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Case and Hirono tied in U.S. Senate poll, Hawaii libraries to get wi-fi, Legislature tinkering with civil union law, Caylee’s Law coming to Hawaii,…

30. January 2012

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Hilo Public Library (c) 2012 All Hawaii News Wi-Fi will soon be available at libraries across the state. Star-Advertiser. Ed Case and Mazie Hirono are in a dead heat for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate seat now held by Daniel Akaka, according to a new Civil Beat Poll. Civil Beat. The automated telephone survey of 1,358 likely voters found Case at 41 percent, Hirono at 39 percent, with 8 percent saying neither candidate and 12 percent still unsure. Hawaii may soon join dozens of other states in banning lawmakers from holding political fundraisers during the four months the Hawaii Legislature is in session under a new proposal. Civil Beat Legislative “fixes” to the civil unions law that took effect this year are working their way through the Legislature. Star-Advertiser. State lawmakers have introduced a host of bills in the new legislative session aimed at keeping pace with Hawaii’s rapidly evolving energy sector, including one proposal that would force Hawaiian Electric Co. out of the power generation business and have it focus strictly on delivering electricity to customers. Star-Advertiser. Nearly one-third of Hawaii’s 256 public schools will use revamped teacher evaluations next school year in a pilot program that will take into account student academic growth, amid concerns from teachers over how the new rating system eventually will be tied to their pay. Star-Advertiser. Parents and guardians who fail to report missing children could face felony charges under a bill before the Hawaii Senate. KITV4. Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Friday released more than $15.6 million for capital improvement projects statewide that are designed to improve the state’s public safety, wastewater, civil defense and communications infrastructure. Pacific Business News. The possibility of another big northwest swell has prompted the National Weather Service to issue a High Surf Warning that will take effect Monday at 6 a.m. Hawaii News Now. “Living in the Moment:” New campaign launches to market Hawaiian Islands. KHON2. State roundup for Jan. 30. Associated Press. Oahu As contract expires, many hope Pro Bowl will stay in Hawaii. KHON2 . Cayetano: Rail A Wall of Concrete Snaking Along Honolulu’s Waterfront. Civil Beat. Prostitution Bust At University of Hawaii Professor’s Apartment following website’ sting. Hawaii Reporter. Hawaii The decision to fire four Hawaii County elections workers may soon start costing Big Island taxpayers. Tribune-Herald. The waters off the Kona Coast are teeming with life, a sign world-renowned animal expert Jeff Corwin said Sunday is hopeful and encouraging. West Hawaii Today. Maui A California developer wants to begin construction this spring on a shopping center that would be the largest outlet mall in Hawaii. Maui News. The Maui County Council General Plan Committee will conduct an informational meeting this week on the urban-growth boundaries being proposed in the draft Maui Island Plan. Maui News. The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii filed a complaint letter with the County of Maui this week citing concerns over First Amendment rights of protesters demonstrating near the Monsanto facility along the Pi’ilani Highway in Kihei. Maui Now. Kauai State Sen. Ron Kouchi, D-Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau, said the March 24 election of board members of the Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative will have a “tremendous impact” on diversifying the future economic base of the island. Garden Island. Kaua‘i volunteers spotted more whales than their counterparts on Hawaii’s other islands during a weekend ocean count coordinated by the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. Garden Island. Molokai Department of Land and Natural Resources is holding a community meeting regarding the security perimeter at the Kauanakakai Wharf to accommodate American Safari Cruises visits to Molokai. Molokai Dispatch.

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Case and Hirono tied in U.S. Senate poll, Hawaii libraries to get wi-fi, Legislature tinkering with civil union law, Caylee’s Law coming to Hawaii,…

30. January 2012

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Hilo Public Library (c) 2012 All Hawaii News Wi-Fi will soon be available at libraries across the state. Star-Advertiser. Ed Case and Mazie Hirono are in a dead heat for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate seat now held by Daniel Akaka, according to a new Civil Beat Poll. Civil Beat. The automated telephone survey of 1,358 likely voters found Case at 41 percent, Hirono at 39 percent, with 8 percent saying neither candidate and 12 percent still unsure. Hawaii may soon join dozens of other states in banning lawmakers from holding political fundraisers during the four months the Hawaii Legislature is in session under a new proposal. Civil Beat Legislative “fixes” to the civil unions law that took effect this year are working their way through the Legislature. Star-Advertiser. State lawmakers have introduced a host of bills in the new legislative session aimed at keeping pace with Hawaii’s rapidly evolving energy sector, including one proposal that would force Hawaiian Electric Co. out of the power generation business and have it focus strictly on delivering electricity to customers. Star-Advertiser. Nearly one-third of Hawaii’s 256 public schools will use revamped teacher evaluations next school year in a pilot program that will take into account student academic growth, amid concerns from teachers over how the new rating system eventually will be tied to their pay. Star-Advertiser. Parents and guardians who fail to report missing children could face felony charges under a bill before the Hawaii Senate. KITV4. Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Friday released more than $15.6 million for capital improvement projects statewide that are designed to improve the state’s public safety, wastewater, civil defense and communications infrastructure. Pacific Business News. The possibility of another big northwest swell has prompted the National Weather Service to issue a High Surf Warning that will take effect Monday at 6 a.m. Hawaii News Now. “Living in the Moment:” New campaign launches to market Hawaiian Islands. KHON2. State roundup for Jan. 30. Associated Press. Oahu As contract expires, many hope Pro Bowl will stay in Hawaii. KHON2 . Cayetano: Rail A Wall of Concrete Snaking Along Honolulu’s Waterfront. Civil Beat. Prostitution Bust At University of Hawaii Professor’s Apartment following website’ sting. Hawaii Reporter. Hawaii The decision to fire four Hawaii County elections workers may soon start costing Big Island taxpayers. Tribune-Herald. The waters off the Kona Coast are teeming with life, a sign world-renowned animal expert Jeff Corwin said Sunday is hopeful and encouraging. West Hawaii Today. Maui A California developer wants to begin construction this spring on a shopping center that would be the largest outlet mall in Hawaii. Maui News. The Maui County Council General Plan Committee will conduct an informational meeting this week on the urban-growth boundaries being proposed in the draft Maui Island Plan. Maui News. The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii filed a complaint letter with the County of Maui this week citing concerns over First Amendment rights of protesters demonstrating near the Monsanto facility along the Pi’ilani Highway in Kihei. Maui Now. Kauai State Sen. Ron Kouchi, D-Kaua‘i and Ni‘ihau, said the March 24 election of board members of the Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative will have a “tremendous impact” on diversifying the future economic base of the island. Garden Island. Kaua‘i volunteers spotted more whales than their counterparts on Hawaii’s other islands during a weekend ocean count coordinated by the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary. Garden Island. Molokai Department of Land and Natural Resources is holding a community meeting regarding the security perimeter at the Kauanakakai Wharf to accommodate American Safari Cruises visits to Molokai. Molokai Dispatch.

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Top Maui, Lanai and Molokai Festivals

24. January 2012

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Top Maui, Lanai and Molokai Festivals

With some help from our friends at the Maui Visitor’s Bureau, we’re listing the top festivals and events for Maui Nui – Maui, Lanai and Molokai. As you can see, there are plenty of excellent celebrations and events throughout the year. JANUARY Hyundai Tournament of Champions PGA Tour champions from the previous year compete in this televised, season opening, golf tournament at Kapalua Resort’s stunning Plantation Course for a $5,600,000 purse. www.pgatour.com/hyundai This event is usually scheduled for the first full weekend in January after New Year’s Day. FEBRUARY Great Maui Whale Festival This celebration honoring humpback whales features special events and eco-activities all month, including The Great Whale Count, sponsored by the Pacific Whale Foundation. The Parade of Whales and Whale Day Celebration offer live entertainment, a craft fair and food booths at Kalama Park, Kīhei. www.mauiwhalefestival.org . In 2012, World Whale Day is scheduled for February 18. MARCH Haʻīkū Hoʻolaulea & Flower Festival This event celebrates rural life and benefits local youth education programs. Enjoy lei making demonstrations, a floral design contest, bake sale, arts and crafts show, farmers’ market, historical displays, games and live entertainment. In 2012, this event is slated for March 31. APRIL Celebration of the Arts This annual event pays tribute to the people, arts and traditions of Hawaiʻi, hosted by The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua. Enjoy hula performances, workshops in Hawaiian cultural topics and crafts. A Hawaiian lūʻau with traditional foods, music and hula highlight Easter weekend. www.celebrationofthearts.org 2012 dates TBA. Annual East Maui Taro Festival Hāna’s annual cultural event celebrates Hawaiʻi’s traditional food staple with an all-day festival featuring live music, hula, arts and crafts, Hawaiian games and food booths, plus a taro pancake breakfast. www.tarofestival.org In 2012, this event will be held April 21.

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Hawaii Vacation Discounts & News: January 18, 2012

18. January 2012

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Hawaii Vacation Discounts & News: January 18, 2012

Bird of Paradise in Oahu at Punchbowl *  Hawaiian Airlines announced that they’re creating a Maui Hub  that will offer improved connections between The Valley Isle and other points within the Hawaiian Islands as well as flights to and from the West Coast. It will be interesting to see how this improves inter-island travel as this hub is implemented. *  The Polynesian Cultural Center is offering a 10% discount by booking early. For a limited time, visitors who book their reservations ten days out or more will receive a 10% discount off their experience. The “10 Outside 10” special applies to all of PCC’s rich cultural offerings, including their excellent evening show HA: Breath of Life . You can receive this discount via booking directly online. *  On facebook I posted about a new jet pack water adventure in Oahu that looks like something out of a Jetsons carton. That post about Jetlev seemed to interest a lot of folks. There’s currently a limited time Groupon for this adventure that knocks 50% off the cost to $199. To access this Groupon navigate to Honolulu from here . Jetlev *  Another recent facebook posting that garnered quite a bit of interest was this video about scientist discovering humpback whales and dolphins playing together in Hawaii. The video provides photos capturing the playful behavior along with captions of the scientists’ observations. © Go Visit Hawaii – Republication of this entire post is prohibited without prior permission. Using extracts of less than 100 words are permitted with full attribution and link back to GoVisitHawaii.com .

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New quarter to feature volcano, Hawaii’s homeless chief resigns amid allegations, revenue forecast lowered, Honolulu Council seeks water authority,…

6. January 2012

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Kilauea Volcano caldera (c) 2012 All Hawaii News Hawaii Volcanoes National Park’s East Rift Zone will grace the face of an America the Beautiful Quarter to be released this summer. West Hawaii Today. Hawaii’s homeless coordinator, Marc Alexander, has resigned effective today, less than a year on the job and just days after the state acknowledged receiving an allegation that he had a sexual relationship with a woman while he was a priest. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii’s homeless coordinator resigned “to attend to personal matters” two days after he was asked to respond to allegations of sexual misconduct as a priest, according to an anti-religion activist. Civil Beat. Alexander made news in January, 2010 when he abruptly left the Catholic Church where he served as Vicar General of the Catholic Diocese of Honolulu to lead the effort to solve Hawaii’s homeless crisis. Hawaii News Now. The state Council on Revenues on Thursday scaled back its forecast for state revenue growth this fiscal year, which will reduce an anticipated surplus and require Gov. Neil Abercrombie to adjust his budget and financial plan. Star-Advertiser. Council On Revenues Downgrades Hawaii Forecast By 3 Percent. Civil Beat. The State Council on Revenues lowered its General Fund projection yesterday … 4 full percentage points less than what was forecast in September. Hawaii Public Radio. A bill aimed at curtailing the use of the Kona coffee name by coffee blenders will soon be introduced in the state Legislature. West Hawaii Today. Gas prices are rising again after 11 consecutive weeks of declines, according to the AAA Hawaii Weekend Gas Watch. Star-Advertiser. U.S. Military in Hawaii: ‘Bright Future Ahead’ Civil Beat. The confluence of China’s military rise, a shift in global trade to the region, a budget crunch and the end of the Iraq war underscore the importance of a U.S. military presence in Asia and the Pacific — but have not made the future any clearer for Hawaii-based military commands and the state’s sizable defense industry. Star-Advertiser. The big question on many people’s minds during The Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii ’s 11th Annual Military Partnership Conference Thursday was how the United States’ focus on the Pacific would impact the Aloha State given the uncertainties with new leadership in North Korea, China’s increasing military and economic might, and impending defense cuts. Pacific Business News. The state Office of Information Practices will

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Experience The Real "Aloha"

23. November 2011

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Experience The Real "Aloha"

Hawaii Travel Deals 11 days from $3,400 pp Promo Code:KTVNL Travel beyond the beaches in the exotic paradise that is Hawaii. Discover the “real” Hawaii as you visit Honolulu, Poipu and Wailea. Enjoy hiking, visit a plantation, see dolphins and whales, learn the hula, party at a luau and spend sometime sunbathing on beautiful tropical beaches. This Hawaii tour includes stays at luxury hotels, private transfers and internal flights. Call 1.800.330.8820 or click here to have a Hawaii Travel Specialist contact you. TravelWizard.com: Specialists in the Art of Travel: Call 1-800-330-8820

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New rental car tax nets $5M, Honolulu cleaning streets of homeless, Maui lures tourists, movie-makers, geothermal pitched for Big Island,…

29. September 2011

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New rental car tax nets $5M, Honolulu cleaning streets of homeless, Maui lures tourists, movie-makers, geothermal pitched for Big Island,…

Humpback whale NOAA courtesy photo A confirmed appearance of a humpback whale in Honaunau Bay this week marked the anticipated return of the gentle giants to Hawaii, as well as a reminder for all ocean users to keep a safe distance. West Hawaii Today. Hawaii’s leaders say allowing more visitors from a growing group of ready to spend Chinese holds enormous economic potential for destinations like Hawaii. Hawaii Public Radio. Higher Rental Car Fee Generates Extra $5 Million. Civil Beat. State Budget Solutions in its analysis of state budget trends during the past decade – reports that Hawaii is number 47 out of all 50 states in the “total of the state expenditures in a given fiscal year encompassing all state funds.” Hawaii Reporter. What Super Committee’s Automatic Cuts Would Mean for Hawaii. Civil Beat. The federal government spent more than $20 billion in Hawai‘i for the first time last year. Civil Beat. Oahu A bill being introduced by Honolulu City Council members is expected to make it easier for city officials to remove the property of the homeless and others from sidewalks and parks. Star-Advertiser. The Honolulu City Council Budget Committee deliberated today on a resolution asking for new bids to build rail-cars for the city’s mass transit system. Hawaii Public Radio. Honolulu’s unemployment rate rose to 5.5 percent in August from 5.4 percent in July, causing the city to lose ground in a ranking of metropolitan areas with the nation’s lowest jobless rates, according to a report released Wednesday. Star-Advertiser. For many Kapahulu residents and lawmakers Wednesday night was a chance to see for the first time conceptual plans for a new office building on Charles street adjacent to Leonard’s bakery. KHON2. It is a bittersweet day for customers as another mom-and-pop restaurant closes its doors, but the closure wasn’t due to the tough economy. KITV4. City vehicles that were set to be scrapped by Oahu Transit Services have instead been converted into HPD paddy wagons in preparation for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in early November. KHON2. Hawaii Hawaii’s dismal voter turnout could be improved by allowing people to vote by mail, said South Kona Councilwoman Brenda Ford in introducing a resolution asking the state Legislature to set up a pilot program in Hawaii County. West Hawaii Today . Big Island residents aggrieved with the Reapportionment Commission’s decision to deny Hawaii Island a fourth Senate seat are making good on their threat to have the Hawaii Supreme Court decide the issue. Tribune-Herald. Developing a public-private partnership to produce geothermal energy on Hawaii Island could lead to a $1.25 million annual public benefit, a geothermal development company stressed Wednesday evening in Waimea. West Hawaii Today. Hawaii’s fastest-growing island is getting more police officers to patrol its swelling neighborhoods. Tribune-Herald. The Hawaii Army National Guard and Army Reserves are holding a blessing for their new joint complex in Hilo Thursday. Associated Press. Maui Maui County must fully disinfect all wastewater at the Lahaina Wastewater Reclamation Facility under a consent order with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Pacific Business News. The new visitor industry marketing campaign is just beginning to reach the public, but in test views on the Mainland, the reaction has been just what was hoped for, Maui Visitors & Convention Bureau Executive Director Terryl Vencl told the Maui Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday. Maui News . From producers and scriptwriters to casting consultants to contractors who rent pump trucks to empty the portapotties on location shoots, the nucleus of Maui’s permanent film production business filled Kahului Community Center on Monday night. Maui News . Kauai Free Flow Power is preparing for its first round of community outreach meetings on its proposed hydroelectric projects for Garden Isle waterways on behalf of Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative. Garden Island. Molokai In what appears to be a clash of Hawaiian and western cultures, some Molokai residents are upset that boaters who come to the island as escorts for canoe and other races are catching fish and taking other seafood from coastal waters. Star-Advertiser.

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First Reported 2011 Humpback Whale Sighting

29. September 2011

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First Reported 2011 Humpback Whale Sighting

Per StarAdvertiser report issued yesterday, the first humpback whale sighting of this season was on Monday, September 26th of the coast of Hawaii’s Big Island. Sea Quest tour captain Tony Roensch witnessed Monday two tail slaps from a humpback whale yearling in Honaunau Bay, the first confirmed whale sighting in the sanctuary this season, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said Wednesday. September 26th is rather early. Usually the first sightings are in mid-October. I believe this early arrival helps prove my theory that some whales don’t have calendars. This year’s winner of our annual contest to predict the first whale arrival is Robin A. Kelley with a guess of September 19. Congratulations to Robin! © 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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Hawaii Luxury Yacht Vacations

28. September 2011

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Hawaii Luxury Yacht Vacations

Hawaii Travel Deals Yachting Vacations 7 Nights From 5473 pp,do Promo Code:PLWS Enjoy exploring the Hawaiian Islands aboard a 145 foot luxury yacht. Discover secret coves, hike lush valleys, kayak with the whales and explore ancient sites on Molokai, Lanai, Maui and the Big Island. This opportunity is seasonal and is being offered from October to May 2012. All accommodations have views, all inclusive including meals, wine, beer and spirits, shore excursions and transfers included. Call 1.800.330.8820 or click here to have a Hawaii Travel Specialist contact you. TravelWizard.com: Specialists in the Art of Travel: Call 1-800-330-8820

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Contest Alert: Predict the 2011 Hawaii Humpback Whale Arrival

12. September 2011

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Contest Alert: Predict the 2011 Hawaii Humpback Whale Arrival

It’s about that time of year for humpback whales to begin trickling in to Hawaii’s protected waters. Officially, whale season doesn’t begin until mid-December, but seems that there’s always some whales that just can’t wait to get back to Hawaii. Can you relate? September 16th is the earliest recorded humpback arrival to Hawaii. Normally, the first sighting is in October. The following list shows the first sightings in recent years: 2006 – October 11 2007 – October 7 2008 – October 8 2009 – October 20 2010 – October 20 We must continue our annual tradition of guessing the first humpback arrival in Hawaii with a contest! This year’s prize is a copy of Discovering Humpback Whales of Hawaii – 125 Fun Facts About Humpbacks . Here’s how the 2011 contest will work: Pick the earliest date you think the first whale sighting will be this year.  Enter your prediction in the comments for this blog post. (Sorry facebook friends, but this time only blog comments will be eligible. It’s easier for me to keep track of all the guesses in one spot here on the blog.) The closest prediction without going over will win a prize. You must use a valid email address so that I can contact you when/if your prediction is correct. Note that your email address will not be visible on the comment. In the event of a tie, I will randomly select a winner from the tied predictions. We’ll use Hawaii newspapers and news stations as our source to determine when the first whale has been seen this season. One entry per person will be accepted. Anyone from around the world is eligible to enter. Our last winner was from Milano, Italy. Entries will be accepted through October 1, 2011.  In the event that the first whale sighting is before October 1, 2011, valid entries will accepted through the day before the reported sighting. When do you predict Hawaii will have this year’s first sighting?  Enter your prediction in the comments! We’re on facebook! Please click here to join 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 .

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