NEWS

Sha Ha gets a makeover

Previously over-run by pop-up canoe and kayak stalls, Sha Ha beach has now been cleared. The Sai Kung council has given stalls owners until February 28 to vacate everything off the beach. The long-standing watersports stall run by Ah Kwok can remain open as long as he can find an alternative location to store the equipment. The beach is now in the best condition it’s been in years with untouched sand and clear water, we hope it can remain like this for the next few months.

Unlicensed lady sells dogs in Tai Po

Videos submitted by Tai Po residents last month showed a lady stationed in Tai Po centre selling mongrel puppies for $200 each. The lady carried the dogs around in a paper box and a trolly, making several stops around Tai Po Market to find potential buyers. Being an unusual scene, the old lady soon attracted a crowd. Several who showed interest in buying negotiated for a bargain. It is still unknown if the lady had malign intent but it is certainly illegal to breed or sell dogs unlicensed. In Hong Kong the penalty for breeding or selling dogs without a licence is $100,000. On top of illegality, it is also unsafe to purchase live animals from unofficial retailers. Such unlicensed and illegal acts should also be reported to respective authorities immediately.

Dignity Kitchen opens in Mong Kok

Shark-free weddings

The social enterprise restaurant, Dignity Kitchen, is bringing Dignity Mama to Mong Kok. Curated by a group of loving mothers and differently-abled people, the book stall hosts pre-loved literature of all sorts. Covering childrens, teens and adult books, patrons can enjoy second-hand reads that are as good as new. The bookshop is welcoming any book donations including fairytales, dystopian fiction, business selfhelp books and even cookbooks. Contact marketing01@projectdignity.hk to donate.

The Hong Kong Shark Foundation (HKSF) has joined forces with online wedding planner, Bride Union to keep shark fins out of weddings. As a symbol of luxury, shark fin soup had long been a staple in Chinese wedding banquets. The delicacy used to be only available for the upper class and was a reflection of a family’s wealth and affluence. By collaborating with leading hotel venues including The Peninsula and Ritz-Carlton, restaurants and various wedding service providers, HKSF believes more people will remove the dish from their menus. Couples who go shark-free will receive exclusive discounts and offers from vendors ranging from bridal make-up and gowns to venue decorations. If you are planning a wedding or want to see who’s involved, HKSF and Bride Union will be running a virtual wedding fair to promote shark-free weddings until February 2 at hksharkfoundation.org.

Lan Kwai Fong’s very own Elvis Presley, Kwok Lam sadly passed away from kidney failure on December 29 at the age of 68. The popular Elvis Presley impersonator was known for serenading partygoers on the party street on Friday and Saturday nights, donning a bejewelled white suit and performing classic hits from the deceased King of Rock and Roll. Allan Zeman, chairman of Lan Kwai Fong, described him as a larger than life character who will be sorely missed. “I was sad and shocked to hear of his passing. We got used to seeing him entertaining everyone around Lan Kwai Fong’s bars and restaurants. He was one of those irreplaceable characters who will be sorely missed by all,” said Zeman. Unfortunately, Lam wasn’t able to perform his last set as Elvis, due to the recent Covid-19 restrictions. It’s safe to say Lan Kwai Fong has lost a legend.

A new era for Ocean Park

The Hong Kong Government has announced its proposed plans for transforming Ocean Park into a leisure destination. Edward Yau, The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development believes that the waterfront park should put more focus on its education and conservation efforts.“The park should steer away from the conventional development model of theme parks, cut down on facilities and related expenses which are not cost-effective,” said Yau. Part of Ocean Park’s proposed transformation includes non-ticketed entry and entertainment zones for guests to visit anytime they wish. “The operation mode of the park will change by outsourcing part of its park area or facilities for development and operation to become financially sustainable in the long run,” said Yau. Having struggled financially over the past few years, Ocean Park received a loan of $5.4 billion from the Hong Kong Government last year to support the operation of Ocean Park over a twelve month period and hopes to increase its traffic once parks are allowed to open again.

oceanpark.com.hk