TGIFr!day by The Garden Island Newspaper

Week of Friday, Feb. 24, 2017 | Vol. 5, No. 8

Island School’s 38th Annual Gala Auction Saturday, March 18, 2017 at 5:00 pm KauaҊi Marriott Resort For details call 808.246.0233 or email auction@ischool.org

Grinds & Da Kines For Your Weekend Plantation Coffee Company

THE FLOWER’S ESSENCE

Artist Kahu Alan Akana will host a new art gallery grand opening celebration Sunday

www.facebook.com/KauaiCountyFarmBureau

HAWAIIAN ISLAND JUICE Visit Alan Van Zee

SATURDAYS 9:30am–1pm

It’s FRESH • LOCAL • NATURAL

From Farmers Market to Farm Fair The Kauai County Farm Bureau Supports Agriculture

2 | TGIFR!DAY | Feb. 24, 2017

OUT & ABOUT: TOP PICKS FOR THE WEEK TODAY 24TH ANNUAL EAT DESSERT FIRST MARDI GRAS NIGHT 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Aqua Kauai Beach Resort $30 in advance, $35 at the door. Entertainment, silent auction, desserts. Info: 332-5654 ‘GOING HOME’ 7 p.m., Puhi Theatrical Warehouse Play by David Penhallow-Scott. $20. Buy tickets at kauaicommunityplayers.org. FREE WHALE MOVIE 7 p.m. Kapaa Public Library “The Dolphin Defender.” 50 minutes. Info: 6348535. SATURDAY

KISS JAZZ CONCERT 6 p.m. All Saints Church, Kapaa Ten inspired vocalists present the many styles of jazz from swing, Latin and smooth to rock, funk and blues. Free. BIKE WITH A DOC 7:45 a.m. National Tropical Botanical Garden South Shore Visitors Center Call 245-1198 to register. KODOMO NO HI CELEBRATION 11 a.m. to 1 p.m, Kukui Grove Shopping Center Japanese dance, song, Tailo, origami, fishpond, bonsai display and doll display.

KANJI CALLIGRAPHY CLASS 10:30 a.m. to noon, Koloa Jodo Mission, 3140 Wailomo Road Beginners welcome, materials provided, donations appreciated. 742-6735 or www.kolojodo. com ART SHOW AND SALE 4:30 to 8 p.m., Kukui Grove Center at the KSA Gallery Kathy Kovala will demonstrate her painting style, refreshments, free greeting card to guests. Come and talk story. SUNDAY LIHUE RELAY FOR LIFE RUMMAGE SALE 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., HGEA Meeting Hall, 3213 Akahi St Supports the American Cancer Society. TUESDAY

KILAUEA NIGHT MARKET 4-8 p.m., Anaina Hou Community Park Local artists, live music, food. THURSDAY

‘GOING HOME’ 7 p.m., Puhi Theatrical Warehouse Play by David Penhallow-Scott. $20. Buy tickets at kauaicommunityplayers.org DANCES OF UNIVERSAL PEACE 7-9 p.m. Church of the Pacific $15

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Bill Buley | bbuley@thegardenisland.com | 245-0457 ADVERTISING: displayads@thegardenisland.com | 245-0425 CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING: tgiclassified@thegardenisland.com | 246-0325

Alan Akana’s focus in his art is almost exclusively on flowers that grow in Hawaii.

SPROUTING KOKUA

Grand opening set for Sunday of gallery featuring Hawaii flowers painted by Kahu Alan Akana Memorial Parsonage on 3281 Waikomo Road in Koloa. Akana’s focus in his art is almost exclusively on the flowers that grow in Hawaii. oloa Union Church and its pastor are “There are so many stunning flowers that opening an art gallery featuring waterhave been growing on these islands long colors of Hawaiian flowers, which the before human contact,” Akana said. “My pastor has been painting for nearly 25 years. Kahu Alan Akana will host a grand opening passion is to paint the essence of each flower so that people will feel drawn to their beauty celebration from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the and the importance of caring for our land so new gallery, located in the historic Smith ALDEN ALAYVILLA TGIFR!DAY

two locations!

BAMBOO GRILL & SUSHI

Enjoy a complimentary basket of fresh hot chips and a cup of salsa per table.

“Local Food at Its Best”

Breakfast is served from 7 a.m.-2 p.m., Lunch is from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m., and Dinner is from 5:30-9:30 p.m. Wi-Fi available, and they can also cater any occasion. Bamboo Grill & Sushi, formerly Richie’s Restaurant 2978, is located in the Anchor Cove Shopping Center next to ABC Store. Dining can be done inside, or on one of the patio dining tables which has a view of the Kalapaki Bay.

10% Kama‘aina Discount

Happy Hour Daily 2 - 5 p.m.

HAPPY HOUR SPECIAL

1/2 off Sushi Rolls, Pupus, Drinks TUES & WED 5:30 - 6:30 P.M.

For more information, call 245-6886.

In addition to Authentic Mexican Cuisine our menu also features Omelettes, Pancakes, and French Toasts as well as Club and Santa Fe Sandwiches, Vegetarian Burger and Mahi Mahi Sandwich.

Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner

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Open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Daily (Friday and Saturday til 10 p.m. at Harbor Mall location)

TGIFR!DAY | Feb. 24, 2017 | 3

wonder and gratitude for the sheer beauty of each flower, as well as anger over the carelessness toward land and water that humans have shown on our islands, and a joyful hope that our indigenous flowers may someday thrive again on our islands.” Kahu Alan has been looking for a perma-

nent space for the gallery since September. Since none of the opportunities he has been pursuing have opened up yet, he began a conversation with his congregation in January about the possibilities of using the Smith SEE KOKUA, PAGE 6

Shops, Restaurants & Services at Ching Young Village: Photos by Alden Alayvilla / The Garden Island

Palani and Alan Akana say proceeds from the gallery will go toward Koloa Union Church.

that these flowers will be around for future generations.” He began painting floral watercolors in Honolulu in 1993 when his son Palani was born. Needing something to do while Palani took naps, he decided to take up a hobby, which soon became a lifelong passion. He continued painting the flowers of Hawaii for 20 years while serving churches in Montana, Utah, Texas and California. Since moving to Kauai in 2014, the artist has developed an affinity for the endemic flowers of Kauai and the Hawaiian Islands. Many of Akana’s paintings are of rare and endangered species. Some of his recent ones have never been seen by most people.

“Sadly, many are on the endangered species list and some are even extinct in the wild. My dream is that they will someday flourish again on the Garden Isle,” he said. Kahu Alan, as Akana is known to his congregation, sees his art as an important part of spirituality. The Christian church has been creating art since its earliest days and Akana sees his art as an important part of that tradition. He believes art is a window into the divine and a catalyst of bringing our attention down to the Earth at the same time. “My art provides an interpretation of the natural world and invites a response to God and the world of spirit,” he said. “My own responses to my watercolors have elicited

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4 | TGIFR!DAY | Feb. 24, 2017

CUP OF JOE AND THEN SOME

Plantation Coffee Company marks five years of delighted customers

“T

Lox and Cream Cheese Bagel by Plantation Coffee Company.

hey make a great cup of coffee,” said Lynette Medrano-Stine of the Kauai United Way. But Plantation Coffee Company in the Lihue Plantation Building on Kele Street is more than coffee. The cafe is open for breakfast and lunch with snacks and pick-me-ups, drinks and a selection of sandwiches. “We also do delivery from Puhi to the Hanamaulu areas,” said Kawika Kuali‘i, cafe general manager. Melinda Montgomery, owner of Planta-

DENNIS FUJIMOTO SPECIAL TO TGIFR!DAY

Photos by Dennis Fujimoto / The Garden Island

Arvin Montgomery watches as Kawika Kuali‘i gathers his Plantation Coffee Company crew, including Tiffany Boiser, Saesha Dabin, Laci Nobriga, Erica Abergas, Raesha Dabin and Tanya Tomacder, for a staff shot behind the counter.

tion Coffee Company, Love the Journey and manager for Hale Kipa, a Kauai United Way partner agency, said Kuali‘i has come a long way since starting with the firm five years ago. “He came to us from a clean and sober house,” Montgomery said. “He’s a great mentor because he has a story to tell. Over his five years with the Plantation Coffee Company, he’s risen to become the general manager.”

Shirley Medeiros of Alu Like is a steady customer at Plantation Coffee Company. “This is a busy place,” Medeiros said. “It’s convenient, and the service is great. In fact they have lots of customer service. I really like everything, but my favorite is the BLT sandwich.” Plantation Coffee Company also does catering. “It gets crazy busy,” Kuali‘i said. Darlene A. Kaui, a customer who works

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TGIFR!DAY | Feb. 24, 2017 | 5

in the LP Building, said Plantation Coffee Company gets a lot of business. “It’s too early for lunch so I’m just having a coffee and some sweets,” she said. “Everything is good, and they get a lot of business, especially for those who walk in after finding the place. I especially like their Tuna Melt.” Nanea Marston-Correa, another customer, agreed. “Everything is good,” she said. “But I like their Wabisabi, a wasabi tuna blend, the Tuna Avocado, and the Turkey Avocado.” Erica Abergas, an employee for a year, likes the food, but likes working at Plantation Coffee even more. “Next month is my one-year anniversary working here,” Abergas said. “I love the hours they give me, and the people who work here are like family. We’re very close to each other. I’m an eater and I like everything they serve.” Montgomery started Plantation Coffee

The mother and daughter team of Saesha and Raesha Dabin work on creating a la carte lunches for tour companies.

The Club sandwich created by Plantation Coffee Company.

Company seven years ago after being involved with Hale Kipa and Love the Journey. Both agencies deal with the disease of drug addiction and people being released from

Tuesday to Friday - 8:30am to 2:00pm Saturday & Sunday - 9:00am to 3:00pm

Where The Locals Eat

around, it will be five years that he has been clean and sober. Plantation Coffee Company is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday hours are from 7 to 11 a.m. It is closed on Sundays. Information: 245-3322

Sueoka’s Snack Shop Now Open

incarceration. “One of the best ways to fight is to find people jobs,” Montgomery said. “But that is easier said than done. I started Plantation Coffee Company not to hire people to sell coffee. We sell coffee to hire people.” Kuali‘i said when May rolls

STEVENSON’S SUSHI & SPIRITS Poipu’s luxury nightspot offers sweeping views, scrumptious sushi, inventive cocktails, tropical drinks, aged whiskies. Live contemporary Island music nightly. Free valet parking for diners. Kamaaina discount on sushi. Open 5:30pm-12am. Sushi rolled 5:30-9:30pm. Music 8:30-11pm.

Old Koloa Town

742-1112

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6 | TGIFR!DAY | Feb. 24, 2017

LESSONS LEARNED RIDING THE WAVES CYNTHIA & ED JUSTUS SPECIAL TO TGIFR!DAY

arning: This Pulitzer-Prize winning “Barbarian Days: A Surfing Life” by William Finnegan, is not for the faint of heart, and many of you may feel like you are reading your own biography! Daily on Kauai, we see some of our most affluent professionals and the “just hangin’” living for the board! As it is with William Finnegan, it’s their daily breath. Starting with his life as a young boy growing up in both California and Hawaii in the 1960s, we get to

experience what it was like during the emergence of surfing in Western culture, when most were just becoming aware of it and there were no “corporate championships” to even speak of. For many, surfing is a lifestyle, not a hobby. William Finnegan exemplifies the very essence of this understanding. During his youth, he sought the waves more than anything, and it became a calling that would drive him to travel the world, meet interesting and unusual people, as well as cultures quite different from his own. Amidst all of his pursuits for the elusive “perfect ride”, Finnegan also has to balance “reality” amidst all his exploits, namely his family, friends, finances, and the accountability of one’s actions (or lack thereof ).

Finnegan also recounts candidly, with fascinating detachment, his darker sides of his drug use, recklessness, promiscuity, and immaturity. Yet through the tumult of the paths he had chosen, Finnegan manages to come through it all and still balances his life’s needs with the passion he carries in him for surfing. Indeed, his love for the experience of riding on the waves is poetically described throughout, written in a manner that fellow surfers will immediately identify with, and non-surfers will find intriguing and compelling. This has been a big seller in our bookstore. Pick one up and discover why! ••• Ed and Cynthia Justus are owners of The Bookstore in Hanapepe

&DOO RU 9LVLW WKH *ROI 6KRS IRU 0RUH ,QIR

Lihue Industrial Phase II 2956 Aukele St. Suite #101 Lihue, HI 96766

808-643-2100

Since moving to Kauai in 2014, Alan Akana has developed an affinity for the endemic flowers of Kauai and the Hawaiian Islands.

Memorial Parsonage as a temporary gallery, in exchange for selling his art as a fundraiser for the church. The parsonage is a beautiful plantation-style home owned by Koloa Union Church. The gallery will feature the flowers of Hawaii through Akana’s original watercolors, prints, posters and greeting cards. The gallery will be managed by Palani Akana, the artist’s son. “It brings me great joy that my son, who is the very person who inspired me to begin painting, will now be marketing and selling my art.” The younger Akana is a recent graduate from Stanford University with a bachelor of science degree in Earth systems and a master of science in management science and engineering. During and after college, Palani spent time on Hawaii Island working in scientific research, education and conservation. He hopes that his newest venture with Alan Akana Gallery will give locals and visitors and increased appreciation for and awareness of the beautiful and unique plants and flowers found in Hawaii’s fragile ecosystems. Normal gallery hours are Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. and will commence on Monday, Feb. 27.

Carrying Rain Cha Now Creating that ins

“place of peace and balance” in your garden

828-6400

www.gardenpondskauai.com In Kilauea, next to Mini Golf Open Wed-Sun • 12 to 5 pm

CHECK DA SCENE

DENNIS FUJIMOTO TGIFR!DAY

Christopher Corpuz, Christian Rom Guimba Lexi, Papa Rey Cabico, Christina Hernandez, Lynn Constantino

Tynai Napoleon, Kaila Clark, Shane Aguinaldo

ENJOYING BREAKFAST

M Davis Jackson, Melissa Thompson, Jessica Paredes

Esteban Alicea, Chef Jason Sessions, Michelle DeJesus

James Sagucio, Summer Rex, Lauren Jacob, Sean Gormley, Samuel Torres, Bradley Gudoy

Bronson Yadao, Fred Cowell, Chequita Loston, Donette Reis, Tanelle Martin, Faith Soto, Lindsay MacClean

Rose Ramos-Benzel, Chuck Brady, Ben Brady, Kei Tonaki, Genta Minei

Sarah Morioka, Danny Morioka, Bailey Ponce, Bryson Ponce, Madison Doo, Alan Okuhara

ore than 1,400 meals were served Sunday during the American Culinary Federation Breakfast at Kauai Community College. The event served as a fundraiser for the KCC culinary arts program scholarships, and other expenses needed to operate the department. Sarah Tochiki and Kevin Toma directed the musical groups that provided entertainment for diners under the big tent that provided relief from the chilly north winds. The KCC Nursing Club manned both the Zero Waste Kauai opala stations and the first aid station that included the offering of free blood pressure checks. KCC culinary arts students received nearly $10,000 in scholarships due to the generosity of Hawaii Gas, the Watase scholarship, the Gondring scholarship, the Fries scholarship, the Rotary Club of Poipu, the Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association, and the American Culinary Federation.

Dayna Agustine

8 | TGIFR!DAY | Feb. 24, 2017

Field of Membership (FOM) – Federal, State and County Employees, Select Employer Groups (SEG’s) and their immediate families.