Today on Kauai, don’t forget Kaumualii

It’s officially Kamehameha Day, which means a day off for city and state workers and honor to the monarch who was first to unify the islands into one kingdom. The observance has a slight edge to it on Kauai, of course, which was the island that resisted Kamehameha the longest.

For those who don’t know this particular story, here’s the bottom line: The Kauai king was Kaumualii, who outlasted failed attempts by Kamehameha to conquer Kauai. That standoff ended in armistice and, ultimately, in an agreement for Kaumualii to become a Kamehameha vassal.

Kauai doesn’t want its ruler forgotten, though. In 2003, the Garden Island’s planners held the traditional parade in tribute to Kaumualii instead, in what was just a temporary departure. Most years, including 2012, include the usual Kamehameha parade at 10 a.m. Saturday up Rice Street.

Let’s elevate beekeeping to new heights

Building managers and condo association leaders, lend us your ears: Consider siting beehives on the roofs of your properties, both for your own benefits and the welfare of the many high-rise gardners around you.

It’s a concept being adopted in cities worldwide, including New York City, at the famous Waldorf-Astoria hotel. The hotel plans to "harvest its own honey and help pollinate plants in the heart of the skyscraper-heavy heart of the city," reports the Associated Press.

How to get started? Call Michael Kliks, president of the Hawaii Beekeepers’ Association, 988-7293, or email him at president@hawaiibeekeepers.org, and he’ll be happy to help you.