New Hawaii Rainforest Stamp issued today

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Photo courtesy USPS.com

On September 1, 2010 in Hawaii National Park, Hawaii, the Postal Service™ will issue 44–cent Nature of America: Hawaiian Rain Forest commemorative stamps in ten designs in a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pane of 10, and an $8.95 Premium Stamped Postal Card Set of 10. Both were designed by Ethel Kessler of Bethesda, Maryland. Featuring a Hawaiian rain forest, the 2010 Nature of America issuance is the 12th stamp pane in an educational series focusing on the beauty and complexity of major plant and animal communities in the United States.

The setting for the colorful acrylic painting on the stamp pane is a rain forest on Hawaii’s largest island, which is also named Hawaii. Artist John Dawson, Hilo, Hawaii, painted the scene and each of the previous ones in the Nature of America series:

Sonoran Desert (1999),
Pacific Coast Rain Forest (2000),
Great Plains Prairie (2001),
Longleaf Pine Forest (2002),
Arctic Tundra (2003),
Pacific Coral Reef (2004),
Northeast Deciduous Forest (2005),
Southern Florida Wetlands (2006),
Alpine Tundra (2007),
Great Lakes Dunes (2008)
and Kelp Forest(2009).

Twenty–four different species were depicted and the scene itself is completely imaginary. Even so, every species depicted could be encountered in a Hawaiian rain forest, and all of the species and their interactions are appropriate and were recommended by scientists.

To purchase the stamp, click here.

Trapping chickens/roosters humanely

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bird_behind_bars Most of us hear the sound “cock-a-doodle-doo” and think of a sweet farm scene or nature’s alarm clock telling us the day is about to begin. If you’ve ever been to Kauai (or most of the Hawaiian islands) you know that the chickens and roosters there are on a completely different time schedule than those idyllic farm scenes. They’ll crow morning, noon, night and all times in between. This is not only a disturbance for homeowners in the islands but their neighbors as well and some of them have gone to extreme measures to quiet the squawkers.

While perusing Kauai Humane Society’s website, I saw they recommended Kauai company Rooster Traps for humanely capturing the audible critters. The site comes with a FAQ section and a detailed description of how the trap works. This may be just the solution you’ve been looking for! Check ‘em out!

Permanent price drop on relaxation DVD’s

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Our friends at Sunsets of Hawaii have permanently reduced their prices on their current catalog of relaxation DVD’s to $16.95. These videos are great for your mainland luau to set the right mood and have playing in the background.

So if you can’t get enough of the islands, want to relive full length sunsets from your vacation or are missing your island home, stop by SunsetsofHawaii.com today!

Sweets for your sweetie at Parker Ranch

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Discover the Secret of Mama Ella Chocolate Chipper

Friday, February 12, 2010: Parker Ranch invited Mama Ella’s from our Big Island’s Hamakua Coast to share their secret of the Chocolate Chipper Paniolo Cookies. The perfect Valentine gift, and made with bits of real cocoa beans grown right here on Hawaii Island. These “sweet confections” are a must have for every loving couple.

Every country maiden would appreciate the gift of chocolate, so they are also featuring their favorite “cow pie” cookie by Blue Kalo. Three types of chocolate, walnuts, raisins, caramel, and poi! Made especially for Parker Ranch Store and what better way to appreciate your sweetheart than with a decorated box of cow cookies! Join them Friday February 12th from 9am-1pm and pick up the perfect “sweet” for your “sweetheart”.

Can’t make it to Parker Ranch? You can shop online by clicking the link below…

Maui Pineapple gets reprieve!

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All looked bleak for the Maui Gold label pineapple after they announced in November that Maui Land and Pineapple Company could no longer continue to operate the production plant. It had been an institution since 1912 and almost 260 workers faced losing their jobs.

Along comes investors in the newly formed Haliimaile Pineapple Company, LTD and saved one of the last pineapple producers in the US. It will still operate under the Maui Gold name and you will still be able to purchase online! This company was formed by former execs and operations directors from Maui Pineapple Company/Maui Land & Pineapple. The majority owner is Pardee Erdman of upcountry’s Tedeschi Vineyards.

So a big mahalo to the Hali’imaile Pineapple Co. LTD for stepping up and saving an integral part of Maui’s history for many generations to continue to enjoy!

Recycle your jeans at Parker Ranch

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Wanted - Old jeans. Get $15 Off a new pair! Valid through December!

“Bring in your old pair of jeans and we’ll donate or recycle them to our community. We’ll give you $15 off and get you fitted into a new pair! Working together to support the community we live in.”

Limit 3 per person
Offer good until Dec. 25, 2009

You can also get 10% off of all food items at the Parker Ranch store by using the code STOCKINGSTUFFER at checkout through the end of December. Click below to go to the Parker Ranch store.

Give the gift of Hawaii

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While much of the mainland is feeling the deep freeze, you could give the much appreciated gift of a tropical escape. Sunsets of Hawaii and Sunsets of Kauai are a great gift any time of year for the Hawaii lover or someone needing to relax from the the everyday hustle and bustle of their busy lives.

If you buy direct through Sunsets of Hawaii.com, you can receive $2 off per DVD for a price of $16.95! Remember this price only applies when buying direct! If you hurry, you can select priority shipping and may get it by Christmas.

Stop by SunsetsofHawaii.com today!

Pineapple production to cease on Valley Isle

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It’s with a heavy heart to report that Maui Land and Pineapple have announced that they are shutting their doors after almost 100 years. Planting has been ceased immediately and the harvest will be done by the end of the year. They cite having lost $115 million on the agriculture business since 2002 but invested $20 million in a fresh packing facility and could not continue based on those numbers. Maui Land and Pineapple also announced they would be restructuring operations of the Kapalua Resort in West Maui which is part of its Kapalua Land Company subsidiary. As a result of this closing, close to 300 employees will be without jobs and Oahu as the distinction of the only major pineapple producer in the United States. This is a real loss not only for the island of Maui but for those who have ever had a Maui Gold pineapple. They were quite simply the best pineapples on the planet and will be sorely missed!

To read more about this situation, click here.

To order your pineapples before it’s too late, click here.

Spicy treats available at Big Island Candies

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We have always loved Big Island Candies. Their chocolate dipped macadamia shortbread is some of the best we’ve ever had. They have unique items like those featured in the Hawaiian Da Kines category (chocolate covered squid anyone?) to truffles and now this new treat Hawaiian Red Chile Toffee.

Description: We carefully cook our Hawaiian red chili butter toffee in small batches to bring out its rich butter taste and crunchy bite. It is studded with roasted almonds with a touch of hickory smoke salt and the subtle heat of the small fiery Hawaiian chili pepper. We coat it with rich dark chocolate for a tantalizing treat. Contains 13 or more individually wrapped pieces.

Be sure to stop by Big Island Candies to give your loved ones a unique taste of the islands.

Parker Ranch is sweet as honey & saving you some money!

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Rare Honey, A Treat for Yourself. A Treat for Others

Friday, October 9th: The famous Volcano Island Honey Company, LLC will join Parker Ranch with their luscious certified 100% organic honey!

There is a very short time to harvest this delectable honey, and also a limited number of kiawe trees, which creates the necessity of exact timing in collecting this very rare honey. They have for a limited time two flavors to choose from, White Honey and Lilikoi. Volcano Island Honey Company offers all their honeys in their pure, natural form…..unheated and unfiltered. Join them for this very special tasting of this very special product! 9am-1pm on Friday October 9th.

If you can’t get to Parker Ranch, you can purchase it online. Also make sure you check out the online selection of hats and caps that are on sale for 10% off until Friday, October 9th. Just enter the coupon code “CAPHAT” on checkout. It’s never too early to begin your holiday shopping! Click below to go to the online Parker Ranch store.