Whats Happening on the Big Island
November 15th - December 15th

This is our fourth e-zine to date. Inside you will find news on whats new on the Big Island, and whats new on our website. In this issue we will cover a bunch of topics.

Finally we have some amazing pictures, we threw in randomly.

Enjoy

Genetically Modified Organisms(GMO's) on the Big Island

Although this Bill passed unanimously, Mayor Harry Kim saw fit to go against public and council opinion and vetoed the Bill on October 30th, 2008.

On November 13th the County Council overrode Kim's veto with a vote of 7 for the bill and 2 votes against it. This bill will protect Taro and Coffee from being genetically engineered, with fines up to $1000 dollars for anyone involved in doing so.

There are many reasons why GMOS's are frowned upon by local farmers. The Coffee Farmers and the Taro Farmers have been the most outspoken.

The Coffee Farmers see a serious threat to our heritage varieties of coffee, such as Kona Coffee, that have become world renowned. If a GMO was to cross pollinate with heritage varieties then the seed stock would be forever altered. Along the same lines, if a decaffeinated GMO strain of Coffee was to cross pollinate with a caffeinated variety, it is hard to say what the outcome would be.

Taro farmers are more upset about the threat of genetic weaknesses being introduced into the DNA of Taro varieties that have been handed down for countless generations. Papayas have been susceptible to disease since the introduction, and cross pollination of GMO Papayas on the islands.

Basically what it comes down to is that farmers and scientists on the Big Island have weighed the benefits and drawbacks of GMO's and the majority of them agree that we don't need to take the risk. Our crops have supported humans here for countless generations, and it is not worth the chance of losing our heritage varieties.
If you want to read a little more about this issue, check out this page posted by one of our visitors, just before Kim vetoed the Bill.

Kanaks: Hawaiian Furnishings and Collectibles

So to kick off this new feature chose a store on the Kona side in Kainaliu, called Kanaks.

This store is definitely one of a kind, as most of the things that are sold inside are one of a kind.

From handmade Koa furniture to figurines and perfume bottles from all different eras of Hawaiian history, you can find it at Kanaks

The Island Music Scene

Hapa is my favorite of the traditional style Hawaiian Music, and this benefit is for our beloved Kahaluu Beach Park. Don't miss the chance to catch these guys live, as they always deliver a great concert.

The John Keawe Slack Key Concert at the Kilauea Visitor Center, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, on December 9th is one of our recommendations for the upcoming month.

This After Dark in the Park Event promises to be a winner this upcoming month with Big Islands own John Keawe. If you haven't taken the time to go see him in concert you are missing out, and what better venue to experience him at then this free concert in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Park Fees apply.

Lilikoi Inn: A One-of-a-Kind Bed and Breakfast

Located at about 1200 ft overlooking Kailua Kona, if the views don't do it for you, the hospitality definitely will.

Instead of staying at a Hotel, for a little less you can stay at this beautiful Bed and Breakfast.

Each room is comfortable, but elegant, each with its own private bath room.

There is a common Kitchen that puts most to shame, and then there is the commercial kitchen where Shai works his magic.

There is a also large living areas shared by the four guest rooms, so you will have plenty of space to relax in.

Sunsets in the Hot Tub will be right up there, with the breakfasts, as some of your best memories of your trip.

So whether you are a resident or tourist, if you or someone you know is looking to have a one of a kind experience in Kona, the Lilikoi Inn is the place.

Upcoming Events November 15th to December 15th

Every Month we pick two events that stand out to us, as the things you don't want to miss. This month we had a hard time, but the two events are The Rainbow Raw Games and the 5th Annual Honoli'i Paka Aloha Aina Surfing Classic.

On November 20th- 23rd, there is an AMAZING event taking place in Pahoa, THE FIRST EVER RAINBOW RAW GAMES. This Hawaiian adventure for the whole family was created to raise awareness about the benefits of living a raw, organic lifestyle and is taking place at Kalani Honua, a gorgeous retreat nestled amongst tropical jungles and the Pacific Ocean in Puna.

The 5th Annual Honoli'i Paka Aloha Aina Surfing Classic takes place on November 22, 2008 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and whether the waves are big or small, there is sure to be fun for everybody. Honolii is home to the east sides best surfers, as the break offers consistent good waves almost year round. Even when it is knee high the waves are still fun for long boarding.

Well that's all for this month

Our Blog of Updates has the most current information listed in the order that we publish it, so check it out. Till next month,

2 Scoops Aloha

David and Leah

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