Have a fundagi time at festival

Traditional and creative cuisine will fill the menu at the 29th Okinawan Festival from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m Saturday and Sept. 4 at Kapiolani Park.

Sample pigs’ feet soup, Okinawa soba or andagi — or more adventurous types may choose taco rice, which combines the main ingredients of the Tex-Mex taco layered on a bed of rice; or fundagi, a spinoff of andagi and funnel cake.

Performers include shimauta singer Mamoru Miyagi with Yoko Hizuki beginning at 4 p.m. on both days. Leinani Hula, an Okinawan dance group that has learned the art of hula, is showcased at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday. Other activities include a craft gallery and children’s games. The bon dance runs from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday.

Shuttles run from 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Saturday and 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sept. 4. Pick-up and drop-off locations are at Kapiolani Community College at the city bus stop on Diamond Head Road and on Monsarrat Avenue. Shuttle cost is $2, admission to the festival is free.

Visit www.OkinawanFestival.com.

BOOKSHELF

Grumpy geckos central to tale

Grumpy geckos learn to deal with prejudice and discrimination in “How the Geckos Learned to Chirp,” by Terry and Tara McBarnet and illustrated by DongA (Booklines Hawaii, $8.95). The geckos, who are always complaining, are definitely not happy when Pono, a cheerful caterpillar, moves in to their koa tree. He doesn’t let their sneering jeers get him down.

During a powerful storm, Pono maintains his positive attitude and the scared geckos find his whistle calms them. Pono teaches the geckos to whistle, which sounds more like a chirp when they do it, and he becomes their hero. In the end, the geckos learn to be polite, helpful and happy.

DongA accompanies the stories with lush illustrations.