We stopped in yesterday, and once again those orchidnistas have out-done themseslves!

Thousands of orchids are on display and for sale in this colorful three-day extravaganza. Experts offer demonstrations, growing tips and more. Admission is by donation at the door. At the Edith Kanakaole Multi-Purpose Stadium in Hilo. 9 – 9 Friday, 9 – 5 Saturday and 10 – 2 Sunday. Information call (808) 933-9772 or amoon@bigisland.com

UPDATE FROM THIS EVENT’S PRODUCERS: Due to unexpected demand for our production of Kāmau, we have added more show dates. The updated show dates are August 14, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 at Ulua Theatre in Volcano Village. Some of these show dates are already sold out. The added new dates offer Sunday matinee shows at 2pm on August 17 and 24. Other evening shows begin at 7:30pm.

This month, the Eash Hawa‘i Island-based creative folks behind the non-profit Bare & Core Expression are mounting a stage production that we think will be a memorable event, “Kāmau,” by Alani Apio.

The play tells a tragic story of a Hawaiian family who is torn between preserving the tradition and surviving in the modern world. The play unfolds a story of an unfortunate family through three cousins. The production features a group of talented local actors. One of three cousins will be performed by a well-known actor, Jason Scott Lee. Lee’s acting career in films is well known to many. He is the founder of the Ulua Theatre at Pu Mu. At Pu Mu, conservation, fishing, farming, and reforestation is emphasized as well as the arts, to blend the aspects of conscious living, food as medicine, and the observation of nature in order to provide inspiration, education, and healing.
The main lead character, Alika, will be performed by Christian Pa, a recent graduate of Kamehameha School. He performed in Kamehameha School’s musical productions, including Jesus Christ Superstar. This will be his first appearance in community theater productions. Ron Serrao will also portray one of the cousins. He has done numerous local Hawaii play performances on the Big Island as well as for Kumu Kahua Theatre on Oahu. Some of his acting credits for TV series are “One West Waikiki” with Cheryl Ladd, and “Marker” with Richard Greico. Other veteran actors in the show include Desiree Cruz, Laura Caswell, Susan McGovern, Angela Nakamura, Jay Robinson, and Kalani Spain who have been in many theater productions and performances on the Big Island. This local premiere of Kamau is directed by Bonnie Kim, the founder and director of Bare & Core Expression.
Alani Apio is a noted Hawaiian playwright, sculptor, and actor from the island of O’ahu. His plays Kamau and its sequel Kamau A’e tackle complex issues related to Hawaiian sovereignty and family relationships. Both plays were produced for the stage by the Kumu Kahua Theat
The performances are scheduled for August 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23 at 7:30pm at Ulua Theatre.
Info about tickets, and more details on the peformances can be found online at www.bareandcore.org

On the way back from an appointment on the moped this morning, I stopped into Rozette’s Nursery in Hawaiian Paradise Park to talk story about the plants I had purchased from them at the end of June. If you read this blog, you’ve undoubtedly seen my entries (and video!) about my firsttime home vegetable garden experiences. Its been an amazing thing.
Few things happened on my visit: (1) we’ve effectively engaged the owners of Rozette’s into becoming a part of the E Malama Aina Fest in November, (2) they gave me some good advice on my gardening issues at home, and (3) they showed me their efforts at vegetable container gardening.
Suffice to say, the container garden that they’ve got going simply blew me away. This is something that anyone with a 5′ square of ground can erect in a day, and in a few weeks begin harvesting delicious veggies to feed the family. Check out the pics I took on my nifty Mobi cellphone cam, and visit Rozette’s Nursury in Hawaiian Paradise Park on Shower & 26th, tel. (808) 966-8778.

Knowledge is powerful. Knowledge affords you options. It helps you establish strategies that’ll support you and your family in the longrun. I won’t spend oodles of time on this subject within the parameters of KBR.com, however, we’d be deeply remiss (and frankly, far from pono) in not urging our KBR ‘ohana to make the connection regarding the direct impact of the oil crisis, continually rising costs, and the serious affects on the horizon.
One excellent place to begin the learning process is the website of our friend and long-term supporter, Richard Ha and Hamakua Springs Country Farms. His blog, http://hahaha.hamakuasprings.com offers information that you’d think every major media outlet in Hawaii would place as headline news. Alas, they don’t. So again we urge you to make the connection.
Because the lack of knowlege in this particular area is frightening.
Your friends at KBR, urging you take action and really, to Mālama ka ‘āina.

There’s never been a better time to Holoholo on Hawai’i Island! Our current episode follows a couple of our friends as we take them on a yummy weekend of fun!