First Blue Zones Project Approved School in State Recognized
Congratulations to Chiefess Kapiolani Elementary School in Hilo for being the FIRST Blue Zones Project Approved™ school in the State of Hawaii!! This is a wonderful accomplishment that will benefit the school's students, staff and our East Hawaii community.
Special mahalo to Kerrine Smith from Chiefess Kapiolani, who lead the charge in her school becoming Blue Zones Project Approved. A recognition ceremony to congratulate Chiefess Kapiolani Elementary School will be held in August - our East Hawaii community is welcome to join us in this wonderful celebration. Details to come soon, so stay tuned!
Chiefess Kapiolani Elementary School has revived its school garden after the project was discontinued a few years ago due to vandalism during non-school hours. To bring it back to life, an after school gardening class was created, with 3rd grade students participating. They practice their green thumbs for an hour, three times a week, and learn about the science and process of gardening, healthy fruits and veggies, as well as how to prepare healthy foods. Their amazing work supports one of the pledge actions that Chiefess Kapiolani Elementary selected during the Blue Zones Project approval process.
HELCO Walking Moai Week Five Winners
Hawaii Electric Light Company (HELCO) recently held a midway-point competition with its seven Walking Moai® teams. The competition challenged teams to reach Week Five with 100% participation. All 50 participants laced up their walking shoes in pursuit of prizes and bragging rights, but only one team took home the gold - "Team Watch Dis!" Congratulations and mahalo to Team Watch Dis for your dedication and participation. HELCO has one more competition coming up at Week 10, so stay tuned to find out who will be the final winning team!
Tropic Care Event coming to Ka`u and Puna Communities
Tropic Care will provide free medical care, health screenings, dental services, optometry services to residents of Ka`u and Puna. This event is sponsored by the Army Reserve, the Hawaii State Department of Health, County of Hawaii, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Blue Zones Project will also be there to support this important initiative!
Be sure to stop by and visit us at the Tropic Care events in Pahala and Ocean View from May 31 - June 4; and at Keaau High School from June 7 - June 11. More information on Tropic Care can be found here. 
Another Fantastic Cooking Demonstration & Walking/Potluck Moai Launch!
On May 11, Chef Malu Miki of Abundant Life Natural Foods demonstrated how to make her favorite power-packed smoothies - a quick and easy breakfast option for people on the go who need an extra boost of energy. Guests returned multiple times for refills of the delicious Glowing Green Smoothie and Silky Strawberry Smoothie.
The Green Smoothie was made with kale, apples, banana, maca powder, ginger, matcha green tea powder, coconut cream, and ice; the Silky Strawberry Smoothie was made with strawberries, bananas, dates, maca powder, plant-based protein powder, and almond milk.
Additional supplements may be added according to your nutritional needs, such as liquid calcium and vitamins for bones, protein powder for muscles, or turmeric for anti-inflammatory benefits. Both smoothies are as delicious as they are nutritious!
After the demonstration, five Potluck/Walking Moai teams were formed. Stay tuned for updates on their progress towards reaching their ten-week goal. If you would like to start or join a Walking or Potluck Moai team, please email bluezonesprojecteasthawaii@healthways.com.
