Hawaii Rep. Mele Carroll at 2008 Capitol rally (c) 2012 All Hawaii News
Continue reading...3. February 2012
Oahu, Hawaii Travel Deals Sheraton Waikiki 3 Nights From $1069 pp,do Promo Code:PLWS This Waikiki Beach vacation package includes roundtrip air from OAK, 3 night at the Sheraton Waikiki Sheraton in a Club Mountain View room,
Continue reading...2. February 2012
Waikiki (c) 2012 All Hawaii News The Waikiki sand replenishment project has moved on to its next phase. KHON2. A proposal giving the Hawaiian Homes Commission authority to decide whether to allow gambling on Hawaiian Home Lands — the first gambling-related bill heard in this year’s legislative session — was quickly tabled, giving some indication that such bills once again face long odds of passing. Star-Advertiser. Lawmakers expressed support Wednesday for writing into state law high-stakes evaluations for teachers that take into account student academic growth, but questioned how the state Department on Education would follow through with the reforms. Star-Advertiser. State leaders are looking at a variety of measures to improve education in Hawai`i. Changes to teacher tenure are among the many bills already introduced in the new legislative session. Hawaii Public Radio. The proposed overhaul of Hawaii’s charter school law received its first public hearing at the Legislature Wednesday and ran into strong opposition from the teachers’ union but received conditional support from many charter schools. Star-Advertiser. The grieving sister of a fallen Honolulu police officer on Wednesday tearfully urged state lawmakers to make Hawaii’s roads safer for officers and other emergency responders. With her emotions still raw, Amanda Stevens testified in support of the so-called Move Over bill. Hawaii News Now. Representative Joseph Souki is once again fighting to send a strong message to excessive speeders. KHON2. State Health Dept. Monitoring Shoreline For Radioactive Waste. Several federal and state agencies are working to monitor the movement of marine debris from last year’s Japan tsunami. KITV4. Fast-growing Hawaiian Airlines needs more flight attendants. Pacific Business News. Among Hawaii’s four so-called Super PACs, one didn’t attract any money over the second half of 2011, another raised $561 strictly from donations of less than $100. Civil Beat. State roundup for Feb. 2. Associated Press. Oahu City officials fanned out across Oahu Wednesday, issuing 76 notices to protesters at Thomas Square and to homeless people, warning that their tents and personal items must be removed from sidewalks and other public property or be confiscated today. Star-Advertiser. Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle today announced the launch of “Honolulu 311,” a new system through which the public may use personal smart phones to report abandoned vehicles, broken street lights, illegal dumping and other issues. Hawaii Independent. Hawaii Mayor Billy Kenoi’s re-election war chest is flush with cash after fundraisers pulled in more than $140,000 during the last six months of 2011. Tribune-Herald. The two candidates for Hawaii County prosecutor have raised a combined $20,000 between July 1 and Dec. 31. Tribune-Herald. Two weeks after announcing an additional $150,000 was needed to begin construction of a new Hawaiian monk seal hospital in Kona, Big Island, project leaders said the goal has been reached and more contributions are still on the way. Garden Island. Maui No one disputed the goal of a bill aimed at conserving Maui County’s drinking water supply, a precious, finite resource. But the rub came Tuesday with how to accomplish that goal and its potential costs. Maui News. Molokai student develops myoelectric prosthetic for dogs. Maui News. Neighbor island airports, including the Kahului and Kapalua Airports on Maui will implement a parking rate increase for monthly passes. Maui Now. Kauai Kauai Police Chief Darryl Perry was placed on leave Wednesday morning. Star-Advertiser. Kaua‘i County officials Wednesday night announced that Kaua‘i Police Chief Darryl Perry has been placed on leave —just one day after his two assistant chiefs were placed on leave. Garden Island. Jade Fountain-Tanigawa was appointed deputy county clerk and Eddie Topenio, Jr. was named administrative assistant to the county clerk, County Clerk Ricky Watanabe announced in a press release Wednesday. Garden Island.
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...1. February 2012
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Continue reading...26. January 2012
Former Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle Former Gov. Linda Lingle, in a display of national fundraising prowess, has raised more than $1.7 million since she announced her Republican campaign for the U.S. Senate in October. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii may not be known for its Republicans, but the first fundraising figures out of former Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle’s campaign for U.S. Senate shows that Republicans are committed to changing the balance of power in the aloha state. Civil Beat. Former Congressman Ed Case said in a statement that he raised “substantially less” money last quarter than U.S. Senate opponents Linda Lingle and Mazie Hirono. Civil Beat State education leaders sought to reassure lawmakers Wednesday about the future of Hawaii’s $75 million Race to the Top grant, saying they are making gains and plan to seek more clarity about the kind of progress federal authorities want to see in order to take the grant off “high-risk” status. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Department of Education leaders described the state’s school district as a deteriorating house at a legislative briefing Wednesday, and their Race to the Top plan as the remodeling program for that house. Civil Beat. Hawaii’s public schools superintendent said Wednesday she hopes the state makes headway on adopting new teacher evaluations by the end of March, when U.S. Department of Education officials are scheduled to visit the islands for an update on the state’s progress with Race to the Top reforms. Associated Press. Taken For A Ride: Roberts Hawaii’s Very Own Race to the Top of School Bus Biz. Civil Beat. Hawaii Government Employees Association officials have told PBN they may file a complaint with the Hawaii Labor Relations Board because Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s administration has failed to advance talks regarding the favored nation clause of the union’s contract. Pacific Business News. The state appeals court has upheld the approval of a University of Hawaii-developed management plan for Mauna Kea. Tribune-Herald. The House Committee on Judiciary passed a measure (House Bill 127 House Draft 1) that would require hospitals and health care providers to provide information about emergency contraception to women who have been sexually assaulted, and to dispense the medication when requested. Hawaii Reporter. It’s difficult to tell how many people experience homelessness. Nevertheless a national count is done at this time every year attempting to measure how many people are without homes. Hawaii Public Radio. State roundup for Jan. 26. Associated Press. Oahu An x-rated local escort service called “The Volcano Girls” is being operated out of the Waikiki residence of University of Hawaii Professor Lawrence W. Boyd, Jr. Hawaii Reporter. http://www.hawaiireporter.com/university-of-hawaii-professor-tied-to-x-rated-escort-service/123 Food trucks and lunch wagons would have two hours to operate at one location on a street before being required to move, under a proposal in the City Council that aims to ease a law that made it difficult for some vendors to operate legally. Star-Advertiser. A bill that would allow lunch wagons and other street vendors to remain at a single location for two hours instead of fifteen minutes passed the first of three required readings Wednesday at the Honolulu City Council. KHON2. The principal at August Ahrens Elementary School, a second school administrator and a teacher have been placed on leave while the state Department of Education investigates an allegation of financial impropriety. Star-Advertiser. North Shore residents demand solution to ‘Turtle Beach’ traffic. Hawaii News Now. The city has spent more than $1.87 million and hired seven private law firms to handle legal work related to its rail project. Star-Advertiser. The State Department of Agriculture says road crews working on Nimitz Highway near Honolulu Airport killed a two foot snake Wednesday morning. Hawaii News Now. Hawaii The Hawaii Tourism Authority has approved spending more than $1 million this year for Big Island programs, sporting events and festivals. Tribune-Herald. After sitting fallow for the last 18 years, 718 acres of Hawaii County’s Paauilo lands are closer than ever to being returned to productive agriculture. Tribune-Herald. An illegal ferret was captured early Sunday morning in the parking lot of Coqui’s Hideaway Restaurant & Sports Bar in Hilo. Tribune-Herald. Maui Of the three options for repairing the main runway at Kahului Airport, the most expensive was overwhelmingly preferred at a standing-room-only public meeting Monday, because it would not require a temporary shutdown of Mainland flights. Maui News. Project challenges several layers thick. Maui News. The new Papapawahawa Bridge in East Maui opens this Friday, January 27, 2012, following eight months of construction. Maui Now. A $2.3 million project to replace Papahawahawa Bridge is nearly complete, the county Department of Public Works announced. Maui News. Maui County officials say they are in the process of closing a three-mile stretch of shoreline near Wailea-Makena after a shark sighting Wednesday afternoon. KITV4. Kauai How can the Garden Isle grow green jobs? Garden Island. Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. and other local leaders Wednesday greeted the first planeload of visitors from Shanghai as part of an effort to increase island visits from China. Garden Island.
Continue reading...26. January 2012
Former Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle Former Gov. Linda Lingle, in a display of national fundraising prowess, has raised more than $1.7 million since she announced her Republican campaign for the U.S. Senate in October. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii may not be known for its Republicans, but the first fundraising figures out of former Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle’s campaign for U.S. Senate shows that Republicans are committed to changing the balance of power in the aloha state. Civil Beat. Former Congressman Ed Case said in a statement that he raised “substantially less” money last quarter than U.S. Senate opponents Linda Lingle and Mazie Hirono. Civil Beat State education leaders sought to reassure lawmakers Wednesday about the future of Hawaii’s $75 million Race to the Top grant, saying they are making gains and plan to seek more clarity about the kind of progress federal authorities want to see in order to take the grant off “high-risk” status. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii Department of Education leaders described the state’s school district as a deteriorating house at a legislative briefing Wednesday, and their Race to the Top plan as the remodeling program for that house. Civil Beat. Hawaii’s public schools superintendent said Wednesday she hopes the state makes headway on adopting new teacher evaluations by the end of March, when U.S. Department of Education officials are scheduled to visit the islands for an update on the state’s progress with Race to the Top reforms. Associated Press. Taken For A Ride: Roberts Hawaii’s Very Own Race to the Top of School Bus Biz. Civil Beat. Hawaii Government Employees Association officials have told PBN they may file a complaint with the Hawaii Labor Relations Board because Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s administration has failed to advance talks regarding the favored nation clause of the union’s contract. Pacific Business News. The state appeals court has upheld the approval of a University of Hawaii-developed management plan for Mauna Kea. Tribune-Herald. The House Committee on Judiciary passed a measure (House Bill 127 House Draft 1) that would require hospitals and health care providers to provide information about emergency contraception to women who have been sexually assaulted, and to dispense the medication when requested. Hawaii Reporter. It’s difficult to tell how many people experience homelessness. Nevertheless a national count is done at this time every year attempting to measure how many people are without homes. Hawaii Public Radio. State roundup for Jan. 26. Associated Press. Oahu An x-rated local escort service called “The Volcano Girls” is being operated out of the Waikiki residence of University of Hawaii Professor Lawrence W. Boyd, Jr. Hawaii Reporter. http://www.hawaiireporter.com/university-of-hawaii-professor-tied-to-x-rated-escort-service/123 Food trucks and lunch wagons would have two hours to operate at one location on a street before being required to move, under a proposal in the City Council that aims to ease a law that made it difficult for some vendors to operate legally. Star-Advertiser. A bill that would allow lunch wagons and other street vendors to remain at a single location for two hours instead of fifteen minutes passed the first of three required readings Wednesday at the Honolulu City Council. KHON2. The principal at August Ahrens Elementary School, a second school administrator and a teacher have been placed on leave while the state Department of Education investigates an allegation of financial impropriety. Star-Advertiser. North Shore residents demand solution to ‘Turtle Beach’ traffic. Hawaii News Now. The city has spent more than $1.87 million and hired seven private law firms to handle legal work related to its rail project. Star-Advertiser. The State Department of Agriculture says road crews working on Nimitz Highway near Honolulu Airport killed a two foot snake Wednesday morning. Hawaii News Now. Hawaii The Hawaii Tourism Authority has approved spending more than $1 million this year for Big Island programs, sporting events and festivals. Tribune-Herald. After sitting fallow for the last 18 years, 718 acres of Hawaii County’s Paauilo lands are closer than ever to being returned to productive agriculture. Tribune-Herald. An illegal ferret was captured early Sunday morning in the parking lot of Coqui’s Hideaway Restaurant & Sports Bar in Hilo. Tribune-Herald. Maui Of the three options for repairing the main runway at Kahului Airport, the most expensive was overwhelmingly preferred at a standing-room-only public meeting Monday, because it would not require a temporary shutdown of Mainland flights. Maui News. Project challenges several layers thick. Maui News. The new Papapawahawa Bridge in East Maui opens this Friday, January 27, 2012, following eight months of construction. Maui Now. A $2.3 million project to replace Papahawahawa Bridge is nearly complete, the county Department of Public Works announced. Maui News. Maui County officials say they are in the process of closing a three-mile stretch of shoreline near Wailea-Makena after a shark sighting Wednesday afternoon. KITV4. Kauai How can the Garden Isle grow green jobs? Garden Island. Mayor Bernard Carvalho Jr. and other local leaders Wednesday greeted the first planeload of visitors from Shanghai as part of an effort to increase island visits from China. Garden Island.
Continue reading...25. January 2012
Colorful lantana growing along Kauai's Kalalau Trail * Disney’s Aulani Resort is offering a Spring special of 6th night free and complimentary continental breakfast each day during your stay. See all the details here . * Aqua’s Kauai Beach Resort is offering rates as low as $159 including daily breakfast buffet, but you must book before January 31 and complete your stay by December 31, 2012. * Speaking of Kauai, Hawaiian Airlines has put Kauai fares on sale for travel between now and March 14 and again from April 24 through June 8, 2012. Fares from the Bay area start from $363. For this sale, you must book by January 31. * JetBlue is teaming up with Hawaiian Airlines to make connections easy. Per JetBlue’s website , “Transfer from JetBlue to Hawaiian’s service at Los Angeles (LAX). Beginning June 4th, transfer to Hawaiian’s new non-stop service to Honolulu at New York (JFK).” Read more about this partnership on Smarter Travel . * Do you want to make this Valentine’s Day extra special with your spouse? Outrigger Resorts is offering free vow renewals across resorts in all the major islands. Participating resorts are Kapalua Villas Maui, Keauhou Beach Resorts on Hawaii’s Big Island, Outrigger Kiahuna Plantation on Kauai and Outrigger Reef on the Beach in Oahu. Andy and I renewed our vows at Outrigger Reef on the Beach in 2009 and it was a lovely ceremony. * If you’ll be staying in Waikiki, check out the special farm to table prix fixe menus at and Sansei Seafood Restaurant on Wednesdays and d.k. Steak House on Thursdays. They’re great values for four-course dinners under $50. * What’s the average room rate in the state of Hawaii? According to the latest report , the rate is $199.63 which is up 7% over the same time period last year. Occupancy is also up by 2.7% overall. Hawaii’s tourism recovery appears to be well on the mend. * Have you seen the movie The Decendants ? This award-nominated movie was partly filmed in Kauai and is expected to boost tourism per TheGardenIsland.com . * Will Kauai’s historic Coco Palms Resort ever be revived ? Here’s the most recent news about Coco Palms that doesn’t sound very encouraging. * The USPS offers five new Hawaii themed postcard stamp with Aloha shirt designs . © 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...23. January 2012
Hawaii House (c) 2012 All Hawaii News “Investing Now for Hawai’i’s Future” State of the State 2012 The Honorable Neil Abercrombie Governor, State of Hawai’i January 23, 2012 (as prepared) Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, former Governors, distinguished justices of the courts, mayors, representatives of our Congressional Delegation, members of the Hawai’i State Legislature, other elected officials, honored guests, family and friends.
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
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6. February 2012
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