Big Shoes To Fill For New Columnist

Filling the shoes of my former MidWeek Kauai colleague Amanda Gregg as the author of Kaua’i Kine will be no easy task. For three years she kept readers well-informed through this column, and it is my sincere hope that I will be able to accomplish the same. It has been a pleasure working with her and I wish her the best as she and her husband Imaikalani Aiu anticipate the delivery of their second child …

Though Kaua’i has endured far more forceful weather in the past, Tropical Storm Flossie (who picks these names?) was a reminder to be prepared for the worst – hurricane season continues through November. American Red Cross Kaua’i County director Keri Russell advises kamaaina to be prepared with at least seven days of necessities like food and water should a disaster strike.

“It is essential that everyone takes steps to be prepared before disasters occur,” she says. “The Red Cross continually encourages the public to get a disaster kit, make a family evacuation and communication plan, and be informed (know what disasters could occur in their area, listen to local authorities).” …

The Hawaii Sand Festival and Sand Castle/Art Contest commences Aug. 10. People of all ages are invited to participate in the sand castle-building contest at Hanalei Bay for a chance to win prizes. Local artists Kathy McClelland Cowan and Wayne Zebzda will be judging the entries.

Zebzda has been a judge for the contest for the past two years.

“The first year seemed easy and fun to judge, but the next year caught a land swell of participants and it was real challenging to judge – like curating a museum exhibition,” he says. “There were so many amazing works of temporary sand art covering a full spectrum of participants from keiki to massive teams of sculptural sand shapers. The bar was raised. The results always blow me away and I can’t wait for this year’s exhibition.” …

Speaking of great events happening around the island in the coming months, the 5th annual Kaua’i Marathon is right around the corner. Some athletes already have committed again to participate in the race on Sept. 1 in order to compete for the $15,000 Grand Hyatt Kauai Speed Challenge. Two-time defending champion Tyler McCandless of Colorado will be back, as will 2010 champion Michael Wardian of Virginia. The reward for this year’s winners is to be split by any male runner that finishes under 2:23:19 and any female runner who finishes under 2:45. Marathon and half-marathon runners will begin on Poipu Road in front of Poipu Shopping Village. Half marathoners will head in a different direction after 11 miles toward Kukuiula resort while full marathon runners will journey up Koloa Road through Lawai and Kalaheo before winding back down to Poipu. Online registration begins Aug 29. Visit thekauaimarathon.com for more information …

Kaua’i Summer Jam will also be supporting Kaua’i athletics. The event at Vidinha Soccer Field on Saturday, is a fundraiser in support of the Kaua’i Interscholastic Federation and will feature musicians such as singer/songwriter Camile Velasco from American Idol and Kimie Minor. Tickets are available for purchase online at kauaimusicscene.com or at Pono Market, Déjà Vu, Sueka Store and Da Booze Shop …

Also in music news, the jazz quartet Treysara that plays every Sunday eve at the St. Regis Princeville Resort will be featuring new guest artists each week beginning August 4. In addition, they will play music from various jazz masters such as Miles Davis, Thelonius Monk and John Coltrane …

You can recycle your electronics at the Kaua’i Resource Center. The new program, recently launched by the county, accepts items such computers, cameras and stereo systems for recycling every second Friday and Saturday of the month. Visit kauai.gov/Government/Depa rtments/PublicWorks/Solid Waste/RecyclingPrograms/E lectronicsRecycling/tabid/32 9/Default.aspx for more information …

As if she isn’t busy enough, Andrea Frainier, managing editor of The Garden Island, also finds time to serve as an advisory board member of the Salvation Army of Kaua’i which is holding its annual “Mahalo Luncheon” Aug. 15 at Kauai Museum from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. She says the event will honor the organization’s volunteers as well as six exceptional community members who work beyond the call of duty in assisting those in need. To purchase the $30 tickets, callMaj. Mario Reyes at 482-4134. All proceeds will be donated to the Kokua Soup Kitchen …

Kudos to Lily Millare who was recently the winner of Poipu Bay Golf Course‘s “Aloha Spirit Award.” Millare has worked as the South Shore golf course’s pro shop clerk for the past 16 years. Her supervisor, Marsha Hermosura, nominated Millare because of her “willingness to assist all guests” as well as her ability to be available “at a moment’s notice when there are unexpected changes with the work schedule. Lily is definitely an asset to Poipu Bay.: …

The public hearing for Draft Bill 2491 related to pesticides and genetically modified organisms will have occurred by the time this column is published, and the first committee meeting with a possible vote will be conducted on Aug. 5. The bill has gained so much attention that it made national headlines, including The Huffington Post …

Lastly, thanks to MidWeek editor-in-chief Don Chapman and publisher Ron Nagasawa for providing me with this opportunity. I look forward to serving the community in this new capacity.

If you have any news or know of anyone on our island that deserves mention in this column, please email me at the address below.

cocomidweek@gmail.com