Photography by David Corrigan/Big Island Video News

6th Annual Hawaii’s World Heritage Festival celebrated at Downtown Hilo’s historic Mo‘oheau Bandstand on Saturday (Aug 15).

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In season from April through September, mango gets its due during an inaugural festival Saturday, Aug. 1 during Mango Festival 2009. The all-day mango mania showcases Big Isle growers and chefs and begins with a cooking presentation and free sampling at the Keauhou Farmers’ Market, continues at the Kona Mango Experience and culminates at a Mango-Inspired Dinner.

KEAUHOU FARMERS’ MARKET

Mango mania kicks off 8 a.m.-noon at the Keauhou Farmers’ Market at Keauhou Shopping Center.

In addition to browsing for locally grown and produced food, check out a free farmer-chef presentation showcasing mango at 10 a.m.

Chef William Kaluakini Trask will demonstrate how to use mango in recipes and orchard manager Stuart Johnson will share growing and harvesting tips for backyard gardeners.

KONA MANGO EXPERIENCE

Geared for families, the Kona Mango Experience is 2-6 p.m. at the Keauhou Beach Resort’s Royal Garden.

Vote for the best mango-inspired art, enjoy live entertainment and shop for mango-themed gifts and snacks: jams and chutneys, art, wood crafts, smoothies and shave ice.

While parents browse, children can enjoy the festival’s coloring book in the Keikiland area. In addition, families can take a guided walking tour of the resort’s historical heiau and grounds.

Got mango at home? Learn how to cultivate Mangifera indica with the guidance of several local experts who will detail growing, grafting and natural pest control.

Sharing their know-how will be Ken Love of the Hawaii Tropical Fruit Growers Association, Marla and Pete Hunter of Eke Nui Farm and staff from the UH College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) Extension Office.

In addition, the Mango Experience will offer info on ways to use the nutrient-rich fruit.

Trask will lead Konawaena High School Culinary Arts students and instructor Chef Patti Kimball in demonstrating fresh fruit cutting and preparation techniques. Randyl Rupar of Mana Kea Gardens will delve into mango’s medicinal benefits.

Admission to the Kona Mango Experience is $10 and includes a bottle of Hawaiian Springs Water, a chance to win a host of prizes and your choice of a Kona Brewing Company beverage or the festival’s mango coloring book and crayons.

Tickets are available at the Kailua Village Artists Gallery at the Keauhou Beach Resort, Divine Goods in Holualoa, the Keauhou Farmers’ Market, the South Kona Green Market and at the door.

MANGO-INSPIRED DINNER

The juicy jive culminates with a Mango-Inspired Dinner 6:30 p.m. at the Keauhou Beach Resort.

The menu is Thai Style Big Island Beef Salad with Mapulehu Mango Vinaigrette and South Kona Mango Scented Grilled Mahi Mahi with jasmine rice, asparagus and Rapoza Mango Relish. The magnificent mango meal finishes with Warm Haden Mango Sweet Bread Pudding with Mango Cream Anglaze.

Cost is $39.95. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are available two ways: at Brownpapertickets.com or 800-838-3006.

MANGO FEST PACKAGE

The Keauhou Beach Resort is offering a Mango Fest Package. It includes tickets to the Kona Mango Experience and Mango-Inspired Dinner, a one-night stay at the hotel and complimentary self-service breakfast buffet the following day.

The package price is $149 for single and $199 for double, plus tax. In addition, the hotel’s Verandah Lounge celebrates the Mango Festival with a refreshing tropical libation, the Mangorita, priced at $6. It will be served during the day and at the dinner.

For reservations, phone 324-2515 or 1-866-326-6803 and ask for the Mango Fest Package.

The Mango Festival 2009 is a zero-waste event and presented by the non-profit Sanctuary of Mana Kea Gardens. Sponsors include the Kona County Farm Bureau, 50th Anniversary of Statehood Commission, Keauhou Beach Resort, Kona Brewing Company, Keauhou Resort, Complete Art Service Hawaii, Produce to Product, Inc, and Kareeza Design Company,

For information, call 769-0672, send an e-mail to nkona@hawaii.rr.com or visit www.keauhoufarmersmarket.com and www.konafarmbureau.org.

Photography by Baron Sekiya/Hawaii247.org

Photography by Baron Sekiya/Hawaii247.org

O-Bon services and dance were held at Honomu Hongwanji Buddhist Temple on Saturday (June 27).

The next Bon Dance is set for Puna Hongwanji Buddhist Temple Friday and Saturday (July 3 & 4) For a complete list of O-Bon services and Bon Dances see the Hawaii Herald

MEDIA RELEASE

Hawai`i Island Chamber of Commerce Request for Proposals for `E Malama `Aina Sustainability Festival Event Producer

Hilo, Hawai‘i — The Hawai`i Island Chamber of Commerce (HICC) will bring the second annual ‘E Mālama ‘Āina Festival (EMAF) to Hawai`i Island on November 7, 2009. Last year, the festival drew an estimated 2700 people to Hilo’s Mo`oheau Park to learn, talk story and share sustainability practices in a recreational setting. The Chamber is seeking an experienced Event Producer to collaborate with Chamber staff and the many business organizations that will be partners for this year’s festival.

As turbulent conditions continue — from Wall Street to the fuel pump, mortgage foreclosures to the rising costs of grocery staples – our country is facing the toughest of economic climates since the 1940’s. Now more than ever, citizens are inspired to adopt alternative approaches to meeting their daily needs. EMAF is the Chamber’s response to promoting a solution to this situation. Sustainability is not just a buzz word, it is a way of life that can improve the “triple bottom line” – people, planet and profit.

“This is an exciting opportunity for a professional Event Producer to work with the Chamber on bringing a fantastic sustainability festival to our island,” said Judi Steinman, Executive Officer of the Chamber.

The EMAF is produced by the HICC with cooperation from the University of Hawai‘i – Hilo Conference Center and the Downtown Improvement Association. Last year, the festival was supported by many local businesses including Big Island Toyota, Puna Geothermal Venture, HPM Building Supply, Young Brothers, Thirty Meter Telescope, KTA Super Stores, and HELCO. These businesses sponsored villages with sustainability themes, such as alternate energy, transportation, learning and agriculture.

EMAF brings together business leaders, teams from the private and public sector, farms – big and small, traditional and cutting-edge – as well as schools and community service organizations at one site designed to inspire event attendees.

The Event Producer will oversee the entertainment, organization and coordination of the festival, villages and booth spaces, which will be sold to organizations wishing to participate in the event. Interested parties should email exec@hicc.biz for details. The RFP is available at the Chamber’s website, www.hicc.biz or by emailing exec@hicc.biz. All submissions are due by 4PM on June 29, 2009. Hard copies of the proposals must be printed double-sided and submitted in duplicate. An electronic version of the submission also must be submitted by email to exec@hicc.biz or on CD by 4PM HST on Monday, June 29, 2009. Applicants assume all responsibility for delivering the RFP on time.

The E Mālama‘Āina Festival is a project of the Hawai‘i Island Chamber of Commerce. Founded in 1898, the Chamber is a private, non-profit organization comprised of businesses and professionals in the community who work together to make Hawaii Island a better place to live and do business. The Chamber’s mission is to provide leadership through services and advocacy for the business community while promoting the economic well-being of the island as a whole. The Chamber has more than 730 representatives and 370 businesses. Located in Hilo, the County seat of Hawai‘i Island, HICC serves members from East Hawai‘i as well as member businesses throughout the island, the State of Hawai‘i, the nation, and internationally.

Photography by Baron Sekiya/Hawaii247.org

Hula dancers and musicians performed for the public at the Merrie Monarch Festival Hoolaulea at Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium in Hilo.

Keiki perform the hula at the Hoolaulea. Free noon entertainment will be available during Merrie Monarch Festival week at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel and Naniloa Volcanoes Resort on Banyan Drive.

Keiki chant during their performance in the Hoolaulea. There will be a free exhibition of hula at Edith Kanakaole Tennis Stadium on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.

The day long Hoolaulea at the Civic Auditorium featured a number of performers. The Civic will also host a Hawaiian Arts Fair which runs from April 15-18. 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wed, Thu and Fri and 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.

For more information visit the official Merrie Monarch Festival website.

GREAT WAIKOLOA UKULELE FESTIVAL
Roy Sakuma workshop to benefit Hawaii Food Basket, ukulele giveaways and more

KOHALA COAST— Queens’ MarketPlace is proud to present the 9th Annual Great Waikoloa Ukulele Festival, Saturday March 7, 2:00-7:00 p.m. This event is a celebration of Hawaii’s favorite music. Master of Ceremonies the “Ambassador of Aloha” Danny Kaleikini will host 3 stages, with entertainers ranging from the Ka’u High School Ensemble Band, to John Keawe, Auntie Mary Ann Lim and a special performance by Na Hoku Hanohano award winner Hoku Zuttermeister. At 10:00 am there will be a master workshop with teacher Roy Sakuma in The Studio at Queens’ MarketPlace and a chance to win a fabulous Kala ukulele – all for the price of a food donation to the Hawaii Food Basket or $1.

“Queens MarketPlace is the Gathering Place of the Kohala Coast,” says Debbie Parmley, Vice President of Commercial Real Estate for Waikoloa Land Company. “And what brings people together better than music? In the last 8 years our Ukulele Festival has drawn audiences from everywhere. And as we continue to grow and expand, it’s becoming an event the whole community, the whole Island can get excited about.”
The ukulele came to Hawaii with Portuguese immigrants in the late 19th century, and was picked up by music-loving islanders almost immediately. The name is usually translated “jumping flea,” presumably for the quick plucking hands of skilled players. Its popularity spread worldwide, as the humble 4-stringed instrument was immortalized by celebrities from Tin Pan Alley to Arthur Godfrey, Tiny Tim to today’s Jake Shimabukuru.

On Saturday, Big Island ukulele enthusiasts can strum along and play their part. “We are very fortunate to have such a great lineup of ukulele masters,” says Parmley, “Real virtuoso like Roy Sakuma, Ohta-San, Boo Takagi, and all the others. Anyone with an interest in ukulele or any kind of music should come and take advantage of this opportunity to experience their amazing talents in person.”

Sponsors include Waikoloa Beach Resort, ukulele companies KoAloha, Kanile`a, GString, Kamaka, Pono, Kala and BugsGear, Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar, Romano’s Macaroni Grill and Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort and Spa. For more information, call Queens’ MarketPlace office at 886-8822.

Schedule of events

10-11:30 a.m. Ukulele Workshop with Hawaii’s foremost teacher Roy Sakuma
in The Studio Admission, $1 or one non-perishable food item for Hawaii Food Basket
Stage 1                   Stage 2                    Stage 3
Charley’s                 Coronation                 Island Gourmet
Thai Cuisine              Pavilion                   Markets

2 p.m.
Kris Fuchigami            John Keawe                 Boo Takagi
2:30 p.m.
                                                     Hilo Ukulele Band

3 p.m.
Ka‘u High School          Aunty Lani Lee             Ohta-san and Nando
Ensemble Band             Na Kupuna O Kona Alii

4 p.m.
John Keawe                Boo Takagi                 Auntie Mary Ann Lim
4:30 p.m.
                          Hilo Ukulele Band

5 p.m.
Uncle Willie Perreira     Ohta-san and Nando         Kano O Ka Aina, New
Ukulele Lehulehu                                     Century Charter School

6 p.m.
Hoku Zuttermeister

Third Annual Hawai`i Avocado Festival
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. February 21, 2009
Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden
Captain Cook, Hawai`i
Free Admission
Avocado Recipe Tasting Contest
Judged by UH Culinary School Chef Instructors
Entries in by 10am judging at 12 noon
First place prizes
Best Recipe Best Dessert Best Guacamole
Live Music & Entertainment
Farmer’s Market, Arts & Crafts vendors
Avo Fashion Show, Keiki Fun & Games
Free Guacamole
Have a great day with the entire family
For more information
808 334-3340
www.hawaiisanctuary.org
Sponsored by:
The Sanctuary of Mana Ke`a Gardens
501 ( c ) 3 charitable organization

8th Annual Kona Chocolate Festival & Symposium

March 31 to April 5, 2009 with Gala Event April 4

Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa

For more information www.konachocolatefestival.com

MEDIA RELEASE

Join in the celebration and learn about the life of the great hula master Iolani Luahine in a day long festival, Saturday, Jan. 31 at Keauhou Beach Resort.

Celebrate her birthday will some of Hawaii’s prestigious hula masters – all students of Iolani Luahine – sharing her hula in a workshop for all to participate. There will be a special appearance by Hula Loea Master George Naope.
Hula work shops are being offered in kahiko and auana.

Kamehameha Investment Corporation hosts a tour to the newly rebuilt Hapaialii and Keeku heiau and to nearby Makolea heiau. You are invited to bring a hoopuku (offering).

The evening will culminate with a film featuring Iolani Luahine and her hula, and poi supper with entertainment by Darlene Ahuna and Lena Naipo and the Hawaiians Unlimited.

A panel discussion will follow with Iolani Luahine’s students; Queenie Dowsett, Hilda Keanaaina, George Naope, Hoakaleihina Kamauu, Poni Kamauu and Nathan Napoka.

Tickets are available by calling Leo at 966-9845 or pick them up at Keauhou Beach Resort. The hotel is offering its kamaaina room rate of $119 a night, which includes breakfast for two.

A lei of remembrance He Lei Hiwa No Iolani Luahine is supported in part by R& D – County of Hawaii, Keauhou Beach Resort, Kamehameha Investment Corporation, The Hula Preservation Society, and Hula Halau O Kou Lima Nani E, Inc.

Photos and video by Baron Sekiya / Hawaii247.org

The Big Island's John Keawe entertains on slack-key guitar for the crowd Saturday evening in front of historic Kona Hotel during the Holualoa Music & Light Festival.

Entertainment fronting Holualoa Public Library in Holualoa.

Slack key guitar artist and Kohala resident John Keawe plays Ku‘u Home O Kahaluu by Jerry Santos of Olomana at the Holualoa Village Music & Light Festival.

KARIN STANTON/Hawaii247.org Contributing Editor

HOLUALOA — Christmas arrived Saturday evening in Holualoa, with the flip of a switch and whole lot of music.

Holualoa Village’s 12th annual Music & Light Festival sparkled along the roadside as galleries and shops celebrated the season.

The tree and village lights were flipped on at 6 p.m. and a host of musical acts entertained along the street until 8:30 p.m. Headlining acts included John Keawe, Hibiscus Jam, Manuel and Bernice Roberto, Kona Celtic Connection, and Olga and Greg Shirley.

“Holualoa is off the beaten path and events like these bring some attention to our artists and coffee farmers,” said Mary Lovein of Holualoa Gallery. “It’s something we come together to do as a community.”

Lovein said she enjoys greeting visitors in the gallery and meeting the people who strolling along the street.

“This event can bring 1,000 people through the gallery,” she said. “We usually don’t see traffic like this on other days.”

Next door to Holualoa Gallery, Santa heard Christmas wishes. His visitors included 2-week-old twins and an 80-year-old grandmother.

“One little boy said he wanted Navy Seal night goggles because they would be cool and he’d be the only kid on the block with night goggles,” Santa said. “And one little girl said her mom has been stationed in Iraq for the last 11 months and she’d like for her mom could come home for Christmas. I told her I’d put in the request.

“Oh, and one guy tried to tip me,” Santa said.

Santa said he knows most Big Island children are well behaved, but he said it’s not too late to get Santa’s “Nice List.”

“Mind your parents, pick up your room, be helpful, and be nice to your friends, brothers and sisters, and pets,” Santa said.

Jes Foster, of Kona, soaked up the atmosphere with his wife, Kris, and 1-year-old son, Jake.

“It’s something great to have around the holidays,” he said. “It’s good for the economy right now. We could use more events like this. The food selection is nice and the music is great.”

Foster said he had one recommendation for festival organizers: “Next year we should have a snow-making machine.”

Living Hope church had some of the biggest draws – a bouncy castle, art table, popcorn and hot dogs.

“This is probably our favorite place to come around Christmas,” said Kawena Greig, who attended the festival with his wife and two daughters.

Greig said he attended Holualoa School and has seen some changes, but still appreciates the family atmosphere.

His daughter, Erica, 5, said she spent most of time at the art table.

“I liked doing that. I made a card. I’m going to send it to grandma,” she said. “And I want a big surprise from Santa. I’ve been good.”

Lounging along the guardrails, a group of teenagers discussed their Christmas wish lists.

West Hawaii Explorations Academy student and avid golfer, Stephen Siefke, 16, said tops on his list is a golf cart.

Nate Runion, 17, is hoping for a Play Station 3, while his sister has her sights set on a white Dodge Viper.

The evening was hosted by Holualoa Inn, Kona Blue Sky Coffee and the Holualoa Village Association.

— Find out more:

Holualoa Village Association: www.holualoahawaii.com

MEDIA RELEASE

KAILUA-KONA —Aloha Kona Coffee was awarded best label in the Keauhou Resort Kona Coffee Label & Website Competition while www.konarainforest.com took the top honors in the Web site category.

A total of 150 entries competed in the two divisions last month in the Keauhou Resort Kona Coffee Label & Website Competition for cash prizes and awards valued at more than $3,000.

Winning Kona coffee labels must promote 100% Kona coffee, use art or graphics, express the message clearly and comply with the Hawaii State label laws.

“The design goal for our label was to create a simple image focusing on our Kona coffee trees and mount Hualalai,” said Dana Leong, owner & designer, Aloha Kona Coffee.

The Web sites were similarly judged, and were also required to be dedicated to the promotion of Kona coffee only, have a strong identification to Kona and provide for a simple, secure ordering process.

Web site winner Dawn Barnes of Kona Rainforest said, “Winning the Web site contest really means a lot to us as about 50% of our sales come through our Web site.”

2008 Kona Coffee Label Winners

1st place:

Aloha Kona Coffee
Owner: Dana & Mark Leong
Designer: Dana Leong & Soe Ota

2nd place:

Pua Kea
Owner: Joan & George Prater
Designer: Joan Prater

3rd place, Tie

Sweet Spirit Farms
Owner: Deb Sims
Designer: Karen Valentine

Kahula Farms
Owner: Beverly White
Designer: Jas Martin

Sponsors’ Award:

Arianna Farms
Owner: Sharon & Robert Wood
Designer: Wood & Wood Graphics

2008 Kona Coffee Website Winners

1st place:

www.konarainforest.com
Owner: Robert & Dawn Barnes
Designer: Dux, Chris & Allan Miller

2nd place:

www.makahikifarms.com
Owner: Jonathan & Nancy Sechrist
Designer: Karen Spachner and Nancy Sechrist

3rd place:

www.imaginekona.com
Owner: Mario Ochoa
Designer: Mark Miller

Sponsors’ Award:

www.cornwellcoffee.com
Owner: Dan Hubbard
Designer: Kilauea Web Works

— Find out more:
Kona Coffee Cultural Festival: www.konacoffeefest.com