Kokua offers more local meats
My husband and I like to eat healthy and local, but we are omnivorous: We still love to eat meat. So I was thrilled to see Kokua Market has expanded its selection of local meats. The feisty Moiliili food cooperative, which keeps growing in the face of increased competition, recently added fish fresh from the auction, pork from Shinsato farm, and Kulana lamb from Hawaii island to go with its beef. Visit Kokua at 2643 S. King St. — Stephanie Kendrick
Kitchen shears are a cut above
My CUTCO kitchen shears have become an indispensable kitchen tool over the years. They make short work of orange segments, dried fruit, beef jerky and other stuff, turning them into bite-sized treats for young snackers. When I’m assembling nachos, I whip out the shears and cut a bundle of romaine leaves right over the plate. If I need to remove fat from a chicken thigh or steak or cut through a crab shell, a few snips with these shears and the job is done. For supreme convenience, the blades come apart easily for cleaning. At $99, they may seem pricey, but these high-carbon, stainless-steel blades are virtually indestructible, with thermo-resin handles for comfort. And you can’t beat this: After years of use, you can turn them in for a new pair, free of charge. I just exchanged mine after 14 years. Call CUTCO Cutlery distributors Vector Marketing at 945-3060. — Joleen Oshiro
Avoid messes with savvy spoon
The Squirt baby-food dispensing spoon takes the mess out of infant feeding. Simply unscrew the handle and dump up to 3 ounces of baby food in the reservoir. Remove the cover from the spoon and squeeze the handle to send the food through a tiny hole, directly onto the spoon. It’s genius for on-the-go feedings and meets TSA air travel rules for carry-on liquids. Available at Ohana Daze (Mililani Town Center, 625-7774, and 98-029 Hekaha St., suites 10 and 11, 486-9000) for $9.99. — Donica Kaneshiro
Hydration packs perfect for SUP
Hydration gear maker CamelBak has a couple of backpack-style water packs designed for the growing sport of stand-up paddling — the long-distance kind where staying hydrated is critical. Both "Molokai" ($100 suggested retail price) and "Baja" ($120) models hold 70 ounces of fluid dispensed through a conveniently placed tube. The fluid bladders are in the lumbar region, putting the weight in a comfortable spot for long SUP treks. Cool features include a "holster" that cinches around the paddle handle, freeing up both hands if necessary. A safety whistle is attached for emergencies. Several pockets provide space for small supplies, though an iPhone in a waterproof case didn’t fit in any of the Molokai model’s pockets. Available at Go Bananas Watersports (799 Kapahulu Ave. and 98-390 Kamehameha Highway in Aiea) or camelbak.com. — Andrew Gomes
Rock fans, take Heart in box set
From 1975-80, sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson were the frontwomen for one of Hawaii’s favorite rock bands, Heart. Starting with debut album "Dreamboat Annie" and through "Bebe le Strange," the duo forged ahead with an intriguing balance of Pacific Northwest-inspired rock and folk and a definite Led Zeppelin edge. Not counting a hiatus in the late 1990s, Heart has continued to beat strong for close to four decades. To prepare fans for a summer tour, a biography and a new album in October, the recently released "Strange Euphoria" box set (Epic/Legacy, $51.99), curated by the Wilsons, is a welcome reminder of their musical strengths. The set contains three CDs with liner notes and a DVD of a rare (and delightfully dated) 1977 performance that originally aired on Northwest Public Television.
The band powers through breakout hits "Magic Man" and "Crazy on You," featured in fine demo versions in audio form. A sublime highlight for me is a perfect acoustic demo of "Dog & Butterfly" that leads into one of my favorite rockers from Heart, "Straight On." — Gary Chun
