Looking back over the past four years and nearly 300 issues, it amazes me how much we’ve been able to cover in the North Hawaii News – from the deep Hawaiian culture to farmers and ranchers, creative educational endeavors, chefs, health, science and some memorable people in our region.
Today is my last day as contributing editor. It’s has been a privilege and a pleasure to get to know our residents better and have the opportunity to tell their stories.
I couldn’t have done it alone. I owe a debt of thanks to our dedicated freelance writers over the years: Ma’ata Takuafu, Karen Rose, Jan Wizinowich, Cathey Tarleton and Liz Nakayama, who have dug deep into the region’s history and current accomplishments to bring us fascinating articles. Thanks also to Patti Cook for keeping us in-the-know on what’s happening in Waimea.
Some of my favorite topics we’ve been able to cover include New Hope Waimea church searching for a kidney donor for one of its members; neighbors helping a longtime homeless man find health and housing; next-gen entrepreneurs creating inventions at Nalukai Academy’s Startup Camp; the state’s farm-to-school program piloted at Kohala Elementary in 2017 that’s now a model across the state; the Boys to Men mentoring program at Waimea Middle School; and the Waimea Nui Project coming to fruition after a longtime dream to create a self-sustainable community.
I’d also like to express gratitude to our dedicated columnists, including weekly doses of humor from Shay Bintliff. Her “Laughter Therapy,” “Dr. is In,” “Kupuna Transitions,” “County Council Update,” “Legislatively Speaking” “Across the Universe” and “Tutu’s House” will continue.
As I type my last words here, I’d like to thank each of you who have contacted me with newsworthy story ideas, current affairs and pressing issues happening in the region. Please continue to share your ideas with West Hawaii Today’s Editor Tom Hasslinger at thasslinger@westhawaiitoday.com or by phone at 930-8600.
And you’ll still be able to find me around town as I resume a different passion: making healthy, flavorful food easily accessible in Waimea. Come mid-January, you’ll find me at the new Liquid Life Waimea organic café in the same shopping center as KTA. Many of you are familiar with their cold-pressed juice booth at the Wednesday and Saturday farmers markets at Pukalani Stables the past two years. You’ll be able to get the juices along with grab-and-go organic dishes at the new store daily, making living healthy even easier in our wonderful region.
A hui hou,
Landry Fuller, North Hawaii News Contributing Editor