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Improved Waikiki Beach greets Japanese ‘Golden Week,’ Honolulu sewer moratorium halts development, Oahu travel agent disappears with Arkansas band’s…
Waikiki Beach (c) 2012 All Hawaii News Beach users gave good reviews Thursday to the just-completed sand replenishment project that widened Waikiki Beach from the Duke Kahanamoku statue to the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. Star-Advertiser. Riding on three months of strong momentum, Hawaii’s tourism industry is already anticipating a healthy summer. Star-Advertiser. A 27 percent gain in visitors from Japan last month bodes well for this weekend’s start of Golden Week, traditionally a high-volume period for Japanese tourists in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser. The official at the center of the General Services Administration scandal over a lavish Las Vegas conference was reprimanded in 2011 for appearing in a campaign ad for Sen. Daniel Inouye, Roll Call, a Washington, D.C., magazine, reported Thursday. Star-Advertiser. Legislature State House and Senate negotiators were still working late Thursday to reach an agreement on the state budget, a stalemate that left dozens of bills in limbo ahead of tonight’s procedural deadline to complete work before the legislative session ends. Star-Advertiser. Passage of the single-most important bill at the Hawaii Legislature is being held up by the single-most controversial bill before lawmakers this session. Civil Beat. A measure that would bring most of Hawaii’s 1,600 mainland-incarcerated prisoners back is nearing key deadlines at the Capitol. The trend is already starting. KHON2 . The state Legislature will be voting on Hawaiian language mandates in the coming week. Associated Press. Legislators effectively killed a bill Thursday that would have extended the University of Hawaii’s controversial exemption from the state procurement code, a move hailed by some as a victory for government fairness and transparency but which UH lamented as likely to increase construction costs. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii lawmakers are poised to pass two bills to overhaul the state’s charter school system. But the focus has centered more on what the proposed law says charter schools don’t have to do than any new requirements or expectations. Civil Beat. Selling or smoking the synthetic drug “spice” is now a felony in Hawaii. KHON2. Laura Thielen Civil Beat has obtained portions of an email exchange between members of the party’s State Central Committee conducted between April 10 and April 13 — the latter date just four days before Laura Thielen announced that she would run in the primary without the party’s blessing. Civil Beat. The International Longshore and Warehouse Union has its first woman president. Hawaii Public Radio. About 9,000 U.S. Marines stationed on Okinawa will be moved to Hawaii, Guam and other locations in the Asia-Pacific under a U.S.-Japanese agreement announced Thursday. Associated Press. Hawaii is one of only two states where consumers won’t see a piece of an estimated $1.3 billion in rebates from health insurers who spent more on administrative expenses and profits than allowed by the federal health care reform act, according to a new analysis by the Kaiser Family Foundation. Pacific Business News. State roundup for April 27. Associated Press. Oahu The City and County of Honolulu Department of Environmental Services has issued a moratorium on new sewer connections from Halawa to Pearl City. Hawaii News Now. The state granted owners of the Hale‘iwa Farmers’ Market a second extension to vacate the site where they’ve held the popular weekend event for three years. Star-Advertiser. Honolulu City Councilmember Ann Kobayashi has introduced a bill to amend the historic residential property tax exemption. Hawaii Reporter. The plastic bag ban is still three years from starting, if Mayor Peter Carlisle approves it, but the movement toward biodegradable bags has already begun. Hawaii News Now. Public housing getting modern renovations with private help. KITV4. Nearly four decades since starting a renowned cookie empire, Wally Amos is poised to launch a company using the original recipe that made him Famous Amos. Star-Advertiser. Officials at Southside High School in Fort Smith, Ark., have contacted the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Justice after an Oahu travel agent told them via email he had lost $267,500 paid by the school for a summer trip to Waikiki. KITV4. Hawaii Mufi Hannemann A U.S. representative’s job, congressional candidate Mufi Hannemann told Rotarians Thursday, is to advocate first for state residents. West Hawaii Today. The site of the Big Island’s first geothermal power project may once again be put back to use. Tribune-Herald. Hawaii’s Doppler radars will be shut down, one at a time, beginning in May for upgrades to a next-generation system that will allow for better weather forecasts. Tribune-Herald. We’ve failed: Hawaii County’s air is the second worst, by county, in the country for annual particle pollution, the American Lung Association says. West Hawaii Today. Maui The new hearing officer in the case challenging a University of Hawaii telescope project on Maui is also UH president M.R.C. Greenwood’s personal attorney. Civil Beat. Maui Electric Co. is installing new, “smart” power meters that will enable the utility to remotely monitor electricity fed to more than 100 residents taking part in the Maui smart-grid demonstration project. Associated Press. Maui Electric Co. has begun installing new, “smart” power meters in Maui Meadows, enabling the utility to remotely monitor electricity fed to more than 100 residents taking part in the Maui smart-grid demonstration project. Maui News. Judge Adrianne Heely The state Senate confirmed Adrianne Heely on Wednesday as a District Family Court judge for Maui’s 2nd Circuit Court. Maui News. Adrianne Heely has been confirmed as a family court judge on Maui. Associated Press. Maui Judge Joseph E. Cardoza today was named Chief Judge and Administrative Judge for the Second Circuit Court. Maui Now. The long-awaited Courtyard Maui Kahului Airport hotel is set to open in June, a month earlier than previously announced. Maui News. Kauai After a few deferrals and various amendments, a bill to regulate solar farms on agricultural lands passed a final vote Wednesday by the Kaua‘i County Council, although some council members wanted more time for scrutiny. Garden Island. The Kaua‘i County Council on Wednesday unanimously passed a resolution to encourage schools to adopt anti-bullying policies and regulations. Garden Island. Reid Judson is suing Norberto Garcia and Kaua‘i County for alleged negligence in an officer-involved automobile crash. Garden Island. Molokai A high-voltage undersea transmission cable planned for Massachusetts has been killed by one of the nation’s major utilities because it would be a “high-risk” installation, too expensive to construct, with too many severe environmental impacts and too difficult to maintain. Molokai Dispatch.
Continue reading...Improved Waikiki Beach greets Japanese ‘Golden Week,’ Honolulu sewer moratorium halts development, Oahu travel agent disappears with Arkansas band’s…
27. April 2012
Waikiki Beach (c) 2012 All Hawaii News Beach users gave good reviews Thursday to the just-completed sand replenishment project that widened Waikiki Beach from the Duke Kahanamoku statue to the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. Star-Advertiser. Riding on three months of strong momentum, Hawaii’s tourism industry is already anticipating a healthy summer. Star-Advertiser. A 27 percent gain in visitors from Japan last month bodes well for this weekend’s start of Golden Week, traditionally a high-volume period for Japanese tourists in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser. The official at the center of the General Services Administration scandal over a lavish Las Vegas conference was reprimanded in 2011 for appearing in a campaign ad for Sen. Daniel Inouye, Roll Call, a Washington, D.C., magazine, reported Thursday. Star-Advertiser. Legislature State House and Senate negotiators were still working late Thursday to reach an agreement on the state budget, a stalemate that left dozens of bills in limbo ahead of tonight’s procedural deadline to complete work before the legislative session ends. Star-Advertiser. Passage of the single-most important bill at the Hawaii Legislature is being held up by the single-most controversial bill before lawmakers this session. Civil Beat. A measure that would bring most of Hawaii’s 1,600 mainland-incarcerated prisoners back is nearing key deadlines at the Capitol. The trend is already starting. KHON2 . The state Legislature will be voting on Hawaiian language mandates in the coming week. Associated Press. Legislators effectively killed a bill Thursday that would have extended the University of Hawaii’s controversial exemption from the state procurement code, a move hailed by some as a victory for government fairness and transparency but which UH lamented as likely to increase construction costs. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii lawmakers are poised to pass two bills to overhaul the state’s charter school system. But the focus has centered more on what the proposed law says charter schools don’t have to do than any new requirements or expectations. Civil Beat. Selling or smoking the synthetic drug “spice” is now a felony in Hawaii. KHON2. Laura Thielen Civil Beat has obtained portions of an email exchange between members of the party’s State Central Committee conducted between April 10 and April 13 — the latter date just four days before Laura Thielen announced that she would run in the primary without the party’s blessing. Civil Beat. The International Longshore and Warehouse Union has its first woman president. Hawaii Public Radio. About 9,000 U.S. Marines stationed on Okinawa will be moved to Hawaii, Guam and other locations in the Asia-Pacific under a U.S.-Japanese agreement announced Thursday. Associated Press. Hawaii is one of only two states where consumers won’t see a piece of an estimated $1.3 billion in rebates from health insurers who spent more on administrative expenses and profits than allowed by the federal health care reform act, according to a new analysis by the Kaiser Family Foundation. Pacific Business News. State roundup for April 27. Associated Press. Oahu The City and County of Honolulu Department of Environmental Services has issued a moratorium on new sewer connections from Halawa to Pearl City. Hawaii News Now. The state granted owners of the Hale‘iwa Farmers’ Market a second extension to vacate the site where they’ve held the popular weekend event for three years. Star-Advertiser. Honolulu City Councilmember Ann Kobayashi has introduced a bill to amend the historic residential property tax exemption. Hawaii Reporter. The plastic bag ban is still three years from starting, if Mayor Peter Carlisle approves it, but the movement toward biodegradable bags has already begun. Hawaii News Now. Public housing getting modern renovations with private help. KITV4. Nearly four decades since starting a renowned cookie empire, Wally Amos is poised to launch a company using the original recipe that made him Famous Amos. Star-Advertiser. Officials at Southside High School in Fort Smith, Ark., have contacted the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Justice after an Oahu travel agent told them via email he had lost $267,500 paid by the school for a summer trip to Waikiki. KITV4. Hawaii Mufi Hannemann A U.S. representative’s job, congressional candidate Mufi Hannemann told Rotarians Thursday, is to advocate first for state residents. West Hawaii Today. The site of the Big Island’s first geothermal power project may once again be put back to use. Tribune-Herald. Hawaii’s Doppler radars will be shut down, one at a time, beginning in May for upgrades to a next-generation system that will allow for better weather forecasts. Tribune-Herald. We’ve failed: Hawaii County’s air is the second worst, by county, in the country for annual particle pollution, the American Lung Association says. West Hawaii Today. Maui The new hearing officer in the case challenging a University of Hawaii telescope project on Maui is also UH president M.R.C. Greenwood’s personal attorney. Civil Beat. Maui Electric Co. is installing new, “smart” power meters that will enable the utility to remotely monitor electricity fed to more than 100 residents taking part in the Maui smart-grid demonstration project. Associated Press. Maui Electric Co. has begun installing new, “smart” power meters in Maui Meadows, enabling the utility to remotely monitor electricity fed to more than 100 residents taking part in the Maui smart-grid demonstration project. Maui News. Judge Adrianne Heely The state Senate confirmed Adrianne Heely on Wednesday as a District Family Court judge for Maui’s 2nd Circuit Court. Maui News. Adrianne Heely has been confirmed as a family court judge on Maui. Associated Press. Maui Judge Joseph E. Cardoza today was named Chief Judge and Administrative Judge for the Second Circuit Court. Maui Now. The long-awaited Courtyard Maui Kahului Airport hotel is set to open in June, a month earlier than previously announced. Maui News. Kauai After a few deferrals and various amendments, a bill to regulate solar farms on agricultural lands passed a final vote Wednesday by the Kaua‘i County Council, although some council members wanted more time for scrutiny. Garden Island. The Kaua‘i County Council on Wednesday unanimously passed a resolution to encourage schools to adopt anti-bullying policies and regulations. Garden Island. Reid Judson is suing Norberto Garcia and Kaua‘i County for alleged negligence in an officer-involved automobile crash. Garden Island. Molokai A high-voltage undersea transmission cable planned for Massachusetts has been killed by one of the nation’s major utilities because it would be a “high-risk” installation, too expensive to construct, with too many severe environmental impacts and too difficult to maintain. Molokai Dispatch.
Continue reading...‘Exceptional’ trees get tax breaks, Honolulu seeks $450M line of credit for rail, Green Party certified for state ballot, Kauai daily newspaper goes…
23. April 2012
Mynah bird on African tulip tree (c) 2012 All Hawaii News The focus of some ridicule is a state law that allows Hawaii residents to claim up to $3,000 in personal income tax deductions for qualified expenses related to maintaining “exceptional” trees on their private property. Star-Advertiser. A proposal headed to the state Senate could help Hawaii double its locally grown food supply by 2020. Associated Press. By weight, Hawaii’s honeybees may be the state’s most valuable export as farmers struggle to replenish bee populations suffering from colony collapse. Associated Press. The Green Party of Hawaii announced that it has been certified to be included on Hawaii partisan election ballots. Tribune-Herald. The Sierra Club Hawaii Chapter on Sunday endorsed U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono for U.S. Senate, giving the congresswoman an edge in the environmental community to go with her support from labor unions and traditional Democrats. Star-Advertiser. Consumer advocates are pushing Hawaii senators to pass a bill that excludes health insurer representatives from holding voting positions on a state board. Associated Press. Cuts in the number of inspectors who check cargo and passengers entering Hawaii have some worried that more pests will get established in a state that is especially vulnerable because of its subtropical weather and few natural predators. Associated Press. State roundup for April 23. Associated Press. Oahu The Navy wants to cover Ford Island’s historic runway with photovoltaic panels — an addition the service said would “define and interpret” the original runway while providing environment-friendly power. Star-Advertiser. Mayor Peter Carlisle’s administration has formally asked the City Council to approve a $450 million city-backed line of credit that could be used to complete the rail line in the event of a “catastrophic, unforeseen event” that causes the project to run out of money. Star-Advertiser. Construction of the elevated portion of Oahu’s rail project starts Monday, as more groups step forward to support the City’s transit plan in court. Hawaii News Now. The city’s $5.7 million, 500-day Waikiki sewer project has been backed up for a couple of months but is expected to get moving in May. Star-Advertiser. Keeping Kakaako-makai free from residential development was the motivation behind a loud rally held earlier today in an effort to stop a bill that would allow high rises on one of Honolulu’s last public oceanfront land. KITV4. Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle’s landfill advisory committee has named a site in the Windward Oahu town of Kailua as the top choice for the location of a landfill to replace the Waimanalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill. Pacific Business News . Honolulu’s monopoly newspaper has again slashed advertising rates in the face of new government objections to the charges as well as competition from a newcomer to the market. Hawaii Reporter. Hawaii An average Hawaii Electric Light Co. customer doles out around $225 every month for 500 to 600 kilowatt hours of electricity, a far cry from the nation’s average of $63 for the same usage. West Hawaii Today. While the electric grid itself may not be operating at peak efficiency, shareholders in the investor-owned corporation aren’t feeling the pinch. West Hawaii Today. Hawaii isn’t well-known for consumer advocacy, said Jack Gillis, public affairs director for the Consumer Federation of America. West Hawaii Today. A federal appeals court on Friday upheld a National Labor Relations Board’s decision that two reporters fired from a Hilo newspaper should be reinstated with back pay. Associated Press. Maui Today marks the 30th anniversary of the Maui Economic Development Board. Maui News. Kauai The Garden Island newspaper on Kauai will be combining its Friday and Saturday publications into a weekend edition starting May 4. Pacific Business News. Construction is expected to begin during the second half of this year on a second Kaua‘i Safeway supermarket and retail center. Garden Island. Meeting the demand of an increase in felony cases was among concerns expressed by Office of the Prosecuting Attorney staff members during a Kaua‘i County Council fiscal year 2013 budget hearing Friday. Garden Island. Molokai The Friendly Island will be well represented at the 35th annual Na Hoku Hanohano Awards. The Awards Show, hosted by the Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts (HARA), is an annual event held to celebrate “the connections between music, our culture, and the spirit of aloha,” according to their website. Molokai Dispatch.
Continue reading...Aloha Friday Photo: The Kahala Edition
20. April 2012
Today’s Aloha Friday Photo of the grounds at the Kahala was sent by Dave from Oahu. Here’s what Dave had to say, “This place is almost magical. Very romantic. I proposed to my wife relaxing with her on the hammock (made for two) just after sunset. I couldn’t help it…” Well, who can blame Dave for popping the question at such a romantic location? If you’re not familiar with the Kahala Hotel & Resort , it’s located in Honolulu, but not in Waikiki Beach. Many people are surprised to learn that there are only three resort areas to stay on Oahu outside of Waikiki. The Kahala resort is one of those three. We’ve been there to dine and to swim with the dolphins at Dolphin Quest . Mahalo to Dave for sharing his romantic Aloha Friday Photo with us. © 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...Hawaii Legislature down to the wire, plastic bag fee unlikely this session, Obama declares Kauai disaster, Honolulu rail argued in court, Maui wind…
19. April 2012
Hawaii state Capitol (c) 2012 All Hawaii News House and Senate conference committee members have just over a week to reach agreement on measures they want to see passed this legislative session. Associated Press. Hawaii’s first lady is joining environmental groups in calling on state lawmakers to take a vote on a bill that would charge a fee every time a shopper chooses a disposable paper or plastic bag. Associated Press. Once touted as one the biggest environmental measures of the year, a bill that would charge consumers for single-use bags at the check-out counter appears to be on its deathbed. Civil Beat. Senate Democrats Help Each Other Raise Campaign Cash. Civil Beat. An overhaul of Hawaii’s criminal justice and corrections system is moving forward at the state capitol. KHON2. Two bills that had proposed raising fees on state-chartered banks and other financial institutions have failed to pass the Hawaii Legislature — leaving the state’s Division of Financial Institutions with budget deficits in the coming years. Pacific Business News. Lawmakers approved a bill that will require cell phone or communication service providers to assist law enforcement agencies in determining the location of a cell phone in emergency situations. Maui Now. Incumbent Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa and her Republican challenger, former Congressman Charles Djou, are building their campaign warchests in anticipation of a November showdown. Civil Beat. Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants will see their wages rise by 15 percent over the next four years under the terms of a new contract. Star-Advertiser. A new educational exchange program is planned for students and teachers in the Asia Pacific region. Hawaii Public Radio. A little more than a year after the Times named Alvin Kuo Wong the Happiest Man in America, he’s now trying to create a nonprofit think tank devoted to happiness while continuing to run his company, which helps physicians cope with reduced medical reimbursements. Star-Advertiser. Oahu The city of Honolulu has agreed to pay $1.2 million for water quality improvements on the Waianae Coast to settle a state Health Department fine for dumping truckloads of concrete slabs into a West Oahu stream used by endangered Hawaiian birds. Associated Press. The state Department of Health and Honolulu have agreed on a $1.2 million settlement in one of Hawaii’s most controversial water pollution cases. Associated Press. The environmentalist who brought to the forefront one of Hawaii’s most controversial water pollution cases ever says the state’s $1.4 million fine against the city is an insult to taxpayers. KHON2. A motion to dismiss portions of a federal lawsuit challenging Honolulu’s $5.3 billion rail project was argued in court this morning, with U.S. Senior Circuit Judge A. Wallace Tashima to issue a ruling later. Hawaii Reporter. A Honolulu City Council committee has approved a measure that would ban commercial beach activities at Kailua and Kalama beach parks, seven days a week. Hawaii News Now. A majority of an estimated 200 people at a meeting at Kailua High School on Wednesday night told City Council members that they want a blanket ban of all commercial activity at the popular Kailua and Kalama beach parks. Star-Advertiser. The city will seize and sell a derelict three-story Waikiki apartment building if its owners do not pay the taxes on the property that has sometimes been used by squatters and drug abusers in recent years. Star-Advertiser. The city will spend nearly $1 million to renovate nine Waikiki public restrooms that residents, business owners and tourists have described as gross and, at times, unusable. Star-Advertiser. It’s Your Money: Council Spends on Travel and TVs. Civil Beat. Grand opening ceremonies were held Wednesday
Continue reading...Waikiki sand project bogs down, Akaka treated for dehydration, PGA announces Hawaii tourney, Maui sued for wastewater discharge, Big Island garbage…
17. April 2012
Waikiki Beach (c) 2012 All Hawaii News The state’s $2.2 million project to replenish sand on Waikiki beach is running behind schedule and crews are racing to finish it before the summer, according to state officials. KITV4. U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka was treated for dehydration on Saturday, but “is fine and headed back to work tonight,” a spokesman for the senator said today. Star-Advertiser. Sen. Daniel Akaka, 87, is “feeling good” after his family sought medical attention for him “out of an abundance of caution” over the weekend, a spokesman said. Civil Beat. Former Honolulu mayor Mufi Hannemann continues to be the leading fundraiser in the primary campaign for the open 2nd congressional district seat, although Honolulu City Council member Tulsi Gabbard is holding her own in the race for campaign cash. Civil Beat. Members of the Native Hawaiian community, legal experts and environmentalists gathered at Iolani Palace Monday to protest a Commission on Water Resources Management appointment. Associated Press. More than 100 organizations and individuals came together today to oppose Governor Abercrombie’s nomination of Ted Yamamura to the state Commission on Water and Resource Management. Hawaii Independent. A bill that would have required new performance evaluations for Hawaii teachers has died a few weeks before the end of the state’s legislative session. Associated Press. Wrapping up a whirlwind four-day visit to the islands, the Dalai Lama visited with high-schoolers Monday and urged them to work to make a “happier future” through compassion and nonviolence, before heading to Kualoa Regional Park to bless the voyaging canoe Hokule‘a in preparation for a round-the-world sail. Star-Advertiser. The Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama said Monday he didn’t know until his latest trip to Hawaii what exactly the word “aloha” meant. Associated Press. In an extraordinary ceremony at Kualoa Beach Park in Windward Oahu, the 14th Dalai Lama blessed and consecrated the double-hull wayfaring canoe Hokulea. Civil Beat. The Dalai Lama is visiting Hawai`i to discuss similarities between the Hawaiian spirit of Aloha and the Buddhist spirit of compassion towards others. Hawaii Public Radio . The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Division is discussing “concurrent jurisdiction” with the state this year, which means the federal agency may take over many of the state functions. However, both the state and federal government officials involved are refusing to release details about the plan. Hawaii Reporter. Hawaii Marines are fighting the drug trade in Afghanistan by using helicopters to conduct raids. Hawaii News Now. The PGA Champions Tour’s Pacific Links Hawaii Championship was officially announced during a press conference at the Plaza Club in downtown Monday with Hall of Fame golfer Greg Norman, who is playing in the event, singing Hawaii’s praises as a great location to tee off. Pacific Business News. State roundup for April 17. Associated Press. Oahu Hawaii Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz State Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz wants the city’s rail system to make money, or at least break even, and is pushing for a bill that would encourage urban development and redevelopment on land around planned transit stations. Star-Advertiser. About 30 powerful big business leaders formed a group, Move Oahu Forward, in February, with the backing of Hawaii’s Senior Senator Daniel Inouye, and announced their organization members today. They hope to convince the public the rail will improve Oahu. Hawaii Reporter. City work crews backed by Honolulu police officers are scheduled this morning to clear out the last of up to 200 people who have been living on a 1-mile stretch of vegetated beachfront just northeast of the public portion of Keaau Beach Park. It is the last large homeless encampment on the Waianae Coast. Star-Advertiser. With at least one loose boulder still perched above his Kalihi neighborhood, Keola Cachola made his first foray to the state Capitol on Monday in search of a sympathetic ear — and $250,000 to clear a hillside after two large boulders rumbled down and damaged homes Thursday night. Star-Advertiser. State officials said Monday they plan to do emergency work on the hillside above homes in Kalihi Valley that were damaged when several large boulders fell late last week. Hawaii News Now. An erosion problem at Ala Moana Beach is exposing a rocky coastline. Now the city is working on a plan to replenish the sand. Hawaii News Now. Hawaiian Airlines became the only carrier to offer year-round daily service between Honolulu and Fukuoka. Star-Advertiser. Work is under way to fix street lights along the H1 and H2 Freeways that have been out for years, after they were hit by copper thieves. KHON2. Hawaii A Hawaii County official on Monday acknowledged the county has already started sending most of East Hawaii’s garbage to the West Hawaii landfill, even as debate rages over the best solution to the island’s growing trash problem. West Hawaii Today. Hunters hired by the Big Island Invasive Species Committee bagged their first axis deer last Wednesday on the southern end of the island, signaling the start of an effort to eliminate their small but potentially destructive population. Tribune-Herald. Three Kailua-Kona public schools are getting nearly $7.8 million of overdue improvements. West Hawaii Today. Hawaii County elections officials are proceeding with elections preparations, including mailing updated voter registration cards, as though the state’s district maps are finalized. West Hawaii Today. Big Island woman accused of more than $2 million in false claims. Associated Press. Maui Four community groups filed a federal lawsuit today against the Maui County for alleged violations of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act at the Lahaina Wastewater Reclamation Facility. Maui Now. Four environmental groups filed a federal lawsuit Monday seeking more than $60 million in civil penalties to stop Maui County from continuing to discharge partially treated sewage into injection wells at the Lahaina Wastewater Treatment Plant. Star-Advertiser. A Maui artist will soon see Pope Benedict XVI as the pontiff blesses one of the Kihei man’s bronze Saint Damien sculptures in Rome on Wednesday. Maui News. Kauai The North Shore Lion’s Club served more than 700 pancake breakfasts Sunday at a fundraiser for scholarships, scouting, youth basketball and other programs supported by the nonprofit organization. Garden Island.
Continue reading...2nd Annual Lanai Ukulele Festival – Day 3 Recap
16. April 2012
Today, we caught the brunch-time performance in the Great Hall of the Four Seasons Lanai Lodge at Koele . The soaring ceiling and oversized chairs created the perfect environment to enjoy live ukulele music. In most of the other events multiple artists played, but today’s performance focused solely on the ukulele and silky smooth voice of Kawika Kahiapo from Oahu. We enjoyed this change of pace from the previous days — perfect for a Sunday morning. Kawika is an amazing talent as you will see and hear from this short video we shot today. (Email subscribers: click here to watch snippets from today’s Kawika performance .) He voice and style reminds me of IZ. I believe that both of them studied under Hawaii’s beloved Gabby Pahinui , which might explain the similarities. If you’re going to Oahu, you can catch Kawika playing at Waikiki’s Outrigger Reef on the Beach on Thursdays and Fridays. On Sunday’s you can see him in Ko Olina at the Disney Aulani resort. So, what’s up next? In the coming days, Andy will be preparing more videos with HD quality video and audio. We’ll also be giving away a signed CD from Kawika. Thanks for following along. We hope you’ve enjoyed these daily diary entries from the 2nd Annual Lanai Ukulele Festival.
Continue reading...Lingle, Hirono, rake in millions, Honolulu City Council trims rail budget, Department of Education seeks to divert $20M school funds to buses, Hawaii…
13. April 2012
U.S. Senate candidates Linda Lingle and Mazie Hirono Former Gov. Linda Lingle raised more than $1.3 million in the past quarter for her Republican campaign for U.S. Senate, outpacing U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono, who brought in more than $1 million for her Democratic campaign. Star-Advertiser. Former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann led all 2nd Congressional District candidates in fundraising in the first quarter of 2012, but City Councilwoman Tulsi Gabbard was close behind. Star-Advertiser. Campaign spending numbers for the the first quarter of this year are coming in. KHON2. Like quarrelsome cooks, state Representatives debated all day and into the evening yesterday on a diverse recipe of bills to be thrown into the final round of sausage-making in this year’s legislative session. Hawaii Reporter. “Fear and rhetoric” distorted the intentions of bills that would have moved public school teachers to a performance management system, and led to defeat of the measures, Senate Education Committee Chairwoman Jill Tokuda said Thursday in a passionate speech to her colleagues. Star-Advertiser. The Department of Education is looking at whether funds from other programs could be diverted to student transportation to cover an expected shortfall of about $20 million. Star-Advertiser. A bill that would overhaul Hawaii’s charter school system is headed to conference committee after approval by the House, despite strong resistance to a provision that would exempt such schools from the state Ethics Code. Star-Advertiser. Legislation aimed at regulating the harvest of opihi has been revived after dying in committee last month. Tribune-Herald. Cuts in the number of inspectors who check cargo and passengers entering Hawaii have some worried that more pests will get established in a state that is especially vulnerable because of its tropical weather and few natural predators. Associated Press. The state has filed seven lawsuits against banks and credit card companies that allegedly charge Hawaii customers for payment protection programs they don’t want or can’t qualify for. Associated Press. Dalai Lama Visit Inaugurates Peace Program. Civil Beat. The Dalai Lama will talk to students and participate in a panel discussion with Native Hawaiian leaders during a visit to Honolulu this weekend. Associated Press. Oahu The City Council Budget Committee on Thursday chopped more than $291 million from next year’s construction budget for the rail system before approving preliminarily the budgets for the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation. Star-Advertiser. Despite some posturing, some threats and lots of questions for new rail chief Dan Grabauskas, the Honolulu City Council Budget Committee on Wednesday advanced three budget bills for the controversial project. Civil Beat. Honolulu Rapid Transit At a meeting that was more pep rally than political theater, mayoral rivals Peter Carlisle and Kirk Caldwell joined U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye to meet with construction workers anxious to begin work on the city’s $5.27 billion rail project. Star-Advertiser. The senior senator from Hawaii came to Waipahu on Thursday to assure anxious construction workers that Honolulu’s rail project is on track and has solid federal support. The only thing that can stop it, he said, is World War III. Civil Beat. U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye, Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle and mayoral candidate Kirk Caldwell made a joint pro-rail appearance this afternoon before construction workers on the project. Hawaii Reporter. Mayor Peter Carlisle and Kirk Caldwell made a joint appearance Thursday with Hawaii Sen. Dan Inouye at the Waipahu offices of rail contractor Kiewit Construction Co. to discuss the importance of the city’s $5.3 billion project with dozens of construction workers. KITV4. New Rail Chief Sees Himself as Intermediary Between Council, Feds. Civil Beat. No more coloring books, T-shirts, hats, lanyards, pens, pencils, backpacks and water bottles will be distributed by the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation courtesy of city taxpayers to promote the city’s planned $5.3 billion elevated steel on steel rail project. Hawaii Reporter. The Haleiwa Farmers’ Market will be allowed to operate at its current site until the end of the month after getting a reprieve from state orders to leave. Star-Advertiser. The state is granting permission to continue the Haliewa Farmers Market through the end of the month. Hawaii Public Radio. Boulders tumbled down a Kalihi mountainside Thursday, smashing into three houses on Kula Kolea Place and narrowly missing four people in one of the houses. Star-Advertiser. A plan to replace the International Market Place, the Waikiki Town Center and the Miramar at Waikiki Hotel in the center of Hawaii’s main tourism district with a new retail, dining and entertainment complex will add 1,800 jobs, according to a draft environmental impact statement for the project. Pacific Business News. Chinatown business owners, neighbors, meet with police to discuss area’s drug problem. Hawaii Independent. Chinatown merchants demand answers after attack. KITV4. A state sheriffs deputy stationed at the District Court cellblock was indicted Thursday on sexual assault charges. Hawaii News Now. Board of Water Supply crews have completed work to fix a broken water main in Kailua. Hawaii News Now. Hawaii Hawaiian protestor Abel Lui Mayor Billy Kenoi and his staff plan to meet next week with Abel Simeona Lui and others who claim Native Hawaiian title to almost $6 million worth of Kawa Bay property Hawaii County has purchased for an oceanfront park. West Hawaii Today. Voters can expect to receive cards informing them of their voting districts in early summer, the Hawaii County Clerks Office announced Thursday. Tribune-Herald. Rising fuel oil prices pushed residential electricity rates higher in April on all islands except for Hawaii island. Star-Advertiser. A recent Public Utilities Commission decision has resulted in slightly lower electric rates. West Hawaii Today. Maui The University of Hawaii says it will begin construction of a controversial $300 million telescope atop Haleakala as soon as next month even though a critical permit has been challenged and a state board hasn’t ruled on the case yet. Civil Beat. Crews from the Community Work Day Program on Maui plan to assess reports of large tangled piles of netting and debris reported along the shoreline of the Waiehu Golf Course. Maui Now. More than a year after county officials first announced that four monkeypod trees would be removed along South Kihei Road, sparking a back-and-forth battle with tree lovers who wanted to see them saved, officials confirmed that they would accept the recommendation of the Kihei Community Association and leave the trees in place. Maui News . First-quarter real estate statistics released by the Realtors Association of Maui don’t draw a clear picture of what’s happening with the buying and selling of homes and condominiums in Maui County. Maui News. Kauai A 5th Circuit judge is considering a dismissal motion in a horse cruelty case as an attorney general’s appointed prosecutor takes over. Garden Island. Responding to safety concerns of county officials and the Kaua‘i Police Department, the Kaua‘i County Council on Wednesday unanimously passed a resolution establishing a “no-parking” zone on the southerly shoulder of the County Access Road, by Vidinha Stadium soccer fields in Lihu‘e. Garden Island.
Continue reading...Halekulai Hotel, Waikiki
11. April 2012
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Continue reading...First-Time Oahu Visitors’ Trip Report– Part 2 of 2
11. April 2012
I hope you enjoyed reading part one of Erin’s Oahu trip report . In part two, Erin and her husband move from Waikiki Beach up to Oahu’s North Shore. —- After four days of Waikiki, we were very ready for the second part of our trip – Oahu’s famous North Shore. We’d splurged on two nights at Turtle Bay Resort in the name of a very overdue mini-honeymoon. We were not disappointed! Our rental car company had oversold their cars, so our trip day started out a bit stressful. We decided to splurge and get a Jeep for the remainder of the trip – although expensive, it was worth every penny! We took the top off and enjoyed a meandering trip up the coast. Some days, it really is more about the journey than the destination. Everything about that day that started out so stressful ended in wonderful. The North Shore is a big change from Waikiki, and we were very happy to follow up a few days in Waikiki with a few days of Turtle Bay. We arrived at Turtle Bay and were immediately greeted by the best bellman I have ever met. He waited with our bags while I went to check in, and then helped us to our room. We were informed at check-in that we’d been upgraded to the Ali’i Presidential Suite ! I rode up with the bellman to unpack while my husband parked the car. The whole way up, he chatted with me about his favorite things to do at the resort, and when we got to the room, he discreetly ignored my jaw hitting the floor as he showed me around the room. To say that our accommodations were amazing would be a gross understatement! He told us that the room used to be living quarters for the GM of the hotel. That GM was living the good life! From the lanai in our bedroom, we could see the swimming beach and activities on the south side of the resort. From our living area, we could see the pools and the waves crashing on the north side of the resort. Yup, we had views of two separate beaches from our room! The furnishings in the room were beautiful without being overdone. We had two bathrooms, a gorgeous four poster bed, a nice kitchen and dining area, and a living room that would have been perfect for hanging out if we would have spent any time in the room. The accommodations were amazing, coming in second only to the staff and grounds of the resort. Every single staff member we encountered was helpful, friendly, and offered great suggestions for dining and activities to enjoy while visiting. The first night we were there, we grabbed a cocktail from the Hang Ten Bar and found seats to watch the sun go down and enjoy the drum circle and hula dancers. We were not disappointed. Because our time at Turtle Bay was so short, we had to make the most of it. After a quick meeting with a hotel concierge, we booked a catamaran trip for the next morning, and some clear-bottomed kayaks for the following day. The catamaran trip we took left from nearby Hale’iwa Bay. The crew was awesome, and the Ho’o Nanea’s smaller size made for great whale watching. We were very glad that we waited and did this trip instead of one of the busier trips near Waikiki. We saw more whales than we expected, and two of them were happy to show off for our boat, breeching several times. It was a great show, and well worth the time! We did get a bit wet on the trip, so if you’re going to spend some time exploring Hale’iwa after your trip, I’d recommend keeping some dry clothes in the car. We didn’t plan well for the water, and used our dripping clothes as an excuse to do a bit of shopping in town. After shopping, we stopped for lunch at the highly recommended Luibueno’s for some fish tacos. We planned on eating light to save room for the shrimp trucks later that afternoon, but failed miserably. The food was excellent, and we left stuffed. We cruised back to Turtle Bay and wandered the grounds a bit and then hit the beach. The swimming area at the resort is great, and was perfect for a relaxing afternoon. For dinner we headed to Ola at Turtle Bay, based on recommendations from Sheila. Wow. To say this meal was amazing would be an understatement! I’m still craving those kalua pork nachos! The restaurant had a great open-air concept, and even had tables out on the beach. We opted to eat inside, as it was a bit windy that night. Everything about the meal from our server to the ambiance to the food was perfect. I will be dreaming about Ola for a long time to come. On the last morning of our trip, we headed down for a morning trip with Shaka Kayaks . I have always loved sea turtles, and this was the perfect way to see them up close without disturbing them. Our guides Sian and Drew were awesome, and had an unending supply of knowledge about the area, the islands, and of course, the honu (or sea turtle). We had a great time kayaking, learning about the area, and hiking up to see Kawela Bay from a different perspective. We couldn’t have asked for a better way to end the trip. Our favorite things from Turtle Bay: • The scenery. Wow, I could go on for days talking about how beautiful this resort is. Bold, crashing waves, calm waters, and beautifully manicured grounds are the perfect setting for a resort. • The staff. From the bartenders to the front desk to the cleaning staff, everyone we encountered had a smile on their face and helpful information to pass on. • The food. Oh, the food. Every single thing we ate while visiting Turtle Bay was wonderfully prepared. The serving sizes were good, and the food was delicious! • The cocktails. In close competition with the food. If you visit Turtle Bay, order a Monkey’s Lunch. You will not be disappointed! It’s a delicious meal and a cocktail all in one! • Honu. Honu, honu, honu! I love sea turtles. There are a lot of them chillin’ around the resort. • Our room. Did I mention we stayed in the presidential suite? Yeah, we felt pretty special. If a honeymoon can only be two and a half days, do it this way. Ah-mazing. • The family friendly atmosphere. I am already planning a trip back as a family. Our two year old would love the water, the activities, and the grounds. Turtle Bay does a great job with this. The resort is family friendly, but somehow there was not a bit of kid overload. We never felt overwhelmed or that we couldn’t enjoy our adult time on the trip. • The North Shore. Such a calm, relaxing change from the energy of Waikiki. It was the perfect place to unwind after a week of busy. The waves are like nothing I’ve seen anywhere else, and some fun in the sun is just what the doctor ordered in the middle of our cold Colorado February. Things we weren’t thrilled about: • The cost. While the trip was perfect, that perfection did not come cheap. The rooms are pricey, and so is the food. That being said, I’d do it all again. I’m a huge fan of the resort. • Transportation options. Because of the location of the resort, it is fairly expensive to get there from the airport (or from Waikiki). You’ll either need to plan to rent a car, or pay for a shuttle service, which is about $80 per person each way. • The spa. I didn’t get a chance to indulge in one single treatment. Next time, sign me up for an oceanside massage! • Leaving. I was absolutely not ready to leave when our time was up. Unfortunately, our plans for a meandering trip back towards the airport and a visit to Pearl Harbor were squelched when I realized that our plane was due to depart four hours earlier than I had planned for. Oops! We made a mad dash back down the coast, and made our flight with minutes to spare. Not really the mellow, relaxing end of a trip that we’d planned for, but we did feel pretty awesome for making the flight in the nick of time. All in all, the trip was a great success! — Mahalo to Erin for sharing her Oahu trip report and beautiful photos! © 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 .
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27. April 2012
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