HAWAIIAN WORD OF THE DAY - LAIKI:  Rice
HAWAIIAN PROVERB OF THE DAY -
“A rat eats, then leaves its droppings” (said of an ungrateful person)
 SEPTEMBER  30, 2005:  HONOLULU – After yesterday’s dismissal by a federal judge, of a lawsuit brought by environmental groups seeking an environmental impact statement, Hawaii Superferry spokesmen say they are now moving forward. Read Maui News article

SEPTEMBER IS (was) NATIONAL RICE MONTH
Rice is a staple for a large part of the world’s human population. It is the world’s most most consumed cereal grain, providing more than one fifth of the calories consumed by humans worldwide. In Hawaii, and especially Maui, rice is always served with local dishes — breakfast, lunch and dinner. This tradition probably began in the 19th century when Japanese and Chinese immigrants were imported into the Hawaiian Islands to work the sugar plantations and brought their culinary traditions with them. Today’s large percentage of Asian-Americans helps make Hawaii the most culturally diverse state in the US.

Which Rice is whiter?

White Rice
Domesticated Rice comprises two species in the Poaceae (”true grass”) family — Oryza sativa and Oryza glaberrima. These grasses are native to tropical and subtropical southern Asia and southeastern Africa.  Rice can be grown almost anywhere and  is well-suited to countries and regions with low labor costs and high rainfall, since it is very labor-intensive to cultivate and requires plenty of water for irrigation.

Loco Moco
Loco Moco is the most famous rice dish unique to Hawaii.  It consists of a heap of white rice (usually 2 scoops) topped with a hamburger patty and a sunnyside-up egg, all smothered in brown gravy. Hawaii’s original home-grown fast food can be ordered at just about any roadside diner, fast food joint or lunch wagon. Try it — each bite is a real taste of cholesterol paradise.