Paniolo Heritage Center at Pukalani Stables

Mahalo to the North Hawaii News for promoting the Wednesday Waimea Mid Week Market at the Paniolo Heritage Center at Pukalani Stables.

Paniolo Preservation Society — Tue, 08 May 2012 03:41:06 +0000

BY LESLIE HARRIS O’HANLON
SPECIAL TO NHN

Waimea residents and visitors now have a centrally located place where they can buy affordable and local fresh fruits, vegetables, coffee, pastries and other goodies.

The Waimea Mid Week Market recently relocated from Anna Ranch, where it had been for about a year, to Parker Ranch’s Pukalani Stables in the heart of Waimea. The main reasons the market moved to Pukalani Stables is that the location offers more wind protection, ample parking and is easier for patrons to access, said Billy Bergin, founder of the Paniolo Preservation Society (PPS) which holds the lease for the 100-year-old stables that PPS restored.

The market is held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each Wednesday. It has been at Pukalani Stables since April 4, and is going strong.

“I am delighted with the mixture of people who come by,” Bergin said. “It’s a steady flow and not a rush of attendees where it’s standing room only. I’m also impressed with the quality of offerings from the people who are concessionaires.”

On a recent Wednesday, the smells of barbecue meat mixed in the air with the aroma of fresh baked pastries, enticing some market visitors to take a seat at picnic tables scattered around the courtyard to eat.

“I love it,” said Waimea resident Aida Marquez, after finishing a quesadilla and a citrus fruit punch. “I love everything here. You can get food here that you can’t get anywhere else.”

Besides a colorful array of fruits and vegetables, vendors sell dozens of unique items – every thing from teriyaki plates, chocolate-dipped mushrooms and baklava, to sun dried tomatoes, steamed taro and mango juice. Other items for sale include container plants for gardens, jewelry made from gemstones from around the world, artwork, koa cutting boards and handmade soaps.

“As we get bigger, we want to include as many unique booths as we can so that when people come back, they’ll say ‘oh my gosh, you didn’t have that last week,’” said David Steiner, owner of Javaloha Coffee in Paauilo and treasurer of the board for the Mid Week Market.

While many vendors sold their wares at the market when it was at Anna Ranch, several new vendors joined the market when it moved to Pukalani Stables. The number of booths has increased from about a dozen to 19 since moving to its new location, Steiner said. Vendors set up their booths under the covered lanai that wraps around the courtyard or in the courtyard itself.

Jennifer Sagert, an owner of Pilialoha Sweets, joined the market when it moved to Pukalani. It has provided a good way for her to promote her new business.

“This is our advertising,” she said. “We have taken a lot of dessert orders from being here. It’s a small market that is going to grow. So it’s exciting to come in at the beginning because we will be here when it get’s bigger.”

Bringing the market closer to the center of town has made more people aware that there is a Wednesday farmer’s market, Steiner said.

“It’s finally on people’s radar,” he said. “It’s within walking distance from Keck, Canada France, the hospital and the shopping centers. A lot of people are coming over to get their greens and fruits. They take their lunch break at the market because it’s nice and outside. They don’t have to be at their lunch room in their office.”

The market also provides an opportunity for people to stock up on their fruits and vegetables in the middle of the week.

“It helps folks who have burned through the lettuce, beets, and carrots they got at a Saturday market,” Steiner said. “By midweek, they are looking at the remnants of what they got on Saturday.”

Having the market at Pukalani Stables is a natural fit, Bergin said, because both the market and the stables showcase the importance of agriculture to the community. Market patrons can visit a small museum at the stables that highlights Waimea’s cowboy and ranching culture.

“The Paniolo Preservation Society celebrates agriculture, whether it is the great ranches of this area and state or the produce and vegetable community of the islands,” Bergin said. “We all share the same purview of preserving our history.”

Seattle resident Terrie Johnston and her friend Diane Ash recently visited the market as part of a plan to attend as many farmer’s markets on the island as they can while on vacation.

“I like the location of it, and I like the feel of being here,” Johnston said. “It’s appropriate for Waimea.”

Waimea is home to two other markets, open on Saturday: the Waimea Homestead Farmers Market and the Waimea Town Market at Parker School. For Roen Hufford the Wednesday market offers another avenue to sell her produce. She also has a stand at the Saturday homestead market and is one of the original founding farmers of that market.

“We have an abundance of items,” she said, while arranging piles of collards, kale and chard in neat rows. “That’s why we are here. Or else we would have to till it under.”

Market planners have exciting future events in store for the community. One event is to coordinate with local organizations to host judged chili and barbecue cook offs. Another idea is to extend the market into the evening hours several times during the year in conjunction with special events held at the stables.

“We want to keep the market fun for people,” Steiner said. “We have to keep it fun and vibrant.”

Every Wednesday! Come visit the Waimea Midweek Market at Pukalani Stables,11:00-5:00pm

Paniolo Preservation Society — Thu, 03 May 2012 05:01:30 +0000

Every Wednesday the Paniolo Heritage Center at Pukalani Stables hosts the Waimea Midweek Market! From 11:00am to 5:00pm our friends with the Waimea Mid-Week Farmers Market feature the best of local produce, plate lunches, ono goodies and specialty items. There’s always plenty of parking across from the Stables and easy access via Pukalani Road or the Connector road. Support your local community of small business vendors every Wednesday at Pukalani Stables. Buy local. Eat local. Be healthy and happy! As an added bonus, the Paniolo Hall of Fame is open to the public for FREE on Market days including a collection of paniolo saddles, bits and spurs, and lots of paniolo photographs and historic items! Live music too – a great way to spend a Wednesday afternoon! See you there!

Coming to the Paniolo Heritage Center on Sat., April 28th – another great Paniolo Talk Story night featuring “The Music of the Paniolo”.

Paniolo Preservation Society — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 17:55:40 +0000

Paniolo Preservation Society continues our popular Talk Story series with an evening dedicated to the music of the Paniolo. Hosted by Ku’ulei Keakealani, this promises to be a wonderful evening of artistry and family fun. Free and open to the community but donations to the Paniolo Heritage Center are appreciated. Soft drinks, food and snacks will be available for purchase. Coolers welcome. Bring your own chairs as seating is limited. Dress warm for Waimea weather! A hui hou!

Gail Rice’s Annual St. Patrick’s Day Party at the Paniolo Heritage Center at Pukalani Stables!

Paniolo Preservation Society — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 20:29:25 +0000

Gail Rice invites the community to her Annual St. Patrick’s Day Party on Saturday, March 17, 2012 starting at 5:00 pm at the Paniolo Heritage Center at Pukalani Stables. In honor of paniolo patriarch, Irish Jack Purdy, Gail is graciously hosting this party as a fundraiser for the Paniolo Preservation Society. Live Irish Bagpipers, Tony Sevage on Irish Fiddle, Best Dressed Irish Lass and Lad Contest, Irish Dancing Contest – Great Prizes, Irish Stew and Irish Soda Bread, Beer, Wine and Non Alchoholic Beverages, No host bar-donation. $25.00 donation includes entry and dinner. Tickets available at Kamuela Liquor Store and Parker Ranch Store.

ARCHAEOLOGICALLY SIGNIFICANT ‘WAIMEA FIELD SYSTEM’ TO BE EXPLORED DURING PANIOLO PRESERVATION SOCIETY EDUCATIONAL TRAIL RIDE FEB. 18, 2012.

Paniolo Preservation Society — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 17:57:29 +0000

Paniolo Preservation Society is inviting serious horseback riders on a half-day escorted trail ride exploring extraordinary pre-contact sites and features of the Waimea Field System as documented by historian Abraham Fornander in the mid 1800s, renowned Hawa’i historian Marion Kelly in the early 1970s, and more recently, by Ross Cordy in his respected book, “Exalted Sits the Chief,” which was published in 2000.

The Waimea Field System was comprised of many tiny rivulets (awewai) that — from a bird’s eye view — resembled a fish net of small waterways that supported intense cultivation of dry land kalo, u’ala (sweet potato) and sugar cane.

The ride – on Sat., Feb. 18, 2012 — will provide a fascinating perspective of this amazing food production “system” — one of three on the leeward side of Hawai’i Island which archaeologists believe date back to as early as perhaps the 1200s AD. The Waimea Field System is believed to have been dramatically expanded in the 1700s, “likely associated with Alapa’inui’s and Kalani’opu’u’s presence in the Kawaihae and Waimea area, and with Kamehameha’s building of Pu’ukohola heiau — all requiring greater food production,” suggests Cordy in his book.

“Trail ride participants will come to understand why Marion Kelly concluded decades ago that this area was a priceless example of agricultural ingenuity that ‘should never be developed’,” said UH-Hilo archaeologist Dr. Peter Mills who is also one of several PPS Board members that will escort the ride.

Escorts also include Dr. Billy Bergin, Freddy Rice, Sonny Keakealani, Robby Hind, Gail Rice and Lilah Ellis.

Participants will assemble at 8 a.m. for an approximate three-hour escorted ride, then assemble for a BBQ lunch and talk-story about the day’s sights and revelations, which will conclude about 3 p.m.

The ride is exclusively for serious riders who are 18 years or older. Participants must bring their own mount or arrange a rental; horses must be shod for rough terrain and no stallions will be permitted. Horses may be rented from Cowboys of Hawai’i, the outfitters that operates out of Parker Ranch’s former surgery barn behind (south) of Pukalani Stables, by calling Roberta Mendes at (808) 885-5006. (Cowboys of Hawai’i’s deadline to secure a horse rental is Wed., Feb. 15.)

Participants also must bring weather protection and drinking water.

This is a PPS fundraiser to support the organizations’ educational preservation mission and help expand the new Paniolo Heritage Center at historic Pukalani Stables. A $250 donation is suggested.

For more information, call (808) 854-1541 or go to www.PanioloPreservation.org or find PPS on Facebook.

Paniolo Preservation Society Honors the Japanese Cowboy on Sat., Feb. 4 during Waimea’s Cherry Blossom Festival.

Paniolo Preservation Society — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:26:00 +0000

DISTINGUISHED PANIOLO KEPANI – Among Hawai’i’s paniolo who are legendary for their achievements and contributions are surnames such as Kimura, Horie, Yamaguchi, Kawamoto, Onaka, Kato, Fujii, Yamasaki, Fujitani, Hokama, Nakata, Goto, Hamada, Morifuji and Yoshimatsu. Pictured here is the late Yoshi Kawamoto, who went on to become Superintendent of the Kohala Division for Parker Ranch, and both he and his brother, Masa, were noted horsemen. He is also the father of Alvin Kawamoto who today is one of the state’s master Hawaiian Tree saddlemakers. Yoshi is pictured here with guitar in hand – while romancing his sweetheart, Margaret, who became his wife. Stories and archival photos such as this honoring “Paniolo Kepani – Hawai’i’s Japanese Cowboys” will be shared during Saturday’s festivities at the new Paniolo Heritage Center at Pukalani Stables hosted by the Paniolo Preservation Society. Festivities at Pukalani will begin with a Cowboy Breakfast from 8-10 a.m. prepared by members of the Beamer-Solomon Halau O Po’ohala – a multi-generational ranch family. Tickets for breakfast will be a $12 donation and are available at Kamuela Liquor Store, Parker Ranch Store and at the door on a first come basis. A new addition to activities at Pukalani on Cherry Blossom Festival day will be a tasting of two hand-crafted beers from Waimea’s new award-winning microbrewery — Big Island Brewhaus – from 11 am until the kegs run dry. Also on the schedule will be a Hawaiian Tree Saddle Exhibit and talk story by Yoshi Kawamoto’s son, Alvin, with Sonny Keakealani, plus an exhibit featuring other Japanese cowboys of note. Guests also are invited to learn to play the popular Japanese card game, Hana Fuda, with Milton Yamasaki and friends with a group that plays this game regularly at Tutu’s House. Everyone is invited to Pukalani Stables Saturday – most activities including the beer tasting are free.

Sat., Jan. 21, 2012 – The Inaugural Silver Spur Lifetime Achievement Awards at the Paniolo Heritage Center!

Paniolo Preservation Society — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 04:34:55 +0000

The community is invited to PPS’ first ‘Silver Spur Paniolo Lifetime Achievement Awards’COMMUNITY INVITED TO PPS’: 5:30 p.m., Sat., Jan. 21, 2012. A community celebration honoring “the true keepers and protectors of the paniolo culture – the senior stewards” with special emphasis on their mentorship of others. At the new Paniolo Heritage Center at Pukalani Stables in Waimea. To include reception and delicious paniolo pa’ina (feast) with laulau, kalua pig, long rice with all the fixings. Advance reservations required. Tickets: $20/adults; $5/keiki 5-10 years old; Free for younger children. Tickets on Sale now at Parker Ranch Store (9am-6pm Mon.-Sat., Sun. 9am-5pm), and Kamuela Liquor Store (8:30am-7:00pm Mon.-Sat., Sun. 9am-5pm). Cash or Check Only. Please make all checks out to Paniolo Preservation Society. Dress warmly. Info: (854-1541) or go to www.PanioloPreservation.org, of find us on Facebook.

Our next Paniolo Talk Story – “Paniolo Grinds”, Saturday, Jan.,14, 2012 5-8pm.

Paniolo Preservation Society — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 08:25:08 +0000

Paniolo Talk Story. Courtesy Ethan Tweedie Photography.

PANIOLO TALK STORY AT THE NEW PPS PANIOLO HERITAGE CENTER AT PUKALANI STABLES: 5-8 p.m., Sat., Jan. 14, 2012. PPS’ first Talk Story was Paniolo Ghost Stories, this time it will be all about Paniolo Grinds – the delicious traditional foods, practices, and protocols of Hawaiian ranching families – the mea ‘ai of this lifestyle and culture. Hosted by Ku’ulei Keakealani. Free though a donation to or membership in PPS most welcome. Kanu o ka ‘Aina families will be selling traditional paniolo pipi (beef) stew and non-alcoholic beverages will be available including steaming hot Starbucks coffee and cocoa ‘n crackers. Everyone invited. Dress warmly! Presented in partnership with Hawai’i Community Foundation’s Richard Smart Fund and several other community partners. Info: (854-1541) or go to www.PanioloPreservation.org, for find us on Facebook.

PPS and Kahilu Theater Present “Paniolo Film Night” – A free event December 30, 2011.

Paniolo Preservation Society — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 16:12:57 +0000

Three Mini-Documentaries To Share Rare Glimpses of Paniolo Heritage At Free Kahilu Theatre Makana Series Film Night Fri., Dec. 30, 2011

It’s been quite a year for Paniolo Preservation Society and 2012 promises even more excitement.  For 13 years this not-for-profit organization has increased public awareness and appreciation of the roles, practices and traditions of the paniolo as profound contributors to the history and lifestyle of Hawai’i.

2011 marked a huge milestone for PPS with the opening of the Paniolo Heritage Center at Parker Ranch’s famous Pukalani Stables, a community center and “museum-in-progress” dedicated to keeping the proud paniolo heritage alive.

To celebrate the achievements of 2011 and formally announce significant new events coming to the Paniolo Heritage Center in 2012, including the inaugural of Lifetime Achievement Awards on Jan. 21, PPS will co-host a Paniolo Film Night at Kahilu Theatre at 5:30 p.m., Fri., Dec. 30, 2011.

Three excitingly diverse mini-documentaries will be shown at this free, family-friendly Makana Series event at Kahilu Theatre.  Paniolo Film Night will include:

•         “Ka Nohona Makamae o Na Paniolo – The Treasured Lifestyle of the Paniolo,” featuring Waimea ranch families, Hawaiian saddle making and the ‘olelo (Hawaiian language) kept alive by the paniolo.  Three Waimea educators with ranching “roots” — Ellen Cordeiro, Pua Case and Ku’ulei Keakealani — collaborated on this film, which was funded by a Kamehameha Schools Mapuna Grant in partnership with Waimea Middle Public Conversion Charter School’s ’Ike Hawai’i program, PPS and Waimea Education Hui.

•         Next will be a very different view of paniolo life through the eyes of two contemporary, nationally ranked members of Professional Bull Riders (PBR) and a young PBR stock provider who came to the islands last summer to learn about Hawaiian ranching.  This mini-film captures their visit as guests of PPS at a branding at historic Wahine Kea Corral at Makahalau, a pau hana pa’ina at Kahua Ranch and a bull riding clinic at Parker Ranch.  The film shares their discoveries about the vitality, diversity and unique character of Hawaiian cowboys and ranching, including an understanding about why paniolo do so well in national competitions.  The film, funded in part by Hawai’i Tourism Authority, recently aired nationally as part of PBR’s 2011 competitive circuit, giving millions of viewers a first-hand look at Hawai’i’s unique paniolo heritage, practices and protocols.

•         Award-winning photojournalist Julia Cumes’ premiere of her new documentary, “The Last of the Hawaiian Cowboys.” Julia will introduce her film and tell about how her interest in the paniolo culture developed over many years visiting Hawai’i Island where her parents still live.  “I wanted to capture the richness of the culture which so few people know about.” Originally from South Africa, Julia has completed extensive study including a Masters in Photojournalism from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School, and done freelance photography around the world.  “My goal is to create images that move and inform, that are beautiful and capture in a unique way this extraordinary and complex world we live in.”

“There is such a long history of cowboys in Hawai’i and I thought it essential that this unique culture be documented.  It was a privilege and an honor and I hope the documentary does justice to their world,” says Cumes of her film.

No tickets are required for Kahilu Theatre Makana Series events, which are funded in part by The Lee Family and Lakeside Industries.  For information, call Kahilu Theatre (885-6868) –www.KahiluTheatre.org, or PPS (854-1541) - www.PanioloPreservation.org.

Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011. Visit our booth at the Waimea Shopping Center! PPS Sweatshirts for Sale!

Paniolo Preservation Society — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 17:36:52 +0000

The new PPS ‘hoodies’ are in and will be available for sale today along with our regular sweatshirts at our booth at the Waimea Shopping Center. These shirts are quality craftsmanship from a local Waimea company and make great gifts! All proceeds go to help support the mission of Paniolo Preservation Society in keeping our living paniolo heritage alive! See you there!