For Kauai Community Newspaper January 2022

‘ KAUAI perpetuating the culture of the island

Food with Love and Gratitude New Year New You!

Start the Year Right at Kukui Grove Center

Vitamin World • General Nutrition Center (GNC) • Premier Martial Arts Paradise Sports • Ainofea • Aloha Dance Studio • Deja Vu Surf Hawaii Flip Flop Shops • Coming soon Megaformer Kauai

page 2

Food with Love and Gratitude

By Léo Azambuja

The need for a healthier lifestyle and a passion for cooking and sharing delicious meals were the perfect ingredients in a recipe for a professionally trained chef to turn her life around more than a decade ago.

“I just want to teach people how to fall in love with fruits and vegetables. They had such a big impact on my life and my health,” said Hollan Hamid, former owner of a vegan restaurant and author of the vegan cookbook Good Food Gratitude.

For many years, Hollan has set her professional goals on helping others to discover the luscious world of vegan cuisine – consisting solely of plant-based ingredients. And with it, its numerous health benefits.

Hollan began her relationship with vegan cuisine about 15 years ago. As a 30-year-old mother of three, her body was already taking a toll for eating what she called a “standard American diet” her whole life.

Overweight, suffering from kidney stones and endometriosis, which led to surgery, she read a book about veganism that changed her life. She immersed herself into a plant-based diet and started creating her own recipes.

“It literally was the difference for me between healthy and not healthy, between being in ease and disease,” she said.

A couple years went by, and Hollan decided she wanted to share her passion for vegan food with others. So, she started a line of baked vegan foods, called Hippie Café.

“I sold it at all the health food stores, and then pretty quickly, I was like, I need a bigger kitchen,” she said, adding that at that time, she was borrowing commercial kitchens from friends on the island. Then she found out the Caffe Coco restaurant in Wailua was for sale, and within a week, she bought it.

“I was just so excited with a dream, and being able to share it with people, and especially people in this community,” Hollan said of her restaurant.

In the next six-and-a-half years, she slowly turned the restaurant’s menu into exclusively vegan. When someone came along about four years ago, willing to buy her restaurant, she sold it and dedicated herself to writing a vegan cookbook.

“I’ve learned so much having a restaurant, in terms of food and the way you put it out, and just doing quantity, and hopefully quality as well,” Hollan said. “Those six-and-a-half years made me 500 percent a better chef.”

By the time she sold Caffe Coco, Hollan had already been thinking on how she would be able to branch out and share her knowledge and passion for vegan food in a larger scale.

Contributed photo Hollan Hamid has been sharing her love for vegan cuisine for 15 years.

Contributed photo Herby avocado toast, a nutrient-rich recipe packed with vitamins, minerals and monounsaturated fatty acids.

“How can I be in their kitchens? How can I get people to eat this way at home? How can I share all the recipes I have that people loved at the café” she said. “And so that’s where the book was born.”

Good Food Gratitude was published in October 2019. The hardcover has 280 pages of illustrated recipes, cooking tips, personal stories, testimonies, and an index that makes it quite easy to find specific cooking ingredients and recipes throughout the book.

“I wanted to make it very simple. You’ll see that I don’t use a lot of ingredients. I think one of the keys to health is not having too many ingredients,” Hollan said of her cookbook. “It’s really incredible, but we wanted so that anyone could make these recipes.”

Each recipe is accompanied by a full-page picture, making it easy to visualize what you are cooking.

The recipes are simple – many have a half-dozen ingredients – and the vast majority of the ingredients are found in local farmers markets and health food stores.

Hollan said some people are closed to the idea of eating vegan, but many don’t realize some of their favorite foods may already be vegan, such as Oreo cookies, hummus, most breads and every fruit and vegetable. Or they may have eaten a vegan meal and didn’t like it. But Hollan asked to not judge the whole vegan cuisine because of one bad experience.

“Vegan food can be really yummy,” she said. “You can have your favorite food and have them vegan.” continues on page 6

Celebrating

50

%

17 Years

OFF!

Call or Email Barbara Bennett TODAY! 808-652-2802 barbarakauai@gmail.com

for new advertisers

For Kaua‘i the true community newspaper on Kaua‘i since 2003

17 years ago we started as Kaua’i Island News, then became the beloved Kaua‘i People.

For the last 11 years we have been For Kaua‘i and we are still bringing you the best of Kaua‘i.

King Auto Center Sale

Between January 1-31 get 1% off our already low rates!

• Rates start as low as 1.99% APR* with discount* • Plus, get a $50 gift card upon loan funding • Exclusive, once a year offer for Gather members Talk to a Loan Counselor and Apply Today!

808.245.6791 www.gatherfcu.org

Federally Insured by NCUA

808.245.4788 4330 Kukui Grove Street

*APR = Annual Percentage Rate. $20,000 loan at 1.99% APR for 60 months = $350.47 per month.

Stated APR assumes excellent borrower credit history and purchase of a new or current model vehicle.

A 1% loan rate discount to Gather FCU’s current auto loan rates will apply to all loans not eligible for the 1.99% APR. Rate is based on credit. Other rates and terms are also available. Rates range from 3.25% - 17.99% APR and are based on your credit history. Offer available January 1-31, 2022 only.

KAUAI‘ All Local • All Community • All Kaua‘i

JANUARY 2022

KIUC members can make a small monthly gift that could lead to significant donations for charitable causes on Kaua‘i.

EDITOR IN CHIEF Léo Azambuja editor@forkauaionline.com

PUBLISHER

SALES & MARKETING

Carrie Johnson 808-651-5577 carrie@forkauaionline com

ART & LAYOUT Andarta Design • design@andarta.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR Honey Hunter calendar@forkauaionline.com socialmedia@forkauaionline.com

Barbara Bennett, Sales Manager 808-652-2802 barbarakauai@gmail.com Deslynn Jaquias 808-278-3618 deslynnforkauai@gmail.com Joan Arakaki joan@forkauaionline.com

Published by Kaua‘i Management Group For Kaua‘i Newspaper PO Box 223579, Princeville, HI 96722

Your Spare Change Could Make a Big Impact The Makana program is voluntary. To participate, KIUC members agree to round up their electric bill to the next highest dollar and donate that amount to the program, which is administered by the KIUC Charitable Foundation.

The rounded amount is shown on your monthly electric statement.

Learn more about the Makana program at https://kiuc.coop/makana

sales@forkauaionline.com 808-651-5577

On the cover: Vegan chef Hollan Hamid loves to share her passion for vegan with others. Photo by Léo Azambuja KIUC is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

Personalized help with your Medicare choices on island and in all 50 states.

Medicare Supplements Medicare Part C&D Life Insurance Long-Term Care Insurance Final Expense True Freedom Home Care

KGEFCU is now Kauaʻi Federal Credit Union.

It’s easier to say.

Easier than ever to bank.

And everyone can be eligible to join.

Jason Blake 808-652-5210 www.themedicaregeek.com

The Nation’s Premier Medicare Brokerage

If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at (808) 245-2463 or stop in either of our branches.

Federally insured by NCUA.

Barbara Morrison, REALTOR®

Bi z

Shaka Barbara Morrison is one of Kaua‘i’s leading real estate professionals. She sees it as a blessing to assist her clients in selling their longtime property or finding the home of their dreams on this island paradise.

Her genuine love for helping people and passion for meeting their needs is something she has done her entire life, and it’s the very heart and soul behind her success in real estate! Call Barbara at 808.631.9126 or email her at barbara.morrison@oceanfrontsir.com.

HAPPY NEW YEAR from the

STAFF & BOARD of the KAUA‘I INDEPENDENT FOOD BANK

808-246-3809 www.kauaifoodbank.org

please scan here to donate

Barbara and Kim will help you turn “someday” into REALITY!

KIM HIGA

BARBARA MORRISON

808.634.7970

808.631.9126

RS-81637

RS-63073

Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

CUSTOME R

APPR OVED

We loved Rent-A-Wreck Kauai! Got our little “Wreck” and drove it all over the island with no problems.

This Toyota got great gas mileage too, we only had to fill up once and we drove it A LOT. Very kind people at the office who were quick to respond to any questions or concerns We will definitely rent from here again if we return to Kauai!

RENT-A-WRECK

Kauai

��

NA A‘AI K AM ES T RA

www.rentawreckkauai.com 808.245.7177

Wishing You a Happy New Year!

Best Kept Secret in Kapaa

BV’s Bar & Grill Burgers • Plate Lunches • Drink Specials

808-821-8080 • 4-484 Kuhio Highway, Coconut Marketplace, Kapaa www.bobbyvpizzeria.com

Food with Love and Gratitude – continued from page 2 recipes, because of the amount and diversity of local ingredients and local produce grown by small farmers, and also because of the island’s community.

“We all know that living here on Kaua‘i, our life isn’t a vacation,” she said. “But there is a lot of fantasy in it, and there’s a lot of creative energy here.”

Currently, Hollan is working as a private chef and continues to build followers in social media with her cooking videos and tutorials. She is also in the process of writing a second vegan cookbook. This new book, she said, will be more of a replacement guide for those who want to turn their favorite meals into vegan recipes.

“I found out by working with hundreds of people, that most people go back to their comfort foods as a child, no matter what that is to them. I really wanted to teach people how to replace ingredients in their diet, so that they can still have their favorite foods,” Hollan said of her next book. “It’s just a little bit of a different twist.”

Her love for food led her to enroll in the esteemed Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in San

Contributed photo The sweet + sticky rice cereal treat requires no baking and it’s easy to make on the fly.

Contributed photo Hollan Hamid says she found her health after turning to vegan cuisine.

A common misconception is that vegan cuisine doesn’t provide enough necessary ingredients to our bodies. This, however, couldn’t be further from the truth. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains and nuts – the staples of the vegan diet – are rich in fiber, antioxidants and compounds that help to protect against several ailments.

The Mayo Clinic says studies have shown a plant-based diet helps to significantly improve overall health and fight disease. Besides reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and lowering the risk of developing high blood pressure, “eating more plant-based foods can help you lose weight, lower cholesterol and reduce your risk of heart disease,” according to the nonprofit organization committed to clinical practice, education and research.

The Mayo Clinic also says “many experts recommend filling your plate with foods that grow from the ground. Decades of research suggests that the best diet for cancer prevention is all about plants. That means lots of fruits, vegetables and legumes, and little to no meat or other animal products.”

A poorly planned plant-based diet, however, could lack some important nutrients, such as essential fatty acids, vitamin B12, niacin, riboflavin, vitamin D, calcium, iodine, selenium or zinc, according to Medical News Today, one of the fastest growing health information sites in the United States. But all these nutrients can be found in vegan foods, and there is a wealth of information about them on the Internet.

“When I went vegan and I found my health, I wanted to share this with everyone,” Hollan said.”

Kaua‘i is the place where Hollan says she feels the most creative about cooking and making new Page 6

Contributed photo The oui oui French toast doesn’t have eggs and cream, and you probably already have all the ingredients in your pantry.

Kauai Skin Clinic Specia l Clockwise from top left: superstar turmeric shot, rejuvenation watermelon fatigue cure, açaí super bow, and love you matcha latte. Contributed photos Francisco at 21 years old. The former California school (it closed in 2017) was a branch of the original Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, where culinary icon Julia Child got her degree in 1951, and went on to popularize French cuisine and home cooking in the United States.

For Hollan, she said, food has always been an exchange of love – good food always makes people happy. So it was only natural that when she became vegan, she wanted to share it with others.

“I’m hoping to affect more people by just teaching them simple ways to change the way they eat,” she said of Good Food Gratitude.

You can find Hollan at www.hollanhawaii.com, where you will be able to buy her cookbook, and find all the links to her social media accounts.

“With the restaurant, with the baking line, with the cookbook, I’ve always just wanted to inspire people, and I hope that it ignites change in them, and that they have their own journey of healing that I experienced,” Hollan said. “I know what the difference is between feeling like you’re not alive and feeling vitality. And for me, it was vegan food that was the tipping point.”

80

$

Foot Detox & Reflexology

Kristine Sy Long LMT LE

Ayurveda Practitioner / Reiki Master Teacher

808 635 2299 | KauaiSkinClinic.com Massages • Facials • Waxing • Reflexology

Electronic Waste Recycling!

ACCEPTED Computer systems and accessories, cellular phones and accessories, office equipment, and audio & video equipment.

Full list available at www.kauai.gov/eWaste

NOT ACCEPTED Non-computer batteries, packaging, contaminated equipment, cracked or broken CRT screens, smoke detectors, and hazardous or non-eWaste items.

OPEN TO BUSINESSES AND RESIDENTS FOR FREE!* All brands of Electronic Waste (eWaste) are accepted with no quantity limits.

Visit www.kauai.gov/eWaste or call 241-4841 for more information.

6 DAYS A WEEK! Puhi Metals Recycling Facility, 3951 Puhi Road, Mon-Sat 7:30AM-3:30PM

Resource Recovery Solutions will send material to ERI Headquartered in Fresno, California or other certified R2 or e-steward certified facility. * Large eWaste such as commercial printers and industrial electronics may be subject to packing and handling fee, call 245-6919 for more info.

Page 7

Newest Humpback Whale Research Projects in Hawai‘i

By Dr. Marc Lammers and Jean Souza A large portion of the humpback whale population in the North Pacific Ocean return to their birth waters in Hawai‘i each year to mate, give birth and to rear their young. Increasing numbers of these whales become noticeable as the peak months of January, February and March roll around.

Thus, it is timely that this month’s article kicks off a three-part series on new and interesting findings about humpback whales in Hawai‘i.

The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary’s research program consists of scientific staff based at its Kīhei, Maui headquarters and its worldwide network of collaborators. The research activities at HIHWNMS focus on four general categories: • Acoustic monitoring • Vessel/shore surveys • Whale tagging • Collaborations Acoustic Monitoring HIHWNMS has been involved in acoustic monitoring since 2014. Underwater sound recording devices, known as Ecological Acoustic Recorders (EARs), are placed on the seafloor in the heart of the sanctuary, in shallow and deeper coastal waters off West Maui and South Maui, each whale season between November and May. These recorders monitor the song produced by male humpback whales in this area where the density of humpback whales is among the highest in Hawai‘i.

Monitoring humpback whale singing can tell us a lot about the comings and goings of whales in sanctuary waters. Early in the season, when there are relatively fewer whales singing, only low levels of singing are heard in the background. As more whales arrive from their northern feeding grounds, the volume of singing increases, becoming a continuous chorus. The timing and volume of the recorded song chorus can indicate when the whales first arrive, and when the whale season is peaking and when it is winding down. If monitoring occurs over multiple years, we can start to look at trends in relative whale abundance from one year to the next Seven years of monitoring show that the sound levels, or acoustic energy, vary from one year to the next. The sound levels match up well with whale abundance trends. In the 2015/2016 whale season, there was a decline in the number of humpback whales coming to the Hawaiian Islands. This trend persisted for about three years. Then, beginning in 2018/2019, the chorusing levels started going back up again. Most recent data indicate that sound levels have gone back to the 2014/2015 levels, suggesting a recovery from the downward trend that started six years ago.

Akeakamai

SanctSound Project Another project that monitors underwater sound is the SanctSound Project, which occurred for the past three years at seven national marine sanctuaries and one marine national monument.

This project is managed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the U.S. Navy.

The goal of the project has been to standardize the information collected about the soundscape within our sanctuary. This is important to better understand the sounds that are being introduced through human activity, as well as the sounds that are being produced naturally within sanctuary waters. In Hawai‘i, the project focused on how humpback whales are utilizing our waters and habitats across the archipelago. Sound recording devices were deployed within sanctuary waters off the Main Hawaiian Islands and within Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. These acoustic data were analyzed to see if trends emerged over time and over geographic areas.

Page 8

Contributed photo A small, instrumented package is equipped with a non-invasive suction cup to temporarily attach to a humpback whale’s back. NOAA permit #20043 Off Maui and Hawai‘i Island, the acoustic recordings showed an increase in humpback whale chorusing levels from 2018/2019 to 2019/2020 and a later seasonal peak in 2020 compared to the prior seasons. For French Frigate Shoals, Kaua‘i, and O‘ahu, the recordings showed multiple peaks in each season. This suggests that whales were passing through these areas in pulses of abundance more pronounced than off Maui and Hawai‘i Island, where only one or two season peaks were apparent.

Acoustical data are very valuable to the sanctuary program because the recorders can be deployed for an entire season and in areas where continuous monitoring would not otherwise be possible. The data is important to understanding humpback whale behavior, their movement patterns, and their preferred habitats while here.

Vessel Surveys Vessel transect surveys were started in 2018 to complement the acoustic data collection to visually validate the trends of whale abundance that were being established using the acoustic recorders.

A vessel is used off West Maui to follow systematic transect lines and count the whales along those lines. Sanctuary staff has been able to complete eight-to-ten transect lines per season for three years for a total of 26 survey days thus far. Distance sampling methods are applied to estimate whale abundance and densities (number of whales per square kilometer). This has been helpful to track and quantify whale numbers, abundance in the West Maui study area, and within and between seasons.

Data collected over three years (2019, 2020, and 2021 breeding seasons) show generally increasing numbers but some fluctuations within the increase. For example, the higher estimated density of whales in 2019/2020 was the result of a prolonged season and a later peak in that season.

Tagging Studies Tags used by sanctuary staff are small instrumented packages that are temporarily attached to whales using suction cups. The tags are deployed on the whale using a long pole and typically stay on the whale for about four to twenty-four hours, then fall off and are retrieved. Suction cup tags are non-invasive and do not hurt the animal. They record sound, the whale’s movements and dive depth, and some also record video.

Data are used to study various aspects of whale behavior, communication, exposure to noise and habitat use. Whales conduct all their behavior in Hawai‘i while fasting and relying on stored energy. However, little is known about how whales manage their stored energy resources during the breeding season. Many questions remain, such as on how are periods of high activity balanced with rest? Also, do daytime and nighttime activities differ?

Over the past three years (2018-2021), 32 whales have been tagged in various social roles, resulting in 174 hours of tag data. Analyses indicate that there is a shift in whale behavior around sunset, with higher level of activity in the evening than the afternoon. This is new information because researchers are not able to observe whale behavior during the evenings or at night.

Collaborations In addition to the efforts described above, five collaborative studies with nonprofit entities, academia, and other agency partners in Hawai‘i and elsewhere have been undertaken over the past year: Marine Life Conservation District Acoustic Monitoring – EARs have been deployed at Maui’s Honolua Bay, and at Manele Bay and Hulopoe Bay on Lanai to monitor the presence of spinner dolphins which use those bays for resting. In addition, changes in human activities in these areas are being monitored as COVID restrictions get lifted. Collaborators include The Nature Conservancy, University of Hawai‘i, Department of Land and Natural Resources/Division of Aquatic Resources, Oceanwide Science Institute, Hawai‘i Association for Marine Education and Research, Pulama Lanai, Ultimate Whale Watch, and Seabury Hall.

E-Foil Noise Study – Study to find out more about e-foils, including the acoustic signatures of e-foils compared to more traditional vessels. Collaborators include DLNR-DAR, E-Foil Hawaii, and community volunteers.

DASAR Study – Whale sounds are recorded using a vector sensor that provides the bearing or direction of the sound source. This project uses Directional Autonomous Seafloor Acoustic Recorders (DASARs) deployed on the seafloor off West Maui. Directional data for sound sources offer a new dimension for understanding the dynamics of things such as humpback whale singing. Collaborators include Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Greenridge Sciences, Inc., and local partners.

Whale Acoustic Behavior Studies – A study to understand how juvenile males learn to sing that involves tagging of juvenile whales. Collaborators include Syracuse University and UH at Hilo.

Social Signaling Behavior Study – A study to understand social calls and the context under which they are occurring among different social groups. Collaborators include the University of the Algarve (Portugal) and UH at Hilo.

• Dr. Marc Lammers is the Research Ecologist with HIHWNMS and heads the sanctuary’s research program. He is also an affiliate faculty member at UH’s Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology, and is a Co-Founder of Oceanwide Science Institute. His research focus is on understanding the population, ecology, and behavior of Hawai‘i’s humpback whales.

• Jean Souza serves as the on-site manager of Kaua‘i Ocean Discovery at Kukui Grove Center and is a Program Specialist with HIHWNMS. She can be contacted at Jean.Souza@noaa.gov

Contributed photo Vessel survey crew conducting transects.

WE WORK TO A HIGHER STANDARD. OURS. 808-337-2080 w w w.We Cl e a n K au a i . co m Page 9

Volunteer Week Hawai‘i 2022

By Tommy Noyes If you, your school or your community service organization are interested in new volunteering opportunities, this story about Volunteer Week Kaua‘i (April 17-23) is for you.

One’s most serene moments might occur near home. Picture strolling along a shady tree-lined sidewalk, feeling waves wash over your toes on a pristine beach, appreciating the massive strength of a horse from your saddle, nailing a sick ollie at the skateboard ramp, or watching your grandchildren frolic in a well-maintained neighborhood playground.

While these simple enjoyments all contribute to our peace of mind and make our communities richer for everyone, there is a deep sense of satisfaction awaiting those who are personally involved in improving some aspects of their environment.

The nonprofit Kanu Hawaii (www.KanuHawaii.org) is nurturing systematic approaches to increase community cohesiveness.

“Kanu Hawaii provides tools and opportunities for people to connect with one another, and to take action that builds more compassionate and resilient communities across Hawaii,” Executive Director Keone Kealoha said. “Our vision: Hawaii’s people are equitably thriving through healthy and vibrant relationships, shared aloha, and a deep rooted kuleana for one another and Honua (the Earth).”

Inspired by Kanu Hawaii’s guidance, Volunteer Week Hawai‘i (April 17-23) coordinators across the state are now extending invitations to individuals, organizations, and businesses on all islands to plan many separate volunteer events, culminating in an awesome Earth Day 2022 collaboration.

Locally, the two Volunteer Week Kaua‘i 2022 island coordinators are Nikki Cristobal and Tommy Noyes (the author). Cristobal heads up Kamāwaelualani Corporation, a nonprofit dedicated to cultural and ‘āina (land; that which feeds) protection, preservation and perpetuation through public arts and ‘āina-based learning opportunities (www.kamawaelualani.org). Noyes is the general coordinator for The Friends of Kamalani & Lydgate Park (www.Kamalani.us) and Kaua‘i Path’s executive director. Learn more or register for Volunteer Week Kaua‘i 2022 at www.KauaiPath.org or contact the author at (808) 639-1018.

“Tommy and I brainstormed an extensive list of community service organizations that we’re contacting,” Cristobal said. “We hope every one of these groups, plus many more, will build their volunteer base by joining in this statewide collaborative effort. Numerous small events around the island will be structured with pandemic-appropriate measures. I see Volunteer Week Hawai‘i 2022 as an excellent way to energize and engage a large number of new volunteers, both residents and visitors.”

Some Kaua‘i organizations already on board include Healing Horses, Citizens Forester Program, Kaua‘i Skate Ohana, Friends of Kamalani & Lydgate Park, Surfrider Foundation and Rice Street Business Association.

Samantha Henriques, who coordinates Healing Horses Kaua‘i’s program (www.healinghorseskauai. org) said, “Our mission is to enrich the lives of people of all abilities through Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies, improving their physical, cognitive, social and/or emotional well-being. Much of our good work is accomplished through volunteer efforts.”

“The Citizen Forester Program honors the reciprocal relationship between nature and humanity, empowering community members to become forestry leaders,” island coordinator Sari Pastore said. “Our community’s strong connection to place will help us in our work as tree ambassadors and speak and act on behalf of a healthy, functioning and resilient urban forest with both native and culturally appropriate tree species.”

Please consider being a part of Hawai‘i’s largest volunteer-focused campaign. Search these hashtags on social media to see the difference we’re collectively making; #volunteerweekhawaii #respondwithaloha #kokuaexchange.

Community

• Tommy Noyes is Kaua‘i Path’s executive director, a League of American Bicyclists Certified Instructor and active with the Kaua‘i Medical Reserve Corps.

Individuals and community service organizations are urged to participate in a collaborative statewide volunteer effort around Earth Day 2022 during the week of April 17-23.

FREE ELECTRONIC WASTE RECYCLING!

Jeff Thomas & Noelani Evans

Noelani Evans, Aliyah Evans, & Gerilyn Luis

MEET THE FRIENDLY RESOURCE RECOVERY SOLUTIONS STAFF OPEN TO BUSINESSES AND RESIDENTS FOR FREE!* All brands of Electronic Waste (eWaste) are accepted with no quantity limits.

Visit www.kauai.gov/eWaste or call 241-4841 for more information.

6 DAYS A WEEK! Puhi Metals Recycling Facility, 3951 Puhi Road, Mon-Sat 7:30AM-3:30PM

Resource Recovery Solutions will send material to ERI Headquartered in Fresno, California or other certified R2 or e-steward certified facility.

Large eWaste such as commercial printers and industrial electronics may be subject to packing and handling fee, call 245-6919 for more info.

*

Kau Kau Delights Food trucks, take out, delivery and outdoor dining can be a great way to enjoy life and stay safe.

Mama Bear’s Kitchen

Please support your local island businesses by exploring the many options available.

We specialize in

Gourmet Comfort Food Serving breakfast and lunch Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 5:30am -2pm Saturday lunch only 11am- 3pm Wednesday & Sunday Off in Waimea town right after da bridge @mamabearkauai

Ono Pops delicious ‘aina-based frozen pops made on Kaua‘ Kaua ‘i local, ono & pono

please support Kaua‘‘i Retailers Kaua

who support

Kaua‘‘i Food Companies Kaua

who buy from

Local Farms

& provide Kaua‘ Kaua‘i jobs

OnoPops available at these locations: Eleele • Kauai Island Brewing Co. Hanalei • Hanalei Liquor Store Hanapepe • Aloha Spice Co. • Japanese Grandma’s Cafe • Salty Wahine Kalaheo • Kauai Coffee • Kauai Kookie • Lawai Market Kapaa • BB’s Kauai Food Truck • Beachboy Pool Bar at Kauai Coast Resort • Coconuts Fish Cafe • Hoku Foods • Lydgate Farms • Papaya’s • Pono Market • Rock Salt Plum • Tropical Dreams Kekaha • PMRF Navy Exchange Kilauea • Anaina Hou Mini Golf • Common Ground Koloa / Poipu • Cabana Bar & Grill • Dim ‘N’ Dem Sum Truck • Kauai Surf School at Kiahuna Plantation • Kukuiula Market • Living Foods Market • Long’s Drugs • Mariott Waiohai Marketplace Lihue • Fish Express • Kipu Ranch Adventures • Kilohana Train Depot • Sunrise Coffee • Vim n Vigor • Wilcox Hospital Cafeteria Princeville • N. Shore General Store • Princeville Botanical Garden • Westin Princeville • Wyndham Bali Hai Waimea • Aunty Lilikoi • Lodge at Kokee • Waimea Plantation Cottages • W. Kauai Heritage Center Wainiha • Wainiha Country Market

OnoPops_Kauai | www.OnoPops.com

mama bears kitchen

OPEN AIR DINING ONO-LICIOUS PUPUS OVER-THE-TOP COCKTAILS

photo by Daniel Lane

Located in Kapa‘a (Kaua‘i) behind Coconut Marketplace Located in Kapa`a (Kaua`i) behind Coconut Marketplace Open Tuesday-Sunday 5-9 pm l Reservations recommended Open Tues-Sun 5-9 pm Reservations recommended 808 822-0600 l 520 Aleka Loop l hukilaukauai.com 808 822-0600 520 Aleka Loop hukilaukauai.com l

l

l

Page 11

A Brand New World

By Virginia Beck

Today, we wake up to a brand new world. It is the greatest show on Earth, your life.

You never know what you will discover. People who are surprisingly happy and willing to help you and laugh with you. Someone who lifts your spirits.

Something entirely new in your own neighborhood. An unexpected gift. Love notes from God, I call them. Reminders that every instant is a new flip of the coin.

Kaua‘i is entirely new every day. Sunrises, spectacular ocean storms, sunshine, rainbows and amazing flowers.

The pandemic proves how poorly anyone can predict what comes next. The reality that we can control the future. It is always unknown. “Normal” is not real, it is just a label.

We expect it awaits us when we open our eyes. Stepping out of bed and gravity works. Water runs, showers work. Friends or family are there to greet us. If not, we can reach out to them through the miracle of the Internet.

Did ever turn out exactly the way we imagined? Maybe smiles from loved ones, homework assignments from teachers, more work from your boss. Occasionally, surprises of gratitude, praise and teamwork from friends and ‘ohana.

An old Chinese story describes events that arise. People comment whether this is good or bad.

The hero discovers that supposedly bad luck can bring good luck. Or what was seemingly good luck brought bad luck.

What happens to us is neither good nor bad; it is just that thinking makes them so.

What is remarkable about us as humans is that we have the capacity to be generous, a super power, and yet some choose not to use it.

Unexpected resources become available when expected systems break down. Some of us will see new possibilities: inventing new systems that perform better; finding ways to turn trash into treasure; and making helpful suggestions to our leaders in to improve things for the entire community.

As an elder whose expiration date is 50 years in the future, I rejoice in every single day.

Complete with all this stupid little chores and vague irritations of living in a human body. Not to mention the other 7.8 billion people who attempt to live peacefully with each other.

Even with all the disturbing media, the violence portrayed on screens does not match up with the reality that every single day hundreds of miracles go unreported. No, thousands, maybe millions. Maybe those miracles of human behavior of our being good to people is because we are good – not because they are good people; maybe this all comes from our true reality as decent loving human beings.

This truly is the greatest show on Earth, full of spectacles, bizarre behavior and magic far beyond that which Cirque de Soleil presents to us. Each of us wakes up to a different universe, and we are at the center of everything we see. In fact, you could say we are at the center of all the universes as far as we know.

The real question is, what will you do to contribute to the great future speeding toward us?

The screens do not report all the miracles. Every nanosecond, we have a choice to create the loving person we are and to share that as far as we can. As long as we can, as far as we can reach, to give back our incredible good fortune being alive. Right now.

Have the best year ever, and make today a great day with Aloha.

Mālamalama

• Virginia Beck, NP and Certified Trager® Practitioner, offers Wellness Consultation, Trager Psychophysical Integration and teaches Malama Birth Training classes. She can be reached at 635-5618.

Craig Sadamitsu welcomes you to

Me Time Massage & Bodywork 808-245-8880 locally owned & operated

therapeutic massage pain management body treatmets

metimekauai.com

Motivation Monthly brought to you by the Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce

“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.”

– Anaïs Nin

www.kauaichamber.org

Become a Lōkahi PartnerToday!

An organization or business that becomes a Lōkahi Partner can offer KGEFCU membership to all of its employees and their ‘ohana. Financial wellness will help create a happier, healthier workforce.

Together, we can achieve more.

Call or text (808) 245-2463 and ask to speak with our friendly Business Development Officers!

(808) 245-7363 email: info@kauaichamber.org

Deeply rooted in Hawaii, we’re proud to lend our support.

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

Experienced Licensed Certified Trusted

Our large fleet of collection system trucks are at your service!

Building communities and brighter futures with our hands and our hearts.

Call

808-332-7381

information@aquaengineers.com

‘ alexanderbaldwin.com

Aqua Engineers

Women’s Wellness Clinic Now Accepting Patients

All Women Welcome

4370 Kukui Grove Street, Suite 115 Lihue HI 96766

For information call

808-246-9577

or visit mphskauai.org

Wrangler’s Steakhouse WAIMEA • 338-1218 Kiawe Grilled Steaks Fish, Ribs, Burgers, More Tuesday-Saturday 5-9 pm Live Music: Wednesday’s, Fridays, & Saturdays

Visit us at www.hartungbrothers.com for more information

Page 13

HAPPY from

‘ KAUAI

Your Community Newspaper

Family Fun Kaua‘i Style Please note that due to CoVid-19 some venues are temporarily closed. Please contact them before making plans.

Tee Times for Kaua‘i Residents at Kukui‘ula!

Kukui‘ula Golf Course The Club at Kukui‘ula 2700 Ke Alaula Street 808-742-3010

www.kolepakukuiula.com

Four daily Tee Times have been reserved for Kaua‘i residents, with green fees of just $35 per player. Starting time blocks for Kaua‘i Residents are: Wednesday-Friday: 12 PM, 12:10 PM, 12:20 PM 12:30 PM Saturday & Sunday: 11 AM, 11:10 AM, 11:20 AM, 11:30 AM TEE TIME HOTLINE: 808-742-3010 (All golfers must provide proof of Kaua‘i Residency.)

Please visit www.kolepakukuiula.com for more details.

A COURSE UNLIKE ANY OTHER Poipu Bay Golf Course Poipu 808-742-8711 or 1-800858-6300

This outstanding course is backed by lush emerald mountains and sculpted from a rolling plateau eight stories above the Pacific Ocean. Nestled among the gentle contours of Poipu Bay. Home of the PGA Grand Slam of Golf from 1994-2006.

Hesse Flooring Creating a Better Environment

3285 Wa'apa Rd., Lihue in Nawiliwili

(808) 246-3700 LIC #21913

• Carpet • Tile Hardwood • Waterproof Flooring • Vinyl Flooring • Great Selection in Stock!

TWO GREAT REASONS TO LISTEN TO FM97 RADIO.

M-F 9:00-4:00 • SAT 10:00-1:00 • SUN closed

We have all your flooring needs Hesse has been servicing Kauai for 30 years

Apartments Available

Wishing You a Happy New Year!

BB Choi Ron Wood

CALL (808) 246-4449 for a TOUR www.regency-pacific.com

Play Miniature Golf! at

• Fun for beginners, a challenge for all ages!

• Great team building sport • Party facilities available

Lawai Beach Resort

240-5100 • www.lawaibeach.org

e-

ks boo

ar

When not on the golf course, Ron Wood “gets you up” in the morning, while B B Choi “drives you home” at night. Plus, get the latest news, play fun contests and enjoy the best music around. Guaranteed.

g the line-up! n i t t e hi

Move and play

Reading Lessons ReadingWave.com/shop

Still Kauai’s 1st Radio Choice.

30’ Zodiac Raft Kauai’s Best Whale Watch and Dolphin Watching!

The Only Raft Company Touring the Entire Na Pali Coast

808.742.6331

www.NaPaliRiders.com

Not only the best day of your vacation, but possibly one of the best days in your life!

Snorkel Pristine Reefs

*conditions permitting

Explore Sea Caves