Pau Hana Friday for July 12
An indication of ripeness on a Kauai White Sugarloaf Pineapple is bulging corners around the eyes. Daniel Lane photo
NEWS:
Makana Terrace added a new Mailani Dinner Show on Tuesday nights. The St. Regis Princeville is in search for a talented executive pastry chef with luxury and resort experience. Ko Bakery and Hula Baby Biscotti have blended batters and launched a new website called Papalua Island. Hole in the Mountain Farm will have plenty of Kauai Sugarloaf White Pineapple for sale at the Wednesday Kauai Culinary Market as well as the Saturday Kauai Community Market. Their Kauai Sugarloaf White Pineapple is field ripened, hand selected and is the only fruit that is allowed to be shipped to the continental United States, where they arrive ready to eat. You can also pick them up at the market and take them to the mainland. You can learn more about Kauai Sugarloaf White Pineapple and Hole in the Mountain Farm, in this week’s MidWeek Kauai.
Kauai’s Bill 2491 managed to make national news on the Forbes website, and the article is an excellent example of spin. This Bill is about transparency, as I discuss in this week’s Tastes of Kauai column. It asks biotech companies to report how much, and what kind of pesticides are being used. Since we don’t know, it asks for a buffer zone around schools, hospitals and waterways.
Now is an important time for Kauai, and if you are against copious amounts of pesticides being used to cultivate GMO crops, please send testimony to counciltestimony@kauai.gov. Testimony concerning health, protection for children, environmental degradation, island economics of our visitor industry, overall protection for wildlife and nature, and our responsibility to future generations is appreciated.For more information, read Council to hear GMO bill today, GMO bill draws split crowd, and GMO bill clears first reading. Click here to read Bill 2491.
In anticipation of a large turnout at the public hearing for Bill 2491, the Kauai County Council will be holding the public hearing at the Kauai Community College (KCC) Performing Arts Center on July 31, at 1:30 p.m. Please arrive early to get a seat and sign up to testify. Testimony will go into the evening. Families experiencing the burden of dust, drift and health effects were very important at the last hearing and more testimony from moms, dads, health professionals and farmers is needed.
Forbes contributor Kevin Coupe offers a refreshing perspective on the GMO labeling debate, and the importance of transparency. While he identifies as a biotechnology supporter, he argues that “people who do not want to consume GMOs deserve as much consideration as people who want to keep Kosher, people with wheat allergies who need to stay away from gluten, or people with nut allergies.”
NPR reports that biotechnology will not solve farmer’s rootworm problems with corn. But instead of shifting away from those corn hybrids, or from corn altogether, many are doubling down on insect-fighting technology, deploying more chemical pesticides than before. The Portland Press Herald reports that governor Paul LePage has announced he will sign LD 718, a bill voted through by Maine’s House and Senate in June to require labeling of genetically engineered foods. The Huffington Post reports that the United States’ wide acceptance of GE crops differs greatly from the E.U.’s precautionary approach to biotechnology, where many countries ban GMOs and all require labeling. While many hope Europe will continue to remain a reference point for food transparency, some expect that the U.S. could push Europe to loosen its standards.
Tune into KKCR‘s Na Leo Hawaiian Issues radio show on Saturday, July 13 at 1 p.m. Mahelani Sylva and guest Stephanie Seneff, researcher from MIT, will discuss the impact of agriculture pesticides.
For those visiting our lovely island, the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA), the state’s tourism agency, and the Visitor Aloha Society of Hawaii (VASH), an HTA-sponsored traveler’s aid organization, recently launched its Safety eBrochure. This tool provides visitors, residents and industry partners with safety tips from state and county agencies to ensure safe and enjoyable travel experiences throughout the Hawaiian Islands.
The Wine Shop in Koloa. Photo courtesy of he Wine Shop
Available in English, the Safety eBrochure will be translated into Chinese, Japanese and Korean later this year. It is currently available for download on the HTA’s Travel Smart Hawaii website at www.travelsmarthawaii.com. The HTA is also working with VASH, its industry partners and government agencies to promote the availability and usage of the eBrochure.
Lastly, The Wine Shop, located in the heart of Koloa Town launched a new website and logo, as well as several new and enhanced programs. The locally owned specialty product store is excited to share their offerings, which include the unveiling of their Wine Club program, online store, as well as a information on how to obtain a Hawaii Marriage License.
EVENTS:
Saturday, July 13
Westside Pesticides
Waimea Canyon Middle School cafeteria, 2 p.m., free
Lawyers who represent the Waimea plaintiffs who have filed suit against Pioneer Hi-Bred and landowner Gay and Robinson for alleged inaction to control erosion and pesticide-contaminated dust from its GMO test fields will present their findings about Westside chemical use and dangers.
Learn about what chemicals are being used on Kauai and see computer animations regarding drift. Chlorpyrifos (Lorsban) has drifted onto the WCMS campus and is a violation of restricted use pesticide. This presentation will be open to the public and there will be time for questions and answers from the public.
Sunday, July 14
8th Annual CKTV Golf Tournament Fundraiser
Wailua Golf Course, 7 am.m to 1 p.m., $100
A day of fun, food and good times on the beautiful Wailua Golf Course. Proceeds from the tournament enable the Chiefess Kamakahelei Media Production students to showcase their talent and knowledge in national competitions. For more information, call 808-241-3200.
Summer Jam Kick Off Party
Mahiko Lounge, 5 p.m., $10
Mike Young and friends will perform in the Gaylord’s courtyard. Will cocktail and pupu service is available from the lounge. Summer Jam Series highlights local musicians and bands every Sunday afternoon.
Monday, July 15
Java Kai in Kapaa sells and makes coffee grown on Kauai. Daniel Lane photo
Healing Horses, Kauai Summer Gala at the Hukilau Lanai
6 to 9:30 p.m., $50 adults, $25 kids 4 to 14
This event benefits Healing Horses and the fundraiser includes pupu, dinner, dessert, no host bar and live music.
July 18 – 20
18th Hawaii Coffee Association Conference and 5th Cupping Competition
Kauai Beach Resort
Offering a full lineup of informative activities, this annual event attracts statewide coffee industry growers, processors, roasters, wholesalers and retailers. The gathering is also open to the public and the 2013-2014 season marks the 200th anniversary of coffee cultivation in Hawaii. For more information, Read our “Hawaii Coffee Association Hosts Annual Cupping Competition on Kauai” blog post.
A Taste of Kauai, Yesterday and Today includes lunch at Hanalei Bay. Marta Lane photo
Friday, July 19
A Taste of Kauai, Yesterday and Today
Waipa, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., $115
Tasting Kauai’s north shore tour is part agritourism and part ecotourism. We visit Waipa, one of 67 watersheds homesteaded by the first Polynesians, which remains undeveloped. This one-of-a-kind experience was designed by Tasting Kauai and the Waipa Foundation especially for those who wish to learn about traditional agriculture systems, endangered wildlife, and enjoy real Hawaiian food while saturated in Kauai’s rugged beauty.
Waipa is nestled in the Hanalei Valley which is a National Wildlife Refuge and endangered birds flourish here. We explore a vast loi (taro garden) fed by auwai, or irrigation system, that supplies water from mountain streams and learn about significant foods, food plants, growing methods, and overall Hawaiian agricultural and land management concepts, approaches, and complexes in ancient times and their transition to today.
At the “Poi Garage”, guests sample cooked taro corms, poi and kulolo, a traditional dessert made with coconut.
Lunch, prepared by Waipa’s chef, changes seasonally and is made with vegetables grown in on site gardens, locally sourced meat or fish, and mamaki tea with lemongrass and mint. Guests eat ohana (family) style while enjoying the beauty and breezes of Hanalei Bay. Proceeds from this tour go to restore native plants and to preserve and perpetuate Hawaiian culture through education. For more information, visit A Taste of Kauai, Yesterday and Today, or visit check out our Facebook photo album. To make reservations, call 808-635-0257.
Polynesian Revue & Fire Dancing. Photo courtesy of Koloa Plantation Days
Friday, July 19 through Monday, July 29
Koloa Plantation Days
This signature event invites visitors, cowboys and locals down to an amazing lineup of family fun, great food, beer garden and an exciting bull riding competition.
Known as the toughest sport on dirt, the bull-riding showdown will be the first of this magnitude on the island of Kauai. Bull riders and hand-picked bulls are coming from around the state of Hawaii to compete for the $2,000 prize purse provided by Kalapaki Joe’s. Get ready for an awesome display of man verses animal as each rider tries to stay on the bull for the eternal 8 seconds.
For more information, visit the Koloa Plantation Days website.
Friday, July 10 to Saturday, July 20
Lihue Hongwanji Bon Dance Festival
Lihue Hongwanji, 5 to 10 p.m., free
Join in a celebration of Japanese dance, fun, games, crafts and food. Food for purchase include Japanese food, local specialties such as andagi (fried doughnuts, flying saucers and shave ice. There will be games for children and locally made crafts for sale.
Dinner plates start 5 p.m., and food booth open at 6 p.m. Country Store opens at 6 p.m. and the Bon Dance is from 7:30 to 10 p.m.
For more information call 808-245-6262 or visit www.lihuehongwanjimission.com.
Saturday, July 20
Princeville BBQ and Movie in the Park
5 to 9:30 p.m., Prince Albert Park, free
Bring your blankets and beach chairs and join the north shore community for a BBQ and free family Movie. BBQ plates cost $5, and are sold at 5 p.m. The movie begins at dusk. Sponsored by the Princeville Events Committee.
Elvrine Chow of Heavenly Hakus. Daniel Lane photo
Saturday, July 21
Haku Workshop
10 a.m. to 2 p.m., $35, National Tropical Botanical Gardens
Join Elvrine Chow for a haku making class in the meadow near the at the National Tropical Botanical Gardens’ gift shop. Call 808-742-2623 to enroll.
Wednesday, July 31
Bill 2491 Public Hearing
Kauai Community College Performing Arts Center on July 31, 1:30 p.m.
In anticipation of a large turnout at the public hearing for Bill No. 2491, relating to Pesticides and Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), the Kauai County Council will be holding the public hearing at the Kauai Community College (KCC) Performing Arts CenterAll interested persons who wish to present their comments may do so at the public hearing. Written testimony prior to the meeting is also welcome and may be hand-delivered to the Office of the County Clerk, Historic County Building, 4396 Rice Street, Suite 209, Līhu‘e, Kaua‘i, 96766, faxed to 241-6349 or emailed to counciltestimony@kauai.gov.
UPCOMING:
Processing lilikoi for jelly. Marta Lane photo
Tuesday, August 6
Whole Foods Cultivates Hawaii’s Next Crop of Artisanal Producers
8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Aston Aloha Beach Hotel, free
A day long summit to share information, inspiration and networking opportunities with Hawaii farmers and producers interested in creating excellent products. All existing and aspiring Hawaii farmers and producers are invited. Presenters will be community experts, Whole Foods Market team members and exemplar producers. Free entry for registered participants; $10 lunch available for purchase.
Presented in cooperation with The Kohala Center, this day-long summit will provide information, inspiration and networking opportunities with Hawaii farmers and producers. Presenters will include Ken Love from Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers; Lou Cooperhouse, President and CEO of Food Spectrum LLC; members of Whole Foods Market‘s global, regional and store Team Members; Kauai retailers; and exemplar producers.
Come learn about:
- Becoming a Whole Foods Market Supplier
- Pricing & Business Models
- The Retailer’s Perspective
- Branding & Marketing
- Financing
- Whole Foods Market’s Local Producer Loan Program
- Distribution
- Local Ingredient Sourcing
- Packaging
- Safety
To register, visit Whole Foods Sprout.
Get updates on the event through the Facebook group.
Halulu Fishpond, the site of the 2013 Mango and Music Festival. Daniel Lane photo
Saturday, August 10
Mango & Music Festival
Waipa, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.,$10 for adults and $1 for keiki (ages 3-14)
The Waipa Foundation invites visitors and residents to their first Music & Mango Festival at Waipa’s beautiful Halulu Fishpond. Enjoy a fun and relaxing day of homegrown, live music, hands-on activities, crafts, local artisans, and cultural as well as educational displays.
Island chefs and food vendors will offer amazing grinds (food) inspired by this year’s summer mango harvest. There will also be a recipe contest as well as a biggest mango contest. I’ll see you there because I will be accepting the contestants recipes and tallying up the votes.
Bring a beach blanket and enjoy the entire day at Waipa, along Hanalei Bay (just a half mile past Hanalei Town). This event benefits the construction of the new Waipa Community Poi Mill & Kitchen. The Waipa Foundation is a living learning center focused on taking care of our natural resources, practicing Hawaiian culture and values, and inspiring healthy keiki and community. Find out more at www.waipafoundation.org or like Waipa on Facebook. A hui hou. See you there!
Oasis in the Beach mixologist Joel Downs. Daniel Lane photo
Friday, August 16
A Culinary Romp Through Paradise
Various locations in Kapaa, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., $140
Tasting Kauai’s Culinary Tour offers an intimate glimpse into the Garden Island’s culinary scene. We start with a farm tour and learn about exotic fruit grown on Kauai. At the Kauai Marriott Resort, we join executive chef Guy Higa for an outdoor cooking demonstration and gourmet, four-course lunch made with Kauai grown ingredients. Our last stop is at Oasis on the Beach where the Koloa Rum Co. will give a presentation about the award-winning rum. Afterwards, mixologist Joel Downs and drink a Coconut Coast cocktail made with Koloa White rum, house-made orgeat, Kauai Tahitian lime, fresh coconut water, and charred ginger bitters, which is shaken over ice.
Second up is Onaona Smash. Smash is a style of cocktail combining ice spirits fresh herbs and fruits of the season. Onaona (pronounced oh-now-na) means fragrant or aromatic. Not ona’ona which means dizzy and intoxicated. It’s made with Koloa Spiced rum, fresh grapefruit, Meyer lemon, sage, thyme, elderflower, shaken and strained over ice and topped with soda.
You can visit our Kauai Culinary Tours page. We also have a Facebook photo album that shows how much fun the tour is, as well as our 5-Star TripAdvisor reviews. Chef Higa donates proceeds from his portion of the tour to the Salvation Army Soup Kitchen and Tasting Kauai donates proceeds to the Kauai Branch of the Hawaii Food Bank. For a complete list of 2013 dates, check out our Kauai Culinary Tours Calendar. Call 808-635-0257 to make a reservation.
ONGOING:
Sunshine Farmers Market in Kapaa. Daniel Lane photo
Farmers Market Class
Wednesdays, 3 to 4 p.m., $30
Meet local farmers, learn how to select perfect produce as well as when it’s in season and how to cook with it during Tasting Kauai’s one-hour farmers market class. I saw friends at the farmers market who were visiting from Colorado. As we hugged and said hello, I saw a table full of near-rotten mangos. It was still snowing in Denver and my friends were excited about the big, beautiful tomatoes they just bought. Their faces fell when I told them they were not grown on Kauai. I felt bad for them, and was inspired to offer this class.
Farmers markets are an affordable way to immerse yourself in local culture and the best place to buy produce that’s so fresh, it was harvested that morning. But buying at the farmers market doesn’t always insure that it was grown on Kauai. It happens all over the world. In Hawaii, customers want mangos year-round. In Colorado, they want tomatoes in May. To make that sale, vendors buy imported mangoes or tomatoes and sell them as their own. Customers unfamiliar with the seasons can insure their dollars are spent on local products by learning how to identify locally grown produce.
There’s a whole world of delicious produce that many people never try. Let’s face it, some of it looks like it came from another planet. Once unfamiliar produce is demystified and cooking tips are shared, it may become a regular at dinner table. Many factors can make exotic produce expensive and the last thing you want to do is buy a pineapple that isn’t at peak perfection. This class will also teach you how to tell when produce is ripe as well as how to store it for best results. For reservations, call 808-635-0257.