Honolulu rail transit artist’s depiction courtesy image The federal government has granted a key approval that will allow Honolulu to immediately begin up to $184.7 million in construction and other activities on the city’s rail project, including erecting the first sections of raised guideway from East Kapolei to Pearl Highlands. Star-Advertiser. Honolulu on Monday got a key green light from the Federal Transit Administration and could start to spend $185 million of local tax dollars on heavy construction for the rail project within weeks. Civil Beat. Former Gov. Linda Lingle trails Hawaii’s incumbent senators when it comes to local individual contributions but is in the middle of the pack, just under Democratic Sen. Daniel Akaka, when it comes to overall contributions, including political action committees. Civil Beat. The Abercrombie administration is preparing a response to a federal lawsuit challenging the state’s civil unions law as unconstitutional because it does not allow same-sex couples to marry, searching for a line that balances both the law and politics. Star-Advertiser. Some Hawaii lawmakers want to give the governor more power in appointing members to the University of Hawaii’s Board of Regents, picking up a political debate started last year after the Senate rejected two of his nominees. Civil Beat. The state has overpaid its employees more than $1.5 million, with hundreds of thousands more in state tax dollars written off as noncollectable and other incorrect pay amounts recovered months or years later from employees who were accidentally paid too much. Hawaii News Now. A bill moving through the state Legislature will take out what many consider the more onerous sections of the state building code and give counties more flexibility in defining their own codes. West Hawaii Today. A parent’s failure to report the death or disappearance of a child would become a felony under a bill before the state Legislature. Associated Press. Several Molokai residents and University of Hawaii students assembled a stone platform with a wooden statue known as a “ki`i” on the grounds of the state Capitol today to bring attention to legislative bills that would require the labeling of genetically modified food in Hawaii stores. Star-Advertiser. A small group of advocates from Molokai flew over to Oahu today to clean, sand and oil a Haloa Ki’i. Maui Now. Some farmers say Hawaii’s farmers markets are too restrictive and they want state lawmakers to change the rules. Hawaii Public Radio. Almost 30 gambling bills are still up for consideration by state legislators, ranging from stand alone casinos, lotteries, and internet gambling. lawmakers are floating the ideas to raise much needed revenues for the state. A professor who has studied the effects of gambling across the country says it’s a big mistake. KHON2. Last year was a big year for Hawaii’s cruise ship industry, with 124,456 cruise ship visitors coming to the Islands and spending a collective $34 million. Pacific Business News. Gov. Neil Abercrombie and two Office of Hawaiian Affairs trustees urged lawmakers Monday to approve a $200 million real estate deal that would settle the department’s longstanding ceded lands claims with the state. Associated Press. A proposal to transfer about 25 acres in Kakaako worth $200 million to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to settle long-standing ceded lands claims does not do enough to empower the Native Hawaiian people, a key senator contends. Star-Advertiser. Governor Neil Abercrombie made a personal appeal to legislators this morning to pass his administration’s proposal for a land transfer to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs that would permanently resolve a decades-long dispute over ceded lands. Hawaii Reporter. The Advisory Council to the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary is recommending that the sanctuary consider expanding its focus from humpback whales and their habitat to the ecosystem as a whole. Maui Now. The University of Hawaii is demanding the operator of a pornographic web site stop using the school’s name or face legal action. Hawaii News Now. State roundup for Feb. 7. Associated Press. Oahu The Kapiolani Park Preservation Society said it does not support a Honolulu City Council bill that would double parking meter rates at public parks that include Kapiolani and Aala. KITV4. Honolulu city workers have cleared a sofa, a bicycle and other personal items from the Occupy Honolulu camp at Thomas Square. Associated Press. Casting for a new ABC pilot series “Last Resort” will be held on Hawaii. KITV4. Hawaii A mainland company is a step away from securing a 30-year lease to test ocean thermal energy conversion in West Hawaii. West Hawaii Today. The increasing popularity of solar panels will mean higher electricity bills for the majority of Big Island residents who still rely on Hawaiian Electric Light Company for most of their power. Tribune-Herald. Maui An anonymous donation totaling $100,000 from a local foundation was issued to the Maui Oral Health Center for the acquisition of new dental chairs at the decade-old facility. Maui Now. Kauai Kaua‘i County will fund an additional nine local tourism initiatives this year in addition to the 20 the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority will support, county officials said Monday. Garden Island. A new 500,000-gallon county Department of Water tank will expand water service to users in the Lawa‘i and Oma‘o communities of Kaua‘i, Daryl Kaneshiro, the Department of Water Board chair, said Monday at a dedication of the new equipment. Garden Island. Molokai The owner of a controversial excursion yacht to Molokai said he intends to keep bringing passengers to the island despite protests but also plans to implement conditions that he finds acceptable from an ongoing community study. Maui News.
Continue reading...5. February 2012
Cute kittens, courtesy photo by Adriano If pets are outlawed, only outlaws will have pets. This take on a bill now up on the Hawaii Legislature is admittedly extreme, but not that far off the mark considering SB2504 makes it a misdemeanor to sell or give away your dogs, cats, puppies or kittens without first having them spayed or neutered and microchips implanted in them. Big Brother has arrived, at least for your pets. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Clayton Hee , D-Kahuku, La’ie, Ka’a'awa, Kane’ohe, is up for consideration at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7, by the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee and Economic Development and Technology Committee. Hee undoubtedly has good intentions. Feral cats are a huge problem in Hawaii, where, with few natural predators, they breed large colonies and threaten native songbirds. But taking away even more rights from the citizenry is probably not the way to go. What next? Microchipping our children? Golden retriever puppy, courtesy Daisy Parker “Importation of dogs to the Hawaiian Islands is limited and strictly regulated. If all cats and dogs sold or given away must be sterilized, it calls into question where citizens of Hawaii will obtain future generations of pets,” warns the American Kennel Club in a public appeal for opposition to the bill. Lucky we live in Hawaii, where lawmakers steadily add laws to the books but no one actually enforces them. Otherwise, life in the “People’s Republic” would be even more onerous than it already is. But what do you think a pet owner with an unplanned litter is going to do with all the babies? Start with $20 to microchip each kitten, add another $50 to sterilize it, and for a litter of six, you are talking serious kala. Chances are, those pets are only going to be added to the feral colonies when the owner dumps them in the nearest forest instead of palming a few off on friends and neighbors. This only perpetuates the very problem the bill is trying to fix. And these animals are in for a worse life, not a better one. How much better if all this effort and angst would go toward voluntary and free spaying and neutering programs and funding for the Department of Land and Natural Resources to trap and euthanize the feral cats on public land. Ironically, just when they’re needed most, spaying and neutering assistance programs have been discontinued by the Hawaiian Humane Society, because the City and County of Honolulu cut the funding. You, the public, have to take personal responsibility if you don’t want Big Brother to step in. Don’t feed feral animals. It only causes them to breed more of them. Keep your pet inside or confined unless you’re out with him. Spay or neuter your pet. Keep looking for programs to help reduce the cost. Lobby your state and local government to put more money into prevention and education, and quit trying to dictate every aspect of our lives.
Continue reading...2. February 2012
Pagoda at Four Seasons Resort Lana'i Lodge at Koele * Congratulations to Four Seasons Resort Lanai Lodge at Koele for making the top 10 list of US hotels by U.S. News & World Report. The Lodge secured the second highest ranking. We at Go Visit Hawaii love the Lodge at Koele as you can see from our review . Pssst! Here’s a secret – it’s one of the top luxury values in all of Hawaii. With their third night free offer , rates start at just $207 per night! * Do you have a favorite Hawaiian Island, beach, hotel, luau or activity that you think is tops? GoHawaii.About.com wants your nominations ! * By popular demand, the folks at JetLev Hawaii contacted me to let me know they’re extending the special $199 rate for a limited time. So, if you didn’t get a chance to take advantage of the JetLev Groupon we mentioned , you can call Eric at 808-393-0153 and ask for the $199 rate. * United Continental plans to launch nonstop service between Washington Dulles (IAD) and Honolulu (HNL) in June per this report . * Ala Moana Hotel near Waikiki is getting into Super Bowl 46 spirit with a special offer. After the game, the folks at Ala Moana Hotel will offer a special rate that’s the combined score. That’ll make you cheer for a defensive struggle. This special rate will be valid for stays between March 1 and April 15, 2012. Read more about this promotion at www.AlaMoanaHotel.com/46 . © Go Visit Hawaii – Republication of this entire post is prohibited without prior permission. Using extracts of less than 100 words are permitted with full attribution and link back to GoVisitHawaii.com .
Continue reading...30. January 2012
Hilo Public Library (c) 2012 All Hawaii News Wi-Fi will soon be available at libraries across the state. Star-Advertiser. Ed Case and Mazie Hirono are in a dead heat for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate seat now held by Daniel Akaka, according to a new Civil Beat Poll. Civil Beat. The automated telephone survey of 1,358 likely voters found Case at 41 percent, Hirono at 39 percent, with 8 percent saying neither candidate and 12 percent still unsure. Hawaii may soon join dozens of other states in banning lawmakers from holding political fundraisers during the four months the Hawaii Legislature is in session under a new proposal. Civil Beat Legislative “fixes” to the civil unions law that took effect this year are working their way through the Legislature. Star-Advertiser. State lawmakers have introduced a host of bills in the new legislative session aimed at keeping pace with Hawaii’s rapidly evolving energy sector, including one proposal that would force Hawaiian Electric Co. out of the power generation business and have it focus strictly on delivering electricity to customers. Star-Advertiser. Nearly one-third of Hawaii’s 256 public schools will use revamped teacher evaluations next school year in a pilot program that will take into account student academic growth, amid concerns from teachers over how the new rating system eventually will be tied to their pay. Star-Advertiser. Parents and guardians who fail to report missing children could face felony charges under a bill before the Hawaii Senate. KITV4. Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Friday released more than $15.6 million for capital improvement projects statewide that are designed to improve the state’s public safety, wastewater, civil defense and communications infrastructure. Pacific Business News. The possibility of another big northwest swell has prompted the National Weather Service to issue a High Surf Warning that will take effect Monday at 6 a.m. Hawaii News Now. “Living in the Moment:” New campaign launches to market Hawaiian Islands. KHON2. State roundup for Jan. 30. Associated Press. Oahu As contract expires, many hope Pro Bowl will stay in Hawaii. KHON2 . Cayetano: Rail A Wall of Concrete Snaking Along Honolulu’s Waterfront. Civil Beat. Prostitution Bust At University of Hawaii Professor’s Apartment following website’ sting. Hawaii Reporter. Hawaii The decision to fire four Hawaii County elections workers may soon start costing Big Island taxpayers. Tribune-Herald. The waters off the Kona Coast are teeming with life, a sign world-renowned animal expert Jeff Corwin said Sunday is hopeful and encouraging. West Hawaii Today. Maui A California developer wants to begin construction this spring on a shopping center that would be the largest outlet mall in Hawaii. Maui News. The Maui County Council General Plan Committee will conduct an informational meeting this week on the urban-growth boundaries being proposed in the draft Maui Island Plan. Maui News. The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii filed a complaint letter with the County of Maui this week citing concerns over First Amendment rights of protesters demonstrating near the Monsanto facility along the Pi’ilani Highway in Kihei. Maui Now. Kauai State Sen. Ron Kouchi, D-Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau, said the March 24 election of board members of the Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative will have a “tremendous impact” on diversifying the future economic base of the island. Garden Island. Kaua‘i volunteers spotted more whales than their counterparts on Hawaii’s other islands during a weekend ocean count coordinated by the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. Garden Island. Molokai Department of Land and Natural Resources is holding a community meeting regarding the security perimeter at the Kauanakakai Wharf to accommodate American Safari Cruises visits to Molokai. Molokai Dispatch.
Continue reading...30. January 2012
Hilo Public Library (c) 2012 All Hawaii News Wi-Fi will soon be available at libraries across the state. Star-Advertiser. Ed Case and Mazie Hirono are in a dead heat for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate seat now held by Daniel Akaka, according to a new Civil Beat Poll. Civil Beat. The automated telephone survey of 1,358 likely voters found Case at 41 percent, Hirono at 39 percent, with 8 percent saying neither candidate and 12 percent still unsure. Hawaii may soon join dozens of other states in banning lawmakers from holding political fundraisers during the four months the Hawaii Legislature is in session under a new proposal. Civil Beat Legislative “fixes” to the civil unions law that took effect this year are working their way through the Legislature. Star-Advertiser. State lawmakers have introduced a host of bills in the new legislative session aimed at keeping pace with Hawaii’s rapidly evolving energy sector, including one proposal that would force Hawaiian Electric Co. out of the power generation business and have it focus strictly on delivering electricity to customers. Star-Advertiser. Nearly one-third of Hawaii’s 256 public schools will use revamped teacher evaluations next school year in a pilot program that will take into account student academic growth, amid concerns from teachers over how the new rating system eventually will be tied to their pay. Star-Advertiser. Parents and guardians who fail to report missing children could face felony charges under a bill before the Hawaii Senate. KITV4. Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Friday released more than $15.6 million for capital improvement projects statewide that are designed to improve the state’s public safety, wastewater, civil defense and communications infrastructure. Pacific Business News. The possibility of another big northwest swell has prompted the National Weather Service to issue a High Surf Warning that will take effect Monday at 6 a.m. Hawaii News Now. “Living in the Moment:” New campaign launches to market Hawaiian Islands. KHON2. State roundup for Jan. 30. Associated Press. Oahu As contract expires, many hope Pro Bowl will stay in Hawaii. KHON2 . Cayetano: Rail A Wall of Concrete Snaking Along Honolulu’s Waterfront. Civil Beat. Prostitution Bust At University of Hawaii Professor’s Apartment following website’ sting. Hawaii Reporter. Hawaii The decision to fire four Hawaii County elections workers may soon start costing Big Island taxpayers. Tribune-Herald. The waters off the Kona Coast are teeming with life, a sign world-renowned animal expert Jeff Corwin said Sunday is hopeful and encouraging. West Hawaii Today. Maui A California developer wants to begin construction this spring on a shopping center that would be the largest outlet mall in Hawaii. Maui News. The Maui County Council General Plan Committee will conduct an informational meeting this week on the urban-growth boundaries being proposed in the draft Maui Island Plan. Maui News. The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii filed a complaint letter with the County of Maui this week citing concerns over First Amendment rights of protesters demonstrating near the Monsanto facility along the Pi’ilani Highway in Kihei. Maui Now. Kauai State Sen. Ron Kouchi, D-Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau, said the March 24 election of board members of the Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative will have a “tremendous impact” on diversifying the future economic base of the island. Garden Island. Kaua‘i volunteers spotted more whales than their counterparts on Hawaii’s other islands during a weekend ocean count coordinated by the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. Garden Island. Molokai Department of Land and Natural Resources is holding a community meeting regarding the security perimeter at the Kauanakakai Wharf to accommodate American Safari Cruises visits to Molokai. Molokai Dispatch.
Continue reading...23. January 2012
If you’re hankering to go to Oahu, but not sure when to go, perhaps you’d like to go during one of the many excellent festivals. To help you, I’ve created this handy dandy list of Oahu festivals – which mixes in input from the nice folks at the Oahu Visitor’s Bureau, plus my opinion. Honolulu Festival
Continue reading...18. January 2012
Bird of Paradise in Oahu at Punchbowl * Hawaiian Airlines announced that they’re creating a Maui Hub that will offer improved connections between The Valley Isle and other points within the Hawaiian Islands as well as flights to and from the West Coast. It will be interesting to see how this improves inter-island travel as this hub is implemented. * The Polynesian Cultural Center is offering a 10% discount by booking early. For a limited time, visitors who book their reservations ten days out or more will receive a 10% discount off their experience. The “10 Outside 10” special applies to all of PCC’s rich cultural offerings, including their excellent evening show HA: Breath of Life . You can receive this discount via booking directly online. * On facebook I posted about a new jet pack water adventure in Oahu that looks like something out of a Jetsons carton. That post about Jetlev seemed to interest a lot of folks. There’s currently a limited time Groupon for this adventure that knocks 50% off the cost to $199. To access this Groupon navigate to Honolulu from here . Jetlev * Another recent facebook posting that garnered quite a bit of interest was this video about scientist discovering humpback whales and dolphins playing together in Hawaii. The video provides photos capturing the playful behavior along with captions of the scientists’ observations. © Go Visit Hawaii – Republication of this entire post is prohibited without prior permission. Using extracts of less than 100 words are permitted with full attribution and link back to GoVisitHawaii.com .
Continue reading...13. January 2012
Iolani Palace (c) 2012 All Hawaii News Native Hawaiians who believe they are citizens of the Hawaiian Kingdom — not the United States — nonetheless spent Thursday in an American court defending themselves against charges they trespassed on the grounds of their rightful seat of government, Iolani Palace. Civil Beat. The state Reapportionment Commission plans to meet Jan. 20 to begin redrawing political boundaries, following a Hawaii Supreme Court ruling last week that invalidated new maps approved by the nine-member panel in October. Star-Advertiser. Wary of undermining economic recovery, state House lawmakers want to forestall a scheduled increase this year in the unemployment insurance tax rate that would force businesses to pay $180 to $650 more for every employee. Star-Advertiser. Teacher Agreement Better Than ‘Last, Best and Final’? Too Soon To Say. Civil Beat. Reptiles and other invasive species invaded the capitol today as part of a legislative briefing on environmental concerns. KHON2. The biggest threat to the state’s economy, natural environment and the health of island residents, according to state lawmakers, comes from destructive plants and pests originating elsewhere. Hawaii Public Radio. A wildlife revival around the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands is giving scientists a glimpse of what the main Hawaiian Islands looked like thousands of years ago — and researchers said Thursday they hope the environmental renaissance of sorts will spur similar endeavors around the world. Star-Advertiser. State building hit by bed bug problem. KHON2. State roundup for January 13. Associated Press. Oahu Former acting Mayor Kirk Caldwell, looking to reclaim the post permanently, wasted little time in criticizing the incumbent, characterizing Mayor Peter Carlisle’s first year in office as little more than photo opportunities and traveling with a singular focus on pushing the rail transit project at any cost. Star-Advertiser. Caldwell’s First Promise: Soap In Bus Stop Bathroom. Civil Beat. Former Hawaii Gov. Ben Cayetano is considering a run for Honolulu mayor at age 72 for one main reason: to stop the rail project. Civil Beat. Gov. Neil Abercrombie has released $2 million in general obligation bond funds for the planning, design and construction of a flood alleviation project for Oahu’s Waianae Coast. KITV4. Up to 100 truckloads per day of used asphalt has been dumped at the site of a proposed cemetery in Hawaii Kai in the past several weeks, resurrecting environmental concerns about what is being stockpiled on the property. Star-Advertiser. Kaneohe Pier Declared Unsafe. Officials Condemn Portion Of Main Access Pier To Coconut Island. KITV4 . Great white shark spotted off Oahu. Hawaii News Now. Hawaii The year 2011 ended on a soggy note in East Hawaii, but that was not enough to keep most of the Big Island from recording another year of below-average rainfall. Tribune-Herald. North Hawaii Community Hospital has received $680,000 to improve its health information technology, joining a national health care industry trend to improve information technology. West Hawaii Today. Maui Hawaiian Airlines is adding flights at Kahului Airport for both interisland and Mainland destinations, creating a “Maui hub” to improve connections. Maui News. One of the leading Democratic candidates vying to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka decided to brown bag it to work Wednesday in Wailuku. Maui News . A state-authorized motorcycle safety program will now be available on Maui with the opening of Hawaii’s newest motorcycle safety training site in Kahului. Maui Now. An ordinance to prohibit alcohol consumption at the new South Maui Community Park in Kihei went into effect this week. KHON2. Kauai The County of Kaua‘i ended Fiscal Year 2011 on June 30 with a budget surplus of $57.26 million, according to the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report released Dec. 15. Garden Island. Amanda Barretto has filed suit against a Kaua‘i elementary school and the state Department of Education in 5th Circuit Court on behalf of her 7-year-old child. Garden Island. The mayor recognized Kamehameha Schools’ third-grade students in the
Continue reading...13. January 2012
Iolani Palace (c) 2012 All Hawaii News Native Hawaiians who believe they are citizens of the Hawaiian Kingdom — not the United States — nonetheless spent Thursday in an American court defending themselves against charges they trespassed on the grounds of their rightful seat of government, Iolani Palace. Civil Beat. The state Reapportionment Commission plans to meet Jan. 20 to begin redrawing political boundaries, following a Hawaii Supreme Court ruling last week that invalidated new maps approved by the nine-member panel in October. Star-Advertiser. Wary of undermining economic recovery, state House lawmakers want to forestall a scheduled increase this year in the unemployment insurance tax rate that would force businesses to pay $180 to $650 more for every employee. Star-Advertiser. Teacher Agreement Better Than ‘Last, Best and Final’? Too Soon To Say. Civil Beat. Reptiles and other invasive species invaded the capitol today as part of a legislative briefing on environmental concerns. KHON2. The biggest threat to the state’s economy, natural environment and the health of island residents, according to state lawmakers, comes from destructive plants and pests originating elsewhere. Hawaii Public Radio. A wildlife revival around the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands is giving scientists a glimpse of what the main Hawaiian Islands looked like thousands of years ago — and researchers said Thursday they hope the environmental renaissance of sorts will spur similar endeavors around the world. Star-Advertiser. State building hit by bed bug problem. KHON2. State roundup for January 13. Associated Press. Oahu Former acting Mayor Kirk Caldwell, looking to reclaim the post permanently, wasted little time in criticizing the incumbent, characterizing Mayor Peter Carlisle’s first year in office as little more than photo opportunities and traveling with a singular focus on pushing the rail transit project at any cost. Star-Advertiser. Caldwell’s First Promise: Soap In Bus Stop Bathroom. Civil Beat. Former Hawaii Gov. Ben Cayetano is considering a run for Honolulu mayor at age 72 for one main reason: to stop the rail project. Civil Beat. Gov. Neil Abercrombie has released $2 million in general obligation bond funds for the planning, design and construction of a flood alleviation project for Oahu’s Waianae Coast. KITV4. Up to 100 truckloads per day of used asphalt has been dumped at the site of a proposed cemetery in Hawaii Kai in the past several weeks, resurrecting environmental concerns about what is being stockpiled on the property. Star-Advertiser. Kaneohe Pier Declared Unsafe. Officials Condemn Portion Of Main Access Pier To Coconut Island. KITV4 . Great white shark spotted off Oahu. Hawaii News Now. Hawaii The year 2011 ended on a soggy note in East Hawaii, but that was not enough to keep most of the Big Island from recording another year of below-average rainfall. Tribune-Herald. North Hawaii Community Hospital has received $680,000 to improve its health information technology, joining a national health care industry trend to improve information technology. West Hawaii Today. Maui Hawaiian Airlines is adding flights at Kahului Airport for both interisland and Mainland destinations, creating a “Maui hub” to improve connections. Maui News. One of the leading Democratic candidates vying to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka decided to brown bag it to work Wednesday in Wailuku. Maui News . A state-authorized motorcycle safety program will now be available on Maui with the opening of Hawaii’s newest motorcycle safety training site in Kahului. Maui Now. An ordinance to prohibit alcohol consumption at the new South Maui Community Park in Kihei went into effect this week. KHON2. Kauai The County of Kaua‘i ended Fiscal Year 2011 on June 30 with a budget surplus of $57.26 million, according to the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report released Dec. 15. Garden Island. Amanda Barretto has filed suit against a Kaua‘i elementary school and the state Department of Education in 5th Circuit Court on behalf of her 7-year-old child. Garden Island. The mayor recognized Kamehameha Schools’ third-grade students in the
Continue reading...
7. February 2012
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