Tag Archive | "christmas"
Obama expected tomorrow, Native Hawaiians organize, sea snake spotted, Maui government takes shape, rat lungworn hazard up, dreaming of a wet…
Photo (c) 2010 All Hawaii News Native Hawaiian leaders plan to start forming their own new but unrecognized government following the failure of federal legislation to do so. Associated Press. Under the gaze of colorful stained glass and a packed-in-the-pews audience in St. Andrews Cathedral, Haunani Apoliona made her final speech as longtime chair of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Hawaii News Now. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is now under the leadership of longtime grass-roots activist Collette Machado, who was elected chairwoman yesterday. Star-Advertiser. While the White House is not saying when President Barack Obama will arrive in Honolulu to begin his Christmas vacation, flight restrictions indicate the president will not arrive until early Thursday. Hawaii News Now. President Barack Obama is expected to arrive in Hawaii this week. But Hanauma Bay, one of the places he visited last year, took a hard hit by Mother Nature over the weekend. KITV4. U.S. Rep. Charles Djou of Hawaii, who lost a bid for re-election last month, has delivered his final speech on the House floor. Associated Press. Gov. Neil Abercrombie turned to present and past legislative experience in filling two Senate vacancies yesterday. Star-Advertiser. State Rep. Maile Shimabukuro and former Sen. Malama Solomon are being appointed to the Hawaii Senate by Gov. Neil Abercrombie. KHON2. Gov. Neil Abercrombie Tuesday made two appointments to the State Senate: Rep. Maile Shimabukuro to represent Senate District 21, and Malama Solomon, Ph.D., to represent Senate District 1. Hawaii News Now. State Rep. Maile Shimabukuro and former Sen. Malama Solomon are being appointed to the Hawaii Senate by Gov. Neil Abercrombie. KITV4. Hawaii's population increased by 12.3 percent to almost 1.4 million residents in the past decade, according to U.S. Census Bureau data released yesterday. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii's booming economy at the beginning of the last decade may have lead to a boost in the state's population. KHON2. The islands grew faster than the nation as a whole, but will hold steady at two congressional seats. Civil Beat. Hawaii’s liability for public worker pensions ballooned by $900 million during the latest fiscal year, raising the possibility that lawmakers will have to increase funding for the state pension plan. Hawaii Reporter. Health experts say they're seeing an increase number of people in Hawaii contract rat lungworm. KHON2. Moist and unstable air over the islands and soil already saturated with water from rains earlier in the week could still lead to flash floods, the National Weather Service says. Star-Advertiser. New Airport Corridor Already Leaking. KHON2. U.S. Sens. Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein have called on the Environmental Protection Agency to protect the public from hexavalent chromium following a report that found the carcinogen in the tap water of 31 cities across the country. Associated Press. Federal prosecutors collected about $2.9 million from criminal and civil actions in Hawaii during the most recent fiscal year. Associated Press. After a six-month deferral, the Kaua‘i County Council on Wednesday approved a resolution establishing a policy for facilitating open governance and Internet access to public documents. Garden Island. Power was fully restored at Ala Moana Center yesterday, but retailers were still tallying the damage from lost Christmas sales at Hawaii's largest shopping center following three outages over three consecutive days. Star-Advertiser. On Sunday, the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Environmental Services responded to multiple sanitary sewer overflows across Oahu, caused mostly by heavy rains. Hawaii Independent. Sewage, it's a recurring problem in Kailua. Hawaii News Now. A Big Island company is resurrecting the dream of waste-to-energy conversion in West Hawaii. Tribune-Herald. Bi-monthly monitoring of tiny African wasps enlisted to keep a big pest -- the Erythrina gall wasp -- under control show the flying assassins are "working very well" and the counter attack has been successful. West Hawaii Today. Mayor-elect Alan Arakawa has announced the appointment of Rob Parsons as his environmental coordinator. Maui News. Maui County Council members spent much of their last meeting Friday saying "aloha" to four of five departing members. Maui News. After 10 years in the Makawao-Haiku-Paia residency seat, outgoing Council Member Mike Molina said he won't be out of public service for very long. Maui News. The Army has announced the deployment of several major units to Afghanistan, including the 3rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team based at Schofield Barracks on Oahu. Associated Press. Deadly sea snake found at Ke'ehi Lagoon. KHON2. A handful of North Hawaii boaters still in possession of a Kawaihae Deep Draft Harbor mooring permit got notice last week that the agency that used to issue those permits won't be issuing renewals. West Hawaii Today. The building that formerly served as Hilo headquarters for C. Brewer & Co. is on the market for $9.5 million. Tribune-Herald.
Continue reading...Hawaii Gov. Abercrombie presents unbalanced budget, veteran lawmakers seek Takamine seat, Michelle Obama family caught in mall blackout, green jobs…
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Neil Abercrombie turned in his first budget as governor today -- with double-digit increases in general fund spending he says are a result of fixed costs. KHON2. Asking for breathing room, Gov. Neil Abercrombie said yesterday that the state has a $71.6 million budget shortfall for the fiscal year that ends in June and a substantial $771.9 million deficit over the next two-year budget cycle. Star-Advertiser. Gov. Neil Abercrombie unveiled a state budget proposal for the next two years, calling it a starting point for discussion. Hawaii News Now. Gov. Neil Abercrombie said the state faces a nearly $850 million budget shortfall over the next two and a half years, but he unveiled his budget proposal Monday without offering any specifics about how to solve that deficit. KITV4. Hawaii Gov. Neil Abercrombie says he won't increase the state's sales taxes or again delay tax refunds, but he lacks specifics on how he will balance a $844 million shortfall over the next 2½ years. Associated Press. Hawaii governor reveals $843 million budget shortfall, insists "crisis" won't stop him from funding his ambitious agenda. Civil Beat. Gov. Neil Abercrombie presented former Gov. Linda Lingle’s version of the State’s budget, for fiscal years 2012 to 2013, to the State Legislature today, as required by State law. Hawaii Independent. Governor Neil Abercrombie today submitted the initial version of the state’s budget with a call to legislators, businesses, nonprofits and all community members to work collaboratively throughout the legislative process to address fiscal challenges and accelerate the state’s economic recovery. Abercrombie news release. . Several new Hawaii laws go into effect with the new year, including measures raising taxes, increasing campaign finance transparency and cracking down on drunk driving. Associated Press. Six Democrats seeking former state Sen. Dwight Takamine's vacant seat made their best pitches to party leaders during a four-hour meeting Sunday in Laupahoehoe. Tribune-Herald. A state legislator and a Washington-based privacy group are preparing a measure to impose requirements on entities that suffer breaches of personal data. Associated Press. Maui Taser case ruling could have nationwide implications. Maui News. Jobs in the renewable energy field in Hawaii are expected to grow at a faster rate than the overall work force, surpassing 14,000 positions by 2012, according to a new study. Star-Advertiser. An environmental group says laboratory tests show the presence of a toxic chemical in 31 of 35 cities, with Honolulu having the second-to-highest level. Star-Advertiser. The Environmental Working Group, a non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C., issued a report Monday showing Honolulu's water supply may contain high levels of hexavalent chromium, a chemical believed to cause cancer and made famous by California activist Erin Brockovich. KHON2. The Coast Guard will soon begin enforcing a temporary security zone in Kailua Bay. KHON2. Ala Moana Center was crowded with thousands of Christmas shoppers, including first lady Michelle Obama and first daughters Sasha and Malia, when portions of the mall nearest Diamond Head went black for the third time in two days and triggered noxious odors and traffic gridlock around the Keeaumoku Street area. Star-Advertiser. Hawaiian Electric Company expected to have power restored to the Ala Moana Center area sometime after midnight Monday night. Hawaii News Now. Families who spent hundreds of dollars to spend the holidays in the Hawaiian Islands are making the most of the less-than-picture-perfect weather. KITV4. It's great weather, for a hippo. KHON2. The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a winter weather advisory for Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea until Tuesday morning. West Hawaii Today. The rains and flash flood watch advisory couldn’t keep the residents from ringing bells for the Salvation Army, Monday. Garden Island. An anonymous donor dropped a gold coin worth $1,200 to $1,400 into a Salvation Army red kettle on Kauai this weekend, officials said. KITV4. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources will close the shoreline in the Waikiki and Diamond Head areas to all fishing so stocks can replenish. Associated Press.
Continue reading...Obama family in Hawaii, Abercrombie completes Cabinet, Washington Place in disrepair, weather wreaks havoc, Tropical Storm Omeka looms, more news from…
Monday, December 20, 2010
While President Barack Obama's standing in Washington has dropped a notch or two in the year since he and his family last spent their holiday vacation in this beach community, the thrill is definitely not gone for many Kailuans about him coming back. Associated Press. While President Barack Obama and his family have been coming to Hawaii for vacation almost every year, it will be the first island visit for "First Dog" Bo. If he passes a veterinary exam when he lands, he'll be allowed to follow the Obama ohana to Kailua immediately. Hawaii News Now. First lady Michelle Obama, daughters Malia and Sasha, and dog Bo arrived at the beach community of Kailua over the weekend, but President Obama is still in Washington waiting for the lame duck Congress to wrap up its pre-Christmas work. USA Today. U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye is chiding his Senate colleagues for shelving an omnibus spending measure in favor of a short-term resolution keeping expenditures at current levels. Associated Press. For 10 years, Hawaiian citizens have requested island wide and U.S. Government official hearings of the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act that would reclassify Native Hawaiians as Native Americans and establish a separate, sovereign, race-based nation on all islands of the archipelago. Hawaii Reporter. Oahu will remain under a flash-flood watch through this afternoon following a rain-soaked Sunday that saw a storm-related fire knock out power to parts of Ala Moana Center on the last shopping weekend before Christmas, the closure of the Honolulu Zoo and City Hall, an overwhelmed sewer system that burst manhole covers and wrong-way drivers trying to avoid flooded streets. Star-Advertiser. A Flash Flood Watch has been extended for all Hawaiian islands through Monday afternoon as deep tropical moisture is drawn up by a strong low pressure system west of the state. Hawaii News Now. The National Weather Service in Honolulu has issued a winter weather advisory for Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea until Tuesday morning. West Hawaii Today. An out-of-season tropical cyclone has formed west of Hawaii. The Central Pacific Hurricane Center says Tropical Storm Omeka was located 505 miles south of Midway Atoll, or about 1,210 miles west of Lihue, Kauai. Hawaii News Now. The bulk of the heaviest rain was Saturday night. KHON2. As heavy rains fell on parts of the state on Sunday, Department of Health officials issued warnings about coastal waters. KITV4. Heavy rains caused sewer lines to back up into people's homes in Kailua and a sewage spill in Hawaii Kai. KITV4. A Brown Water Advisory was issued Sunday for Kaua‘i due to heavy showers. Garden Island. Cargo company Young Brothers has announced they will be increasing their shipping rates statewide. Molokai Dispatch. Washington Place, the historic home to Hawaii’s last queen and previous governors, has fallen into disrepair .KITV4. Hawaii's new governor completes his Cabinet by selecting a trial lawyer with 33 years experience in litigation. Civil Beat. David M. Louie, a trial lawyer and managing partner with the Honolulu law firm of Roeca Louie & Hiraoka, was nominated yesterday by Gov. Neil Abercrombie to be Hawaii's next attorney general. Star-Advertiser . Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Sunday announced he has chosen David Louie to be his attorney general. KITV4. Former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann has been named president of the Hawaii Hotel & Lodging Association. Associated Press. Kamehameha Schools plans to convert a four-story office and retail building at 680 Ala Moana Blvd. into loft-style apartments for rent to households at or below the median income level. Star-Advertiser. With the median sale price of a Big Island home down 5.8 percent from the same time a year ago, it's still a buyer's market -- and the buyers are starting to return. Tribune-Herald. Across the country, a few of the millions of people who have had their homes foreclosed are counterattacking in the courts. Maui News. Last week, we looked at some measures the new administration might want to consider to improve the business climate in Hawaii and reduce the burden on taxpayers and consumers who continue to struggle to make ends meet. But finances and taxes are not the only things that need fixing. West Hawaii Today. For most of its 40-year history, Kumu Kahua Theatre has told Hawaii’s story through theater, offering talented local playwrights and actors a crucial venue for their craft, and giving the Hawaii community new perspectives on its island home. Many of its productions have become statewide touchstones, such as the hits Folks You Meet at Longs by Lee Cataluna and Wild Meat and the Bully Burgers by Lois Ann Yamanaka. Hawaii Independent.
Continue reading...Aloha Recycled Ornaments in Washington, DC
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
One of the "Aloha Recycled Treasures" I’m such a nerd for both Hawaii and recycling that I just had to share this story from Kauai. Senator Daniel Inouye invited the Kauai High Academy of Hospitality and Tourism (AOHT) to decorate a Christmas tree in his DC office. This “ Festival of Lights ” inspired tree was decorated with ornaments crafted from recycled plastic water bottles. By decorating a tree in the Senator’s office with more than 500 of their handcrafted “Aloha Recycled Treasures,” the six students and two teachers who made the trip hoped to encourage teachers and students across the country not only to recycle, but also to utilize recycled bottles as a valuable raw material for art projects. Kauai High Academy students pose with Hawaii Senator Inouye in front of a Christmas tree decorated with handmade recycled aloha treasures. Mahalo to Kauai High Academy students for the recycled ornament inspiration! © 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...HA: Breath of Life – An Unparallel Polynesian Show
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Andy and I loved the Polynesian Cultural Center’s long-running show Horizons . As I wrote in my review of Horizons back in 2007: We saw this evening show on our first full day of our recent trip to Oahu. We had flown to Hawaii from the East Coast the day before and we were extremely jet lagged. We had had a full day touring the islands of the center and taking part in the Ali’i Luau . By the time the show started, it was well past our bedtime at home. So, we were a little concerned that when the lights dimmed for the show, that we might end up watching the back of our eye lids instead of the show. Our concerns were not warranted because the show captured our attention the entire time. Not only were we wide awake watching the show, but when we got back to our hotel at the Turtle Bay Resort , we kept awake for a while talking about how great the show was. So, when we learned that Horizons was being replaced by a new show, HA: Breath of Life , in August 2009, we wondered why would the Polynesian Cultural Center change a show that was already spectacular. I mean, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right? When HA: Breath of Life debuted, I kept hearing how much people enjoyed it – both local residents and visitors. It’s not easy to create a show that strikes a chord with locals and visitors, but HA does. When we had the opportunity to return to Oahu in October, one of the first things that popped in my mind was, “We’ve got to see HA !” So, we made our plans for this short, five-day visit, making sure we got to the Polynesian Cultural Center. Photo courtesy of Polynesia.com We thought HA was outstanding. This spectacular Polynesian show has all the bells and whistles of a top notch Broadway or West End show, but with the warmth and pageantry of all the major Polynesian cultures. HA features more than 100 performers, live music, colorful Polynesian-inspired costumes, a stage that’s approximately 60ft tall, and fire – lots of dramatic scenes using fire. I believe I counted about 10 Samoan fireknife dances at one point — an illuminating display! All the cast, music, choreography, and technical features of the show help to make HA excellent entertainment, but HA ’s story is what makes it so memorable. The show centers on Mana, following his life and his family. With each stage of Mana’s life, we journey to a different Polynesian island chain, with aspects of each culture beautifully woven into the story. If I remember correctly, the Polynesian journey goes through Tonga, Hawaii, New Zealand, Samoa, Tahiti and Fiji. I don’t want to give too much of the storyline away. I will say this, don’t be surprised if a tear wells up in your eye. To help you gain a better idea of what to expect from the show, here’s a short YouTube video produced by the Polynesian Cultural Center. (Email subscribers, use this link to access the video.) Andy prepared a nice video with scenes from the show shot from our seats. The previous video was professionally produced, so please don’t compare the quality of our video with clips from the show. (Email subscribers, please click here to see our own video.) HA: Breath of Life shows every Monday through Saturday evening with the exceptions of Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. The open-air venue is covered, so you don’t have to worry about getting wet if it rains. The Polynesian Cultural Center offers a variety of packages including admission to the show. The lowest priced package is $60 for adults and $45 per child. That package includes entrance to see all the Polynesian villages, free buffet dinner, and general admission to HA . Some packages include guided-tours, upgraded meal plans and better show seating. In my opinion, the Ali’i Luau ticket package is a really good value at $88 per adult and $64 per child. The Ali’i package comes with a luau and preferred show seating as well as access to the Polynesian villages and cultural presentations. See this link to compare ticket packages . I’ve seen many Polynesian shows and HA: Breath of Life is truly outstanding. I don’t believe there’s another Polynesian show anywhere that’s on par with the magnitude of HA’s production. I highly recommend it. Have you seen HA: Breath of Life ? What was your impression of the show? © 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...Gift Ideas for the Hawaii Lover on Your List
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Is there someone on your holiday gift list that loves Hawaii? Well, I have the perfect gift list for you. Whether you choose ‘ono food gift or something artistic, you’ll be certain to win brownie points with many mahalos. Hawaiian Happy Cakes –
Continue reading...Gift Ideas for the Hawaii Lover on Your List
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Is there someone on your holiday gift list that loves Hawaii? Well, I have the perfect gift list for you. Whether you choose ‘ono food gift or something artistic, you’ll be certain to win brownie points with many mahalos. Hawaiian Happy Cakes –
Continue reading...Waikiki Christmas 2010 – Holiday Events & Where to Dine
Monday, December 6, 2010
Are you headed to beautiful island of Oahu to celebrate Christmas at Waikiki Beach? If so, you’ll find plenty of festive ways to enjoy the holiday season! You’ll find everything from breakfast with Santa Claus to lavish Christmas dinner buffets to holiday lights and concerts. It’s definitely an exciting to be going to Waikiki Beach! Before, we dive into our list of things to do and where to go, I want to share a few points of advice first. I recommend you make reservations, order tickets, etc. as soon as possible to secure the place and time you like. Unless otherwise stated, you can assume that taxes and gratuities are not included in the listed prices. Most Waikiki Beach hotel-based restaurants will be open on Christmas day. Check directly with the concierge of your accommodations for their special Christmas meals and events. As Christmas approaches, most likely, I’ll be adding more events, so do check back. Learn how to say Mele Kalikimaka, Hawaii’s way to say Merry Christmas . I’m organizing this long and very detailed list by day, starting with Christmas Day and then working backwards. Here’s what’s going on in Waikiki Beach and Honolulu this Christmas 2010. CHRISTMAS DAY, DECEMBER 25, 2010 – Special Holiday Brunches & Dinners – CHRISTMAS BRUNCH – * The Pikake Terrace of the Sheraton Kaiulani will serve a
Continue reading...Xmas trees bring slugs to Hawaii, Maui looks to regulate aquarium collecting, Kauai to control tourist lodging, Kilauea lava consumes home, more news…
Monday, November 29, 2010
I know I live in the right place when I look down from an airplane window, see Oahu's green mountains rising from the blue ocean and feel as thrilled as the visitors around me to be in Hawaii.
Continue reading...Xmas trees bring slugs to Hawaii, Maui looks to regulate aquarium collecting, Kauai to control tourist lodging, Kilauea lava consumes home, more news…
Monday, November 29, 2010
I know I live in the right place when I look down from an airplane window, see Oahu's green mountains rising from the blue ocean and feel as thrilled as the visitors around me to be in Hawaii.
Continue reading...
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Wednesday, December 22, 2010
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