A Host Of Holiday Concerts

Dottie Bekeart sings ‘The Christmas Waltz’ in last year’s ‘Kaua‘i Sings! Christmas’ concert

“Kaua’i Sings! Christmas” is the holiday version of a series of musical cabarets, that are the brainchild of Jason Blake. This fourth annual show is slated for this Saturday at 7 p.m. at the Kilohana Luau Pavilion in Puhi. Always entertaining, usually with a surprise, the production benefits Malama Pono Health Services, whose mission is to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS, STDs and infectious hepatitis on Kaua’i through education, and to serve those infected with or affected by these diseases. The series has raised more than $100,000 in the past five years. Tickets cost $20 in advance, $25 at the door, $15 for students, $200 per table of 10. For tickets, call Barbara at Malama Pono, 246-9577, or purchase at the following outlets: Malama Pono office in Lihu’e, 256-9577; Kilohana, 245-5608; Hawaiian Music Kiosk in Princeville, 826-0245; Kaua’i Music and Sound in Kapa’a, 823-8000; or Scotty’s Music in Kalaheo, 332-0090 …

Here’s a second chance to enjoy the Kaua’i Chorale in holiday concert, under the direction of Lois Ricciardi. On Sunday, Dec. 19, at 5 p.m., they’ll bring their “Gloria! It’s Christmas” program to the St. Regis in Princeville. On the program: John Rutter’s Gloria!, Spanish lullabies, carols in Spanish, the Hallelujah Chorus gospel-style and the annual audience sing-along of traditional carols.

Tickets cost $8 in advance from chorale members; $10 at the door. Call 337-1882 for information …

If hula is your joy, take in Leilani Bond‘s Christmas Hula Concert Sunday, Dec. 19, at 7 p.m. at Kaua’i War Memorial Convention Hall, with Hawaiian crafts and gifts for sale in the lobby from 5:30.

Wahine of Halau Hula o Leilani perform in concert Dec. 19 at Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall

Tickets cost $20 for adults; $10 for keiki and are available at Hawaiian Music kiosks in Princeville and at Coconut Marketplace; Larry’s Music in Kapa’a; Hilo Hattie in Lihue; and Ukulele Store in Koloa.

For more information, call Bond at 651-0682 or Darryl Low at 651-0864 …

Kaua’i Beach Resort continues its kama’aina specials on new bookings through Dec. 23.

A Manager’s Special for Kaua’i residents offers a garden- or mountain-view room for $89 per night plus taxes. There’s plenty of stuff to do at this resort including yoga classes, cultural sessions, Pau Hana Fridays Oceanfest Clambake, Saturday Sirloin and Seafood Buffet, nightly entertainment at Shutters Lounge and more. You’ll need a Hawaii ID with Kaua’i address upon check-in. Call or book online using promo code “Kaua’i.” There’s a free upgrade special including a pool view for $99 per night (plus taxes), a 28 percent savings. Neighbor Island kamaaina can take advantage of the free shuttle service to and from the airport. The list goes on, with golf packages, a 10 percent discount at any dining outlet, and a 15 percent discount off spa treatments.

Book online at kauaibeachresorthawaii.com or call 245-1955 …

State Senate Agriculture and Housing Committee member Sen. Ronald D. Kouchi (District 7, Kaua’i, Ni’ihau) met with agricultural leaders and toured agricultural sites on Kaua’i in preparation for the upcoming legislative session. From the salt beds of Hanapepe to Grove Farm, Kaua’i Coffee and meeting with seed corn industry leaders Roy Oyama, president of the Kaua’i County Farm Bureau; Daryl Kaneshiro and Kaua’i ranchers; and George Costa, director, County of Kaua’i Office of Economic Development, and more, the well-rounded trip was an information bonanza. In advance of the trip, Kouchi remarked he was pleased to have the opportunity to accompany Donovan Dela Cruz, new Senate Agriculture and Housing chairman, on the visit and “to allow members of our agricultural community to express their problems, concerns and ideas to help maintain Kaua’i as our state’s Garden Island.” …

Members of the Kaua‘i Chorale rehearse for their Dec. 18 concert ‘Gloria! It’s Christmas’ in Princeville

Hawaii Community Foundation announces a new fund has been established for Ni’ihau students seeking post-secondary scholarship assistance. Benefactor Wayne James Rapozo and the Rapozo family, with the support of the Beniamina family, initiated the Jean Ileialoha Beniamina Ni’ihau Scholarship Fund in honor of Ilei Beniamina, a Ni’ihau native and educator who died in July. The fund is among the first of its kind to provide post-secondary scholarship support specifically for Ni’ihau students who are interested in pursuing higher education. According to Darcie Yukimura, philanthropic services officer for Hawaii Community Foundation-Kaua’i, Rapozo, who resides in London, was born and raised on Kaua’i where he came to know many of the Ni’ihau families. “Even though Wayne now lives and practices law in London, he continues to keep in contact with the Ni’ihau community and supports a range of Ni’ihau education initiatives,” she says. For more information, go to hawaiicommunityfoundation.org …

Hampton Hotels announced the winners of its Save-A-Landmark program in five states, with the Kilauea Lighthouse as the Hawaii winner. The contest united people from around the globe in voting to save this historic landmark. Jane Hoffman, executive director of the Kilauea Point Natural History Association, encouraged people early on to vote frequently as contest regulations stipulated, and sent an e-mail blast thanking voters who helped get the word out about the contest. More to come later on the benefits of winning …

Puakea Golf Course named Dave Werner its new general manager. He started as a pro shop attendant at the course less than three years ago.

“It’s a special place, and I’m excited to be a part of this great team of professionals,” he says. Robin Nelson designed the course that made the “2010 Best Courses You Can Play” list in Golf Magazine, which called it a “hidden gem,” offering up close mountain views adjacent to where many Hollywood films were shot …