Kaua‘i Sings! For Malama Pono

Westin Princeville Ocean
Resorts Villas chef Kahau Manzo

Kaua’i Sings! is back, always a crowd-pleaser, this time with the focus on songs by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Check out the Friday through Sunday events in this week’s calendar for more information, and be prepared to be wowed. It benefits Malama Pono, Kaua’i AIDS project and also Kaua’i United Way. Call Barbara Almeida at 246-9577 to book seats or a full table. …

Congrats to hard-working Mark Hubbard, selected as the 2010 Mea Ho’omanao Award recipient in recognition for his outstanding volunteerism throughout the community. The Kaua’i Chamber of Commerce will honor him at its third quarter membership meeting Sept. 22 at Grand Hyatt Kaua’i Resort and Spa, sponsored by First Hawaiian Bank. Hubbard, a highly regarded, self-employed consultant in the field of human resources, could easily choose a leisurely life, but instead he’s on it with Wilcox Elementary School Council, Hale Opio Kaua’i Inc., Kaua’i Community College Fund, Kaua’i Hospice, Leadership Kaua’i, Friends of the Children’s Justice Center of Kaua’i, Rotary Club of Kaua’i, Kaua’i Planning & Action Alliance, Puako Homeowners Association Board, Lawai International Center, Friends of the Kalalau Trail, and the Self-Help Housing Corporation of Hawai’i and is currently vice chairman of the Kaua’i County Board of Ethics …

Jon Letman has written a piece in Christian Science Monitor about endangered plants you’ll likely never see. Titled Losing Paradise, it tells about a new botanical art exhibition of 44 rare species that illustrates the art form’s enduring value. Read more about it online at csmonitor.com/The-Culture/Arts/2010/0902/Endangered-plants-you-ll-likely-never-see …

Princeville is hoppin’ Sept 25. On your way to the jazz and wine festival in the evening (see below), stop at Church of the Pacific from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to splurge on art with Women Artists of Kaua’i Fine Art Festival and Fundraiser. A portion of the proceeds goes to the church’s outreach program that includes support of a food pantry and community garden. For information, call Marionette at 631-9173 or visit womenartistsofkauai.blogspot.com.

David Makana Martin and Robin
Torquati work in the Malama Kaua‘i Community Garden

At the inaugural 2010 Westin Princeville Jazz and Wine Festival Saturday, Sept. 25, Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas Chef Kahau Manzo plans to serve braised short rib shumai with ginger slaw, soy reduction and shichimi aioli along with his popular ahi poke lettuce wraps, wasabi crème fraiche and tobiko scallions. The festival runs from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. and a portion of the proceeds goes to Hawaii Hotel and Lodging Association’s 2011 Charity Walk that benefits Kaua’i charitable organizations. Call 827-8700 for tickets …

It’s a double celebration in the Filipino community Sept. 25, when Kauai Visayan Club hosts its 20th International Costume Ball at Kaua’i Marriott Grand Ballroom and also commemorates its silver anniversary. The fundraiser, themed “Through the Years,” will be a musical extravaganza. For information, call Mitch Ouye Jr. at 280-2178; Evelyn Basnillo at 652-7249; or Aurea Laymon at 822-7322 …

Another Malama – this one Malama Kaua’i, a nonprofit organization focused on creating a more sustainable Kaua’i, celebrates its expansion of a four-acre Kilauea Community Garden. In 10 months, the land went from bare bones with good intentions to a thriving garden, according to executive director Keone Kealoha, and more is on the horizon. Visit Malama Kaua’i online to learn more at malamakauai.org …

Mayor Bernard Carvalho announced that the county will no longer pursue the Umi site in Kalaheo as the location of a new landfill.

It’s looking at Maalo, a parcel roughly 120 acres in size located about 2.5 miles north of Lihue, makai of Maalo Road. It’s DLNR land currently leased to ranchers for pasture, zoned for acricultural use. Prospects of working with the state and the adjacent landowner, Grove Farm, look good not only for mitigating impact on agriculture, but actually expanding it eightfold or more. As it stands, the plan allows for any displaced farmers or ranchers to be relocated to nearby Grove Farm lands at no additional expense to the farmer or rancher. For more information, contact Mary Daubert, public information officer, at 241-4909 …