"The Life"
M ay - J u n e 2 010
The Life of the Land Have You Ever Known a WWOOFer?
Passion for East Hawai‘i Coffee
The Life of the People Julia Neal – Preserving Community in Pahala Angels of the Dance: PrinceDance Company
The Life in Art Fluid Portraits from the Sea
The Life in Music
C O M P L I M E N TA RY
C O P Y
Subscribe at www.KeOlaMagazine.com
KE OLA | www.KeOlaMagazine.com | 1
Creating Ha with Bolo
DINING, SNACKS & MARKET
Tommy Bahama’s Tropical Café Monstera Foodland Farms Ruth’s Chris Steak House
CLOTHING & LIFESTYLE
Ali‘i Salon & Spa Tommy Bahama’s Emporium Shades of Hawaii Caché Island Intimates Lingerie Jourabchi Oasis Lifestyles
HI-DEF 3-D MOVIES + FULL-MOTION SEATS SURROUND SOUND + TOUCH EFFECTS EDGE-OF-YOUR-SEAT ENTERTAINMENT DAILY . NOON – 9PM
HAPPY HOUR MON-THUR 5-7PM . ALL RIDES $4 JEWELRY & FINE ART
Kohala Goldsmiths Lahaina Galleries Third Dimension Gallery Peter Lik Gallery ... and more!
68-1330 Mauna Lani Dr . Kohala Coast, Hawai’i 96743 . 808.885.9501 www.shopsatmaunalani.com . www.thegreat4Dmovieride.com .
Hawaii Life: Real Simple. Real Smart. Real Estate. The Life...
When Heidi White slips into the warm waters of the Kona coast at the crack of dawn, watching the sun crest over the top of Hualalai mountain, she isn’t alone. “The oceanfront home owners see my regular routine, and often they’re in the water with me!” she says.
A few of the Big Island Team members.
As an agent for Hawaii Life Real Estate Services, she begins almost every day on her stand up paddle board, relishing her own Hawaii lifestyle before going to work to help others enjoy the same.
Hawaii Life was born in June 2008 out of the realization that real estate had been completely transformed by the Internet. Today, Hawaii Life has expanded to six islands, has over 60 agents, lists 148 homes, and has conducted over $43 million in sales. Thousands of people visit www. hawaiilife.com everyday.
“Most real estate agents are using the equivalent of a homemade bamboo pole… and they’re fishing in a puddle behind their house.”
HAWAII LIFE
Matt Beall R, Principal Broker Just like everything it touches, the Internet is leveling the playing field in the real estate industry. “We liken our marketing to fishing,” says Matt. “If you’re going to catch a lot of fish, you have to know where they are, and you have to have the right equipment to land them. Most real estate agents are using the equivalent of a homemade bamboo pole… and they’re fishing in a puddle behind their house, competing with a lot of their colleagues.”
Hawaii Life on the Big Island
Puako – home for BIC Katie Minkus and Hawaii Life.
Nowhere is Hawaii Life’s success more readily apparent than on the Big Island. Broker-in-Charge Katie Minkus also serves as the PresidentElect of the Kona Board of Realtors. “Katie works harder and more earnestly than anyone I know,” shares agent Jan Nores, “yet she keeps her sense of humor and zest for life.”
As the self-described “Director of Lifestyle,” Katie often encourages her colleagues to go “play outside…surf, enjoy the weather, watch the sunset. Go remind yourself why you love living and working in Hawaii!” Agents like Beth Robinson, whose horseback riding habit is as routine as her work life, take this message to heart. “People often ask me if I don’t feel funny working for a Broker-inCharge who is 10 years younger than I am,” she says. “I tell them that, before, I worked for brokers who knew a lot about how business was done over the past 20 years, but I chose Hawaii Life because brokers like Katie understand how the real estate business will evolve in the next 20 years!” Similarly, agent Heidi White says, “It was only in the last year that I radically changed how I do business. The reason for my change is that the
Beth Robinson Specializes in North Kohala Life.
world has radically changed. One of those small changes is that everyone, including my 75 year-old friends, travel with laptops. Hawaii Real Estate bargains sell fast, so you learn to move fast with them.” For more information about Hawaii Life’s real estate services, go to www.hawaiilife.com.
HAWAI‘I LIFE REAL ESTATE SERVICES LLC 7 Puako Beach Drive, Kamuela, Hawaii 96743 | 808-822-5433 office | 800-667-5028 toll free | 866-590-3144 fax
KE OLA | www.KeOlaMagazine.com | 3
Heidi embodies her agency’s innovative approach to real estate: “We are un-corporate, local, forwardthinking. We embrace technology— while maintaining a strong human connection to the buyers and sellers we represent,” says Principal Broker Matt Beall.
Smart Marketing. Solid Representation.
Experience your pet deserves, experience you can trust.
Dr. Jacob Head
Life has an interesting way of coming full circle. In 1972, when I was born to Jim and Vicki Head in the old Kona Hospital, I had no idea where life would take me. I can recall the coffee shack up in Holualoa without running water, where my cot was stored under my parents’ bed. As time passed, people went out of my life and others came in, my mom and stepfather John Swift raised me on a farm in south Kona. I had animals and livestock then. I was active in 4-H and I remember people like Dr. Tim Richards from Waimea and Glen Fukomoto helping to guide me down the path to becoming a Veterinarian. When I graduated from Konaweana in 1989, I left Hawaii for Colorado. I traded sand for snow and my adult life began. I graduated from Colorado State University with a B.S. of Science in Microbiology, I continued on to Veterinary School at Colorado State University, Graduating in 1998. During my time in school, I worked as a janitor on campus and as a Veterinary Technician for a local vet. After school, I completed an internship in Small Animal Surgery and Medicine in New Mexico. I also got licensed in Colorado and California where I did an Internship at an equine facility outside of Santa Barbara. Colorado, however, kept calling me back. Like a siren call to the mountains and to my friends, it landed me smack dab in the middle of the Animal Emergency Room where I stayed and practice Emergency Critical Care for over 8.5 years at specialty hospital along the Front Range. I traveled a lot, taking courses in surgery and attending continuing education conferences, always trying to learn more. Emergency medicine is fast and adrenalin-filled. I was often there in the night to usher new life into the world performing countless numbers of c-sections. I was also there when the time came to usher lives out of the world. I have never been one to compromise compassion for the sake of time. Having lost animals of my own in my life, I always try to remember my own humility in the face of death and be an anchor for those experiencing that moment in there bid to say a dignified goodbye to their furry family member. Like life, time in the ER can change you. I guess it should have came as no surprise to me when my life as a bachelor, suddenly became my life as a married man with 2 children. When I met my wife, Jolene, she was this crazy whirlwind who owned her own company by day and still worked nights in the ER. With a flare for the dramatic and 2 kids in tow, she would not sit still and she challenged me in every aspect of my life. In 2006, I accepted a position as a Medical Director in Washington State and moved our family there. It was here we had our baby daughter and my journey from the mountains to the sea culminated in us buying Keauhou Veterinary Hospital in 2007. When we decided to take a chance on moving back to Hawaii, we did it with confidence that we could be the best veterinary hospital on the Big Island. We strive everyday to be that to the thousands of people who have come through our doors over the last 3 years. We offer things no one else on the Big Island is offering. We pride ourselves on the services we provide. “They” say you can never go home again. 18 years is a long time to be away. The lessons and skills I have learned on my journey home are many and the road is not always even. Often we have to build bridges and mend fences to get where we are going. My determination to leave this place better than I found it and to give back to the community that was there when I was learning what kind of man I wanted to be and will remain the same. My home may no longer be the coffee shack on the slopes of Hualalai, but my humble beginnings have never left my heart. I have come home to Hawaii, to put down the roots of my own family so they to may know the power of this place of fire and ice. Dr. Jacob Head
78-6728 Walua Rd, Kailua-Kona, HI
Phone 808-322-2988
www.keauhouvet.com
“The Life” A magazine for those who love life on the Big Island
M ay -J u n e 2010
The Life in Spirit: 11
Wai O Kahalu‘u By Kumu Keala Ching
The Life of the People: 14
Angels of the Dance: Talented Big Island Youth Aspire to New Heights
29
Plantation Era’s Gone, and Pahala Lives On Historic Preservationist Pulls Community Together
35
It’s No Secret Huggo’s is Invested in Making Kona a Better Place
The Life of the Land: 24
Have You Ever Known a WWOOFer? They’re Helping Farmers all over the Big Island
41
Hilo Coffee Mill: More Than Java
The Life as Art: 19
Fluid Ocean Portraits Victoria McCormick’s Images Reflect Trust with Marine Creatures
Jewelry Design and Repair On Site by Moses Thrasher
The Life at Home: 38
Feng Shui Hawaiian Style Metal for Clarity, Strength and Success
The Life in Music: 45
Creating Ha with Bolo He’s “Been There, Done That” and Made the T-Shirt
58
Ka Puana --- The Refrain:
Celebrate your love of the Big Island with a one-of-a-kind jewelry creation.
Bananas Don’t Grow on Trees By Rocky Sherwood
Publishers Talk Story..............................................................................08 Then & Now .............................................................................................13 Farmers Markets......................................................................................48 Community Calendar............................................................................49 The Life in Business................................................................................57
Open 12:30-8:30 pm
KE KE OLA OLA || www.KeOlaMagazine.com www.KeOlaMagazine.com || 55
Departments:
Wrinkles due to sun damage can be prevented and minimized. Chronic exposure to Hawaii’s sub tropical sun creates a host of skin damage scenarios. According to recent research, the profound effects of exposure to ultraviolet light account for up to 90 percent of the symptoms of premature aging. Add that to Hawaii’s location just south of the Tropic of Cancer, and people receive even more sun damage due to higher, more intensive UVA and UVB radiation. The good news is that many innovative treatments and procedures are now available to prevent, fix and reverse this damage, leaving your skin more youthful looking and radiant.
6 | www.KeOlaMagazine.com | KE OLA
=
How excessive sun exposure causes wrinkles.
Significant sun damage causes breakdowns within the second layer of skin called the dermis. Collagen and elastin fibers, which provide connective structural support, become brittle and depleted with
Before Active FX and Deep FX laser treatments After Active FX and Deep FX laser treatments
chronic sun exposure. Over time, the skin’s natural ability to repair itself becomes compromised, leading to wrinkles, as well as sagginess, sallowness and brown spots.
=
There is hope. Innovative treatment options for wrinkles.
To prevent wrinkles, use sunscreen liberally. To reverse damage already done, get on a good skin care regime such as Obagi’s Nu-Derm that includes products containing Retin A (proven to stimulate the growth of collagen) and topical anti-oxidants. Patients can opt for laser resurfacing with the help of the Fraxel laser or the newer Active and Deep Fx fractionated laser for faster results. A complimentary VISIA complexion analysis, along with a detailed individualized treatment plan to help you achieve your anti-aging goals, comes with every consultation.
=
Learn more.
Visit our Web site today to view educational videos and read more about the various treatment options for addressing wrinkles caused by excessive sun exposure. Call today to schedule your appointment. It’s time to reverse the effects of sun damage on your skin.
Four Specially Priced Packages. For treatment of wrinkles, we have bundled up just what you need in four, non-surgical packages. These combine laser skin resurfacing, injectables (including Radiesse, Perlane, Restalyne, Dysport and Botox), as well as products from the renowned Obagi Skincare line and more. Choose the one best for you. Four packages, four prices. Visit www.DrJohnStover.com/wrinkles2 for all the details.
John D. Stover, DDS, MD, PhD Board Certified in Facial Cosmetic Surgery and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dr. Stover is one of the most highly trained and imminently qualified cosmetic surgeons in Hawaii. Dr. Stover continually updates his knowledge, skill and practice in the latest surgical and non-surgical procedures and techniques.
Marné CarMichael Walsh, M.S., PAC, Physician Assistant Physician Assistant Ms. CarMichael Walsh teams with Dr. Stover to perform treatments that address wrinkles and other effects of sun damage to the skin. Ms. Walsh was educated at U.H. Manoa and at the Chicago Medical School and is a board-certified Physician Assistant.
DDS, MD, PhD
Cosmetic Centers of Hawaii
www.DrJohnStover.com/wrinkles2 Kona 323-2600 • Waimea 885-4503 • Hilo 969-1818
“The Life” A magazine for those who love life on the Big Island
UA MAU KE EA O KA ‘AINA I KA PONO.
The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness. [Its sustainability depends on doing what is right.] Proclamation by Kona-born King Kamehameha III in 1843. Later adopted as the state motto.
Publishers
Barbara Garcia Bowman w Karen Valentine
Editor
Karen Valentine
Marketing Director
NOW OPEN greenwithenvi an eco-lifestyle boutique & resource center
in waimea
Barbara Garcia Bowman
Creative Design
Michael Mark P., Creative Director, Mana Brand Marketing WavenDean Fernandes, Principle, Mana Brand Marketing WavenDean@ManaBrandMarketing.com w 808.345.0734
Advertising Design
Tahiti Huetter www.tahitihdesigns.com
Production Manager Richard Price
Ambassadors
Mars Cavers w Devany Davidson w Mahealani Henry WavenDean Fernandes w Marya Mann w Fern Gavelek Eric Bowman w Deborah Ozaki w Greg Shirley
Account Manager
Barbara Garcia Bowman Barb@KeOlaMagazine.com w 808.345.2017
Contributing Writers
Keala Ching w Jolene Head w Kim Cope Tait w Marya Mann Hadley Catalano w Ann C. Peterson w Fern Gavelek w Marta Barreras Devany Vickery-Davidson w Colin John w Rocky Sherwood
Photography
Bryan Lowry w John Russell w Hadley Catalano Michael Darden w Devany Vickery-Davidson w Peter Beemer
KE OLA is printed on recycled paper with soy-based inks. Hawaii Island Publishing, Inc., is a recognized member of the Kuleana Green Business Program of the Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce
© 2010, Hawaii Island Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved P.O. Box 1494, Kailua-Kona, HI 96745
www.KeOlaMagazine.com
64-1040 mamalahoa hwy. malama pono building greenwithenvihawaii.com
KE OLA || www.KeOlaMagazine.com || 7 KE OLA www.KeOlaMagazine.com 7
Editorial inquiries & calendar submissions: Editor@KeOlaMagazine.com w 808.937.8103 Subscriptions: www.KeOlaMagazine.com or mail name, address and payment of $24 US/$42 International for one year to P.O. Box 1494, Kailua-Kona, HI 96745 808.345.2017 w Fax: 808.882.1648
Publishers Talk Story...
W
elcome to the May/June issue of Ke Ola. In this season of celebrating the abundance of spring, we offer another lei to our community. Here we take the opportunity to share with you the stories behind the stories and recognize some of the fascinating people and inspirations behind the scenes at Ke Ola. Take Tahiti Huetter, for example. Tahiti is the amazingly talented woman who designs many of our advertisers’ ads. Her artistic presentations are instrumental in making the difference between an ad just occupying a few square inches and an ad that communicates a message effectively and provocatively. This month Tahiti has launched her second business. In addition to being a freelance graphic designer, photographer and web designer, she has become the proprietor of a new store that sells organically created clothing. When you get to the end of this story, you’ll see why this is so special. First, we share with you the mission for her store, Green with Envi. It opened on Earth Day, April 22, in Waimea. Quoting from her blog site: “mission: our mission is to provide ethically traded, earth-friendly, body loving, peace keeping fashions to hawaii. we strive to be an advocate for the next generation and protect the earth that we share with one another. we want to network, mesh and share art, fashion, and sustainability with the rest of the community.”
Green with Envi is in the Malama Pono Building (how appropriate!) across from the Shell gas station in Waimea. But, wait….. here’s the punchline. This month Tahiti also graduates from high school!.... And she just turned 18. Yes, that’s right. No typo here. Here’s to a successful launch into the next chapter of her life. We wish her many more decades of success.
In this issue of Ke Ola, we share stories of other young adults who are being given a chance to follow their dreams on our special island. Those with a passion for learning to grow food organically come here each year to volunteer with the WWOOF program (Worldwide Workers on Organic Farms). Hadley Catalano profiles a few of them in her story, “Have You Ever Known a WWOOFer?” Find it on page 24. A dream of becoming a professional dancer may also come true on the Big Island, with Angel Prince sharing her passion for contemporary dance with students and the community. See “Angels of the Dance,” Kim Cope Tait’s story beginning on page 14. The vast Pacific Ocean (moana) surrounds us with life and vitality, nurturing us and our island paradise. Fine art photographer Victoria McCormick, with writer Marya Mann, (page 19) and Kumu Keala Ching (page 11) remind us of how important it is to honor and protect this lifeline.
✿ I was so inspired by the story of the master drum maker that I decided to get into native American music. I was gifted with my first flute on a recent visit to the Big Island. It’s a High Spirits flute, and easy to play. I am now pursuing the ancient art of making music with an authentic instrument. Keep on inspiring your readers with excellent stories of craftsmanship and skill. it’s working! Sincerely, – Barrie Byron, Lawrenceville, NJ and Boynton Beach, FL ✿ The March/April issue of Ke Ola magazine was confirmation that I am home here in Kona. It was trippy to see how many people I knew. I mailed a copy of this issue to a friend in New Mexico, two people in California (friend and granddaughter), and my mom in Washington. Each copy was filled with sticky notes identifying people I either know or have heard of and places I have been to. This doesn’t include the list of advertisers where I know the owner or manager. I bought a pahu drum from Uncle Kala when I first moved here and took a hula workshop where Aloha Victor was one of the teachers. Thank you for this beautiful magazine, which is filled with good mana and an abundance of Aloha. – Renee Robinson, Kailua-Kona
Cover Art: “Guardian Ancestors” Fine Art Photograph by Victoria McCormick www.victoriamccormick.com "The Life"
M a y - Ju n e 2 0 1 0
There are lots more stories behind the stories, and now you can participate by making frequent visits to our website. There is so much more to share, as well as give you a forum to talk story with other readers and submit ideas for future articles. Become a fan on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and connect with us on LinkedIn to find out the latest from Ke Ola! We love staying in contact with you!
The Life of the Land Have You Ever Known a WWOOFer?
Passion for East Hawai‘i Coffee
The Life of the People Julia Neal – Preserving Community in Pahala Angels of the Dance: PrinceDance Company
The Life in Art Fluid Portraits from the Sea
Aloha,
The Life in Music Creating Ha with Bolo
Karen Valentine and Barbara Garcia Bowman C O M P L I M E N TA RY
C O P Y
Subscribe at www.KeOlaMagazine.com
KE OLA | www.KeOlaMagazine.com | 1
8 | www.KeOlaMagazine.com | KE OLA
How rich is a world and a community with all ages of its inhabitants participating and being appreciated. This brings to mind Henry, a gentleman who applied for a position in advertising sales at a newspaper Karen published in another state. He enjoyed talking with business people and helping them with their ads. He was 87 at the time. After suffering a stroke at age 92, he retired. These stories remind us it’s never too early and never too late to live our passion in life.
From Readers...
Nancy Sweatt of Kailua-Kona (pictured on the right in the photo) writes: “My mother, Barbara Sweatt, keeps her Ke Ola magazine on the coffee table in her formal living room. She loves to show it to everyone who comes to her home. It is a fabulous conversation piece on cold Minnesota days. She and her friends reminisce about their trips to Hawai‘i or dream of the day when they return to the tropics, swaying palm trees and Hawaiian music. She loves to see what is happening in Kona. When I call and say I went to an event, sometimes she will say she read about that in Ke Ola. She feels more connected to my life here in Kona, thanks to Ke Ola.” The photo above shows Barbara and Nancy Sweatt in front of the depot in Wayzata, Minnesota. Send us your photo of Ke Ola, taken somewhere around the world. ✿ People don’t really understand the magic of the Big Island until they’ve lived there. There’s a soft beauty there and a passionate wildness. It’s something that stays inside you, regardless of where you live. And once you’ve moved away, it’s a constant longing to return. Thanks to Ke Ola magazine, I get a bimonthly serving of the Islands Aloha Spirit, even in Baltimore, Maryland! Mahalo!! – Angelica Jayne Taggart, Baltimore, MD
✿ I just wanted to write and thank Ke Ola for reprinting one of my stories from my first book. It is extremely difficult for local writers, musicians or artists to get any promotion or exposure here, and you not only did that, but did it beautifully. I did not expect to see a simple piece of my prose treated so lovingly. I will never forget this generous gesture of support and the professionalism with which it was conducted. Mahalo! – Kona Lowell, Kealakekua
Send us your comments and letters! We take email, snail mail, submissions through our website or posts on Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter! Editor@keolamagazine.com Follow us:
CORRECTION: In the March/April, 2010, issue of Ke Ola, the beautiful photos accompanying the article titled, “More Than a Wooden Big Top: Soaring High at S.P.A.C.E. in Puna,” were taken by photographer Allison Erickson (www. allisonerickson.com). We neglected to give her credit. Mahalo, Allison.
Solar Hot Water Systems Solar Swimming Pool Systems Solar Electric Systems
S o la r H
ot Water
S o la r E le c
t r ic t y
Call Me! 329-4044
OPEN M - F • 8AM - 4PM
KE OLA | www.KeOlaMagazine.com | 9
Grow with the Best for:
10 | www.KeOlaMagazine.com | KE OLA
Immerse yourself in our history, culture and landscape with three unique journeys that offer a rare opportunity to experience, appreciate and help preserve traditional Hawaiian ways of life. The ancient arts and crafts of Hawai`i’s history are indelibly woven into the beauty and the bounty of this land- and are ready to be experienced by everyone eager to journey beyond the norm. Come - touch, listen and feel. You will return with a deep connection to this land and its people and a completely new way of looking at your world. Our stories and our warmth await you. Join us‌
For reservations and program information, call 808-324-2540.
WWW.HUAKAIHAWAII.COM.
KE OLA | www.KeOlaMagazine.com | 11
The Life
IN SPIRIT
Dolphin Healing Touch
12 | www.KeOlaMagazine.com | KE OLA
Nancy Emery, a Family Nurse Practitioner, is an advanced practitioner of Cranio-Sacral, Lymphatic Drainage, and Heart Centered Therapies, emotional, energetic and intuitive medicine. She uses alternative therapies that empower people to care for their physical, emotional and spiritual health.
A Country Vet in Kona
“D
By Jolene Head
oc” McCoy was never one to turn people away and enjoyed giving back to the community of Kona and to the State of Hawai‘i. Before Hawai‘i was a state, Dr. Kid McCoy was appointed the Territorial Deputy Veterinarian in the District Of Kona, where he served for many years. It was after this, in the 1960s, that he started Keauhou Veterinary Clinic in his own, large home. Nestled on the slope of Hualalai out on the edge of town, on Walua Road, Doc McCoy’s vision and foresight brought a new dimension to veterinary care for the island. “Doc” McCoy saw everything from cows, pigs and chickens to horses, cats and dogs, serving as one of the veterinarians for Parker Ranch. People tell stories of waiting outside his clinic for him to come out and look things over, giving a shot for this, a prescription for that and everything in-between. He was a kind veterinarian and honest to a fault, a model of his profession and everything that it embodied. In 1962, along with retired Konawaena school principal Mark Sutherland, McCoy started the Kona Chapter of the Big Island Assoc. to Help Retarded Citizens; which today is The Arc of Kona. He also worked with the area’s young men and women encouraging them to continue their education. Dr. McCoy knew early on to think out of the box. He was ahead of his time. When he passed away in 1991, “Doc” McCoy left a legacy behind him, one that has carried forward to the 21st century and beyond. The veterinary practice he started has continued to live on for another 47 years and counting. Keauhou Veterinary Clinic has had a few owners since those early days, remaining in the same building where Dr. McCoy lived and practiced. Originally built as a residence, the clinic and surgery facility now occupy the entire house. Built in 1963 by Yukio Yamamoto, the post and beam construction is made from koa and ‘ohi‘a. The sloping roof and the architectural details were a beautiful contrast to traditional Hawaiian-style homes in the area. The hand-carved, strong beams spanning over 30 feet are a sight to behold. With hand-crafted metal plates, they have kept the structure in place for many years, through earthquakes and storms. People who remember working on the building often recall stories from that time.
Forty-seven years later, the same lanai greets clients of the Keauhou Veterinary Clinic, under the care of Dr. Jacob Head.
overgrown landscaping and a need for cleaning and reorganizing to be brought up to date. Since purchasing the practice, they have brought a new life to this beautiful old building and updated its veterinary equipment, adding ultrasound, radiology, digital dental radiology, a dental suite, a surgical suite and more. Though the building is no longer a home for humans, it houses the equipment and tools needed to care for the more than 3,500 clients it serves. It is a testament to the man who had a vision and built a foundation for the veterinary care that started on this island so many years ago. v
KE OLA | www.KeOlaMagazine.com | 13
In 2007, Keauhou Veterinary Clinic was purchased by Dr. Jacob Head, a local boy, and his wife Jolene. When they arrived they found the building needed a number of repairs, with a leaking roof,
The covered lanai of the McCoy house, built in 1963, using post and beam construction with koa and ‘ohi‘a, offered a congenial setting for friendly gatherings at the home of the wellknown Kona veterinarian. The house doubled as a clinic in those days.
The Life
Elizabeth McDonald (left) and Lia Cain. Photo by John Russell
OF THE PEOPLE
A
14 | www.KeOlaMagazine.com | KE OLA
young woman emerges from darkness, taking tentative steps along the railing of a balcony; sunset sky sends a pale strip of fiery light along the horizon, apparently far below her precarious heights. “I never loved nobody fully,” come the singsong words of the Regina Spektor ditty that seems to emanate from the shrubbery surrounding the outdoor stage. The girl is Elizabeth McDonald, and some in the audience recognize her character’s child-like expression from years ago, when she was a little girl with dancing shoes. Tonight she dons a bright, curly red wig punctuated with tiny yellow feathers, which expands her silhouette exponentially. It is part of her zany costuming for a glimpse into the choreography of Angel Prince and a preview of the first performance of the newly formed PrinceDance Nonprofit Contemporary Dance Company. Lizzie, as we used to call her, has blossomed into this rainbow-colored version of herself, and the audience croons in delight as she pulls a compact mirror from the mass of curls on her head, then a tiny book, a cassette tape which she promptly unwinds, and a host of other
previously invisible objects, the weight of which, earlier in her dance, threatened to topple the wide-eyed girl beneath their multi-colored nest. The number is about the precariousness of being human, the longing to be good—to be real. How we discover balance, almost as if by accident. Find a way to forgive ourselves our imperfections—love them into the layers of our beauty. When the dance ends, the audience for this special fundraiser event applauds and listens attentively, as Elizabeth breathlessly describes what it means to her to have the opportunity to get paid for doing what she loves—here in her island home. Having danced for Angel Prince since she was 14, a girl who balanced her stageworthy endeavors with the act of communion with her Honoka’a home and surfing in Waipi’o Valley, Elizabeth is completely comfortable on the Kahilu Theatre stage, where Angel has served as the resident choreographer since 2007. Teacher, dancer and choreographer Angel Prince brought this opportunity for Hawai‘i youth to the Big Island after a decade of working on the concrete island of Manhattan. She moved to Honoka’a in 2003 in search of the kind of grounding, creative force that underlies the Hawai’i Island experience and is consummate in its patron goddess Pele.
It is Pele’s transformative energy that Angel honors and perpetuates with her innovations in dance; that energy pervades this ever-growing isle, infusing its many landscapes with the promise of growth and expansion, while honoring what is sacred and ancient in the Hawaiian tradition. In 2005 Angel began the PrinceDance Institute, which was and continues to be a for-profit institute that offers classes to all ages in contemporary, ballet and partner dance and results in regular shows for the community and beyond. Angel’s intention for the institute is to fuse what is most vibrant and inspiring in contemporary dance with the sense of honoring the land we inhabit. Each of the institute shows has centered on environmental awareness, and from hailing sustainability to cautioning against global warming, the message of nurturing and protecting the ‘aina is central to Angel’s vibrant and theatrical productions. Elizabeth and her cohort Lia Cain have clocked countless hours on the black stage of the Kahilu, moving and dancing, laughing and creating under Angel’s tutelage. Having started in Angel’s institute, they are now the principal dancers in the new, nonprofit PrinceDance Company. Like Elizabeth, Lia is a Honoka’a girl, and the contrast between her short-board-riding persona and the one that graces the watery ‘stage’ at the PrinceDance fundraiser at a private residence in Waimea is delicious.
Angel’s experience of Argentina and of the tango infuses her artistic work; her travels to Buenos Aires in particular have inspirited her choreography and musical selections with the vast transformational energy of what
From the use of music by a young Argentine orchestra called El Afronte to bringing in Patyn himself to participate in the PrinceDance premier of Que Sueñes Con Las Angelitas, Angel is effectively integrating the vitality of the young Argentine artists she has encountered with the inherent creative energies of Hawai‘i. Journeying back to us here on the Big Island, Angel honors the history and traditions of Hawai‘i, sharing a vitality and beauty that is, not unlike Pele, constantly re-inventing, re-shaping and expanding itself. In this way, Angel, as part of a fluid artistic movement, is ever redefining what is art, dance and theatrical expression. Her innovations in contemporary dance are a direct product of that movement and the melding of cultural experiences from around the world. For the final number of the PrinceDance fundraiser, the dancers are three: Elizabeth, Lia and Megan MacArthur. The stage itself? An infinity swimming pool, which accommodates the dancers with its 48 square foot section of calf-deep water. The entire phenomenon of this performance is of course the result of Angel’s dynamic and visionary creativity. She has effectively incorporated the Kanehoa landscape as far as the opposite shore of the stream, where a single body moves in the jagged circle
onContinued page 17 Angel Prince, founder of Prince Dance Institute and the new PrinceDance Company. Photo by John Russell.
KE OLA | www.KeOlaMagazine.com | 15
In between dinner and the toast is a Tango interlude involving Angel herself and Hugo Patyn, a professional dancer she has brought in from Buenos Aires, especially for the PrinceDance premier. The two are intensely synchronized, locked at the eye, the foot, the hip. The audience considers looking away from what must certainly be a private intimacy, but is drawn in again by the irresistible beauty of their figures moving across the floor. They are reassured at intervals by Angel’s candid and seductive little looks in their direction, daring them to hold their ground; Hugo’s eyes, in comparison, never leave the fluid body of his partner. Angel’s stiletto heels find their way around and between Hugo’s black dancing shoes, and the two dancers ignite the room, bloom into the unmistakable flame of tango, and remind us again of the thrilling danger and the fabulous appeal of moving in unison with another human being.
many consider to be a cultural revolution. “There is a cultural history there that hadn’t really evolved for 100 years. The youth of Argentina have rediscovered it and are building on that history with a fresh, young eye,” says Angel.
16 | www.KeOlaMagazine.com | KE OLA
Located in the Old Hayashi Building in upcountry Waimea
65-1290 Kawaihae Road, Suite 4 • 808-887-2500 • Info@LavaRockRealty.com
Connect with us! www.LavaRockRealty.com
It takes courage to live on a rock™
Continued from page 15 of a spotlight projected onto rock. The result is mind-bending: Here is darkness and light. Distance and proximity. Stone and sky. This canopy of connection—inky membrane between us. Within and beyond: the frenetic movement of what we desire, what we resist, what we create every minute. With our intention we expand into that space, push at the membrane as if against gossamers, find one another with our flesh. With our fear, we recede, pull into the heart of our individual space—allow the night to drop down on our heads, fill the space that threatens to close, seal us to each other. What strikes me, as the dances end and the donations to support this growing, alive, artistic endeavor here on our own beautiful island begin to come in, is what it means to be able to stay. So often our youth feel forced to leave the islands in order to spread their prodigious wings. They find, as they grow and discover their own talents, that their Big Island home can be limiting. For what it is, they love it. Their family is here. In this place they have grown to love the connection to earth and element—the very connection, in fact, that first drew Angel to live and work here. In this place they have learned to be rooted but also to aspire to great heights, to limn the ethereal with their own burgeoning spirits, while their toes draw spirals in the black sand.
Elizabeth is in earnest when she says that Angel’s creation of the PrinceDance Company has changed her life. That without the rooting of Angel’s artistic Kids on sta ge in the sh ow “Vis Viv Theatre. Ph a” at Kahil oto by Kan u oa Withing ton.
purpose here in North Hawai‘i, her dream would have, of necessity, sent her away from the home she loves. She and Lia glow with the excitement of yet another night on stage, in the spotlight, where they will bask in the approbation of another enthusiastic audience…and then go home to their Honoka’a beds, wake to the sounds of the myna birds outside their windows, grab a hot malasada (shhhh, don’t tell Angel!) and head on down to the shoreline with their surfboards. To see Angel’s class schedule and get more information on upcoming Institute shows and events, you may want to visit the website at www.princedanceinstitute.com. To see more about what is happening with the new, nonprofit PrinceDance Company, visit www.princedance.org. Email Kim Cope Tait at kimcopetait@hotmail.com.
KE OLA | www.KeOlaMagazine.com | 17
And then there is the decision. To stay and give up the dream of being a professional contemporary dancer, actor, singer…or to go. Go in pursuit of the thing that lights them up. The thing that expands them into their best possible selves. In their hearts: the hope of one day returning… and a deep sadness for what must be abandoned in the interim.
“Balancing Act” with Elizabeth McDonald.
Come, swim where the dolphins play. Journey aboard the Dolphin TLC to swim among dolphins in their natural habitat, the beautiful Hawaiian waters.
18 | www.KeOlaMagazine.com | KE OLA
Dolphin Excursions Manta Ray Dinner Cruises Snorkel Combo Trips Private & Corporate Charters
Reserve your excursion early: 808-329-3030 or 800-384-1218 www.dolphinjourneys.com
(808)329-7711 www.trudysislandarts.com Open Daily 9:30am-5pm Kona International Market
(In back, facing Queen Ka`ahumanu Hwy)
AS ART
The Life
Dances with the Ocean
H
eavenly light filters through the ocean surface into the underwater world, birthplace of life on Earth.
Her images, far Paul and from two-dimensional, Victoria McCormick express her passion to save the world’s oceans and share the spiritual values of Hawaiian culture, giving us depth, beauty and delicious hope.
Such kinship with marine life attracted an invitation by National Marine Fisheries in 1994 to live on a tiny island in what is now the remote Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, the largest marine preserve in the world. She photographed endangered Hawaiian monk seals—one of the rarest marine mammals in the world, with only 1,200 still living—for a book about the adorable creatures. (No publication date has been set.) That experience, together with growing up on a farm taking photos of cows, kittens and horses, inspired in her a sense of wonder and responsibility for the web of life. “I’m just turned on by nature,” says Victoria. Determined to produce photographs that make us “pay attention” to the whispers, wisdom and wild harmonies of the sea, she depicts the ocean’s motion in curves and colors in “Wave Sculptures” and “Liquid Satin,” giving testimony to the romance and sacred poetry of the sea. Covering 75 percent of the earth, oceans offer more than ecstatic beauty. Interconnected oceans and waterways produce oxygen, stabilize the weather and insure our planet’s biodiversity. More than resources to be used for fishing, transport and outdoor fun, oceans are sentient teachers, like benevolent parents, vital to all life. Continued on page 20
KE OLA | www.KeOlaMagazine.com | 19
Fine art photographer Victoria McCormick slips into this liquid womb of coral reef and eagle rays, swimming in gentle accord with ancient creatures, bringing back some of the most dazzling images of marine life ever recorded.
“I take tens of thousands of photographs,” she says, “using only natural light. ” To get the most evocative views, she learned to be so non-threatening that a Florida manatee once kissed her and a sooty tern felt safe enough to dance playfully on her head.
Continued from page 19 In the ocean depths, whistling songs partner with rainbow visions, plankton with algae, coral with crustacean, delighting us with the exuberance of life and the sharpness of sudden death, all in perfect symmetry. Unfortunately, with human pressures on our oceans intensifying, no one knows if the balance of this undersea dance can last.
Powerful Partnerships
Beside Victoria at the kitchen table in their Waimea home is her husband Paul McCormick, who grew up in Alaska photographing grizzly bears and wolves. “One of the reasons we do so well together,” he says, “is because of how we are with the animals.” Victoria adds, “One time a band of Dall sheep left their lambs with Paul while they went off in search of food. It was so sweet. Animals have to be pretty comfortable to do that.”
Me Ka A E Hoe Wai
kahele
She and Paul collaborated on a unique “Spiritual Hula” project after he moved to Hawai‘i. It portrays male and female dancers, the sacredness of the canoe and the healing power of the ocean. “We weren’t used to working with people, being wildlife photographers,” she says. “But we were accepted amazingly well.”
A Grief Support Camp for Kids & Teens
20 | www.KeOlaMagazine.com | KE OLA
July 9-11, 2010
Camp Erin-Hawaii is a weekend overnight camp for kids and teen, ages 5-17 who have experienced the death of a loved one. Facilitated by professional staff and trained volunteers, Camp Erin is offered to families free of charge around the Big Island of Hawaii. At Camp Erin-Hawaii, kids have an opportunity to be around other kids who have experienced similar losses. They participate in typical camp activities (archery, arts & crafts, field games, hiking and more), as well as activities designed to help them understand and process their grief. Parents also engage in self care activities, learn about grief, find ways to cope with their own grief as well as support their children.
For more information, please call Christine at 443-2904 or email: camperinhawaii@hospiceofkona.org
“Just the energy that we had together made everyone very relaxed,” Paul adds. The harmony of their marriage and work resembles the cooperative spirit of coral reefs, where a playful synergy among different lifeforms sustains and enhances every creature’s unique gifts and mutual joy. “There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes to get the images out into the public,” says Victoria. “You have to run your business and wear a lot of different hats. I’m fortunate that Paul is a computer wizard. I’m not like that. I’m more of a feeling person, a caretaker and educator.” They treat the ocean and marine life, not as objects, but as participants in a glorious dance of life. Such respect for the ocean has generated responses from all over the globe. Victoria’s photos have been used in cancer therapy to aid healing visualizations and by non-profit groups and governmental organizations to support conservation efforts. How does she both capture and liberate the majesty of nature in her photos? “Mostly it’s being open, having more of a wide angle view of nature than a narrowed down telephoto,” she says. “It’s also a feeling. Some things I’ve been led to. Other times I’ve put myself out there to see if something I wanted would come by.” Something usually does, like the time two spotted eagle rays allowed Victoria and Paul to be near them while they mated, resulting in the breathtaking “Courtship of the Magnificent Spotted Eagle Ray.”
Courtship of the
Magnificent Spot
ted Eagle Ray
Hawaiians named these creatures hihimanu, meaning “magnificent,” for good reason. These elegant, beautiful fish with seven-foot wing spans can fly several feet out of the water searching for food and dive to depths up to 80 feet (24 m). “They’re truly magical,” says Victoria. The females are not monogamous to one male, but to one place, a chosen bay. She hugs the edge, swimming in graceful arcs until she is ready. “When she enters the deep,” says Victoria, “then he can ask permission to court her, to mount her, to breed her.” The breeding only lasts a minute or less, but on the day she captured this shot, Victoria had already been in the water an
Continued on page 22
Love the skin you’re in... Skin Tightening and Rejuvenation Laser Hair Removal Sun Damage and Color Correction Treatments for Active Acne and Scarring Skin Care Consultations and Facials
25% off
any laser or facial treatment for both of you!
We also carry Revitalash eyelash conditioner, for longer thicker lashes.
Peggy Ruelke RN - Esthetician
At the offices of Dr. Joan Greco, DDS Kamuela 885-9000 • Kona 323-3434
KE OLA | www.KeOlaMagazine.com | 21
Bring in your sweetheart for
Continued from page 21 hour and a half and was on land taking off her wetsuit when she saw the two eagle rays. She jumped back in the water. “I was really excited and I thought well, this could last two minutes, but it ended up lasting more than an hour.” The female came close, looking Victoria right in the eye, a humbling experience, she says. The female ray kept coming by in her rounds, and since an adult ray can have from two to six venomous spines on its whip-like tail, this close encounter was of the dangerous kind. “The male wasn’t sure what I was. He wasn’t sure if I was competition, a threat or what, because this is the breeding season,” she says. “So, one of the remarkable things that happened was he swam right underneath me, placing himself extremely close. I thought, well, I’ll know what he thinks of me real soon. It was so intense, so amazing just to be that close.” The eagle rays mated several times in front of her and Paul. “And that was truly a gift. It was their mating season and they allowed Paul and me to be in their world for over an hour. I was really honored.” Afterward, Victoria captured the “Courtship” shot: rays swimming side-by-side with their wing tips almost touching. Holding hands! Love on the high seas. Only an artist of patient, almost mystical, skill could combine the elements of light, shadow and design into such equilibrium on the fly. “By this time I’ve been doing this for so long, I know the look I want, how the fish and the animals look good and what’s complimentary towards them.”
The Honu Connection
Such affinity has also given her cause for concern. Spotted eagle rays are considered “NT,” or near-threatened, by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Green Sea Turtles
Revered by Hawaiians since ancient times as ‘aumakua, “guardian spirits,” honu have been swimming the oceans for millennia, living the turtle dream. Fossils 180 million years old show that Hawaiian sea turtles lived through the age of the dinosaurs and survived the age of ice. “In the summertime when the sun is at its highest, some adult females and most of the males begin their ocean journey back to the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands’ nesting sites,” says Victoria. Some swim more than 800 miles from feeding grounds in the main Hawaiian Islands to their NHIM nesting sites. Victoria’s photo, “The Journey Home,” considered her signature work, illustrates the awesome glory and unity of ocean, air, land and animal life.
One Phone Call Could Change Your Life Forever!
22 | www.KeOlaMagazine.com | KE OLA
Get Well, Stay Well, without the use of Drugs or Surgery
(808) 327-1188 Regardless of your sickness or diagnosis, Upper Cervical Corrective Health Care gives your body the best opportunity to get well and most importantly, to stay well. It’s a natural and effective way to live pain-free, without the use of drugs or surgery. Conditions That Have Responded To Upper Cervical Care: • Allergies • Arthritis • Asthma • Digestive disorders • Ear infections • Epilepsy • Fibromyalgia
• High blood pressure • Hyperactivity (ADHD) • Meniere’s syndrome • Migraine headaches • Multiple Sclerosis • Trigeminal neuralgia • And Many Others
Located Directly Above Costco ®
Call today for a consultation
73-5618 Maiau St., Suite A203, Kailua-Kona (808) 327-1188 • www.uppercervicalhawaii.com
Dr. Joe Breuwet Upper Cervical Chiropractor
Wave Sculptures
There were once several million green sea turtles worldwide. Today, fewer than 200,000 nesting females remain. In Hawai‘i, only 100 to 350 females nest each year, predominantly at French Frigate Shoals in the Northwest Hawaiian Islands chain. The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List lists all seven species of sea turtles as threatened or endangered. While they are making a comeback, Hawai‘i’s honu are still very much in danger. Sea turtle shells are used to make jewelry, their skin to make leather goods, their meat and eggs for food and their fat for oil.
translated by Queen Liliuokalani, marks the evolutionary progression of living creatures from heavenly light to the oceans to the land. Like the creation chant, Victoria’s photos reveal secrets from the depths of time. With their sapphire blues, opulent teals and emerald greens of honu, monk seal, spinner dolphin and humpback whale, her images conjure the scent of salty sea air and remind us the oceans deserve our deepest reverence. What is the song of the ocean now, we ask?
Humankind has altered the ocean through fishing, agricultural runoff and litter—including plastic bags, lighters and net debris, but the major threat to oceans is global warming. When water overheats, it bleaches algae from the electric-colored coral reefs and obliterates essential food sources for all sea life.
“Pay attention,” says Victoria, “I think we really need to pay attention now. The ocean is just screaming to us in some ways for help.”
New thinking and new actions, though, can reverse the trend and prevent us from destroying the honu, the eagle ray, and the albatross, as well as ourselves. Our lives are deeply connected to the sea. Every time we draw a hot bath, enjoy a seascape, or snorkel in the wonderland of riches within the ocean, we take steps in this dance of life along pathways connecting the hydrodynamic commonwealth of our planet.
To learn about the Marine National Monument, Papahanaumokuakea, visit the website www.papahanaumokuakea.gov/
Like ancient Hawaiians who realized the ocean was a living being, home to living gods, Victoria is ardent in her conviction that marine life deserves more honor and protection. In the second verse of the first era of the traditional Hawaiian chant of creation, He Kumulipo, the oceans are venerated as a source of health, medicine and cleansing, as well as for their economic and transportation value. This 2,012-line chant,
For more fine art photography, visit www.VictoriaMcCormick.com
Email writer Marya Mann at marya.mann@gmail.com
Protecting Our Ocean’s Reefs
How can you help when in the water or at the beach? Look but don’t touch. Stay off the bottom. Don’t litter. Green sea turtles, monk seals, dolphins, albatross and whales are fully protected under both federal and Hawai‘i state law, prohibiting hunting, injuring or harassing them. Swimmers and divers should forget trying to play cowboy in the oceans; riding sea turtles or other marine life is illegal. It puts the animals under unnecessary stress. Fines for violating protection laws can be as high as $100,000 and may even include some time in prison. For details on responsible wildlife viewing, reporting a beached marine mammal, stranded sea turtle or wildlife harassment, call NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement 24-hour hotline: 800.853.1964
KE OLA | www.KeOlaMagazine.com | 23
A Record of Creation
And that’s really what getting the picture is all about. v
of the LAND
D
The Life
ana Ronnquist had always been interested in permaculture and organic farming. Growing up in Westchester County, New York, an hour outside the city, the 24-year-old hadn’t had the opportunity to get hands-on experience in what she felt was the only way to truly understand where food comes from and how it grows.
It’s a grubby job—Rachel Stedman works with worm composting at Hoku Farm in South Kona, owned by Diana Duff.
The same agricultural face-time is a common wish for many people around the world. In a time when sustainability and eating local has taken the forefront in our communities, citizens are stepping forward to engage in the growing and understanding of their nourishment. An awakened desire to return to the earth, to get out of the office, get a personal and intimate relationship with food has jumpstarted dormant movements such as Slow Food, World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF), Voluntourism, or GrowFood, among others, dropping them on the front burner and watching them ignite. Ronnquist and college friend Rachel Stedman, after being informed by friends about opportunities to volunteer on
organic farms, signed up and paid the nominal fee to join WWOOF.
24 | www.KeOlaMagazine.com | KE OLA
“I wanted to come to Hawai`i (Hawai`i has it’s own WWOOF site) because I didn’t want to stay on the mainland and while it’s a very different climate here (compared to New York) I could still take home some practices,” Ronnquist said. “While I won’t be chopping down bananas, I can still use concepts like vermiculture, worm composting.” The mid-20 year olds said they have had a “wonderful experience and good situation” working on Hoku Farm, in South Kona. “We communicated a lot through email,” Stedman explained about the duo’s farm research and conversations with Hoku owner Diana Duff. “You, yourself, need to be responsible to research each farm; it’s like applying for college. You need to be specific and very detailed in questions to establish what you are giving and what you are receiving.”
Jessica Hildreth is layering brown lettuce leaves in coffee fields on Hoku Farm to help moisturize the soil.
The WWOOF experience is a hands-on internship for those seeking to gain exposure to organic growing, farm life and sustainable practices. Formed in the United Kingdom in 1971, the strictlyvolunteer work association has grown to become a recognized, sustainability-minded international movement (with host farm sites on six continents). WWOOF is an exchange between worker and
farmer, linking individuals seeking to volunteer with interested farmers looking for like-minded, volunteered help. Farms, gardens or smallholdings offer a variety of different tasks and experiences: from heavy, manual labor to light gardening. The hosts have either an application process or online interview questionnaire, specifying their farm needs and what they are looking for in a volunteer. Duff, who has been farming on the slopes of Mauna Loa in South Kona for more than 15 years, has recently joined the WWOOF network. “I had heard about it for years, and I had the occasional WWOOFer here or there but I put out the word and got flooded in January,” Duff said. Most Hawai‘i WWOOF hosts said they also experience an increased number of inquires during the winter months, as well as receiving more than half the
WWOOF is an exchange between worker and farmer, linking individuals seeking to volunteer with interested farmers looking for like-minded, volunteered help. applications from women. “I have four women here right now and it’s working out really well.”
“Our main crop here is coffee, but we sell a variety of banana products and vegetables at the farmers markets,” she said. “I’ve been able to get a lot more things done with their help and have expanded our market produce.” On Hoku Farm, Duff requests a six-week commitment, allowing the worker to get “in the groove.” In return for roughly 20 hours of work per week she provides a small cottage with a shared shower and kitchen, camping space and basic food. “We’ve had a wonderful experience on Diana’s farm,” Stedman said after the girls completed their two-month stay. “Because
“This is a great opportunity for kids that can’t afford to go to school,” explained Ronnquist. “Learning in a different environment, trading labor for learning skills. You get a good idea of whether it’s a good match for you. This has changed my view of eating food.” Farther down the highway, heading north into Kona, rests Keala’ola Farm. The lush, green lettuce farm co-owned and operated by Barry Levine and Ken Kotner has been utilizing an apprentice program since the first seed was planted five years ago. Mondays and Thursdays are harvest days, sending the farm into a flurry of activity, harvesting heads of romaine, baby romaine and mixed greens, bagging, labeling and packaging lettuce to be delivered to area restuarants, distributors and grocery stores. The six apprentices working in the packing room during an early March harvest hail from around the United States with different farming experience, but are all connected through the common thread of genuinely wanting to engage and live a sustainable lifestyle. Before settling down, a married
Continued on page 27 Above: Sarah Obellianne, weeding at Hoku Farm. At right: Jessica Power puts lettuce in boxes at Keala`ola Farm.
KE OLA | www.KeOlaMagazine.com | 25
It’s true that volunteers are literally helping small farmers survive. Duff commented that the volunteers have been extremely helpful, as she holds three jobs and has found it challenging in recent years to keep up with her three-acre, organic farm. She explained that she has taken on a more managerial role, instructing the incoming volunteers in daily farm tasks, such as weeding, planting, pruning, harvesting and preparing for market.
of Diana’s networking skills, we got the opportunity to work on other farms, which enables us to see how others operate, learn new practices (like how to make goat cheese) and learn how to network.”
A tradition that began in 1887 with Queen Liliuokalani...
Royal Hawaiian Heritage Jewelry brings you the timeless legacy and beauty of Hawaiian Jewelry. Specializing in Hawaiian Jewelry, plumerias, diamond & Black Tahitian Pearls. Each piece of our custom engraved Jewelry is a one of a kind piece of art to be handed down from generation to generation.
26 | www.KeOlaMagazine.com | KE OLA
At Royal Hawaiian Heritage Jewelry, tradition lives on...
www.rhhj.com • 808-326-7599 74-5586 Palani Road (next to KTA)
***Show us this ad to receive FREE Bracelet with purchase Expires July 31, 2010.
add expiration date of July 31
Continued from page 25 couple from North Dakota wanted to learn how to farm on the Big Island.
Qigong center and cancer recovery retreat center that started its farming intern program six years ago.
“We had a friend that had WWOOFed in Kaua‘i and we thought let’s just go and do this before kids and a permanent job,” said Kristin Smith, a teacher. “What better time to take a couple months, go to Hawai`i, experience a new culture, learn about sustainability and bring it back to the classroom?”
“When we started the farm it was suggested to me by a friend,” said Lew Whitney about using the WWOOF program on his permaculture farm. “We needed help and wanted to make a difference in people’s lives. We wanted to offer a more healing, spiritual side (Kokolulu does not allow smoking or drinking) and wanted to help guide people in a direction to find purpose and meaning in their life.”
The 20-something couple chose the farm at Keala`ola from the networking catalog because it offered a good community living experience: a large, shared community kitchen; outdoor shower facilities; a hilltop row of tents with tarp coverings overlooking the lettuce patch; and suitable hour/work exchange, 20-to-30 hours a week with weekends off. Though never having farmed before, they quickly adapted to the Keala`ola lifestyle and found themselves easily catching on to the daily tasks of planting, harvesting and general farm maintenance. Fellow apprentice Jessica Powers, 25, of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, had heard about the lettuce farm from a friend after WWOOFing on various farms from New England to the West Coast. “I wanted a smaller farm with more hands-on experience and responsibility. I wanted to learn more about farming in different climates,” said Powers, who resumes a leadership role when one of the owners is away, like filling out order forms and figuring out what needs to be done. “This is a great place, great people. I have taken in a whole new experience and learned a lot about building relationships and the importance of communication on a farm.” For Kotner, who started volunteering on farms in Portland, Oregon, in the early ‘90s with the first wave of organic helpers, the process has come full circle.
Up and down the west side of the Big Island, farm workers are gaining insurmountable farming experience while learning about themselves and their personal goals in the process. On the northern side of the island, in North Kohala, lie a number of organic operations. Kokolulu Farm, owned by Lew Whitney and Karin Whitney Cooke, is a biodynamic farm,
Housing for workers on Keala`ola Farm.
On Kokolulu, he incorporates his farming with 17 years of Qigiong experience as a Qigong monk (Qigong is a meditative, healing and spiritual science). Since Qigong is a central focus of the learning experience on the coffee, fruit and vegetables farm, interns partake in a morning Qigong session, learning the Qi field—creating harmony, understanding, peace and healing on the land. Kokolulu seeks enthusiastic, hard-working people with a good sense of humor who are interested in learning about permaculture design, organic farming and Qigong, according to the online intern application. Whitney says he receives 200 to 300 inquires a month and roughly 30 to 50 applications a month. He accepts three to four interns at one time for the three-month, 25-hour-a-week work commitment. The workers are instructed on farm work as well as household duties and they enjoy family meals together. “We are very pleased with the program,” he said. “It’s only as good as the application process; take a good look at people to make sure it’s a good fit. It’s been very beneficial but it takes a lot of work when you bring people into your life. We keep in touch with many of our past interns; many tell us this experience changed their life, they are more confident and more aware of life and healing.” For more information on: WWOOF program in Hawai`i visit www.wwoofhawaii.org Keala`ola Farm: www.kealaolafarm.com Kokolulu Farm: www.kokolulu.com/www.cancer-retreats.org Email Hadley Catalano at hadleycatalano@hotmail.com
KE OLA | www.KeOlaMagazine.com | 27
“This adds an educational element to farming,” Kotner said. “It’s like going to college for agriculture for a semester, and this farm would not be able to exist without them.”
Having been on the island for 11 years, Whitney grew up working on dairy farms in Southern California and vineyards in the Central Valley, behind the tutelage of his master gardener mother.
Dr. Timothy Hendlin, Chiropractor Karen Russell, M.A., Holistic Health Counselor 75-166 Kalani St. Kailua-Kona • Phone (808) 329-5155
28 | www.KeOlaMagazine.com | KE OLA
The Life OF THE PEOPLE The restored sugar plantation manager’s house now welcomes the community and visitors.
W
hen the Pahala Sugar Mill closed in 1996, after 135 years as the town’s major employer, the village of Pahala in the Big Island’s southern district of Ka`u went quiet. Some folks moved, but many local residents stepped up and bought houses, including larger homes on manager’s row. It was a unique situation, without a rush of outside investors scooping up houses to gentrify the town. In the midst of this change, one of the houses left without a steward was the biggest—the huge, plantation manager’s house.
Julia had moved to Kona from Kaua`i just before Hurricane Iniki hit in 1992, after a career at The Garden Island newspaper, where she served as its editor. She moved to Hawai`i Island in part to launch the visitor guide Big Island Gold, writing, photographing and setting up its accounts and circulation. She also became the marketer for the Captain Cook and Adventure V cruises. While living in Kona, she took on publishing and editing the Mahalo Air inflight magazine. With the first direct Japan Airlines flight to Kona, she started the Japanese visitor publication International Guide to the Big Island, now in its 14th year. Always busy, she sought to get away to a peaceful place and found Pahala, where she met furniture builder Michael Worthington, who also traveled to the village to retreat from his own busy life in Kona at Worthington Woodworks. The couple began driving to Pahala together—ultimately buying their first home in 1998.
Looking at the old manager’s house, Julia worried that it could “become a symbol of the demise of the town. The alternative? Community support could make it a beacon for Pahala’s recovery,” she says. “If it were let go, this historic building could have been condemned and torn down to create house lots,” she adds. Julia went to C. Brewer and asked to lease the house at a very low rate and promised to help restore it. The owners agreed and restoration began while community groups, from churches to seniors to local wedding parties, started using it. All along, Julia thought her stewardship was temporary. She would never be able to afford to purchase the house to keep it for the community. Brewer started showing it for sale and she thought she had accomplished at least one goal—saving it from ruin. Then an amazingly serendipitous event occurred. A great aunt died, and unbeknownst to Julia, left her a small inheritance. The amount was within $1,000 of the sum needed to purchase the property fee simple, and quickly the historic home became Julia’s to maintain and keep open for the village and visitors. She established it as the Pahala Plantation House, a bed and breakfast inn, and since then many have walked through its doors and felt as though they were stepping back 80 years,
Continued on page 30
KE OLA | www.KeOlaMagazine.com | 29
Julia Neal and Michael Worthington lived just across the street, where they could see the shutters flapping and paint peeling. After the plantation manager left, the stately house, built in the early 1900s with solid ‘ohi‘a floors, had briefly served as a drug and alcohol treatment center and now was vacant again.
Julia has an inherent interest in preserving both Hawai`i’s rich and diverse culture and its historical buildings. While living on Kaua`i, she helped collect oral histories for the National Endowment for the Humanities and helped to get a number of sites listed in the State and National Registries of Historic Places. In The Garden Island newspaper she ran a weekly column on historic buildings. These experiences with plantation history prepared her well for her life in Pahala.
Continued from page 29 and walking into the home of an ancestor. Unpretentious (a word that also describes its owner), it is expertly furnished for the era, with beautiful wood floors, period artwork and china cases full of chochkes—each one an antique with its own unique story. It’s like a living history museum where groups can stay overnight and you can touch anything.
You Don’t Have to Face Your Sorrow Alone We’re Your Home Town Funeral Home.
A Hui Hou Crematory & Funeral Home From our Ohana to yours... Where Families Come First
www.ahuihouservices.com
329-5137
30 | www.KeOlaMagazine.com | KE OLA
Miche Bag
887-2801
of
Hawaii
As Julia and Michael restored the house, they involved community members and invited everyone in. “I’ll never forget a man who brought his mother in a wheelchair for a tour”, says Julia. “She was 90 years old, lived in Pahala her whole life, and had never been inside the house. Now I’d be surprised if you could find anyone in Pahala who hasn’t been there. The house is used by neighbors for weddings, graduations, baby lu‘au, community meetings and when they have family visiting,” explains Julia. Perhaps Pahala was saved from rampant tourist development because of its remoteness and its lack of the sandy beaches, calm snorkeling waters and waterfalls that usually attract the mainland buyers, Julia says. In this isolation, former plantation workers have had time to adjust to a new economy. The impact of the shutdown of sugar mills was great, but they were able to keep their families intact and help direct the future of their own community. With the perfect growing conditions and harbors at Na`alehu and Honu`apo, Ka`u provided the ideal conditions for Hawai`i’s sugar industry. So vast was its hold over the islands that at one time, one of every 12 persons employed in Hawai`i worked in the industry. In Pahala the hold was even more evident, with virtually everyone having ties to what was called “King Sugar.” “We have the kind of village that everyone wants to live in,” says Julia. “As large as the entire island of O‘ahu, Ka‘u is big land and small community. Everybody knows everybody and everybody steps forward and volunteers. Pahala is safe, walkable and away from the highway. It has all the amenities of a regional center; a K-12 school—the center of the village both physically and energetically—a hospital, swimming pool, bank, post office, stores, restaurant and lots of open space. Punalu`u Black Sand Beach and Wood Valley are six minutes away and the village is surrounded by ocean, forest, mountains, ranches, macadamia orchards, coffee and vegetable farms. The list goes on and on,” she says with pride. Julia heard that a number of old teachers’ cottages located on the school grounds were going to be demolished and began looking for ways to save them, too. “Michael and I didn’t have any savings or backing, so we used our credit cards to buy land and move the houses, then leveraged the renovations into a mortgage,” she explains. They were able to save four of the cutest bungalows, each a duplex, and place them naturally on rolling hills near the center of the village. They are now part of their business, Pahala Plantation Cottages.
To purchase, have a purse party or join our sales team, call 808.325.1543 or email michebagofhawaii@hawaii.rr.com
www.michebagofhawaii.com.
For those who have never been to Pahala, it’s easy to drive by because this is one town on the island that does not have any commercial activity on the highway. To get there, you turn mauka off Highway 11 between the 51 and 52 mile marker. There are two roads into Pahala from the highway. I like taking Maile Street. It’s arrow straight, on an upward slope and bordered by grass right to the edge of the pavement and Norfolk Island pines over 50 feet tall on both sides for more than a half mile before the road turns—it’s a stunning piece of roadway. Once you turn, you first see the Old Pahala
Clubhouse on your left. This building and the bungalow next to it were restored with community volunteers and funding from the Edmund C. Olson Trust; the Clubhouse proves to be a perfect venue for community functions and visiting group retreats. Catty-corner to these buildings, on the other side of the peaceful and tree-lined, narrow roadway is another building that Julia and Michael restored. It is the old bank and now the home of a community radio venture led by local recording artist Demetrius Oliveira, of the band Ka`u. Just a little farther down on the mauka side at Maile and Pikake Streets is the recently restored Olson Trust Building, where Pahala Plantation Cottages reception, the new Ka`u Coffee Mill office, the Ka`u Calendar newspaper, Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park and Ka`u Main Street have their presence. On the makai side is the Plantation House. It is surrounded by trees and hard to see; plus, there are no signs letting you know—in gaudy 21st century fashion—that you have arrived. That there are no signs is part of the beauty of Pahala. “There are vacation rentals here in Pahala, but none of them have signage. When visitors stay here, they are considered part of the community,” says Julia. Their more recent save was once the Ka`u Meat Market, renamed Ka`u Market House, and is now a beautifully designed meeting house, with three bedrooms and space for a dozen or so people to meet around a long table or couch area. Tourism is low-key in the village, and it is kept at a good, sustainable level, which helps Pahala draw some very sophisticated visitors. “The world comes here,” Julia says, and begins the litany. Steve Chapple, writer with National Geographic Traveler came here to write Pahala, Hawai`i: The Last Aloha Region. “He comes back almost every year,” she says.
Continued on page 32 Julia Neal wears many hats: preservationist, editor/publisher, innkeeper and Pahala/Ka‘u community proponent.
Indulge Yourself
in a little Pau Hana
Kitchen and Bath Remodels by Plumbing Strategies Inc. We Have an Excellent Service Department, too .
808-325-2502 www.PSIKONA.COM
KE OLA | www.KeOlaMagazine.com | 31
Stress Relief
and selected several boutique roasts from the local coffee farmers to French press and serve at his restaurants. A film crew from Canadian television’s Mantracker series, known for its search and rescue, came to the village, stayed at the Pahala Market House, met with local ranchers and hired the local cowboys, providing a nice bump in the Pahala economy for a few weeks—the beauty of Ka`u to be broadcast into 30 million homes this fall.
The popular, annual slack key guitar/ ukulele masters’ workshop draws students from all over. Above, Keoki Kahumoku teaches a guitar class.
Continued from page 31 President Obama’s sister came for a wedding. Neil Abercrombie, in his bid for governor, campaigned at Pahala Plantation House in March. Among many other interesting guests Julia has hosted are opera singers from New York, including the Julliard graduate and daughter-in-law of Ka`u coffee farmer Lorie Obra, soprano Amy Shoremount-Obra. She brought in tenor Jon-Michael Ball and pianist Carol Wong to teach for a week at Ka`u High School…and give a concert at the Plantation House. Chef Alan Wong visited Pahala Plantation House for a Ka`u Coffee tasting
32 | www.KeOlaMagazine.com | KE OLA
Pahala Plantation House is the site of annual music workshops led by Keoki Kahumoku, who brings in slack key and ‘ukulele masters to teach students, including the children of Ka`u. At one music workshop with Daniel Ho, where students learn not only how to compose music but also how to negotiate in the music industry, a song about The Nature Conservancy’s Ka‘iholena in Ka`u Forest Preserve was co-authored [see story about Bolo]. It is featured on an album nominated this year for a Grammy Award, and earnings from the recording go back to future music workshops at Plantation House. The late Uncle George Na`ope also recorded an album there. Looking to the future, residents are studying how the village can be enriched by the National Park Service’s recent acquisition of 117,000 acres that span the lands above Pahala between Volcanoes National Park and Kahuku, near South Point. “We want to grow elegantly and keep the charm of this village and its great respect for the local culture,” says Julia. “There is an opportunity to liaison with the park in creating much-needed educational and employment opportunities, and in linking the development of the park and village.”
Aloha Business $ervices
Helping you Grow Your Business is our business! Jeff Turner CPA • Jim Primm CPA
• Accounting & Payroll • Income Tax Services • Monthly Bookkeeping • Contractor Statements • Management Consulting • Credit Card Processing Free Initial Consultation • Personal Professional Service
alohabusinessservices.com
329-9220
Another concern of the village is preserving the longest uninhabited shoreline in the state, the Ka`u Coast. When Julia learned that coastal property between Pahala and Na`alehu could be sold for development, she and the staff of her monthly publication, Ka`u Calendar, funded and co-produced Saving Ka`u’s Coast, with filmmaker Danny Miller. They handed out the film on the opening day of the State Legislature, went to Washington to give it to members of Congress and showed it to the County Council. A gripping documentary, it was featured at the annual Oceans Film Festival in Santa Barbara. Along with the leadership of Trust for Public Lands and community organizers like John Replogle, founder of Ka `Ohana O Honu`apo, the film served as a valuable tool in helping the community to raise over $4 million to preserve Honu`apo. In the last decade, more than 1,000 acres along the Ka`u Coast have been transferred to public domain. Julia is a big promoter of Ka`u coffee. She took the Ka`u Coffee Growers Cooperative’s southern brew to Washington DC, where it became the official coffee at an Obama inauguration gala at the historic Hay Adams Hotel next door to the White House. It’s clear that she loves pointing out that coffees from individual Ka`u growers have become yearly award winners at the Specialty Coffee Association of America’s International Expo, beating out much bigger and more established plantations in Central and South America. “Most of Ka`u’s coffee farms are five to seven acres,” and a number of these are run by displaced sugar workers who “gotta make it,” shares Julia. To help farmers, the Olson Trust is nearing completion of a coffee mill on Wood Valley Road.
reported in the Ka`u Calendar and online at www.kaucalendar.com, the monthly newspaper that pulls the vast community together by highlighting the “good news.” Julia – more cheerleader than editor – places a “microscopic focus” on the events in Ka`u, celebrating and documenting life in the district, and she maintains an objective viewpoint. Her next dream is the renovation of the old Japanese schoolhouse into the permanent Pahala Boys & Girls Club. While Julia dismisses the term “queen of serendipity,” a title sometimes given to her around Ka`u to distinguish her from an organized and shrewd business person, she does admit to being “an open person who enjoys the qualities of this historic place - and wants to help.” She illustrates perfectly, “that good things happen when you are in a good place.” v Email Ann Peterson at anncinzi@gmail.com. New York opera singer Amy Shoremount-Obra practices in the reception area of the Pahala Plantation House with pianist Carol Wong, prior to giving a recital there and teaching a class at Ka`u High School.
Ka`u coffee will be highlighted at the Ka`u Coffee Festival at Pahala Community Center. This and other events are always
BEFOR
E
Concrete Technology of Hawaii, Inc.
Find us on
KE OLA | www.KeOlaMagazine.com | 33
Concrete Technology of Hawaii, Inc. 808-324-7600 • www.concretetechhawaii.com Lic# C-29265 / Bonded
AFTER
Celebrating 31 years of outstanding Dental Service to Kona • Cosmetic & General Dentistry • Implant Restorations • Laser Periodontal Surgery & Therapy (LANAP Certified)
Douglas H. Dierenfield, D.D.S. Casa De Emdeko, Suite D 75-6082 Alii Drive Kailua Kona, Hawaii 96740
329-5251
PROOF
For Those Who Want the Very Best... Five-Star, Big-City Quality in Charming Hawi Town Char Parada – Owner, award-winning colorist Kathie Babben – Esthetician Extraordinaire, 25 yrs. experience Malia Caravalho – Best Nail Technician on the Island Kandace Eubank – Specializing in hair cutting & design Kris Ellazar – Awesome salon assistant
34 | www.KeOlaMagazine.com | KE OLA
Salon client, Christine Thomas
Char’s Salon – Call 884-5400 for consultation & appointment
I offer options that fit just about any family or budget. Don’t wait. Call me today.
(808) 326-1125
Steven M Budar, CLU, ChFC
75-170 Hualalai Rd Suite D-112 Kailua-Kona SBudar@allstate.com Call for a free quote. Source: LIMRA U.S. Life Insurance Ownership, 2005 Study. Insurance subject to availability and qualifications. Allstate Life Insurance Company (ALIC), Northbrook, IL and Lincoln Benefit Life Company (LBL), Lincoln, NE. © 2009 Allstate Insurance Company
Call “Auntie Geri”
The Life OF THE PEOPLE
Oceanfront dining since 1969
W
hen Huggo’s opened its doors in 1969, restaurateurs Shirley and Hugo von Platen Luder knew they had a prime spot for oceanfront dining in Kailua-Kona. Now in its second generation in the same family and the oldest restaurant in Kailua village, one might ask what is its secret for survival when so many others have closed and/or changed hands many times during a 40-year span. Location is king, but Huggo’s has stayed in tune with the times. It’s earned a reputation for fresh fish, a fun atmosphere and garnering numerous culinary awards; its owners are imbedded in community affairs; and, these days, the iconic restaurant is being noticed for its attention to social and environmental stewardship. Whether it’s cultivating its own produce organically, using “green” takeout cartons made from recycled products, or hosting a fishing tourney to benefit charity, Huggo’s is invested in making Kona a better place for living….and eating.
at the garden and monitored to build soil,” explains the farm consultant who owns Hawai‘i Roots Down. Numerous herbs and leafy greens, plus beans, peas, peppers, sweet potatoes, taro and ti leaf are thriving in raised beds. “I touch base with Chef several times a week to discuss what’s ready for harvesting and any upcoming specials or events,” details Trujillo.” Huggo’s gets ulu (breadfruit), taro, sweet potatoes, bananas and citrus from Trujillo’s own farm and is also privy to a food availability list that encompasses other local gardens cultivated by Hawai‘i Roots Down. “Huggo’s has become an example for other businesses to invest in earth-wise efforts,” emphasizes Trujillo. “These efforts are proven to increase sales, reduce shipping and delivery costs, provide the consumer with fresh, locally grown organic food and help the environment.” Chef Arroyo says Huggo’s relies on an additional collection of “quality local food producers” to fill its pantry. The hearts of palm featured in the house baby greens salad are from Puna Gardens, the novel fern shoots, which are expertly prepared tempurastyle, hail from Hilo; while the ali‘i mushrooms in the herb-marinated chicken linguine are commercially grown in Laupahoehoe. “We use our own basil to make our macadamia nut pesto for the linguine,” chef adds.
“We had already been doing a restaurant garden but decided to hire a professional whose expertise is produce and who follows sustainable, organic practices,” says owner Eric von Platen Luder. “It’s quite an investment and takes three years to go organic.” (for certification after prohibitive substances have previously been used). Huggo’s garden is at an elevation of about 1,000 feet above Kailua-Kona at the von Platen Luder home.
Huggo’s serves Country Natural Beef (CNB), which Chef explains is a “consistent quality product” free of hormones and antibiotics. CNB is a co-op of ranches that subscribes to sustainable stewardship practices concerning land and animal management. After initially grass fed, CNB animals are finished for 90 days on grain, potatoes and hay at gathering feedlots. While Huggo’s beef has been sourced from CNB farms in the western Mainland U.S. and Hawai‘i, Chef says the beef will soon be coming solely from seven to 10 ranches in Hawai‘i.
Eric took over the reigns of the restaurant from his parents, Shirley and Hugo, in 1981 and today serves as president of Olu Kai, Ltd. The company umbrella includes Huggo’s, the adjacent Huggo’s on the Rocks and Paradise Gourmet Catering; the latter is operated by Scott Dodd and Chef Chris Fagan. Under Trujillo’s management, the commercial garden employs all organic practices. “Waste from Huggo’s kitchen is composted
Besides a 10-ounce cut of savory prime rib and a New York steak that’s complemented with sweet potato-taro gratin, Waialua asparagus and caramelized Maui onions, Huggo’s still offers its signature teriyaki steak—a tradition since 1969. “We tried taking it off the menu 15 years ago and there was almost a riot,” recalls von Platen Luder. Continued on page 36
KE OLA | www.KeOlaMagazine.com | 35
Recent efforts supporting sustainability include a new Hawai‘i Regional Cuisine menu that relies heavily on locally-sourced foods. The garden-to-table focus with small and large plate offerings debuted last fall under Executive Chef Konrad Arroyo, who joined Huggo’s in early 2009. Around the same time, Adam Trujillo, certified permaculture designer and member of the Hawai‘i Organic Farmers Association (HOFA), came on board to manage Huggo’s commercial urban vegetable garden.
Continued from page 35 To insure Huggo’s doesn’t miss out on the freshest fish available, there’s a red phone in the kitchen known as the “fish hotline.” It’s dedicated to taking calls from fishermen who have justcaught fish to sell. The restaurant serves nearly 3,500 pounds of fresh fish each month—opakapaka, monchong, kampachi, moi, onaga, swordfish, ono, mahimahi and more. Pointing to a 150-pound ahi in the walk-in cooler, Chef says a butcher is on duty five days a week to “take care of the fish and proteins. It’s a chef’s delight.” Seafood is great for sharing with Huggo’s “small plate” portions. Choose from freshly caught sashimi or ahi tuna poke prepared with Maui onions, Hawaiian chili peppers, a poi vinaigrette and exotic chips. Snack on Big Island farm-raised Kumamoto oysters, Kona lobster-ulu cakes or ginger-steamed clams with crispy long rice. The daily Island fresh catch is prepared with sichimi togarashi (Japanese collection of seven spices) and served with a creamy, sweet-potato puree, Asian sprout salad and a lemongrass haupia sauce. Other “large plate” seafood favorites include the grilled mahimahi with kabocha pumpkin risotto and local garden beans or the sesame-crusted, seared rare ahi with Forbidden Black Rice and green papaya salad.
36 | www.KeOlaMagazine.com | KE OLA
Dessert at Huggo’s is sublime with the likes of ginger crème brulée and Pele’s Chocolate Tart. The towering chocolate cookie crust ice cream pies (choice of Kona coffee or mac nut) are an after-dinner must for many loyal Huggo’s diners. Fluffy haupia coconut cake is complimentary to anyone celebrating a birthday. “We support local businesses—Kailua Candy Company and Coffees ‘n Epicurea—by offering some of their desserts,” says Chef Arroyo. Supporting others—whether local farmers, businesses or people in need—has long been a philosophy for the folks at Huggo’s. Huggo’s on the Rocks was the first location for the island’s HIV/AIDS fundraiser, Taste of Life, which Eric founded a dozen years ago with Scott Dodd, CEO of Paradise Gourmet Catering and Susanne St. John, a former Huggo’s accountant. Huggo’s annual Wahine Fishing Tournament marks its 15th year on July 31 and this year benefits Family Support Services of West Hawai‘i. Since its inception, the sporting event has given away $150,000 to different local charities.
For more information about “surgery with the delicate touch,” visit drjoangreco.com.
KONA
Kailua Trade Center 75-5706 Hanama Place, Ste. 208
323-3434
WAIMEA
Carter Professional Center 65-1230 Mamalahoa Hwy.
885-9000
Member of the American Associaton of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Huggo’s participates in 11 culinary events each year that benefit
The garden-to-table focus with small and large plate offerings debuted last fall under Executive Chef Konrad Arroyo, who joined Huggo’s in early 2009.
hael D
ic s by M Photo
arden
New York steak complemented with sweet potato-taro gratin
charitable causes. The voluntary involvement costs between $1,500-$2,000 to pay for food, a day of preparation and attendance by a chef and helpers. “Of course we benefit from these events from a marketing standpoint as we get to show off our food and it gives us the opportunity to get feedback on new menu items,” notes Eric. “But we live in a small community and I feel it’s important for all businesses to care for the community and help those in need.” Caring about what goes into the local landfill prompted Olu Kai, Ltd. to rethink its use of disposable products. Both restaurants and the catering division have switched to “green” disposables, sourced from Sustainable Island Products in Hilo. “These products are made from either recycled or sustainable materials that easily degrade and are made in an environmentally friendly way,” details von Platen Luder. “We are now foam-free.” Located on Ali‘i Drive north of the Royal Kona Resort, Huggo’s opens for dinner at 5:30 p.m. daily, serving until 9 p.m. SundaysThursdays and until 10 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays. Dinner specials are posted on both Facebook and Twitter at 4:30 p.m. The cocktail lounge, where you can enjoy themed drinks like Da Green Flash and the party-sized Kilauea (served in a flaming bowl), opens 4 p.m. weekdays and 5 p.m. on weekends with nightly entertainment that includes piano and jazz. Dinner reservations recommended, 329.1493.
Email Fern Gavelek at ferng@hawaii.rr.com. Did you wonder…… Why the name is Huggo’s and not Hugo’s? Eric says: “Huggo is actually Hugo (my dad’s) nickname. His father was also Hugo and classmates of his when he was a student at Punahou evidently gave him the nickname for reasons he will not reveal.”
KE OLA | www.KeOlaMagazine.com | 37
FYI: Back by popular demand are Huggo’s famous BBQ ribs, a mainstay on the restaurant’s luncheon menu for over 30 years. The savory treat is served next door at Huggo’s on the Rocks every Thursday. Rocks opens 11:30 a.m. daily with lunch until 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner until 10 p.m. and cocktails until midnight. Nightly entertainment starts swaying with 6 p.m. hula and continues under the stars with the likes of Hot Lava 808 or Grammy-nominated LT Smooth or Donald Kaulia. Find daily lunch specials on Facebook and Twitter at 11 a.m. Info: 329.1493 or visit huggos.com.
at home
The Life
Feng Shui Hawaiian Style Metal for Clarity, Strength and Success in the Year of the Tiger
By Marta Barreras, Master Feng Shui Practitioner
H
ave you sensed a feeling of change in the air lately? As 2010 marks the com mencement of a new decade, Chinese astrology claims it to be the Year of the Metal Tiger.
38 | www.KeOlaMagazine.com | KE OLA
Increase focus and invite creative opportunity with an oval or circular mirror near the entrance.
Symbolizing excellence and adventure, the Metal Tiger is a lucky, playful creature who acts with boldness and unpredictabil ity. Precision, sensitivity and willpower add to the qualities of this Chinese animal/element combination whose essential energy will govern the tone of the events our planet will experience until the next Chinese New Year in February 2011. A far cry from the slow moving, steady Earth Ox of 2009, the fast moving Metal Tiger moves at full, primal force and is likely to bring a bit of a roller coaster ride of highs and lows into life this year—so fasten your seat belts! As we embark into this new decade with the Metal Tiger leading the way, we are sure to see a year of exciting opportunities
Polish Your Brilliance!
— Designing with the Metal Element for Creativity, Clarity and Strength Metal element energy can be helpful when you want to: Increase your creative energy, master a creative or fine art, write a book, learn to play a musical instrument, conceive a child, enhance your intuition, sell or buy real estate, travel, increase clientele, enhance communication, attract mentors and helpful people, harness strength and perseverance to complete a great task Colors: Metallic colors; Light Pastels; White; Gray Shapes: Circular; Oval; Domed Example Items: Metal sculptures ; Metal picture frames; Mirrors; Crystals; Gems; Granite; Marble; Reflective surfaces
that may require us to have greater clarity, precise actions and focused determination in order to reap our rewards.
Wisdom of the Five Elements for Efficient Living Similar in their fundamental viewpoints, both ancient Taoists and Hawaiians placed strong emphasis on harmony with nature as a standard of living and as a connection with spirit. They created systems and practices that help one to attune to nature’s cosmic forces for navigating through life with balance, wellness and prosperity. In the practice of feng shui, as well as in Chinese medicine, the five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal and water) represent the fundamental building blocks of all things in the physical universe. From this perspective, these elements (which are essentially movements of energy or vibrations) also exist within you and everything in your environment. By working with the balance of how nature’s elements flow within and around us, we can live in harmony and ride the Metal Tiger year into joyful success!
To cut through distraction and refocus your energy on a creative project or business endeavor— Try placing an oval mirror on the inside left (as you are facing out) of your front entrance or your office door. This will open up ch’i flow and invite more energy for focused determination, inspiration and creative opportunities into your space. To enhance communication in your family, community or work relationships— Place a round table in your dining room, living room or office meeting area. The circular shape incorporates the metal element and enhances harmony, equality and clear communication. The fastest way to clear through blocks and regain inspired creativity in any project— Clean your space! Cleaning is a metal element activity and will help you to clear your mind, reestablish your left/right brain connection and invite fresh, vibrant energy into your workspace. Be sure to include polishing mirrors, metallic items, crystal and/or reflective surfaces that have become dull or dusty.
2010 – the Year of Metal Energy
the Metal Tiger
This noble white tiger embodies the dynamic qualities of nature’s metal element and can give us clues into how to align with the astrological/energetic “weather map” for the present year.
In understanding the placement of metal in the five-element energy cycle, we know it as the most yang (masculine) of all the elements. It is associated with clarity, brilliance, mental strength, and perseverance. The metal element represents the power of refinement from the heavens that creates the magic of synchronicity in our daily lives. It is the power of the blade that cuts through that which is not essential to get to what truly is of essence. Metal is the force of willpower and its great strength is used for the framework in structures and large buildings. Metal’s value is represented by the rich minerals, jewels and gems born of the Earth. Metal energy engenders a sense of mental clarity, inspiration, refinement and emotional maturity. When your metal energy is in balance you have a sense of being “in touch” with your feelings, as well as a sense of maturity that helps you to be honest and courageous in achieving your goals. Metal’s refining energy helps us to let go of the disappointment of the past and move forward with clarity and newfound ingenuity.
with a ication h a clear n u m m it y and co s. tivity w harmon . Focalize crea d white flower e c n a h n le a En b n a t io ining corat round d stal, metal de y r c z quart
Feng Shui and the Metal Element The life force energy, or ch’i, that flows through your environment is the same energy that flows through you. Feng shui, like acupuncture, works to balance and optimize the ch’i flow through your home and workspace. It is a very sophisticated, ancient system that profoundly helps to optimize the quality of ch’i flowing through your space and, ultimately, through every area of your life. With feng shui, you can incorporate the energy of the metal element into your space for increased creativity, inspiration and joy. Email Marta Barreras at marta@aloha.net.
PHOTO: James Cohn
Looking for something new to enhance your life?
Susan J. Moss
Professional Member ASID, LEED Accredited Professional
Kamuela, HI PH: 808-885-5587 www.trans-pacificdesign.com
KE OLA | www.KeOlaMagazine.com | 39
Step into the world of The Pilates Center of Kona LLC and GYROTONIC® Kona where owners Laura Crittendon LMT and Steve Von Hargett LMT have combined their love for teaching movement with their extensive training in rehabilitation and therapy to offer you the finest in movement arts and massage
Crystal Clear
Women’s circaley starts in M
F ENG SHUI
Sacred Space Alignment For Harmony and Prosperity FENG SHUI Certification Training Level 1 - June 29 - July 2 Level 2 - July
6 - July 9
Call now for early registration !
40 | www.KeOlaMagazine.com | KE OLA
327-4447
m 6 month progarya starts in M L I V E A L I G N E D ! Women’s Success Circle & Spiritual Mastermind Group
Mentoring and Support for Elegant, Enlightened & Joyful Living 1/2 OFF On-site consultation Limited time only! Mention this ad. Call 327-4447 for details Crystalclearfengshui.com
3.5x9.75new1.indd 1
3/31/10 5:28:46 PM
of the LAND
The Life The mill roasts its own coffee, in addition to private labels for other Hilo, Hamakua and Ka‘u estate farms.
ost people immediately think of Kona when you say Hawai‘ian Coffee. But things are changing in that realm. There is fine coffee being grown on other islands and there are fantastic coffees being grown in Hilo, north along the Hamakua Coast, in Puna and most notably in the region of Ka‘u directly south of Volcano on small hand-tended estates. Now in its second year is the Ka‘u Coffee Festival—the first weekend in May. Ka‘u coffees have recently won many international cupping awards. Before “King Cane” reigned in East Hawai‘i, there was coffee. In 1898 there were more than 6,000 acres of coffee being grown in East Hawai‘i. Many of those acres have been reclaimed by coffee growers today, using natural, pesticide-free methods. All those coffee beans need processing, in order to turn it into the brew-ready, roasted and packaged product. The Hilo Coffee Mill, just west of Hilo in Mountain View, processes a good share of the East Hawai‘I coffee beans. Inside the
welcoming buildings on the road to Volcano are 3,000 square feet of space dedicated to the café, store and roasting room. On the 24 acres surrounding the mill are several acres of coffee plants, bananas, fruit trees and ornamental indigenous plantings with flocks of chickens wandering about. All of this developed from what once was a large sugar plantation that had been overgrown into a jungle, when partners Jeanette Baysa and Katherine Patton bought the land and made it into what it is today. Jeanette and Katherine moved to the Big Island from O‘ahu, where they were bank managers for Bank of America. Between the two, they had more than 54 years of banking experience. Their business background melded with their passion for bringing quality, fine-roasted coffees to East Hawai‘i and eventually to the world at large. In 1999 they (along with two partners that were since bought out) opened a small kiosk in the Prince Kuhio Plaza, Hilo’s large enclosed mall. The kiosk
Continued on page 42
KE OLA | www.KeOlaMagazine.com | 41
M
Continued from page 41 was a success, but the two women knew they had to take it to another level. They gutted and rehabbed an old karaoke bar in the Hilo Shopping Center and named it Kope Kope (Kope means coffee in Hawaiian.) They created an intimate space for people to gather, drink coffee, work on their laptops and listen to local musicians.
Combining Knowledge & Practicality in the Tree Business
Free Estimates East Side of Hawaii
20% Discount on final cost with mention of KeOla Mag.
(808) 896-2972
pacificatreeline@live.com
High quality, innovative, and fun products for
42 | www.KeOlaMagazine.com | KE OLA
MATERNITY, PARENTING, BABY, CHILD, SURF, SUN, and so much FUN! Mod Mama, Beach Babe, Million Dollar Baby Furniture, Petunia Pickle Bottom Bags… we have it here for you plus lots more!
We RENT baby furniture, strollers, carseats, highchairs -
all your baby rental needs!
In February of 2001, desperation for finely roasted coffee led the partners to create a coffee roasting facility in the Shipman Business Park. There were seven original founders in the business, five remain today. Of those, four had more than 20 years of coffee farming and processing experience. One was a graphic artist who designed the company logo, featuring seven leaves and seven coffee cherries, symbolizing the seven founders. It was there that they perfected the fine art of roasting and established standards of properly roasted fresh beans. For three years they juggled both the retail café and the roasting business as word spread about their fine roasted coffees. Finally in 2004 the pair sold Kope Kope and dedicated themselves to roasting and eventually growing fine coffee. Their dream grew and they bought the property that would eventually become what is now the Hilo Coffee Mill. Today, it is East Hawai‘i’s largest coffee mill and is growing in reputation as a destination for visitors, who eventually become mail order customers. The mill not only grows, but also buys local coffees from around the state of Hawai‘i. All green beans purchased must meet the standards of 100 percent, pesticide-free beans. The mill also advises its approximately 40 estate growers on the varieties of coffee to plant and the proper types of fertilizer to use at various points of the growing season. Visitors to the Hilo Coffee Mill may also partake in one of two different tours. There is the abbreviated, free tour, which shows people how the coffee is grown, harvested, hulled and roasted, or a more elaborate, customized tour with luncheon. All tours offer free tastings of the mill’s roasts in the Latte Da Bar at the Mill, which features the original kiosk where the business had its beginnings. The café offers far more than just coffee and teas. Lunches and to-go menu items round out the offerings and there are always sweets and pastries available as well as locally-made Hilo Homemade Ice Creams. Naturally the most popular flavor is the 100 percent Ka‘u Coffee Ice Cream. Another popular treat is called “Black Eye.” It is a scoop of the coffee ice cream with an indentation that holds a shot of espresso. Lots of locally made items fill the shelves of the store, along with coffee beans and teas, soaps, coffee and espresso makers, grinders, roasters, burlap logo bags, gift items, music, candies and logo wear. Many of these items are also available in their online store. The mill is also becoming famous for the local staple, Portuguese bean soup. With days at Mountain View cooler and wetter than on the coasts, the soup makes a soul-warming afternoon meal.
In December 2009, the Hilo Coffee Mill started a new 100 percent local Farmer’s Market on Saturday mornings. A hot breakfast is available for $5, featuring a special breakfast each week. Some offerings are teriyaki steak and eggs, Portuguese sweet bread French toast, breakfast burritos and other special breakfasts. If you subscribe to the mill’s newsletter, you will get an e-mail informing you of what will be at the market each week, including the breakfast. While the market is still growing, there is a full complement of local produce, micro greens, flowers, hearts of palm, breads, fresh pastas, plants, furniture, koa crafts, rotisserie chicken, local honey, rabbits and much more. The mill sells produce from its gardens, beautiful eggs, special salsa, coffee maple syrup, coconut candy and breakfast cooked to order. Live music rounds out the day. Hours are Saturdays from 7 a.m. till noon. For more information: www.HiloCoffeeMill.com M-Sa 7-4 17-995 Volcano Road Mountain View, HI 808.968.1333 Email Devany Vickery-Davidson at pineappleprincess@hawaii.rr.com.
Hawai'i Luxe - Fashion for Your Island Lifestyle Diamond Head Road home & body • dhrhawaii.com PHOTO BY LISA HUMMEL PHOTOGRAPHY
elivery
tD Airpor
Too! p U k c Pi 5726C PUC
KE OLA | www.KeOlaMagazine.com | 43
A passion for East Hawai‘i-grown coffee inspired Jeanette Baysa (left) and Katherine Patton to establish Hilo Coffee Mill and oversee its growth from a kiosk in the shopping mall into East Hawai‘I’s largest coffee mill—a grower, processor, store, café and farmers market in Mountain View.
Are you concerned about
Business Tax Issues? √ Business Tax Returns √ Payroll Tax Returns √ W-2/1099 Filings Make sure you are in compliance!
Mention this ad for 20% off a one-hour consultation.
Paula Wilson, EA • Action Business Services 808-329-3403
KAHILU THEATRE
The T he Brothers Sat., June 5 • 8pm $45/40 Presented through the generous support of
44 | www.KeOlaMagazine.com | KE OLA
Lynn and Jim Lally
BOX OFFICE 885-6868 M–F 9am-3pm www.kahilutheatre.org
A Hawai‘ian Gallery Have a Graduation, Birthday, Wedding, or Anniversary? It’s a Shopper’s Paradise HANDCRAFTED KOA WOODWORKS • BOWLS • BOXES FINE ART • PHOTOTGRAPHY GOLD and STERLING JEWELRY PETROGLYPHS • HAWAI‘IANA
LOCATED IN THE KONA MARKETPLACE (Just North of Kona Bay Hotel )
75-5729 Ali‘i Drive C-110 Historic Kailua Village
ph 808.334.0562
IN MUSIC
Bolo is a modern day Renaissance Man, with simultaneous passions for art, music, community, green-oriented clothing, recycling, the ‘aina, ‘ohana, spirituality, children’s education, design and the desire to share these things with the world.
The Life
B
olo Mikiela Rodrigues, or “Bolo” as he is best known, greets me at the gate of his family home— which also serves as his design workshop and inspirational hale— with a friendly smile and an affable, ”Howzit?” I see a hip-looking ‘61 Ford Falcon wagon and an older Toyota truck nearby—both sun-bleached, sturdy cool, green-oriented, unpretentious and completely operational, much like the subject of this article.
An accomplished Big Island musician and businessman, Bolo has “been there, done that” (and designed those t-shirts). He’s rubbed elbows with Hollywood stars, written Grammy and Hoku-nominated songs and gone through difficult times both in his home state of Hawai‘i and in the uncertain, darker world of the California rock-n-roll circus. I was struck with how his life seems to be the equivalent of an elder, yet wiser bluesman. He’s dealt with love problems, drug abuse and alienation and always come through as wiser, stronger and gratefully aware—a survivor, rising Phoenix-like from the ashes.
With finches providing a pleasant musical soundscape and the sun beating down on the Toyota and Ford, we sit under the shade of the carport and talk story. CJ: Folks might have seen you around the island with one of your trademarks—a uke and guitar played together at the same time. Can you tell our readers how it happened and do you have a name for this? It is called Ukeitar— a funny word that makes people laugh and kind of describes the two instruments together. My love for both is strong. As there are always two sides to everything—yin and yang, balance and harmony—so too these instruments. One day, after being fed up with the band thing, I was staring at my guitar and uke in their separate stands, and wishing that they could become one instrument. It was a puzzle that fit perfectly and is held together by Velcro, patent pending (laugh). Hardest part of playing without stopping is timing. After three years it’s second nature, but not without a lot of practice. CJ: That instrument might be a metaphor for your life, balancing art and music, ‘‘ukulele and guitar, island music to heavy metal and back again. How did it all start?
I kept practicing the ‘ukulele, and around 8 years old, I won a couple of talent shows. My mom really wanted me to learn guitar, especially slack key style. So she took me to my uncle where I learned a few songs and some different tunings. My mom’s Hawaiian, with family ties to Kekaha Kai or Mahaiula. I’m also part Puerto Rican, from my dad’s side. CJ: You also have a business in screen printing—BoloInk. How did that interest develop?
Bolo and his signature “Ukeitar.”
In art class senior year we learned about T-shirt printing and, when I starting doing custom designs for the other students and making money at it, I knew that was one of the things I wanted to do as a business.
Continued on page 46
KE OLA | www.KeOlaMagazine.com | 45
Back at Kealakehe Elementary School our music class had ‘ukulele studies, which I did not excel at because I often created my own music rather than what was academic. Inventing or composing music came relatively easy for me, but it was frowned upon, as was my art, where I would paint trees purple and dogs and cats silver and gold.
Continued from page 45 As soon as I graduated high school I moved to Maui and interned with a guy I met who had a T-shirt company. There I designed a line of T-shirts called “Big Boyz.” The owner took these designs to a couple of stores and they began selling a lot! But I never saw any money even though it had been promised. I would see people wearing these all over and one day I went into one of the stores, introduced myself to the owner as the creator of Big Boyz designs and shared my story. He advised me to start my own business and helped me hook up with a buyer at a big retail store on O‘ahu. Flying to the big city for a meeting on my own, straight out of high school, was nerve-wracking but also exciting, and I had my first order of 2,000 shirts. A very big first order! Then I had to figure out how to print them. I moved back to Kona and my ‘ohana pulled together to raise the funds. I bought a “how to screen-print” book and the equipment, while working out of the garage at home. As the orders became bigger, I needed a shop so I moved to the industrial area. My company was growing fast, but at the same time personal relationship problems were happening. The combination was very hard at that time. My relationship was over and my business was going too. I was angry and searching. This is when I felt music calling me, my only friend who really understood, never judged and was there day or night. I love all types of music, not only from instruments, but from the music of birds, waves, wind and nature. This is when I started to explore the world of angst through heavy metal music. Teaching myself how to play from books about fast-picking, heavy metal, heavy crunching and distorting sounds, I bought my first electric guitar. I was on my way to becoming the next Van Halen, just a Puerto RicanHawaiian version.
Rush ‘um and Give ‘um. You see I didn’t and still really don’t know music theory and chords. Eventually I got better and I wanted more of everything—the limelight, MTV, Hollywood, glamour, bling, everything superficial. So I moved to California (laugh). By this time, my business was done and all I wanted to do was get away. My sister lived in Sacramento so I figured that was as good a place to start as any. As soon as I got off the plane I wanted to start playing music. I asked my brotherin-law where I could go and he took me to a hole-in-the-wall place to jam. I was asked to join a blues band called Desperados. I felt desperate at the time, so this seemed to fit. Playing with them I learned a lot, not only songs by Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan but branching out with my own songwriting and style. CJ: So you went from the blues to heavy music like Rage Against the Machine and Papa Roach. That’s quite a transition! Did your band do the LA grind? Yes, I started to learn that most of what I had heard about the music industry was true. Back stabbing, two-faced etc. It was truly a learning experience. At the same time back in Hawai‘i my mom was really sick and I began to question what I had been chasing for eight years. I didn’t feel like the music I was playing was right for me and that my ‘ohana and Hawai‘i were calling me back. CJ: That takes courage and sense to walk away from a negative situation. Is that when you went back to screen printing?
CJ: That’s a big change from the laid-back, island style. Then you joined a band?
Yes, I moved to Hilo, where I had some family and friends and I went back to screen printing. I asked an uncle to be my partner and we started a shop called BoloInk. Business came almost right away, but I was missing music. One day at a coffee shop called Kope Kope, I asked the owner about doing T-shirts as well as music. I got both jobs.
I joined a band called Ikaika with far more experienced players. I was just learning how to play electric guitar in a reggae-rock-fusion style but the band actually broke up a few times because my guitar playing sucked. I came from a local style of thought process called
CJ: I understand that our mutual friend, Mati Laino, helped introduce you to some Hilo musicians, including Uncle Skippy. Were you reintroducing yourself to Hawaiian music at this time and where were you playing?
46 | www.KeOlaMagazine.com | KE OLA
I did T-shirts for the band MoeMoeA, I met Mati, then the rest of the boys. I came back to my roots as part Hawaiian, part Puerto Rican, and began getting closer to becoming the whole me. CJ: After your mother’s passing, you moved back to Kona and met some other inspiring people. Can you tell the readers about your experiences with them and how this led to your vision of Creating Ha? After a couple of years back in Hawai‘i, my true sound started to evolve. I wanted to find a connection to the next level of musical artistry, fusing everything I learned previously till now and to share it with people. I stopped worrying about superficial things and began to make a change inside. I met a slack key, finger-style player by the name of Chris Yeaton. He’s my age and has a company called Woodsong acoustics, a group of exceptional guitarists all across the country. I had sent him a demo of my fusion slack key and he called me. We became friends as well as fellow musicians. He asked if I wanted to go on The designs created by Bolo on screen-printed clothing he says are created in the hope of spreading awareness about sea creatures and the importance of taking care of the ocean. He is also working on dyes created from spirulina (blue-green algae) and squid ink, soy and other types of organic, eco-friendly types of products.
tour and off we went! It became another great learning experience and we did numerous shows from Washington and Oregon to Northern California with a few Grammy-winning guitarists. I was experiencing musical growth as well as spiritual growth. Another one who inspired me was Jason Scott Lee. We had a chance to play at his theater and talk story and have been good friends ever since. I really don’t think that there are any chance meetings. This proved even truer in meeting Andy Rising, a classically trained cellist at a kanikapila jam with Chris. I started a song and Andy joined in, improvising and merging classical and slack key. It was so beautiful that I wanted to share his talent on Creating Ha, an instrumental CD with all original compositions about how I felt coming back home, and reflecting on areas around the island. I was also inspired to become involved in charities and non-profit organizations such as Relay for Life, Make a Wish Foundation, LifeCare and Recycle Hawai‘i. I have been involved in a program called The Artist and the Environment for about two years now. In conjunction with Recycle Hawai‘i, “Creating Ha,” the play, will have its first showing at the Palace Theatre in Hilo on April 20th. I believe the keiki are our future and not just a cliché, which is why I love this program. At the Ka‘u Coffee Festival last year, I was part of a song writers workshop sponsored by Daniel Ho. To spawn our creativity, the group was taken to a few places courtesy of Julia Neil at the Plantation House in Ka‘u and The Nature Conservancy. A place called Ka‘iholena caught my soul and as soon as I got back to the plantation, I needed to write. Everyone gathered around me to listen and slowly, as if lighting a match to kindling, a fire of inspiration became a song. It was the first I had written with anyone, much less nine other songwriters. It was a completely awesome experience and song. So much so that Daniel put it on this year’s Grammy nominated CD He Nani. The song is called “Ka‘iholena.“
Francine Alexander
Private one-hour voice lessons in a professional studio 30+ years experience with professionals, amateurs & hobbyists Self-contained vocalist/pianist, lounge piano stylist available to entertain at weddings, ceremonies, dinner parties & luncheons
“Sing Like a Star" Studio 808 329-8234 • golden-voice@hawaii.rr.com Kailua-Kona
CJ: Can you elaborate on Recycle Hawai’i and the character KOA that you have created for children? KOA - Kids of Aloha – is an ambassador character I created for Recycle Hawai‘i that offers eco- minded news for their newsletter, coloring and comic books that deal with social and environmental issues as a learning tool. CJ: What plans do you have for the rest of 2010 and for the future?
The dark days are long gone, remembered and wisely avoided, replaced with a bright, focused vision for himself and the world that he graciously lives in. Bolo has come full circle, back to his roots, with an inner strength and desire to share, “Creating Ha.” For further information about Bolo’s music, art, CD’s and clothing, visit www.creatingha.com Email Colin John at transpacificblues@yahoo.com.
KE OLA | www.KeOlaMagazine.com | 47
I am working on a screen play about my family, Kaelemakule; and “Creating Ha,” the play, with orchestrations. Also KOA for Recycle Hawaii and a series of learning tools for the keiki, plus Creating Ha, an organic clothing line. A new CD of Latin guitar and Ukeitar, as well as a new CD of singer-songwriter music is in the works. And just being involved with the positive projects and kokua, whenever possible moving forward, imua. I try to be a vessel for good works that nature can flow through, using whatever talents I can offer. Mahalo Ke Akua.
Hawai‘i Island Farmers Markets East North Saturday: North Kohala. Across from Hawi Post Office, under the banyan tree. 7 a.m.–noon Saturday: Waimea Hawaiian Homestead Farmers Market. Hwy. 19, two miles east of Waimea town. 7 a.m.-noon. First Saturdays celebration with additional vendors, program. Saturday: Honoka‘a Farmers Market. Honoka‘a town near Honoka‘a Trading Co. 7:30 a.m.
48 | www.KeOlaMagazine.com | KE OLA
Tuesday, Friday: Kekela Farms Organic Farmers Market. 64-604 Mana Road, Waimea. 100% organic. 2-5 p.m.
Sunday: Laupahoehoe Farmers Market. Next to the MinitMart on Hwy. 19. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday: Kino‘ole Farmers Market. Kino‘ole Shopping Plaza, 1990 Kino‘ole St., Hilo, 7 a.m.-noon Saturday: S.P.A.C.E. Farmers Market. S.P.A.C.E. Performing Arts Center, 12-247 West Pohakupele Loop, Pahoa. 8–11:30 a.m. Saturday: Hilo Coffee Mill Market. Corner of Mamo and Kamehameha Ave., downtown Hilo. All local produce; plus breakfast. 7 a.m.-noon. Saturday, Wednesday: Hilo Farmers Market, Corner of Mamo and Kamehameha Ave., downtown Hilo. 7 a.m.
Sunday: Pahoa Farmers Market. Luquin’s/Akebono Theater parking lot. 8 a.m.–3 p.m. Sunday: Maku‘u Farmers Market. Kea‘au-Pahoa bypass road. 8 a.m.–2 p.m.
South Sunday: Volcano Farmers Market. Cooper Center, Wright Road., Volcano Village. 6:30–9 a.m. Saturday, Wednesday: Ka‘u Farmers Market. Ace Hardware lawn, Na‘alehu. Saturday 8 a.m.-noon; Wednesday 8 a.m. Noon
West Saturday: Keauhou Farmers Market. All local farm products. Keauhou Shopping Center, Keauhou. 8 a.m.-noon
Saturday: Waikoloa Village Farmers Market. Waikoloa Community Church across from Waikoloa Elementary School. 7:15 a.m. Sunday: South Kona Green Market. Locally-grown produce, food and live music. Amy Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden, Captain Cook (Across from Manago Hotel). 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. Phone 3288797 or visit www.skgm.org. Wednesday: Keauhou Wednesday Market. All locally grown or made. Lawn at Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort. 8 a.m.-noon Wednesday-Sunday: Kona Farmers Market. Corner of Ali‘i Drive and Hualalai Rd. 7 a.m.-4 p.m.
May~June 2010 H A P P E N I N G S
May Saturday, May 1 May Day is Lei Day Waikoloa, Hilo, Volcano This annual 50th State holiday celebrates the symbol of aloha with island-wide festivities.
program—also features live Hawaiian music and silent auction. 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Coconut Island at Hilo’s Queen Lili‘uokalani Park, Banyan Drive. Fee. 808.935.7393 or visit www.southhilorotary.com.
Waikoloa: Waikoloa Beach Resort offers live entertainment, authentic Hawaiian arts and crafts, hula halau, lei-making contest and Lei Queen. 808.886.8822 or visit www.waikoloabeachresort.com.
Sunday, May 2 Temple Fund-Raiser Bazaar Honalo Daifukuji Soto Mission hosts a building fund bazaar 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on temple grounds in Honalo, next to Teshima’s restaurant. Food, fresh produce, plants, household items, books and clothing for sale and entertainment provided by Kona Daifukuji Taiko. 808.322.3524 or visit www.daifukuji.org.
Hilo: “He Mo’olelo o Ka Lei” features Hawaiian music by well-known entertainers Buddy and Sammy Fo, hula, lei-making demonstrations and the heritage, history and culture of the lei. 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. at Kalakaua Park in downtown Hilo. Free. 808.895.0850 or visit www.LeiDay.net. • On Sunday, May 2, the Palace Theater in downtown Hilo celebrates the Hawaiian art of lei making with “May Day Mele.” A spectacular lei display, lei contest, silent auction, “hands-on” demonstrations, live music and hula with local Hawaiian musicians, plus historic slides and short films with master lei makers. 1- 4 p.m. at the Palace Theater. Free. Visit www.hilopalace. com or call 808.934.7010.
Saturday, May 1 Annual Coastline Cleanup Ka‘u Coast The same ocean currents that brought the Polynesian settlers to Hawai‘i also carry marine debris and deposit it along the southwest coast of the Ka‘u District. Here’s a chance for visitors to join local residents to lend a hand to clean up the beaches in this area, while at the same
Saturday-Sunday, May 1-2 Ka‘u Coffee Festival Pahala Festival celebrating the international, award-winning bean in Hawai‘i Island’s beautiful Ka‘u district. Featuring a Miss Ka‘u Coffee pageant, ho‘olaule‘a, best coffee competition, recipe contest, music and entertainment, farm tours, coffee demos and more. At the Community Center in Pahala. Most events are free. 808.929.9550 or visit www.kaucoffeefest.com. Fridays-Sundays, May 1, 2 & 7, 8, 9 “Glengarry Glen Ross” Kainaliu The Aloha Performing Arts Company presents David Mamet’s Glengarry Glen Ross, which follows the lives of four unethical Chicago real estate agents who are prepared to go to any lengths (legal or illegal) to unload undesirable real estate on unwilling prospective buyers. The play is partly based on Mamet’s experiences working in a Chicago real estate office during the late 1960s, and contains adult language. Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.; Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Tickets: $15-$18. Visit theatre box office 10 a.m.-4 p.m Mondays thru Thursdays; 808.322.9924; or order online at apachawaii.org. Sunday, May 2 Hilo Huli Hilo Bring your appetite and taste your way through the culinary creations of 20 of the best restaurants and eateries in Hilo and East Hawai‘i. This benefit event—to help a rural family doctor
Tuesdays, May 4, 11, 18 Conscious College Movement Hilo A local variety show at Hilo Burger Joint for anyone who would like to join in or just enjoy the show. (Every Tuesday) Dancers, musicians, comedians, actors, all welcome. 8 p.m.-10:30 p.m. and all ages. www.consciouscollegemovement.com. Friday, May 7 Frank DeLima Concert Hilo The annual Mother’s Day Concert stages DeLima with his zany parodies, outrageous sense of humor and spontaneous creativity. 7 p.m. at Hilo’s Palace Theater. Tickets $20. 808.934.7010. Friday & Saturday, May 7 & 8 Orchid Fantasia Kailua-Kona Kona Orchid Society’s Annual Show and Sale attracts orchid lovers and Mother’s Day shoppers to find a wide selection of island-grown orchids, including new hybrids, exotic species and varieties to suit all Big Island microclimates. Classes on orchid cultivation are scheduled both days. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. May 8; 8 a.m.-6 p.m. May 9 at Hale Halawai. Free. 808.939.9282.
Continued on page 50
KE OLA | www.KeOlaMagazine.com | 49
Volcano: A family event celebrating Lei Day for all ages with lei-making demonstrations, lei contest and display, hula and ‘ukulele performances, talk-story sessions, guided tours of the native forest and more. Lei contest is open to all ages and cash prizes are awarded for outstanding entries. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Volcano Art Center in Volcano Village. 808.967.8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.
time learning about the local landscape and seeing a seldom-visited locale. 808.769.7629.
Continued from page 49 Saturday, May 8 “Mama…my Mama, I Love You” Keauhou A Mother’s Day hula and concert celebration in the ballroom at the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa. Entertainment by the halau, music by Weldon Kekauoha, Lorna Lim, Napua Greig and others, with mistresses of ceremony Skylark Rossetti and Penny Keli’i Vredenburg. The $40 ticket helps underwrite expenses for halau participation in the Queen Lili’uokalani Keiki Hula Competition. Silent auction, food and beverages. 5-9 p.m. 808.322.6141 or e-mail flowerswithaloha@aol.com. Saturday, May 8 Native Species Art Hike Volcano This unique hike is for amateur and professional artists of all ages who plan to submit artwork for the juried show, Hawai‘i Nei 2010. This hike visits the Kahuku area of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Participants should bring water, lunch and come prepared for wet weather. 8 a.m.- 2 p.m. Limited to 10. Free. To sign up, call 808.967.8222.
H A P P E N I N G S Sunday, May 9 National Train Day Laupahoehoe All aboard for this event about riding the trains of yesteryear on the Hamakua Coast. Laupahoehoe Train Museum celebrates with historical presentations, caboose and box car visits, keiki train rides, music and entertainment. 9 a.m.4:30 p.m. at the museum on Hwy. 19 in Laupahoehoe. 808.962.6300 or visit www.thetrainmuseum.com. Sunday, May 9 Conference of the Birds Hilo An ambitious performance by StarGate Performing Arts Academy, retelling a Sufi poem originally written in 12th century Persia. The poem tells the story of 30 birds that take a great journey in search of their king, only to discover they are themselves the king. Under the direction of Kate Veihl, the StarGate performers embrace the challenges of playing birds with grace and good humor. Besides birds, the actors transform into slaves and princesses, bats and fortunetellers to illustrate the various teachings for the leader they
are seeking. 2 p.m. Palace Theater in downtown Hilo. Tickets $20, for info call 10 a.m.-3p.m. weekdays, 808.934.7010 or Malina at 936.0046. Visit www.stargateperformingars academy.com. Wednesday, May 12 Drummers from Bangladesh Waimea An ensemble of performers from the Bangladesh Institute of Theatre Arts presents a variety of dance and music styles, including the impressive “Baul” singing. Also featured is Doul drummer-dancers. The performers hail from Chittagong, Bangladesh’s second main city. 7 p.m. Kahilu Theatre, Waimea. Free through support from the Hawaii Pacific Rim Society, Friends of Hawaii Charities, and the East West Center Honolulu. www.kahilutheatre.org. May 12-16 Big Island Film Festival Mauna Lani Resort Rated one of the “Top 25 Coolest Film Festivals” by MovieMaker Magazine, the 5th annual Big Island “Talk Story”
Film Festival (BIFF) is a celebration of independent filmmaking with movies, special events, Hawaiian culture and music. A slice of Hollywood life comes to the Kohala Coast, with a full slate of 50-plus new narrative films, social events and stellar music. Enjoy short and feature-length films during the day, evening movies in two different locations, awards brunch, a screenwriting workshop and celebrity receptions. Actor Tom Berenger will receive the BIFF “Golden Honu Award” 4:30 p.m. May 14 at Tommy Bahama Restaurant.“Best of the Fest” event is 5-9:30 p.m. May 16 at Hale Hoaloha Pavilion, includes silent auction for the Wounded Warrior Project, John Cruz in Concert, Award Ceremony and film screening. Admission fees to some films/events. Kama‘aina rates. 808.883.0394 or visit www.BigIslandFilmFestival.com. Friday, May 14 Tropical Paws Gala Four Seasons Hualalai Resort Annual benefit gala to raise funds for programs of the Hawai‘i Island Humane Society (HIHS). Silent and live auctions, buffet dinner, live entertainment and
Sweet Wind Books & Beads
50 | www.KeOlaMagazine.com | KE OLA
Unique Gifts, Jewelry, Crystals, Incense, Meditation Supplies & Much more!
A peaceful place to shop - come in and relax! Located in Parker Square, 65-1279 Kawaihae Road, Waimea 808.885.0562 • Open 7 days a week
H A P P E N I N G S with the public and local chefs. Also on tap is entertainment gifts and goodies. 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. at Kea‘au Shopping Center. 808.935.6464.
dancing are on tap. Pat Batchelder commands the stage during the energetic live auction. Dance music by Pacific Fusion. 6 p.m. Always a sell out, tickets are $100 per person or $1500 for a reserved table of 10, available at HIHS’s Kea‘au, Waimea and Kona shelters, at Ali‘i Veterinary Hospital or purchased online at www.hihs.org. Saturday, May 15 Taste of Puna Kea‘au Savor Hawaii-grown and produced food with samplings, displays, vendors, farmers and food producers, the Kea_au Youth Center Culinary program, nutritional information, plus a Taste of Puna Cook-off
Saturday, May 15 Hospice of Hilo Celebration of Life Hilo Come celebrate life through art, education and music. This free family event includes a 5K pledge “Walk of Remembrance” in memory of loved ones, while helping raise funds to help support the hospice program, At sunset, share “Lights of Remembrance,” the launch of lanterns on the Wailoa River. Live music and food will be available. 4-7 p.m., Wailoa State Park. Registration form available at www.hospiceofhilo.org. 808/969-1733. Sunday, May 16 Kokua Kailua Village Stroll & Hulihe‘e Palace Concert Kailua-Kona Ali‘i Drive is closed to traffic and lined with friendly vendors, merchants and restaurants offering a wide variety of specials from 1-6 p.m. At 4 p.m., enjoy hula by Halau Na Pua Ui o Hawai‘i and a free Hawaiian music concert on the
lawn at Hulihe‘e Palace honoring late Hawaiian royalty, King Kamehameha IV, Alexander Liholiho. Bring your own mat or chair and they will be checked for free while you stroll Ali‘i Drive. 808.329.1877; www.daughtersofhawaii.org. Saturday, May 22 Artists in Action Volcano At this all-arts event you can watch talented artists from the Volcano Village Artists Hui create unique works in media such as glass blowing, metal tooling and paper making. Also try your hand at ceramics, collage making and textile printing. A great family-friendly event. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Volcano Garden Arts in Volcano Village. Saturday, May 22 Yoga Dance Kalani Oceanside Retreat A transformative experience, learning wave motion, Bali ballet, chakra chants, & the fire dance, engaging every cell in your body. A healing art, living art, and performance art, Yoga Dance is a potent medium for creating positive personal and planetary change. Led by Marya
Mann, Ph.D. With live drumming! 1-4 p.m. For more info, call 808.345.0050. Visit www.kalani.com and www.maryamann.com Saturday-Sunday, May 22-23 “In the Field:” Nature Photography Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Join award-winning photographer Jack Jeffrey for inspirational sessions of photographing Hawai’i’s native flora and fauna. Various aspects of nature photography discussed will include equipment, exposure, composition, lighting and close-ups. 8 a.m.- 3 p.m. Fee. Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Call 808.985.7373 or visit www.fhvnp.org. Tuesday, May 25 Tsunami Talk Story Hilo “Unstoppable! The Spirit of Hilo,” an annual Tsunami Talk Story Festival, tells tales of Hilo businesses that survived the tsunamis of 1946 and 1960 and continue to thrive today. 6-9 p.m., Sangha Hall. $30 includes dinner. 808.935.0926 or visit www.tsunami.org.
Continued on page 51
GIFTED HANDS
BUY LOCAL
Support our local farmers. Buy fruits and vegetables, organic greens, 100% Kona Coffee, jams and jellies, mac nuts and more. Fresh catch and Finely crafted local-natural beef at the value-added products at the Keauhou Farmers Market. Keauhou Wednesday Market. Sponsored by the KONA COUNTY FARM BUREAU www.konafarmbureau.org FOR VENDOR INQUIRES & INFORMATION CALL 324-6011
Every Saturday 8am-12noon Keauhou Shopping Center parking lot
Know where your food comes from.
Every Wednesday 8am-12noon Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa
KE OLA | www.KeOlaMagazine.com | 51
BUY FRESH
H A P P E N I N G S
Hawaii’s Newest Radio Station “Kona-FM” Playing a Mix of Hawaiian, Classic Rock, Reggae, Jazz & Blues, with Local & CNN News
Continued from page 51
52 | www.KeOlaMagazine.com | KE OLA
May 25 –May 31 Western Week and Rodeo Honoka‘a Popular annual celebration featuring Saturday Paniolo Parade with an agricultural festival, kids’ activities and exciting contests; Paniolo Barbecue and giant Block Party with live Country Western dance music, a live auction and live Saloon Girl Contest and Rodeo on Memorial Day weekend. Call 808.885.5580. Thursday, May 27 World Premiere of “Rx the Movie” Hilo This full-length movie was written, directed, filmed and edited by 18-yearold Jesse Tunison of Volcano, who started the project produced by Kea`au Youth Business Center as a 16-year-old. The story follows teens who get mixed up dealing prescription drugs in Hilo and the dire consequences of their actions. 7 p.m. at the Historic Palace Theatre with a reception to follow in the lobby. $5 Visit www.hilopalace.com or call 808.934.7010.
Friday, May 28 NELHA Fish Market Keahole-Kona A marine culinary celebration, here’s your chance to see – and buy – ecofriendly aquaculture products grown in the cold water at Hawai‘i’s Natural Energy Lab, such as lobster, crab, abalone and fish. Live music, farmer/ chef demos. 2- 6 p.m.; Hawai‘i Gateway Energy Center building. 808.938.1017. Friday, May 28 “Fireside Stories” Volcano Learn about the history, culture and people of Hawai‘i in this series of
informal talks near the fireplace in the Volcano Art Center Gallery at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. 7 p.m. Free, park entrance fees may apply. 808.967.8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org May 29-31 Inter-Tribal PowWow Hilo Everyone is invited to experience the sights, sounds, flavors and spirit of Native America through music, dance, storytelling, food, arts and crafts at this free, family-oriented event with opportunities for audience participation throughout the weekend. At Wailoa River Park. This is a drug- and alcoholfree event. Visit www.hilopowwow.com or phone 808.557.8607.
June Saturday, June 5 Ford Ironman Hawaii 70.3 Triathlon Kohala Coast It’s half the Ironman distance – 1.2mile swim, 56-mile bike and 13.1-mile run – and is headquartered from the Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii. The race is an official qualifier for the 2010 Ironman Triathlon World Championship this fall on the Big Isle. 808.329-0063 or visit www.ironman.com. Saturday, June 5 The Brothers Cazimero Waimea The Brothers Cazimero’s annual concert wraps up the Kahilu Theatre season with lots of Hawaiian- style fun. Enjoy hula, singing and talk story. $45/$40. 8 p.m. Kahilu Theatre, Waimea. 808.885.6868 or visit www.kahilutheatre.org.
H A P P E N I N G S
King Kamehameha Day
ival. mehameha Fest of the 2010 Ka rt pa e a ar t Ho a en al ainm a I, Mām Hula and entert of Kamehameh of Royal Order sy te ur co o ot – Ph (Hilo Chapter).
Friday, June 11 North Kohala King Kamehameha Day Celebration Kapa‘au Come to the northern tip of the Big Island to honor the legendary Hawaiian king in his North Kohala birthplace. A full day of festivities includes 8 a.m. ceremonies and lei-draping of the King’s original statue in Kapa’au, a traditional floral parade with flowerdecked pa’u riders representing each Hawaiian island, plus an afternoon of music, hula, crafts and food in Kamehameha Park continuing until 4 p.m. 808.884-5168.
Friday, June 11 Anniversary Art Show Kapa‘au Opening of “Paperworks 2010” show featuring paper sculptures, screens and wall hangings by Susan O_Malley. Celebrating one year anniversary of Living Arts Gallery in Kapa‘au. Call 808.889.0739. Saturday, June 12 King Kamehameha Day Parade Kailua-Kona A beautiful floral parade through the heart of Kailua-Kona honoring the great Hawaiian monarch. Featuring Hawaiian-themed entries, including p‘au riders representing all the Hawaiian Islands, bands, hula and community groups. Also food booths and crafts. Parade steps off 9 a.m. in Kailua Village.
Continued on page 53
Kamehameha I (c. 1758–May 8, 1819), also known as Kamehameha the Great, conquered the Hawaiian Islands from his home and base on the Island of Hawai‘i, and formally established the Kingdom of Hawai‘i in 1810. By developing alliances with major Pacific colonial powers, Kamehameha preserved Hawai‘i’s independence. Kamehameha is remembered for the Kanawai Mamalahoe, the “Law of the Splintered Paddle,” which protects human rights of non-combatants in times of battle. His full Hawaiian name is Kalani Pai‘ea Wohi o Kaleikini Keali‘ikui Kamehameha o ‘Iolani i Kaiwikapu kaui Ka Liholiho Kunuiakea. Historical sites on the Island of Hawai‘i associated with King Kamehameha I: Birthplace of King Kamehameha. At the northern tip of North Kohala, near ‘Upolu Airport and Mo‘okini Heiau is Kamehameha Akahi Aina Hanau, the alleged birthplace of Kamehameha the Great, who is said to have been born here in 1858, as Halley’s Comet passed overhead.
Naha Stone. In front of Hilo Public Library. Kamehameha lifted the Naha Stone at age 14. The legend (similar to that of King Arthur) said that the man who lifted it would be a legendary warrior who would unite all of the islands. ‘Ahu‘ena Heiau. After about 1812, Kamehameha spent his time at Kamakahonu, a compound he built in Kailua-Kona. His personal heiau has been reconstructed on the grounds of King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel. Statues of King Kamehameha. Five statues exist, each varying slightly. The original casting commissioned by King David Kalakaua—while being transported by ship bound for Honolulu from Europe—sank off the Falkland Islands. After a new one was built to erect in Honolulu, the original was salvaged in 1912, repaired and erected near Kamehameha’s birthplace in Kapa‘au.
KE OLA | www.KeOlaMagazine.com | 53
Friday, June 11 Kamehameha Festival Hilo This annual festival honoring King Kamehameha Day features features a ho‘olaule‘a with top Hawai‘i recording artists such as Cyril Pahinui, hula halau, cultural presentations, Hawaiian chant competition, dance of the warrior exhibition, food, plus arts and crafts
booths. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Moku Ola (Coconut Island). Free. 808.989.4844 or visit www.kamehamehafestival.org. A no-alcohol, no-drug event.
North Kohala celebrates King Kamehameha Day by decorating the historic statue near tthe king’s birthplace.
Pu‘ukohola Heiau. National Historic Site next to Spencer Beach Park. Completed in 1791 near the village of Kawaihae on advice from a respected kahuna (priest) named Kapoukahi, who suggested the building of a luakini heiau (sacrificial temple) to gain the favor of the war god Kuka‘ilimoku. Pu‘ukohola Heiau, meaning “Temple on the Hill of the Whale” was built entirely by hand with no mortar and stones transported by a human chain about 14 miles long, from Pololu Valley to the site. Construction of this largest heiau in the state of Hawai‘i was supervised by Kamehameha’s brother Keli‘imaika‘i, involving thousands of people. Damaged by the earthquake of 2006, the heiau is undergoing repairs.
H A P P E N I N G S
Continued from page 53
Saturday, June 12 Na Mea Hawai‘i Hula Kahiko Volcano Dramatic hula and chant are performed outdoors on the hula platform overlooking Kilauea Crater, featuring Hula Ka Makani Hali _Ala o Puna, 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.; Hawaiian crafts demonstrations at Volcano Art Center Gallery 9:30 a.m.- 2 p.m. at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. Free, park entry fees apply. 808.967.8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org. Sunday, June 13 Kokua Kailua Village Stroll & Hulihe‘e Palace Concert Kailua-Kona
54 | www.KeOlaMagazine.com | KE OLA
Ali‘i Drive is closed to traffic and lined with friendly vendors, merchants and restaurants offering a wide variety of specials from 1-6 p.m. At 4 p.m., enjoy hula by Halau Na Pua Ui o Hawai‘i and a free Hawaiian music concert on the lawn at Hulihe‘e Palace honoring King Kamehameha I. Bring your own mat or chair and they will be checked for free while you stroll Ali‘i Drive. 808.329-1877; www.daughtersofhawaii.org.
Sunday, June 21 2nd Annual “Run Forrest Run” Kailua-Kona Sponsored by Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. and the Kona Marathon, these Keiki Fun Runs are headquartered from Hale Halawai County Park on Ali‘i Drive in ly downtown Kailua-Kona. th on m e fre g ‘e Palace durin A day of fun for the whole Hula at Hulilhe Gavelek –Photo by Fern family. Children ages concerts. 1-14 can participate in age-specific runs/walks. All entrants receive t-shirt, Friday, June 18-Saturday, July 3 finisher ribbon and goodie bag. Entry Geppetto & Son fee $10. Register at Bubba Gump’s or Kainaliu online at www.konamarathon.com. The Aloha Performing Arts Company presents Disney’s “Geppetto & Son” at the Aloha Theatre. Shows are 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays. “Geppetto & Son” is a musical retelling of “Pinocchio,” from the point of view of Geppetto, his creator. This is a family-friendly show and casts mainly children. Tickets are $10-$15 at the Aloha Theatre in Kainaliu. 808.322.9924 or apachawaii.org.
Friday, June 25 NELHA Fish Market Keahole-Kona A marine culinary celebration, here’s your chance to see – and buy – ecofriendly aquaculture products grown in the cold water at Hawaii’s Natural Energy Lab, such as lobster, crab, abalone and fish. Live music, farmer/ chef demos. 2- 6 p.m.; Hawai‘i Gateway Energy Center building. 808.938.1017.
Friday, June 25 ‘Ukulele Jazz Festival Hilo An evening with ‘ukulele player Benny Chong and Byron Yasui; opening act is Ben Kaili at The Palace Theatre. 7 p.m. Advance tickets are $20.00, reserve 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays at 808.934.7010, or $25 at the door. Visit www.hilopalace.com. Saturday- Sunday, June 26- 27 Pu‘uhonua o Honaunau Cultural Festival Honaunau Demonstrations of—and participation in—numerous Hawaiian arts and lifestyle activities, including community net fishing, weaving, food preparation and more. 9 a.m-3 p.m. at national historic park. 808.328.2326, X 32 or visit www.nps.gov/puho. Sunday, June 27 Kona Marathon and Family Fun Runs Keauhou-Kona Since its debut in 1994, this event has become Kona’s premier road race, featuring four great races for the whole family: marathon, half-marathon, and
FEATURED IN HILUXURY MAGAZINE
Workshops, Toys, Gifts and ...oh yeah, Books! May 22: Feng Shui with Clear Englebert June: Shamanic Dreaming with Hank Wesselman On-going: Qigong, Feldenkrais, Book Clubs, Story time, Angel Readings
< OUR OFFICIAL GREETER
H A P P E N I N G S 5-K and 10-K runs. Headquartered at the Outrigger Keauhou Beach Hotel. Visit www.konamarathon.com or e-mail raceinfo@konamarathon.com.
Kailua Bay (8:30 p.m.). 4 p.m.- 10 p.m. Coconut Grove Shopping Center. Visit www.konaparades.com.
(Hawaiian cowboys) vie 9 a.m.-noon at the Parker Ranch Arena in Waimea. 808.885.5669 or visit www.parkerranch.com.
Coming up in July
Sunday-Monday, July 4-5 Anuenue Freedom Festival Pahoa A 10-day event celebrates the “independent spirit” of Puna, culminating in a Freedom Day July 4 from 6 a.m.-10 p.m. with games, sports Eco & Art Trek, food and fireworks, plus a Ho’olaule’a Holiday on July 5 from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. with various Hawaiian culture themed activities such as hula and lu‘au. Kalani Oceanside Retreat in Pahoa on Hwy. 137 between mile marker 17-18. 808.965-0468 or visit www.kalani.com.
Sunday, July 4 Turtle Independence Day Kohala Coast Held purposefully on July 4th, this event educates attendees about endangered Hawaiian green sea turtles. Watch as the young honu (turtles), which have grown up in the ponds at the Mauna Lani Resort, are given their freedom as they are released back into the ocean. Call the Mauna Lani Resort at 808.885-6622.
Saturday, July 3 Great Waikoloa Rubber Ducky Race & 4th of July Extravaganza Waikaloa Beach Resort An all-day fundraiser for United Cerebral Palsy of Hawai‘i, the family fun features a wild and wacky rubber ducky race, live entertainment and lots of exciting activities, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display over Kings’ Lake. 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m. 808.886-8811 or visit www.waikoloabeachresort.com. Saturday, July 3 Independence Day Celebration Kailua-Kona Enjoy live music, games, children’s activities and the traditional parade (6 p.m.) along Ali‘i Drive with the Hawai‘i County Band, floats, antique cars and more plus a fireworks display over
“Orchid Animation” Edith Kanaka’ole Multi-Purpose Stadium
Friday, August 6 Saturday, August 7 Sunday, August 8 Daily Admission: $4 at the door; Keiki 12 & under FREE
Sunday, July 4 Annual Parker Ranch Rodeo Waimea This award-winning, Independence Day weekend tradition includes actionpacked rodeo events, keiki (children) activities and delicious food. Paniolo
Exotic Orchid Species • Daily Demonstrations • Exciting New Hybrids • People’s Choice Award Orchid Arts, Crafts & Apparel Sponsors include:
The Hawai’i Tourism Authority County of Hawai’i Kuawa Self Storage of Hilo For more information visit:
www.hiloorchidsociety.org email: hiloorchidshow@gmail.com or call (808)333-1852
Design as Unique as You Are
After
KE OLA | www.KeOlaMagazine.com | 55
Before
Yoga Dances By the Sea Mondays 5 - 6 pm @ Pahoehoe Beach w/ Live Drumming Tues. & Thurs., 8-9 am @ Kona Reef Saturday, May 22, 1–4 pm @ Kalani Oceanside Retreat
Schedule Yoga & PSYCH-K® Energy Balances with Dr. Marya @ The Lotus Center ~ 334-0445
56 | www.KeOlaMagazine.com | KE OLA
maryamann.com • 808-345-0050
T H E
L I F E
I N
B U S I N E S S
Glimpses into the stories behind a few of our ads
Dragonfly Ranch
Hawaii’s Gift Baskets
Tammy Sullivan and pal Duke with a display of gift baskets.
T
amarra (Tammy) Sullivan has listened to visitors’ requests for gifts to take home from the Big Island for more than 30 years. “I feel I know what makes people remember Hawai‘i and I want to put it all in a basket for them,” says the owner of Hawaii’s Gift Baskets, who has worked in the hospitality business since coming to Hawai‘i more than 30 years ago. Tammy and Carole Carraway started the business in 2007 to answer what they saw as the need for a “one-stop shop.” “We both wanted to create a successful business that would showcase the finest Big Island products in creative islandinspired baskets,” she says. Carol eventually left the business. Tammy still focuses on customer service and works hard to “gather all the finest Big Island products in one location,” always searching for something novel and new to offer customers. If a customer has a special request, she’ll always try to fulfill it.
“Aloha can be always found here,” she says. They deliver locally and ship anywhere. The products included in their gift baskets are made mostly by small, local businesses and include such items as candies, coffee, mac nuts, local wines and brews, flowers and other treats. They are combined in themes for birthdays, weddings, lu‘au, corporate giving and holidays. The basket or package is part of what makes the gift special, Tammy says. “All of our packaging—from the hand-decorated, Hawaiian lauhala boxes and lavish arrangements, to festive lunch bags—make the perfect keepsake when all the goodies are gone!” For details, phone 808.329.2300 or visit www.HawaiisGiftBaskets.com.
B
arbara Ann Kenonilani Moore’s mission in life since the early 1970s has been to create a nurturing environment called The Dragonfly Ranch: Healing Arts Center. The year 1974 was marked by two accomplishments that were significant to her. She learned lomilomi massage from the worldrenowned kahuna haha, the late Aunty Margaret Machado, and became the steward of an acreage in South Kona near Pu‘uhonua O Honaunau. “While on ‘The Journey of Transformation’ in Egypt in 1980,” Barbara says, “I received a directive about making my home a center for growth and transformation, especially for healers and creative artists. I expanded my home into an upscale, Swiss Family Robinson-style, five-bedroom bed and breakfast and eco-spa.” After additional study in the art of using flower essences in healing, she says she was inspired to make Hawaiian orchid flower essences. “I built a rainbow cathedral with a colorful labyrinth for centering and focusing positive energies.” With the help of a Hawaiian friend, Barbara says, she began horticulture therapy for herself in her organic garden. She learned to work in harmony with the land, combining permaculture with ancient Hawaiian spiritual concepts. At Dragonfly Ranch, Barbara shares the aloha spirit by hosting symposiums, retreats, workshops and weddings, as well as providing a safe haven for individuals seeking peace, creativity, healing and spiritual awareness. In learning lomilomi (sacred rejuvenation treatment) and ho’oponopono (to set right) from Aunty Margaret, Barbara says she was encouraged to teach others. “Gratefully perpetuating these ancient arts is an important mission in my life. After spending almost four decades in Hawai‘i, I deeply appreciate its people and culture.” Barbara Moore also serves as president of Big Island Health and Wellness Travel Alliance. The Dragonfly Ranch: Healing Arts Center was Voted “#1 B&B in West Hawai‘i” by readers of West Hawaii Today. For more information, call 808.328.2159 and visit www.dragonflyranch.com.
KE OLA | www.KeOlaMagazine.com | 57
The business moved from its original location in Holualoa to a convenient shop at 74-5617 Pawai Place in the Old Industrial Area, across from the Kona Brewpub. Both visitors and residents find a need for gift baskets, says Tammy, and they can order from the website, too: www.HawaiisGiftBaskets.com.
Barbara Moore (right) and her mentor, Aunty Margaret Machado.
THE REFRAIN
Ka Puana
Photo by Peter Beemer
T
58 | www.KeOlaMagazine.com | KE OLA
he first time I saw the Kona Coast of Hawai‘i, it was all dressed up in early December. Hillsides exploded in blood red poinsettias and wild yellow daisies cascaded over rocky cliff edges, reflecting daylight like small solar flares. Avocado and papaya hung pendulously from their trees like huge testicles. There was an insistent sensual fecundity everywhere, creating almost too much stimulation. I was in awe of it all. I had just come from a gloomy landscape, where the skeletal gray fingers of leafless trees scratched against a pale sky, and everything shivered and hunkered and waited. Suddenly I was in a place that was bursting with warmth and growth and energy. Windows were open and the world seemed to be smiling. The magnificent canopies of monkeypod trees stretching over the roadway, the brilliant orange and golden blossoms of African tulips and the white snow bushes flashing their purity. Then, the bananas! Oh, the relentless bananas; giving birth all year round to weighty hands of fruit! I did not know then, as I drove beneath their massive green folds, that they would grow like weeds and someday swallow my little Hawaiian cottage. I believed that the bananas were trees, like peaches or apples. I expected them to give fruit each summer and then sit quietly and wave their lovely leaves like flags in the breeze as a decorative member of the garden. Be warned, however, before planting bananas; they are actually perennial herbs! Not only do they tower above the rest of the yard and grow so heavy with their pregnant inflorescences that they threaten to topple over before ripening, but they simultaneously give birth to “keiki,” sprouting at the base of the parent and increasing the size of the grove exponentially. The main plant dies as soon as it fruits and needs to be chopped down or it will putrefy and slowly turn to stringy mush. Neighbors, I learned, tend to frown on those of us who are lazy about our bananas. A yard that is infested with the rotting corpses of the plants can look less than tidy and smell a bit too much like green cheese.
Harvesting bananas is a physically demanding job and should always be done while wearing only your “banana clothes,” because the sap gushes out of the plant and permanently stains you. Wrestling with bananas leaves you looking as though you had been splashed by a passing asphalt truck. Trying to saw the heavy fruit free of the stalk and catch it before it hits the ground can be a dangerous dance and the plant is spitting black goop at you during the entire performance. I have lived in Hawai‘i for eight years now, amassing an entire wardrobe of banana clothes. Bananas don’t grow on trees, I know now, and they are a constant reminder of my early innocence, as my dreams of tropical life began to come into contact with its realities. Life on the South Kona Coast is a journey of constant learning. My simple existence here has produced a contentment and a sense of peace that I cannot imagine finding anywhere else on this planet. I was at home here on that very first December day and I am grateful beyond words for finding this paradise, where I can feel warm sand between my toes every single day of any year. The island keeps reminding me to watch and feel and be in the present moment. I have my consistent lapses and allow myself to be distracted by a political issue or a social injustice or the painfully slow progress of an important improvement. But over time, the sensual stimulants win and I spend most of my days positively involved with my amazing surroundings. I can imagine no more pleasant duty than that of harvesting a sticky and unwieldy bunch of bananas on a lazy Kona afternoon. v Big Island author Rocky Sherwood’s books, Meanderings of a Twisted Mind and In Poseideon’s Pocket can be purchased at www.rockysherwood.com. Email her at rocky-ra@hawaii.rr.com.
KE OLA | www.KeOlaMagazine.com | 59
BIG ISLAND: Kona Industrial Park • 808.329.6500 74-5599 Luhia Street • Kailua-Kona
H C I D INl l e c t i o n co
s Carpe®t l a t n e ri Fine O waiian Rugs ific & Ha he Pac ry in t
60 | www.KeOlaMagazine.com | KE OLA
to prices t inven Largeesveryday low with
Hand Woven • Natural Fibers Silk • Wool & Hemp Custom Designs & Sizes Available
Showroom Open Everyday Free Shipping & Local Delivery (with min. purchase)
Willman Interiors
OAHU: Gentry Pacific Design Ctr • 808.524.7769 Ward Avenue Store • 808.596.7333 MAUI: Kahului • 808.877.7200
www.hawaiianrugs.com