Tag Archive | "Budget"
4 Favorite Places for a Sunset Drink in Waikiki
Golden Waikiki Sunset from House Without A Key Watching sunset with a refreshing tropical drink in hand is a relaxing way to end a day in Waikiki Beach. After many trips to Waikiki, we definitely have some favorite spots that we’d like to share with you. Whether you like to sip on a tropical cocktail or mocktail , we recommend these top Waikiki spots: Our favorite place is Halekulani’s House Without A Key . We love their live Hawaiian music combined with exceptionally graceful hula dancers The ocean front setting and sunset views are outstanding. A cocktail will set you back about $12 or $13 each, if I remember correctly, but the free entertainment and homemade potato chips definitely make the cost worth it . As long as your budget allows, I would say that having sunset drinks at House Without A Key is a must do on your Waikiki vacation. Entertainment begins at 5:30 so aim to arrive then or a little bit earlier to grab an outdoor seat near the band. The atmosphere is upscale here. Silhouette of Hawaiian Musicians at House Without A Key The Ocean House Restaurant at Outrigger Reef on the Beach offers a quiet ocean front spot for a relaxed, upscale atmosphere. There’s no entertainment so it’s easier to enjoy conversation along with the ocean and Diamond Head views. If you wanted to move from drinks into dinner or pupus (appetizers), the food is fairly good here too. Arrive around 5pm or shortly after for the oceanfront tables. Tropical Drinks from The Ocean House Though not technically on the beach, Tiki’s at Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel offers great ocean and sunset views from its elevated level. There’s also palm trees in the view that can add a bit more interest to your sunset photos. Tiki’s also provides live music adding to this lively and casual atmosphere. One of Andy's Award-Winning Sunset Photos Taken from Tiki's Duke’s Waikiki at the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach offers entertainment and wonderful ocean front view. The atmosphere is casual and a little more lively compared to House Without A Key. So these are my four favorite places so far . How about you? Where’s the top place you like to go for a sunset drink in Waikiki? © 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...UPW mulls strike during APEC, Hawaii woman unfriends Facebook in lawsuit, Honolulu officials wine and dine in Washington D.C., BOE plans budget, Big…
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Hawaiian children (c) 2011 All Hawaii News Could the Republican Lingle accomplish what the Democrat Akaka has not been able to — passage of federal recognition of Native Hawaiians? Civil Beat. Former Gov. Linda Lingle would like to be the "point person on tourism" if elected to one of Hawaii's U.S. Senate seats next year. Maui News. There are seismic changes in the Pacific region that are coming to a beachhead, and it is in Hawaii at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, that many of these changes will likely be advanced. Hawaii Independent. Facebook has been tagged in a lawsuit by a Hawaii woman alleging violations of federal wiretap law. Star-Advertiser. Key legislators won't have to testify before the Hawaii Labor Relations Board in a labor dispute involving the teachers union, the board has ruled. Star-Advertiser. Possible price hikes affecting school meals and bus service dominated the discussion at a BOE meeting this afternoon. Members debated proposed changes to the Department of Education's operating budget for the next school year. Hawaii News Now. The University of Hawaii was ranked No. 295 on U.S. News and World Report’s 2011 list of the top 400 universities in the world. Pacific Business News. A study recently published in the Journal of Environmental Health found high levels of mercury in bags of marlin jerky from Hawaii. State health officials are investigating, but they don't want people to panic. Hawaii News Now. Oahu Five Honolulu City Council members and both of Hawaii's U.S. senators celebrated the Honolulu rail project's progress at an upscale French bistro near Capitol Hill on Tuesday evening. Civil Beat. The anti-APEC group World Can't Wait sought help from the ACLU after getting stonewalled by the city over a permit to protest when world leaders are in town next month. KITV4. While the City and County of Honolulu works overtime to ensure the success of next month’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, the threat of a United Public Workers strike still looms on the horizon. KHON2. Businesses Say They Are 'Left In Dark' Weeks Before APEC's Arrival. KITV4. More details about APEC security and traffic plans are expected to be announced this week, and some neighborhoods can expect some security attention due to VIPs. KHON2. Wetlands where native waterfowl, shorebirds, migratory birds and plants thrive had virtually disappeared from Honolulu until now. Star-Advertiser. On a business trip to Washington, D.C., City Council Chairman Ernie Martin revealed to Civil Beat that he intends to run for Honolulu mayor — at some point. Civil Beat. The City and County of Honolulu today announced that the World Invitational Hula Festival, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary, will take place at the Neal Blaisdell Concert Hall on November 10 through 12. Hawaii Independent. Hawaii Big Island farmers and ranchers receive about $34 million in property tax breaks every year, part of Hawaii County's efforts to encourage food sustainability and prevent overdevelopment. West Hawaii Today. Postal customers and other users of the Hilo Federal Building are now benefiting from an $8.9 million renovation of the historic facility. Tribune-Herald. An unsuccessful County Council candidate got a positive recommendation on his nomination to the Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission. West Hawaii Today. In recognition of Kalanianaole's achievements, Joyce Iwashita was recognized earlier this year as Hawaii's National Distinguished Principal. Tribune-Herald. The 6,500 residents in the Ka'u District are one step closer to getting an emergency shelter. Hawaii Public Radio. Maui After investigating conditions at a troubled affordable housing project on Maui, the state has terminated a private company's $1.75 million contract to manage the project. Hawaii Reporter. The Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corp. has terminated its contract with Honolulu firm Realty Laua to manage the troubled Honokowai Kauhale affordable housing project. Maui News . A tag used to track a shark is transmitting on Maui, instead of in the ocean. Associated Press. Kauai A second state agency has decided to terminate its contract with Kauai Independent Food Bank. Star-Advertiser. County officials received word Monday of a $975,000 grant awarded to the county from the State of Good Repair Initiative. Garden Island. The Kaua‘i Police Department has begun updating its business contact list and is asking Kaua‘i business owners to provide their current contact information online. Garden Island. Molokai Sen. Mike Gabbard and at least two other legislators will visit Molokai Nov. 2 to discuss the so-called “Big Wind” project with local residents, the senator confirmed today. Molokai Dispatch.
Continue reading...Guest Post: Why We Chose Hawaii for Our Honeymoon
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Today, we have a great guest post written by Rachael Garrison. She and her husband Eric have a website with cool Hawaii honeymoon planning ideas at My Hawaii Honeymoon . — It was one year before our wedding date, and we had all the basic wedding plans laid out: the dress, the ceremony, the caterer, the flowers…the list goes on and on as, I’m sure you are quite familiar! Once we had the wedding budget squared away, we realized, hey! Isn’t there usually a honeymoon involved with this whole thing? And so began the search for the perfect honeymoon vacation…. My husband started doing research, LOTS of research, since he’s definitely the one in the relationship who likes to spend heaps of time making sure that every purchase is well worth it (and the honeymoon certainly meets the criteria of a “purchase”). Originally, Hawaii was not at the top of our list… I mean, it seems like that’s what everyone does for their honeymoon. We prefer to do things a little differently when permissible, and the honeymoon would be no exception! We went over a few different trips that involved seeing as much of the surrounding area as possible. Honeymoons are supposed to be romantic and the idea of a long flight coupled with hopping from hotel to hotel sounded stressful; great for a random adventure… not so great for a romantic honeymoon vacation. Ultimately, we sat down and discussed exactly what we wanted out of our honeymoon. The key word we kept coming back to was relaxation . We envisioned ourselves being pampered, enjoying decadent food, luxurious hotel suites… the wedding planning was stressful enough, so why add any sort of worry to a vacation immediately following such a busy (albeit special) day? We then went back to Hawaii as just the word itself brings thoughts of paradise, palm trees and…the kicker…relaxation! It was difficult to choose which island, though! We learned that each is vastly different from one another in seemingly inconspicuous ways, but enough to change the vibe of an entire vacation. Did we want diverse Oahu, with its crowded Waikiki beaches? That was certainly the least expensive option. What about Maui, with its rich white sandy beaches? Or Kauai, where it’s ‘oh so quiet’? And we couldn’t forget our wish to see where the lava smolders into the sea on the Big Island. That’s when we heard about Hawaiian cruises that actually take you to each of those four islands, with a full day spent at each location plus ten days at sea. Even better, the cost of a cruise was well within our budget! We chose Princess Cruise Lines as they are known for cruises catered to couples of all ages (meaning, less kids!). Princess is a fantastic cruise line that offered every amenity we could dream of. Cruising to Hawaii was absolutely the best decision we could have ever made regarding our Hawaii honeymoon. We were pampered more than we had ever been in our lives. Each day on the islands was utterly amazing, as we had energy built up from being at sea for five days to expend doing and seeing as much as possible. We rented a car on each island and just explored. We even drove a complete circle around the Big Island, which allowed us to see both the Kona and Hilo regions. Now that we’ve gotten a taste of what Hawaii has to offer, we can’t wait to go back. On which island would we choose to stay? Surprisingly, Oahu! If you’re having any hesitation choosing Hawaii for your honeymoon, don’t! You will not regret the decision. An overwhelming number of honeymooners choose Hawaii for a reason, whether it be romance, natural beauty, or isolated decadence. Discuss with your partner what you want out of this vacation, and you may arrive at the same thing we did: a Hawaii honeymoon spent in ultimate relaxation. Enjoy your time in Hawaii, and of course, enjoy each other! © 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 governor may veto 23 bills, Honolulu City Council vetoes bills, Big Island developer appeals LUC decision, teachers still unhappy, more top…
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Gov. Abercrombie addresses Legislature (c) 2011 All Hawaii News Gov. Neil Abercrombie notified state House and Senate leaders on Monday that he may veto 23 bills, including a bill intended to protect the state's landmark Prepaid Health Care Act. Star-Advertiser. Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Monday identified 23 bills for possible veto. Civil Beat. Governor Abercrombie Monday released a list of 23 bills that he may veto. Associated Press. List of vetoes. Hawaii News Now. The Honolulu City Council voted unanimously Monday morning in a special meeting to override some of Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle's vetoes in a battle over control of the budget for the city's $5.3 billion rail project. KITV4. The handful of townhouses already built on the DW Aina Lea property in South Kohala will "rot on the hill" if the 3rd Circuit Court does not grant a motion to stay a Land Use Commission decision. West Hawaii Today. The state Department of Education is moving to unilaterally put into effect its "last, best and final" contract offer to 12,700 public school teachers, and says pay and time-off provisions that amount to a 5 percent cut will take effect Friday. Star-Advertiser. The state Department of Accounting and General Services last week issued a finding of no significant impact for its own proposed new Kona baseyard. West Hawaii Today. State spending on legal advertisements will top $1 million annually by 2013 under new rates imposed by the Honolulu Star Advertiser since it became only daily newspaper on Oahu, according to state purchasing records. Hawaii Reporter. Kauai community members can now learn more about county Department of Water projects online. Garden Island. Eighteen years ago, more than a thousand people gathered for the Independence Day celebration - and fireworks - at the Maui Country Club, recalled former club President John Vail. Maui News.
Continue reading...Hawaii budget now law, cuts expected, Abercrombie town hall meeting and more news from the Hawaiian Islands
Friday, June 24, 2011
The Big Island recently became free of extreme drought for the first time in two years, but forecasters still expect below-normal rainfall levels through the fall. Tribune-Herald. Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed into law Thursday a two-year, $21.9 billion state budget that increases spending to pay higher Medicaid, public worker health care and debt service costs but leaves him with the responsibility for making significant cuts to state programs. Star-Advertiser. It was billed as "A Community Conversation with Governor Abercrombie." But to many in the overflow crowd who attended, it wasn't a conversation at all. Hawaii News Now. Another round of severe budget cuts is being drawn up by Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s administration, with department heads being asked to identify $50 million in “fiscal constraints” by early next month. Hawaii Reporter. By 6pm Thursday over 200 people had packed the Washington Middle School cafeteria wanting to hear from Governor Neil Abercrombie. KHON2. A couple of frustrated voters interrupted Gov. Neil Abercrombie’s town hall meeting Thursday night, complaining about the state’s homeless problem. KITV4. Gov. Neil Abercrombie said Thursday night that he would consider reappointing members of five boards and commissions who just last week he asked to resign. Civil Beat. You may have to wait a little longer to retire here in Hawaii, thanks to a new bill Governor Abercrombie signed into law Thursday. Hawaii News Now. Gov. Neil Abercrombie has signed into law a bill that makes sweeping changes to the state's underfunded pension system by reducing some government employees' benefits. Garden Island. Local governments should be wary of depending too much on federal dollars to pay for community services, former Gov. George Ariyoshi warned Wednesday. Maui News. Hawaii homeowners who have fallen behind on their mortgage may be eligible for a big chunk of federal assistance. West Hawaii Today. A day after news broke about plans being canceled for a Makaha Valley "learning community" aimed at improving the lives of Leeward Coast residents, a new reason for the failure emerged. Star-Advertiser.
Continue reading...Hawaii lawmakers ranked, GOP cleared, multimember districts possible, developer sues state Land Use Commission, Historic Preservation, property…
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Hawaii GOP candidate James "Duke" Aiona (c) 2011 All Hawaii News The state Campaign Spending Commission voted Wednesday to dismiss a complaint by Hawaii Democrats that alleged Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona and the Republican Governors Association improperly coordinated advertising during Aiona's unsuccessful campaign for governor last year. Star-Advertiser. The state Attorney General's Office has advised commissioners redrawing the state's political boundaries that they can consider going back to multimember legislative districts. Star-Advertiser. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources has hired a private company to bring the Historic Preservation Division into compliance with federal mandates and avoid losing up to $550,000 in federal grant money. Star-Advertiser. Each legislative session, since 1986, PAYCHECKS HAWAII, the independent non-partisan, political action affiliate of Smart Business Hawaii (created in 1984), rates each of Hawaii’s 76 state legislators (51 House and 25 Senate). Hawaii Reporter. The former developer of a South Kohala project is suing the state Land Use Commission for $35.7 million. West Hawaii Today. The Wahiawa elderly daycare center that misused $7.9 million in federal grant money refused to cooperate with federal investigators, according to a report from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Civil Beat. Honolulu's acting mayor has signed a bill that should help the city make sure people are rightly claiming a property tax exemption given to those who own historic homes. Associated Press. Unionized workers at Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa — trying to gain leverage in stalled contract talks — have approved calling for a boycott of the hotel. Star-Advertiser. The Maui County Council on Tuesday gave final approval to a $564.73 million budget for 2012, with funds for road resurfacing, a new Kihei police station and the replacement of the county's aging emergency responder radio system. Maui News. Servicing the island's fastest-growing district has Hawaii County spending nearly as much money on trash disposal as it did building recreational and public safety facilities. Tribune-Herald. A Department of Land and Natural Resources representative said the state attorney general’s office plans to intervene in Federal Energy Regulatory Commission proceedings involving hydroelectric development in Hawai‘i. Garden Island. Andy Irons' cause of death revealed. Hawaii News Now. With a laid-back, local style charm, Hari Kojima taught several generations of island television viewers how to fish, cut fish and cook fish. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii agriculture officials are asking for the public's help in spotting infestations of the stinging nettle caterpillar, which appears to have recently spread to Kauai. Associated Press. The real estate arm of Alexander & Baldwin Inc. announced on Wednesday it has sold a Texas shopping complex and bought an office complex in Washington State. KITV4. A grand jury subpoena for the identities of 33 people who posted comments to a story published on the Maui Time’s website could set a dangerous precedent for free speech, according to local attorneys. Pacific Business News Family, friends and church members have come together tonight to pray for 54 year-old Tammy Nguyen, 24 year-old Amie Asuncion and 38 year-old Samson Naupoto. KHON2. Small business, we are told, is the backbone of America—and Hawaii, too. According to the Small Business Administration, there are 120,000 small businesses in Hawaii. Hawaii Independent.
Continue reading...Honolulu called most overdue for hurricane, Oahu rail support split, Legislature’s conflicts of interest, Honolulu, Hawaii County councils finalize…
Thursday, June 2, 2011
University of Hawaii -Hilo Gov. Neil Abercrombie Wednesday released funds totaling $26.86 million for capital improvement projects at various Hawaii school campuses. Pacific Business News For over 1,000 years, the Hawaiian people produced enough food to support an estimated population of one million. Today, 85 to 90 percent of Hawaii’s food is imported. Hawaii Independent. A state legislator says his vote against a fee for all single-use checkout bags is unrelated to his side job as a lobbyist for plastic companies. Civil Beat. Despite concerns over hungry homeless people, the state's 90 day plan is not changing. Hawaii News Now. A city-commissioned poll conducted last month showed that 57 percent of people on Oahu support the $5.3 billion rail transit project. Star-Advertiser. Through spending restrictions, cuts, user fee increases and tax hikes, City Council members say they have achieved a balanced budget that trims about $7 million from Mayor Peter Carlisle's $1.93 billion proposal for the 2012 fiscal year, which begins next month. Star-Advertiser. The Hawaii County Council passed an operating budget for the 2011-2012 fiscal year on Wednesday, and Mayor Billy Kenoi is not happy with it. Big Island Video News. Despite talk about the need to cut spending, the Hawaii County Council is increasing, ever so slightly, the cost of running Hawaii County government. Tribune-Herald. Some Hele-On bus riders will have to pay $1 each way starting July 1, following a Hawaii County Council vote Wednesday re-establishing a bus fare. West Hawaii Today. Attorneys for victims of data security failures at the university said they are not satisfied with the release of a long-secret consultant's report. KITV4. Veteran police officer Marie McCauley was named one of two deputy police chiefs Wednesday, the first woman to ascend to the second-highest rank in the Honolulu Police Department. Star-Advertiser. A girl killed Tuesday by a rockfall on a Kipahulu hiking trail has been identified as 8-year-old Sophia "Sophie" DeLoria of Launiupoko. Maui News. Hurricane season begins today and Honolulu has been placed at the top of the list for “Hurricane Overdue Cities.” KHON2. June is the start of hurricane season here on the islands. The Hawaii State Civil Defense is making sure that it learns from other natural world disasters. Hawaii News Now. Five years after the initial assessments, the sagging Pono Kai resort seawall may be within a few months of receiving a face lift. Garden Island.
Continue reading...Hawaii revenue projections unchanged, Oahu beaches make list, hotel occupancy edges up, citizenship sought for Filipino children of WWII vets, Maui…
Friday, May 27, 2011
Hawaii Council on Revenues (c) 2011 All Hawaii News Hawaii's recovery from the global economic recession is expected to continue in coming years and slowly begin a shift toward expansion, the state's top economists said Thursday in issuing a static economic forecast for the fiscal year. Star-Advertiser. The State Council on Revenues met this afternoon for the first time since the Governor called them in for an emergency meeting, March 29th. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii's government is bringing in enough money to avoid additional spending cuts to programs and services, lawmakers said after receiving an updated report on the state's finances. Associated Press. A national public pensions expert says the changes Hawaii lawmakers approved for new state and county employees are in line with what other states are doing to reduce their pension liability. Civil Beat. Contracts for several public sector unions expire June 30 and so far only the Hawaii Government Employees Association has ratified terms of a new contract. KITV4. Five members of a native Hawaiian sovereignty group on Maui are being accused of luring unsuspecting clients with bold talk and official looking documents. KHON2. U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka of Hawaii has reintroduced a bill that would allow the children of Filipinos who fought with the U.S. during World War II to join their U.S. citizen parents in the United States. Associated Press. The state plans to boost its enforcement of fisheries laws with the help of donations from nonprofit organizations. Associated Press. 2 Oahu beaches make annual list of the nation’s top strands of sand. Associated Press. Hawaii hotels’ average statewide occupancy rate was 72.5 percent for the week ending May 21, up 2 percentage points compared to the same week last year. Pacific Business News The results for the City and County of Honolulu’s all-digital Neighborhood Board elections are in. Hawaii Independent. Officials of Maui County nonprofit organizations and programs that saw their funding potentiallly reduced or eliminated Tuesday reacted with surprise, disappointment and even anger at the Maui County Council's action in the final stages of the budget process. Maui News. A new teaching tool was unveiled at Bishop Museum on Thursday and the hope is that it will also pay the bills. Hawaii News Now. A new state educational incentive program has come to Molokai to help students excel rather than simply meet the status quo. Molokai Dispatch. Gov. Neil Abercrombie has ordered state flags at state offices, agencies, and the Hawaii National Guard to be flown at half-staff on Saturday in honor of the late lawmaker and judge Hiroshi Kato. Associated Press. For the second time in two weeks, the state has replaced tattered flags at one of the state's most famous landmarks after KITV 4 News asked questions about the flags' bad condition. KITV4. The Kaua‘i Academy of Creative Arts Summer Program has added new artists and instructors to their 2011 program. Garden Island. Cases of rat lungworm infection have made a disturbing resurgence during a typically slow time of year for the disease. Tribune-Herald. Hawaii astronomers used advanced optics technology and a gravitational lens to catch a clear glimpse of a spiral galaxy 9.3 billion light years away. West Hawaii Today.
Continue reading...Re-Visiting Puuhonau o Honaunau National Park
Monday, May 16, 2011
Ki'i statues keep guard at Puuhonua o Honaunau South of Kona along the coast, you’ll find Puuhonau o Honaunau National Historical Park that I highly recommend that you include in your Big Island vacation plans . Entry into the park is only $5 per car, so the value is very good. Touring this park gives you a glimpse back into Hawaiian history when the Hawaiian Kapu (laws) were in effect. From the park’s website, they provide an excellent explanation of the kapu system. In old Hawaii, if you had broken a law, the penalty was death. Perhaps you had entered into an area that was reserved for only the chiefs, or had eaten forbidden foods. Laws, or kapu, governed every aspect of Hawaiian society. The penalty for breaking these laws was certain death. Your only option for survival is to elude your pursuers and reach the nearest puuhonua, or place of refuge. Even Hawaiian sea turtles (honu) take refuge at the place of refuge. Since I originally wrote about visiting Puuhonau o Honaunau back in 2007, a cell phone audio tour has been added. So, bring your cell phone and see this brochure for instructions on using this service. See more photos from our visits to Puuhonau o Honaunau and find a few more tips about visiting Puuhonau o Honaunau from my original post . Have you been to this place of refuge on the Big Island of Hawaii? How was your experience? © 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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Tuesday, November 8, 2011
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