Holiday Advice: Hug Ones You Love
Sen. Dan Inouye and wife Irene on Kaua‘i. Amanda C. Gregg photo
It’s certainly been a challenging two weeks in terms of holiday love and cheer, especially in the wake of the Newtown, Conn., tragedy, the passing of U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye, and the alleged throwing of a Japanese visitor off a cliff at Kalalau. Perhaps MidWeek editor Don Chapman said it best when we discussed all these events, saying, “Hug the ones you love. It’s always been a crazy world.”
I’ll also take this opportunity to point folks in the direction where they can send charitable donations for the victims’ families in the Connecticut tragedy:
Charlotte Bacon: Christ the King Lutheran Church, 85 Mt. Pleasant Road, Newtown, CT 06470.
Daniel Barden: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Daniel’s name to the Sandy Hook School Support Fund, c/o Newtown Savings Bank, 39 Main St., Newtown, CT 06470, or checks may be dropped off at any Newtown Savings Bank branch location. To donate online, go to https://newtown.uwwesternct.org.
Dylan Hockley: Memorial contributions may be made to the Dylan Hockley Memorial Fund, 34 Charter Ridge Road, Sandy Hook, CT 06482.
Catherine Hubbard: In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the Newtown Animal Center, P.O. Box 475, Newtown, CT 06470.
Chase Kowalski: donations to the Chase Kowalksi Scholarship Fund, c/o Peoples Bank, 470 Monroe Tpke., Monroe, CT 06468.
Justin Wynn Klein. KPD photo
James Mattioli: A donation may be made in James’ memory to the James R. Mattioli Memorial Fund c/o Newtown Savings Bank, 39 Main St., Newtown CT 06470.
Noah Pozner: Memorial contributions may be directed to the planting of trees in Israel.
Caroline Previdi: Contributions in Caroline’s memory may be made to “The Toy Chest,” St. Rose of Lima Church, 46 Church Hill Road, Newtown, CT 06470.
Jessica Rekos: Memorial contributions may be made to the Newtown Rotary Sandy Hook School Fund, PO Box 263, Newtown, CT 06482.
Victoria Soto: Donations can be made to the Victoria L. Soto Memorial Fund for Education, through the Funeral Home. For more information or to make an online condolence, visit adzimafuneralhome.com …
On the passing of U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye, Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho Jr. offered this statement about the public servant who served Hawaii since statehood:
“He was a true gentleman, an honored veteran and a man of the highest integrity. He wasn’t a politician, he was a statesman. … Kaua’i held a special place in his heart as he had family ties on Kaua’i and spent part of his childhood here. … He gave us hope and a strong belief that we can make things happen. He always encouraged me to look at all sides of the issue and to stand firm on a decision once it’s made. And above all, he reminded me to do everything with aloha. So now we say ‘aloha’ to you, Senator Inouye, and Mahalo for your many, many good works – which will benefit us for generations to come.” Indeed, Senator. Aloha ‘oe …
Anuhea headlines at Po‘ipu Beach Park New Year’s Eve. Photo courtesy Robin Jumper
Police continue their search for 37-year-old Justin Wynn Klein of Kilauea in connection with an incident that occurred Dec. 16 near Kalalau Beach, when a 31-year-old female Japanese visitor was reportedly thrown from a cliff. The woman remains in critical condition after sustaining multiple injuries from the roughly 15-foot drop. However, thankfully, at press time she was no longer on life support, and is improving. Police say the woman was camping in Kalalau with a friend. Police are looking for 37-year-old Klein, whose last known address is in Kilauea. Klein is described as a Caucasian male, 6 feet 1 inch tall, with brown hair in a Mohawk haircut, possibly a moustache and a beard, and a tribal band tattoo on his left arm. He is considered dangerous and should not be approached. Anyone with information on Klein’s whereabouts is asked to call Kaua’i Police Department at 241-1711. As a matter of public safety, and to assist with a full investigation, KPD along with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources have restricted access to Kalalau via the Ke’e beach trailhead until further notice …
Kalapaki Joe’s, in partnership with Po’ipu Beach Resort Association, will host a New Year’s Eve celebration starting at 5 p.m. Dec. 31 at Po’ipu Beach Park. The event, which is free and open to the public, will include local music, food booths, and a keiki tent with fireworks at 9:20 p.m. Headliner and Na Hoku Hanohano Award-winning musician Anuhea will be one of the highlights. Known for blending lyrics, acoustic soul, pop, rap and reggae, Anuhea has earned a reputation as Hawaii’s No. 1 female artist. Other performers include Kaua’i’s Revival and Hawaiian surf legend Titus Kinimaka. Dustin Thomas, who is back in the Islands after a West Coast tour, will open and close the music festival. Food vendors include Kalapaki Joe’s, Keoki’s Paradise, Chalupa’s and Paco’s Tacos. The Keiki Tent, sponsored by Boys and Girls Club of Kaua’i, will be located next to the beach playground and features Hawaiian games and much more. The tent is free to the public, but donations to the club are gratefully accepted. Parking in the Poipu area is on a first-come, first-served basis. Please be mindful of no parking signage. For more information, visit kalapakijoes.com or call 742-6366 …
Congratulations to the Beach House, which recently was awarded the Hale Aina Gold Award for the Best Restaurant on Kaua’i for the 13th year in a row. General manager Tim Obert says he’s grateful for the honor. “We strive to provide our guests with gracious Hawaiian hospitality, outstanding Pacific Rim cuisine, exemplary service in one of the most spectacular oceanfront settings in the Islands,” he says. For more information or to make a reservation, visit the-beach-house.com or call 742-1424 …
State Rep. Derek Kawakami will be the featured speaker at the Wailua-Kapa’a Neighborhood Association meeting Dec. 29 at 2 p.m. at Kapa’a Public Library. The meeting is free and open to the public. Kawakami is expected to share his perspective on the controversial Public Lands Development Corporation, as well addressing other issues. Meeting attendees are encouraged to bring their questions as there will be sufficient time for Q&A. For more information, call Sid Jackson at 821-2837 or visit wkna.org …
