THE LEFT LANE
Give gifts of Hawai'i

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Heres a small sampling: Truffle Scrubs, made by Waimea's own Island Herbal, look like the candy but are made for removing rough skin from elbows and feet. They incorporate Kona coffee, Ka'u oranges and Waimea strawberry seeds ($12).

Also, A peacock feather Christmas wreath pin by Waimea's Gunda 'Aea ($20). A soothing eye pillow containing maile and mokihana ($24). Bronze-plated Kona coffee-bean stud earrings that look just like coffee — but no worry, no bean inside ($20). Onolicious ginger-macadamia-white chocolate biscotti from Waikoloa ($6).

Call (808) 885-3633, or e-mail cookshi@aol.com.

Holiday fun run set

Festivities start at 4:30 p.m. at the municipal building and include entertainment by Imua and a canine costume contest. There will be a free post-run party at 7 p.m. at Kapono's featuring singing team contests and a special concert by Kapono himself.

A Jingle Bell Run trolley will be available before and after the run to take participants from the marketplace back to the starting point.

Applications are available at www.specialolympicshawaii.org, or register at the designated packet pick-up area at Aloha Tower Marketplace from 3-9 p.m. today, or from 1-4 p.m. Saturday.

The cost for adults is $30; the group rate for four or more is $23 per person; $10 for children 12 and younger.

Proceeds will benefit Special Olympics Hawai'i. 943-8808, ext. 66.

Zen with a pen

Perhaps that's why one of the most peaceful spots to just be — if for a moment — is in the middle of Shirokiya at Ala Moana Center. There, passers-by dip a water pen into a tranquil pool and write their message on "The Buddha Board" $30). In a few moments, messages evaporate.

A Shirokiya buyer spotted the item on a trip to San Francisco, where he chatted up its Canadian-by-way-of-Japan creator and ordered a load.