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Obama golfs, dines, endures criticism, substitute teachers need college degrees, Hawaiian Monk seals die as residents fight NOAA limits, DLNR to merge…
President Obama and entourage in Hawaii As Republicans who want to be president slog through chilly Iowa in the run-up to next week’s caucuses, the man who is president moves from one enviable sun-splashed outing to the next. Tribune . President Barack Obama spent Day 6 of his Windward Oahu holiday at a different golf course, but with familiar playing partners. Star-Advertiser. President Barack Obama and wife Michelle headed to one of their favorite Oahu restaurants for a date Wednesday night. Hawaii News Now. The cost of the First Family’s holiday vacation in Hawaii continues to cause controversy. Hawaii News Now. Starting early next year, substitute teachers who do not have college degrees will no longer be allowed to work in Hawaii’s public schools, a move that education officials said is aimed at complying with federal requirements. KITV4. Waikiki residents Gary Bradley and Paul Perry are among the scores of same-sex couples who are preparing to say “I do” under the state’s new civil unions law. KITV4. A third monk seal was found dead on Molokai Wednesday and officials at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are working to determine the cause of death. Civil Beat. A merger of the two divisions that manage state water and land resources is on the horizon, a Department of Land and Natural Resources official says. West Hawaii Today. The graying of the so-called baby boomer generation will soon trigger a tsunami-like demand for long-term care services that the state and its residents are not prepared for. Tribune-Herald. Hawai‘i is ranked No. 1 in the United States for investment in energy savings performance contracting (ESPC) for public buildings per capita, according to a ranking published by the Energy Services Coalition, a national nonprofit network working at the state and local level to increase energy efficiency through building upgrades. Hawaii Reporter. Last week, the U.S. Department of Education warned that Hawaii’s $75 million in Race to the Top educational funding was in jeopardy. Hawaii Independent. State roundup for Dec. 29. Associated Press. Oahu Veteran journalist and journalism educator John Heckathorn died Wednesday morning at Straub Clinic & Hospital after suffering a heart attack Christmas morning at his home in Kalama Valley. He was 65. Star-Advertiser. Former Honolulu Magazine editor, John Heckathorn, died on Wednesday morning after suffering a heart attack on Christmas. Hawaii News Now. Respected journalist and teacher John Heckathorn died this morning after suffering a heart attack on Christmas Day. KHON2. Hawaii Medical Center’s Ewa hospital closed on Wednesday after transferring the last of its patients to its Liliha facility. Star-Advertiser. The massive sea-based X-Band Radar left Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam on Wednesday morning, but Navy officials would not disclose where it was headed. Pacific Business News. Hawaii Hilo marijuana minister Roger Christie has been held for 17 months without bail in the Honolulu Federal Detention Center. Civil Beat. Pahoa’s Sacred Heart Church is teaming up with an internationally trained sculptor to create a one-of-a-kind statue of St. Damien DeVeuster to commemorate his Puna missionary work. Tribune-Herald . The Kailua-Kona Public Library will soon see its electric bill drop. West Hawaii Today. Maui Hale Makua Health Services is finalizing an application to the state Department of Health to turn a wing of its Wailuku facility into an adult residential care home. Maui News. Upwards of 30 protesters held signs along Dairy Road in Kahului today over a three hour period, in a demonstration against a nearby tenant for the sale of reef fish. Maui Now. Kauai The Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative board has yet to discuss how it will address the impending vacancy to be created in January by the departure of director Ben Sullivan. Garden Island. A new Professional Readiness Employment Program (PREP) Academy aims to help job seekers, particularly Native Hawaiians, with creative tools to improve their ability to find and keep good jobs. Garden Island.
Continue reading...Obama enjoys quiet Hawaii holiday, tourism boost expected from new civil union law, coqui frogs, angry birds challenge state agencies, more news from…
26. December 2011
Baby checks out President Obama’s mouth, AP pool photo The first family kept a low profile on Oahu’s Windward Coast for Christmas, attending a Christmas Day church service at the Base Chapel on Kaneohe Marine Corp Base. KITV4. Marine Gunnery Sgt. Joseph Maupai could barely contain his enthusiasm at having his four children meet his commander in chief on Christmas Day at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. Star-Advertiser. President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama spent part of Christmas greeting families at a Marine base in Hawaii. USA Today. President Obama got a Christmas Day surprise when a baby put his hand in the president’s mouth. CBS News. The Obamas got to spend some time off on the East side today, enjoying what many would call, a very ordinary, special Christmas. KHON2. President Barack Obama has kept a relatively low profile since arriving to Hawaii to join his family for the holidays. Hawaii News Now. With Congress finally buckling to White House demands to extend the payroll tax cuts before the new year, President Barack Obama is officially heading “home” to Hawaii for the holidays. Hawaii Reporter. While President Obama Arrives in Hawaii Amidst Security and Fanfare, Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi Slips Quietly into Big Island Resort. Hawaii Independent. When federal authorities visit in January for an extensive review to determine whether Hawaii can deliver on its Race to the Top education pledges, the state will acknowledge stumbling in key initiatives but argue the school system has seen great progress. Star-Advertiser. The Hawaii comptroller’s office this year spent $25,000 to replace bird netting wrapped around the third-floor ledge of the state Capitol. Civil Beat. The coqui frogs have been growing in population in the state in recent years and are now starting to show up in larger numbers on Oahu. Associated Press. State roundup for Dec. 26. Associated Press. Oahu Tony Locricchio saw the growing homeless population living in tents on sidewalks and said we must find places for them to live with dignity. KITV4. The city and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands are planning a land swap worth an estimated $30 million to provide the city with a site for a rail maintenance facility in Waipahu. Star-Advertiser. Oahu oceanfront property owners are being given violation notices for blocking public access to beaches. KHON2. The Honolulu City Council may consider a ban on businesses offering plastic bags at checkout counters as early as February if Council Chair Ernie Martin goes through with his plans. Pacific Business News. Hawaii Fireworks are going on sale this week across the island, and the Fire Department is hoping for a soggy New Year. Tribune-Herald. New Year’s celebrations and fireworks have been synonymous on Hawaii Island. West Hawaii Today. In 2011, one event swept away the rest when it came time to pick the top stories of the year. West Hawaii Today. Maui Maui hotels and resorts are gearing up to host same-sex couples in Hawaii to formalize their relationships starting New Year’s Day. Maui News. The state Department of Transportation is weighing options for a major overhaul of Kahului Airport’s long runway, after being notified that federal funds would no longer be available to keep patching the aging tarmac. Maui News. State and federal officials announced Friday that they were investigating the deaths of two Hawaiian monk seals on the south shore of Molokai, and a prominent Molokai advocate called on Native Hawaiians to protect the species. Maui News. Kauai After purchasing a home on Kauai nearly two years ago, actor Will Smith and wife Jada Pinkett-Smith recently sold their property, making a $6.5 million profit. Hawaii News Now. Santa Claus wasn’t the only one on duty this holiday. Across the island, police officers and firefighters were on the clock Sunday, along with restaurant and hotel workers, gas station employees and airport personnel. Garden Island. Many things on the islands nowadays come from China, including The Garden Island’s new managing editor, Renée Haines. Garden Island.
Continue reading...Obama enjoys quiet Hawaii holiday, tourism boost expected from new civil union law, coqui frogs, angry birds challenge state agencies, more news from…
26. December 2011
Baby checks out President Obama’s mouth, AP pool photo The first family kept a low profile on Oahu’s Windward Coast for Christmas, attending a Christmas Day church service at the Base Chapel on Kaneohe Marine Corp Base. KITV4. Marine Gunnery Sgt. Joseph Maupai could barely contain his enthusiasm at having his four children meet his commander in chief on Christmas Day at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. Star-Advertiser. President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama spent part of Christmas greeting families at a Marine base in Hawaii. USA Today. President Obama got a Christmas Day surprise when a baby put his hand in the president’s mouth. CBS News. The Obamas got to spend some time off on the East side today, enjoying what many would call, a very ordinary, special Christmas. KHON2. President Barack Obama has kept a relatively low profile since arriving to Hawaii to join his family for the holidays. Hawaii News Now. With Congress finally buckling to White House demands to extend the payroll tax cuts before the new year, President Barack Obama is officially heading “home” to Hawaii for the holidays. Hawaii Reporter. While President Obama Arrives in Hawaii Amidst Security and Fanfare, Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi Slips Quietly into Big Island Resort. Hawaii Independent. When federal authorities visit in January for an extensive review to determine whether Hawaii can deliver on its Race to the Top education pledges, the state will acknowledge stumbling in key initiatives but argue the school system has seen great progress. Star-Advertiser. The Hawaii comptroller’s office this year spent $25,000 to replace bird netting wrapped around the third-floor ledge of the state Capitol. Civil Beat. The coqui frogs have been growing in population in the state in recent years and are now starting to show up in larger numbers on Oahu. Associated Press. State roundup for Dec. 26. Associated Press. Oahu Tony Locricchio saw the growing homeless population living in tents on sidewalks and said we must find places for them to live with dignity. KITV4. The city and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands are planning a land swap worth an estimated $30 million to provide the city with a site for a rail maintenance facility in Waipahu. Star-Advertiser. Oahu oceanfront property owners are being given violation notices for blocking public access to beaches. KHON2. The Honolulu City Council may consider a ban on businesses offering plastic bags at checkout counters as early as February if Council Chair Ernie Martin goes through with his plans. Pacific Business News. Hawaii Fireworks are going on sale this week across the island, and the Fire Department is hoping for a soggy New Year. Tribune-Herald. New Year’s celebrations and fireworks have been synonymous on Hawaii Island. West Hawaii Today. In 2011, one event swept away the rest when it came time to pick the top stories of the year. West Hawaii Today. Maui Maui hotels and resorts are gearing up to host same-sex couples in Hawaii to formalize their relationships starting New Year’s Day. Maui News. The state Department of Transportation is weighing options for a major overhaul of Kahului Airport’s long runway, after being notified that federal funds would no longer be available to keep patching the aging tarmac. Maui News. State and federal officials announced Friday that they were investigating the deaths of two Hawaiian monk seals on the south shore of Molokai, and a prominent Molokai advocate called on Native Hawaiians to protect the species. Maui News. Kauai After purchasing a home on Kauai nearly two years ago, actor Will Smith and wife Jada Pinkett-Smith recently sold their property, making a $6.5 million profit. Hawaii News Now. Santa Claus wasn’t the only one on duty this holiday. Across the island, police officers and firefighters were on the clock Sunday, along with restaurant and hotel workers, gas station employees and airport personnel. Garden Island. Many things on the islands nowadays come from China, including The Garden Island’s new managing editor, Renée Haines. Garden Island.
Continue reading...Aloha Friday Photo: “Big As A House” Poinsettia Edition
23. December 2011
Most of us on the mainland will purchase a poinsettia this time of year for the holidays. We typically care for the small plant indoors for a few months. Then, we’ll thank the plant for its display before sending it on the compost. That’s why it’s so surprising for us visitors when we see large poinsettias bushes growing outdoors in Hawaii. Around this time of year in Hawaii, you’ll see outdoor poinsettia bushes
Continue reading...Bag ban passes Big Island council, $75M in Race to the Top funds at risk, 14 Hawaii tax employees face criminal charges, Oahu top island getaway, more…
22. December 2011
Following Maui and Kauai’s lead, the Big Island on Wednesday became the third county to adopt a ban on merchants giving out plastic bags. That leaves Honolulu as the only Hawaii county without such a ban. Civil Beat. Hawaii County shoppers can expect free plastic shopping bags at the cash register for just one more year, following the passage Wednesday of a bill restricting their availability. West Hawaii Today. When it comes to protecting the environment, reducing litter and preserving landfill space, the County Council has left Mayor Billy Kenoi holding the bag. Tribune-Herald. An Education Department official on Wednesday admonished Hawaii for its “unsatisfactory” performance under a $75 million federal grant the state won last year in a high profile competition and said it was placing it under “high risk” status, meaning the state is in danger of losing the money if it doesn’t make improvements. Associated Press. Citing “unsatisfactory performance” and concerns about whether future pledges can be met, the federal government has placed Hawaii’s $75 million Race to the Top grant on “high-risk” status, which means the money may be lost if progress isn’t made. Star-Advertiser. Middle-school boys and girls in some low-performing schools on Oahu and Hawaii island next fall will begin playing in small, after-school sports leagues as part of a larger effort to improve the lives of 3,700 students. Star-Advertiser. 14 employees of the State Tax Department are under investigation by the State Attorney General’s office for possible criminal wrongdoing. KITV4. Hawaii’s ethics rules sure seem to be resonating with lawmakers. Several turned away bottles of wine given as a holiday gift from a solar-energy company. Civil Beat. President Barack Obama will have to come up with an action plan to address the economic impact of Pacific migration in Hawaii and other states and U.S. territories. Star-Advertiser. State roundup for Dec. 22. Associated Press . Oahu Yahoo! News has named Oahu the top island getaway in the U.S. in the latest episode of Wanderlust, the travel series on Yahoo! News. KHON2. A new Kakaako booking and warrants building for the state Sheriff Division is proving to be more convenient for both deputies and the public. Star-Advertiser. The state sheriffs division has opened a new booking and warrants facility in Kakaako, a more convenient and less threatening location has resulted in more people turning themselves in there, according to public safety officials. KITV4. Just how popular is the camping permit window at the Wahiawa Satellite City Hall? Civil Beat. Hawaii Medical Center’s approximately 990 employees are getting some help from the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations in navigating the unemployment rolls they soon will find themselves on when HMC shuts down its two Oahu hospitals in the next few weeks. Pacific Business News. Mordechai Orian, CEO of Global Horizons, who is facing charges relating to the alleged trafficking of farm workers from Thailand to America, was set to go to trial on February 7. Civil Beat. The following letter by John Bond of Save Ewa Field alleges potentially damaging construction being done at the historic Ewa Field, owned by the U.S. Navy and leased to developers. Hawaii Independent. Twenty-five thousand soldiers from Schofield’s 25th Infantry Division headquarters served in the Iraq War. Hawaii News Now. Hawaii With more than a quarter of Big Island children not knowing where their next meal is coming from, the Hawaii County Council on Wednesday unanimously passed a nonbinding resolution asking the administration to give the Food Basket an emergency $500,000. West Hawaii Today. Hawaii County is making headway in its effort to make the much-needed Ka’u District Gym and Shelter a reality in Pahala. West Hawaii Today. Federal officials want to hear the public’s comments on a wilderness review and legislative environmental impact statement for the Hawaiian and Pacific Islands National Wildlife Refuge Complex. West Hawaii Today. Maui A U.S. District Court jury has acquitted Maui County of liability in a civil suit brought by the family of a homeless man who died in the Lahaina lockup in 2008. Maui News. The Maui Fire Department will begin processing firecracker permits this week while public fireworks displays have been scheduled in South Maui, Hana and on Lanai. Maui News. Owners of a cruising yacht that Molokai protesters turned back earlier this month in Kaunakakai Harbor announced Tuesday that they reached an agreement with opposition and authorities to resume their Molokai tours, at least temporarily, next month. Maui News. Kauai If Kaua‘i County Council Chair Jay Furfaro is right, the administration could be facing a budgetary shortfall of $2.64 million. Garden Island. The County of Kaua‘i has released its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for fiscal year 2011, which began July 1, 2010, and ended June 30, 2011. Garden Island. A blessing and groundbreaking for the next segment of Ke Ala Hele Makalae, the multi-use path, was held in Kapa‘a this morning at Gore Park near Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital. Garden Island.
Continue reading...Bag ban passes Big Island council, $75M in Race to the Top funds at risk, 14 Hawaii tax employees face criminal charges, Oahu top island getaway, more…
22. December 2011
Following Maui and Kauai’s lead, the Big Island on Wednesday became the third county to adopt a ban on merchants giving out plastic bags. That leaves Honolulu as the only Hawaii county without such a ban. Civil Beat. Hawaii County shoppers can expect free plastic shopping bags at the cash register for just one more year, following the passage Wednesday of a bill restricting their availability. West Hawaii Today. When it comes to protecting the environment, reducing litter and preserving landfill space, the County Council has left Mayor Billy Kenoi holding the bag. Tribune-Herald. An Education Department official on Wednesday admonished Hawaii for its “unsatisfactory” performance under a $75 million federal grant the state won last year in a high profile competition and said it was placing it under “high risk” status, meaning the state is in danger of losing the money if it doesn’t make improvements. Associated Press. Citing “unsatisfactory performance” and concerns about whether future pledges can be met, the federal government has placed Hawaii’s $75 million Race to the Top grant on “high-risk” status, which means the money may be lost if progress isn’t made. Star-Advertiser. Middle-school boys and girls in some low-performing schools on Oahu and Hawaii island next fall will begin playing in small, after-school sports leagues as part of a larger effort to improve the lives of 3,700 students. Star-Advertiser. 14 employees of the State Tax Department are under investigation by the State Attorney General’s office for possible criminal wrongdoing. KITV4. Hawaii’s ethics rules sure seem to be resonating with lawmakers. Several turned away bottles of wine given as a holiday gift from a solar-energy company. Civil Beat. President Barack Obama will have to come up with an action plan to address the economic impact of Pacific migration in Hawaii and other states and U.S. territories. Star-Advertiser. State roundup for Dec. 22. Associated Press . Oahu Yahoo! News has named Oahu the top island getaway in the U.S. in the latest episode of Wanderlust, the travel series on Yahoo! News. KHON2. A new Kakaako booking and warrants building for the state Sheriff Division is proving to be more convenient for both deputies and the public. Star-Advertiser. The state sheriffs division has opened a new booking and warrants facility in Kakaako, a more convenient and less threatening location has resulted in more people turning themselves in there, according to public safety officials. KITV4. Just how popular is the camping permit window at the Wahiawa Satellite City Hall? Civil Beat. Hawaii Medical Center’s approximately 990 employees are getting some help from the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations in navigating the unemployment rolls they soon will find themselves on when HMC shuts down its two Oahu hospitals in the next few weeks. Pacific Business News. Mordechai Orian, CEO of Global Horizons, who is facing charges relating to the alleged trafficking of farm workers from Thailand to America, was set to go to trial on February 7. Civil Beat. The following letter by John Bond of Save Ewa Field alleges potentially damaging construction being done at the historic Ewa Field, owned by the U.S. Navy and leased to developers. Hawaii Independent. Twenty-five thousand soldiers from Schofield’s 25th Infantry Division headquarters served in the Iraq War. Hawaii News Now. Hawaii With more than a quarter of Big Island children not knowing where their next meal is coming from, the Hawaii County Council on Wednesday unanimously passed a nonbinding resolution asking the administration to give the Food Basket an emergency $500,000. West Hawaii Today. Hawaii County is making headway in its effort to make the much-needed Ka’u District Gym and Shelter a reality in Pahala. West Hawaii Today. Federal officials want to hear the public’s comments on a wilderness review and legislative environmental impact statement for the Hawaiian and Pacific Islands National Wildlife Refuge Complex. West Hawaii Today. Maui A U.S. District Court jury has acquitted Maui County of liability in a civil suit brought by the family of a homeless man who died in the Lahaina lockup in 2008. Maui News. The Maui Fire Department will begin processing firecracker permits this week while public fireworks displays have been scheduled in South Maui, Hana and on Lanai. Maui News. Owners of a cruising yacht that Molokai protesters turned back earlier this month in Kaunakakai Harbor announced Tuesday that they reached an agreement with opposition and authorities to resume their Molokai tours, at least temporarily, next month. Maui News. Kauai If Kaua‘i County Council Chair Jay Furfaro is right, the administration could be facing a budgetary shortfall of $2.64 million. Garden Island. The County of Kaua‘i has released its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for fiscal year 2011, which began July 1, 2010, and ended June 30, 2011. Garden Island. A blessing and groundbreaking for the next segment of Ke Ala Hele Makalae, the multi-use path, was held in Kapa‘a this morning at Gore Park near Samuel Mahelona Memorial Hospital. Garden Island.
Continue reading...Molokai tour boat truce reached, Hawaii teachers take second jobs, Big Island rents drop, $10.7M for homeless, Honolulu scrambles after hospital…
21. December 2011
Molokai blockade courtesy photo Molokai protesters and the operator of American Safari Cruises have agreed to a truce that will allow the tour boat company to resume its weekly visits to Molokai next month. Star-Advertiser. American Safari Cruises announced Tuesday that an agreement has been reached between the company, state and federal authorities and local groups so that the Safari Explorer will return to Molokai in January. Star-Advertiser. American Safari Cruises plans to resume regularly scheduled visits to Molokai on January 21, 2011. Maui Now. U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Shaun Donovan Tuesday awarded $10.7 million to renew funding to Hawaii homeless programs. KHON2. Two-thirds of Hawaii public school teachers who responded to a recent union poll said they hold one or more outside jobs, and 41 percent of those earning supplemental incomes said they started working another job in the last one to three years. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii legislators are planning a complete overhaul of the state’s charter school system in the wake of “glaring concerns” about lack of accountability and even possible fraud at some schools. Hawaii Reporter. Inouye Still Brings Home The Bacon. Half a billion dollars going to military, APEC costs, East-West Center. Civil Beat. Norm Chow is poised to become the next University of Hawaii head football coach — 16 years, two Heisman Trophy winners and two national titles after losing his first bid for the position. Star-Advertiser. Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s version of the Supplemental Budget for Fiscal Year 2013, submitted yesterday, requires an additional $35 million in general funds—overall changes included an increase of $119.9 million in spending in some areas and $85.9 million in savings in others. Hawaii Independent. The Keck Observatory was involved in what its director called a historic moment recently, helping confirm the discovery of two Earth-sized planets.
Continue reading...Abercrombie unveils $11.1 billion no-new-taxes budget, lesbian couple sues Hawaii Kai B&B, Bank of Hawaii one of best, Hawaii Supreme Court sets…
20. December 2011
Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie, Budget Director Kalbert Young, courtesy photo
Continue reading...Hawaii on Obama watch, feds pan early education plan, Young Bros. granted 16.6% rate hike, UH to pay student for peeping tom, Maui to ban booze at…
19. December 2011
Mother Marianne Cope at Father Damien’s funeral historical photo Pope Benedict XVI has approved seven new saints for the Catholic Church, including Hawaii’s Mother Marianne and a 17th-century Native American, Caterina Tekakwitha. Associated Press. First lady Michelle Obama and daughters Malia and Sasha seem to have been enjoying a respite from the television cameras since arriving at their Kailua vacation home on Saturday, according to area residents. Star-Advertiser. First Lady Michelle Obama and her daughters, Sasha and Malia, spent the night in Kailua, Oahu, on Saturday. Hawaii Reporter. First lady Michelle Obama and first daughters Malia and Sasha are on day two of their Hawaiian holiday vacation. KHON2 . Federal reviewers ranked Hawaii’s application for a competitive, $49 million federal grant to improve the state’s early-learning network last among 35 states vying for the money, calling elements of the plan “minimally implemented” and “low quality,” documents show. Star-Advertiser. Recently ratings by the federal government show how Hawaii hospitals compare with ones across the country and the grades could also lead to better quality care. KITV4. Hawaii’s big bond sale this month was great news for the state because of how much it will save in lower interest rates. But for the Hawaii State Department of Education, it was a routine event. Civil Beat. It’s been a month since the head of Hawaii’s largest union demanded to reopen labor talks with Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s chief negotiator, claiming another union got a better deal. Civil Beat. The University of Hawaii must pay about $31,000 to a former student who was showering at a UH dormitory four years ago when an intruder tried to take photos or a video of her with his cellphone, a state judge has ruled. Star-Advertiser. The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission on Friday approved a 16.58 percent rate increase for interisland shipping company Young Brothers Ltd. Pacific Business News. State Roundup for Dec. 18. Associated Press. Hawaii Soldiers Last Division To Exit Iraq. KITV4. There were many hugs and kisses at Wheeler Army Airfield Sunday night, as the families of about 50 soldiers from the 25th Infantry Division welcomed them home from their deployment to Iraq. Hawaii News Now. Oahu Residential electric bills on Oahu hit a record high in December for the third consecutive month, continuing a trend that has prompted a growing number of homeowners to install rooftop photovoltaic systems to cut their soaring power bills. Star-Advertiser. The Hawaii state Department of Agriculture will inspect a Kahuku farm where undocumented workers from Laos said they were sickened by exposure to toxic pesticides. Hawaii Reporter. The Council had approved to hear a bill in 2012 that would require grocers or wholesale food clubs to post signs or labels signifying that a food product included genetically engineered material. Hawaii Independent. Hawaii Hawaii County has begun an outside review of its property tax structure, the first step in ensuring fairness and perhaps bringing additional money to county coffers. West Hawaii Today. The Transportation Security Administration is hoping to prevent concerns that new body scanning machines it began using at Hilo International Airport are an invasion of privacy. Tribune-Herald. Organizers of the Laupahoehoe Community Public Charter School have been notified that they will not be allowed to launch next year. Tribune-Herald. Maui Maui County Council members voted 8-0 Friday to give initial approval for a ban on the consumption of alcohol at the new South Maui Community Park. Maui News. Xorin Balbes maintains that he renovated a historic landmark and created a self-awareness retreat, Lumeria Maui, while at least one opponent to reopening the Fred Baldwin Memorial Home said it looks more “like the Ritz.” Maui News. 28 families were selected to receive homestead leases in the Kula, Waiohuli Hikina and the Waiehu Kou communities. KHON2. Kauai The island’s only landfill may operate another 10 years before closing down for good. With the clock ticking — and after a few extensions and expansions — the county has yet to find a site for the next landfill. Garden Island. The Kaua‘i Police Department has a new deputy chief. Garden Island.
Continue reading...Kauai’s 15th Annual Festival of Lights
19. December 2011
Kauai's Historic County Building in Lihue The Garden Isle of Kauai is all aglow for the Christmas season with their annual Festival of Lights . In its 15th year, Kauai Festival of Lights was created by the community to continue a local tradition that was started more than 50 years ago by Auntie Josie Chansky , a folk artist born and raised on Kauai. For nearly 40 years, Auntie Josie opened her home to neighbors, strangers, tourists – everyone and anyone. People just started showing up on her lawn and then at her door. They wanted to see all the Christmas folk art decorations that she created and displayed on the outside and inside of her home. Auntie Josie’s home became known as “The Christmas House.” Generations of families began making “The Christmas House” part of their holiday traditions to see favorites such as a Christmas tree made of 7,500 green toothpicks, wreaths formed from egg cartons, table decorations constructed with seed pods, and a chandelier fashioned from wire coat hangers. Auntie Josie transformed these humble materials into sparkling treasures. Christmas ornament crafted from a SPAM can. With the grief and passing of Auntie Josie’s husband in 1996, she realized she didn’t have the strength to put up all the decorations herself, Auntie Josie held a garage sale. Luckily, the loss of the “The Christmas House” to the community was recognized and her entire collection was saved by a community member and donated to the County of Kauai. Festival of Lights was born and continues to be run by community volunteers with funding by the County of Kauai, Office of Economic Development, Hawaii Tourism Authority, individuals and private businesses. 2500 toothpicks were used to create this Christmas tree ornament. The Festival of Lights’ treasures have expanded to also include “ Kauai-style ” decorations crafted by local volunteers. Many of the additions are crafted with recycled materials. Festival of Lights runs through December 24at the historic Kauai County Building at 4396Rice Street in Lihue . Visitors can enjoy the Christmas decorations within the Historic County Building between 6:00-8:00 p.m. every Friday-Sunday. Admission is free. For more information, please contact 808-639-8564 or email friends@thefestivaloflights.info . All photos courtesy of the Festival of Lights. © 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...
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29. December 2011
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