Join The Book Club at the Kona Public Library on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 for its free monthly meeting; new members are welcome. They will be welcoming national best-selling author and Big Island resident Mia King to discuss her second novel, Sweet Life, from 11 am. to 1 p.m. on the library’s lanai.

Mia King’s novels are selections of the Literary Guild, Doubleday, Rhapsody and Book of the Month Club. King and her husband live in Waimea with their three young children. She will discuss the book and also answer questions about her books and the writing process. Light refreshments will be served.

For more information, call 325-5445, email folk@folkhawaii.com or visit www.folkhawaii.com

Answer a lot of survey questions from West Hawaii Today, and be entered into a contest to win a prize.

Welcome to West Hawaii Today/Westhawaiitoday.com newspaper and website readership survey. You must be at least 18 years old to respond to this survey.

We’re asking readers and online visitors like you their opinions about how they use the newspaper and Internet. Your information will be kept confidential and will be used for this survey’s purposes only. We are not selling anything. The survey should take approximately 30 minutes to complete.

Each visitor who completes this survey and enters his or her e-mail address (see Rules & Privacy Statement by using the link at the bottom of the page) will be entered to win the Grand Prize of $1,000! This is a nationwide sweepstakes and does not guarantee a reader of West Hawaii Today/Westhawaiitoday.com will win.

The West Hawaii Today has teamed up with Kona MacNet to offer a 32GB iPod Touch (2 prizes) and with Kona Boys to offer an 11′ C4 Pohaku Paddleboard and Paddle. A third local prize of $250 in Cash is also being offered!

Yesterday we told you about the Kailua Village Stroll coming up. It’s on Sunday, March 21, 2010 from 1-6 p.m.

In conjunction with that, the Daughters of Hawai‘i and the Calabash Cousins present a free concert at 4 p.m. that day at Hulihe‘e Palace. It’s in memory of Prince Kuhio and Queen Ka‘ahumanu.

Enjoy the voices of the Merrie Monarchs accompanied by the Hulihe‘e Palace Band. Kindly bring a beach mat or chair as seating won’t be provided.

Concert goers are encouraged to take advantage of the free “chair check” conveniently located across from the palace and enjoy the Kokua Kailua Village Stroll from 1-6 p.m. During the Village Stroll, Ali’i Drive is turned into a pedestrian mall and musicians and artists take to the street in a fun and festive family atmosphere. Kokua Kailua is sponsored by four local business organizations, Hulihe‘e Palace and Pacific Radio Group.

Known as the Citizen Prince, Kuhio was born on Kaua‘i and raised by his aunt and uncle, Queen Kapiolani and King Kalakaua, to become successor to the royal throne. After Hawai‘i became a U.S. territory, the Republican Party persuaded Kuhio to enter politics.
 
 “Kuhio was named Hawai‘i’s second delegate to the U.S. Congress in 1902 and served the post 10 times,” says Fanny Au Hoy, palace administrator. “Honored today as the father of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Kuhio secured an area of the Big Island’s Kilauea Volcano in 1916 for public enjoyment. He was the driving force behind the development of Pearl Harbor and instituted the Hawaiian Homestead Commission.”
 
Queen Ka‘ahumanu, who hailed from Hana, Maui, was the favorite wife of Kamehameha the Great.  “Though much younger than Continue reading Hulihee Palace Band Plays Free – 3/21

This weekend at the Honoka‘a People’s Theatre, it’s Valentine’s Day. You know, the movie.

It’s showing on Thursday, March 11, 2010; Saturday, March 13; Sunday, March 14 and Tuesday, March 16; at 7 p.m. each day.

Prices are low: $6 for adults, $4 seniors, and only $3 for children 12 and under. For more information, call 775-0000.

VALENTINES DAY (PG-13)

Comedy and Romance. 1 hr 57 min. An all-star ensemble cast comes together in “Valentine’s Day,” which follows the intertwining storylines of a diverse group of Los Angelenos as they navigate their way through romance and heartbreak over the course of one Valentine’s Day. Couples and singles experience the pinnacles and pitfalls of finding, keeping or ending relationships in a day in the life of love.

Directed by veteran filmmaker Garry Marshall, the film stars Jessica Alba (”Fantastic Four”), Academy Award winner Kathy Bates (”Misery”), Jessica Biel (”I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry”), Bradley Cooper (”The Hangover”), Eric Dane (TV’s “Grey’s Anatomy”), Patrick Dempsey (”Enchanted”), Hector Elizondo (the “Princess Diaries” films), Academy Award winner Jamie Foxx (”Ray”), Jennifer Garner (”Juno”), Topher Grace (”Spider-Man 3″), Academy Award nominee Anne Hathaway (”Rachel Getting Married”), Ashton Kutcher (”What Happens in Vegas”), Academy Award nominee Queen Latifah (”Chicago”), Taylor Lautner (”The Twilight Saga: New Moon”), George Lopez (”Beverly Hills Chihuahua”), Academy Award winner Shirley MacLaine (”Terms of Endearment”), Emma Roberts (”Hotel for Dogs”), Academy Award winner Julia Roberts (”Erin Brockovich”) and award-winning singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, in her feature film debut.

If it’s time for you to schedule a family portrait, or one of your keiki, you’ll want to know about these coupons from Sears. Valid through June 30, 2010, there are several savings opportunities to choose from: get a free classic wall portrait, a free character collage, take an extra 20% off, and others. Click through to read the fine print (always, with the fine print!) and print out your coupons.

Mark your calendar that Saturday, March 20, 2010 is Aloha Saturday in Hilo’s Kalakaua Park from noon to 4 p.m. It’s a free event and a perfect excuse to relax in the fresh air and enjoy a beautiful afternoon.

Aloha Saturday will feature Sean Robbins, Stan Kaina and the Gracious Ladies, Hula Halau Ke Olu Makani O Mauna Loa and the Sons of Kaimu.

It’s another free Kokua Kailua Village Stroll on Sunday, March 21, 2010 from 1 to 6 p.m. Ali‘i Drive is converted into a pedestrian-only marketplace for the free monthly event. Restaurants have special offers and local shopkeepers, unique merchandise. Massage therapists will be offering on-the-spot relaxation, and artists will display their koa wood art, paintings and glass art. Children can have their face painted. And there is the incomparable oceanfront setting along scenic Kailua Bay.

More than 95 establishments are participating.

There will be Kailua Village restaurant gift certificate drawings at 2:30, 3:30 and 5:45 p.m.

And at 4 p.m., there is a free concert on the lawn at Hulihe‘e Palace.

The Keauhou Beach Resort invites you to a free celebration of its 40th anniversary on Sunday, March 28, 2010 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The community is welcome to join in on the festivities at the Royal Lu‘au Grounds, such as made in Hawaii arts and crafts, Hawaiian makahiki games, a cultural tent, Hawaiian plate lunches and (non-alcoholic) beverages for sale, as well as a full array of entertainment.

General Manager Paul Horner tells us to bring our beach chairs and mats, find a spot on the lu‘au grounds and kick back and relax for a fun day. There is free parking; no outside food or coolers please. Kama‘aina rates are available if you want to make a weekend of it.

Here’s the schedule of events:

Made in Hawaii Arts & Crafters

7:00 am – 3:00 pm

·         Hawaiian Printed Bags, Hawaiian wood pendants, Lauhala weaving, black pearls and other goodies.

Hale `Imi Na`auao cultural tent (located in the Punawai Gardens)

10:00 am – 2:00 pm

·         Makahiki Games

·         Hawaiian Language

·         Lei Making (Wili Ti-leaf)

·         Beginning Hula

Entertainment (Royal Lu‘au Grounds)

9:00 am – 3:00 pm

·         Opening Ceremony with Employee Chant (E ala e)

·         Kumu Keala Ching, Ka Pa Hula Na Wai Iwi Ola

·         Alula with Rolinda Bean

·         Special Guest artist Aunty Diana Aki

·         Kumu Aloha Victor with Halau Kala‘akeakauikawekiu

·         Kumu Wayne Takemoto with Halau Ka‘ulaokalani o Kona

·         Aloha ‘Aina

The Keauhou Beach Resort, which is managed by Outrigger Enterprises Group, sits along the Kona Coast of Hawaii’s Big Island and enjoys a prime oceanfront setting with tide pools sheltering sea turtles and reef fish out front and Kahalu`u Bay Beach Park, one of the best snorkeling beaches on the island, right next door. The hotel offers 309 guest rooms and suites, meeting facilities, a restaurant and lounge, fitness room, salon and spa services, tennis courts, pool, shopping, ancient historical sites and Hawaiian cultural programs for adults and children.

When staying at the Keauhou Beach Resort, all guests enjoy a free daily self-service buffet breakfast that includes morning favorites such as scrambled eggs, steamed rice, pancakes, maple and coconut syrup, hash browns or breakfast potatoes, bacon or Portuguese sausage or link sausage, oatmeal, assorted cereals, toast, pastries, English muffins, fruits, yogurt, juices, coffee and assorted teas. Complimentary wired high speed Internet access is available in guest rooms, with free wireless access in the hotel lobby.

Residents who want to make a weekend of it can take advantage of the hotel’s low kamaaina rates starting at $109 per night. For reservations or information, call toll free 1-866-326-6803 or the hotel direct at 1-808-324-2515 (long distance charges apply), or visit www.keauhoubeachresort.com.

Here we go again, bringing you the up-to-the-date movie listings at the Kress Cinemas in downtown Hilo!

As always, check to make sure these listings are current before you go. Really, I cannot stress that enough. Things change. Also, times vary depending on day of the week.

At the Kress Cinemas on Kamehameha Avenue in Hilo, movies are always discounted. Monday through Thursdays, shows are $1.25. Friday through Sunday, it’s only $1.50.

Hot dogs are only $1.50 all the time. And they offer free refills on large popcorns and large sodas.

It’s definitely Big Island On The Cheap! Click on the movie titles for a description of the movie.

Here’s what’s playing as of March 10, 2010:

• Tooth Fairy
  PG • 1 hr. 42 min. 

  • 4:30

   

  • 7:10

• Invictus
  PG-13 • 2 hr. 12 min. 

  • 4:00

   

  • 7:00

• The Princess and the Frog
  G • 1 hr. 35 min. 

  • 4:40

• Old Dogs
  PG • 1 hr. 28 min. 

  • 4:45

   

  • 7:15

  
  

Starting March 9, 2010, Starbucks is offering a special promotion re: its new, bold brewed coffees. Buy a tall (12 ounce) brewed coffee each week for 8 weeks, keep track of it on your “Coffee Journey Card” (only available this week!), and you will receive a free one-pound bag of whole bean coffee at the end.

This is right up my alley as I am always on my own, perpetual coffee journey.

Read all the details about the Starbucks Bold Coffee Journey here.

The Donkey Mill Art Center in Holualoa invites the public to PRINTMAKING: Narrative Images with Enrique Chagoya and Kara Maria on March 20 , 2010 from 6:30 – 9:00pm. This is a free event.

Artist’s Enrique Chagoya and Kara Maria will be working with Bud Shark, master printmaker and publisher of Sharks Ink., Lyons, CO. Shark is an Artistic Advisor to HFAC. Shark invited Chagoya and Maria to the island to work on new print projects, and it is fortunate that we will have this opportunity to welcome them and learn about their work. Enrique Chagoya and Kara Maria live and work in San Francisco.

With any purchase at HPM right now, you’ll receive a “round TUIT” good for 25 percent off any one regular priced item through April 30, 2010. 

While supplies last and some restrictions apply, but that sounds like a good deal to me. I hardly ever get a round TUIT.

There are HPM Building Supply stores in Hilo, Kona and Waimea. For more information, call 935-0875.

Do you sew? I don’t sew, but the sales at Discount Fabric Warehouse look so good I almost want to take it up.

Right now it’s March Markdown Madness, they say, with a “crazy price” of only $1.99/yard for Hawaiian prints, home decor on rolls, and fashion fabrics. Then there’s some sewing machines that are up to $1000 off, which seems pretty impressive.

933 Kanoelehua Ave, Hilo. For more info, call 935-1234. Sale ends 3/20/10.

This Friday, March 12, 2010, as part of the Puana Ka ‘Ike lecture series, Dr. Keanu Sai will speak on “Kamehameha III and the Transformation of Hawaiian Land Tenure.” The talk is in celebration of the birthday of King Kamehameha III (Kauikeaouli). It’s from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa’s Bayview Meeting Room.

In his presentation, Sai will recount the events that transformed Hawai‘i’s land tenure system during the reign of His Hawaiian Majesty King Kamehameha III. He will cover the establishment of the Board of Commissioners to Quiet Land Titles; the Great Mahele (Division) between the Government, Chiefs/Konohiki, and the Native Tenants; and the meaning of the clause “reserving the rights of native tenants.” His presentation includes a viewing of the documentary Ua mau Ke Ea:Sovereignty Maintained.

Sai received his Ph.D. in political science from the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa in 2008, specializing in international relations and public law. His doctoral research centers on the legal and political history of Hawai‘i from Kamehameha I to the present. Before receiving his Ph.D., he was a land title abstractor and a principle of Perfect Title Company. He currently teaches political science and Hawaiian studies at Kapi‘olani Community College. Sai is the author of numerous journal articles and will have two books published by the University of Hawai‘i Press, one of which is on Hawaiian land law.

For more information, contact Natalie Deisroth at 322-0088, ext. 100 or email info@kohalacenter.org. Seating is limited; light refreshments will be available.

Bank of Hawaii has launched an “Online Marketplace,” a free, virtual coupon book. Currently more than 100 coupons from nearly 100 businesses are available on the site from a wide variety of merchants across the state. More coupons will be added regularly.

You do not need to be a Bank of Hawaii customer to take advantage of the savings! This means even visitors to Hawaii can take advantage of the deals.

Coupons in various categories – including dining, retail, automotive, entertainment, groceries, travel, health & beauty, home & garden, (and more) – are offered on the site. Some of these special offers are exclusive to the Online Marketplace.

We’ll keep our eyes on this collection of deals and post some of the great ones as they become available!