Video by David Corrigan | Big Island Video News

Wailea Village 12th annual mochi-tsuki celebration in making traditional rice cakes the “old-fashioned” way. The oldtimers shared their stories of plantation era times and everyone took their turn at pounding the glutinous sticky rice for good luck.

Sue Irvine, of Hilo, left, swings a mallet to pound sweet steamed rice into mochi as Brad Kurokawa wets his hands between turning the hot rice dough. Kurokawa has to be quick and in sync with Irvine so his hand isn't turning the dough when the mallet hits it. (Photos and video by Baron Sekiya/Hawaii247.org)

The crowd gathers to watch the 11th Annual mochi pounding event held by the Wailea Community Association in Hakalau. Rice steams in wooden boxes, right, in preparation of more mochi making.

Wailea Village’s 11th annual mochi-tsuki celebration in making traditional rice cakes the “old-fashioned” way. The old-timers shared their stories of plantation era times and everyone took their turn at pounding the glutinous sticky rice for good luck.

MEDIA RELEASE 

Due to continuing dry weather conditions, the Department of Water Supply is urging consumers in the Upper Kaieie area in Papaikou along and immediately surrounding Kaieie Road, and from Homestead Road to Upper Kaieie in South Hilo, to conserve water.

Also, due to repairs of the Hakalau Iki Spring Source, the Department of Water Supply urges consumers in the entire Hakalau and Wailea areas of South Hilo to conserve water while the repairs are being made.  

Agricultural users should irrigate from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., which will reduce water loss due to evaporation and minimize water system drain during peak demand.

This Water Conservation Notice calls for a voluntary action to reduce water usage by 10 percent in the affected areas.

For customers in the area of the Water Conservation Notice, here’s a list of ways to reach the 10 percent reduction goal:

* Wash full loads of laundry only.

* Wash full loads of dishes only.

* Serve drinking water only when requested.

* Do not let the faucet run unnecessarily.

* When bathing, use water only to wet and rinse off.

* Do not fill up the bathtub.

* Use a glass to rinse when brushing your teeth.

* Do not flush toilets unnecessarily.

* Stop lawn sprinkling.

* Stop car and boat washing.

* Stop dust control watering.

* Use drinking water wisely. 

For further information, call Clyde Young of the Department of Water Supply at 961-8790.