Organic, green and delicious are among the determining factors for lei to be contenders at this year’s Hawai‘i Healing Garden lei contest. The event will benefit the Performing Art Center at the Kaua‘i Community College, designed to draw out four
Organic, green and delicious are among the determining factors for lei to be contenders at this year’s Hawai‘i Healing Garden lei contest.
The event will benefit the Performing Art Center at the Kaua‘i Community College, designed to draw out four unique types of the tradition: Edible, medicinal, aroma-theraputic and recyclable.
While lei are most commonly made up of foliage — be it plumeria, lehua blossom, orchid, or maile — or even fabric, shells or feathers, the contest is encouraging its participants to adhere to well-thought out specs.
Edible lei must be 100 percent safe for consumption and must include a list of all plant materials used. While no paper or candy is allowed, designers can score extra points for going organic.
Medicinal lei must be made from plants that have known medicinal or health benefits. All plants used and their healing properties are to be listed.
Aromatherapy lei will be judged by fragrant quality and a list of the flowers and leaves used should be included.
Recycled material lei are in kind to the ‘aina and are to be made of found or recycled objects.
The top prize in each category is $100.
Second- and third-place winners will receive gift certificates to Kaua‘i restaurants and other prizes.
All lei become the property of Hawai‘i Health Guide and will be sold at a silent auction on July 14 at the Performing Arts Center at Kaua‘i Community College as a fund-raiser for the 2007 Health & Wellness Scholarship Fund.
Lei must be received at the KCC Performing Arts Center Lei Registration by 10 a.m. and will be on display until 3 p.m.
Judging will take place at 11:30 a.m. and prizes will awarded between noon and 1 p.m.
The silent auction closes at
3 p.m. and lei must be picked up by 4 p.m.
More details of the Kaua‘i Healing Garden lei contest and entry forms can be found at www.KauaiHealthGuide.com/events.
Vender booths are also available at the Health Expo.
For more information, call Anandra George at 639-2880.
• Amanda C. Gregg, assistant editor/staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 252) or agregg@kauaipubco.com.
