Sandy G’s Golf Tourney; Playful Art

It’s been more than six years since I first met with Lawrence Mendonca, father of Sandra Galas, who in 2006 was murdered and found in her car in ‘Ele‘ele. Yet another unsolved case, it’s a heartbreaking tragedy that left two young boys to grow up without their mother.

So I’m hoping readers will turn out and support what has become an annual tradition, the Never Forget Sandy G Golf Tournament, Aug. 19 at Kaua‘i Lagoons Golf Club (shotgun start at 7:30 a.m.), which benefits YWCA Kaua‘i and victims of domestic violence and abuse. The tourney not only keeps Galas’ memory alive, but hopefully will put a smile on Mendonca’s face (especially if plenty people come). For more information, call Mindy at 245-5959, ext. 229 …

As athletic events gear up and summer winds down, it’s arguably a great time to take in some entertainment and appreciate some art. Over the next couple of months there will be plenty that is aesthetic to take in, including the “Fish Out Of Water” show now through Oct. 13 at galerie 103 in Po‘ipu. The show, which features photographs by Bruna Stude, also will showcase sculpture, paintings and drawings by Wayne Zebzda. Some may remember Zebzda for his “road toads” (aluminum-dipped road kill), but this time he tackles the issue of sustainability in a lighthearted way. Despite the strong sustainability practices of the Native Hawaiian culture, now everything is processed, boxed up and shipped to our doors from less than environmentally ideal places. Zebzda expresses this concept using recycled materials. “Almost everything here on Kaua‘i gets shipped to us, often in a box,” Zebzda says, calling the left-behind packaging “cardboard carcasses.” Zebzda says he started to recycle cardboard into a very simplified version of Hawaiian boxfish. “The shape of the actual Hawaiian boxfish is so unusual — strange, blocky and puffed up, yet gracefully maneuvering in the water,” he says. Stude, as some may remember from a previous MidWeek Kaua‘i cover story, is known for what she doesn’t photograph — empty oceans conveying how marine life populations have been decimated. The context of Stude’s and Zebzda’s work together should make for some inspired interplay, with dialogue-worthy, juxtaposed content. For more information, call 742-0103 or go to galerie103.com …

Speaking of fun and whimsy, Jill Marie Landis will sign copies of her book Two to Mango, Aug. 19 from 3 to 5 p.m. at Tahiti Nui in Hanalei. Landis has written 26 novels, with her latest being the Tiki Goddess Mysteries, set on the North Shore. For more information, call 826-4484, email hulagal@hawaiiantel.net or visit jillmarielandis.com …

County prosecutor candidates Shaylene Iseri-Carvalho and Justin Kollar will debate Aug. 21 from 6:30 to 7 p.m. at the County of Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall. Sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce, it’s the first such debate in 16 years. Folks also can tune in to KONG Radio AM 570 and listen in live, or view it on Ho‘ike Community Television, Channel 52, following the debate. Doors will open to Chamber members at 5:30 p.m., to the general public at 5:45 …

It was so heartening to see the turnout at the recent Friends of the Children’s Justice Center fundraiser Aug. 3 at the Kaua‘i Marriott tennis courts. If you missed our recent cover story on its former program director Tom French (who has retired after 10 years serving local keiki), the fundraiser aimed to bring in money to help children who have been sexually and/or physically abused. Board chairwoman Jalene Huff says it was the best turnout she’d seen yet, and so with that goes a special mahalo to Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho Jr., Justin Kollar, Wanda Shibata, Dennis Esaki, Mel Rapozo, Dickie Chang and Gary Hooser for helping bring awareness to the cause. Board member Sue Strickland (who says the nonprofit is still counting donations as of press time) was happy to report that so far more than $5,000 has come in thanks to silent auction donors. Way to rally, community! …

It was one of the cutest images I’ve ever seen when I watched Eliana Pacheco win her first surf contest July 28 at the Live Like Sion Grom Fest. The 4-year-old took first place in the keiki push-in division. Mom Chantel Mahealani was understandably proud. “She did an amazing three heats and surfed her little heart out,” Mahealani says. Nicely done, Eliana …

It was sheer genius when Robin Jumper of Tyza Consulting got Wally Rita and Los Kauaianos (the best kachi-kachi band ever, I don’t exaggerate) to play at the paniolo barbecue bull riding showdown in Po‘ipu a few weeks back. It had everyone up and dancing, and brought a little Latin shake to everyone’s hips. I envy anyone who may be in Union City, Calif., Sept. 8., as the band will play there from 7 p.m. to midnight at The Pruma Hall, 616 E. St. Congratulations, guys! (or should I say “!Felicitaciones!”?) For more information, call (510) 727-0441 …

Mahalo to the ladies of Niumalu Canoe Club, who made their second rescue of the year Aug. 4 when they assisted a distressed swimmer at Kalapaki Bay. A hot-pink lifesaver being held by the swimmer caught the attention of OC-1 paddler James Alana, who waved down the wahine OC-6 canoe to assist the female visitor (who was snorkeling) and bring her back to shore. Right on, ladies! …

Congratulations to new hires Scott Yamauchi and Michelle Javinar, who recently came onboard Pyramid Insurance Ltd., a property and casualty insurance agency. Yamauchi is manager and Javinar an agent in the Lihu‘e office. Yamauchi, a 16-year veteran in the insurance industry, had been vice president at Royal Insurance Agency, where he managed branch operations. The Kaua‘i High School graduate earned his bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Hawaii. Javinar, a 24-year veteran of the insurance industry, joins the company after serving as an agent with Silverstone Insurance Services for more than 10 years …

Note to Kaua‘i employers:

Please send me your new hires and promotions to be recognized here in MidWeek Kaua‘i …