Category: Ag Tourism

February 11, 2011 Ag Tourism Post a Comment

Support for the building of a cacao processing facility

AGRtestimony
nsato@maliekai.com
Testimony for HB1598 on 2/11/2011 9:00:00 AM
Testimony for AGR 2/11/2011 9:00:00 AM HB1598
Conference room: 312
Testifier position: support
Testifier will be present: No
Submitted by: Nathan Sato
Organization: Malie Kai Chocolates
Address: 60 N. Beretania St. #1908 Honolulu, HI 96817
Phone: (808) 599-8600
E-mail: nsato@maliekai.com

Comments:
I would like to voice my support for the building of a cacao processing facility on the island of Oahu. I believe cacao has the potential to be a "game-changer" for both Hawaiian agriculture and Hawaiian tourism. We know from participation in domestic and international food shows that Hawaii is capable of producing WORLD-CLASS chocolate. This was the opinion of executives from very prestigious chocolate companies (including Godiva, Vosges and Valrhona) who tried our Oahu-grown chocolate. Very few agricultural products have the cache of chocolate. There are legions of chocolate aficionados who follow chocolate as closely as wine connoisseurs study vintages and appellations. I can easily see in a few years new tourists coming to Hawaii for the first time who have no interest Hawaii’s traditional leisure activities – visitors whose only interest is in seeing how chocolate is grown and made.

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February 10, 2011 Ag Tourism, General Ag News and Notes Post a Comment

Hawaii offshore gambling approved by committee

Gambling would be allowed on large ships traveling between Hawaii’s islands under a measure approved by its first committee.

The House Economic Revitalization and Business Committee voted 10-1 on Thursday to keep the bill alive, but it still faces two more House committees, a potential full House vote and Senate consideration before it could reach the governor’s desk.

The legislation would create a board to create rules and manage offshore gambling. It doesn’t spell out exactly what type of gambling would be allowed.

Committee Chairman Angus McKelvey said his committee is amending the bill to require a minimum of 1,000 passengers on no more than two eligible ships.

Hawaii and Utah are the only states in the country without any form of legalized gambling.

Hawaii offshore gambling approved by committee – Hawaii News – Staradvertiser.com

November 24, 2010 Ag Tourism, General Ag News and Notes Post a Comment

Culinary Crumbs: Hawaiian Adventures Part 1: Maui

Hawaiian Adventures Part 1: Maui

I had previously promised to share my stories and experiences from Hawaii, and now that I’ve been back at home in Texas for nearly 6 weeks, I think I’m ready to do just that. Any sooner would have been too painful for me. You see, my brief time (just under three weeks) spent in Hawaii opened up a new realm of self to me. I got to ooh and ahh over breathtaking scenery and experience deep gratitude and appreciation for this earth and everything God has put in it unlike I ever have before. I got to revel in my surroundings and listen to my inner thoughts. All the while sipping a mai tai of course. It was exactly the vacation that I needed- plenty of solitude and relaxation mixed with gluttony and adventure.

My Hawaiian vacation consisted of two legs: a week spent in Maui and a week (which “accidentally” turned into 11 days- we’ll get to that later) on the Big Island. I’m lucky enough to have a grandmother who lives in Wailuku, Maui, but unlucky enough to have only been to visit her once when I was 16. I decided that I was indeed due for a visit. She graciously showed me around her beautiful island and introduced me to my favorite town in Maui- Paia, which is a charming surfer’s village with this hippie-esque vibe that I found completely groovy. I spent a few days wandering around Kihei, Lahaina and Kaanapali Beach lounging, sunbathing, reading, eating, people watching. I like the down time every now and then where I can just sit and absorb what’s going on around me. However, I like the thrill of adventure just as much. And I feel like my time is better spent sharing the details of that part of my trip as compared to talking about how many times I flipped from my stomach to my back trying to maintain an even tan.

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November 7, 2010 Ag Tourism, General Ag News and Notes Post a Comment

Kauai festival celebrates isle food

GARDEN ISLAND RANGE & FOOD FESTIVAL
» Place: Kilohana Pavilion, Kilohana Plantation, 3-2087 Kaumualii Highway, Lihue, Kauai

» Date: Next Sunday

» Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

» Cost: $35 per person; $17.50 for children ages 6 through 12; free for kids age 5 and under. Tickets are available online and at 22*North, Larry’s Music Center in Kapaa, the Ukulele Shop in Koloa, Wrangler’s Steakhouse in Waimea, Scotty’s Music in Kalaheo, Hanalei Music’s Strings & Things in Hanalei, and Kawamura Farm and Deli & Bread Connection in Lihue.

» Phone: 338-0111

» E-mail: barbara@kauaikai.org

» Website: www.kauaifoodfestival.com

For once, Olivia Wu was at a loss for words. In 2005 the staff writer for the San Francisco Chronicle’s Food and Wine section was on deadline for a story about eating locally grown food. Needing a catchy word to describe supporters of the movement, she sought ideas from Jessica Prentice, a respected professional chef, cooking teacher and author in the Bay Area who had been her primary interview for the piece.

Prentice coined the term “locavore,” based on the Latin words “locus,” meaning “place,” and “vorare,” “to devour.” Foodies embraced the term, and in 2007 the New Oxford English Dictionary chose it as its Word of the Year.

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November 6, 2010 Ag Tourism, General Ag News and Notes Post a Comment

Hawaii Calendar: December 2010 – TravelAge West

SPOTLIGHT: Oahu
Dec. 4-Jan. 3: Honolulu City Lights. During this spectacular Christmas tradition, the city’s 63-foot-tall tree dazzles passers-by. On opening night, the Light Parade starts at 6:30 p.m., and holiday concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free.
808-769-6622
www.honolulucitylights.org

BIG ISLAND
Nov. 20-Jan. 4: Christmas Wreath Exhibit. Local artists get creative in the spirit of Christmas and display their one-of-a-kind holiday wreaths. Open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Volcano Art Center Gallery, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
808-967-7565
www.volcanoartcenter.org

Dec. 19: Jingle Bell Beach Run. This scenic jaunt for the whole family starts at 7:30 a.m. at Kailua Pier. The circular route begins and ends at Kaiakeakua Beach, with two options available: a 5K run and a one-mile course.
808-327-9333
www.bigislandrunning.com

Dec. 27: Mochi Pounding Celebration. This event celebrates one of Hawaii’s favorite foods, mochi (Japanese rice cakes). Participants take part in the ceremonial rice pounding, buy reasonably priced local-style lunches, enjoy island music and more. Akiko’s Buddhist Bed and Breakfast, Hakalau.
808-963-6422
www.alternative-hawaii.com/akiko

KAUAI
Dec. 3: Lights on Rice Parade and Christmas Craft Fair. At this free festival, guests can sample treats from food booths, enjoy live entertainment and more, all on the grounds of the Kauai Museum. Lihue.
808-245-6931
www.kauaimuseum.org

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November 3, 2010 Ag Tourism, General Ag News and Notes, Turkey Post a Comment

Four Fantastic Thanksgiving Beach Vacation Ideas | The Brooklyn Nomad

Oahu is an ultimate Thanksgiving vacation beach destination, and here you can celebrate “traditional” Thanksgiving with an island flare. Several organizations in Hawaii raise funds by selling to-go turkey dinners cooked in an Imu – the way succulent kalua pig is prepared for luaus – in an underground “oven” covered with banana leaves. Look in the local Hawaii newspapers every year for Imu Thanksgiving turkey fundraisers, and take your Imu turkey dinner to the beach for a Thanksgiving Day picnic. Before succumbing to your turkey feast you can join the 36th annual Turkey Trot 10 Mile Run held on Thanksgiving morning. Every year there is a holiday parade in Waikiki the Friday evening following Thanksgiving. The parade features high school and military bands from across the United States, as well as brightly colored floats decorated in the Hawaiian style with flowers and leis.

You can still revere the pilgrims, autumn leaves, and frost on the pumpkin – but really enjoy Thanksgiving sunbathing on a beach!

Four Fantastic Thanksgiving Beach Vacation Ideas | The Brooklyn Nomad

November 1, 2010 Ag Tourism, General Ag News and Notes Post a Comment

Glut of illegal rentals angers homeowners

Crystal Young worries about a proposed hotel on city land in Haleiwa after witnessing resort sprawl in her nearby Sunset Beach neighborhood, where there is little park space and dozens of residential houses cater to visitors.

Driving through an area that once had a row of rural homes, Young points out fenced two-story houses renting for thousands of dollars a month, many unoccupied but operating as unpermitted vacation rentals.

“There was a whole lot of locals, hundreds … living there,” she said. “Now you have all those homeless people – and then you have those empty houses. It doesn’t seem right.”

As developer D.G. “Andy” Anderson proposes buying 3.2 acres of city land for a Haleiwa hotel, some residents are complaining about current traffic congestion, the lack of recreational space and the waves of illegal vacation houses raising rents and pushing out rural residents.

North Shore Neighborhood Board member Kathleen Pahinui said in addition to the noise from tourists and the lack of rentals for residents, illegal vacation houses artificially raise taxes for homeowners.

“They don’t care about the property taxes because in one week of rentals, they’ve got it covered,” Pahinui said. “I just think it’s wrong that the city has not enforced the zoning rules. The neighborhoods are no longer neighborhoods. …

“They’re basically turning it into a mini-resort area.”

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November 1, 2010 Ag Tourism, General Ag News and Notes Post a Comment

Maui County’s strict rules keep rentals in check

Maui County has gotten tough with illegal vacation rentals.

Aware of the growing number of illegal rentals intruding into residential and agricultural areas, the county Planning Department began aggressively enforcing zoning laws in early 2007 and shut down a number of operators.

Deputy Planning Director Ann Cua said the department gave illegal operators a reasonable time to close.

Later, in January 2009, in an attempt to bring vacation rentals into compliance, the Maui Council passed an ordinance allowing a limited number of bed-and-breakfasts to operate in various areas.

Since then some 33 rentals have received permits, including coastal residences in Paia and Kuau.

Former Kuau store manager Leona Nomura said she supports enforcement of zoning laws because neighborhood beaches have become crowded with visitors. She said people have been treating residences as vacation investments, then complaining when they are told to shut down.

“They’re trying to get laws to fit their needs,” she said. “They’re all about buying and selling.”

Cua said while there are still many illegal vacation rentals, the new ordinance has provided a path for those homeowners who want to legally operate their properties as B&Bs.

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October 14, 2010 Ag Tourism, General Ag News and Notes, Maui Gold Pineapple 1 Comment

A One of a Kind Experience: The Grown on Maui Bus Tour

This tour will start at the University of Hawaii Maui Campus Culinary Academy for a “Behind the Scenes Tour” of the State of the Art facility and continental breakfast of locally sourced products. Once you’ve satisfied your appetite the tour will continue to the Hali’imaile Pineapple Company, where the staff shares a brief history of growing pineapple on Maui and how their farming operations has evolved today. See how pineapple is grown and learn the interesting facts about choosing the sweetest pineapple in the supermarket.

Then it’s off to lunch at the O’o farm, where a plethora of different crops are grown. Providing a unique culinary experience of using the freshest farm ingredients, prepared in creative ways that bring forth all the delicious flavors nature has to offer. After lunch, it’s on to Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm, where the tour starts on a sweet note of creamy Lavender Chocolate Gelato. Take the first and only Lavender walking tour and discover the “Language of Flowers”. Buy a Lavender Scone for the road and find out why these scones are so famous!

Tour Highlights

* Breakfast and Behind the Scenes tour of University of Hawaii Maui campus.
* Pineapple tour and tasting at Hali’imaile Pineapple Tours
* Gourmet Lunch and Tour at O’o Organic Farm
* Ali’I Kula Lavender Walking Tour and Dessert

**Advanced Reservations are required! Call 808-891-4604. Click here for more information.

A One of a Kind Experience: The Grown on Maui Bus Tour « AKL Maui