Aloha to Marine Corps Base Hawaii - Kaneohe Bay

hawaii.gov

I mentioned on SOS Aloha that I met two military spouses, new to the island, who are published writers - Renee and Nadja.   In fact, Renee attended RT's Booklovers Convention in Pittsburgh in 2007 - we laughed at the hijinks that inevitably happen at RT!    We've made a pact to get together once a week to explore the island and talk about writing.

mcbh.usmc.mil

We recently visited the Marine Corps Base Hawaii (MCBH) in Kaneohe Bay.   It is the easiest drive:  Exit Pearl Harbor, hop on the H-3 Interstate, and the highway literally drives into the base.   It is the most gorgeous drive too, cutting through the Koolau Mountains.   MCBH is located on the Mokapu Peninsula.   We drove over to the east beach - notice the wind!

Within minutes, the clouds disappeared for a sunny outlook!

We drove over to the west beach where the President is known to visit with his family.   We found another "VIP" -
the Hawaiian Monk Seal:

The seal is protected by federal and state laws which
prohibit anyone from disturbing them.  

"Monk" rolled over several times as we took
pictures from a distance.

Ivy was curious to learn more about "Monk".

She discovered sand slipped through her fingers.
 

Renee, Ivy, and Nadja pose for a parting shot!  

In honor of our visit to Marine Corps Bay Hawaii, I am giving away a 2011 Hawaii Calendar with more beautiful images from the eight islands.  To enter the giveaway,

1.  Leave a comment about your favorite "watering hole" - a local beach?  Nearby lake?  Backyard pool?

2.  This giveaway is open to all readers.

3.  Comments are open through Tuesday, December 6, 10 pm in Hawaii.  I'll post the winner on Wednesday, December 7.

Mahalo,

Kim in Hawaii

hawaii.gov

Aloha to H5O Cast at Hickam Elementary!

I spent an hour within 5 feet of Alex O'Loughlin, Scott Caan, Daniel Dae Kim, and Masi Oka.  

Let me share how this came about ....

... my son's elementary school is located on base.  It is an "open" campus with outside access to each classroom.  Two weeks ago, the PTO requested volunteers for a "gardening" project on Sunday, November 13, at 8 am.   The early morning adventure paid off as it was part of Service Nation's 11 projects across the country to honor Veterans' Day.  From its website at www.servicenation.org,

A campaign to inspire a new era of voluntary citizen service in America.

As we packed up the tools, Service Nation's organizer, Chris, announced that the students would plant fruit, vegetables, and native Hawaiian plants as part of a day long event, including an outdoor assembly with 

Laird Hamilton, Hawaii's own surfing legend

Gabrielle Reece, beach volleyball champion

THE CAST OF HAWAII FIVE O.

On Monday morning, I arrived 45 minutes before the outdoor assembly.  As their vans approached the school, I crossed the street to stand behind the students selected to welcome the cast with Kukui nut leis.   It was somewhat surreal to watch the cast exit the vans like normal people.  Unlike the rabid fans at the H5O premiere on Waikiki Beach, nobody was screaming at Hickam Elementary.  

Rabid fans on Waikiki Beach

I kept my eye on the VIP room where they met school officials.   When they reemerged and walked toward the new garden, I followed as if I was suppose to be there.   Alex and Scott worked together with students in one flower bed while Daniel and Masi worked together in another.  These guys were great with the students, asking them questions and praising their efforts.   

Alex and Scott

Alex, of course, spoke in his native Aussie accent.  He challenged Daniel and Masi to a "garden off" to see who  had the best garden.  As the cast walked towards the assembly area, I was walking behind Alex - what a sight!  Let me say it again, it was surreal.   It was clear that the cast was there for the kids so I didn't ask to take a picture with them .... just yet.

Daniel and Masi

During the assembly, we learned at the American Heart Association sponsored The Teaching Garden and would be working with the Bishop Museum (Hawaii's own cultural icon) to maintain the native plants.   The principal then introduced Laird Hamilton - Hawaii's own surfing enthusiast.  He talked about the importance of good nutrition and giving the best fuel to your best vehicle - your body, "Take care of your body and your body will talk care of you."

Laird is left most and Gabrielle is right most in the backrow.
The librarian is the one cut out of the picture on the left.

Laird introduced his wife, Gabrielle Reece, who led the students in "playing", i.e., exercising.  The H50 cast laughed as the kids went wild under Gabrielle's direction.  She then introduced Daniel Dae Kim at the podium while Alex, Scott, and Masi pushed wheelbarrows in front of the stage, one was filled with vegetables, one was filled with fruit, and one was filled with books.   Daniel shared how he would apply what he learned today from The Teaching Garden to his own effort plant a coconut tree.  He then challenged the children to take care of their own "trees" - bodies - and even their "coconuts" - heads - by filling them with knowledge from school.  The producers of Hawaii Five O donated the books in the wheelbarrow.

Check out the video of their presentation at this link.

The students moved to an open area to perform their "grow" dance to Black Eyed Peas' I'VE GOT A FEELING.   Some very smart military personnel created a line to take pictures with the cast.  Just as it was my turn to pose with Alex, another woman thought it was her turn.  Normally I would have let the other woman go first, but I had a mission that day!

I also took a picture with Scott.  

My son asked Scott for his autograph.

Just as the crew was getting ready to leave, I spotted Masi walking in my direction.   I asked a woman nearby to take my picture - I think the woman was Daniel's wife. 

The generals' spouses were interested in The Teaching Garden so I escorted them to it.  I didn't want to watch (and cry) as the H50 crew left. 

Have you met a famous person? 

Mahalo,

Kim in Hawaii