New lava flows at Kilauea Volcano

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It’s not unusual to hear of Kilauea Volcano lava flows because it’s been erupting continuously since January 1983. However, when a lava flow opens up in a new area, then it makes the news. Over the weekend, a fissure opened up just east of Pu’u O’o vent. While this fissure is only producing spatterings a few feet in the air in comparison to the fountains in the beginning of the eruption in the 80’s a few hundred feet in the air, it’s still an exciting thing to hear about. Pele, the volcano goddess, is always keeping the people of the Big Island on their toes.

This picture was taken in 2001 outside of park grounds when the lava was flowing closer to Royal Gardens.

I don’t encourage you to take shots or adventures in lava hunting outside of park grounds as it is not regularly patrolled and if you get into trouble you’ve only got yourself to save your bacon. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park goes to great lengths to safely get you close to the action. Before going to the park, you might want to read up on Viewing Lava Safely. This pdf is a great resource and should be printed off if you plan on making a trip to see the volcano in person.

2007 Maui Humane Society Bark in the Park!

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Attention Valley Isle residents or those visiting Maui on Saturday August 18, 2007… sign up now for the 2007 Bark in the Park! Lots of fun and prizes and the walk benefits the Maui Humane Society! $25 entrance fee per participant and make sure you get sponsors to help the cause. Sign up before July 31st to ensure your shirt size is available. For more information go to this link at MHS.

Check out last year’s event!

WPvideo 1.10

What you should know about sharks off Hawaiian waters

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A 36-year old visitor was attacked by a tiger shark at Bellows Beach off the coast of O’ahu today. The quick thinking of another visitor from Texas may well have saved the man’s life as he got him to shore quickly and fashioned a tourniquet to slow the bleeding. Some may remember the shark attack that caused Kauai surfer Bethany Hamilton to lose her arm but not her surfing prowess on October 31, 2003.

This brings up the perfect opportunity to pass along some simple tips you should know when swimming where sharks share the water.

Swim, surf or dive with other people, and don’t move too far away from assistance.
Stay out of the water at dawn, dusk and night, when some species of sharks may move inshore to feed.
Do not enter the water if you have open wounds or are bleeding in any way. Sharks can detect blood and body fluids in extremely small concentrations.
Avoid murky waters, harbor entrances and areas near stream mouths (especially after heavy rains), channels or steep drop-offs. These types of waters are known to be frequented by sharks.
Do not wear high-contrast clothing or shiny jewelry. Sharks see contrast very well.
Refrain from excessive splashing; keep pets, which swim erratically, out of the water. Sharks are known to be attracted to such activity.
Do not enter the water if sharks are known to be present. Leave the water quickly and calmly if one is sighted. Do not provoke or harass a shark, even a small one.
If fish or turtles start to behave erratically, leave the water. Avoid swimming near dolphins, as they are prey for some large sharks.
Remove speared fish from the water or tow them a safe distance behind you. Do not swim near people fishing or spear fishing. Stay away from dead animals in the water.
Swim or surf at beaches patrolled by lifeguards and follow their advice.

(Tips courtesy of HawaiiSharks.com)

Any mainlanders missing Hawaii TV programs?

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I stumbled across the site for Hawaii IPTV, LLC and was excited at what I saw! If you live off island but still miss the local newscasts or Sam Choy’s Kitchen or Board Stories, Hawaii IPTV can help! All you need is cable or DSL and their set top box plugs straight into that and before you know it, you’re streaming Hawaii TV programs! There are 2 levels of service to choose from:

Hawaii IPTV Level 1
Monthly Plan: $15/month - 1 year service agreement
Set top box: $125 One Time Charge
Setup fee: $25 One Time Charge Hawaii IPTV Level 2
Save 44%
Full Year Of Service: $100
Set top box: $125 One Time Charge
Setup fee: $25 One Time Charge (Note that prices are always subject to change)
There is a 30 day guarantee as well.

Their programming has a variety of shows but I’d love to see more. The biggest drawback I can see so far is the look of the box/remote. It’s yellow. I mean YELLOW! I don’t know many decors that would go with but if the Big Bird yellow color doesn’t scare you then this may be a great way to whip up some poke with Sam or check the surf report with Guy Hagi!

Check it out here

Aloha Friday Recipe: Old Fashioned Sweet & Sour Pineapple Country Ribs

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2 pounds Country Pork Ribs
2 ounces Ginger; Green Onion Juice (ginger; green onions soaked in water)
Salt & Pepper
1 tablespoon Garlic
1/4 cup Soy Sauce
1 tablespoon Salad Oil
1 tablespoon Garlic, minced
4 cups Pineapple, diced
1 cup Pineapple Juice
1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
1 cup Brown Sugar
Finger of Ginger
Cornstarch & Water mixture (slurry)

Place ribs in a baking pan and pour ginger and green onion juice over them. Season with salt, pepper and garlic. Add soy sauce. Place pan in the oven and bake at 350 degrees for about 40-45 minutes or until browned. Remove from oven and set aside. Coat the inside of a large saucepan or wok with salad oil. Transfer contents of the baking pan into the wok. Add pineapple, pineapple juice, cider vinegar and brown sugar. Bring to a boil. Add ginger and stir. Gradually add slurry while the mixture is boiling and stir until sauce thickens slightly. Serve when ready.

Recipe courtesy of Sam Choy’s Kitchen Television Show

Be sure to check out True Aloha’s weekly feature the Aloha Friday Recipe where we bring you da best local recipes! Rib sticking local food just waiting for you to try! See you next Friday! Aloooo-ha!

Wala’au with Dickie Chang at the Garden Island News

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Anyone whose ever lived on or visited Kauai probably knows who Dickie Chang is. Dickie is a high energy, fast talking, aloha filled man with a passion for Kauai and the state of Hawaii. His cable access show Wala’au can be seen every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 7am, 12pm, 4pm, 7pm and midnight on those days on Oceanic Time Warner channel 6. But what if you’re not on Kauai? No problem cousin because now you can see Dickie and his stories of aloha on the Kauai Garden Island Newspaper online! I was excited to see this because when you’re far from the Garden Island, you miss your fix of Dickie’s smiling face.

Be sure to check out the July 3rd episode part 2 where Dickie replays an interview he did with the legendary Israel Kamakawiwo’ole about a year before he passed. Bruddah Iz and his sense of humor will make you smile and his music still touches your heart 10 years after he left us.

So be sure to check back every week to see the newest episode of “Wala’aaaaaaaaaaaau.” (You’ll have to watch Dickie sign off at the very last episode of the shows to get that one!)

What I wouldn’t give for some U-Top-It!

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When I visit Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii, I have to say as a foodie that I’m not always impressed with their offerings. I’m always on the look out for some new place to try because if it’s local food, I’m game! I did a search for the best Kona restaurants before making a trip over and a newer restaurant called U-Top-It came up. The draw of the restaurant is their Hawaiian Taro PanCrepes and you can top them almost any way you like from ono local foods to sweet desserts like Pele’s Passion that has chocolate hazelnut spread, raspberries and passion fruit. We came toward the beginning of the lunch rush around 11:30am and were lucky enough to snag a table inside though there were outdoor tables and you can get it to go as well. The better half had the Kanack Attack which featured portuguese sausage, spam and onions in the rice and 2 eggs on top of a crepe. I one upped him by getting the Mo Loco Attack which was the same as his except add a homemade 1/2 lb beef patty and the thickest, most delectable brown gravy you’ve ever had in your life. You ever take a bite of something and sink back in your chair as you chew it and smile? Yeah, that good. It was one of those meals that when they bring it to you, it looks like a good sized portion but as you’re eating it brings new meaning to the phrase “locals eat until they’re tired not full.” It just didn’t seem to end and even when I was tired and full–I still found myself shoveling in every last bit of that wonderful rice. To be honest, I barely ate the crepe because by the time I got to it I was exhausted. We had big plans on trying the Pele’s Passion but never made it, which is a good excuse to go back. Here’s the kicker, between the two of us for such a filling and wonderful meal, we paid just under $20 with tip! At current writing, the most expensive thing on the menu is $13.95 but most entrees averaging in the $7-10 range. (Prices are subject to change) U-Top-It has restored our faith in good old fashioned local food at good prices and we can’t wait to go back.

U-Top-It is open for breakfast and lunch from 7:30am-2:00pm Tuesday-Sunday and closed on Mondays. Located in the Ali’i Sunset Plaza next to the Coconut Grove Marketplace. Access from Ali’i Dr or Kuakini Highway. Free parking in the back on the Kuakini side.
75-5799 Ali’i Drive Suite A-4
808-329-0092

Indiana Jones at the KHOP?

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Okay so Indiana Jones hasn’t been spotted eating a stack of mac nut pancakes with coconut syrup at Ken’s House of Pancakes but it could happen. Harrison Ford and the cast of the fourth and final Indiana Jones movie series are filming in Hilo and parts of Kea’au. One of the producers said they considered 14 other countries before deciding to film in Hilo after seeing the unique charm the city has. It is also bringing lots of work to about 125 locals and many of the crew are staying in town at the Hilo Hawaiian and Naniloa but the big stars are hiding out in more secluded digs for their stay on the Big Island. In case you’re wondering, Ford, 65, is doing some of his own stunts and yes, he still fits into his Indy pants after all these years.

So if you’re in Hilo you may be able to do a little star gazing of a different kind.

The Kims of Comedy coming to Hawaii!

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If you haven’t heard of or seen The Kims of Comedy, you are missing out! These 4 talented Asian comics will have you in stitches, which is okay because one of them is actually licensed to give you stitches. Dr. Ken Jeong (”Knocked Up”), Steve Byrne (”The Real Wedding Crashers”), Bobby Lee (”MAD TV”) and Kevin Shea (”Comedy Central’s Premium Blend”) are some of the best comics out there and they’re coming to Hawaii next weekend! Below is the information for their shows. Check ‘em out!