Welcome to Adventure Blog #123
May 2, 2026
I have come to a turning point with these blogs and am wondering about continuing??? At this point after more than three years most all the really big building jobs are behind and I will be focusing on the gene bank, and farming. This past week James has been here on the big machine. On the top he has cleared a huge loʻi and exposed three beautiful old rock walls. Down lower he has been resculpting the hill so we can mow and do less weed eating. Also restoring the loʻi for growing more taro and creating a small bank to divert the water flow in a big rain sideways.
We have applied for a MEO grant for $25,000. to almost buy a good four wheel drive mower. We first applied several months ago and didn’t hear so I thought we were out. Then this last week I received an email requesting more information. I sent that in yesterday so time will tell.
The Koaliniu.org web site is up and running and I will continue writing on that site for information regarding the coconut and our progress -finding new coconut varieties, the growth of the trees, blogs about the uses of the niu, and our press. Many of the trees have now been in the ground for two years and they will have nuts after three to five years. We are discovering so much really interesting information about the niu so I hope you will check out the site. We will continue adding for education and improvement. The gallery needs to be put in order with titles-next job.
It would be great to hear from some of you out there if you are still interested in the personal stories. Sometimes I feel like I am writing to the wind.
Finally, after over three years I am happy to report most of the big jobs have been completed. A drivable driveway is now in so a regular car can make it up and 4 wheel drive is no longer necessary. Beautiful concrete strips were poured just a day before the Kona storm hit. It took a small army to mix and pour the concrete. Below is all of them having lunch on the tentalo patio. James is the one standing.
The tentalo is built and furnished. I am now doing the landscaping around the new garden. There is a wonderful store in Kihei where I picked up pavers which will lead up to the outdoor shower and kitchen. I am planting impatience, blue ginger, halekonias, pandam, a red palm brought over from Oahu, black ti, and other beautiful pants. This is the fun part. We have had generous night rains which will help everything grow.
I had some visitors week before last from New Jersey. It was great having them spend the day here while they stayed at the hotel. Marla Crimini and her husband Chris. Marla is a travel writer and Chris is a musican. Several years ago Marla wrote and article about Koali Niu, but it got sold but not published. I am hoping we can revisit another article as it is time for press.
I did get an article in the Star Advertiser on April 15. I will try and place it here, but if not it is on the web site under Press.
Time to move on to the next project here or just take it easy.
Pictured below is one of the lei displayed at the hotel yesterday as part of the lei Day celebration.
Aloha Nui,
Vicky
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