Tohoku Hospital in Sendai Beneficiary for Japan Relief Fundraiser aio Announces “With Aloha” Saturday, April 9 Event

Tohoku University Hospital in Sendai, Japan is the beneficiary of a fundraiser titled “With Aloha” on April 9 (Saturday evening from 5-9 p.m.) at the Pagoda Hotel in Honolulu   Pagoda Restaurant and aio are collaborating with local businesses and community groups to raise money for the “Tohoku University Hospital - Japan Relief Fund.”

Sendai is in the Miyagi Prefecture of Japan, and is the largest city in the Tohoku Region. The coastal city has suffered catastrophic damage from the earthquake (9.0 magnitude) and resulting tsunami waves (up to 77 feet) on March 11. The epicenter of the quake was 45 miles east of the Oshika Peninsula of Tohoku. Since the disaster hit, Tohoku University Hospital has been providing food, medicine and comfort items to people in need from the surrounding areas.

“With Aloha” tickets are $50 ($60 at the door). Ticket information is available online:www.withaloha.org.

Twenty-four (24) restaurants are participating, including Le Bistro, Pagoda, Hukilau Honolulu, Honolulu Burger Co., Ryan’s Grill, Kincaid’s, Hy’s Steakhouse, Nalo Farms and Murphy’s Bar and Grill. Anheuser-Busch, Hawaii Nui, Better Brands, Southern Wines, Paradise Beverages and Johnson Brothers are also participating.

Brother Noland, Juke Joint 5PM, Ka‘ala boys, Natural Vibes and others will be performing at the benefit. A crane-making booth, and silent auction are also planned. KCCN (Cox Radio) will broadcast the event live.

Free parking for “With Aloha” will be available at Pacific Guardian Center (corner of Kapi‘olani and Keeaumoku Streets) and HMSA (Keeaumoku Street).

Monetary donations to “Tohoku University Hospital-Japan Relief Fund” can be made online at www.withaloha.org, or can also be mailed to: 1000 Bishop Street, Ste. 610, Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96813. Checks should be made payable to “Tohoku Hospital Japan Relief Fund.”

Diamond Bakery launches line of Hawaiian “All Natural” Crackers

Diamond Bakery (www.diamondbakery.com), a Hawaii-based cookie and cracker company that has been in business for over 90 years, recently announced the launch of their newest product line of Hawaiian “All Natural” Crackers.  

“In a time when consumers are extremely conscious about eating healthier and smarter, we created products that meet their demands,” said Brent Kunimoto, President of Diamond Bakery.  “Our new Hawaiian All Natural Crackers have no artificial flavor and use the finest ingredients for an extra hearty crunch.”

Diamond Bakery’s Hawaiian All Natural Crackers are based on the company’s time-tested favorites – some of the recipes have been in used for more than 80 years!  The new line will soon be available in California, Colorado and part of the Southwest.  The Hawaiian All Natural Cracker line includes:

Hawaiian Sodas - Original

Providing comfort and nourishment to sea-going travelers for decades, Diamond Bakery’s Hawaiian Sodas are the islands’ favorite crackers.  Hawaiian sodas are made from the finest local ingredients including organic wheat flour.

Hula Creems - Original

Crunchy and creamy, these crackers are inspired by Hawaii’s famous dance and unique culture. They are made with enriched wheat flour for a natural, mildly sweetened cracker.

Hula Creems - Coconut

Like the Hula Creems, but with Hawaiian harvested coconut added for a tasty difference.

Waimea Wheats - Original

Motivated by the small village of Waimea on the island of Kauai, and its farming and plantation heritage, Waimea Wheats use enriched wheat flour and wheat brand for a thick and hearty cracker that’s good for the soul.

Maui Grahams – Maui Sugar

Like their name implies, Maui Grahams use enriched wheat flour and raw cane sugar that is grown and harvested on the beautiful Valley Island of Maui.

“The one, all important ingredient that never changes is the pure Hawaiian artesian water that we use,” added Kunimoto.  “That, coupled with our belief in the human process of hand selecting each cracker or cookie three times, makes Diamond Bakery brand products outstanding.”

Each box of Hawaiian All Natural Crackers includes nutrition facts.  For example, three Waimea Wheats have 70 calories (20 calories from fat), total fat 2g, (saturated fat 1g, transfat 0g), cholesterol 0mg, sodium 65mg, total carbohydrates 12g (dietary fiber 1g, sugars 0g) and protein 2g. 

Diamond Bakery products are manufactured out of a single facility in Honolulu, Hawaii.

For more information, visit www.diamondbakery.com or call 847-3551.

'Classic Cocktails' menu unveiled at Kauai Beach Resort

Kaua‘i Beach Resort is introducing a new “Classic Cocktails” menu at Shutters Lounge.  To kickoff the new offerings, a ‘pau hana’ is scheduled for Thursday, March 24 and the public is invited to stop by and enjoy the classics.

WHAT:          Unveiling of the new “Classic Cocktails” menu

Chandra Lam, Director of Mixology for Southern Wine & Spirits of Hawai‘i is passionate about the business of crafting perfect cocktails.  She will be on hand (bio attached) to share her knowledge and answer questions.

Jonah Cummings, guitarist/vocalist, provides entertainment for the evening.

Kaua‘i Beach Resort’s Executive Chef Mark Sassone will be creating specially prepared appetizers to savor with the cocktails.

Classic Cocktails recipes presented include:  Classic Gin Martini, General Manager’s Martini, Manhattan Cocktail, Hemingway Daiquiri, Liliko‘i Sidecar and Sidecar (recipes attached).

A lá carte pricing.

WHEN:          Thursday, March 24 from 5 – 11 pm

WHERE:       Shutters Lounge at Kaua‘i Beach Resort

For more information about Kaua‘i Beach Resort, call 808-245-1955 or visit www.kauaibeachresorthawaii.com.

Prince Kuhio celebration on Kauai, March 19 - 27

A week of daily events serves up festivities celebrating Hawaiian food, cultural practices, music, dance, history and sports competition in honor of Prince Kuhio's birthday March 19 - 27.

Prince Kuhio, known for dedicating his life to the future of Native Hawaiian people, will be celebrated during a week of events surrounding multiple themes between March 19 and 27 on Kaua`i.  Most events lead up to Prince Kuhio's birthday, March 26, a Hawai`i State holiday.

Festivity themes for the Prince Kuhio Celebration surround Hawaiian food, history, music, dance, cultural practices and sports competition. 

• Food events include a royal Hawaiian dinner and Hawaiian fashion contest, an "island treats" tasting and a lu`au. Events providing historical perspectives consist of "talk story" sessions about salt-making, native flora and fauna, Hawaiian proverbs, ancient practices plus commemorative ceremonies celebrating Prince Kuhio.
• Music and dance will be provided through ukulele lessons, slack key guitar entertainment, kahiko (ancient) hula lessons, Hawaiian music, keiki (children's) hula, taiko drummers and a performance by the powerful male pa hula (hula troupe) Na Kane O Keoneloa.
• Cultural demonstrations will embrace native Hawaiian arts such as kapa-making, feather weaving, frond weaving nose-flute carving and lei-making.
• Sports competitions will include the Prince Kuhio long-distance canoe race and the Prince Kuhio amateur boxing championships. 

 

Top left - Lei-stringing will be taught during cultural demonstrations slated for March 23rd and 26th at the Prince Kuhio Celebration on Kauai. Photo by Margy Parker

  
Top right - Na Kane O Keoneloa Pa Hula will be performing during the Prince Kuhio Celebration on Kaua`i at the Grand Hyatt Kaua`i Resort and Spa on March 26th:  Photo by Anne E. O'Malley

Bottom - The Prince Kuhio Celebration on Kauai will offer hands-on demonstrations of Native Hawaiian cultural practices, such as how to make kapa (tapa).  Photo by Margy Parker

Many of these festivities are located at the Grand Hyatt Kaua`i Resort and Spa in Po`ipu. Other event locations will be Kalapaki Beach, Kaua`i Beach Resort, Kaua`i Veterans Memorial Hall, Kukuiula Village, Marriott's Waiohai Beach Resort, National Tropical Botanical Gardens, Plantation Gardens Restaurant, Poipu Beach Park and Prince Kuhio Park.

A complete event schedule is available at http://princekuhio.info.

Many events are free of charge.

Prince Kuhio, in line for succession to the throne before the Hawaiian monarchy was overthrown, was famous for his work to perpetuate the Native Hawaiian culture and preserve Native Hawaiian practices. Serving in the U.S. Congress for 10 years, Kuhio led the effort to establish the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act. He was called Ke Ali`i Maka`ianiana (prince of the people).

Honolulu Rail Transit 'Groundbreakers' - photo

A group of distinguished persons, including Senator Akaka, Senator Inouye and Mayor Carlisle, holding  traditional Hawaiian o`o sticks as they prepare to participate in the February 22, 2011 groundbreaking ceremony - a day that was 40+ years in the making.