Kauai Family Magazine Spring 2023

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MESSAGE

FROM THE MAYOR DEREK S.K. KAWAKAMI, MAYOR

Aloha, Happy New Year to you and your family! Let us always cherish how blessed we are to raise our children on this beautiful island.

Spring is a time for rejuvenation and renewal. Let us experience this season with our extended ‘ohana and friends safely.

Mahalo to Kaua‘i Family Magazine as a resource for our families on the County of Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau. This publication is filled with an abundance of recreational activities and information that benefits our children’s and families’ well-being.

I wish all of you a productive and safe Spring season!

With Warmest Aloha,

Derek S. K. Kawakami Mayor, County of Kaua‘i State of Hawai‘i

It’s 2023 and we have   a lot to look   forward to!

Here at Kauai Family Magazine, we’re feeling very fortunate indeed. After all, we have the best readers on the planet! You know, if it weren’t for you, there would be no Kauai Family Magazine. You are the ones who support our advertisers, the businesses and events sprinkled throughout our pages each edition. And gosh, thank you for the many wonderful comments! We are truly humbled.

Girl’s Day is March 3. Order your box of treats from Mark’s Place (see page 15).

Waimea Health Fair & Carnival is March 25th — and it’s FREE! See page 23 for details about this event, which is sure to be fun for the whole family!

Easter is Sunday, April 9. Check out Kauai’s Easter egg hunts on page 19. Have fun looking for the Easter Bunny throughout the island!

We hope that you find this issue of Kauai Family Magazine informative and useful. All the best to you, our faithful readers (and our new ones!), in this new year and always. Have a great 2023be healthy and wise!

Chrissy Schechter Publisher

chrissys@KauaiFamilyMagazine.com

PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Chrissy

CREATIVE

Schechter

DIRECTOR Edie Mann

PRESIDENT OF SALES

Chrissy Schechter

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Alice Photography

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Frias Andaya, M.D. Patrick Ching

Monty Downs, M.D. Todd Fuerte Mark Oyama

Joel Punzal, O.D. Leah Ragsac Bernard Riola, M.D. Kelliann Rita, D.D.S.

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES

advertising@kauaifamilymagazine.com

Kauai Office 808-639-5656 KauaiFamilyMagazine.com Info@KauaiFamilyMagazine.com

Next Issue: SUMMER 2023 Advertising Deadline: March 15, 2023

Kauai Family Magazine is published quarterly as Spring, Summer, Fall and Holiday editions.

Copyright © 2023 Kauai Family Magazine All rights reserved. No portion of Kauai Family Magazine may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

Kauai Family Magazine assumes no financial responsibility for errors in advertisements.

MESSAGE FROM DANIEL HAMADA

INTERIM KAUAI COMPLEX AREA SUPERINTENDENT

Aloha!

As our schools begin their second academic semester for this school year, I am humbled and honored to be working alongside dedicated administrators, teachers, and support staff. No matter their roles and on a daily basis, our employees are working tirelessly toward providing quality education to our students. Yes, we have had challenges since returning to face-to-face learning. Similar to many of our community organizations, one of our challenges have been finding ample employees for our schools and offices.

To our parents, we encourage you to stay informed and continue to be an active partner in your children’s education. To our community partners, thank you for always supporting our future generations. Kauai’s strength lies in our collective belief of community. The term Ne’epapa say it best as we are united in working together for our students.

Sincerely,

Daniel S. Hamada

Interim Kauai Complex Area Superintendent

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Kauai Family Magazine is able to provide quality local content because of the continued support of our advertisers. Please support local businesses and tell them you saw them in Kauai Family Magazine!

Bethel University 59

Big Brothers Big Sisters Kauai 54

Boys and Girls Club 21

Catholic Charities 54 Child & Family Services 55

Countdown Kauai, The 64, 65

County of Kauai Agency of Elderly Affairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

County of Kauai Department of Health . . . 5

County of Kauai Department of Water . . . 30

County of Kauai Office of the Mayor . . . . . . 4

County of Kauai Parks and Recreation . . 20

County of Kauai Waste Management . . . 31

Garden Isle Healthcare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Gather Federal Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Grove Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76, 77, 78, 79

Hale Kupuna Heritage Home . . . . 25, 26, 27

Hawaii Health Systems Corporation- Kauai Region 40, 41

Hawaii State Dept of Health 52

Hawaii Technology Academy 57

Jason Blake Health Insurance 29 Kalaheo Dental Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Kauai Adult Day Health 29

Kauai Christian Academy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Kauai Complex Area DOE 9

Kauai Island Utility Cooperative 2, 12, 13

Kauai Medical Clinic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Leah Ragsac, Realtor 32

Malama Pono Health Services . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Mark’s Place 14, 15

Ohana Pacific Health 24

Patrick Ching Art . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Preschool Open Doors 53

Punzal Vision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Regency at Puakea Assisted Living 29

Stay at Home Health Care 24

T . Fuerte Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64, 65

Wilcox Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Individuals with Down Syndrome (clinical name Trisomy 21) have an extra chromosome, the third copy on the 21st chromosome. Individuals without Down syndrome have 46 chromosomes.

ELLA JOY Kamāwaelualani Puamakamae Hadassah Martinez (our cover model) was born on Kauaʻi on June 23, 2012, to her mother, Katrina Louise Martinez.  Now a fifth grader at Kōloa Elementary, Ella loves music, singing, dancing, and videoing her performances.

Ella has an older sister, Amiyo (26), and brother, Jahro (24). Ella is an aunty, too.

Her grandmother is a special education teacher on Mau‘i, and her godparents live in Kona.

Her aunt January Yamamoto and cousins live on Kauaʻi. Four other aunts and one uncle live on the mainland, along with her Grandparents Esqueda.

Ella loves holidays! She also enjoys playing sports (especially Frisbee), riding her bike, doing crafts, and going on adventures.

She has boarded all three of the Hawaiian voyaging canoes, Hōkūleʻa, Hikianalia, and Nāmāhoe. She has been to the top of Haleakalā for sunrise. She enjoys the cool weather of Kōkeʻe hiking trails and swimming in the warm waters at Keʻe and down the Nā Pali coast.

Ella stays active in the community attending events like Kōloa Plantation Days. She even participated in their recent parade.

Some of Ella’s favorite foods are saimin, pizza, chicken nuggets, popcorn, yogurt, and melona.

Ella, who has Down Syndrome, loves her family, friends, teachers/staff/principal, and community. She is a joy to all who are lucky enough to know her. No wonder her second name is Joy.

Ella was so excited to wear her yellow blouse because it reminds her of the yellow dress worn by Pepa from the Disney movie Encanto. Haku lei by Heavenly Hakus – Elvrine Chow

The floral pink blouse Ella is wearing on the cover was her sister’s. Haku lei by Missy Foley

DOWN SYNDROME RESOURCES

ndss.org/world-down-syndrome-day nationaltoday.com/downs-syndromeawareness-week/ un.org/en/observances/down-syndrome-day

It’s hard to call Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative, which celebrated its 20th Anniversary in November, anything but a success.

“It’s been rewarding to watch KIUC grow from a dream imagined by community members into a recognized industry leader across the nation and the world,” said Jim Mayfield, one of KIUC’s founders and a current member of the Board of Directors.

KIUC was established as a memberbased, not-for-profit cooperative when it was purchased from Citizens Utilities in 2002. The move was initiated by local

community members who wanted more autonomy over utility operations and rates. Over the years, diversifying power sources to improve reliability and address climate change concerns also became a priority.

When the cooperative was initially formed, Kauaʻi’s electric rates were more than 70% higher than Oʻahu and almost all of the island’s power was generated using fossil fuels. Today, KIUC has the highest percentage of renewables in Hawaii and, since May 2022, KIUC has posted the lowest electricity rates in the state.

KIUC is proud to have reached 70% renewable generation, which is nine years ahead of its original goal. During peak daytime hours when the sun is shining, the island runs on 100% renewable energy thanks to a synchronous condenser system.

Also in the works is the West Kauaʻi Energy Project, a pumped storage hydro project planned with AES Corporation. This project will be the

Current and former KIUC board members

first of its kind in the world, using solar PV with battery storage to run the pumps. Once built, WKEP will bring Kauaʻi’s renewable portfolio to over 80%, well ahead of State of Hawaiʻi’s renewable benchmarks.

“Over the years our Board of Directors has set aggressive goals for KIUC with high expectations for success,” said KIUC’s President and Chief Executive Officer, David Bissell. “Because of their vision and leadership, KIUC now provides the cleanest, most reliable and lowest priced electricity in the state.”

Aerial view of the solar + battery storage facility in Lawai.

playground made from recyclable materials, using components of the project for the play structures.

In addition to working with youth, KIUC has programs to assist families. Members can visit KIUC’s website at www.kiuc.coop for energy saving tips, to schedule a Home Assessment Learning Experience (HALE), or to apply for rebate programs and assistance. The interactive SmartHub app is also offered as a way to assist members in understanding their electric bills.

Students

The benefits of operating as a cooperative are many, and stretch beyond reliable power generation and delivery. KIUC supports the community through programs such as Youth Tour, an annual Calendar of Student Art contest, the Sharing of Aloha grant program, and providing educational opportunities.

KIUC frequently partners with the Kauaʻi Community Science Center in Waimea and AES Corporation for educational events, teaching local keiki about how renewable energy works and ways to mitigate impacts from climate change. Interns from high schools throughout Kauaʻi created a functional model of WKEP, and are developing plans for an innovative

Youth can help their families save on their monthly electricity bill and learn about ways to conserve energy in their own homes. As KIUC celebrates its 20 years as a cooperative, KIUC Board Chair Allan Smith notes that high expectations for the cooperative will continue. “Reaching 100%

at the earliest possible date is a priority for us, along with improving grid resiliency, maintaining financial stability and expanding

on a tour of the Port Allen Generation Station.

Chi Chi Dango

INGREDIENTS

• 1 box Mochiko (1 pound)

• 2 1/2 cups white sugar

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 2 cups water

• 1can coconut milk (13.5 ounces)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• food coloring (red and green)

• potato starch for dusting

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Grease a 9" X 13" pan and set aside.

2. Combine Mochiko, white sugar, and baking powder into a bowl and mix.

3. In a separate bowl, mix together water, coconut milk, and vanilla extract.

4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix well until combined.

If using one single food color, add it in until you reach the desired color.

5. Pour all the mixture into the baking pan, cover tightly with foil, and bake for 1 hour.

(Now skip to step 12.)

If using multiple food colors, split the mixture evenly into 3 separate bowls.

6. Color one bowl pink, another bowl green, and leave the remaining bowl uncolored.

7. Pour the green mixture in first and swirl the pan to make sure it’s evenly coated.

By Chef Mark Oyama MARK’S PLACE

8. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 15 minutes.

9. Remove the pan, pour in the white mixture evenly, recover with foil, and bake for another 15 minutes.

10. Remove the pan again and pour in the pink mixture, recover with foil, and bake for 30 minutes.

11. Total baking time will be 1 hour.

12. Let the mochi cool overnight, if possible.

13. When the mochi is cooled, take the potato starch, and spread it out on a flat surface.

14. Remove the mochi from the pan, place onto the potato starch, and using a plastic knife, cut the mochi into pieces.

15. Dust the mochi with more potato starch to coat each piece and prevent it from sticking. Shake off the excess potato starch before serving.

16. Serve and enjoy!

FAMILY FUN SPRING HAPPENINGS

FEBRUARY

Boys & Girls Youth Basketball Registration February 13–17 Grades 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 & 9 Season runs April thru June Register at Neighborhood Centers

46th Annual Waimea Town Celebration February 18-26, 2023

An 8-day festival of concerts, competitions and cultural events waimeatowncelebration.com

MARCH

Celebrate Girl’s Day “Hina Matsuri” at Mark’s Place Thursday, March 3 Girls Day Boxes include Ube Snickerdoodles, Green Tea Matcha Japanese Cheesecake Rolls, Strawberry Chi Chi Dangos, Apple Manju, Yuzu Glazed Cupcakes Preorders start February 15 Last day to order February 24 Pick up March 3, 11am-4pm To order, call 245-2522

Kilauea School Drama Club presents Annie, Jr.  Friday, March 3, 2023, 6:00pm Saturday, March 4, 2023, 6:00pm Evening performances: $10 adults; $5 students K-12; children 5, free. Tickets may be purchased at the door, or from any of the cast members. Contact Farrah Krovoza at Kilauea School

1st Annual Garden Island Dance “Variety Showcase”   Saturday, March 11, 2:30 pm-3:30pm FREE EVENT! Featuring Keiki ages three through teens and adults performing in genres of ballet, hip hop, Spanish dance, lyrical & jazz, as well as performances by musicians, vocalists and more.  www.kauaiartfestival.com

County Spring Fun Program March 13-17 Register online March 3 Ages 5 –11; kauai.gov/parks

Waimea 2023 Health Fair & Carnival Saturday, March 25, 8am-6pm Waimea High School, Front Lawn FREE EVENT for the whole family with games, food, activities and educational health booths.

Events are subject to change without notice. Always call event first to confirm.

APRIL

Mayor’s Youth Track Meet

April 1—Elementary School April 2—Middle School Registration at designated elementary and middle Schools or at Vidinha Stadium on April 1 and 2

Grove Farm Eater Craft Fair Saturday, April 2, 9:30am Puhi Park Field

Historical Kauai Movie Night Series, Parts 1 & 2

The Open House & Train Day Saturday, April 15, 10am-1pm Lihue locations: the museum off Nawiliwili Rd., and train depot off Haleko Rd. FREE COMMUNITY EVENT! Families can tour the museum property and ride in converted cane cars on our original locomotive right-of-way. Historical information and stories will be shared as you walk or ride back in time. www.grovefarm.org

St. Theresa School Carnival Friday April 21, Saturday April 22 6pm- 11pm Kekaha

Lydgate Earth Day Saturday, April 23, 7:30am-Noon Lydgate Park

MAY

Kauai Museum Lei Making Contest Monday, May 1 kauaimuseum.org

Kalaheo School Drama Club presents James and the Giant Peach Shows run April 28 - May 7 at Kalaheo School Cafeteria  Evening performances: $5, 6th grade - adults $1, age 2 - 5th grade Contact Wendy Casillas at Kalaheo School St. Catherine School Carnival Friday, May 5 and Saturday, May 6 5pm to 11pm

March for Babies Saturday, May 6th Registration 6:45am, start 8am Lydgate Park

May Day by the Bay Saturday, May 6, 10am to 5pm Wai`oli Beach Park, Hanalei

2023 Visitor Industry Charity Walk Kauai Saturday, May 6 Vidinha Stadium Soccer Park Walk starts at 7, until Noon charitywalkhawaii.org/Kauai

FUNKEIKI PROGRAMS

Spring Fun

Online registration March 3 kauairecreation.org/

Dates: March 13-March 17

Hours: 7:30 am - 4:30 pm Locations: Lihue & Kalaheo Neighborhood Center Ages: 5-11 years old Fee: $50 Contact: Cindy - 241-4467

Boys & Girls Youth Basketball

4th, 5th, 6th,7th, 8th, & 9th Grade Divisions

Registration: February 13-17, 2023 Season runs April thru June 2023 Registration Sites: Hanapepe, Lihue Kapaa and Kilauea Neighborhood Centers Contact: Clyde Vito, 335-3731

Mayor’s Youth Track Meet

Elementary Division: K - 5th Grade Middle School Division: 6th - 8th Grade

Location: Vidinha Stadium Awards: individual and team (school) trophies Registration: at designated elementary and middle schools or Vidinha Stadium April 1 for Elementary Division April 2 for Middle School Contact: James Kealalio, 822-0511 ..

Lifeguard Programs

KAUA’I JUNIOR LIFEGUARD Register online; program begins in May kauai.gov/JuniorLifeguardPrograms

For kids ages 12 to 17 who can swim and run 100 yards nonstop. This program is free and will teach ocean-safety awareness and other lifesaving skills! Enrollment is limited. Dates & locations TBD

KEIKI LIFEGUARD PROGRAM

Register online; program begins in May kauai.gov/JuniorLifeguardPrograms

For kids ages 8 to 11 who can swim and run 50 yards nonstop. This program is free and will teach ocean-safety awareness and other lifesaving skills! Enrollment is limited. Dates & locations TBD

Contact: Kalani Vierra at 808-241-4984 or dvierra@kauai.gov

Learn to Swim Classes

Adults who want to learn to swim and parents who want their preschool-aged keiki to get a head-start on learning about water safety can get the lessons they need.

Location: Waimea swimming pool Adult program: 18 and older Preschool aquatic lessons: 2-5 years old Contact: Graham Kovarik at 808-338-1271 or gkovarik@kauai.gov

Spring Break Camp

March 13-17, 2023

7:30am- 4pm; $40

Kapaa Clubhouse fguerrero@bgch.com (808) 821-4406

Lihue Clubhouse aherman@bgch.com (808) 245-2210

West Kauai Clubhouse ntauyan@bgch.com (808) 320-8353

Tina Albao Kauai Director of Operations & Development (808) 482-1065 talbao@bgch.com

Kilauea School Drama Club presents

Friday, March 3, 2023, 6:00pm Saturday, March 4, 2023, 6:00pm

Evening performances: $10 adults $5 students K-12 children 5 and under, free. Tickets may be purchased at the door or from any of the cast members.

Contact Farrah Krovoza at Kilauea School

Shows run April 28 - May 7 at Kalaheo School Cafeteria  Evening performances: $5, 6th grade - Adults $1, age 2 - 5th grade Contact Wendy Casillas at Kalaheo School

FROM NORTH TO WEST:

Waipa

Anaina

Kealia

Grove

County

Caring for Kupuna in the heart of Omao

Aunty Kazue participates in physical therapy services.

Caring for Kupuna in the Heart of Omao

highest functional level at their own pace. Hale Kupuna’s community is equipped with a large indooroutdoor space to enjoy the fresh air and beauty of Omao.

Hale Kupuna Heritage home is nestled in the serene and cool Omao just above Poipu. This location makes for an attractive destination for skilled nursing and long-term care services. Hale Kupuna’s campus is blessed with cool breezes, sunshine, and an abundance of lush greenery.

Hale kupuna has undergone renovations and upgrades to accommodate not only long-term care residents but skilled nursing residents as well, making Hale Kupuna a recommendable place for post-acute care.

We are a natural next step for residents who are not quite strong or safe enough to return to their home in the community following an acute stay in a hospital. Our calm and comfortable environment provides residents an opportunity to rehabilitate and reach their

Our indoor-outdoor space is often used for families who like to gather with residents for visits, pet therapy, cooking club and much more. We have also added a brand new and one of the largest physical therapy gyms on the island. Our therapy gym is furnished with state-of-the-art equipment that allows our physical, occupational and speech therapist to provide dynamic services. Our dietary department provides nutritious palatable meals made daily with fresh local ingredients especially designed to expedite the healing process and tailored to residents’ diagnosis for optimal health under the direction of our registered dietician.

Caring for Kupuna is at the heart of our mission and the work our nursing professionals perform daily. Our nurses provide around the clock medically necessary care which emphasizes physical healing and the promotion of psychosocial and emotional well-being too. The collaboration of the interdisciplinary team at Hale Kupuna Heritage Home coupled with our governing

Hale Kupuna Heritage Home Interdisciplinary Team

body Ohana Pacific Health allows our residents and families access to the most up to date healthcare treatments and practices.

The breadth and depth of our knowledge allows us to design individual plans of care focused on resident outcomes. The working relationships developed with residents and families during their stay allows residents to reach their highest functional mobility and best quality of life. Transitioning skilled nursing residents back into the community and preventing re-hospitalization with a feeling of safety and physical Independence is one of the most important things that we do.

There is truly no place like home and keeping our kupuna happy is the ultimate gratification for all our healthcare professionals here at Hale Kupuna. In addition to all the ways we care for our Kupuna who stay with us for longterm or short-term stays Hale Kupuna has recently transformed a portion of our space into an educational center where Ohana Pacific Health has collaborated with University of Hawaii at Maui to create the first of its kind CNA to LPN program.

Our educational center is a place where any CNA’s that work for Ohana Pacific Health communities have an opportunity to apply and participate in a bridge program that trains CNAs to become LPN’s. Our educational center at Hale Kupuna offers both an academic

and clinical classroom, in-person, and online learning in addition to handson learning with our Kupuna in our communities on the island.

Hale Kupuna is an ideal place to come and experience a skilled nursing stay with a less than institutionalized feel. We are truly a home away from home and would love to take care of your post-acute care needs.

For more information, visit our website at ohanapacific.com. 808-742-7591

admissions@halekupuna.com 4279A Omao Road, Koloa, HI 96756

Aunty Kazue participating in physical therapy services.

Ongoing Senior Programs

Classes and activities are scheduled at community neighborhood centers throughout the island.

Some of the classes available include: art, aquatics, ukulele, hula, bonsai, cultural dances, exercise, hanafuda, weaving, quilting, line dance, sewing, crafts, and painting.

If you are interested in joining our senior program, contact the Neighborhood Center closest to you.

Kekaha NC 337-1671

Waimea NC 338-1122

Kaumakani NC 335-5770

Hanapepe NC 335-3731

Kalaheo NC 332-9770

Koloa NC 742-1313

Lihue NC 241-6857

Kapaa NC 822-1931

Kilauea NC 828-1421

By Kaua`i Department of Water

FlipFlapper

Checking for leaks and fixing them right away is a great way to ensure that all of your plumbing fixtures are working properly every month. Some of the most common household leaks occurs in the bathroom, primarily in your toilet.

Did you know the rubber flapper in a toilet tank should be replaced at least every five years and checked annually? A worn-out flapper can cause a silent leak that could waste thousands of gallons of water each year. Replacing a flapper is an easy do-it-yourself task that can save water and lower your water bill.

In other household areas, consider replacing your old fixtures with high efficiency, WaterSense labeled models to ensure you’re saving the most at the tap.

For more water-saving tips, visit www.kauaiwater.org or follow @KauaiDOW on Facebook.

Honoring national Fix a Leak Week March 13-17, 2023

Most Common Home QuestionsBuyer

By Leah Ragsac

Buying a new home can be exciting but there are a lot of steps to buying a home. These are the most common questions for home buyers.

How do I get started? The first step is to speak with a lender and get a pre-approval. This will tell you how much you can afford.

How long does it take to close on a home? Typically, it takes about 45-60  days once contracts are signed to complete the lending, appraisal, and inspection processes.

What does my agent do? will negotiate terms and manage the sales process from start to finish.

What credit score do I need to qualify? Most times a 620 FICO score or higher is required for most home loan programs. Talk to a lender for other options for lower scores.

How much money do I need for a down payment? It varies. FHA loans start as low as 3% and most lenders offer standard programs for a 5% down payment.

What other fees will I need to pay? Closing costs, loan origination fees, home inspection are few costs associated with the sales process. Discuss with your lender and Realtor to get a good estimate of your costs.

What’s the best advice for home buyers? Choose a good Real Estate Agent and ask lots of questions!

Buying a new home is exciting. Reduce any anxiety by finding a good real estate agent who can help you make the best choice for your needs!

Hopping into the Year of the Rabbit!

Lunar New Year begins on Jan. 22, and children born during this year will be under the sign of the Rabbit. The Rabbit child is graced with good fortune and an assurance of happiness in life.

If you’re expecting a little Rabbit, congratulations! Keiki born under the sign of the Rabbit are said to be kind, artistic, graceful, self-assured, and intelligent.

Rabbit children are those miraculous keiki who can sit quietly and occupy themselves with books and toys for hours on end. Their sweet disposition and even temperment are your little Rabbit’s mature and polite early-age qualities.

Highly skilled at masking feelings and intentions, the Rabbit has a keen sense of what adults want to hear. Attuned to your personality, they will cleverly manipulate the family dynamics to engineer the outcome they prefer.

Helpful and obedient at home and well-mannered at school, the Rabbit child will rarely embarrass or outrage you. In fact, you can rest assured that they will represent the ohana beautifully in the outside world and will be well-liked.

By Ashley Owens, MS, RD, CSSD, LDN

3 Fun Ways to Introduce Your Picky Eater to New Foods

Do you ever feel that you serve the same foods to your family over and over again? Or have you ever introduced an unfamiliar food or a new recipe and there was whining, moaning and tears? Is your family in a food rut and you don’t know how to change things? Here are some simple and fun ways to bring new foods to the table.

Involve your children with new foods before they show up at the table. Take a look at the photo of bananas, kiwis and tangerines. If your children have never ever seen a kiwi, try letting them touch it and tell you what it feels like on the outside. You could have them guess what color is on the inside of the kiwi and let them watch as you peel it and see if their guess was right or not. For older children, you could show them this photo and have them arrange the pieces of the fruit to try to replicate the image. If you had put the cut up kiwi slices in a bowl and served it on the table, your child may have found this new and unfamiliar food alarming, squealed and said the black dots on the kiwi look like bugs.

Introduce a new food or an unfamiliar recipe by serving it with a familiar food. Children like routine, safety, and security, and this fact is true even when it comes to food. It may seem shocking to you that little kids can make such a big deal about a new food or dish, but their reaction to something new and strange on the table is just part of the developmental process. You could soften the blow further by serving the new and unfamiliar food with not just one, but two of their favorite foods. And don’t be surprised if they still do not want to try your new recipe. Children often need to see a new food numerous times before they are willing to try it. Also, seeing you eat a new food overtime can lessen their fear to try it.

Be very casual and relaxed when introducing the new food. For example, if your kids do not eat the kiwi, don’t scramble to find something else for them to eat. Be assured that they will not go to bed vitamin C deficient. It is our job as parents to put a variety of nutritious foods on the table, but it is their job to determine if they like it or not. As one pediatric nutrition professor said years ago, can you name one food you don’t like? Why do we think it is necessary for our children to like every single food? You will find that children’s likes and dislikes change over time.

Dental Health for Your Keiki

By Dr. Kelliann Rita, DDS, Kalaheo Dental Group

their first tooth erupts. It’s important to establish a dental home, check their teeth, and get your child used to the dentist, which can make their future experiences easier.

As soon as a tooth comes in you need to brush it!

For infants, use an extra soft or silicone bristle toothbrush and age appropriate brushes for older kids.

Tooth decay is the #1 chronic infectious disease among children in the U.S.! And it’s

Take your child to the dentist by age 1 or after

If two teeth are touching it’s time to floss! Try kid’s flossers if string floss is too difficult.

Parents should help kids brush and floss until

about age 7-8. This is when their hand dexterity is good enough to allow them to do a good job.

Organic sugar is still sugar! It may be better for your little ones in some ways, but the bacteria that turns the sugar into acid to cause cavities loves every kind of sugar.

Encourage your keiki to enjoy treats in moderation and practice good oral hygiene. Brush twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste, floss at least once a day, and get your child’s dental exam and cleaning every six months.

By Bernard Riola, M.D. Pediatrician KVMH Waimea Alumnus Saint Theresa School

Curiosity is something we are born with but does not necessarily continue throughout life.  Newborns and infants cannot help but grab, touch, gnaw, and taste everything within reach.  This is how they learn about the world around them.  This curiosity continues through childhood, but more and more, curiosity has been pushed to the side by activities such as computer games, tablets, and television.  Sure, you might be ‘curious’ to know what happens next in a Netflix series, or how a game ends, but this is passive entertainment.  Information is just being fed rather than trying to actively question, explore, imagine.

adults become adventurers, explorers, and leaders, and overall lead happier lives.

Development – Learning ‘core skills’ such as reading, writing, math and science allows us to understand the world.  Curiosity and creativity are ‘soft skills’ that are just as important, as it allows children to use their core skills to be useful in real world scenarios.

Problem solving – Developing curiosity helps a child grow up to be an innovator.  Curiosity allows a child to learn why things happen a certain way, and question if there is another better way to do it.  Adults who are not curious do okay, but they are rarely influential, and can live repetitive lives.  Curious

Counters boredom – If your child gets bored and irritable when there is no streaming show to watch or video game to play, they need to work on their curiosity.  A curious child can entertain themselves in any environment by letting their mind wander and question why things are the way they are.

Observational skills – Curious children are better at noticing all the details in their environment.  They also tend to be more empathetic if their curiosity extends into other people, because they realize that other people

Why is curiosity important?

have their own emotions, personalities, and characteristics.

How do you foster curiosity in children?

Ask questions – Curiosity begins with asking questions, and children may not know what kinds of questions to ask.  So, guide them by asking them open-ended questions.  Teach them to use question words like who, what, where, why, and how.  Play the “I wonder . . . “game with them, as in, “I wonder why leaves are green?”

Answer questions – There is a certain time in a child’s life when they start asking lots and lots of questions.  We are all guilty of answering, “I don’t know.” or “I’m busy, ask me later.”  Do these enough times and children stop questioning.  Try to give them the best answer you can, in simple understandable term.  If you are not sure, it’s okay to let them know!  Then take the time to look up the answer in a book, google

search, or video.  This sets them up to learn how to learn on their own.

Buy the right toys, or none –

Some open-ended toys are great for curiosity, such as Play-Doh, Lego, and drawing supplies.  However, many other toys direct children to play with them a certain way, requiring no creativity at all.  Instead of buying a premade fort or castle, give them a big box and markers and see what they create.  Instead of buying bath toys, give them some measuring cups, a few clean sponges, and a funnel and let them figure out what to do.

Make time for unstructured play – Some games are meant to be learned with a certain set of rules to follow.  However, make time for play that is unstructured, where there is no definable purpose, rules are made up and then changed on the go.  Help them along by giving them a variety of objects and encourage them to find novel ways to incorporate them into their game.

Are you expecting?

HHSC Kaua‘i Region introduces a new program that brings women together.

Have you heard about group prenatal visits?

This prenatal care gives you more time with the provider, more education and you make friends with women going through pregnancy at the same time. It is called CenteringPregnancy®. It’s upcoming and provides more comprehensive care.

Kandi Bloss, RNC, BSN, IBCLC Maternity Education Coordinator Hawai‘i Health Systems Corporation - Kaua‘i Region (808) 651-7898

What is CenteringPregnancy®?

CenteringPregnancy® brings 8-12 pregnant women who are due around the same time together for routine prenatal care. Each of the 10 visits is 90 minutes to two hours long—giving you 10 times as much time with your provider team.

Engage in your care Learn to take your weight and blood pressure, one on one with your healthcare provider in private

Gain knowledge about health topics related to pregnancy and birth during each visit

Develop relationships with other women going through the same thing

To learn more or ask for a tour, call or email: Kandi Bloss RNC, BSN, IBCLC phone: 808-651-7898 Email: kabloss@kauaihealthcare.org

FAQs

How is my privacy protected in a group setting?

At the first group session, each person signs a confidentiality agreement and it is emphasized that particular concerns should not be discussed outside the group setting. Patients can share as much or as little information as they want.

What is the cost of this type of care?

Your charges and/or copays for CenteringPregnancy® are the same as traditional care and are determined by your insurance coverage.

I am not sure I can leave my job for a two-hour appointment.

Centering group care is your healthcare visit. While two hours may seem like a long time for your prenatal visit, remember there is no waiting for your appointment to start – when you arrive you will go right to the Centering room to get started. There is no need to check out after or spend valuable time scheduling your next visit. You will receive a schedule of all your appointments ahead of time.

Groups are lively, interactive, focused on the topics that are most important to you, and FUN!

Childbirth Class Schedules

2023 Childbirth Class Schedule

Two Options for Classes:

Classes on Wednesday run four consecutive weeks from

April 5th-26th: 6pm-8pm

August 2nd-23rd: 6pm-8pm

November 28th-December 19th: 6pm-8pm

One Day ONLY Saturday Classes

February 11th: 9am-3:30pm

June 17th: 9am-3:30pm

October 14th: 9am-3:30pm

Held on 2nd floor of The Clinic at Waimea

1. Take a Shelter Dog on a Field Trip

Are you bored at home? Do you need to get out of the house? Could you use the companionship of a four-legged friend? How does it work? Schedule a pickup time, let our staff match you with an appropriate field trip buddy, and then off you go! A non-refundable donation of $40 is requested to help defer the cost of running the field trip program and making sure all our amazing Kaua’i dogs have everything they need while waiting for their forever homes. Where can I take my dog for the day? Kauai Humane Society will advise you where to go on your adventure, depending on your dog buddy and the weather.

DAILY HOURS

Pick up: 10 am – Noon Return anytime before 5 pm kauaihumane.org/service/field-trips/

2. Sway on the Hanapepe Swinging Bridge

Children love this suspension bridge because it rocks and swings and can be a little scary at times. This bridge is the real deal though—a much bigger thrill than the miniature playground versions.

3. Check out the Na ‘Aina Kai Botanical Gardens

Visiting the Na ‘Aina Kai Botanical Gardens in Kilauea should be on your list of family-friendly, non-beachy Kauai activities.

Reservations required.

The lush gardens are gorgeous and offer a splendid variety of exotic flowers in all colors, shapes and sizes. The 120+ bronze sculptures are also a bit of a surprise.

Kids, especially, are drawn to the 16-foot “Jack and the Beanstalk” fountain in the children’s garden. Check out naainakai.org/splash-play/.

The venue offers tour options including a self-guided walking tour, a seasonal bird tour, a family tour and several others.

4. Hike up the Sleeping Giant

Enjoy the incredible view from the top of the Sleeping Giant. The Sleeping Giant Trail (Nounou East Trail) is a 3.5 mile (roundtrip) moderate hike that climbs up Nounou Mountain.

Looking up from the town of Kapa’a below, the mountain looks like a giant sleeping on its back, hence its name.

The trail ascends gently through forested mountains at first, then rises quite steeply as you start to switchback up the mountain. There’s a bit of rock scrambling at the end, and the trail can be muddy and slippery in places.

To access the trailhead, follow the Haleilio Road to the parking lot, found almost at the end.

5. Ride an Antique Train at Kilohana Plantation

The Journey: You’ll be entertained and educated by our fun-loving conductors and amazed by our rows of over 50 varieties of fruit tree orchards, fruit fields, vegetable gardens, rare and exotic tropical flowers, forest, plants, hardwood trees, and animal pastures with donkeys, goats, sheep, horses, cattle, ducks, geese, and even a herd of wild pigs. The train will stop; you can disembark and feed our wild pigs, goats and sheep. kilohanakauai.com/plantation-train

6. Crawl into the Makauwahi Cave

One of the most interesting Kauai adventures – especially for keiki!

Discovered by paleoecologists David Burney and Lida Pigott Burney in 1992, the Makauwahi Cave Reserve is a 17-acre ancient archaeological site that’s home to fossils and the largest limestone cave in Hawaii.

You must bend down to enter the cave entrance. But after crawling a few feet, you can stand up inside a fabulous, open, garden-like amphitheater, where you’ll discover two caves.

The North Cave has a freshwater lake. Free tours are given by volunteer guides between 10 am and 4 pm daily. cavereserve.org

BY APRIL 15TH

“Green” is a buzzword for “environmentally friendly.” In celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, let’s draw something green. How about a honu or green sea turtle? OK, I know most honu are brown, but their insides are green from all the algae they eat. That’s how they got their name “green turtle”. They are fun to draw, so here is our three-step drawing process.

Draw the Honu (the Hawaiian word for turtle)

STEP 1- FORMING Form up the Honu by pressing gently with the pencil. Make the shape of the shell like a teardrop. Draw a circle where the head will be. Then form up the front flippers using circles at the base, and long ovals at the ends. Make ’um big! Use bigger circles for the rear flippers. The tail should be long if it is male and short if it is female.

STEP 2- OUTLINING Now, pressing harder with the pencil, outline the honu’s shell. Detail the head, flippers, and tail. Then draw the lines of the shell sections and scales. Draw a line for the water above the honu and a line for the sand below it. Put a sun in the sky.

STEP 3- SHADING AND COLORING Shade the lower part of the Honu’s shell as well as the parts of the head and flippers that would be in the shadow of the shell. You may also shade a cast shadow on the sand and draw other things around the honu.

IT’S EASY TO ENTER E-mail your art to info@KauaiFamilyMagazine.com. Include your name, age, grade, school, and phone number.

DEADLINE TO ENTER IS APRIL 15TH One of you will win the book Honu and Hina by Patrick Ching and Friends!

With Patrick Ching

Crispy Rice Treats with a twist

PeepLayeredsTreats

Yummy,colorful Easter goodies

INGREDIENTS

• 4 tablespoons butter or margarine, divided into fourths

• 4 3-ounce packages of marshmallow Peeps in 4 different colors (Use any colors you like!)

• 6 cups crispy rice cereal, divided into fourths

Involve your keiki when making these treats. They will love helping pick out the colors and deciding which order to layer them!

Made with marshmallow Peeps and guaranteed to be a hit with keiki of all ages!

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prepare an 8-9" loaf pan by lining with foil and spraying lightly with cooking spray.

2. Divide the Peeps by 10s of the same color (10 pink, 10 yellow, etc).

3. In a deep, medium-sized, microwave-safe bowl, microwave 10 of the same color peeps plus 1 tablespoon of butter on high for approximately 45 seconds. Because microwaves vary, watch closely so the mixture doesn’t flow over the sides of the bowl.

4. Using a large spatula, stir butter and Peeps together until completely mixed.

5. Gradually stir in 1-½ cups of cereal until fully coated. Spray the spatula with cooking spray to keep mixture from sticking to it.

6. Press firmly into the loaf pan.

7. Repeat steps 3-6 with the other Peeps colors, layering each on top of the ones already in the pan. To keep colors pure, clean mixing bowl in between.

8. Allow to cool completely (1-2 hours) before slicing.

9. If desired, make Peep pops by inserting cake pop sticks (as shown above).

Resource Directory

Kaua‘i County

Access to Health Services

Telehealth is a great option to safely continue with treatments & appointments. For more information, contact your insurance or the Pacific Basin Telehealth Resource Center ! (808) 956-2897

If you are uninsured, contact Med-QUEST for coverage. You may be eligible now! To apply, call ! 1(877) 628-5076 or visit https://mybenefits.hawaii.gov/

Other affordable health care services for lowincome families:

§ Ho‘ōla Lahui Hawai‘i ! (808) 240-0100

§ Mālama Pono Health Services (MPHS) reproductive health & case management. ! (808) 246-9577

§ HMSA’s Online Care App: affordable telehealth for anyone 18+ years in Hawai‘i

§ The Department of Education (DOE) Health Hotline ! (844) 436-3888

§ Project Vision: no-cost screening & reading glasses ! (808) 201-3937

§ BCCCP: Mammograms & cervical cancer screenings ! (808) 245-7767

Language assistance may be available at:

o Helping Hands ! (808) 526-9724

o KDHO Bilingual Health Access ! (808) 241-3421

o We are Oceania (WAO) for communities from Micronesia, Marshall Islands, & Palau, COVID-19 helpline ! (808) 913-1364

COVID-19 Vaccines & Boosters

Vaccines are safe & effective at preventing COVID-19 severe illness & death. In Kaua‘i, vaccines and boosters are widely accessible & are available for everyone at no cost. To schedule a COVID-19 vaccine or booster appointment, contact:

§ Ho’ōla Lāhui Hawai‘i ! (808) 938-0938 § Kaiser Permanente, Līhuʻe ! (808) 246-5600 § Wilcox Medical Center, Līhuʻe WilcoxHealth.org/Vaccine § Kauaʻi Veterans Memorial Hospital (KVMH), Waimea kauai.hhsc.org/ § Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital, Kapa‘a kauai.hhsc.org/ § Pharmacies:

Longs – CVS www.cvs.com/immunizations

Costco https://www.costco.com/covidvaccine.html

Līhuʻe Pharmacy ! (808) 246-9100

Safeway Pharmacy www.safeway.com/pharmacy/covid19.html

Walmart www.walmart.com/COVIDvaccine Search additional vaccination locations at kauai.gov/vaccine or call the Kaua‘i District Health Office (KDHO) at ! (808)241-3495

For more information on resources call !211 - Aloha United Way (AUW) Benefits & services change continuously. For the most up-to-date version, please visit www.kauai.gov/covid-19

HEALTHY FAMILIES: SUPPORT PROGRAMS

If you or a loved one is experiencing emotional or mental health distress, please call 24/7 Hawai‘i CARES line at ! 1(800) 753-6879 or text ALOHA to 741741 for free & anonymous crisis counseling. Multilingual services available.

§ Child & adolescent mental health services at the Kauaʻi Family Guidance Center ! (808) 274-3883

§ Adult mental health & case management ! (808) 643-2643

§ Catholic Charities Hawai‘i Counseling Center ! (808) 520-7721

§ Suicide Prevention Resource Center ! 1(800) 273-8255

o 24/7, confidential support for people in distress & resources for everyone.

o Options for Deaf & Hard of Hearing available.

§ Support for sexual & gender minorities:

§ LGBTQ++ tools & information at the Sexual & Gender Minorities (SGM) Resource Hub

§ Mālama Pono Health Services: counseling & hormone replacement therapy, & PrEP management ! (808) 246-9577

§ The YWCA offers LGBTQ support & information ! (808) 245-5959 x256 or email matthew@ywcakauai.org

Assistance during crisis

§ YWCA: Case management & crisis intervention ! (808) 245-6362 / 4144

§ Women in Need (WIN): support for women & children with a history of domestic violence, substance abuse, or incarceration ! (808) 245-1996

§ Child Abuse or Neglect Reporting Hotline: to report a suspect case or for information ! (808) 832-5300 or 1(888) 380-3088

§ Virtual Family Assistance at www.redcross.org/VFAC or ! 1(833) 492-0094

Support for Children, Youth, & Parents

§ Child and Family Service supports keiki, parents, kupuna, & immigrants ! (808) 245-5914

§ The Parent Line: free & confidential support on kids’ behavior. ! 1(800) 816-1222

§ Healthy mothers, healthy babies virtual new-parent support & telehealth lactation services ! (808) 737-5805

§ Family Hui Hawai‘i: Peer-led parenting group. Visit FB page or ! (808) 230-7112

§ Queen Lili‘uokalani Trust: Social services for Native Hawaiian families. Visit onipaa.org/ or call ! (808) 466-8080

§

The Easter Seals Kauaʻi’s Early Intervention program ! (808) 245-7141

§ Hale ʻŌpio: programs, support for youth & families. ! (808) 245-2873

§ Keiki to Career: Information for parents & children. ! (808) 632-2005 or visit FB page

§

The Boys & Girls Club of Kauaʻi: Contact each Club House for information, o Kapa'a ! (808) 821-4406

o Līhuʻe ! (808) 245-2210

o West Kauaʻi ! (808) 320-8353

Childcare

§ PATCH (People Attentive to Children) ! (808) 246-0622

§

INPEACE (Institute for Native Pacific Education & Culture Help) at laciec@inpeace.org or ! (808) 245-0045

§ Child Care Connection Hawai'i offers assistance for income eligible families ! (808) 245-2193

For more information on resources call !211 - Aloha United Way (AUW) Benefits & services change continuously. For the most up-to-date version, please visit www.kauai.gov/covid-19

FOOD ACCESS

Food resources are available to ANYONE experiencing food insecurity. Please contact the provider & check for eligibility before visiting any center.

Pantries & Meals

§ Hawai‘i Food Bank-Kauaʻi Branch ! (808) 482-2224

§ Kauaʻi Independent Food Bank ! (808) 246-3809

§ Mālama Kauaʻi ! (808) 828-0685 x23

o Accessible CSA Produce Bags

o Food access programs

o Farmer support

§ Other meal programs for Kūpuna & families experiencing houselessness:

o Nourish Kauaʻi ! (808) 635-3722

o Kauaʻi Economic Opportunity ! (808) 245-4077

o The Agency of Elderly Affairs (AEA) provides assistance to seniors ! (808) 241-4470

o Our Kūpuna ! (808) 400-4506

o Kumano I Ke Ala, Waimea kumanoikeala@gmail.com ! (808) 346-5348

§ The Kauaʻi Humane Society’s Pet Food Bank can assist with food for pets ! (808) 632-0610

North

o St. William Church, Hanalei ! (808) 346-2850

o Church of the Pacific, Princeville ! (808) 826-6481

o North Shore Food Pantry, Kīlauea ! (970) 618-8889

East

o Anahola Beach Park ! (808) 826-6481

o Hale Ho’omalu, Kapa‘a ! (808) 821-2520

o Kapa‘a Missionary Church ! (808) 822-5594

o St. Catherine’s, Kapa‘a ! (808) 635-3722

Central

o Kings Chapel, Hanamāʻulu ! (808) 335-6845

o KEO, Līhu‘e ! (808) 245-4077

o Līhu‘e Salvation Army ! (808) 245-2571

o Calvary Chapel, Līhu‘e ! (808)245-9613

o St. Michaels & All Angels Episcopal Church, Līhu‘e ! (808) 245-3796

South

o St Raphael Church, Kōloa ! (808) 742-1955

o Holy Cross/Sacred Heart, Kalāheo ! (808) 332-8011

West

Supplemental Resources

§ Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) ! (808) 274-3371

o After receiving the SNAP card, sign up for the Da Bux Card for 50% discount on qualifying local fresh produce ! (808) 437-3044

§ Supplemental Nutrition for Women Infants, & Children, (WIC) ! (808) 241-3080

§ Public Assistance ! (855) 643-1643

o ‘Ele’ele Baptist Church ! (808) 332-5906

o Hanapēpē Salvation Army ! (808) 335-5441

o Nana’s House, Waimea ! (808) 338-0252

o Westside Christian Center AOG, Kekaha ! (808) 643-7040

For an updated list, ! (808) 828-0685 x23 or visit www.malamakauai.org

For more information on resources call !211 - Aloha United Way (AUW) Benefits & services change continuously. For the most up-to-date version, please visit www.kauai.gov/covid-19

HOUSING AND UTILITY ASSISTANCE

The American Rescue Plan allocated more than $200 million in rent, utility, & mortgage assistance programs. Call !211 for information about current programs.

Assistance is available to Kauaʻi residents who were financially affected by the pandemic & have fallen behind on their rent, mortgage, electric, water, sewer and gas bills.

§ HUD can assist low-income residents looking for affordable housing. Find a HUD approved housing counselor ! (800) 569-4287

o Senior’s line ! (808) 536-0011

§ The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands (DHHL) offers Emergency Rental Assistance Program & Direct Loan Payments. Visit dhhl.hawaii.gov/covid-19/ or ! (808) 620-9500 to speak with a DHHL officer.

§ The County of Kaua‘i and the KFCU offer the Coronavirus Rental & Utility program. Visit https://kauairenthelp.com/ or ! (808) 482-3777

§ For other programs, contact the County Housing Agency ! (808) 241-4444

§ Women in Need provides transitional housing opportunities ! (808) 245-1996

§ Catholic Charities Hawai‘i helps with costs such as rent or utilities, & other services for houseless families ! (808) 241-4673

§ Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides qualifying low-income households with a one-time credit to offset energy costs ! (808) 245-4077

§ Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) ! 1(855) 643-1643

§ Hawaiian Community Assets provides emergency loans to assist with first month's rent/deposit, past due rent, or mortgage payments. All borrowers receive individualized financial counseling ! (866) 824-0448

Other key resources

§ Hawai‘i State Department of Health. COVID-19 information hawaiicovid19.com/

§ Kaua‘i Emergency Management Agency (KEMA) www.kauai.gov/COVID-19

§ FEMA’s is offering financial COVID-19 Funeral Assistance. Visit, www.FEMA.gov/funeral-assistance/faq or ! (844) 684-6333 or (TTY) 800-462-7585

§ Resources for Hawai‘i, Senator Brian Schatz www.schatz.senate.gov/coronavirus

§ Crowdsourced Hawai‘i COVID-19 Resources www.resilienthawaii.org/

§ Hawai‘i Children Action Network Interactive Map for Hawaiʻi COVID-19 Resources covid19.hawaii-can.org/

§ Child and Family Services offers support to everyone including kupuna, immigrants, & houseless.

o Nana’s House ! (808) 338-0252

o Hale Ho‘omalu ! (808) 821-2520

§ Legal Aid Society of Hawai‘i ! 1(800) 499-4302

o Legal Help & Resources www.legalaidhawaii.org/covid-19legal-help resources.html. Also available in various languages.

Call !211 - Aloha United Way (AUW) for more information on assistance & resources.

This document was updated on 7/1/2022. Services available continue to change. For the most up-to-date information, please check with each provider or visit www.kauai.gov/covid-19 To request changes, please email KauaiHealthPromotion@gmail.com. If you need an auxiliary aid/service or other accommodation due to a disability, please contact 808-241-3495 in advance. Requests made as early as possible will allow adequate time to fulfill request. Upon request, this notice is available in alternate formats such as large print, Braille, or electronic copy.

Taufa Hoamofaleono Pua Melia Koli

Born: January 1st, 2023 at 2:45 a.m. Weight: 6 pounds, 8 ounces, 20” length Parents: Oliver & Isileli Vaka Koli. Siblings: Hawaiki Oliver and Isileli Vaka Koli

Levi Alexander Galiza Steed

Born: January 3, 2023 at 9:28 am. Weight: 7 lb 5 oz, 20.5” length Parents: Gracie Galiza Steed & Alexander Steed

Abigail Anh Christian

Born: September 18, 2022 at 2:06am Weight:  6lbs, 12oz Parents: Kevin and Kay Christian Sibling: Hana

ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS UNTIL MARCH 31, 2023

NEED HELP PAYING FOR PRESCHOOL? PRESCHOOL OPEN DOORS

The Department of Human Services operates the Preschool Open Doors Program, which helps eligible low and moderate income families’ statewide pay for preschool for up to one year prior to the child’s kindergarten entry. They provide children whose families might otherwise not be able to afford preschool with the opportunity to gain essential skills in preschool in order to be successful in school and in life.

for School Year 2023-2024

If your child will be turning 5 years of age by July 31, 2023, they are old enough to register for kindergarten for the 2023-2024 school year. Your child must be 5 years old by July 31, 2023.

What documents will you need to register your child?

1. TB Clearance received within one year. If your child’s Primary Care Physician (PCP) does not offer TB testing please contact the state department of health at 808-241-3387.

2. Student Health Record (Form 14) This form must be filled out and signed by your child’s PCP. The original must be turned in to the school as soon

as it filled and signed by your child’s PCP. Copies will not be accepted.

3. Birth Certificate (or passport and/ or visa for foreign students). Guardianship or custody papers are required if parent(s)/guardian(s) are not listed on the child’s birth certificate.

4. Proof of Residence (e.g. rental/lease agreement, current utility bill with correct name and current physical address)

Eye Allergy Relief

On Kaua’i we are exposed to the elements such as sun and wind. This exposure can result in allergies in the eyes causing red, itchy, irritated eyes and eyelids.

Below are some tips to reduce exposure and provide relief to those itchy eyes. Wear Sunglasses - Shield your eyes against pollen and UV rays Wash Hands - After being exposed to known allergens, wash your hands thoroughly

By Punzal Vision, Dr. Joel E. Punzal, OD

Avoid Touching Your FacePrevent transferring allergens to the area around your eyes

Artificial Tears - These eyedrops refresh your eyes, soothe inflammation, and wash allergens out Antihistamine Eye DropsDrops containing antihistamines relieve itchy and irritated eyes Eyelid Wipes - Pre-moistened wipes remove pollen, oil, and debris from the eyelids

Bethel University has fully accredited online courses available. We offer 2 and 4-year degrees in Ministry Leadership, Cybersecurity, Multidisciplinary Studies, Business Administration, Business Marketing, and Behavioral and Social Science. Through

QUEENS BATH, ONCE AGAIN

Springtime in Hawaii. The days start to get noticeably longer, and we tend to have fewer of those cold winter nights. (My friends who live in wintry locales laugh when I say “Brrr, it was cold last night, got down to 58 degrees.” But after they’ve finished their chuckle, I ask them “what temperature do you keep your home?” The answer is usually 68 to 70, even if you live in Minnesota. So when I tell them “Hey, we don’t have central heating and our home is 58 degrees”, then they understand why we pull out a quilt and a morning jacket.)

Spring here is nowhere near as defined a season as it tends to be in colder areas. Other than the two aspects I just mentioned, there’s not a lot of difference between our spring and the other seasons. It may be rainy, or maybe not. As far as the ocean is concerned, the winter North swells become less frequent, but they can still hit our northern shores deep into spring and all the way through May, even though we tend to think of December and January as being the peak winter North swell months.

North winter swells. These can be a problem (unless of course you’re a surfer, in which case they’re why you live here). What our visitors often don’t realize about these swells is that

By Monty Downs, M.D. Former President, Kaua’i Lifeguard Association

QUEENS BATH ONCE AGAIN

it can be a gorgeous day here in Hawaii, but the surf can be monstrously high on our North shores. The reason for this is that the swells are generated by huge violent storms way up in the Bering Sea, storms that happened a week ago. It takes the generated swell several days to arrive in Hawaii, and when they arrive it could be, as I noted, a gorgeous day here. In many/ most other places, it takes a nasty and stormy day for swells to batter a shoreline — and not many people want to go to the beach on a nasty stormy day. But here, it’s a different story. Tragically, right in Christmas season, we suffered the effects of this when a family of three — father, mother and daughter, were snorkeling at an unguarded North Shore are and they got pulled out to sea by a current. The mother and daughter were rescued but the father wasn’t, and his body was never recovered.

I’m going to focus a bit now on the North Shore area known as called Queens Bath. It’s not clear how the name Queens Bath came about. The area was known to Hawaiians as Waimaumau and it’s a lava “bench” with the seaward edge of the bench 10-15 ft above sea level, on a calm day. On a North swell day, the waves can explode 60 or even 100 feet into the air and if you’re on the ledge oohing and aahing at a sea turtle in the ocean, you’re a goner. The landward side of the ledge can be up to 30-40 yards from the ocean, or as little as 10 feet, depending on where you are on the bench, which is probably 200 yards long. It is a most exotic and beautiful area, heavily promoted in guide books and social media. But it’s absolutely crazy, and deadly, to go there when a North swell is hitting our shores. Just a couple of weeks before I wrote this piece, a group of four

DANGER

people got pinned against the cliff face, huddling from the waves that were pounding the area. Air 1, the fire department helicopter, had to be deployed with its Stokes litter basket to extricate them. Thankfully just bumps and bruises, Waimaumau did not claim its dead this time.

The County of Kauai takes the area seriously. There is a long fence (but there is an endpoint to the fence and determined people figure out how to get around it), there is a locked gate in the winter months, there are signs, there are blocked off areas that used to be parking areas. And still people figure out how to get down to Waimaumau, endangering themselves and their potential rescuers.

What about going to Waimaumau on a nice day, when there is no incoming swell? That’s a tough question. Local kids love the area in the summer months, jumping off into the ocean and climbing back up the rock face and it’s always sad to gate off yet another area on Kauai. Let me put it this way: Before the guide book and social media explosion, NO VISITOR knew about the area. The cat is now out of the bag for sure, visitors are dying to go there after what they see and read. The gate is opened in the summer months, unless an off-season North swell is expected.

Bottom line: I don’t have a great answer to the question I just asked but, I plead with anyone who reads this, don’t YOU go to Waimauamau unless you are 100% CERTAIN that there is no North swell condition in play that day.

Enjoy our Hawaiian spring, have fun, and be smart and safe.

NO TRESSPASSING WHEN LOCKED DUE TO HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS

VIOLATORS MAY BE CITED, PROSECUTED AND CHARGED FOR RESCUE OR RECOVERY EXPENSES

Breakfast Santa with

Join us for Kauai’s 10th Annual Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 9, 2023.

Santa and his special elf arrived just in time for the 9th Annual Kaua’i’s Breakfast with Santa held at Gaylord’s at Kilohana on December 10, 2022.

The sold-out event benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kauai’ enlisted the support of Santa’s helpers. A heartfelt holiday shoutout to the sponsors and donors who made the event a magical success: Kaua’i Family Magazine, Mark’s Place and Contemporary Flavors Catering, Gaylord’s at Kilohana, Showtime Characters, Kapa`a Middle School Choir and Ukulele Band, The Raelson’s, DJM Productions, and of course the many families who participated in this wonderful holiday tradition.

The melodious voices of the Kapa’a Middle School Choir & Ukulele Band filled the air while keiki danced, did arts & crafts, played games, and took photos with Santa.

After filling their tummies with the delicious breakfast provided by Mark’s Place, the keiki joined Santa in the warm and cozy Mahiko Lounge, where they enjoyed songs and stories and received their goodie bags.

Kauaʻi Family Magazine expresses heartfelt aloha and gratitude to everyone who made this year’s breakfast a success!

100% of the proceeds go to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kauai’s School & Community Based Mentoring Programs which provide one-to-one mentor services. Thank you for supporting this important mission!

Special guests Mickey and Minnie

Kid-Approved Snacks

For

the New Year

Finding “healthy” snacks that kids are excited to eat can be a challenge. Here are two great ideas.

Cold-Fighting Smoothie

A smoothie may be the last thing on your mind when it’s chilly outside, but the ingredients (spinach, kale, mango, pineapple, apple, and orange juice) are packed with vitamins and nutrients that boost little immune systems. Even better, the taste of this cold-fighting smoothie is kid-approved! Find the recipe at www. theseasidebaker.com/cold/fighting-smoothie-healthygreen-smoothie.

Chocolate Chip Zucchini Muffins

Here’s a sweet treat that sneaks veggies into snack time. Picky eaters love the flavor from chocolate chips, but it’s the zucchini that makes these muffins moist and delicious. Get the recipe at www.theseasidebaker.com/ chocolate-chip-zucchini-muffins Find

Fun over Fitness

Fun over Fitness

Fun over Fitness

Focus on Family Playtime

Focus on Family Playtime

Focus on Family Playtime

According to The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), “Play is brain building, a central part of healthy child development, a key to executive function skills, and a buffer against the negative impacts of stress. Play builds the bond between parent and child.”

According to The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), “Play is brain building, a central part of healthy child development, a key to executive function skills, and a buffer against the negative impacts of stress. Play builds the bond between parent and child.”

According to The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), “Play is brain building, a central part of healthy child development, a key to executive function skills, and a buffer against the negative impacts of stress. Play builds the bond between parent and child.”

Exercise doesn’t have to be strenuous in order to positively influence health. Activities such as playing on a playground, running outside, team sports and riding bikes are beneficial. Take advantage of Kauai sunshine by staying active as a family and creating healthy habits that last all year and into adulthood.

Exercise doesn’t have to be strenuous in order to positively influence health. Activities such as playing on a playground, running outside, team sports and riding bikes are beneficial. Take advantage of Kauai sunshine by staying active as a family and creating healthy habits that last all year and into adulthood.

Exercise doesn’t have to be strenuous in order to positively influence health. Activities such as playing on a playground, running outside, team sports and riding bikes are beneficial. Take advantage of Kauai sunshine by staying active as a family and creating healthy habits that last all year and into adulthood.

Physical play helps improve sleep, selfconfidence and self-esteem, strengthen bones, manage stress, and reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease; it also improves social and emotional skills.

Physical play helps improve sleep, selfconfidence and self-esteem, strengthen bones, manage stress, and reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease; it also improves social and emotional skills.

Physical play helps improve sleep, selfconfidence and self-esteem, strengthen bones, manage stress, and reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease; it also improves social and emotional skills.

www.kauaifamilymagazine.com

www.kauaifamilymagazine.com

www.kauaifamilymagazine.com

www.kauaifamilymagazine.com

Here are eight ways to encourage family fitness through playtime:

Here are eight ways to encourage family fitness through playtime:

Focus on fun!

Focus on fun!

Choose activities your kids already enjoy, such as playing at the park, taking bike rides, riding scooters or playing sports.

Choose activities your kids already enjoy, such as playing at the park, taking bike rides, riding scooters or playing sports.

Lead by example.

Lead by example. Make exercise (or outdoor play) a priority in your life and let your kids see you enjoying physical activity.

Make exercise (or outdoor play) a priority in your life and let your kids see you enjoying physical activity.

Choose active toys. Provide bikes, scooters, balls or sand toys that encourage kids to be active—versus electronics, toys or games that can only be used at home.

Create boundaries around screen time.

Create boundaries around screen time. Screen time is a big reason that kids do not get enough physical activity. Use the AAP Family Media Use Plan to help your family decide on screen time use. Access the plan at www.healthychildren.org.

Screen time is a big reason that kids do not get enough physical activity. Use the AAP Family Media Use Plan to help your family decide on screen time use. Access the plan at www.healthychildren.org.

Let your kids take turns picking the family activity.

Choose active toys. Provide bikes, scooters, balls or sand toys that encourage kids to be active—versus electronics, toys or games that can only be used at home.

Get exercise while doing another activity.

Get exercise while doing another activity.

Walking around the Ke Ala Hale Makalae Path in Kapa’a is a fun way to take a long walk without a focus on exercise.

Let your kids take turns picking the family activity.

The kids are more likely to participate when involved in scheduling a favorite activity.

The kids are more likely to participate when involved in scheduling a favorite activity.

Make play part of your routine.

Walking around the Ke Ala Hale Makalae Path in Kapa’a is a fun way to take a long walk without a focus on exercise.

Try new activities together.

Try new activities together.

Visit a new park or trail, or try a new sport together to increase family bonding. It may even become a new favorite.

Visit a new park or trail, or try a new sport together to increase family bonding. It may even become a new favorite.

It’s easier to stick to new habits when you attach them to something you already do. For example, a family walk after dinner once a week, a family trip to the park on weekend mornings, or a monthly date to explore a new hiking trail. Even if you only have 10 minutes, it’s worth taking the time to play together, and you’re more likely to follow through if it’s on the schedule.

Make play part of your routine. It’s easier to stick to new habits when you attach them to something you already do. For example, a family walk after dinner once a week, a family trip to the park on weekend mornings, or a monthly date to explore a new hiking trail. Even if you only have 10 minutes, it’s worth taking the time to play together, and you’re more likely to follow through if it’s on the schedule.

Preparing for Parenthood

By Dr. Frias Andaya, Kauai Medical Clinic

Pregnancy is an exciting time for parentsto-be. It also can be a pretty scary time, especially for first-time moms and dads who don’t know what to expect over the course of the next nine months.

And what about after baby arrives? That raises a whole different set of questions.

The answer to easing unnecessary stress and worry? Attend a childbirth class.

“Childbirth classes help parents feel less fearful about the upcoming birth of their child,” says Dr. Gladys Frias Andaya, an OB-GYN at Kaua‘i Medical Clinic.

The four-week Childbirth & Parent Education class series at Wilcox Medical Center is intended to prepare participants for labor, birth and early parenthood.

“Evidenced-based information is always changing as more research is done,” Frias Andaya says. “Even for second- or third-time parents, classes can help remind them of the childbirth process and also give them new knowledge.”

Class discussions center on newborn care, as well as topics that include:

• Healthy pregnancy habits, such as diet and exercise.

• Stages of labor.

• Relaxation and breathing techniques.

• Pain management and comfort measures.

• Natural birth and cesarean birth.

• The role of the support person.

• Postpartum care.

• Emotional health

• Breastfeeding.

• Medication options.

• Hospital procedures.

Also included is a tour of the Wilcox maternity unit, during which participants can meet an anesthesiologist, an obstetrician, staff nurses and a pediatrician and ask questions as well.

“At Wilcox, we’re here because we love helping patients and supporting them through the birth process,” Frias Andaya says. “The childbirth class truly focuses on safety, good communication, knowing your options and resources, and feeling empowered. Our ultimate goal is a healthy baby and healthy family.”

Childbirth classes are held on consecutive Tuesdays from 6 to 8 p.m.

For full information, including the full class schedule for 2023, and to register, visit WilcoxHealth.org/Childbirth.

At Wilcox, we’re here because we love helping patients and supporting them through the birth process.

Our family will take care of yours.

There’s no need to leave Kaua‘i to receive quality maternity care. From low-risk (with minimal intervention) to high-risk pregnancies, we work with you to honor your birthing plan. We even provide free childbirth classes and a lactation support group. If needed, we also offer immediate and seamless connection to maternal fetal medicine specialists at Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women & Children.

OB-GYN services are also available at the KMC Kapa‘a clinic.

WilcoxHealth.org/Maternity.