Barb Forsyth

Kaimuki Editor

Barbara Hanson Forsyth moved to Oahu from New York City in 2006 and immediately fell in love with the island - its people, beauty, and way of life. She has spent the majority of her adult life working with and writing about art and material culture and is excited to return to this passion after three rewarding years of being a co-owner and instructor for Stroller Strides Honolulu.  Besides chasing after her two young daughters, Barb enjoys running races, surfing, dancing, cooking and music.

Sumida Farm embraces the past and future of agriculture in Hawaii

This story is presented in partnership with Whole Foods. Read More »

David Sumida, above, gives a tour of his watercress farm. A study in contrasts: Sumida Farm lies amidst the sprawl of Pearlridge Center in Aiea
Studio Bijoux takes the atelier tradition to Kaimuki
Kihwa Kwon Gosline and William Gosline spark curiosity about jewelry-making in Kaimuki. Courtesy Photos, Bottom photo by Barb Forsyth
Hawaii Fashion Incubator brings innovative pop-up to Ala Moana Manoa educators offer innovative approach to special education Manoa educators offer innovative approach to special education
In the photo illustration above, a teacher holds a sign reading "ATS," or Autism Training Solutions, to show the need for efficient evidence-based training in our public schools. Autism is growing at an alarming rate. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that one in 110 children are now born with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. To date, there are no preventative measures or a cure-all solution for autism.
The Diamond Head Theatre extends ‘The King and I’ to April 17 Kapahulu Neighborhood Board gets down to business about doing your business in public Palolo Neighborhood Board to present community recognition awards Balinese architect Popo Danes to speak at UH Manoa Month-long celebrations remember Prince Kuhio’s resolve for Hawaii’s people
Above: Marchers unite in remembrance of Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole Piʻikoi at last year's Prince Kuhio Day Parade. Below: Dancers perform hula at last year's Prince Kuhio Hoolaulea at Kapiolani Park. Bottom: Members of the Royal Order of Kamehameha stand next to a statue of Prince Kuhio in Waikiki. Photos Courtesy of Phil Spalding
March of Dimes on the look out for ‘Oahu Ambassador’ Free screening of ‘How to Save the World—One Farmer, One Beekeeper at a Time’ Waianae’s Ka Paʻalana houseless program to face crippling budget cuts
Above: Families across the Leeward Coast rely on social and educational programs funded by the State. Below: On July 8, Pōka‘i Bay became the classroom for Ka Pa‘alana Traveling Preschool. The teachers were two City and County lifeguards and members of The Polynesian Voyaging Society. It was a perfectly beautiful day for the families to be learning from these distinguished guests. Courtesy Photos
Swap out your chic baby goods for cash at Baby Awearness’s buy-in event Kuliouou-Kalani Iki Neighborhood Board to discuss school rezoning Internationally acclaimed pianist Joyce Yang to perform throughout Hawaii Governor Abercrombie to speak at next Moiliili Matters social Manoa Neighborhood Board needs to fill three seats Join the movement to save the Queen Theater Garden party to raise funds, support for protecting Hawaii’s endangered ‘alae ‘ula
The endangered ‘alae ‘ula, or the Hawaiian Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus sandvicensis), seen on Kauai. Photo by Footwarrior
Providence, RI school board votes to send termination to every teacher in its district

At least it's not that bad here. Read More »

Moiliili Matters posts map of reported illegal dumping sites First Hawaii baby born into landmark National Children’s Study hails from Kaimuki
The Martin Takashima Family. Baby Miwa is the first for Hawaii researchers' efforts as part of the National Children's Study. Courtesy photo
Paolo Montalban to take the stage at Diamond Head Theatre’s spring musical One more chance to fight to save Queen Liliuokalani Elementary School Environmental Caucus to host free movie night on Wednesday Hawaii Kai Neighborhood Board to hear info on Maunalua Bay Restoration Project Kaimuki Library’s Big Book Sale is back Honolulu Zoo opens its new doors to a brighter future
Enterprise Services Department Director Sidney Quintal opens the brand new entrance to the Honolulu Zoo. Photos by Barb Forsyth
Waikiki Aquarium to host biggest koi show in Hawaii
Koi are ornamental domesticated varieties of the common carp (Cyprinus carpio) that are kept for decorative purposes in outdoor koi ponds or water gardens. Photo by Stan Shebs
Waialae-Kahala Neighborhood Board to discuss parking issues Surface Shield Roofing Company CEO a case study for maximizing opportunities
Surface Shield Roofing Company's CEO Shon Gregory. Photo by Barb Forsyth
Kaimuki Neighborhood Board to discuss H-1 repairs, lane closures Kaimuki High School Performing Arts Center sets sail with ‘Pirates of Penzance’ UH Manoa Pacifc New Media to host contemporary photography survey The fight to save Queen Liliuokalani School continues with fresh ammunition
The mural of Queen Liliuokalani is a visible landmark from the street and was a student project to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Queen Liliuokalani School's dedication. Photo by Barb Forsyth
Treat your Valentine to Oahu’s newest chocolate treat Not much to hate about ‘I Hate Hamlet’
Above: I Hate Hamlet is in its final weekend at Diamond Head Theatre. Below: Reb Beau Allen (Andrew Rally), Ann Brandman (Felicia Dantine), Lisa Konove (Lillian Troy), and Lacey Perrine Chu (Deirdre McDavey) participate in a seance, attempting to summon the ghost of John Barrymore. Courtesy Photos
KCC to host middle school Science Fair on Saturday Diamond Head/Kapahulu/Saint Louis Neighborhood Board to discuss street lighting project Palolo Neighborhood Board to discuss proposed Carlos Long Street drainage improvement project Waikiki Neighborhood Board to discuss clean energy incentive program Cirque Wings takes flight at the Waikiki Shell Fuel your fire at Revolution Books

No matter what your political affiliation Read More »

No matter what your political affiliation, Revolution Books welcomes readers who have a passion for what's going on in the world. Photo by Barb Forsyth
Road work in progress along Waialae Avenue, slow down for our workers Interisland Terminal: Documentaries remind us that life is stranger than fiction
Above: The film This Way of Life tells the tale of Maori Peter Karena and his family. Below: Marwencol tells the story of Mark Hogan camp, who builds a 1/6th scale World War II-era town in his backyard after returning from a bar brawl induced coma. Photo by Tom Putnam
McCully-Moiliili and Kuliouou-Kalani Iki Neighborhood Boards to discuss landfill closure February is Hawaii Grown Cacao Month Save Sandy Beach, Ka Iwi Coalition recognized for preserving Oahu’s untouched places
The Save Sandy Beach/Ka Iwi Coalition's “No Cabins on Ka Iwi” campaign ran from 2006 through 2009 and resulted in a change to the Land Use Ordinance to ensure public input. Photo from JohnnyJet.com
Manoa Neighborhood Board to meet Wednesday at temporary location Sew fast, sew easy at Kami Atelier Blues veteran ‘The Moonchild’ returns to Hawaii Koa Pancake House is coming to Kaimuki
Construction in full effect at the future home of Koa Pancake House in Kaimuki. Photo by Barb Forsyth
Mexican Grill is a fun addition to Kaimuki’s BYOB scene, still room for improvement

Kids menu would be a welcome addition Read More »

Above: A cheerful night out at Kaimuki's 11th Avenue Mexican Grill. Below: The tasty Supreme Chile Relleno features lobster. Bottom: The Banderas burrito. Photos by Barb Forsyth
Hawaii Kai Neighborhood Board to discuss parks and recreation facilities fees January 26: Local author Mindy Pennybacker to speak at Waikiki Community Center Kaimuki High School hosts college and career fair Diamond Head Tennis Center gets some long-awaited TLC
Thanks to a group of like-minded volunteers and donors, the courts of Diamond Head Tennis Center are finally seeing repairs after long-term neglect. Photos by Barb Forsyth
Auditions for Diamond Head Theatre’s ‘The King and I’ begin January 28 Shabu Shabu Bangkok brings Thai flavor to Honolulu’s hot pot scene
Shabu Shabu Bangkok is the newest to join Honolulu's Shabu-shabu craze -- this time with a Thai twist. Photo by Barb Forsyth
January 20: Waialae-Kahala Neighborhood Board to meet at new location Kaimuki Neighborhood Board resumes January 19, traffic discussion planned Compassionate parenting advocate Ingrid Bauer to lead Non-Violent Communication workshop Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. parade and celebration returns to Kapiolani Park League of Women Voters to host public forum on rail Ann Wright shares the stories of the youth resistance in Afghanistan and Gaza
Retired U.S. colonel Ann Wright speaks at a "Free Gaza" rally this past summer.
Courtesy Photo
Count on hog heaven at Kaimuki’s Hog Island Learn about Turkish music, poetry, and images at the Kaimuki Library Diamond Head Trail closes for repairs
Diamond Head is Oahu's largest tuff cone formed over 100,000 years ago by an active bubbling volcano. Nineteenth century British sailors nicknamed the crater Diamond Head when they mistook the calcite crystals for diamonds. A well-graded trail leads you up the 760-feet summit to a World War II bunker with a bird's eye view of Honolulu.
Photo by ProveIt
New director of education position will add a keener experience for Waikiki Aquarium goers January 11: Neighborhood Board to discuss Waikiki Special District Plan Diamond Head Theatre summons the witty comedy ‘I Hate Hamlet’

Diamond Head Theatre starts the New Year with a smart, clever play Read More »

Reb Beau Allen (Andrew Rally) and Paul Mitri (John Barrymore) in Diamond Head Theatre's I Hate Hamlet.
Courtesy Photo
Kōloa rum elevates the art of drinking local
The dark rum of Kauai's Kōloa Rum Company won the 2010 Miami Rum Renaissance Festival.
Courtesy Photos
‘Uncle Wayne’ Watkins hosts a winter sing-along for the keiki at Hawaii Kai Library January 8: Free class on contemporary and modern Egyptian belly dancing techniques East Oahu neighborhood boards on recess until February KTUH DJs weigh in on the best tunes of the year that was

And look forward to the sounds of 2011 Read More »

Hawaii fans rub elbows to feel the vibes of Dubkonscious, who KTUH's DJ Manny Dread says made an impact in 2010.
Courtesy Photo
In wake of fishy theft, Waikiki Aquarium receives donation of moi ‘Tis the season ... to give to a local non-profit

Happy New Year from The Hawaii Independent Read More »

Volunteers from ProService Hawaii and Chaminade University help Malama Maunalua get dirty at the September 25 Huki at Paiko.
Courtesy Photo
Waikiki Aquarium fishing for volunteers
A hairy yellow hermit crab at the Waikiki Aquarium.
Ring in the New Year with Fukubukuro

Fukubukuro is a Japanese New Year’s retail tradition with mystery luck bags filled with regular priced merchandise and sold at a discount. Read More »

Hawaii Kai to host New Year’s 10K

The Bosetti 10K Run, sponsored by the Mid-Pacific Road Runners Club, is set for Saturday, January 1, 2011, at 7:00 a.m. Read More »

December 26: Forever 21 celebrates its grand opening in Waikiki Local artist Kamea Hadar illuminates with a new painting show at the Waikiki Edition Man saves kitten from Ala Wai canal, kitten saves man from a lonely holiday
Craig Hardin and the kitten he dove into the Ala Wai to save, now healthy and happy.
Kapahulu’s Volcano Vapor Café offers a welcoming home for Oahu’s ‘vaping’ community
Volcano Vapor Café, located at 449 Kapahulu Avenue, #102, is open from 7:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. daily.
December 21: Wahoo’s Kahala celebrates with a grand opening party December 20: Hat-tee holiday party hosted by Vers and Drift Boutique
A Vers board shirt.
Calling all Hawaii non-profits! Apply for a free office makeover to celebrate the New Year Holiday fun fit for all ages at the Waikiki Aquarium National Free Shipping Day: Relief for those who procrastinate Video: Queen Liliuokalani Elementary School supporters share testimony Surf-board: Play then meet the designers of Hawaii board game ‘Waimea Wipeout’ Royal Hawaiian Center to present annual Pauahi Alii Commemoration Queen Liliuokalani School supporters make a strong case for survival
Kaimuki residents packed the meeting held at Kalani High School to testify in opposition to the closure of Queen Liliuokalani Elementary.
December 12: The Honolulu Marathon returns bigger than ever Casting call for ‘I Hate Hamlet’ at Diamond Head Theatre An independent shopping guide: Make your holiday gift run local and affordable
Happy Honu skirts, sewn with love in Maui, available at Aloha Aina boutique.
Kapakahi Moiliili Kazoo Marching Band to debut at Moiliii Christmas Parade

Show up at 5:00 p.m. for a free kazoo and to be a part of the band Read More »

Palolo Neighborhood Board still seeking left turn signal at 10th Avenue and Waialae Avenue Discussion examines how to treat autism and ADHD through natural, drug-free, non-invasive therapies