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Hawaii Island family that lost home and business to fast-moving blaze turns to community for support

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Hawaii Island family that lost home and business to fast-moving blaze turns to community for support


HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A Big Island family has lost everything in a fire that destroyed their home.

The single mom of three ran a business in that house ― and now loved ones are turning to the community for help.

The Hawaii Island Fire Department says just before 9 p.m. Wednesday, 13 firefighters responded to the single-story wooden home along 24th Avenue at Hawaiian Park Paradise.

Officials say 50% of the home was engulfed in flames by the time they arrived.

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Heather Fergerstrom, the owner of Coconut Girls Earrings, and her family lived in the home. Her workshop was connected to the house.

Fergerstrom sister, Sunserene Mangarero, said her nephew saw the fire coming out of his mom’s workshop.

Knowing there were propane tanks in the back, they got into their car quickly and fled to safety.

“And she said when she was reversing, she saw all the lights go off and that’s when she knew like her house was gonna burn,” Mangarero said.

Managarero said her sister is too distraught to speak publicly about everything she’s lost.

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She said Fergerstrom started her thriving jewelry business 15 years ago, at first selling $3 earrings before starting to craft jewelry herself.

Mangarero says it was her sister’s only livelihood.

“And the sad thing was she had a bunch of clients for graduation and weddings, and she had everything ready … and they got burned,” said Mangarero. “She had to tell her clients and that was the worst thing for her.”

Mangarero created a GoFundMe to help her sister and kids get back on their feet.

She says her family is grateful for the response from the community.

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“I think it’s really helping her to just get strength and know that people want to help. People know you and they love you,” said Mangarero.

Hawaii Island Fire Department said the cause of the fire is under investigation.



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Hawaii

Hawaii Health Department alerts residents of recalled carrots | Honolulu Star-Advertiser

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Hawaii Health Department alerts residents of recalled carrots | Honolulu Star-Advertiser


COURTESY FDA
                                Grimmway Farms of Bakersfield, Calif., on Saturday recalled multiple sizes of bagged, organic carrots — both whole and baby carrots — sold throughout the U.S.

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COURTESY FDA

Grimmway Farms of Bakersfield, Calif., on Saturday recalled multiple sizes of bagged, organic carrots — both whole and baby carrots — sold throughout the U.S.

COURTESY FDA
                                Grimmway Farms of Bakersfield, Calif., on Saturday recalled multiple sizes of bagged, organic carrots — both whole and baby carrots — sold throughout the U.S.

2/2

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Swipe or click to see more

COURTESY FDA

Grimmway Farms of Bakersfield, Calif., on Saturday recalled multiple sizes of bagged, organic carrots — both whole and baby carrots — sold throughout the U.S.

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COURTESY FDA
                                Grimmway Farms of Bakersfield, Calif., on Saturday recalled multiple sizes of bagged, organic carrots — both whole and baby carrots — sold throughout the U.S.
COURTESY FDA
                                Grimmway Farms of Bakersfield, Calif., on Saturday recalled multiple sizes of bagged, organic carrots — both whole and baby carrots — sold throughout the U.S.
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The Hawaii Department of Health is alerting residents of a recall involving multiple brand names of organic carrots sold in the state due to potential E. coli contamination.

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Grimmway Farms of Bakersfield, Calif., on Saturday recalled multiple sizes of bagged, organic carrots — both whole and baby carrots — sold throughout the U.S.

Among the brand names available for purchase at supermarkets and retailers in Hawaii were 365 Whole Foods Market, Bunny Luv, Cal-Organic, Good & Gather and O Organics.

A complete list of recalled products is listed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The multi-state outbreak tied to the recalled carrots has so far resulted in one death and 15 hospitalizations from Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

There have so far been 39 cases tracked in 18 states. To date, Hawaii is not one of them.

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DOH is currently investigating if the recalled products have caused illness or adverse effects in the state.

Although the carrots are likely no longer available for sale in stores, the public is urged to check their refrigerators and freezers for the recalled products.

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The retail-packaged organic whole carrots were available for purchase in stores from Aug. 14 to Oct. 23, 2024. The organic baby carrots have different best-if-used-by-dates ranging from Sept. 11 to Nov. 12, 2024.

Consumers who purchased the recalled carrots should seal them in a zippered package and dispose of them immediately. All surfaces in contact with the carrots should also be cleaned and sanitized due to the risk of cross-contamination.

Symptoms of E. coli O121:H19 infection include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), fever, nausea and vomiting, according to DOH. They can begin anywhere from a day to 10 days after consuming contaminated food. The average incubation period is three to four days.

“Although most healthy adults can recover completely within a week, some infections can cause severe bloody diarrhea and may lead to life-threatening conditions such as a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome,” said the department. “HUS is most likely to occur in young children and the elderly.”

DOH said infection may also lead to the development of high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease and neurologic problems.

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Anyone exhibiting symptoms after consuming any of the recalled products should contact their health care provider immediately.

Consumers with questions may contact Grimmway Farms at 800-301-3101 (3 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays, Hawaii Standard Time) or visit grimmway.com.




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Check your freezers: Carrots sold in Hawaii stores recalled over E. coli concerns

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Check your freezers: Carrots sold in Hawaii stores recalled over E. coli concerns


HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – The state Department of Health is warning the public of multiple brand names of organic carrots being recalled due to potential E. coli contamination.

Grimmway Farms is recalling multiple sizes and brands of bagged organic baby and whole carrots, including 365 Whole Foods Market, Bunny Luv, Cal-Organic, Good & Gather and O Organic brands.

These products were sold throughout the U.S. and were available for purchase at supermarkets and retailers in Hawaii, the DOH said.

Symptoms of E. coli can include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, nausea and/or vomiting.

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To date, 39 illnesses and one death have been associated with these products nationwide.

The DOH is investigating if the recalled products have affected any individuals in Hawaii.

The recalled carrots should no longer be available for purchase, but health officials urge consumers to check their refrigerators or freezers to see if products match up with any of the recalled products listed on the FDA’s website.



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Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii to Open as Feature Brand in Kenosha, WI Travel Center

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Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii to Open as Feature Brand in Kenosha, WI Travel Center


  • Signed Franchise Agreement Signals New Nontraditional Sector Development Exploration

  • Multi-Unit, Multi-Brand Operator Specializing in Travel Plazas Adds Exceptional Coffee Concept to Growing Portfolio

  • 19,000-square-foot Travel Plaza Set to Open in Q2 2025

KENOSHA, Wis., Nov. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii, a leading coffee franchise renowned for its premium sourcing of Hawaiian coffees and unforgettable cafés, announces a new signed agreement that will bring a nontraditional location to the greater Kenosha market in Q2 2025. Bad Ass Coffee is set to become the flagship concept in a 19,000-square-foot travel plaza at County Highway E, I-94 Exit 339. This exciting development marks a major step in the brand’s expansion into nontraditional locations, highlighting significant growth opportunities on the horizon.

Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii (PRNewsfoto/Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii)

At the helm of this agreement is Paul Bhardwaj, CEO and founder of Golden Oil, which operates 12 travel centers and employs over 400 team members. In addition to building a multi-million-gallon fuel company, Bhardwaj is well-versed in the QSR space, owning franchises of top brands like Subway, Dairy Queen, and Cinnabon, among others. With over 30 years of industry experience, he’s witnessed shifting consumer preferences and evolving amenities. Driven by the demand for speed and quality, Bhardwaj sought a standout coffee concept to anchor the all-new travel plaza.

“Coffee is an untapped market for us with massive potential,” said Bhardwaj. “For a travel plaza, it’s a natural fit, and being near three college campuses positions us perfectly to become a go-to coffee destination. When we set out to find the right brand, we were looking for something truly distinctive and premium. Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii stood out – not only for its exceptional product, but also for its proven business model and impressive financials, making it a smart and seamless investment.”

Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii leadership share Bhardwaj’s enthusiasm for tapping into nontraditional expansion opportunities as a complement to the brand’s overall franchise development strategy.

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“As we continue to grow, it’s crucial in this competitive market to identify nontraditional opportunities that will build awareness for our brand, while presenting an attractive business opportunity for our franchisees,” said Gregg Koffler Chief Development Officer of Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii. “With consumer accessibility and convenience top-of-mind, we’re committed to bringing our quality product to consumers through a wide variety of nontraditional locations, including travel plazas, airports, convenience stores, colleges, and other high-trafficked venues.”





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