I hate this time of year. Not for its crass commercialism and forced frivolity, but because it's the season when the food police come out with their wagging fingers and annual tips on how to get through the holidays without gaining 10 pounds. You can't pick up a magazine without finding a list of holiday eating dos and don'ts.  Eliminate second helpings, high calorie sauces and cookies made with butter, they say. Fill up on vegetable sticks, they say. Good grief. Is your favorite childhood memory of Christmas a carrot stick? I didn't think so. Isn't mine, either. A carrot was something you left for Rudolph. I have my own list of tips for holiday eating. I assure you, if you follow them, you'll be fat and happy.  So what if you don't make it to New Year's? Your pants won't fit anymore, anyway.

1.  About those carrot sticks. Avoid them. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.

2.  Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. Like fine single-malt scotch, it's rare. In fact, it's even rarer than single-malt scotch. You can't find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an egg-nogaholic or something. It's a treat.  Enjoy it. Have one for me.  Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!

3.  If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.

4.  As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.

5.  Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello? Remember college?

6.  Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.

7.  If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge.  Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. You can't leave them behind. You're not going to see them again.

8.  Same for pies. Apple. Pumpkin. Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or, if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?

9.  Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards, mate.

10.  And one final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Reread tips. Start over. But hurry! Cookie less January is just around the corner.

POIPU VILLAGE SHOPPING CENTER
The Kauai Planning Commission has approved a tripling in size for the Poipu Village Shopping Center located one mile from Hideaway Cove.  Plans include a medium sized supermarket by a known major grocer (name to be announced) as well as many additional restaurants and shops.  And best of all, there will be lots more parking for all.

KOLOA BYPASS COMPLETED (FINALLY)
The Koloa bypass road, Phase II has been completed.  The County had to step in and use surety bond money to complete the project after the low bidder failed to complete the project on time.  The new road is beautiful and will decrease your travel time to Poipu.

PORT ALLEN TO EXPAND
Alexander and Baldwin has announced plans for the improvement of Port Allen.  The 4.5 million dollar project has been eagerly awaited as many of the boating companies formerly located in Hanalei on the north shore of Kauai have relocated to Port Allen.  Phase one plans call for 25,000 square feet of retail space and additional warehouse space.  Phase II anticipates construction of a waterfront restaurant as well as additional retail and warehouse space.  Construction is slated to begin prior to the end of this year (not much time left now) and be completed in late 2002.

GROVE FARM 
Now that Steve Case, Honolulu native, founder of America Online and chairman of AOL Time Warner, has taken over ownership of Grove Farm, expansion plans are being announced.  The company is planning a Lihue project, a 225 lot subdivision  on the land between the Kukui Grove Shopping Center and the new Middle School. 

KUKUI GROVE SPRUCES UP
Speaking of Kukui Grove, which is also owned by Grove Farm, Sears has received an exterior facelift in what could be a new look for the entire center.  The old dry rotting wood has been covered and fresh stucco applied.  The overall effect is a much more modern and clean look.  Also, one of our favorite restaurants, La Bamba, with some of the best Mexican food in the islands has relocated right next to Sears.  Good luck to them!

PUAKEA GOLF COURSE
Later this month, Grove Farm will go before the Kauai Planning Commission with revised master plans for its Puakea Golf Course.  The 10-hole course will be built out to 18 holes, with plans also calling for a new clubhouse, cart barn, maintenance building and new driving range.

CRUISING IN THE ISLANDS
Although the Company that operated the only two cruise ships plying Hawaiian waters has filed for bankruptcy, other cruise lines appear ready to pick up the slack.  Holland America and Norwegian Cruise Lines have announced plans to cruise the Hawaiian Islands.  And the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee has approved $100,000 for improvements to our Nawiliwili Harbor so that larger ships can be accommodated.  Right now it's a tight squeeze for the big ones.

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Adding this building to the Hideaway Cove family is a perfect fit.  The new additions (and their new names) include the Oceanview Villa, a huge 2800 square foot 3 bedroom 2 bath; the Surfside Villa, a 1300 sq. ft.  2 bedroom, 2 bath; the Royal Palm Villa, a single story 1100 sq. ft.  2 bedroom, 2 bath and the Beachcomber, a cozy studio. 

Best of all, the Oceanview and Surfside Villas are connected, allowing us to combine them into one 4200 sq. ft. five bedroom, four bath Villa which will be perfect for large groups and family reunions.  The Royal Palm and Beachcomber can also combine into a spacious three bedroom three bath.

We look forward to this new project and have a lot of work ahead of us to bring this property up to the same standards you have come to expect of us at Hideaway Cove.  This will mean replacing virtually everything in the Villas as well as doing extensive changes to the exterior landscaping. 

We will begin to immediately renovate the Royal Palm and Beachcomber followed by the Oceanview and Surfside.  Expect everything to be completed by July 1st.  Wish us luck! 

Photos of the new building exteriors and interiors are posted on our web site at www.hideawaycove.com then click on Villas & Rates.

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WAIMEA LIGHTED CHRISTMAS PARADE - December 22, 2001
Waimea Town holds its annual lighted Christmas Parade. Led by the Fire Dept.'s red engines, the parade route winds through town stopping at the hospital and care home before hitting Waimea's main street and ending at Hofgaard Park. Caroling and refreshments. Free. Join us as a community that celebrates the spirit of the season all year 'round. Approximate start time 6:15 - 7pm. West Kauai Main Street Hotline (808) 338-9957 Chris (808) 337-1005

FIRST NIGHT KAUAI STYLE - December 31, 2001
This Annual New Year's Eve Cultural Festival is held in the immediate vicinity of the county facilities on Rice Street, Lihue from 6 PM to 1 AM. This family-oriented, alcohol and drug-free New Year's Eve celebration includes multicultural dance/music, foods, entertainment, crafts and other activities, sponsored by Kauai Habitat for Humanity. Call: La Verne Bessert at 1-888-822-7002 or e-mail to habitat@aloha.net.
 
 

TO BE ANNOUNCED:
Be sure to check out the next issue of FYI Kauai
for the latest Events & Happenings Around the Island!

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KILAUEA POINT LIGHTHOUSE
Every day throughout the year (except Christmas & New Year's), Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge leads guided hikes up the one-mile trail to the top of Crater Hill. Beginning at 10:00 AM and lasting about 2 hours, the hike starts at Kilauea Lighthouse and includes discussion of Kauai's geology & birds as well as marine & plant life. The walk is free with $2.00 admission to the Refuge. Bring your camera to capture the spectacular panoramas & seabird sights. For further information call 808-828-0168.

• Seaview Terrace at Hyatt Regency Resort & Spa, Poipu, 6:00 - 8:00 PM daily Call 808-742-1234 
• Kukui's Restaurant at Kauai Marriott Resort & Beach Club, Lihue (on Kalapaki Bay), Wednesday & Saturday shows, 6:30 PM and 8:00 PM.  Call 808-245-5050 
• Coconut Marketplace, Kapaa, 5:00 PM daily (programs vary).  Call 808-822-3641 
• Happy Talk Lounge at Hanalei Bay Resort, Princeville, Tuesdays 6:30 - 9:30 PM - call 808-826-6522

For tour dates and visitor guidelines, e-mail the Monastery or call 808-822-3012 ext. 237.

• Knudsen Park, Koloa - Monday market meets 12:00 PM 
• Kalaheo Neighborhood Center - Tuesday's is 3:30 PM 
• Kapaa New Town Park - Wednesday's is 3:00 PM 
• Hanapepe Town Park - Thursday at 3:30 PM
• Kilauea Neighborhood Center - Thursday at 4:30 PM
• Lihue at the Vidinha Stadium parking lot - Friday's market is 3:00 PM 
• Kekaha Neighborhood Center - Saturday's is 9:00 AM

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We're very pleased to announce that Kory Benge of Greely, Colorado is the lucky winner of our semi-monthly drawing for a FREE three night stay at Hideaway Cove.

Best of luck to everyone else for our next drawing at the end of February!

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