Questions For Prosecutor Hopefuls?

With the election just around the corner, MidWeek Kaua‘i wants to hear from its readers — you — about the issues you consider most important. We will host an editorial board interviewing prosecutor Shaylene Iseri Carvalho and challenger Justin Kollar for an upcoming cover story. So post to our Facebook wall (facebook.com/MidWeekK auai) or email me at agregg@midweekkauai.co m suggested questions or issues you’d like addressed. MidWeek is representing your interests, Kaua‘i …

Just a week after the 20-year anniversary of Hurricane ‘Iniki’s destructive visit, I’m happy to have received word from Mayor Bernard Carvalho‘s office confirming a rumor on the “coconut wireless” regarding Coco Palms. It’s an eyesore and one of the last standing (kind of) physical evidence of the hurricane that took the lives of six people, injured thousands and caused more than $1 billion in damages here. In a prepared statement, Carvalho acknowledges the challenging time following the hurricane, which was for many a time of profound community on the island, when people shared what they had and helped each other. “We must never forget the monumental effort of an island coming together, with resources generously provided from near and far, to overcome adversity and restore our beautiful Kaua‘i to its physical and spiritual magnificence,” he says. Carvalho also says in the statement that indeed there have been talks with investors to restore the historic Coco Palms property. “It is with great hope that, as we acknowledge the 20th anniversary of the hurricane, we work to realize the possibility that this remaining scar may be healed in the near future.” That, combined with the 2013 updates slated for the stinky, downtrodden Coco Palms sewage pump station, and things seem to be looking up for the Wailua corridor …

And where would we have been after Iniki without the American Red Cross? Probably we would-n’t have been as buoyant without the nonprofit, which is in need of support. Donations can be made across the state. Call 739-8109, text “REDCROSS” to 90999, or go online to hawaiiredcross.org/donate/donation.html …

I was so pleased to learn that the 13th annual Kaua‘i Community Federal Credit Union Charity Golf Tournament Sept. 8 at Puakea Golf Course raised an impressive $35,000 for pediatric programs and services on Kaua‘i (through the Kapiolani Children’s Miracle Network “Credit Unions for Kids” program).

The money will help support keiki treated at Wilcox Memorial Hospital and their families. We’ve seen the miracles that take place every day right here at home, and how our keiki receive the best care possible at Wilcox. This tournament is more than just a fun day on the links; it’s our chance to support a long tradition of excellence in children’s health care on Kaua‘i. Kathy Clark, president and CEO of Wilcox Memorial Hospital (and among those playing in the tourney), says because of money raised, Wilcox was most recently able to purchase a cardiac monitor and three infant warmers. She says the hospital also purchased equipment that helps the smallest newborns with breathing difficulties …

Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr.‘s “Walk and Talk Story with The Mayor” is in full swing. It’s a great way to get some exercise while also talking with the mayor and other leaders. Walks are scheduled every Tuesday through the end of October, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., starting from the Mo‘ikeha (round) building. The route may vary from eek to week. …

Dillberg Integrated Health in Koloa (three-category “Best of MidWeek Kaua‘i” winner for 2012) will offer a workshop on how to improve your life by improving your daily habits. The workshop is designed to help you create a better health plan (and help you stick to it) by offering a support group where participants can learn from each other and share from successes. The first meeting is Oct. 9 at 7 p.m., but signing up early allows you to receive emails and tips that will help you get started and set your priorities. For more information, call 742-9326 …

United Way will hold its annual Walk-A-Thon Oct. 27 at Kukui Grove Center Stage. An excellent opportunity for any Kaua‘i nonprofit group to raise money for its own organization, proceeds are split evenly between the nonprofit of each walker’s choice and Kaua‘i United Way’s 28 participating agencies. Dozens of nonprofits — including sports teams, church groups, 4-H clubs, hula halau, canoe clubs — were able to raise funds for themselves in last year’s walk. Pledge forms are available at 4374 Kukui Grove St., Ste. 201. For more information, call 245-2043.

The next Tasting Kaua‘i (full disclosure: hosted by MidWeek food writer Marta Lane) will be Oct. 19, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Lane offers a quick tour of executive chef Guy Higa‘s home garden, then it’s off to a 26-acre sustainable fruit farm for a tour and tasting. After that, participants head over to Kaua‘i Marriott Resort for a cooking demonstration. Chef Higa prepares a four-course lunch using Kaua‘i-grown ingredients. To cap things off is an exclusive tour of Nani Moon Mead and mead cocktail tasting. (Guests get to take a bottle of their favorite mead home, too.) Cost is $120. For more information, go to tastingkauai.com or call 635-0257 …