Happy Camper for Saturday, March 22, 2025

Wednesday is the day we celebrate the birth of Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole Piikoi who was born here on Kauai at an area near where the present Prince Kuhio Park is located. It is a state and county holiday, and a perfect opportunity to meet the members of Na Kahu o Hoai and their cultural activities guests like Dr. Kaimiloa Chrisman, John Kaohelaulii, Kumu Kehau Kekua, and Little Miso storyteller Victoria Lam. Should make for an interesting day celebrating the birth of Prince Kuhio, including sweat equity trying to restore the planned cultural preserve next to the Prince Kuhio Park.

Kudos and congratulations to the first paid intern lifeguards who passed their week beyond expectations, including Island School student Kolohai Kuhaulua who was injured during the girls flag football games on Thursday night, but was able to rebound for the 1,000 Swim/Run on Friday before getting on a plane to participate in a track meet at Punahou School. On top of that, Island School might not have won against Waimea High School, but Kolohai scored the Voyagers’ only touchdown against the Menehune … definitely rocking!

And kudos to Benny Galiza and Macie Macadangdang of Mailani who celebrated the clothing fashion suppliers with what Benny described as the last pop up before the Merrie Monarch (yes, Mailani has been accepted as a vendor for the prestigious Hilo hula festival). The pop up at Kukui Grove is open on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m.

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Dennis Fujimoto can be reached at 245-0453 or at dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.