By local and wire sources
Hilton appointed technical director
The Board of Directors of the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii Authority has appointed Alan C. Hilton as the new technical director of the National Defense Center of Excellence for Research in Ocean Sciences. Hilton began his tenure with the center Monday.
Hilton brings years of technical management experience to the center. In August, Hilton retired after 20 years of service in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Corps. His most recent position was associate director for operations at the NOAA Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory in Seattle. He also fulfilled extended tours of duty as executive officer and operations officer on several NOAA research vessels. A significant portion of Hilton’s NOAA Corps career was completed on shore and sea assignments based in Hawaii.
The center solicits and supports innovative technologies for national maritime military applications and sustained technology-based economic development in Hawaii. Since 1993, it has funded 238 technical projects for more than $101 million.
Cher’s Hawaii home sold at auction for $8.7M
Concierge Auctions reports Cher’s Hawaii home overlooking the Pacific Ocean has been sold to a buyer from Arizona for $8.7 million.
The luxury real estate auction company said Thursday that the home was one of five Big Island residences auctioned Monday for a total of $19.4 million.
The company had estimated Cher’s 3/4-acre property was worth between $8 million and $12 million.
Located in the Hualalai Resort, the 8,800-square-foot Balinese-style residence features a gated center courtyard leading to the main residence. It includes a master wing, great room, kitchen, dining room, outdoor living area and infinity pool with spa overlooking the Hualalai Golf Course.
Historic homes open for cherry festival
Parker Ranch’s historic homes in Waimea have worked with Annu Shionoya of the East West Fine Arts Gallery to put together demonstrations and exhibit to celebrate the 2010 Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival on Feb. 6.
At Puuopelu, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., a traditional Japanese tea ceremonies will be observed by Emi Wakayama. The tea ceremony, also known as chanoyu or sado, is a ritual way of preparing and drinking tea.
In addition, guests will view a performance by the Sakura Quartet. Music from India, Japan, China, France and Germany will be presented on shakuhachi and gold flutes, harp, harmonium, piano and voice. The repertoire will consist of music by Miyagi, Debussy, Faure and traditional Indian and Chinese melodies. Dancer Shizono Nasu will perform a mai dance.
Oriental arts by Masanori Katsuyama (wood block prints) from Kyoto, Japan, and a local artist Susumu Sakaguchi (acrylic original and giclee prints), from Volcano, will be on display at the Puuopelu Gallery. Traditional kimonos will be on display and available for purchase. A cherry blossom quilt and other Waimea made quilts will be displayed.
Food will be available, including Portuguese bean soup and malasadas.
The historic homes and tours of Mana Hale and Puuopelu, along with their gardens, are open to the public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 6. Admission will be complimentary on Feb. 6.
For more information, call 885-7311 or visit parkerranch.com.
By local and wire sources