TGIFr!day

Grinds & Da Kines For Your Weekend

MAKING WAVES IN HOLLYWOOD www.facebook.com/KauaiCountyFarmBureau

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Week of Friday, September 1, 2017 | Vol. 5, No. 35

Verde opens in Lihue

2 | TGIFR!DAY | September 1, 2017

Reaching the stars

TOP PICKS FOR THE WEEK

Sunset to full moon beach walk Meet at Lydgate Beach Park for a picnic dinner.

Wilcox Health Sports and Fitness Expo Learn about Sierra Club’s role in stopping 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Grand Hyatt Kauai Grand construction of a seawall along this pristine Ballroom. Race packet pickup, last-minute coastline. Enjoy the full moon glistening on the registrations, marathon logo merchandise, other ocean. Easy, three-mile, roundtrip hike. Info: Judy vendors.

Dalton, 482-1129 TODAY

Free Movie: 6 p.m. Anaina Hou Community Park. “The Peanuts Movie.” Refreshments and dinner will be available for purchase from the Anaina Hou Café and the film will begin at dusk.

RSVP deadline for Hawaiian language immersion session Today is the RSVP deadline for the Friday, Sept.

8 Hawaiian language immersion session, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lihue Lutheran Church. Registration: kumukaeo@me.com, www.kumukaeo.com.

Jamz Cheer Camp 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Kalaheo Neighorhood Center, $95 for 2 days. Registration, information: Mila, 639-8742 THURSDAY

SATURDAY

Grief gathering 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Ha Coffee Bar, Rice Street, Lihue. A support group for those who had a pregnancy or infant loss or death of a young child. Free. RSVP requested. Info: Candy at missinggrace.nonprofit@gmail.com, 855-5849

Wilcox Health Sports and Fitness Expo 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Grand Hyatt Grand Ballroom.

Marathon Host Bart Yasso will be available at 11 a.m. for a talk story session.

How to Stay Positive When the World Seems to be Falling Apart 7 to 10 p.m. Church of the Pacific. An evening with Dr. Serge Kahili King.

Painting Wildlife with Patrick Ching 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3:30 to 6 p.m. Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge. $100. Fundraising art classes for the Kilauea Point Natural History Association. 828-0384 SUNDAY

SEPT. 9

Kauai Marathon and Half Marathon: 6 a.m.

Poipu.

32nd Art Kauai: 11 a.m to 5 p.m. Kauai Society of Artists Gallery, Kukui Grove Center. The premier juried exhibition for fine art in Kauai.

The Juror will make all determinations for work accepted into the exhibition and work designated for awards.

Used Book Sale 10 a.. to 4 p.m., Princeville Public Library

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From her start as a Hawaii surfer girl, Sonya Balmores is making waves in Hollywood

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ne determined actress, born and raised in Kauai, takes her small-island talent to Hollywood’s big screen.

Best known for her role in “Soul Surfer,” Sonya Balmores from Kalaheo will star in Marvel’s Inhumans, set to premiere Friday in IMAX theaters and Sept. 29 on ABC. She recently finish filming her role as Auran, in the upcoming television series developed for ABC based on the Marvel Comics’ characters. Next month, she will be featured in a guest role as a young CEO on the comedy series, Ballers.

“It was a pinch-me moment to meet Dwayne Johnson (The Rock), but I think my family was actually more excited than me,” Balmores said. “He’s such a great example of hard work and kindness in our industry.”

In November, Balmores has an independent feature coming to Hawaii theaters, called “Kuleana.” Her character is a runaway who comes back to learn her mother has been murdered.

The mystery drama, written

attended Kalaheo Elementary, Kauai High School and Hawaii Pacific University before acting roles and directed by local Maui resident Brian Kohne, is set interrupted her studies. She in 1970s Maui with the lead continued her education at Kauai Community College, role played by Maui actor graduating with her associMoronai Kanekoa. Kuleana ate’s degree in 2013. won the audience choice “I took a class on screenaward at the Maui Film Fest this summer and also at the writing there and loved it,” Balmores said. “It helped San Antonio Film Fest.

“We got to speak Hawai- with my acting, and I completed a few TV and feature ian in some scenes, which screenplays.” was such an honor and In high school, she was privilege to bring to the on yearbook committee big screen,” Balmores said. and became the editor. She “It was so fun filming on played soccer for years, was Maui.… I hope to produce on the Kauai High School and direct an all Kauswim team and joined Kauai-made film one day.”

Earlier this year, Balmores ai Performing Arts Center her senior year. She also was in Atlanta filming danced for Urahutia Profor the upcoming movie, ductions and performed in “Den of Thieves,” written luau shows at the Princeville and directed by Christian Gudegast. The film, starring Hotel and Poipu Shopping Curtis Jackson (50 Cent) and Center. Despite her busy schedule, Balmores manGerard Butler, is set to be aged to compete in most of released on Jan. 19.

“Den of Thieves is a bank the local surf contests.

“My journey into acting heist action film, I got to started with surfing,” play with the big boys in that one,” Balmores said. “It’s Balmores said. “I grew up been a really amazing year. I on Kauai surfing with my friends and family. As the am super blessed!”

Balmores’ humble roots SEE BALMORES, P. 6 began on Kauai, where she JOHN STEINHORST TGIFR!DAY

TGIFR!DAY | September 1, 2017 | 3 LEFT: Actress Sonya Balmores, Photo by Michael Becker, Styled by Marni Seabright, Makeup

by Elie Maalouf, Hair by Steven Mason, Platform PR ON THE COVER: Actress Sonya Balmores, Photo by Michael Becker, Styled by Marni Seabright, Makeup by Elie Maalouf, Hair by Steven Mason, Platform PR

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4 | TGIFR!DAY | September 1, 2017

Food with flair Verde Restaurant adds second location in Lihue

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ood food, good drinks JOHN STEINHORST a different type of Mexican to and good vibes. offer. It’s cleaner and healthier,” TGIFR!DAY That’s what the said Nicole Stewart, office manager. managing staff at Verde Verde Restaurant recently turned 10 at Restaurant aim to serve up every time a the Kapaa Shopping Village, and opened a customer walks through the doors. second location in Lihue on Sept. 1.

And the customer is not disappointed.

“Kapaa is packed and customers wanted “When people come in, they always tell us to open on the Southside,” Kerber said. me they feel at home when they walk in,” The location in Lihue, fronting Kuhio Highsaid Jessica Kerber, front house manager. way in the Hokulei Village, wasn’t planned, Verde, which originated in Kapaa, serves Dennis Fujimoto/The Garden Island up generous portions of tacos, burritos, taco said Maris Manzano, owner.

Verde Hokulei executive chef Kristen Yanagawa stirs a batch of beans in “The opportunity presented itself,” she salads and tostadas. the new kitchen. said.

“It’s not traditional Mexican food. There’s

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TGIFR!DAY | September 1, 2017 | 5

It took about a year to get the leasing and building permits in order. And when office management signed the lease, the space was an empty shell. HD Construction and Ron Agor Architects were responsible for the design and construction, Manzano said.

“Permitting took the longest. We were at the mercy of someone else. We couldn’t start building until March,” Manzano said. “We were ready to place orders for equipment.”

The bigger space allows for big parties to rent it out for weddings and other events, which is happening at the Kapaa location.

In addition to providing more room, the Lihue restaurant will also have a full bar, which is not available in Kapaa.

Bartenders will be serving up seasonal drinks, based on what fruits farmers are selling. They will also use juice from Kauai Juice Company as mixers, said Kristin Yamagawa, chef.

Verde Restaurant prides itself in being sustainable by using local farmers to supply their ingredients, from fresh vege-

tables to 100 percent grass-fed beef.

“We work with farmers and use what’s in season,” Yamagawa said.

The eatery also partners with local businesses like Makaweli Meat Company, Kō Bakery, Kauai Roastery Coffee, My Kauai Honey and Papalani Gelato.

And a new item on the menu in Lihue is Papalani Gelato.

While patrons of the restaurant are usually a mix of locals and visitors, Kerber said it has a loyal clientele.

“If we didn’t have locals, we wouldn’t make it,” she said.

The Lihue location will serve up the same menu as the one in Kapaa. Best sellers are the fish tacos, taco salad and ultimate chicken burritos.

“The tostada is the prettiest dish,” Kerber said. “I don’t know what it takes to make them, but they look amazing.”

But in choosing what to order, she says there is no bad option. It’s all going to taste terrific.

“I tell people you really can’t go wrong.

You can close your eyes and pick,” she said.

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Verde Hokulei front end manager Jessica Kerber welcomes guests to the Hokulei Village eatery from Sept. 1.

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6 | TGIFR!DAY | September 1, 2017

Sometimes, you just have to say, what the heck

CYNTHIA & ED JUSTUS SPECIAL TO TGIFR!DAY

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ur favorite mentors (winks to Fred, also Jeff!) have always had the best advice whenever we have been faced with trials and tribulations from people. “**** ‘em!”

Mark Manson, author/blogger

Balmores

continued from P. 2

youngest in my family, I was a natural follower. I ended up following my older sister into modeling for surf companies, because I wasn’t that great at competition surfing.”

Their print agency at the time, Jet Set, was based in La Jolla, Calif., and run by

fellow Kauai “aunty” Cindy Ka’uanui. She would send the sisters out on film and TV projects that were searching for surfers or Hawaii girls.

“Cindy represented local Kauai girl Sanoe Lake, and when she booked ‘Blue Crush’ that opened the doors for the rest of us big time,” Balmores said. “All the little parts I booked were

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from New York, frankly expounds on those heartfelt words, delivering reality with a smack of a baseball bat thankfully followed with a chaser of humor throughout this newly-released book.

“In life, we have a limited amount of ****s to give. So you must choose your ****s wisely.”

How much of our lives are taken up with meaningless things that ultimately have nothing to with lasting happiness and yet are actually affecting the quality of our lives? Do you get swept up in the crazy events depicted in the news which you can really do nothing about, both at

a perfect fit for me. Those were my first introductions to TV.” “Then I auditioned for a lead role as Kai Kealoha for The Nickelodeon’s Beyond the Break … that’s where I fell in love with acting,” Balmores continued. “I loved being on set with everyone and playing in the make-believe world we created. All the work behind the cameras fascinated me too. The film crews in Hawaii are the best; it was like family. It was such great on-the-job training.”

The Hawaii-native resides in Los Angeles, but her first move to Hollywood lasted only six months.

“I was 21 and didn’t know what to do,” Balmores said. “I didn’t realize I should have went straight to an acting program or classes at least.

I figured because I already was on a show someone would hire me again. I didn’t even have an LA agent… I was so lolo.”

She moved back to Hawaii to be with her boyfriend, and they soon got married. For the next few

home and abroad?

Does your workload and deadlines of your job add stress and pressure which cause you to worry even after work?

Maintaining peace in our lives depends on us paying attention to the things in our lives that truly matter and actually contribute to our well-being, to what really makes us happy, not what we think should bring us happiness.

Like the book says, the counterintuitive nature of “Subtle Art” is really understanding that life isn’t perfect and never will be. Pretending that we can or should do everything in

years, the couple focused on his career, while he studied at the University of Hawaii Manoa for architecture and then worked on Kauai designing homes.

“From home I booked Soul Surfer, thanks to the support of the Hamilton ohana and the director Sean McNamara, who was also creator of Beyond the Break,” Balmores said.

“I had a lot of support, but I had to fight for that role. I had to audition a lot and convince people I was tough enough. After that and working with Oscar-winner Helen Hunt, I felt a new passion for the craft. I really wanted to study and learn how to play something other than a surfer girl.”

They relocated back to Los Angeles, where she enrolled in a two-year technique program at The Baron/Brown Acting Studio.

“I didn’t want to just be a model or a girl who accidentally got into acting, I wanted to get the necessary tools to get more interesting roles,” Balmores said. “With the

our power to make our life or the world perfect for us, or thinking we are great when everything around us indicates otherwise—if that thinking hasn’t been working, this book is for you.

As Mark Manson points out, positive thinking isn’t supposed to be avoiding the things that trouble you. “Happiness comes from solving problems…true happiness occurs only when you find the problems you enjoy having and enjoy solving,” Give this break-out bestseller a read and experience what happens next!

Ed and Cynthia Justus are owners of The Bookstore in Hanapape.

grace of God our move was successful, and I found amazing reps in East West Artists and Don Buchwald Associates, who helped me get the chance to read for Marvel’s Inhumans.

But again I have to give a big shout and thanks to Noah Hamilton, he told me about the production because they were prepping on Oahu.”

Although ABC and Marvel weren’t looking for a Hawaii character, they were seeking a talented actress who could play a fierce soldier. Thanks to her training and new confidence to go for challenging parts, they found one.

Her dedicated focus and persistent hard work contributed to her success.

Living on a small island in the middle of the ocean has its limitations, but the successful star encourages aspiring actors and actresses to dream.

“Read plays, learn how to write screenplays and produce your own short films, YouTube series or stage plays,” Balmores said.

“Watch good film and

TV and practice taping auditions. Just grab your favorite scenes from movies and tape yourself with a friend doing them. It’s great practice, and it’s what I have to do for work … So if you get started on that you’ll be ready when an audition comes your way.”

Balmores encourages youth to sign up as extras on Hawaii Five-O so they can watch and learn how sets are run.

She also suggests traveling to see the world. If enrolling in classes is not an option, there are plenty of helpful books to read about acting according to her.

“Watch interviews of your favorite actors,” Balmores added, “and talk about their process. Copy them.

Also if you want to play a mainland American, work on your best haole accent.

If you look Latino, learn Spanish. If you are Asian, learn Mandarin, Japanese, Korean. They all have huge entertainment industries, don’t just think you have to go to Hollywood … There are so many other markets out there.”

CHECK DA SCENE

TGIFR!DAY | JANUARY XX, 2014 | TGIFR!DAY TGIFR!DAY | September | Sept. 30, 1, 2016 2017 | 7 7

DENNIS FUJIMOTO TGIFR!DAY

Marcon Ballesteros, Aloha Kaleiloa, Ariegh Acoba, Elly Williams Anuhea Ke, Mary Magoun, Sarai O’Day

Audrey Bonilla, Doreen Aquino, Janice Russell

FARM FAIR FUN

H Connor McCann

Grace Kala, Hua Duncan, Brooks Newcomb, Larissa Parraga

Isaiah Ferran, Gabriel Ballesteros, Henry Scherer

Victoria Soria, Casley Noda, May Planas

Mona Mata, Wai Mata, Hiinani, Madison Mata, Gov. David Ige

Jan Hashizume, Laurie Ho, Joy Goto, Sybil Nishioka, Bernie Sakoda, Rep. Nadine Nakamura

ow does the view of the Kauai County Farm Bureau Fair look like from high atop the stilts of Soulfire — Stilt Walkers?

Chef Jhonny “Rey” Montemayor’s Kauai Shrimp sliders captured the taste buds of people to the sold-out Eighth Kauai Coffee Celebrity Chef Cookoff for Charity,and the Kauai Independent Food Bank gained $2,000.

Bob and Louisa Wooton continued to dominate the Fruit and Vegetable Show presented by the Grove Farm, Hawaii Dairy Farms, and Ulu Pono Institute. Craig Duff and Zongping Huang shared Best in Show honors.

Estelle and Raymond Furuiki repeated as Best in Show recipients in the Kauai Anthurium Club anthurium show, and how did Deedee Gorospe get her Best in Show orchid specimen to the fair at the Garden Island Orchid Society presentation.

The Kauai County Farm Bureau was joined by Aloha Kia and Kauai Harley Davidson in presenting the 2017 fair which wrapped up a four-day run Sunday night.

Kalen Kelekoma, Aletha Thomas

8 | TGIFR!DAY | September 1, 2017

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