Latest news with #EmpoweredHawaii
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Sam Choy's in the Kitchen: Cooking Sustainably with Empowered Hawaii
In a special crossover episode of Sam Choy's in the Kitchen and Empowered Hawaii, Sam Choy and John Veneri are joined by Kelly Simek and Jeff Mikulina for a day of sustainable cooking and fresh flavors at the beautiful Kahuku Farms on Oʻahu's North Shore. Cooking outdoors with a battery-powered generator and an induction stovetop, they show how it's possible to prepare delicious meals using renewable energy with no gas or traditional electricity required. It's a fun and practical way to highlight sustainable living without sacrificing flavor or convenience. First up on the menu is a refreshing green papaya shrimp ceviche, made with just-picked green papaya from the farm, local shrimp, citrus, and farm-fresh herbs. It's light, zesty, and perfect for a warm day on the North Shore. Next, Sam prepares a Hawaiian favorite: chicken luau. The luau is cooked on the induction stove by browning chicken thigh with butter and onions, adding chicken stock, coconut milk and folding in cooked luau leaves, and seasoned with salt and sugar. Finally, they whip up a colorful and hearty ratatouille, using sweet corn, long beans, onions eggplant, bok choy, cacao nibs, tomatoes, and bell peppers harvested straight from the fields. Cooked with garlic, butter, olive oil and Clos Du Bois chardonnay, this classic dish becomes a celebration of Hawaii-grown vegetables at their peak. Throughout the episode, Kelly and Jeff share insights into clean energy, sustainable farming, and the importance of supporting local agriculture. With the beauty of Kahuku Farms as the backdrop, this episode is a feast for the senses and a reminder of how delicious sustainability can be. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Empowered Hawaii: Clean Energy Innovation
Hawai'i made history ten years ago by setting the nation's first ever 100% clean energy goal. In the latest episode of "Empowered Hawaii," we're diving deep into our islands' inspiring journey toward that ambitious vision. With the state already powering 36% of its energy from renewable sources like solar and wind, we're on track to hit 40% by 2030, an incredible milestone capturing attention nationwide.
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Combating Coconut Rhinoceros Beetles
In this segment of Empowered Hawaii, Kelly Simek looks into the fight against one of Hawaii's most destructive invasive species: the coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB). She speaks with Arisa Barcinas, CRB Response Outreach Associate, and Nate Serota, Spokesman for the Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation, to discuss the severe threat this pest poses to Hawaii's iconic palm trees and what's being done to stop it. These beetles bore into the crowns of coconut and other palm trees, feeding on their sap and causing significant damage. Left unchecked, CRBs can kill entire trees, devastating Hawaii's landscapes, agriculture, and cultural heritage. Arisa explains the challenges of tracking and eradicating this elusive pest, noting how quickly populations can grow if not managed. Nate highlights the collaborative response effort, which includes setting up traps, removing breeding grounds like decomposing green waste, and educating the community about the beetle's impact. 'Everyone has a role to play,' he emphasizes, urging residents to report sightings and properly dispose of organic waste to prevent the beetle from spreading. A key concern is preventing the CRB from reaching neighbor islands, where it could wreak even more havoc. Arisa shares how outreach and strict quarantine measures are helping to keep the beetle contained. Despite the challenges, Kelly learns that progress is being made, thanks to dedicated teams working tirelessly to protect Hawaii's natural beauty. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Tackling Invasive Species
In this episode of Empowered Hawaii, hosts Jeff Mikulina and Kelly Simek take on a pressing issue for the islands: invasive species. Hawaii's delicate ecosystems are under constant threat, and Jeff and Kelly explore the innovative efforts to combat these invasive species and protect the environment. Kelly begins the episode by focusing on the coconut rhinoceros beetle (CRB), a destructive pest threatening Hawaii's iconic palm trees. She speaks with Arisa Barcinas, CRB Response Outreach Associate, and Nate Serota, Spokesman for the Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation. Together, they explain how CRBs damage palm trees by boring into their crowns, stunting their growth and killing them. Arisa and Nate also highlight ongoing efforts to eradicate CRBs, including traps and community education, as well as strategies to prevent the beetle from spreading to neighbor islands. Next, Jeff shifts the conversation to the Albizia tree, considered one of Hawaii's most dangerous invasive species. He speaks with Christine Valenti of the Albizia Project, who explains the tree's rapid growth and weak wood make it a hazard during storms. Christine also shares how her team is turning a challenge into an opportunity by repurposing Albizia trees into sustainable wood products, like surfboards and other decorative items, supporting both the environment and local communities. The episode wraps up with a look at two other invasive pests wreaking havoc: coqui frogs and little fire ants. Jeff and Kelly speak with Nate Dube of the Oahu Invasive Species Committee and Taylor Campbell of the Waimanalo Agriculture Association, who discuss the ecological and agricultural damage caused by these species. The experts outline ongoing efforts to remove infestations, including community-driven projects and innovative pest control methods. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
