Sounds like things are starting to happen on the small island:http://www.kauaiworld.com/articles/2005/12/08/news/news03.txt

Any info out there about the critter they plan to run? Is this the blue critter on the back lot at Ardenwood currently? Aloha

Yes, its the "Blue Critter" from Ardenwood. It was moved to near Sacramento in mid November for restoration before being shipped to Hawaii.It is ASARCO 2, (Hercules CA) built by Whitcomb in 1939, builders number 40081, Model 12-DM-30 (12 ton, diesel mechanical). It had been sold to Great America amusement park in Santa Clara in 1973 where it was used to construct their railroad. They parked it circa 1984 due to a major mechanical failure.It was donated to the SPCRR in 1996. We were able to start and operate it, but identified major needed work (transmission, wheels and airbrakes, in addition to paint and body work). It was never part of the historic collection, instead was held as part of our utility equipment. We evaluated the locomotive for return to service, but determined our time would be better spent on our wooden railroad car collection.We have since acquired two more small locomotives, a 1923 Plymouth DL 2 (Old Mission Cement, San Juan Bautista, CA) and a circa 1960 Plymouth Hydrostatic drive loco. The DL 2 is part of the collection based on its California heritage, but he later Plymouth is part of the utility collection.Since the locomotive was surplus to our needs we accepted the offer from the Kauai Plantation Railroad who are currently returning the locomotive to service.

Thanks for the info on the critters! Is there a plan to restore or operate the small horse car on display behind the house?txs -