New Dates for 21st Annual Hawaii’s Woodshow Announced

The Hawai’i Forest Industry Association (HFIA) has announced that Hawaii’s Woodshow, Na Lā’au o Hawai’i, will run September 1 through 15, 2013 at the Honolulu Museum of Art School at Linekona. The exhibition is open to the public 11am-6pm Tuesday through Sunday.  Admission is free.

Clay Simpson’s “The Reef Shark” crafted from a single limb of an ear pod tree, next to the Young-
growth Koa display.

Previously held in April, Hawaii’s Woodshow has been re-scheduled to September this year.  “We want to let interested wood artists know of the change in date and encourage them to enter,” said Heather Simmons, HFIA Executive Director.  “We hope the additional time will allow them to create fabulous pieces for the exhibition.”

Hawaii’s Woodshow is the signature statewide, juried exhibition in Hawai’i and features Hawai’i grown wood.  For the past 20 years, the exhibition has showcased works of leading woodworkers as well as pieces from novice woodworkers.  It continues to be a popular event for the public.

Entries from highly-refined calabashes to stunning furnishings and unique sculptures showcasing the versatility and beauty of Hawai’i woods are submitted in award categories including furniture, woodturning, sculpture and musical instruments. There is a special student division for ages 18 and under. The exhibition typically features 90 or more breathtaking heirloom-quality works made from Acacia koa, Mango, Kamani, Milo, Norfolk pine, macadamia nut, Kiawe and other Hawaii-grown woods.

“We continue to be impressed by the talent of so many incredible craftsmen here in Hawai’i” said Andy Cole award-winning woodturner and coordinator of the 21st Annual Hawaii’s Woodshow.  “This year’s exhibition promises to be an exceptional representation of their talent.”   Cole is being assisted by past show coordinator Marian Yasuda; Hawaii’s Woodshow Committee, co-chaired by HFIA Directors Mats Fogelvik and Jorma Winkler; and a team of volunteer woodworkers.

Young-growth Koa display at the “Growing Koa in Hawai`i Nei Symposium 2012.

The exhibition prospectus will be posted on the Hawaii’s Woodshow website in May.  For information, visit http://woodshow.hawaiiforest.org/ or contact Andy Cole at (808) 778-7036 or andycolewood@gmail.com.  The website includes an archive of previous exhibitions as well as the Hawaii’s Woodshow Gallery featuring work by previous participants.

New this year will be a unique display of young-growth koa pieces by six Hawai’i Island woodworkers, part of the Young-Growth Koa Wood Quality Assessment and Demonstration Project, which gathered data and information on the potential value of koa wood before it reaches maturity.  A collaboration between HFIA, USDA Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station and Northern Research Station, and University of Hawai’i, this project addresses questions about the viability of young-growth koa in existing markets.

Hawaii’s Woodshow was created to promote an appreciation for the remarkable variety of Hawai’i-grown woods as well as for the talented woodworkers throughout our Islands.  Artists are limited to Hawai’i-grown wood and are encouraged to use conservative techniques such as veneering to make the most effective use of woods in limited supply.  Certain rare or endangered species are prohibited.

About The Hawai’i Forest Industry Association:

Established in 1989, HFIA is a nonprofit corporation founded by and for people dedicated to responsible forest management.  We promote healthy and productive forests and a sustainable forest industry. In addition to Hawaii’s Woodshow, along with our affiliate the Hawai’i Forest Institute, we sponsor projects and programs to promote healthier forests including Hawaii’s Wood Brand, conservation and research projects in Hawai’i forests, and community forests with youth outreach programs.  Visit HFIA on the web at www.hawaiiforest.org and the Hawai`i Forest Institute (HFI) at www.hawaiiforestinstitute.org.

Three Ocean View Residents Charged with Burglary and Other Offenses

Three Ocean View residents have been charged with burglary and other offenses in connection with a break-in at a business establishment in Kaʻū earlier this month.

On February 4, Kaʻū officers responded to a burglary at an electronics store on Prince Kuhio Boulevard in Ocean View.

Detectives from the Area II Criminal Investigations Section continued the investigation, which led to a search warrant at a home on Jasmine Drive in the Hawaiian Ranchos Estates subdivision on Friday (February 15).

Joshua Lawrence

During the execution of the search warrant, police arrested 24-year-old Joshua Lawrence, 26-year-old Heather Hofferbert and 42-year-old Ronnie Gates on suspicion of burglary.

Heather Hofferbert

Their bail was set at $6,000 each. All three were taken to the Kona police cellblock while detectives continued the investigation.

Ronnie Gates

Police later recovered several items that had been taken in the burglary and had been damaged.

On Saturday (February 16) at 6:40 p.m., all three suspects were charged with second-degree burglary, second-degree theft and second-degree criminal property damage. They remained at the cellblock until their initial court appearance on Tuesday (February 19).

Governor Abercrombie Establishes Hawaii Refinery Task Force

As promised in his 2013 State of the State address, Gov. Neil Abercrombie today established by executive order the Hawaii Refinery Task Force to assess the impacts of Tesoro’s announcement to close its Hawaii refinery.

Click to view executive Order

“I am tasking this group to investigate the impacts of Tesoro’s impending closure on Hawaii’s fuel supply and economy to ensure a reliable and competitive fuels market,”said Gov. Abercrombie.

“The purpose of the task force is to identify strategies and actions that the state should consider to promote a smooth and stable transition to meet Hawaii’s energy needs as our fuels market evolves,”said Richard Lim, director of the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, who will lead the task force. “It is essential that we begin the process of planning for a future fuels ecosystem that best serves our state.”

Comprised of 29 members from the public and private sectors, the task force is charged with presenting short-term findings and recommendations to the Governor within 60 days of a refinery closure. The task force must also submit an interim and final written report of its activities and recommendations to the Governor by Sept. 30, 2013, and the final day of the 2014 legislative session, respectively.

View the executive order here:

http://governor.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Executive-Order-Establishing-the-Hawaii-Refinery-Task-Force1.pdf