Aggressive Shark At Tunnels

Terry Lilly got a beautiful picture and a bit of a scare spearfishing at Tunnels recently. After spearing a fish, a Galapagos shark charged in and stole it. Lilly says the 10-foot shark was one of the most aggressive he’s encountered, even following him toward the shore. In 3 feet of water, the shark’s fin protruded above the surface, causing some screaming among beach-goers …

National Tropical Botanical Garden is seeking applications for its 2013 Science Teachers Enrichment Program, scheduled for July. This annual course, conducted in partnership with Kaua’i Community College, enhances and updates teachers’ knowledge about tropical biology. Led by Kaua’i Community College instructor Brian Yamamoto, the program takes place in NTBG’s Kaua’i gardens and the facilities at its headquarters campus in Kalaheo, including the Botanical Research Center, which contains thousands of books, plant specimens and botanical illustrations. Faculty includes NTBG scientists, field collectors and horticulturists, who share their knowledge, experience and passion with course participants. Applications are online at: courses.ntbg.org. Deadline for applications is April 26, with the course slated for July 1-12 …

Hawaii wildlife artist Patrick Ching will undertake both a new art style and a new concept of marketing art next week at Princeville Center. The style will be more abstract than the wildlife art he’s known for, and multiple paintings will be created over the next two months. The sales program will be a continuous silent Internet auction. In Ching’s new “KAI” exhibit he will focus on large canvasses with more ocean themes and sweeping landscapes. “Most people are familiar with my high detail – the tight and researched images. I love to notice detail and to paint it,” he says. In his new show, Ching will focus on realistic paintings that display strong abstract qualities. “I think they’re really going to appeal to interior designers, and they will be appropriate for large spaces like lobbies, businesses and fine homes. Some will have marine animals in them. They will have scenes of the sea that look abstract, but they’re actually realistic.”

Ching will set out 10 canvasses, each 36-by-48-inches, and will paint them simultaneously in ocean themes over seven weeks’ time. Only the first layer of paint – giving a rough concept of the painting’s subject – will be on the canvasses at the opening reception, which is scheduled from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 2 at Princeville Center. After the opening reception, Ching will work almost daily, and as he works the gallery at Princeville Center will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. A portion of proceeds will benefit Kilauea Point National Wildlife Association. For more information, go to PatrickChingArt.com …

Superintendent Bill Arakaki says the third episode of Kaua’i Shining Stars in Education now is available for viewing. The show airs on Hoike local television, (Channel 54) Sundays at 8 p.m., Mondays at 5 p.m., and Thursdays at 10 a.m. The webchannel link is https://vimeo.com/channels/kauaishiningstars …

Designer and seamstress Shannon Hiramoto has a new workshop located in Hanapepe. The creative force behind Machine Machine apparel recently transformed the interior of a repair shop’s service bay and loft into a plantation-style storefront. Hiramoto invites everyone to stop by anytime to witness her visionary process take place. It also is open from 5:30 to 9 p.m. every Friday during Hanapepe Art Night. To learn more, go to workshopkauai.com …

Reggae-infused pop-rock artist Dominic Balli will headline a benefit concert for Young Life Capernaum Kaua’i Jan. 24 at 5:30 p.m. at Kaua’i Veterans Center.

Young Life Capernaum Kaua’i is a nonprofit organization that reaches out to youths with physical and mental disabilities. The program inspires its participants that they can live a life of purpose on Kaua’i and make an impact on the island’s community. “The purpose of this event is to bring awareness to the community about this outreach – Young Life Capernaum Kaua’i,” says Ana Munoz, volunteer area director. “Many of these kids are isolated. Through clubs and camps alongside with able-bodied youths, we help these kids feel accepted and included in the community. This organization has helped them experience their God-given talents: pottery, swimming, surfing, painting, water olympics, music, dancing and more.” The benefit will have a silent auction table and concession stand with local favorites such as Spam musubi, chili and rice, hot dogs and baked goods. The silent auction also will include gift certificates to Brennecke’s, Costco, Julie Doi at Studio 203, La Bamba, Organo Coffee, Savage Shrimp and Kaua’i Pasta.

Presale tickets cost $10 and are on sale at La Bamba, Two Frogs at the Beach, Specialty Balloons, Studio 203 and UPS Store Kukui Grove. Tickets at the door cost $15.

For more information about Young Life Capernaum Kaua’i, visit younglife.org/capernaum. For more information about the upcoming benefit concert, call 652-5173 or email bambaana@aol.com … For more information on Dominic Balli, visit dominicballi.com.

Following a growing trend, fitness guru Jane Riley is focusing more on the senior side of her fitness business since getting her Master of Science degree in gerontology. The certified senior fitness specialist for personal fitness training teaches “silver sneakers” as well as Enhance Fitness and at Regency at Puakea. To learn more, email janerileyfitness@gmail.com …

The Federal Bureau of Investivagtion is offering a $10,000 reward for Peter Heckman, who was indicted by a federal grand jury July 26, 2007, on seven counts of wire fraud. Vida G. Bottom, special agent-in-charge of the Honolulu FBI, is seeking the public’s help in providing information leading to an arrest. In July 2007, Heckman was indicted by federal grand jury in Honolulu on seven counts of wire fraud relating to an investment scheme he allegedly operated on Kaua’i. He is accused of defrauding investors of $1.2 million in a “Ponzi scheme.” Heckman is 63 years old, 5 feet 7 inches tall, 200 pounds, with gray hair and blue eyes. Anyone with information is asked to call the FBI at (808) 566-4300 …