A Law Too Weak; Who’s At Cannes?

Kaui Tanaka. Photo courtesy Mary Daubert

Here’s a side note to the cover story on Toshie and Lawrence Mendonca, and their effort to bring justice to their slain daughter Sandra Galas. House Bill 1003 that the Mendoncas have supported would augment some criminal offenses to include conduct committed against domestic violence victims covered by protective orders or restraining orders. The caveat is it only protects abused women who created a paper trail by reporting the domestic violence (which unfortunately doesn’t happen enough). Perhaps legislators should consider further augmenting the bill to beef up enforcement of domestic violence call response protocols, to help ensure all incidents and hotline calls create a record…

We tried to reach Bethany Hamilton to invite her to MidWeek‘s Best of Kaua’i awards dinner last Thursday, but she had a pretty good reason for not making it – she was at the Cannes Film Festival promoting her movie Soul Surfer. Hmmm – Kaua’i or Cannes, Kaua’i or Cannes?…

Happy 20th anniversary to Kalaheo-based Tsunami Marketing, especially as the hip little branding company plans (of course) to use the date as a way to creatively redefine that number into something ingenious. (And that maybe gets a little press for them, no harm in that). The boutique-chic business announced earlier this month it will launch a “20/20 Hawaii” campaign, giving away $40,000 in advertising and marketing services for a qualified local non-profit agency. On-island 501 (c) (3) nonprofits interested in applying should do so by June 30. The public will then vote for the favorite nonprofit organization, and the winner will be announced in September.

Sue Kanoho. Amanda C. Gregg photo

Those interested can download an application at: https://2020Hawaii.com

In the spirit of lauding those who go above and beyond, congratulations to mayoral administrative aide Kaui Tanaka, Kaua’i Visitors Bureau executive director Sue Kanoho and Kauai Island Finance vice president Bernadette Sakoda. The trio was honored at a luncheon last week for being named this year’s Na Wahine Alaka’i O Kaua’i (a fourth award was given in memory of the late Margaret Littmann). Such amazing wahine. Mahalo for the inspiration…

Bree Deverill is the new events manager of the recently transformed Kauai Marriott Resort on Kalapaki Beach. The certified wedding planner has made a name for herself adding her own touch to everything from proposals to weddings and civil union ceremonies. The position, just recently created, literally is part of the resort’s “romance team,” according to general manager Brad Snyder. Originally from Singapore, Deverill has been in the hospitality industry for more than eight years and has wedding planning experience from around the world, including Thailand and Australia…

Bree Deverill. Photo courtesy Erin Kinoshita

Kaua’i Lagoons will unveil its brand new ocean golf course next week (May 23). The Kiele Moana course boasts a continuous half-mile of ocean holes, and boasts three new holes. The project was overseen by original designer Jack Nicklaus

There are only 16 spots for a Teen Grant Writing Workshop at the National Tropical Botanical Gardens in Lawai from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Friday, May 20. The four-hour session will help youths learn how to design program plans, identify prospective funders and write grant proposals. The program is only offered in a few rural communities on the Mainland and specializes in project-based learning opportunities. The training is free. Lunch will be provided and registration is required. For more information, contact Lorna Lopes at 808-332-7324 or llopes@ntbg.org…

Congratulations are due to Heidi Gehring and Thomas Fleming, who will be making their commitment official June 21. Heidi is on a roll – check the Mystery Shopper on page 6 …

It was with creativity in mind that the artistic kids of former NYC gallery owner Rosa Silver-Russell Lexington, 8, and Zane, 9 – will show their work alongside that of their artist parents, including dad Hugh, in a family art show through May 26 at Kilauea Bakery in Kong Lung Center in Kilauea town. The donation box on display is also worth mentioning, as money put into it will go toward the Save the Arts and Music program by the PTSA at Kilauea School. …

Special note to readers: Kaua’i Kine would like to hear from you when it comes to baby and engagement announcements, new hires and businesses, and anything else you’d like to share.