new surroundings at the end of last month.
At Cherry Healing Center, clients are offered the full range of acupuncture services, all of which boosts the body’s defense mechanisms without the use of harsh chemicals. Many come to the center hoping to drop weight, learn pain-management or
be free of insomnia, anxiety or addiction issues. The center also provides several add-on
therapies upon request, including massage, cupping and gua sha (scraping), and even prescribes traditional Chinese herbal remedies on occasion.
“If I feel like my patients are in need of some help with their organs, maybe because there’s a deficiency in some area, I’ll suggest an herbal supplement to help,” explains Fulkerson, who accepts patients with
TriWest and Humana medical coverage. Previously, only HMSA and Kaiser plans qualified for acupuncture treatment.
Located at 234 Waianuenue Ave.,
No. 101, Cherry Healing Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. To schedule an appointment
or to learn more about
the center’s services, including
its packages and membership program, call or text 489-4272, or
visit cherryhealingcenter.com.