10th year for radio effort on behalf of Hawaii Food Basket

Video by David Corrigan, Voice of Stephanie Salazar

WAIKOLOA, Hawaii: Long time radio personality Tommy “Kahikina” Ching has again joined forces with KTA stores – and various other sponsors - for ten days in a row, ten hours a day en route to raising money for the Food Basket.

Kahikina’s annual Feed-A-Thon was set up at the Waikoloa Village KTA, for the third day of the fundraiser.

According to Kahikina, the drive comes at a time when the donations are greatly needed.

Kahikina will be in Hilo on Tuesday and Wednesday, and back in Kona at the Keauhou KTA on Thursday and Friday, where the Feed A Thon will conclude.

The Food Basket is an island wide, supplemental food network that collects and distributes nutritious, high quality food to low income households, the working poor, the disabled, the ill, senior citizens, children’s programs and other charitable organizations that serve this population. Supplemental food is provided regardless of religious beliefs, gender or ethnicity.

By David Corrigan and Stephanie Salazar

[Video by David Corrigan]

KOHALA COAST, Hawaii: The second annual Celebrity Chef Tour benefiting the James Beard Foundation returned to the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows’ Canoe House restaurant on Saturday, and once again an impressive line-up of superstar chefs followed.

Jonathan Waxman, Ming Tsai, Tyler Florence, Sam Choy and celebrity cocktail mixologist, Manny Hinojosa were all a part of the weekend.

The culinary showcase was a celebration of all things Hawaii, and in the days before, the celebrity chefs – many of whom have their own TV programs on the Food Network – went seeking their ingredients for the night’s feast in the local community.

Jeff Black who served as the spokesperson for the evening, told the story.

The Celebrity Chef Tour benefits the James Beard Foundation, whose mission is to “celebrate, preserve and nurture America’s diverse culinary heritage and future.” To date, the Celebrity Chef Tour has raised more than $950,000 for the James Beard Foundation.

By David Corrigan and Stephanie Salazar

SOUTH KOHALA, Hawaii: Big Island police are warning the public about a likely scam involving insecticide services being performed without prior authorization.

On November 28, police responded to a report that an 86-year-old South Kohala man had paid thousands of dollars to two unknown men after they supposedly protected his home from insects. The two men had gone to the victim’s house and, without prior authorization or an estimate for their services, cleaned insects from the eaves, sprayed what they said was insecticide and then washed the exterior of the windows. When the work was completed, they told the homeowner he owed $3,600, which the victim paid.

Police urge the public to report any suspicious business practices and not to feel intimidated into paying for services they didn’t request. Police ask that anyone with information about similar incidents call the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 935-3311.

By David Corrigan and Stephanie Salazar

[File video by David Corrigan]

KIHOLO, Hawaii: The Department of Land and Natural Resources has completed an extensive coastal area cleanup at Kiholo State Park Reserve, thanks to strong support from community volunteers.

In a media release issued on Wednesday, the DLNR says it is now implementing an interim camping management plan to allow for permitted camping in designated areas that are appropriately situated to avoid impacts to cultural sites.

The interim camping management strategy and day use policy is as follows:

* Driving on the beach is not allowed
* Camping is allowed by permit from Friday through Sunday nights
* There are 8 designated sites to camp
* Permits are now available on-line up to 30 days in advance of the camping date, for a standard fee: 1 to 6 people will cost $13.20, with a maximum of 10 per site costing a total of $22.00 (those prices are for Hawai‘i residents.)
* Permits are available at all State Parks offices or online a : www.hawaiistateparks.org

On October 1, 2011, the Division of State Parks closed the mauka vehicular access gate leading down to Kiholo State Park Reserve in order to conduct an extensive coastal area clean-up and to prepare a highly used area for more controlled and managed vehicular access and authorized camping by permit. The gate will reopen at 7 a.m. on Friday, December 9.

From the DLNR media release:

“DLNR recognizes Hawai‘i’s longtime need for recreational shoreline camping, and this interim camping action will eliminate impacts associated with driving on the shoreline,” said William J. Aila, Jr. DLNR Chairperson. “Division of State Parks has now organized camping into a managed and appropriate use at 8 existing sites. This policy will insure that both the quality of the public experience will improve while vastly reducing impact to Kiholo’s valuable resources.”

“It is critical that the public honors this management attempt to balance recreational needs with the equally pressing needs of our resources,” Aila said.

….

Hui Aloha Kiholo has a Curator Agreement with Division of State Parks for stewardship of Kiholo and has provided tremendous support and collaboration. The Hui recruited and coordinated 178 volunteers over the past two months to support this project.

The Hui, the State Parks West Side crew and a private contractor removed loads of public debris and rubbish, installed 42 new informational and management signs to designate interim campsites and inform about the prohibition of vehicles from driving on the beach.

They installed 48 bollards, approximately 480 feet of cable barriers and assorted boulders and stone wall barricades to prevent vehicular access to the beach, repaired and reactivated an existing gate and installed a new gate, and clarified unimproved access road shoulders and existing footpaths to the 8 interim camping areas.

Aila further noted, “The members of the North Kona community donated the 8 stone fire rings for designated fires that are placed at the newly designated campsites, 3 picnic tables, constructed beautiful dry stack stone wall to prevent vehicle access to the beach, smoothed out existing trails, and bagged loads of rubbish from years of irresponsible recreational use.”

“DLNR deeply appreciates the physical commitment and sheer determination of the Hui Aloha Kiholo and many community volunteers to support the State Parks crew in the effort to malama, clean up, and prepare Kiholo for improved and managed day use and interim camping”

“This type of collaboration and stewardship is exactly what our resources need now and in the future in order to balance public use with preservation” William Aila, DLNR Chairperson

For years, unauthorized camping and unrestricted driving on the beach, (with illegal campers sometimes numbering in the hundreds on three day weekends) has been accelerating the decay and inappropriate public behavior near archaeological sites, the crushing of the smooth ili’ili beach stones into dusty gravel, creating periodically large loads of rubbish and human waste disposal issues, and continually reducing the amount of shoreline trees and shrubs. These detrimental impacts made intervention of this pre-existing daytime use and unauthorized nighttime use critical and necessary.

Under Park Reserve status, the 4,362 acres of land is to be preserved for the public’s future use as a plan is prepared to determine a variety of management options and various public uses.

A Master Plan/Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is being prepared to guide the DSP in determining public use and management in a manner that also protects the sensitive cultural history and places of this valuable public resource. Meetings to gather pubic input to this plan have been conducted and will continue in the future on the island of Hawai‘i. The Master Planning/EIS process has included archeological surveys of the Park reserve – providing documented knowledge that the area has a rich history of significant Hawaiian culture still in place that must be protected.

By David Corrigan and Stephanie Salazar

[File video from 2008 by Baron Sekiya, Hawaii247.com]

WAIKOLOA, Hawaii: The community is gearing up for the 7th Annual Christmas Parade and Keiki Festivities scheduled for Saturday, December 10, 2011

The parade steps off at the top of Paniolo Road to Waikoloa Elementary at 10 a.m.

The Waikoloa Lions Club is taking the applications for vendors, entertainment, and Parade participants.

Also, for the second year, the Waikoloa Village Association is collecting items for families in need for the Lokahi Project. Lokahi has been helping Hawaii’s struggling families by providing them with life’s basic necessities, and year round emergency assistance.

Items can be dropped off at the Waikoloa Village Association office during office hours (that’s 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday) between now and Tuesday, December 20.

For questions regarding this program, please contact Rhonda Bell at 880-1984 or Nancy Carr Smith at 896-2239.

By David Corrigan and Stephanie Salazar

[Photos courtesy Mary-Kay Cochrane, File video by David Corrigan]

WAIKOLOA, Hawaii: the community celebrated the Waikoloa Dry Forest Initiative on Sunday.

Waikoloa Village Outdoor Circle recently completed the fence protecting 275 acres of remnant lowland dry forest just outside of the Village, which is seen here in the middle of the project.

The project site was blessed, and later, a wiliwili tree was planted at the Quarry Road junction, symbolizing our project and replacing a tree that recently died.

The 6 foot high game fence intends to keep goats and other hungry ungulates away from precious native plant species like wiliwili and uhiuhi within the area. This project protects 10 of the 13 uhiuhi trees that occur in the area and about 80 wiliwili trees.

There are also plans to complete a 100 foot wide fuel break around the project to reduce the threat of wildfire, and to provide educational and experiential opportunities within the forest.

By David Corrigan and Stephanie Salazar

[Video by David Corrigan]

KOHALA COAST, Hawaii: Seven cowboys from the Big Island of Hawaii were formally inducted into the Paniolo Hall of Fame on Saturday, during this special ceremony on Saturday at the Hawaii Cattlemen’s Council Annual Convention at the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel.

There have been 116 paniolo and ranching industry honorees since the hall of fame was created 12 years ago.

The inductees are chosen by a nomination process. The Hall of Fame consists of photo portraits, short biographies and oral history interviews, and the historic material is on display at various locations around the state.

We will feature the island’s inductees in our regional news updates… starting with Hamakua.

Donnie DeSilva was born and raised in the Hāmākua District on the Big Island of Hawai’i.

DeSilva began working for Parker Ranch in after graduating high school in 1958, where he made significant contributions in the areas of horse identification, string accountability, equine health, breeding, nutrition and reproduction.

The Hall of Fame says he was “A good and fair leader for the young roughnecks of the breaking pen, he taught many young men who have since gone on to become leaders in the ranching industry.”

The one time foreman of the famed “Roughriders” of Parker Ranch was on hand to accept the honor on Saturday.

Donnie resides in Hāmākua with his wife Paula, and enjoys spending time with his three children and eight grandchildren. He is a founding director of the Paniolo Preservation Society formed in 1998, and continues his saddle making.

Naluahine Kaopu, the legendary saddle bronc champion – named the Mohopuni O Hawaii Nei after his ride leapt over the fence and down King Street before being brought under control in Thomas Square during a competition on Oahu – was honored as a Paniolo Hall of Fame inductee on Saturday.

Kaopu’s recognition was also the most unique… as the Roy Allen Wall described the man he nominated for the honor.

Born at Kahalu’u, North Kona, Kaopua was not just the man to beat in saddle bronc contests… Naluahine was Allen wall’s contact in Kona to organize a crew to trail cattle across Ka’u to the slaughterhouse at Shipman’s Meat Market in Keaau.

Later, Kaopua would work exclusively for Thomas White and Wall Ranch.

The Hall of Fame historians say Naluahine was descended from bird catchers and was knowledgeable of old trails, waterholes and ahupua’a boundaries.

Recently at the Kona Historical Society there has cropped up new interest in Naluahine Kaopua for his cultural contributions in the last half of his life. Writings of present day Hawaiian scholars describe Naluahine as a sailor, a fisherman or a Kahuna lapa’au, or medicine man.

Hall of fame officials say he may have been all of those things at one time or another but he was first and foremost a paniolo. He continued riding horses until in his eighties, and lived to the age of 104.

In South Kona, paniolo Clarence Medeiros, Sr. was inducted into the Hall of Fame on Saturday, joining his fellow cowboys at this ceremony at the Hapuna Beach Prince hotel.

According ot the Hawaii Cattleman’s Association, Medeiros started working at Magoon’s Ranch in South Kona in 1948.

From the 1960’s to the early 1980’s, Clarence worked on contract to catch wild cattle on the slopes of Mauna Loa with the C.Q. Yee Hop Ranch in South Kona.

Medeiros is one of the founders of the Kona Ka’u Roping Club.

From the 1960’s to the present, Mr. Medeiros has been the owner and operator of CM Ranch in Waimea and South Kona. The ranch is 350 acres and Clarence runs about 80 head of cattle.

There to help with the induction… Charlie Onaka of South Kona’s Onaka Ranch.

Alfred Hartwell Carter, whom passed away in 1985, became the manager of Parker Ranch in 1937, where he directed the effort to move toward polled cattle and a uniform purebred Hereford herd.

Hall of Fame historians say that after the close of World War II, Hartwell was instrumental in getting further military operations relocated from the area of Waimea to Pōhakuloa. He also helped return more than 20,000 acres of land to the Hawaiian Homes Commission for homesteading and provided foundation stock for a pastoral program on these lands.

Inductee Gary J. Rapozo started his career with Parker Ranch as a cowboy in 1972, and stayed for thirty years until 2002, working in various sections of the ranch and doing a multitude of jobs. He ended up as the Superintendent of Livestock Marketing.

While working the Paauhau section, Rapozo, an expert in artificial insemination and pregnancy testing, achieved a 62% conception rate, and he wrote a paper outlining his methodology and procedures at the request of the University of Hawaii.

Joining Rapozo to accept his honor, Harry “Pono” von Holt… Pono was raised at Kahua Ranch in Kohala, continuing his family’s tradition as a fourth generation kama’āina rancher.

Now the owner and manager of Ponoholo Ranch, Pono has served as President of the Hawai`i Cattlemen’s Association, the State Hawai`i Cattlemen’s Council, and chairman of the cow/calf council for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. Waimea may also recognise Pono as a Board member and Vice-President of the North Hawai`i Community Hospital, and board member for the Hawai`i Preparatory Academy.

Finally, one of the best known names in Waimea… Richard Kaleioku Palmer Smart, born to Thelma Parker and Henry Smart in 1913, Richard Smart was the 6th generation of parker Family Members to manage the historic Parker Ranch.

Smart made significant contributions by restructuring the breeding program, expanding irrigation facilities and experimenting with feed supplements. He introduced the ranch to the tourism business by building the Parker Ranch Visitor Center and Museum and opened the grand Kahilu Theatre. Smart sold or leased unprofitable coastal ranch lands for resorts.

Smart passed away in 1992. Today, the Parker Ranch Foundation Trust supports the causes Richard held most dear in perpetuity.

From the Hawaii Cattlemen:

Hall of Fame Inductees

A. Hartwell Carter
1896 – 1985
Parker Ranch, Hawai`i

Donald G. DeSilva
Parker Ranch, Hawai`i

Dee B. Gibson
1919 – 1991
Koko Head Dairy, Oahu;
Wailua Ranch, Kauai; Saddle City, Oahu

Peter Kama Sr.
1919-1985
Kahua Ranch, Oahu

Naluahine Kaopua
1857 – 1961
Thomas White Ranch, Wall Ranch, Hawai`i

Clarence Medeiros Sr.
Magoon Ranch, CM Ranch, Hawai`i

Gary J. Rapozo
Parker Ranch, Hawai`i

Richard K.P. Smart
1913-1992
Parker Ranch, Hawai`i

Harry “Pono” von Holt
Ponoholo Ranch, Hawai`i

Louis von Tempsky
1859-1922
Ulupalakua Ranch, Maui
Haleakala Ranch, Maui

By David Corrigan and Stephanie Salazar

[Video courtesy Hawaii County Office of the Mayor, File Video by David Corrigan]

WAIKOLOA, Hawaii: Progress on developing Waikoloa Village reached a big milestone on Friday, as county officials opened the first phase of the Kamakoa Nui affordable housing project, and also opened a 12-acre community park.

The windswept event marked a joyous point in the prolonged and litigious development, which started in 2004. The county seized control of the project from the company UniDev Hawaii in 2009, after disputes over the time line, billing, and documentation began to surface. The issue is still in litigation, and will undergo court ordered mediation in June.

Since taking over the project, the county has kept things on time and under budget. The $44 million Kamakoa Nui project will will eventually consist of about 1,200 fee-simple homes and rentals on 268 acres just north of Waikoloa Elementary School.

The three-bedroom single-family residences and two & three-bedroom bungalows will sell for between $240,000 to $325,000. That’s much lower than the initial plans that anticipated prices between $385,000 to $495,000.

Construction of four single-family model homes is complete, with pre-sales of homes in the first increment scheduled to begin next month.

The county is also imposing some unique restrictions on the properties to keep them affordable. To qualify, buyers should live within a 30-mile radius of Kamakoa Nui and have an income between 70-120 percent of the area median income. Potential buyers must also live in the homes and cannot have owned a home within the last three years.

To discourage speculation, owners who re-sell their units at Kamakoa Nui within 15 years of their initial purchase will be required to share any windfall profits from the re-sales with the county. After 15 years, all restrictions on re-sales are satisfied.

From the County of Hawaii media release:

…

“We wanted to create a healthy community for everyone, but most of all for families with young children,” said Mayor Kenoi, who was joined by county Office of Housing Administrator Steve Arnett and his staff in celebrating the blessing of the new community. “We wanted a puuhonua, a safe haven.”

About 50 people, including government officials and private sector representatives, celebrated with the county under blue skies, brisk winds, and the island of Maui dominating the sweeping views from this community, which will feature three-bedroom single-family residences and two and three-bedroom bungalows.

About a half an hour prior to Pastor Sonny Shimaoka’s blessing of the $44 million Kamakoa Nui, the same group celebrated the opening of a new public playground a few hundred yards away from the set of four model homes which will serve as a sales area.

Homes will range from $240,000 to $325,000. Sales of the first increment of about two dozen homes should begin next month and will be marketed by Aldrich and Associates.

But Mayor Kenoi said he asked the Office of Housing staff to build the park before any homes were occupied. “This is where our kids get away from gangs and drugs,” said Mayor Kenoi.

“Instead of inviting our families to live here and then building a park, I said let’s build the park first; let’s build a strong and safe community and then invite our families to live here.”

Arnett said Kamakoa Nui was handed to the Kenoi Administration three years ago “under a dark cloud” with the project stalled, under legal scrutiny and with much higher projected home prices.

“Our group spent countless hours trying to make the homes more affordable,” he said, crediting his staff of (East Hawaii supervisor) Jeremy McComber, (housing specialists) Dan Russell and Mike Prinslow and (private secretary) Annie Bailey with finding a way to cut costs.

Arnett said Les Isemoto from Isemoto Contracting also cooperated by staying mobilized while the project team was reorganized. “The end result is that the project came in on time and slightly under budget.”

Mayor Kenoi said the Office of Housing has succeeded in filling many gaps in West Hawaii’s housing inventory. Along with the affordable Kamakoa Nui, the county will next week open the doors to the $12.4 million Kaloko Transitional Housing Project, with 12 units to get homeless families off the streets, and 28 units for low-income households.

Last year, the $1.8-million West Hawai‘i Emergency Shelter was opened, providing 30 beds for homeless men and women. Mayor Kenoi also cited the Lokahi Apartments, affordable rentals developed by Pacific Housing Advisors.

“I told the people at Housing that at the end of the day, let’s see if we can make a difference at every part of the housing spectrum in West Hawai‘i,” said Mayor Kenoi. “And they delivered.”

By David Corrigan, Tim Bryan, and Lynn Beittel

[Video by Lynn Beittel, Visionary Video | Animations courtesy NASA via PISCES]

WAIKOLOA, Hawaii: A big meeting for the future of not only space exploration, but colonization, took place this week.

The International Lunar Research Park Leaders Summit was held at the Hilton Waikoloa Village. It was hosted by the State of Hawaii in collaboration with the Pacific International Space Center for Exploration Systems – or PISCES, the Pacific International Space Alliance, NASA, the ILRP Corporate Consortium, and the UH Hilo Conference Center.

In May, Hawaii and NASA signed an agreement establishing a partnership between the Ames Research Center and the Aloha State. The partnership would “explore and test new technologies, capabilities and strategies supporting America’s space exploration and development goals”.

As a result, UH-Hilo would see the development of a prototype International Lunar Research Park.

This week’s conference was a chance for everyone involved to get up to date on the progress of the project.

Because of the soil types on the island, Hawaii makes an ideal location for this experiment, say organizers. According to project coordinators, President Barack Obama’s shifting focus towards the Pacific is another reason Hawaii is an ideal location for the research park.

The project will be developed in three phases. In this video, Frank Schowengerdt, Professor of Physics at UH-Hilo and the director of PISCES… and Jim Crisafulli, the Director of the  Hawaii Office of Aerospace Development… describe the vision.

The following media release is courtesy the Hawaii County Office of the Mayor:

Mayor Billy Kenoi on Friday, Nov. 18 will unveil the first increment of an attractive new community in Waikoloa that will provide affordable home ownership opportunities near West Hawai‘i employment hubs. At the same time, the mayor will open the gates to a new community park in Waikoloa.

The initial offering of eight homes within the $43.9 million Kamakoa Nui community will feature bungalows and single-family homes. The homes were designed by MVE Pacific, and prices for the new units will range from $240,000 to $325,000.

Construction of four single-family model homes is complete, with pre-sales of homes in the first increment scheduled to begin next month.

“Our working families deserve this opportunity for home ownership in a desirable, well-planned community that is close to work and recreational facilities,” said Mayor Kenoi, who will untie the maile lei at the park at 10 a.m. and do the same for the model homes about a half an hour later.

“This project benefits the hard-working hotel employees, teachers, firefighters, police officers and others who want their own home in West Hawai‘i. This is an affordable community where they can live comfortably and raise their families.”

The 23 bungalows will be one- and two-story units with two or three bedrooms, two baths or two-and-a-half baths, and 1,108 to 1482 square feet of living space.

The 68 one- and two-story single-family homes will have three bedrooms, and buyers will have a choice between two baths or two-and-a-half baths. The homes will have 1,361 square feet to 1,512 square feet of living space including lanais.

Mayor Billy Kenoi on Friday, Nov. 18 will unveil the first increment of an attractive new community in Waikoloa that will provide affordable home ownership opportunities near West Hawai‘i employment hubs. At the same time, the mayor will open the gates to a new community park in Waikoloa.

The initial offering of eight homes within the $43.9 million Kamakoa Nui community will feature bungalows and single-family homes. The homes were designed by MVE Pacific, and prices for the new units will range from $240,000 to $325,000.

Construction of four single-family model homes is complete, with pre-sales of homes in the first increment scheduled to begin next month.

“Our working families deserve this opportunity for home ownership in a desirable, well-planned community that is close to work and recreational facilities,” said Mayor Kenoi, who will untie the maile lei at the park at 10 a.m. and do the same for the model homes about a half an hour later.

“This project benefits the hard-working hotel employees, teachers, firefighters, police officers and others who want their own home in West Hawai‘i. This is an affordable community where they can live comfortably and raise their families.”

The 23 bungalows will be one- and two-story units with two or three bedrooms, two baths or two-and-a-half baths, and 1,108 to 1482 square feet of living space.

The 68 one- and two-story single-family homes will have three bedrooms, and buyers will have a choice between two baths or two-and-a-half baths. The homes will have 1,361 square feet to 1,512 square feet of living space including lanais.

Media release from Fern Gavelek Communications:

PREPARATIONS IN FULL SWING FOR CHRISTMAS AT THE FAIRMONT

HCC STUDENTS CONSTRUCTING HAWAI‘I LANDMARKS FROM GINGERBREAD

HAWAI‘I ISLAND—It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas for culinary students at Hawai‘i Community College-West Hawai‘i. The future chefs are constructing gingerbread centerpieces fashioned to resemble a variety of Hawai‘i landmarks. The unique, holiday centerpieces will be auctioned at Christmas at The Fairmont-Dining with the Chefs on Saturday, Dec. 3.

Presented by the American Culinary Federation Kona Kohala Chefs Assn., the 23rd annual gala finances local culinary scholarships and kitchen equipment for the future West Hawai‘i community college campus at Palamanui. Formerly held at the now-closed Kona Village Resort, the event has moved to the oceanside Turtle Pointe at The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii.

Not only will attendees be wowed by the creative talents of budding culinarians, but also be treated to tantalizing cuisine, elegant desserts and mouthwatering confections prepared by chefs from West Hawai‘i’s top resorts and restaurants.

A sample of confirmed culinary station offerings include Fresh Island Catch with Spicy Sichimi Togarashi, Molokai Sweet Potato Puree, Asian Sprout Salad drizzled with Lemongrass Haupia Sauce, Island Tomato Consume, Sweet Corn Bisque and Chocolate Mint Brownies.

Twenty-some resorts and restaurants from Waimea to Kealakekua annually participate in the event, offering exceptional cuisine at culinary stations and volunteering their private services for bid at the exciting live auction. One of the standout auction items this year includes dinner for six in the presidential suite at the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa with one night stay for two followed by breakfast— a $3,200 value.

Attendees can bid on the student gingerbread “houses” by silent auction. Using dough and a variety of food products—ice cream cones, noodles, pretzels and candy—the enterprising HawCC students have been busy constructing landmarks like Hulihe’e Palace and Moku‘aikaua Church. Debuting last year as gingerbread “hale,” the project creations are designed under the supervision of pastry instructor-chef Fernand Guiot, 15-year owner of Kailua-Kona’s former French Bakery. During the event, students will be on hand to “talk story” about their creations and will assist chefs and confectioners at culinary stations.

New this year, the fundraiser offers a variety of locally sourced gift baskets, food products and family activities available via silent auction. “We have stepped up our fundraising efforts to help outfit the culinary classrooms at Kona’s future community college,” says Stephen Marquard, event director. “The Palamanui campus will have two, 1,200-square-foot kitchens and an 800-square-foot bakery.”

In addition to the fine food, attendees will enjoy 100 percent Kona coffee, handcrafted ales and fine wines. Also on tap is dancing on the lawn and under the stars to the jazz of the Bill Noble Trio.

Attendance is limited to 600. Tickets are again $75 per person and include all-you-can-eat-and-drink, a souvenir tasting glass and free self-parking. In addition, reserved tables of 10 are available for $1,000, tables for six are $600. Tickets can be charged by phone at 808-329-2522 and can be purchased at Kailua Candy Company, Clark Realty/Kona, Kona Wine Market, Café Pesto in Hilo and The Fairmont Orchid.

A special event rate of $239 is offered for Partial Ocean View accommodations including breakfast for two and self-parking at The Fairmont. Contact reservations for details at 808-885-2000 or 800-845-9905 and mention “Christmas at The Fairmont.” For info, visit http://www.fairmont.com/orc/ChristmasatTheFairmont.

Event updates are posted on facebook. For details, phone 808-329-2522.

American Culinary Federation Kona Kohala Chefs Association: ACF is the largest, professional, non-profit organization for chefs and cooks in the nation. Founded in 1980, the Kona Kohala chapter is comprised of food service professionals, vendors and growers; www.konakohalachefs.org.