Mad Hatter Garden Party: Fun Soiree With Serious Purpose

As serious advocates for conservation and sensible growth, members and guests of Livable Hawaii Kai Hui will let down their hair, so to speak, from 5 to 8:30 p.m. April 20 at The Oahu Club for the Mad Hatter Garden Party. Doors open at 4:30 for the second annual fundraiser.

The gala supports the Hui’s work as well as projects of Maunalua Community Foundation. Tickets cost $60 per person or $70 at the door (with $30 tax-deductible). Food, entertainment, live and silent auctions and a best-hat competition are planned, along with door prizes, a no-host beer and wine bar and guided wetland tours.

On the menu is Mexican/Caribbean fusion cuisine from Cha Cha Cha Salsaria, with “fun desserts” by Bubbie’s Homemade Ice Cream & Desserts.

Patrick Ching of Naturally Hawaiian plans a special art project, and Bobby Moderow of Maunalua will provide the music. Hat wearers adorned in red-white-and-blue attire have a chance at two prizes – People’s Choice and best design, for costume or chapeau.

All this to keep East Oahu green and thriving. The Hui, founded in 2004, has taken a special interest in the Keawawa Wetland and Hawea Heiau Complex, located off of Hawaii Kai Drive. Monthly work parties also strive to improve the habitat of the endangered Hawaiian moorhen (‘alae’ula), black-crowned night heron (‘auku’u), giant green darner dragonfly (pinao) and others. The nonprofit group is an advocate for the Kamilonui Valley farmers, the area’s cultural and historic sites, watershed stewardship and the Ka ‘Iwi coast.

The community foundation helps area farmers, vendors and artists through its First Sunday open market at Koko Marina, the Fourth of July celebration and scholarships to encourage community service. For reservations, call 244-8357, 864-8081 or pay via PayPal at hawaiikaihui.org. Supporters also can send checks to Maunalua Communities Foundation, P.O. Box 256635, Honolulu, HI 96825. The Oahu Club is located at 6800 Hawaii Kai Drive.