Mercedes Tournament

Start of golf season brings top names to Maui.
by: Joy Webster

The professional golf tour starts here on Maui. That’s right—the season opener is played at Kapalua every January, and who doesn’t want to play golf on Maui in January?

The 2005 Mercedes Championships boasts an elite field of pro golfers. Thirty-two champions from the 2004 season have qualified for The PGA TOUR’s season opening event. The qualified field led by Player of the Year Vijay Singh includes nine of the top 11 players in the World Golf Rankings. Among them are multiple winners Ernie Els, Retief Goosen, Todd Hamilton, Adam Scott, Stewart Cink and Sergio Garcia, along with big-time veterans like Tiger Woods, John Daly and Fred Funk. They will compete for a share of the $5.3 million purse with the winner taking home $1.06 million, the traditional Tiffany Trophy and a 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS500 sedan.

Kapalua’s Plantation Course will host the event from Jan. 3–9. ESPN will feature 13.5 hours of live prime-time coverage of the Mercedes Championships beginning Thursday, Jan. 6. Here’s the seven-day schedule (all events played at The Plantation Course):

Mon., Jan. 3 Professional practice round

Tue., Jan. 4 Professional practice round

Wed., Jan. 5 Pro-Am tournament

Thur., Jan. 6 First round

Fri., Jan. 7 Second round

Sat., Jan. 8 Third round

Sun., Jan. 9 Final round

“Giving Back–The Heart of the PGA Tour” is an important aspect of the Mercedes Championship. This year, as in the past, local nonprofit agencies earn money by helping park cars, running the silent auction, acting as ticket-takers and assisting with information and traffic control. Designated beneficiaries of the 2005 event are:

The Art School at Kapalua Quality programs for children and adults including fine art instruction, art and adventure camps for the kids, yoga, ceramics and much more.

Boy Scouts of America, Maui County Council Over 1,650 youth and 585 adults participate in Scouting each year in Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Varsity Scouts, Ventures and the Learning for Life Program.

Friends of the Children’s Justice Center The last stop for the children of Maui County who are traumatized by sexual assault, neglect, physical abuse or emotional abuse.

Girl Scouts A dynamic, contemporary and informal educational program designed to meet the developmental needs of girls ages 4 to 17.

Hale Makua Maui’s premier provider of diverse health care services, dedicated to “Celebrating Life, Honoring the Journey.”

J. Walter Cameron Center Programs and administrative space to 14 nonprofit health and human service agencies helping more than 200 adults with disabilities daily.

Ka Lima O Maui Community rehabilitation program providing employment and the supports necessary to maximize the productivity and independence of the disabled and disadvantaged persons they serve.

Lahainaluna High School Foundation Recognizes the unique heritage of Lahainaluna High School and its great value to the life of a fast changing community and is committed to improving the total educational experience at Lahainaluna High School.

Maui Junior Golf To foster, promote and advance the interest and true spirit of golf among the children, up to and including age 18.

Maui Memorial Medical Center Foundation Raises funds to purchase medical equipment, capital improvement, special projects, support groups, charity care and continuing medical education.

Shuttle services to the tournament will be available from several West Maui departure points, Queen Ka‘ahumanu Center in Kahului, and the Harbor Shops at Ma‘alaea, starting Monday, Jan. 3.

For more information phone 669-2440

Winter Break Horse Camp

At the Maui Equestrian Facility on Omaopio Road. Ride two times a day, and learn about horse care too. Horse show on last day, with ribbons and prizes. CHA certified Master Instructor. Dec. 27–31. Call about prices and kama‘aina discounts. Patty 205-7393.

Wyland Galleries Wailea – Meet the Artist

Sunday, Dec. 26, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Enjoy live music and join naturalists from the Maui Ocean Center! 1–5 p.m. Meet world famous marine-life artist Wyland as he unveils new works and paints original oils to be offered via live auction at The Shops at Wailea, Suite B-4. 875-6633.

Swing and Salsa Dance

Sun., Dec. 26, at Hapa’s in the Lipoa Center, Kihei. Live music from 6–9 p.m. with Louise Lambert, The Neto Peraza Band with Jose Ortiz, Eddie Alvarez and special guests. Dance instruction with Brian and Rita O’Connor of Private Image Dance Studio. Class and dance: $15. Dance only: $10. For more information contact Rita O’Connor at 891-2949 or e-mail: hibnb@aol.com.

Shankara–Mantra Trance Dance Christmas Party

Shankara, David Backstrom and Raj Agni, with DJ Ged, Vadra and Heather Morgan. Shankara’s first concert since the soldout Ram Dass programs! Shankara’s mind-bending vocals and multi-instrumentation combined with DJ Ged’s world rhythms creates an ecstatic exploration of the spirit of dance and mantra chanting. Thurs., Dec. 23, 10 p.m. at Cassanova’s. $10.

Maui Blood Drive

Give the Gift of Life by donating blood. Maui drives are scheduled for Wednesday–Friday, Dec. 22–24 at Cameron Center. To make an appointment or for more information call the Blood Bank of Hawai‘i at 1-800-372-9966. www.bbh.org.

Walk on the Wet Side at Haleakala National Park

Guided hike through native ohia-koa cloud forest. Explore and discover the natural wonders of Maui and your national park. This is a moderately strenuous three-mile hike through wet, muddy terrain at high elevation, (7000’). Be prepared for a 600’ change in elevation. Sun., Dec. 19., noon–4 p.m. Must call for a reservation: 572-4459. Meet at Hosmer Grove parking lot.

Hawaiian Plant Sale

Many gorgeous varieties of dry land taro; Elepaio, Piko kea, Piko ula ula, Smoke of Pele, etc. Varieties of sweet potato and other native lilies and groundcovers. We also have dozens of harvested Hawaiian ipu (gourds),‘umeke pohue–traditional container type for sale. 9 a.m.–1 p.m. at the Lani‘aina Wellness Center, 825 Kumulani St., Kihei. 875-4669 or 357-7075.

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS LIGHT PARADE

Kaunakakai, Molokai
(808) 567-6180
Begin the holidays on the island of Molokai with a light parade, music and holiday crafters.

Free “Sea Talk”

Cheryl King, Maui coordinator of Hawksbill Recovery Program, Hawai‘i Wildlife Fund will present Maui’s 2004 Hawksbill Sea Turtle Nesting Season. The talk will include a brief history of Maui’s critically endangered hawksbill nesting activities, and will summarize this season’s exciting events, including “Orion,” who laid five nests in Makena. Tues., Dec. 14, 6 p.m. at Maui Ocean Center’s Open Ocean Exhibit, Ma‘alaea. For more info, 270-7084 or 270-7075.

Free Seminar

Copyright and Trademark Issues Relating to Marketing and the Internet will be presented Tuesday, Dec. 14, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Maui Economic Opportunity Inc., Classroom 1, located at 99 Mahalani St., Wailuku. Taught by Bill Wigert of the Law Office of Jackson & Co. LLP, who has over 30 years experience as an intellectual property attorney. For more information or to reserve a seat, call Anna at 873-8247.

Spiritual Nutrition for Yoga and Liberation

Dr. Gabriel Cousens, renowned author and medical healer will present, Spiritual Nutrition for Yoga and Liberation during a rare visit to Maui, one evening only. Unity Church, 483 High St., Wailuku, Mon., Dec. 13, 6:30–9:30 p.m. $10 donation. Also TriYoga with Shanti Golds-Cousens and Dr. Gabriel Cousens. Senior Kali Ray TriYoga Instructor sharing a full range of traditional yoga practices. 4–5:30 p.m., $10 donation. Contact Jason D. Groode, 879-5554.

Searching For Answers to Problems?

Listening to radio station KNUI 900 AM on Sunday morning, Dec. 12 at 8 a.m. could offer fresh ideas. Guests on the program tell their stories of how they prayed and found solutions. The subject of the Christian Science Radio Program will be, Better Health, Better Lives, Through the Teachings of Jesus. For more information, please call 871-5087.

Grand Menorah Lighting

At Queen Ka‘ahumanu Center, center stage. Sunday, Dec. 12, 7 p.m. Music, menorah lighting, all are welcome! Sponsored by the Maui Mitzvah Center. For more info call 249-8770.

Wet Paint and Fabulous Fibers

Gallery Exhibit By George Allan with guest artist Theo Morrison. Exhibit opens Dec. 9. Gallery walk and reception with the artists, Sat., Dec. 11, 5 p.m. View-points Gallery–located at the Courtyard, 3620 Baldwin Ave., Makawao. For more information about this exhibit and the gallery call 572-5979.

Random Acts Studio Maui Christmas Variety Show

Sat., Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m. Pre-show starts 6:30 and DJ dancing after the event. Wonderful evening featuring talents from our faculty, child-ren, students and community. Unique compilation of dance, music, theater, fashion and laughter. The Studio Maui, 810 Ha‘iku Rd. at Ha‘iku Market Place. More info, online at thestudiomaui.com or call 575-9390. Adults $15, children under 12 $8. Bring a Food Bank contribution for ticket discount.

Book Signing and Clas

Marilyn Jansen, author of Amaryllis of Hawai‘i: Imaginations, Poetry, and Story will present a class: How to Paint T-shirts in the Watercolor Style, Sat., Dec. 11, 12:30–2:30 at Ben Franklin Crafts, Ka‘ahumanu Shopping Center. The book will give anyone inspiration to draw, paint, and maybe write, too! Class is $25. Book $15.95. ISBN#0-9761070-07. Sign up now at Ben Franklin. Call Trina 877-3337.

Haleakala National Park Star Watching Programs

Leave the light pollution behind and enjoy these evenings of stargazing and star lore at Haleakala National Park. 6:30–7:30 p.m. Sat., Dec. 10 and Sat., Dec. 18. Meet at Haleakala visitor center (9740’ elevation; look for “starred” traffic cone). Bring a red-filtered flashlight, binoculars and dress for cold temperatures. For more info call 572-4400.

Celebrate Chanukah, The Festival of Lights

Chanukah party at the new Kosher Kafe, 1592 Mill St., Wailuku. Thursday, Dec. 9, 5:30 p.m. Latkes, music, menorah lighting, all are welcome! Sponsored by the Maui Mitzvah Center. For more info call 249-8770.

Free Nutrition Lecture

William Harris, M.D. will show what’s wrong with the establishment’s approach to nutrition, why it leads to obesity and degenerative disease, and how the system can be fixed. The title of Dr. Harris’ talk is, Beyond Home Economics 101: Putting Science into Nutrition. Wed., Dec. 8, 7 p.m. at the Cameron Center Auditorium, free. For more information call Vegetarian Society of Hawai‘i at 575-7694.

‘Ohana Connection Speaker’s Breakfast

Guest speaker Franklin Levinson will present A Horse in Miracles. Mr. Levinson created the Maui Horse Whisperer Experience, which focused on the ultra high level connection that was possible when spiritual principles were applied to relationships with horses. Presented by the ‘Ohana Connection, Tue., Dec. 7, 8:30 a.m. at MOA, True Health Center, 164 Kamehameha Ave. $10 cost includes speaker, continental breakfast and drink.

HI-TECH, EZEKIEL, LOPEZ SURFBASH XV (Dec 4 - 5)

Hookipa Beach Park, Kuau
(808) 877-2111
Maui's largest surf contest. Surf boarders, long boarders and body boarders compete in 15 divisions.

LANAI CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL AND TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY

Front Lawn of the Dole Building
(808) 565-7600
14th annual festival and ceremony, included food and craft booths, activities, entertainment, and Santa.

HOLIDAY LIGHTING OF THE BANYAN TREE

Banyan Tree Park, Front Street
(888) 310-1117 or (808) 667-9194
Holiday art displays, crafts, food and entertainment.

15th ANNUAL TERRY FOX RUN/WALK

Four Seasons Resort Maui
(808) 874-8000
Annual 10K run/5K walk to benefit cancer research.

NA MELE O MAUI

Kaanapali Resort
(800) 245-9229
32nd annual festival to perpetuate Hawaiian
culture includes children’s song contest and arts and crafts fair.

Khentrul Lodroe Thaye Rinpoche

Friday: Public Talk: Making this Human Life Meaningful. Rinpoche will point out the need to engage in an honest path. 6:30 p.m., MOA Center, 164 W. Kamehameha Ave. $10–25, sliding scale. Sat./Sun. Retreat: Teachings on Prajnaparamita, the Heart Sutra, the essence of the teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha given on emptiness, the true nature of all phenomena. $75–100, Kolealea Retreat Ctr., 1120 Kaupakalua, Ha‘iku. For more info/to register, call 572-2060, or e-mail: rinchenmaui@earthlink.net.

GALA TREE-LIGHTING CEREMONY

The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua
(808) 669-6200
Holiday celebrations begin with the illuminating of sparkling lights on the holiday tree and Kapalua courtyards.