8 Flavahz showed spirit of aloha

There’s such a thing as being a good sport, and then there is a truly gracious spirit. The latter is what TV watchers saw after the performance by the Hawaii-L.A. dance crew called 8 Flavahz.

The all-girl team finished second in MTV’s "America’s Best Dance Crew," and afterward they exchanged hugs with the winners, Arizona’s Elektrolytes.

"We’re runners-up, and we’re cool with that," Hawaii’s Tamara Rapp said later. "The Elektrolytes are truly nice and inspiring. We’re proud of them and I’m proud of my own crew."

It was a sentiment echoed by Jaira Miller of L.A., who described their rivals as being "like brothers."

Kudos to these talented girls, with a special aloha to Hawaii residents Camren Bicondova, Sumner Waikiki, Tamara and her twin, Tiara. They proved to be 8 Flavahz, and one class act.

MA‘O Farms made a big impression

U.S. first lady Michelle Obama gave a shout-out to Hawaii during a Tuesday signing event in Washington, D.C., for her first book, "American Grown: The Story of the White House Kitchen Garden and Gardens Across America."

In particular, she mentioned "gardens across the country — everything from a wonderful community garden in Hawaii … to some excellent school gardens … smack dab in the middle of New York."

You’ll recall that in November, the first lady visited the 25-acre MA‘O Farms in Waianae, where she also joined with youths and volunteers for a round-table discussion session.

"I jumped at the opportunity to come and not just see for myself but also to allow the world to see what you’re doing," Obama said then.