Springing Into A New Season

Spring is nearly here, as life “officially” starts blooming March 20. Chirping baby birds and flirtatious flowers offer reminders of just how precious life on this planet is. And even though we don’t have Mainland-style seasons in Hawaii, it’s always nice to celebrate new beginnings …

Carolyn Larson, branch manager at Lihue Public Library, is seeking a full-time employee as well as volunteers to assist her. A substitute library assistant is needed for the circulation desk to help process library materials. This is a paid position, and applications are available at the library. Volunteers also are needed to shelve books, as well as assist in mending them. Visit the library in Lihue for more information or send an email to carolyn.larson@librarieshawaii.org …

Kauai Police Department recently named Detective Bernard Purisima of the Investigative Services Bureau as officer of the month for his work as lead investigator on a murder earlier this year in Omao. His work resulted in a timely arrest of a suspect, and he continues to work with prosecutors as they prepare for trial …

Thank you to Hanalei Bay Rotary Club and Rotary Club of Kauai for recently donating dictionaries and books to Kauai Christian Academy and Lawaia o Kanaka (a pre-K through 12th-grade school on the North Shore) …

National Tropical Botanical Garden is having quite a year, as far as offering events is concerned. On March 18, NTBG and Kauai Community College present a free lecture about saving extremely rare plants in Army training areas. Guest speaker is Matt Keir, coordinator of the Oahu Army Natural Resources Program. The talk, “Back From the Brink – What Rare Plant Recovery Really Takes,” begins at 5:30 p.m. in the KCC cafeteria. Visit ntbg.org for more information …

If you haven’t heard already, Kauai Island Utility Cooperative board of directors and members of Hawaiian Homes Commission voted last month to approve the terms of a 25-year lease on some 60 acres of land in Anahola for the construction of a 12-megawatt solar array. This will be the third large-scale solar project on Kauai. Operations are expected to begin by early 2015, and will enable KIUC to reduce its use of oil by almost 2 million gallons a year. This $54-million project is expected to provide enough electricity to annually power approximately 4,000 homes. It also is estimated that, during the day, about 20 percent of the island’s electricity will come from this project …

Artist Kelly Keane‘s work will be displayed at Iti Wine Bar in Hanalei (next to Tahiti Nui) through the end of March. Make sure to take notice of the colorful pieces next time you stop in for a cocktail …

An outrigger canoe race in memory of Mike Balik is slated for Saturday (March 15). Hosted by Kukuiula Outrigger Canoe Club, the fundraiser is intended to raise awareness of blood cancers such as leukemia. Registration begins at 7 a.m. at Poipu Beach Park. Visit kukuiulaoutrigger.com for more information …

In other Rotary club news, the Kapaa chapter currently is seeking entries for Kauai Green Innovation Awards to honor local businesses, individuals and government agencies that led in developing the most innovative green practices over the past 12 months. Guidelines and entry forms are available at kapaarotary.org. Deadline for entries is March 31 …

In collaboration with Halelea Gallery in Poipu (one of my favorite stores), The Spa at Koloa Landing Resort is hosting a gallery-style art exhibit titled “Little Brush” Friday (March 14), showcasing the work of local artist Robin McCoy. Visit The Spa from 6 to 8 p.m. to view a collection of her vividly colorful paintings featuring various subjects, from exotic flowers to seascapes …

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