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<\/a>Kaua\u2018i World Challenge paddler exchange in Po\u2018ipu. Photo courtesy Katherine Ho<\/p><\/div>What a gorgeous run those participating in the 10th annual Kaua’i World Challenge had, with ideal conditions for the 34-mile coastal relay race of oneman, two-man and surf-ski teams from Wailua Beach Park to Salt Pond. Waterwoman, teacher and farmer Lei Wann <\/B>kicked off the day with a pule asking for ideal waves and wind, and her request was granted. Congratulations to OC-1 top local finishers Moke Action<\/B>, made up of Aaron Labuguen <\/B>and Tyrus Siale<\/B>, who finished with a time of 3:48:18; and Kai Wa’a Wahine Noe Auger <\/B>and Claire Townsend<\/B>, with a time of 4:08:01. Second place went to Team Kamanu Wahines Jane McKee <\/B>and Lindsey Shank <\/B>with 4:09:47, while third place went to allKaua’i team Melissa Burovac <\/B>and Robin Jumper <\/B>with 4:32:33. Congratulations also to OC-1 mixed division winners Kai Bartlett <\/B>and Lori Nakamura <\/B>with a time of 3:51:27, surf skiers Edmund Joy <\/B>and Zsolt Szadovski<\/B> with a time of 3:25:48, standup paddler Eugene Ancheta <\/B>with a time of 1:36:31, and Mariko Strickland <\/B>with a time of 1:42:40. For full race results and more information, go to kauaiworldchallenge.org<\/a> …<\/p>\n Congratulations to patrol officers Joseph Russell Himongala <\/B>and Makana Rivera<\/B>, recognized as officers of the month at the most recent Police Commission meeting. The two were lauded for their efforts during the heavy rains that hit Kaua’i in March. Himongala and Rivera responded to a call of a vehicle submerged in water off Loop Road in Wailua, with two people inside. The truck was submerged and surrounded by fast-moving water roughly 40 meters off shore, according to a county release. Holding onto a rope, Rivera was nearly pulled into the river, but with the help of other officers, firefighters and bystanders, the two were pulled safely out of the water. Nicely done! …<\/p>\n I’d like to give a shout out to the several Kaua’i hotels that recently participated in an “Olympic” challenge based on per-capita employee Kaua’i United Way 2011 campaign contributions, and raised $53,577 for Kaua’i United Way. Winners were: Aston Aloha Beach<\/B>, Outrigger Kiahuna Plantation <\/B>and St. Regis Princeville resorts<\/B>. Olympic winners received certificates entitling them to food and beverage credits, room stays and other rewards. Kaua’i United Way Campaign director and community liaison Lynnette Medrano-Stine <\/B>voiced her gratitude. “We are tremendously grateful to the management and staff … especially to the Olympic Challenge winners for achieving successful campaigns,” she said. The best part is the money raised on Kaua’i stays on Kaua’i. To learn more, go to Kauaiunitedway.org<\/a> or call 245-2043 …<\/p>\n Officer of the Month Joseph Russell Himongala (center), Officer Damien Loo (left) and Chief Darryl Perry. Amanda C. Gregg photo<\/p><\/div>Hanalei Hawaiian Civic Club <\/B>will have its May Day by the Bay, a $5 event featuring music, hula, cultural practitioners, Kaua’i-made products, displays by community groups, a silent auction and ono food from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 26 at Wai’oli Beach Park (with a park ‘n’ ride from Wai’oli Town Park). “Keeping the Culture Alive” is alcohol-and drug-free, and is sponsored by Hawaii Tourism Authority <\/B>and the County of Kaua’i<\/B>. Event organizer Julie Kanealii <\/B>says the event (last held in 1993 in Princeville) will showcase the best parts of Kaua’i: “people, culture and beauty.” For more information, email maydaybay@gmail.com or call Kanealii at 635-9028 …<\/p>\n Young Brothers <\/B>and Hawaiian Tug and Barge <\/B>will accept applications for community grants of up to $3,000 for nonprofit community organizations on Kaua’i. The grants are part of a community gift-giving program established by the companies in 2001. Application forms and information are available at youngbrothershawaii.com<\/a> or at 3020 Wa’apa Road in Nawiliwili. Deadline for applications is 4 p.m. July 13. Completed applications can be faxed to 246-1021 or dropped off at the aforementioned address. For more information, call Wendell Kam <\/B>at 245-4051 …<\/p>\n Kaua’i County is promoting a free, all-day tour from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. May 17 to educate the public in an innovative way of recycling on this island. Based on a similar project on O’ahu called “Tour de Trash,” the goal of this tour is to raise public awareness and help facilitate more informed public discussions and decision-making in terms of solid waste. The tour is limited to 20 participants and reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. To make a reservation, call 241-5120. Lunch costs $12, from Waimea Grove Caf\u00c3\u00a9 – participants, however, can “brown bag” their food …<\/p>\n Kids are often the best detectives, as they’re full of curiosity. For the investigative mind in your household, take note of the upcoming Gene-ius Day workshop put on by the Biotechnology Outreach Program <\/B>of the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources <\/B>from 9 to 11:30 a.m. and from 2 to 4 p.m. May 19 at Kaua’i Community College <\/B>in Puhi. The program is intended for Kaua’i children in grades 1 through 6, and offers hands-on activities for keiki (and accompanying parents up to third grade) to learn about DNA, genetics, molecular structure and the function of genes and other biological functions. Students will extract DNA from fruit, make a DNA model, and use DNA to solve an “out of this world” crime. Project leader Ania Wieczorek <\/B>says the program was designed to teach genetics in a fun, easy-to-remember way. Cost is $20 per child and $20 per chaperone. Registration deadline is May 11, and reservations are required.<\/p>\n Noah Thielen, Zachary Jumper, Taimana Kjeldsen and Sydney Ito in a sack race at Koloa Early School. Photo courtesy Robin Jumper<\/p><\/div>For a registration form, go to: ctahr.hawaii.edu\/geneiusday\/saturday.html<\/a>. For more information, email geneiusday@ctahr.hawaii.edu …<\/p>\n It will be a high-end, female-friendly, limo-riding and mimosa-sipping day May 19, as the Zonta Club of Hanalei <\/B>will host its annual luxury ladies spa day featuring massages, facials, yoga, Pilates, personal fitness training, pool and hot-tub time, flower-arranging, and watercolor art classes at Kaua’i Nani Estate at Kalihiwai Ridge Estates in Kilauea. Gift certificates featured include the St. Regis at Princeville, among others. Day passes (9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) cost $125 each, and are available at Robin Savage Pearls <\/B>in Hanalei, Hanalei Bay Massage<\/B>, Sweet Marie’s Bakery <\/B>in Lihu’e, and Dolphin Touch Wellness Center <\/B>in Kapa’a. For more information, call Barbara Watts <\/B>at 826-4032 or email bjkauai@hotmail.com. To learn more, go to zontaclubofhanalei.com<\/a> …<\/p>\n<\/a><\/a>