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Hawaiian Fresh Pineapple Pie Dessert Recipe

This is a great fresh pineapple pie recipe. Not including the pineapple, you probably have all of the basic ingredients in your kitchen. You could substitute with canned pineapple but it doesn't quite taste the same. If you do not have fresh pineapple in your area, we can easily send you some, click here to order Hawaiian fresh pineapples.

Hawaiian Fresh Pineapple Pie Dessert Recipe

2 Pastry Crust for 9" Pie (frozen and thawed, or freshly made)
1/2 Cup Sugar
1/3 Cup flour
3 Eggs
2 Cups fresh shredded Hawaiian pineapples, drained
1 teaspoon Cinnamon (optional)
2 Tablespoons Butter

Prepare pastry for one double crust 9 inch pie. Blend sugar and flour together. Beat eggs slightly, and combine with sugar and flour mixture. Add shredded pineapples and cinnamon, stir well and pour into unbaked pie shell. Dot with butter, cover with top crust and crimp all around. Prick top crust to let the steam out when baking.

Bake at 450 degrees for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 degrees and bake for additional 35 minutes or until crust is brown.

Extreme Home Makeover Builds Home For Hawaii Couple Earning Over $225,000 Annually

If you plan on watching the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition's fifth-season premiere in Hawaii along with 17 million other television viewers, you may see the show in a different light after reading about the controversy surrounding this event. (The premiere of the Extreme Home Makeover show in Hawaii airs on Sunday, September 30 on ABC.)

I had blogged earlier about Momi Akana and her non-profit organization Keiki O Ka Aina which she founded a decade ago to help single mothers raise their children, while being a single mother herself. Momi Akana has since assisted thousands of people in Hawaii with building stronger families through family education and activities. There is no doubt that she is a deserving person who has worked selfless long hours for years, but now that she is doing extremely well financially and could afford to build her own house, is it right for her to accept a free house when there are many other families who do lots of good for the community but cannot afford to build a home for themselves?

“Extreme Makeover” home built on land purchased with state grant to a nonprofit agency

Akana founded Keiki O Ka 'Aina Family Preschool Inc. in 1996 and serves as its executive director, having received $97,018 in salary and an additional $5,931 in benefit and expenses during the fiscal year ending in September 2005, according to the organization's most recent tax filing, The Honolulu Advertiser reported Monday. In addition, Akana -- whose husband Ben Akana is also believed to earn an additional low six-figure salary due to his senior vice president position a local bank -- also reportedly received $22,000 in annual rent from Keiki O Ka 'Aina for the use of the top floor of her old home.
Ian Lind

I would encourage you to read Mr. Lind's very insightful and informative post and the comments it received.

However despite the fact that the family appears to have an annual household income of over $200,000, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition presented the local public with a very different picture when it arrived in Hawaii to build a new 3,500 square-foot home for the Akanas and their four children as well as a 4,500 square-foot community center for Keiki O Ka 'Aina.

"Momi and her three children attempted to make their own improvements to their home, they never had the money or the expertise to complete anything properly, so the house is a series of unfinished construction projects," the show stated in a June 6 news release intended to publicize the show's activities, according to The Advertiser. "As a nonprofit, there is no money to fix the damage done to Momi's home or to fix the structures that now house Keiki O Ka 'Aina."

But although a justification of the family's "neediness" certainly seemed to one of the news release's primary goals, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition's production company, the non-profit organization, and the local home builder that oversaw the project disagree the idea that need determined the the Akanas' selection.

"This show is based on the decade of service that Momi has done for our community," Keiki O Ka 'Aina spokeswoman Kanoe Naone told The Advertiser about the project. "I'm positive that this show is not based on need."
RealityTVWorld.com

Last Sunday (September 23, 2007) the Honolulu Advertiser published an article titled: Hawaii 'Makeover' home under legal cloud.

Earlier this summer, the attorney general's tax division began asking questions about the lease arrangement between Akana and the nonprofit Keiki O Ka 'Aina Preschool Inc., which owns the land beneath Akana's new home. Keiki O Ka 'Aina spokeswoman Kanoe Naone said the organization provided the information sought by the state and that Akana, who is Keiki O Ka 'Aina's executive director, met with the attorney general's office to answer any questions. "We provided them with the (materials) ... they were seeking to their satisfaction," Naone said. Sources familiar with the situation, however, say the attorney general's inquiries are still pending.

You can read the complete article from the Honolulu Advertiser now for free, after 1-2 months? the link will go to an error page. If you want to read it later, you will have to request it and pay for it. (That is why I was not able to link the previous Honolulu Advertiser articles mentioned in the above quotes.) Hawaii 'Makeover' home under legal cloud.

On the popular site Topix under the entertainment category there are over 100 comments re: the Honolulu Advertiser's Hawaii 'Makeover' home under legal cloud article. There are many strong opinions from people who agree and disagree on the choice of Momi Akana being selected to receive a new house from the Extreme Home Makeover Show.

Please share your thoughts on the situation via a comment.

Move This 2 1/2-ton Stone, and Rule Hawaii

For generations the large rectangular 2 1/2-ton monolithic lava rock known as the Naha Stone lay forgotten and covered with weeds in a backyard in Hilo, Hawaii. Over half a century ago there was a revival in ancient Hawaiian relics; the Naha stone was found and given a new resting place in front of the Hilo Library on the Big Island of Hawaii, where it remains till today. The Pinao stone, the smaller stone standing upright next to it, once guarded an ancient Hawaiian Heiau or temple.

The Hawaiian prophecy or legend of the Naha Stone stated that the person who moved the Naha stone with his bare hands would unite and be ruler of all the Hawaiian Islands. One man did accomplish this feat, and his name was King Kamehameha the Great.

PROPHETESS PROPHECIES

And even as he spake these words, they who stood by were stricken with fear, for his face flushed red as with blood, and fire appeared to flash from his eyes, so that the fear spread even among the high chiefs who gazed upon him.

Then Kamehameha prepared himself for the ordeal, examining his hands and the stone that he might see how best to accomplish his purpose. And Kalaniwahine, taking hold of his hands, spake encouraging words unto him and said unto him:

"If indeed the Naha Stone shall be this day moved by thee, then shall the whole group of islands, from Hawaii to Kauai be moved, but if indeed it shall be moved and turned from its resting place, then shall all dissensions be removed, and thou and thy people and thy prophetess shall live and shall dwell henceforth in peace forever. For this is the prophecy of the Naha Stone, O Prince, so get thee to thy great task."

And now, as the people and all assembled, watched Kamehameha closely, he placed his hands under the stone and began to move them so that he might better take hold. Which being done, he cried these words:
"Naha Stone art thou:
And by Naha Prince only may thy, sacredness be broken.
Now behold, I am Kamehameha, a Niu-pio
A spreading mist of the forest."

Then gripped he the stone and leaned over it, and as he leaned, great strength came into him and he struggled yet more fiercely, so that the blood burst from his eyes and from the tips of his fingers, and the earth trembled with the might of his struggling, so that they who stood by believed that an earthquake came to his assistance.

THE STONE IS TURNED

And he put forth all his strength. and, behold, the stone did move under his arms, and he raised it on its side and with supernatural strength did over turn it, so that all who stood by were amazed and dumb with awe.

HAWAII NATURE NOTES, THE PUBLICATION OF THE NATURALIST DIVISION, HAWAII NATIONAL PARK AND THE HAWAII NATURAL HISTORY ASSOCIATION VOL. IV FEBRUARY 1952 No. 3

Learn more about Kamehameha I, also known as Kamehameha the Great (c. 1758 – 1819)

You can stand in awe in front of the actual Naha Stone for yourself. Be respectful of this revered pohaku (Hawaiian word for rock or stone) and what it means to the Hawaiian people by not sitting or standing on it. If you have small children, do not let them climb on it or play on it. Many times you can still find fresh offerings of lei and smaller rocks wrapped in ti leaf which are called ho'okupu (gift or offering) decorating the Naha Stone.

The Hilo Public Library is located at 300 Waianuenue Avenue between Ululani and Kapiolani Street. There is no parking allowed in front of the library, but you can park in their free parking lot located on the side of the library building. Click here for map directions.

If you enjoyed reading this post, please spread the word about our Hawaii Blog. Mahalo (thank you)!

Photograph courtesy of And Hawaii.

New Hawaii Prize Package from Go Visit Hawaii

Sheila from Go Visit Hawaii has done it again! She has put together a fabulous new Hawaii prize package that anyone can have a chance of winning, just by subscribing to her informative Hawaii travel blog. This unique Hawaiian prize package includes the popular "Facing Future" CD by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, affectionately known as Bruddah Iz, a book about Hawaii for visitors to the Hawaiian islands with a mini surfboard bookmark, a scenic 2008 calendar, leis, Aloha shirt note pad and...

She even has included one of our pineapple scented soy candle's that she picked up while vacationing on the island of Lanai recently. Mahalo Sheila!

Visit Go Visit Hawaii for complete details about this Hawaii contest to win her custom Hawaii prize package give away.

Win an All Expense Paid Vacation For Two to Maui

Note: See our new Hawaii Sweepstakes Blog Category for all posts on winning a free trip to Hawaii!

If you like entering Hawaii drawings, Hawaii sweepstakes, or Hawaii contests offering a free trip to Hawaii in the hopes of winning a Hawaii dream vacation--we found another Hawaii contest for you to enter.

Win an all expense paid vacation to the island of Maui, Hawaii by entering the Sportsman's Guide Sweepstakes by October 31, 2007. We say all expense paid because in addition to the Maui vacation, they give you a $25,000.00 cash prize!

FINAL GRAND PRIZE PACKAGE:

(1) Grand Prize of $25,000 Cash and one (1) Trip for Two, to Maui, Hawaii. Grand Prize Trip consists of round trip coach class air transportation for winner and one (1) guest from the major commercial airport near the winner's residence to Maui, Hawaii. This trip includes 7days/6 nights on Maui's Kaanapali region (approximate retail value $30,193).

Enter the Hawaii Sweepstakes for Two to Maui.

Read the Official Hawaii Sweepstakes Rules,

See our other post "Win a free trip to Hawaii sweepstakes drawing contest" sponsored by Hilo Hattie. Entry deadline is December 31, 2007.

It Was the Best Gift I Have Ever Received

We really enjoy being able to share the thank you letters and notes we receive from our customers. It makes us feel really good knowing that in our little way, we can help bring joy to someone else's life. You can find our handmade in Hawaii gifts at Big Island Hawaiian Gifts, Gift Baskets, Candles, and Soap.

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Just wanted to let you know that I received the postcards last Thursday. The second set of cards was quite a surprise; please know that my daughters adore the cards. They did not put them down all weekend and finally decided that each would use one as a hand puppet (they take turns with it) and save all the others as keepsakes just as they are. Both girls love all they read about Hawaii and I hope in several years to save enough to fly them for a few days vacation there; we live on the east coast of the country. These are the first Hawaii items they have ever gotten and are precious to them. I also told them it was direct from the artist in Hawaii which has increased how precious the cards are to them (I didn't think that could happen!)

Thanks again for your help. I have bookmarked your website and later in the year will order a few other things for their birthday and Christmas...

Take care and thanks again (you brought a smile to 2 young girl's faces)

Kevin

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Hello. I'm Jeff's wife and the gift basket was a present for me. I loved it! He chose your site because I've been almost obsessed with Hawaii since I accompanied him on a business trip 2 years ago. It became my most favorite place in the world. Everything was just beautiful and everybody I met was friendly and warm. I'm fortunate enough to be able to come again in a couple of months so this gift basket was a way to "hold me over" until I get back there.

Again, I loved the chocolate nuts, coffee, and I have the green candle displayed in my kitchen and bumper sticker on my refrigerator. They make me smile whenever I look at them.

Thank you, and I wouldn't be surprised if Jeff orders again from you--it was my best present ever.

P.S.
I especially loved the gift because of the handwritten note you included inside. It's rare to encounter personalized service like that these days.

Sincerely,

Tara Giesecke

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I received my birthday gift today from my husband. I have to say that it was the best gift I have ever received. I love the islands of Hawaii and yearn to get there as often as I can.

Mahalo,
Shelly

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I had ordered from you before and ran out of product. Received many compliments re: the solid perfumes. Thank you so much!

Tina B.

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Read more testimonies from our customer-friends.

Wild Pigs Get Stoned in Pig Feud in Hawaii

Did you know wild pigs get stoned in Hawaii?--and I don't mean that people throw rocks at them--wild pigs or feral pigs have been known to eat marijuana growing on the land. Maggie Kline from the east side of the Big Island in the rural subdivision of Fern Forest said the wild boars have devoured her medical marijuana, or as the Hawaiians call it "pakalolo" meaning crazy weed. She blames the increased influx of wild swine to the elderly neighbor couple that have been regularly feeding 100 or so of these wild feral pigs.

Retired and in his eighties, Sueo and Sharene Matsumoto live on their 12 acre lot densely forested with native Ohia trees. They first started to feed pigs when a few baby pigs they had seen with their sow mother showed up without her--their mother had been shot and killed, Sueo heard the shots.

Mr. Matsumoto said that humans are the most advanced creatures on earth, so they have a duty to care for animals. He puts his money where his mouth is and spends $600.00 a month for bags of pig food for these feral pigs, a cross between the domesticated Polynesian pig and the mean looking black, tusked, lean wild Eurasian boar.

A pig feud has erupted between the Matsumoto family and the majority of their surrounding neighbors.
The growing number of pigs are wandering into other neighbor yards and property and causing all kinds of havoc. From tearing up gardens, chewing on water pipes, making pig wallows, and leaving their poop all over--the neighbors have had enough.

The state and county have looked into the problem: the State Health Department said no health hazards were found in the Matsumoto's home they inspected, the Department of Land and Natural Resources said the state does not recommend feeding wild animals but has no authority on private land, and the Hawaii County Planning Department said no zoning laws are being broken as the wild pigs are not confined or being eaten so the property does not qualify as a pig farm.

What the county has done is approve $250,000.00 for the U.S. Department of Agriculture agents to trap and shoot wild boars on private property at the request of the owner. This is not an eradication program but a program to control wild pigs in residential areas.

Read Pig Feud on the Big Island for more details.

What is missing from the above argument is that the wild pigs are destroying the native Hawaiian forest and leading Hawaii's native bird population into extinction.

Pristine Hawaiian rain forests had little in the way of sites for Culex mosquitoes to breed. Culex is a tropical mosquito and evolved with mankind as a “cup” breeder, that is, it needs still, warm, nutrient-rich, small “cups” or puddles to breed in. The pristine forests in Hawai‘i had very few of these. Culex can't breed in running streams or ponds or any clean clear water. Pigs create lots of breeding sites in creating their wallows and especially when they hollow or “trough” hapu‘u, which fill with rain water, thus creating hundreds of breeding sites per acre. Pig fecal matter fouls the wallows, creating perfect Culex breeding sites. These many breeding sites have allowed these mosquitoes to adapt to higher and higher elevations, carrying the malaria and pox with them. Also, when the pigs dig for worms and roots, they cause erosion where rainfall is heavy, causing the siltation of streams and eventually siltation of the reefs. So, not only are they destroying the forest but also stream ecosystems and Hawai‘i’s reef ecosystems. Hawai‘i’s natural environment would be healthier without feral pigs.

From Rare Hawaii

Read our related post Wild Pigs on the Big Island for information on what attracts or repel wild pigs to your property.

Kona Coffee Jello Dessert Recipe

This recipe calls for instant coffee. To make it taste truly spectacular, start by using pure 100 percent premium kona instant coffee (available online).

Kona Coffee Jello Dessert Recipe

5 pkg. unflavored gelatin
1 cup water
3 1/2 cups hot water
4 teaspoons Kona instant coffee
1 can (14 ounces) Borden's Condensed Milk

Dissolve gelatin with 1 cup of water. In a separate bowl, combine the hot water and instant coffee, and then add the gelatin mixture stirring well. Add the condensed milk, and mix all ingredients thoroughly.

Pour into a well oiled (PAM spray recommended) 8" X 8" pan and chill in the refrigerator till firm. Cut into 2" X 2" square pieces. Makes 16 pieces.

100 Percent Pure Kona Instant Coffee Now Available!

Our 100 percent pure Kona instant coffee (freeze dried) is finally available again!! We have been waiting patiently since last Christmas when we sold out of the instant Kona coffee and the manufacturer had stopped selling it. There was none to be found online or off. We had a few customers waiting for us to locate another supplier because they said the 100 percent pure instant Kona coffee was the best instant coffee they had ever tasted! We shipped their orders out a couple of weeks ago and you can see what they said about the new Kona instant coffee in our "Testimonial Tuesday" feature.

When people hear the word "instant coffee" most immediately think "Yuck." However you don't have to sacrifice flavor for convenience if you start with using only premium Kona coffee beans. Our Pure Kona instant coffee is highly aromatic with a smooth flavor. Do not buy a Kona coffee blend with 10 percent Kona beans and 90 percent mystery beans, it is not the same, they are just using the reputation of Kona coffee to sell an inferior blended product.

The beverage known as instant coffee is made from brewed coffee beans that are dehydrated into granules or powder. If kept dry is has a superior shelf life to natural coffee, ground coffee is especially susceptible to flavor loss due to the coffee essential oils evaporating over time.

The best site for everything you ever wanted to know about Instant Coffee can be found at Wikipedia.

The Largest Outdoor Mall in the World is in Hawaii

If you are local or have visited the island of Oahu in Hawaii, you can probably guess the name of the largest outdoor mall in the world. If you said Ala Moana Shopping Center in Honolulu, you guessed correctly. The largest outdoor mall in the world is soon to be even larger with a new wing expansion opening next spring.

Ala Moana Shopping Center's tenants new to Hawaii for the first time will be the Nordstrom Department Store, J. Crew, Chico's, Home Furnishing Store, Design Within Reach, and Bare Escentuals. Two dozen other stores--as yet to be named--will also fill the new wing.

When Ala Moana's expansion is finished, the mall will boast of 290 stores, 70 restaurants, and 10,000 parking stalls!

For more details read Ala Moana Stores Announced for New Wing.