Cyndi Ayonon, chair of the Kauai Filipino Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Committee, is joined by KFCC President Marites Yano and KFCC Foundation President Angel Acorda on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, in presenting eight of the nine scholarship recipients — Trislyn Calixterio-Martinez (Waimea), Tristan Raposas (Waimea), Keyna Mocium (Waimea), Shanelle Chyzza Juliano (Kauai), Kendra Suga (Waimea), Crislen Padilla (Kauai), Stephanie Comp[anero (Waimea) and Rashel Grace Jamorabon (Waimea) — during the 2025 Annual Scholarship Dinner at the Puakea Grill. Missing is scholar Nia Pablo of Waimea High School who is on Oahu participating with the Menehune softball team for the Division II state championship.
2/5
Swipe or click to see more
Courtesy of Kauai Film Academy
Student filmmakers from the Kauai Film Academy show off the grant certificate from a “generous” grant the Kauai Film Academy received from the Kukuiula Community Benefit Fund to support the academy’s ongoing mission to provide hands-on film education to Kauai youth, empowering students through storytelliing, technical training and creative collaboration. The Kukuiula Community Benefit Fund is administered by the Hawaii Community Foundation and supports initiatives that enrich the Kauai community.
3/5
Swipe or click to see more
Dennis Fujimoto/The Garden Island
All the way from Hilo, about half of the Simply Sisters crew sets up in the Mei Makeke (they were here during the Mele Makeke, too!) on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Simply Sisters will be open on Saturday and Sunday.
4/5
Swipe or click to see more
Dennis Fujimoto/The Garden Island
Artist Leslie Frasier, also an art instructor at the Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School, finishes setting up the CKMS student art showcasing work of the school’s 6th and 7th grade students. The show, which opened on Friday, will be open daily from noon to 6 p.m. until May 17.
5/5
Swipe or click to see more
Dennis Fujimoto/The Garden Island
Members of the Island School third-grade class, while on a “Government Day” field trip on Friday, May 9, 2025, get to talk story with Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami with the help of Kaleo Carvalho in moderating the conversation at the Moikeha Building.
Dennis Fujimoto | The Garden Island
Share this story
Yes, Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami agreed with an Island School third-grade student who was on a class field trip on Friday to learn more about county government. Following tours of the different county departments, the students were treated to talking story with the mayor who learned about people not respecting public safety barricades, or personal privacy laws, and that we need more movie theaters. One student showed off the card she received after writing the mayor about a concern.
Yes, Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami agreed with an Island School third-grade student who was on a class field trip on Friday to learn more about county government. Following tours of the different county departments, the students were treated to talking story with the mayor who learned about people not respecting public safety barricades, or personal privacy laws, and that we need more movie theaters. One student showed off the card she received after writing the mayor about a concern.
Kudos, Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School art instructor Leslie Frazier (she also is a vendor at the monthly Lawai Beach Craft Fair) on opening the CKMS Art Show by the school’s 6th and 7th grade students that only adds to the excitement of the Mother’s Day weekend at the Kukui Grove Center … yes, the show has a special section where people can purchase small items to benefit the program. The free show runs through May 17 and doors are open daily from noon until 6 p.m.
Taiko Kauai and the Kauai Bonsai Club returns (they were past of last week’s Kodomo no Hi festivities) to all the Japanese aspect to the Hui Alu, Inc. Okinawa Days.
The Okinawan festival that only takes place every other year will be joined by the Mei Makeke (Two Sisters — all the way from Hilo — is open on Saturday and Sunday, only!), and according to Melissa McFerrin Warrack, Stan’s Flying Saucers is supposed to have his tasty morsels right outside the Mei Makeke next to Deja Vu Surf Hawaii who will have their specials tent up on Saturday.
And, on Mother’s Day, it’s getting close to the end of the Dine Out specials (details on one of the signboards at the shopping center), and Mother’s Day jazz will be on tap from 11:30 a.m.
Happy Mother’s Day, Kauai!
•••
Dennis Fujimoto can be reached at 245-0453 or at dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
