New Editor for BI Weekly

Last week it was reported that Kristine Kubat, founding editor at Big Island Weekly, was resigning after 23 months at the helm.

One week later, a replacement is announced. It will be interesting to see which direction the paper takes!

From this week's issue:

Stockton named Big Island Weekly editor/GM
By Staff Report
Thursday, October 16, 2008 10:09 AM HST
Jed Stockton, a veteran journalist who has worked the past five years at the Hawaii Tribune-Herald, is Big Island Weekly's new editor and general manager, replacing founding editor Kristine Kubat.

Stockton starts Nov. 13.

"Jed knows his way around a newspaper, and he understands the fundamental mission of Big Island Weekly," Publisher Geoff Schumacher said. "I am confident Jed will preserve the best of what Big Island Weekly has done so far while introducing new elements to the mix."

Stockton started working in the journalism field in 1993 at the Denison Herald in Denison, Texas. Later that year, he moved to a larger newspaper south of Denison called the Sherman Democrat in Sherman, Texas. In Sherman, he worked as a reporter, editor, photographer and designer.

In 1998, Stockton took a job as the health editor/features editor with the Connecticut Post in Bridgeport, Conn. He moved to the Dallas Morning News as a business copy editor and designer in 2001.

In November 2003, he became a copy editor and designer at the Hawaii Tribune-Herald.

"Big Island Weekly will continue to be a publication where island voices are heard," Stockton said. "Every issue of this publication will have something new, interesting and informative. Community input is essential and I can't wait to meet everyone and hear what folks have to say. Big Island Weekly will continue reporting on the issues that matter to Big Island residents. My door is always open."

Kubat resigned last week after two years at the helm. Schumacher is serving as interim editor until Stockton takes over.

"Rest assured, Big Island Weekly will continue to exemplify the objectives of an alternative newsweekly," Schumacher said. "I believe Stockton is committed to afflicting the comfortable and questioning the conventional wisdom, as well as delivering the best arts and entertainment coverage on the island."

Big Island Weekly and the Hawaii Tribune-Herald are both owned by Stephens Media LLC, based in Las Vegas.

High Surf in Kaua`i Ends in Tragedy

Apparently three tourists have died on Kaua`i because of the recent high surf.

Pineapple Classic

At a costume party earlier this year, we heard about an annual 5K race where people dress up in Hawaiian-inspired costumes and navigate an obstacle course. We were sold!

It turns out the Winter Pineapple Classic is just in its third year, as it began in 2006, guided by the vision and kokua of Eric Cox. Eric's son Brody was diagnosed with leukemia shortly after his 2nd birthday, while Eric's wife was undergoing chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer. Both have endured a tumultuous battle with the deadly and debilitating disease, but are now in remission and hoping for healthy futures.

In just two years, the event has raised $280,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. This year the goal is to add another $250K to the worthy cause.

We'll be joined by two of my sisters for a team entry. If entered by Nov 3rd, registration for a 4-party team is just $43.75 per person. Additional fundraising is encouraged, but not mandatory to participate. The event takes place November 16th, and is followed by a luau complete with performances and a beer garden!

More information can be found at the web site linked to above.

Big Island Quarterly

Check out the very first issue of Big Island Quarterly, a new on-line magazine all about the Big Island!

Speaking of which, we recently booked lodging on the Big Island for next June/July. Can't wait! We'll be staying 3 nights at the house we were married at in Hilo, and then moving to a lesser expensive, but still gorgeous-looking house in the Kapoho area of Puna for 15 nights.

Still need to work out our first 3 nights in Hololulu. Looking at a cheap hotel within walking distance of the sights we are interested in (Bishop Museum, Zoo, `Iolani Palace, etc).

Now that the Seattle rainy season is officially underway, having a trip on the books is a beacon of light!