All year long the smell of fresh lilikoi and ono banana bread floats across Kahuku Farms and down Kamehameha Hwy. The farm has become more than agriculture land. It’s a place of gathering for the North Shore community with its caf serving items made with fresh produce from the farm.Kahuku Farms was opened in 2010 by its owners, the Matsudas and Fukuyamas. They built the farm with a vision, they said, to enhance the quality of life and share an appreciation of agriculture on Oahu. The Matsudas and Fukuyamas began farming in the early 1900s. Both families merged their farmland in 1986 when they discovered their similar passion for agriculture. Since then, their children have inherited the task of developing Kahuku Farms as not only a café but also a place of gathering that offers farm tours, educational programs with hands-on farming, and ono food. Tolovae Tito, a local from Laie, keeps his figure, not just by working out, but by visiting Kahuku Farms on a weekly basis. Tito stated, “The grilled veggie panini is my favorite. It’s healthy and delicious. This place is the best. It really adds a different vibe to the community through its yummy, healthy food.” Kahuku Farms offers a menu of soups, sandwiches, salads, pizzas, smoothies, and dessert. Farm fresh smoothies are made from hand-picked fruits from the farm. Another favorite for visitors and locals is Kahuku Farms natural, no preservatives ice cream flavors, including vanilla bean, apple banana, and lilikoi.“This place is a good getaway for people who are accustomed to fast food and unhealthy eating. I love Kahuku Farms and their banana bread sundaes are to die for,” said Joshua Martinez, a junior majoring in business and frequent visitor to Kahuku Farms.Kahuku Farms provides a tour for those interested in seeing the fields and witnessing the work that is put into farming. This tour is a 1-hour excursion and includes a sampling of farm fruits. It costs $22 for adults and $15 for children. A 30-minute smoothie tour is also available at Kahuku Farms. It is a wagon ride through the family farm to see where the fresh papaya and apple bananas are harvested. The tour is topped of with a fresh fruit papaya power smoothie for each passenger. It costs $12 for adults and $10 for children ages 12 to 5.Roman Benioni, a sophomore majoring in exercise sports science, said, “I’ve been here time and time again, and this place never fails me. Just knowing that I am putting healthy food into my body while being in one of the most beautiful farms on the North Shore is awesome.” Kahuku Farms is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. but is closed on Tuesdays.

The Seasider Snackbar celebrated Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October and gave BYU-Hawaii students the opportunity to support breast cancer research by buying pink, Pitaya products. The Seasider donated 10 percent of sales made this October from Pitaya products to Play for P.I.N.K., a partner of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. To round out the month, on the afternoon of Oct. 31, the Seasider gave out free pitaya ice cream to anyone wearing pink.Play for P.I.N.K. donated $4.25 million to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation in 2013, which funded 17 life-saving projects, according to PitayaPlus.com. The Pitaya Plus Facebook page shares that one out of every eight women are diagnosed with breast cancer, making breast cancer the second most common cancer in the world.Amanda Hendry, a sophomore in marine biology from Idaho, said, “My mom had breast cancer, so I try to help out when I can. Breast cancer is very personal for my family and I, so if I have an opportunity to give and help others fight their battle, I do.” Buying Pitaya products is one way she can do that, said Hendry. Most of the students dressed in pink for free ice cream on Oct. 31 had similar stories. Stephanie Soto, a junior in business management from California, said, “I had a very close family friend who suffered from breast cancer, so I want to support when and where I can.”The pink dragon fruit-based Pitaya products are a perfect mascot for Breast Cancer Research whose supporters often wear pink ribbons, said Rachel Haynie, an employee at the Seasider Snackbar and freshman in psychology. Pitaya is a raw, organic dragon fruit that sprouts from a big, beautiful white flower that only blossoms during the nighttime, says to PitayaPlus.com. The dragon fruit maintains an earthy strawberry-raspberry taste. Madelyn Wilson, a sophomore majoring in psychology, is an employee at the Seasider and shared, “Pitaya smoothies and soft-serves are everyone’s favorite, and is preferred more over Pitaya bowls.”If you or someone you know would like to donate to the Breast Cancer Foundation, go to www.nationalbreastcancer.org to donate.

The annual BYU-Hawaii Food Fest smelled and tasted better this year, students said, thanks to the Hong Kong BSA’s lemon chicken. They were willing to endure long lines to taste the much advertised lemon chicken. Geomar Lo, a freshman in accounting from Hong Kong, said, “The lines are worth the wait. We always have the best food.” The Hong Kong BSA took on a new advertising approach this year by putting up fliers and using Facebook to promote its booth and dish for Food Fest. The results were outstanding with hundreds of students and community members purchasing their lemon chicken. Joel Hardisty, a sophomore in business management and Spanish from Honolulu, said of the club’s food, “I would like a little more chicken.” However, Hardisty added the taste of the chicken was great. “It’s not too sweet, not too bland, but just enough to come back for more.”There were no sad faces dishing out food from Hong Kong’s food stand. The Hong Kong BSA members were welcoming, greeting everyone with a warm smile. Leo Wan, a junior in finance from Hong Kong, said, “We want to give everyone a warm-spirited, home feeling. We want people to have fun, but most of all enjoy the food.”Not only was the food tasty and the people friendly, but also the price was easy to swallow at just $4 a serving. Jared Beifuss, a senior in business management from Santa Barbara, Calif., said, “The chicken is good, the culture is great, and it’s the cheapest. All great reasons to buy the Hong Kong Chapter’s lemon chicken.”Joyce Cheng, a senior in hospitality and tourism management from Hong Kong, said, “I’m working, but I’m mostly here for the food. We try to spread happiness, fun, and Hong Kong culture for anyone that is getting our food.”

Food Fest gave BYU-Hawaii students the opportunity to try foods from all around the world and share cultural experiences with their international classmates.BYU-Hawaii’s Student Associations set up booths around the Little Circle on Nov. 1 to sell food. The sales from the event went towards helping chapters pay for their yearly events. There was music, dancing, and lots of food from around the world. Students, community and BYUH staff enjoyed the cultures from around the world. As people walked around the Little Circle and smelled and tasted the different foods offered, BYUH’s Music Club performed live music to add a festive feel to the evening.Students agreed Food Fest was a great way to get to experience cuisines from the different cultures from around the world in one convenient location, something only found in a few special places, BYUH being one of them.Christopher Anaya, a junior majoring in business from Texas and public relations representative for Food Fest, said, “There has to be a way to exchange cultures and food more often and not just once a year. I think we should do it more often, even if it’s at a smaller setting because I’ll never have this in my life anywhere again.” Food Fest attendees were able to try multiple chapters’ cuisines. Leata Wilson, a freshman from New Zealand studying computer science, tried food from the China Chapter, Japan Chapter and the Taiwan Chapter. Wilson said her favorite dish was the shrimp bowl from the China Chapter. Wilson said she enjoyed the gathering of the cultures and how it was all about food. “I think it’s really cool how food can bring us together. There are so many different cultures here and so many different foods but the best part is it brings us together.” Anaya said he liked that the dishes sold at Food Fest were homemade by the people from those areas of the world. “This is my first time with Food Fest, and I love it because foods are being cooked by the people who consume it from those countries,” Anaya said. Anaya is part of the Latin Chapter that sold nachos. “That’s why I’m wearing this ridiculous hat. I can tell them it’s because we’re selling nachos,” he said, pointing to his head.Student Associations tried to stand out with hats like Anaya, but also entertaining the crowds passing by their booths. Teone Tahiata, a junior from Tahiti studying political science and the Tahitian BSA president, said the best part about working the Tahiti booth was advertising. “It was pretty fun to entertain people and attract people. The best part was being outgoing and trying to get people’s attention.” The Tahiti Chapter sold French crepes and Tahitian pudding called poi, but Tahitia said they are going to change up their menu for the next Food Fest. “We are probably only going to sell French crepes because that is where we got most of our success tonight. We’re going to try to vary our crepe toppings and use fruits like bananas and strawberries,” Tahiata said.Lyna Gamba from the Philippines is studying elementary education and this is her first semester at BYUH. Gamba enjoyed Food Fest and especially liked the live music. “It’s really cool that they have a concert this year and it’s really entertaining.” Like other students, Gamba liked being able to experience so many cultures in one place. “I like that you don’t have to travel by plane to all the different places just to try their food, whereas here you can just walk around and try them,” Gamboa said.

If you’re worried about losing your memory, eat chocolate. According to a new study by Dr. Kenneth S. Kosik cited in a New York Times article, chocolate could stop memory loss. Chocolate contains the antioxidant epicatechin that preserves memory lost with age, said Kosik, a neuroscientist at the University of California, Santa Barbara who has been studying the effects of chocolate on memory.

An annual community meeting was held in the Heber J. Grant Building to plan for a Ho‘olaule‘a, an event intended to showcase the spirit of the North Shore. Community organizers from Turtle Bay, Laie Community Association, and BYU-Hawaii attended on Oct. 28.At last month’s meeting, the council decided on two main themes for an event: ‘Aina, Hawaiian for of the land, and Na‘ike, culture. Upon further discussion, the council decided to combine the two themes for a Ho‘olaule‘a (celebration) of the earth and culture that stems from it.At this month’s meeting, the council went over the “hows” and “whys” of such an event.The Ko‘olauloa region is the area of towns between Kualoa and Waimea. The Laie Community Council is striving to “Malama,” or preserve, the cultures within this region by planning an event that celebrates them and is all encompassing.Nainoa Logan, the spokesperson for the Laie Community Council, said they started in February of this year with about 15 members putting into action their own business ventures. Due to the productivity of the original 15 members, the council made the switch to planning an annual event merging local economy and community revival, hoping to spread their own personal success.Aunty Keala Miller, of the Laie Community Association, countered an argument the event might drive away those not in the Ko‘olauloa when she said, “There’s not going to be a feeling that ‘Oh, we shouldn’t go over there, since we’re not apart of it.’ No, it’s not going to happen like that.” She continued, “It just signifies that this is where we need to Malama and take care of our own moku (land district).”In Hawaiian tradition, one recites their whole genealogy upon arrival in another district, explaining where you are from, why you were there, etc. But in this event, the council is striving to invite all from across the island to come and aid in the preservation of all cultures and people.The council meeting closed with a brainstorming session to sort all the needs to launch the event.Council meetings are held the last Tuesday of every month, from 12:15 to 1:30 p.m.

Dr. Grant Hardy, professor of History and Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina Asheville, will be the featured speaker at the 21st Annual Joseph Smith Lecture Series on Nov. 11 and 12 at BYU-Hawaii. Hardy will speak at the weekly devotional on Tuesday, Nov. 11, with a talk titled “Of Their Own Nation and Tongue.” Hardy will then lecture on Tuesday evening at 7:30 in the Heber Grant Building room 273 and Wednesday afternoon at 3:30 in the same room. Hardy’s two lectures are titled “Nephi’s Faith: Why Second Nephi is Scripture for Grown-Ups,” and “Possibilities for the Future of Book of Mormon Studies.” The UNC-Asheville professor received his bachelor’s degree in ancient Greek with a minor in Chinese at BYU in Provo where he was valedictorian for the College of Humanities. He earned a doctorate degree in Chinese language and literature from Yale University. Hardy has been teaching at UNC-Asheville since 1994. He was a visiting professor at BYUH in 2004. Hardy served a two-year LDS mission in Taiwan. Dr. Keith Lane, chair of the Religious Studies Department at BYUH, said, “For twenty-one years now, the Joseph Smith Lecture Series has brought well-known Latter-day Saint thinkers, as well as scholars breaking new and important ground with respect to church history, theology, and scriptural studies.” Lane continued, “Grant Hardy is doing important, useful work with respect to the Book of Mormon, not only in helping those who are new to the book gain a clearer sense of the book’s content and narrative, but also for those who may know the book very well. Professor Hardy’s work helps all understand the structure and content of the Book of Mormon, revealing literary, authorial, and textual nuances that bring greater light to our understanding.” Two of Hardy’s more well known publications are “The Book of Mormon: A Reader’s Edition,” and “Understanding the Book of Mormon: A Readers Guide.”

Maui County voters opted Tuesday, Nov. 3, to temporarily ban the cultivation of genetically engineered crops after a hard-fought campaign featuring $8 million in advertising from some of the world’s largest corn-seed producers.The ban passed by a narrow margin, with 50 percent in favor and 48 percent opposed. Blank votes accounted for the balance. The moratorium would be in place until the county council reviews safety studies on growing the crops. The studies would be paid for by the seed companies but administered by the county.Maui County is home to just 160,000 residents, but the moratorium could have effects across the nation because multinational seed producers Monsanto Co. and Dow Chemical research new varieties there.“People care passionately about the fact that we are ground zero for the manufacture of these seeds that are going around the world. And that we are a testing ground,” said Mark Sheehan, a leader of the group that got the measure on the ballot.Monsanto spent $5.1 million and Dow AgroSciences, which is part of Dow Chemical, spent nearly $1.8 million to fight the ban, according to figures from the state Campaign Spending Commission, The Maui News reported.Kauai County earlier this year passed a law regulating GMO crops and pesticide use. A judge blocked its implementation saying federal law pre-empts local law on the issue. The case is currently before a federal appeals court. The Big Island this year adopted a GMO crop ban with some exceptions. This law is also being challenged in court.GMOs are plants that have been modified by direct manipulation of their genome. They have been in existence for over two decades, and introduced commercially for 17 years. According to the journal, “Nature,” the purpose behind these modifications is to grow as much food as possible, and to help create medicine. Activists have been concerned about negative effects of GMOs on long-term human and ecological health.“I’m not fully entirely sure if GMO is good or bad. My belief is that I can’t fully support or allow something I don’t entirely know. If GMO is not telling us the impact it has on the environment, to the native fishes, birds, etc. I don’t want to stand by and let them destroy the beautiful island that is the only home of these native species,” said Sam Wassen, president of the Hawaii Student Association, and a junior from Hauula majoring in Hawaiian studies.GMO papayas, called Rainbow papayas, are the most common GMO product in Hawaii. More than 3/4 of papayas grown on the Big Island are Rainbow and have been modified to be resistant to the ringspot virus that wiped out most of the Hawaii-grown papaya crop in 1995. New York Times author Amy Harmon told the story of Hawaii Councilman Greggor Ilagan’s research in preparation for voting on a GMO ban in 2013. Harmon wrote local papaya farmers were against the ban. Harmon said, “If Mr. Ilagan’s worried about big biotechnology companies, the Rainbow should reassure him. Developed primarily by scientists at academic institutions, it was a model for how the technology could benefit small farmers. Its lead developer, the Hawaiian-born Dennis Gonsalves, was, along with others on the team, awarded the 2002 Humboldt Prize for the most significant contribution to U.S. agriculture in five years. And because the virus was spread by insects, which growers had sought to control with pesticide sprays, the Rainbow had reduced the use of chemicals.”There has been little validated scientific evidence that GMOs harm people’s health, and 11 scientists, including two Nobel Prize Winners, wrote an opinion article in the journal, “Science,” advocating for GMOs. “We, and the thousands of other scientists who have signed the statement of protest, stand together in staunch opposition to the violent destruction of required tests on valuable advances...that have the potential to save millions of impoverished fellow humans from needless suffering and death,” they wrote. However, in Hawaii, anti-GMO movements don’t just focus on health dangers, but also worry about the control bio-tech companies will gain over the islands. Sheehan told AP, “What’s at stake is whether corporations can come in here and run our island as a chemical experiment where they ship out the profits and we have to deal with the pollutants.”

As slow-moving lava approached a cemetery in a rural Hawaii town, Aiko Sato placed flowers at the headstone of the family plot she’s tended to over the years, thinking it would be the last time she would see it, reports AP.“I made peace with myself,” Sato said of visiting the Pahoa Japanese Cemetery on Oct. 23. A few days later, lava smothered part of the cemetery and the family believed the headstone had been buried.But a photo taken Oct. 28 by a scientist documenting the lava’s progress showed the headstone engraved with the Sato name standing in a sea of black lava.“I feel like it’s a miracle,” said Sato, 63. “I know subsequent breakouts could cover the grave, but at least I know it survived, like, a first round.”The lava’s flow stalled over the weekend about 480 feet from Pahoa Village Road, which goes through downtown. A breakout of the flow remained about 100 yards from a house. The lava flow is threatening homes and farmland in the Puna region - the same area that was devastated by Hurricane Iselle in August. Hawaii County Civil Defense, informed news agencies the flow was also less than half a mile from Highway 130. Scientists are continuing to monitor several breakouts along the upslope margins of the flow.As the slow moving lava has maintained its creep towards the town of Pahoa, residents have begun packing up belongings and preparing for the worst. Jared Gonzalez, a sophomore in marketing from Mexico, said, “I would just take my family and pack up my stuff. I would kneel down and pray that the lava would spare our home, but that’s all you can really do.”According to the Honolulu Star Advertiser, resident and non-residents alike have been trespassing through county property to access the lava flow. Two have been arrested and county officials urge the public to stay away and not endanger themselves or others. Gabriell Sabalones, a senior in ICS from Indiana, said, “I wouldn’t do anything that would negatively affect myself or anyone else.”There could be a direct hit on a local school in Pahoa and students are doing what they can to save it. The Hawaii Academy of Arts and Science students have taken to social media to protect their school, according to Hawaii News Now. The students have an online campaign to raise money for another building on campus, but as the lava became a threat, the students decided to put the money into saving the school.According to Hawaii News Now, Stella Javier, 15-year-old sophomore, said the goal is to reach out to people and raise awareness of how great her school is. “We want to show our accomplishments and how important it is to us and that in the course of this lava coming, we care about it a lot.”The lava has not advanced in three days, but residents remain prepared for the worst.