Mixed Feelings About Tourist Season
Residents are bracing for the summertime barrage of visitors slated this month to start gracing the island with their presence. Some may love this fact, especially small businesses that thrive when visitors are aplenty, while others dread the impact. I can understand the alarm, as our infrastructure does not facilitate so many more people. But with so many people on the planet, places like the Garden Island are bound to be discovered, and complaining and resisting won’t prevent the inevitable. I’m still grateful to live here, even if it means dealing with more “crowds” than usual a few months out of the year …
One of the famous fig trees from ‘Jurassic Park’ | Photo courtesy NTBG
National Tropical Botanical Garden invites the public to a showing of blockbuster film Jurassic Park Friday (June 5) at McBryde Garden. Some of the famous scenes from the film actually were shot at NTBG’s Allerton Garden (adjacent to McBryde), and attendees will visit these sites during a pre-show guided walk. Other pre-show activities include DJ music and face painting. Guests will be shuttled from NTBG’s South Shore Visitors Center in Poipu from 5 to 6:30 p.m. The movie will start at sundown, and shuttles will return to the Visitors Center at 9:30 p.m. A $10 donation is requested. Visit ntbg.org for more information …
Too bad the North Shore Shuttle pilot project has come to an end right before the busy visitor season arrives. The shuttle was launched in an effort to help reduce traffic and transport residents and visitors who travel from Princeville to Ke‘e Beach and back. During its six-and-a-half-month run, the shuttle provided more than 9,000 rides, with 45 percent consisting of kamaaina and 55 percent visitors. Officials currently are seeking ways to continue the service. I sure hope so …
(from left) Danette Andrews and Sean Ahern of Elite Pacific Properties present a check for $2,000 to Hanalei Elementary art teacher Jennifer Gagen and Kari Derr of Hanalei PTSA | Photo by Lannie Boesiger
American Cancer Society‘s fifth annual “Bark For Life” is set for Saturday (June 6) at Kauai Lagoons in Lihue. The walk is held to celebrate the healing nature of pets. So come walk with your best friend beginning at 8 a.m. (registration at 7) and also enjoy fun contests, including “Best Costume,” “Fastest Eater” and “Best Trick.” For more information, visit facebook.com/barkforlifekauai or email barkforlifekauai@gmail.com …
Elite Pacific Properties, an upscale real estate company, has a new office at Princeville Center, and in celebration of its opening, has donated more than $2,000 to Hanalei Elementary School‘s Art Program. I love when businesses find reasons to give back to the community …
Mahalo to Hawaii Red Cross Disaster volunteers, who responded to a home fire in Lihue last month to help attend to the needs of the displaced family. We are grateful for your selfless acts of kindness …
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