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    In This Issue:

  • Around the Island
  • Kauai Coming Events
  • Year Round Things To Do
  • A Little Bit of Laughter..
  • Real Estate Corner
  • What's Happening at HC
  • The Winner Is ..
    		•
    Brennecke's Beach Restoration
    Working in conjunction with County and State Governments, the Poipu Beach Resort Association has organized a campaign to restore Brennecke's Beach. The experts who were consulted estimate that it will take 160 loads of sand to fill up the "cell" on the ocean floor that was washed away during Hurricane Iniki.

    The County has agreed to provide the sand at no cost and the Poipu Beach Resort Association is soliciting donations from the private sector to haul the sand to the beach. The first thirty loads have already been dumped and with a few more donations, the second 30 loads can be hauled in.

    Anyone wishing to donate to the restoration should see details under "What's Happening at Hideaway Cove" further in this newsletter.



    Poipu Water Safety
    One of the more useful pieces of equipment available to the lifeguards at Poipu Beach is the water craft used for rescues in the open ocean. Known by popular names such as Jet Skis and Wave Riders, these craft are capable of getting to rescues very quickly and if need be towing an individual back to shore on an attached sled.

    Thanks to a $20,000 allocation by the County of Kauai, a new Koloa Rescue Craft Facility will be built at Poipu Beach. This building will permanently house the rescue craft, thus making Poipu's waters safer.

    Kukui Grove Renovation Continues
    The $12 million overhaul of Kauai Grove Center is entering its second and final phase. A new grand entrance next to Star Market has been completed and what a change. This actually looks like a new and modern center rather than the dowdy old place of yesteryear.

    Second half plans include a new entrance on the front of the center next to Macy's which will feature the island's first Starbucks Coffee, a Jamba Juice and a Cold Stone Creamery. The center stage area has been leveled and will be replaced with a new roof that covers the entire area between McDonalds and Sears. All in all the new look is very fresh and appealing.

    The hope is that the marquee names like Starbucks and Jamba Juice will attract additional tenants and give Kauai residents and visitors a shopping center worthy of a visit.


    Airport Improvements
    Over the next two years a multitude of improvements will be made to the Lihue airport. Beginning with the long overdue enlargement of the baggage claim areas, the work also includes the addition of a heliport and the expansion of the general aviation aprons at the airport. The work is being funded by the $10 million dollars approved by the state legislature.

    Bike Paths
    Speaking of improvements, work is nearly completed on the first leg of what will ultimately become a sixteen mile bicycle and pedestrian path stretching from Lihue to Anahola.

    A huge chunk of the path winds right along the ocean and will be roundly welcomed by all.


    Home Depot is Coming
    One of the most anticipated store openings in memory is Home Depot, slated for October of this year. It is long over due. Anyone on the mainland, with access to multiple home improvement centers, might not understand why we locals are so excited. Three words sum it up-selection, price and service. Currently we have no selection, pay inflated prices and suffer service that borders on criminal. Case in point.

    I was refinishing a deck when the drive belt broke on my Craftsman belt sander (the Sears brand). Besides the sandpaper that has to be replaced periodically, the belt is the most common part needing replacement. I don't think finding a replacement will be a big deal, so I drive 10 minutes to the nearby Hale Kauai (home improvement) store. They don't carry belts and suggest I go to Sears. That's another 20 minute drive, but what the heck I need the belt and it's still the middle of the day so I drive to Sears. The girl at the front counter of the sander department tells me they don't have replacement belts and directs me to the parts department, which is actually in another building.

    After walking five minutes to the parts department and waiting 10 minutes for the sole individual there to help someone else, I ask for my belt by showing her the old, broken one. She says she can't locate the belt on her computer without the serial number of the sander. Luckily, I brought the sander with me, so I walk the five minutes back to my truck, then drive the two minutes back to the parts store. Of course, she is helping another customer by now, and after waiting another 10 minutes, I hand her the sander, proudly pointing out the serial number.

    After imputing the serial number and looking on her computer for five minutes she replies "I can't find the belt" I come around behind the counter and after another five minutes determine she was looking on the wrong screen. We finally locate the belt and she says "We're out of stock, we'll have to order one." I am incredulous they don't stock one of the most common parts for one of their most common tools. But my biggest surprise is yet to come. The cost of the belt is $4.29 (not bad), however I have to pay a $4.80 shipping charge in order for the belt to arrive in 5 to 10 business days.

    And there's nothing I can do, there is no where else on the island to buy one. So I order the belt and as I'm leaving I say "You guys are really going to be in trouble when Home Depot arrives". "I know" she says, "I already have my application in there".


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    July 4
    14TH ANNUAL "4TH OF JULY CONCERT IN THE SKY"
    The largest one day event on Kauai to benefit Kauai Hospice. Over 8,000 residents and visitors of all ages celebrate July 4th at Vidinha Stadium with family fun, great food, continuous live entertainment and the most spectacular aerial fireworks! 3-9:30 p.m. Entertainment by Kalapana. Tickets: $7 in advanced thru July 3rd $10 at the gate. Children under 5 free. Information 808-246-2440

    July 5
    WONDERWALK GUIDED HIKE
    Pihea Trail - This strenuous rain forest hike takes you along the back ridge of Kalalau Valley and offers incredible views into the valley and across the canopy of the Alakai Swamp. Bring your binoculars to see the native and introduced birds found in the area. Michelle Hookano (808)335-9975

    July 5
    GARDEN ISLE ARTISAN FAIRE
    Garden Isle Artisan Faire, Saturday, July 5, Wai'oli Town Park, Hanalei. From 9-4 shoppers can browse through a fabulous array of handicrafts, products & tropical clothing by over 40 of Kauai's finest artisans! Hawaiian music all day featuring Keoni Lake! Food & shave ice! Free & open to the public. Judy Ta'afuli 245-9021

    July 6
    SLACK KEY GUITAR - HAWAII'S COWBOY MUSIC

    Sunday 3-4:30pm. Hanalei Community Center. Delightful afternoon concert of Hawaiian slack key guitar & ukulele with stories telling the history of the Hawaiian paniolo (cowboy). FREE gift drawing. Tickets $10 ($8 keiki/seniors) Seating Limited. Portion of proceeds support Hale Halawai Ohana o Hanalei. Aloha Plenty 826-1469

    July 8
    NISEI
    The struggles and victories of a WWII second-generation Japanese American soldier come alive in a stunning dance performance when Covenant Dance Theatre presents NISEI. A dancing homage to WWII Nisei veterans at Kauai Community College Performing Arts Center. Call for ticket & hour info at 1-888-598-8115. Information (808) 947-5702

    July 11 - 12
    OBON DANCE & FESTIVAL
    The season of remembrance of honoring the spirit of those that passed on celebrated with special services (7pm) and festival/Bon dance (8pm). Koloa Jodo Mission, 3480 Waikomo Road. Information: 808-742-6735

    July 11
    MO'O & MENEHUNE - SLACK KEY MUSIC & STORIES
    Friday 4-5:30pm. Hanalei Community Center. Hawaiian slack key guitar concert featuring legends of mo'o (lizards) and Menehune (ancient peoples). FREE gift drawing. Tickets $10 ($8 keiki/seniors) Seating Limited. Portion of proceeds support Hale Halawai Ohana o Hanalei. Aloha Plenty 826-1469

    July 12
    WONDERWALKS GUIDED HIKE
    Kokee Hale Manu Loop - Hale Manu or "House of Birds" was the home to many native species, which you may be fortunate to see, the 'apapane, friendly 'elepaio and perhaps even an 'i'iwi. A canopy of Hawaiian koa and 'ohi'a lehua trees will offer a welcome shade along this moderate forest hike. Michelle Hookano (808)335-9975

    July 13
    WONDERWALKS GUIDED HIKE
    Kaluapuhi Trail - This easy family hike takes you along native vegetation which mixes with introduced species, such as groves of plum and karaka nut trees. Michelle Hookano (808)335-9975

    July 17
    Mr. and Miss Heiva Pageant
    6:00 pm Tamara'a-Tahitian Feast, 7:30 pm Show at the Kauai Convention Hall. Blessing, opening ceremony, and pageant to welcome the dancers, drummers and supporters to our festival (July 18 - 20). Dinner and Show - $35.00, Show only - $10. Call: Tepairu Manea (808) 821-1299.

    July 18 -20
    Second Annual Heiva I Kauai
    10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at the Kukui Grove Pavilion. An international Tahitian Dance Competition featuring solo and group performances, plus Traditional & Contemporary drumming categories. Admission is $5 per day or $12 for 3 day passes. Children under 6 are free. Call: Tepairu Manea (808) 821-1299.

    July 19 to 27
    Koloa Plantation Days: Hana Bata Days - Growing up Plantation Style
    Enjoy a week of celebration in our town of Koloa! Starting with a sunset Hoolaulea (Hawaiian style block party) on Saturday, July 19, there will be sporting events, historic walks, rodeos, craft fairs, Polynesian Revue, Hawaiian games, Hawaiian entertainment and more including a Parade and Park Celebration on July 26. For a detailed Schedule of Events please call (808) 822-0734 or visit Koloa Plantation Days.

    July 26
    Mohala Hou-Music of the Hawaiian Renaissance
    8:00 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center, Kauai Community College, Lihue Keola Beamer is one of Hawaii's premier singer/songwriters, arrangers, composers, and slack key guitarists. Join him at this Hawaiian concert. Call: 1-888-KBEAMER.

    July 28
    Hawaiian Sailing Canoe Association
    3:00 p.m. at Nawiliwili Harbor. The Hawaiian Sailing Canoe Association and Aston Hotels and Resorts will be staging its biggest race of 2003. 15 Hawaiian sailing canoes will leave Haleiwa, Oahu on July 28th at approx. 7:00 am crossing the channel that connects Oahu to Kauai. This race will be the longest race of the season. The 6-man and 6-women crews will paddle and sail 90 miles in their Hawaiian sailing canoes that are 47 feet long and approx. 3 feet wide, to Nawiliwili Harbor on the island of Kauai. All are welcome to meet them in front of the hotels in Nawiliwili Harbor. The first sailing canoes should start to arrive at approx. 3:00 pm. Come down and cheer on these crews, meet the captains, see the sailing canoes and enjoy an afternoon of excitement and sheer beauty of these vessels of Hawaii's yesteryear. Call: (808) 262-4681 or visit their site.

    August 4
    Statewide Canoe Races
    The Hawaii Canoe Racing Association holds its annual Statewide Canoe Races in Hanalei Bay, all day beginning at 8:00 AM. Come see the beautiful koa hardwood outrigger canoes, and join the festivities at Hanalei Pavilion.

    August 5
    Local Canoe Racing
    At 8:00 AM, the Napali Challenge takes to the water from Hanalei Pavilion. Around lunchtime the paddlers will reach Kekaha on the West Side, where an award ceremony will be held in the park. For more information, call Pomai Kane at 808-245-4618.

    August 18
    King and Queen to be installed
    For over 50 years, the Aloha Festivals have celebrated Hawaii's music, dance and history. In a special ceremony by the Wailua River in Kapaa, the chosen King and Queen will be installed Monday August 18th at 10:00 AM. Prayers, music and hula will be offered at the Heiau (ancient Hawaiian temple site). For information and directions call 808-245-8508. After the ceremony, a Royal Court Luncheon and Craft Fair will take place at the nearby Aloha Kauai Resort at 11:00 AM, featuring Hawaiian entertainment, arts & crafts. For further information call 808-823-6000.

    August 16-19
    Love Those Orchids Show
    Hundreds of varieties of orchids will be on display and for sale at the 2003 Garden Island Orchid Show, Monday to Thursday August 16-19 at the Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall in Lihue. The show will feature orchid-growing lectures and demonstrations. For further information call 808-247-3345.

    August 17
    Admissions Day is a holiday
    All state offices are closed on the 3rd Friday of August each year, to honor the day that Hawaii became America's 50th state in 1959. Admissions Day falls on Friday August 17th this year. For information call 808-245-3971.



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    Every Friday night from 5 - 9 p.m. is Hanapepe Art Night and is unique.
    Participating galleries take turns being the weekly host gallery, offering original performances or demonstrations which become the theme for that art night. All the galleries are lit up and decked out, giving the town a special atmosphere. Enjoy a stroll down the streets of quaint, historic Hanapepe Town and meet the local artists. This is also the only night the Hanapepe Cafe is open (it's otherwise open for breakfast and lunch) and it is a wonderful restaurant serving vegetarian fare. For Art Night info, call Lew or Annette Shortridge at (808) 335-0343.

    Enjoy free hula shows at the following locations:
  • Seaview Terrace at Hyatt Regency Resort & Spa, Poipu, 6:00 - 8:00 PM. Be sure and call (808) 742-1234 to double check the type of performance. Some nights there is guitar music, others keiki hula with young children performing. If you've never seen 3-9 years olds doing the hula, you should go. It's really a joy to watch.

  • 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. Also enjoy live jazz here on Sunday afternoons.

    The free Tiare Tahiti Dance Show takes place Monday & Thursday evenings at 5:00 PM, in the courtyard of Poipu Shopping Village. Call (808) 742-2831.

    Watch Hawaiian crafts being created at the Hui Aloha
    (friendly get-together) in the Sheraton Garden Court Lobby in Poipu from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. This daily display features everything from coconut hats to Niihau shell leis, lauhala baskets and more. Call (808) 742-1661 for further information.

    Monday through Thursday go on Crater Hill Hikes.
    From the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge Visitor's Center, you can join this 2 to 2-1/2 hour hike. Guides discuss the geology of the island and Crater Hill, seabirds and migratory birds, native plants, and marine wildlife that visit Kilauea Point. Spectacular setting including historic Kilauea Point Lighthouse, visitor's center, and grounds open all day. Free with paid entry fee of $3 to the Wildlife Refuge. Call (808) 828-0168 for reservations.

    Monday through Friday take a Gay & Robinson Tour.
    See Makaweli's sugar irrigation systems Mon - Fri, 8 - 4 p.m. Exhibits show the 17.5 mile Koula Ditch, 13 mile Olokele Ditch, and history of Gay & Robinson, Olokele and Hawaiian Sugar Co. plantations. Free. Call (808) 335-2824.

    Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays go for a Kapaa History Tour.
    Take walking tours through Kapaa town. Meet at Pono Kai Resort lobby at 10 am. Call (808) 245-3373 for reservations.

    Tuesdays through Saturdays take the kids to the Kauai Children's Discovery Museum.
    "Deep Sea Giants" is an amazing interactive exhibit of robotic ocean creatures. Permanent exhibits include multi-cultural keiki village, coral reef at night, virtual reality stations, magic tree house library and more. Admission is $4.50/$3.50. Located at Kauai Village Shopping Center in Kapaa. Daily summer camp is offered weekdays. For more information call (808) 823-8222.

    Mondays are reserved for the Historic Waimea Walking Tour.
    This 90 minute tour offers a glimpse of historic Waimea town Mondays at 9:30 a.m. Call (808)338-1332.

    Mondays through Fridays enjoy a Sugar Mill Tour.
    This two-hour field and factory tour is given twice daily at 9 a.m. and at 1 p.m. There is an admission charge for the tour, but admission to the Visitor Center is free and is open 8 - 4. Kaumakani Ave. Call (808)335-2824 for reservations.

    Mondays through Fridays take advantage of any one of a number of Garden Tours.
    North shore Limahuli Garden: Restored ancient taro fields, rare species, and spectacular views. (808) 826-1053. Kalaheo Allerton Garden: Exquisite statuary and reflecting pools plus amazing flora. (808) 742-2623. Na Aina Kai: Contemporary sculptures and wonderful grounds. (808) 828-1525.

    Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays stroll back in time with a Walking Tour of Old Waimea Sugar Plantation and Cottages.
    The tour meets at 9:00 a.m. and lasts approximately 90 minutes. Volunteers lead you through Waimea Plantation Cottages, a vacation resort of restored plantation houses, and the neighboring Waimea Sugar Company "camp" of houses dating to the turn of the century. Tours are limited to 12 people. For reservations please call (808) 335-2824.

    Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays take a Kauai Museum Tour.
    Free tours at 10 am with admission. Docents provide interpretation of Kauai and Niihau culture as they lead tours through the Museum's galleries. Call (808) 245-6931 for more information.

    Fridays and Sundays perk up your ears for Hawaiian Slack Key Music Concerts.
    Enjoy a delightful afternoon of live slack key guitar and ukulele with stories of the history of the music, Kauai, endangered species, and more. Free gift drawing! Tickets $10 ($8 keiki/kupuna). Hanalei Community Center - Fridays at 4 p.m., Sundays at 3 p.m. For more information call (808) 826-1469.


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    A Little Bit Of Laughter



    No Respect
    My boss was complaining in our staff meeting the other day that he wasn't getting any respect. Later that morning he went to a local sign shop and bought a small sign that read, "I'm the Boss". He then taped it to his office door.

    Later that day when he returned from lunch, he found that someone had taped a note to the sign that said, "Your wife called. She wants her sign back!"



    Two Lawyers
    Two lawyers are in a bank, when suddenly armed robbers burst in. Two of the robbers begin taking the money from the teller's cash drawers while two others line the customers, including the two lawyers, up against a wall. They then proceed to walk down the line of customers taking wallets, watches, and other valuables. While all of this is going on, the first lawyer suddenly jams something into the other lawyer's hand.

    Not wanting to attract attention by looking down to see what was in his hand, the second lawyer whispers, "What's this?"

    Lawyer number one whispers back, "It's the $50 I owe you."


    Lesson Learned
    I was a happy man.

    My girlfriend and I had been dating for over a year and we decided to get married. My parents helped us in every way; my friends encouraged me, and my girlfriend? She was a dream!

    There was only one thing bothering me, and that was my mother-in-law to be. She was a career woman, smart, but most of all beautiful and sexy, who sometimes flirted with me, quite obviously too, and made me feel uncomfortable.

    One day she called and asked me to come over to check the wedding invitations.

    So I went. She was alone, and when I arrived she whispered to me that soon I was to be married and she had feelings and desires for me that she couldn't overcome. So before I got married and committed my life to her daughter, she wanted to make love to me just once.

    What could I say? I was in total shock, and speechless.

    So, she said, "I'll go to the bedroom, and if you are up for it, just come and get me." I just stood there and watched her attractive figure as she went up the stairs. A moment passed and I made up my mind. I turned around, went to the front door, opened it, and stepped out of the house.

    Her husband was standing outside, and with tears in his eyes, hugged me and said "We are very happy and pleased; you have passed our little test. We couldn't have asked for a better man for our daughter. Welcome to the family!"

    Lesson learned: Always keep your condoms in your car.

    Good Comeback
    An elementary school teacher in a small, rural Texas town decides to see how politically aware her pupils are. She asks her class how many of them are Bush fans.

    Not really knowing what a Bush fan is, but wanting to be liked by the teacher, all the kids raise their hands except one boy, Johnny. The teacher asks Johnny why he has decided to be different. Johnny says, "I'm not trying to be different, I'm just not a Bush fan."

    The teacher says, "Why aren't you a Bush fan?" Johnny says, "Because I'm an Al Gore fan" The teacher asks why he's an Al Gore fan. The boy says, "Well, my mom's an Al Gore fan and my dad's an Al Gore fan, so I'm an Al Gore fan too!"

    By this time the teacher is pretty upset, because after all this is Texas, so she says, "What if your mom was a moron and your dad was an idiot, what would that make you?" Without missing a beat Johnny smiles and says, "That would make me a Bush fan."


    Floral Greetings
    A new business was opening and one of the owner's friends wanted to send him flowers for the occasion. A beautiful bouquet arrived at the new business site with a card that read "Rest in Peace." The owner was angry and called the florist to complain. After he had told the florist of the obvious mistake and how angry he was, the florist replied, "Sir, I'm really sorry for the mistake, but rather than getting angry, you should imagine this: somewhere in our city there is a funeral taking place today. And they have received your flowers with a card that reads "Congratulations on your new location!"


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    Real Estate Corner

    The real estate market on Kauai is experiencing one of the most robust growth periods in many years. Prices here stagnated after Hurricane Iniki in 1992 and remained that way right on into the twenty first century. No single event was responsible for the real estate recovery. Increased visitor traffic to the island and low interest rates certainly were significant contributing factors. When the dot com bubble burst and with it the dreams many had of making a fortune in the stock market, real estate suddenly looked like a far safer place to invest.

    With a population just under 60,000, Kauai has never been a huge market in terms of total properties offered for sale. And the rules of supply and demand apply here, just like they do on the mainland. When there is very little demand and ample supply (inventory of homes for sale), prices are weak. When there is great demand, such as we have today, the existing inventory of homes is sold very quickly and prices rapidly accelerate.

    Year to date, total real estate sales on Kauai are up in every category over 2002. The median price of a home on Kauai is now $345,000, a 38% increase over last year. Condo prices are up 14% to $248,000 and raw land sale prices rose 47% in the past year to $220,000. Prices are even higher on the desirable south shore of Kauai which includes Poipu, Koloa, Lawai, Omao and Kalaheo. Median prices there were $504,000 for a single family home, $426,000 for a condominium and $227,000 for vacant land.

    A logical question to ask is how much longer can this rapid pace of price increases continue? No one, of course, has the answer to that question. However, if Kauai prices today are compared to those on the other Hawaiian Islands, particularly Maui and Oahu, we have quite a bit of upward movement left in this market. Many of today's buyers are coming from the mainland and actually consider Kauai prices, especially those near the water, to be quite reasonable.

    An acquaintance of mine purchased a 15,000 square foot lot in Poipu a year ago for $425,000. He intended to split the lot into two parcels, custom build a home on each one and then sell the houses. He had completed the lot split, had plans drawn for the two houses and was ready to submit the plans to the County for approval. Along comes another investor from California and offers $800,000 for the lot. What could he do, he sold, although he may wish he hadn't.

    Least anyone think the new buyer was nuts, he was comparing prices near the ocean in California (this lot in Kauai was 100 yards from the ocean) and considered $800,000 to be a bargain. Looks like he was right, because an identical lot on this same Poipu street (but a little further from the ocean) just went into escrow for $975,000.



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    What's Happenning At Hideaway Cove

    I wrote in an earlier edition about the efforts of the Poipu Beach Resort Association to restore Brennecke's Beach to its former glory. What some of our readers may not know is that prior to our two hurricanes (Iwa in 1980 and Iniki in 1992), Brenneckes Beach was a huge white sand beach. The Brenneckes of today is about one third of its former size.

    Working in conjunction with County and State officials, the Poipu Beach Resort Association has begun a project to restore the beach. Although the sand is obtained free from another part of the island, there is a cost for the trucks to haul it. Each 18 yard load of sand costs $140 to haul.

    We got to thinking that this project will directly benefit our guests at Hideaway Cove so we've decided to donate $10 from each guest that stays with us toward this project. We will also be asking each guest to match our donation. Although ten dollars isn't much individually, together we could make a significant contribution.

    Any of our past guests, or readers of this newsletter, wishing to contribute to the restoration of Brenneckes Beach should send us a check for $10 (or more). Our address is P.O. Box 1113, Koloa, HI 96756 and the checks should be made payable to the Poipu Beach Foundation. On the line at the bottom of your check you can put Hideaway Cove.

    We will collect the checks and forward them to the Foundation as a group each time they add up to $420 for three loads of sand. We'll give you an update on our progress in future issues of FYI.


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    And the Winner Is..





    Congratulations to Jeff and Julie Linde of Atlanta, Georgia for winning a $300 credit toward a future stay at Hideaway Cove. Good luck to everyone for our next drawing. The winner will be announced in our next issue.







    Brought to you by:
    HIDEAWAY COVE VILLAS at Poipu Beach
    "Your Home Away From Home"
    2315 Nalo Road
    Koloa, Kauai, HI 96756
    Call Us TOLL FREE at 866-849-2426
    Web Site: http://www.hideawaycove.com
    E-Mail: herblee@hideawaycove.com