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It’s summertime — time to beware of fire
It’s been a busy couple of days for Oahu firefighters, as a large Windward brush fire that started on Tuesday refused to stay tamped on Wednesday.
Some 400 acres on both sides of a ridge behind Kalaheo High School were scorched, as fire came within 25 yards of homes. The blaze also closed a portion of the H-3 freeway Tuesday, and again Wednesday because of smoke.
Much appreciation goes out to the firefighters who braved perilous conditions to keep the Kailua and Kaneohe communities safe. The cause of the fire is under investigation — but everyone needs to remember that in these dry summer months, it doesn’t take much to ignite an inferno amid parched brush. Be extra careful out there.
After the Pro Bowl, go cruise some farms
The return of the NFL’s Pro Bowl to Hawaii next year is great news for advocates of Hawaii as a center for sports-related tourism.
Now comes the news that agricultural tourism also is taking off in the state. Popular on the West Coast for years, the idea is that tourists can find enjoyment seeing where and how local foods are grown; the farmers benefit through increased sales, both in the short and long term.
Residents can visit the participating farms, too, such as Tin Roof Farms in Haleiwa, Kahuku Farms and the Oahu Cacao Farm and Chocolate Factory. Or just hook up with Oahu Agri-Tours, which takes customers to these and other farms. Buy some produce while you’re at it.