RSS


Tag Archive | "Budget"

Guest Post: Why We Chose Hawaii for Our Honeymoon

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

0 Comments

Guest Post: Why We Chose Hawaii for Our Honeymoon

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 .

Continue reading...

Hawaii Vacation Deals & News: June 29, 2011

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

0 Comments

Hawaii Vacation Deals & News: June 29, 2011

*

Continue reading...

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

0 Comments

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

0 Comments

Hawaii budget now law, cuts expected, Abercrombie town hall meeting and more news from the Hawaiian Islands

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

0 Comments

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

0 Comments

Honolulu called most overdue for hurricane, Oahu rail support split, Legislature’s conflicts of interest, Honolulu, Hawaii County councils finalize…

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

0 Comments

Hawaii revenue projections unchanged, Oahu beaches make list, hotel occupancy edges up, citizenship sought for Filipino children of WWII vets, Maui…

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

0 Comments

Re-Visiting Puuhonau o Honaunau National Park

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 .

Continue reading...

Hawaii cuts Medicaid rolls, Honolulu liquor employee outs undercover investigators, GOP strikes out in legislative session, fight over home for…

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

0 Comments

Honolulu housing (c) 2011 All Hawaii News After years of talking about it, the city of Honolulu is working to put all its affordable housing projects up for sale. KITV4. Renting a two-bedroom apartment on the Big Island requires a person earn at least $22 an hour, however, many renters here make less than half that, according to a study recently released by the National Low Income Housing Coalition. West Hawaii Today. About 4,500 Hawaii residents will be cut from government-funded health services, and most remaining on Medicaid rolls will receive reduced services beginning Jan. 1, the state Department of Human Services announced yesterday. Star-Advertiser. The state on Tuesday announced cuts in Medicaid benefits that will affect many low-income residents in Hawaii. Hawaii News Now. Governor Neil Abercrombie addressed a statewide teleconference today on his plan to cut skyrocketing Medicaid costs. Hawaii Public Radio. Costs for long-term care in Hawaii continue to outpace the national rate in some cases by more than 50 percent, according to the latest survey by Genworth Financial Inc. Star-Advertiser. Liquor Commission Staffer Posts Photos Of Undercover Investigators Online. KITV4. No bill — zero, zip, nada — introduced by a GOP lawmaker passed in the 2011 session. Civil Beat. The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission has denied a petition from the nonprofit Friends of Lanai that sought to intervene in the proceedings involving the Big Wind project. Pacific Business News Four years and more than a quarter of a million immunizations later, the successful Stop Flu at School program faces an uncertain future due to shrinking state and federal dollars. KHON2. A county commissioner from Washington state has mounted a campaign to secure Navy P-8A Poseidon sub-hunting aircraft for her state by claiming that Kaneohe Bay — where 18 of the jets are planned to be based — has a runway that's too short for fully fueled and loaded Poseidons to take off. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii is still a target: New S.T.A.R.T. Treaty a small step toward nuclear disarmament. Hawaii Independent. The University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine is facing a money emergency. In July it loses $4 million in state tobacco settlement funds because of funding cuts. Hawaii News Now. For four years, the fate of the historic Kapaia Swinging Bridge has been up in the air as the deteriorating bridge itself sags into the very ravine it traverses. Garden Island. Members of the Maui County Charter Commission were sworn in Monday, kicking off what's expected to be an intense 16-month process to propose major changes to how the county operates. Maui News. The planned expenditure deferrals Mayor Billy Kenoi is using to balance next year's county budget are County Council Chairman Dominic Yagong's top concern. West Hawaii Today. Hawaii Kai, an upper-middle class community in East Oahu bordered by a spectacular turquoise ocean and stunning emerald mountains and valleys, is built around a private marina that spans from the valley to the ocean. Hawaii Reporter. Federal officials have prepared a plan to manage a 38,000-acre wildlife refuge on the slopes of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa that is home to endangered Hawaiian forest birds. Associated Press. A Hilo-based tour operator could be fined at least $15,000 for allegedly performing unpermitted construction on conservation land located along Honolii Stream. Tribune-Herald.

Continue reading...

Hawaii budget hikes taxes, erodes reserves, 12% on food stamps, most expensive state to rent, Hilo VA workers exposed to radiation, Kauai seed…

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

0 Comments

Moana Surfrider (c) 2011 All Hawaii News Waikiki Hotel Plan Caught In Honolulu's Tangled Web. Civil Beat. The Hawaii Legislature is passing more than $600 million worth of tax increases on businesses, vehicles and personal income. Associated Press. After months of number crunching and heated debate, lawmakers passed a two-year state budget on Tuesday. They also voted on more than 100 bills. Hawaii News Now. The state House and Senate sent Gov. Neil Abercrombie yesterday a balanced budget and financial plan with some cushion to close a projected $1.3 billion deficit, but lawmakers have left little in reserve if the economy stagnates further. Star-Advertiser. Lawmakers passed the state budget today … with a unanimous vote in the House and a 24-to-one vote in the Senate. Hawaii Public Radio. Hawaii lawmakers just balanced the budget. But a class action lawsuit could cost the state $70 million more that legislators didn't account for. Civil Beat. The state Senate began voting on more than 100 new laws Tuesday morning, with a budget that received mixed reviews, even from its authors. KITV4. Legislation that starts the process for native Hawaiians to form their own government is heading to Gov. Neil Abercrombie for his approval. Associated Press. David Louie has been confirmed as Hawaii's attorney general, the last of Gov. Neil Abercrombie's Cabinet appointees to be seated. Associated Press. A bill that partially delays implementation of a law to lengthen Hawaii’s school day is headed to the governor’s desk after passing both chambers of the state Legislature yesterday. Star-Advertiser. The Honolulu Police Department spent $228,247 on overtime pay during President Barack Obama’s most recent nearly two week visit to Oahu over the Christmas and New Years holiday. Hawaii Reporter. Hawaii once again has the most expensive rental housing in the nation. KHON2. More Hawaii residents use food stamps today than a year ago - almost 12 percent of the population - and even that is below the national average, federal statistics show. Hawaii News Now. The state Department of Health said a successful flu immunization program in Hawaii's schools is in jeopardy. KITV4. Workers in the Hilo veterans outpatient clinic may have been exposed to radiation over the last six years due to insufficient shielding of a radiation therapy machine located in the downstairs oncology clinic. Tribune-Herald. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources and the state Historic Preservation Division have announced the appointment of a new architecture branch chief. Associated Press. A state prison inmate whose beating at Halawa Correctional Facility was captured by a prison surveillance camera is suing the state and the three prison guards who were fired for beating him. Star-Advertiser. In response to community concerns, the county has issued multiple notices of violation to two South Shore seed companies for non-permitted grubbing activities in November and December. Garden Island. Mayor Peter Carlisle today signed into law Bill 61 (2010) CD 2, which revises and updates the City’s North Shore Sustainable Communities Plan that covers lands north of Wahiawa, from Kaena Point to Kawela Bay. Hawaii Independent. County Council members are looking at making deep cuts to the county budget proposed earlier this year by Mayor Alan Arakawa. Maui News. The Kauai Island Utility Cooperative announced Tuesday that it has received a petition that calls for a member vote on a decision made by the cooperative’s board of directors. Pacific Business News The Hawaii County Housing Agency took a step toward eliminating cash payments as a way for developers to earn affordable housing credits. West Hawaii Today. Molokai's own Capt. Clay Ching of Hallelujah Hou Fishing has been featured on the TV program, Hawaii Goes Fishing. Molokai Dispatch . The United States Department of Agriculture is reminding farmers, ranchers and forest landowners that May 27 is the last day to submit project area proposals for the Biomass Crop Assistance Program. Garden Island. While the eyes of Hawaii were on Hilo and the Merrie Monarch Festival, a group of 10 Hilo High School students were on the mainland making Hilo proud. Tribune-Herald.

Continue reading...