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Tag Archive | "hawaii"

Hawaii lawmakers may criminalize pet owners who give away their kittens or puppies — Commentary

Sunday, February 5, 2012

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Hawaii lawmakers may criminalize pet owners who give away their kittens or puppies — Commentary

Cute kittens, courtesy photo by Adriano If pets are outlawed, only outlaws will have pets. This take on a bill now up on the Hawaii Legislature is admittedly extreme, but not that far off the mark considering SB2504 makes it a misdemeanor to sell or give away your dogs, cats, puppies or kittens without first having them spayed or neutered and microchips implanted in them. Big Brother has arrived, at least for your pets. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Clayton Hee , D-Kahuku, La'ie, Ka'a'awa, Kane'ohe, is up for consideration at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7, by the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee and Economic Development and Technology Committee. Hee undoubtedly has good intentions. Feral cats are a huge problem in Hawaii, where, with few natural predators, they breed large colonies and threaten native songbirds. But taking away even more rights from the citizenry is probably not the way to go. What next? Microchipping our children? Golden retriever puppy, courtesy Daisy Parker "Importation of dogs to the Hawaiian Islands is limited and strictly regulated. If all cats and dogs sold or given away must be sterilized, it calls into question where citizens of Hawaii will obtain future generations of pets," warns the American Kennel Club in a public appeal for opposition to the bill. Lucky we live in Hawaii, where lawmakers steadily add laws to the books but no one actually enforces them. Otherwise, life in the "People's Republic" would be even more onerous than it already is. But what do you think a pet owner with an unplanned litter is going to do with all the babies? Start with $20 to microchip each kitten, add another $50 to sterilize it, and for a litter of six, you are talking serious kala. Chances are, those pets are only going to be added to the feral colonies when the owner dumps them in the nearest forest instead of palming a few off on friends and neighbors. This only perpetuates the very problem the bill is trying to fix. And these animals are in for a worse life, not a better one. How much better if all this effort and angst would go toward voluntary and free spaying and neutering programs and funding for the Department of Land and Natural Resources to trap and euthanize the feral cats on public land. Ironically, just when they're needed most, spaying and neutering assistance programs have been discontinued by the Hawaiian Humane Society, because the City and County of Honolulu cut the funding. You, the public, have to take personal responsibility if you don't want Big Brother to step in. Don't feed feral animals. It only causes them to breed more of them. Keep your pet inside or confined unless you're out with him. Spay or neuter your pet. Keep looking for programs to help reduce the cost. Lobby your state and local government to put more money into prevention and education, and quit trying to dictate every aspect of our lives.

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Aloha Friday Photo: Banzai Pipeline

Friday, February 3, 2012

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Aloha Friday Photo: Banzai Pipeline

Mahalo to Lisa Eichinger for sharing her photo of Ehukai Beach Park . This North Shore Oahu spot is where the famous Banzai Pipeline surfing spot is. For such a popular beach park, notice how pristine and peaceful this beach looks. Lisa definitely found a beautiful scene to share with us. 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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Hawaii attorney general wants unlimited gifts, Legislature limiting medical marijuana, Kauai police officer complaint spurs chief’s leave, Hawaii…

Friday, February 3, 2012

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Honolulu shoppers (c) 2012 All Hawaii News Hawaii consumers are slightly more confident about the future now than they were six months ago. Pacific Business News. State House Vice Speaker Joey Manahan said Thursday that he will run for Honolulu City Council. Star-Advertiser. State Rep. Tom Okamura, who was appointed by Gov. Neil Abercrombie in January to fill a state House vacancy in Aiea, has resigned for health reasons. Star-Advertiser. The Abercrombie administration is proposing changes to the state ethics code that would allow state officials, including legislators, to accept unlimited numbers of invitations to charitable fundraising events, even if the purpose of the gifts is to influence

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Hawaii Vacation Deals & News: February 2, 2012

Thursday, February 2, 2012

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Hawaii Vacation Deals & News: February 2, 2012

Pagoda at Four Seasons Resort Lana'i Lodge at Koele *  Congratulations to Four Seasons Resort Lanai Lodge at Koele for making the top 10 list of US hotels by U.S. News & World Report. The Lodge secured the second highest ranking. We at Go Visit Hawaii love the Lodge at Koele as you can see from our review . Pssst! Here’s a secret – it’s one of the top luxury values in all of Hawaii. With their third night free offer , rates start at just $207 per night! *  Do you have a favorite Hawaiian Island, beach, hotel, luau or activity that you think is tops? GoHawaii.About.com wants your nominations ! *  By popular demand, the folks at JetLev Hawaii contacted me to let me know they’re extending the special $199 rate for a limited time. So, if you didn’t get a chance to take advantage of the JetLev Groupon we mentioned , you can call Eric at 808-393-0153 and ask for the $199 rate. *  United Continental plans to launch nonstop service between Washington Dulles (IAD) and Honolulu (HNL) in June per this report . *  Ala Moana Hotel near Waikiki is getting into Super Bowl 46 spirit with a special offer. After the game, the folks at Ala Moana Hotel will offer a special rate that’s the combined score. That’ll make you cheer for a defensive struggle. This special rate will be valid for stays between March 1 and April 15, 2012.  Read more about this promotion at www.AlaMoanaHotel.com/46 . © 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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Big Changes Coming for USS Arizona Memorial Ticketing

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

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Coming soon, visitors will be able to book USS Arizona Memorial tickets in advance. This change could significantly reduce visitor wait times and help you make the most of your Oahu vacation time. Tickets will still be available on a first come, first served basis for walk-in visitors. In this KHON report , Eileen Martinez, Chief of Interpretation for the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center, says that 50% of tickets will be available for walk-in visitors. Though tickets will continue to be free to all visitors, a fee of $1.50 per ticket

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Hawaii Honeymoon – Maui

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

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Hawaii Honeymoon Ideas - Maui Honua Kai Resort, Kaanapali 5 Nights From $4,955 pp,do Travel by Feb 18, 2012 Promo Code: JVNL This Maui honeymoon package includes five nights in a three bedroom Oceanfront Alii Suite, a $200 nightly resort credit and an Avis intermediate car when booking with Travelwizard.com. Call 1.800.330.8820 or click here to have a Hawaii Travel Specialist contact you about booking this Hawaii honeymoon to the island of Maui. TravelWizard.com: Specialists in the Art of Travel: Call 1-800-330-8820

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Taking a Historical Sunset Cruise on the Kona Coast with Body Glove Hawaii

Monday, January 30, 2012

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Body Glove Hawaii offers a very nice historical sunset dinner cruise that we had a chance to enjoy on our recent visit to Hawaii’s Big Island. The dinner, entertainment and sunset was very good, but what I especially enjoyed was learning the history of the Kona coast and, oh boy, there’s a lot of it! Kona Coast The Body Glove vessel leaves Kailua Kona harbor then heads south, skimming the coastline while the golden sun rays make the coast glow. As we made our way down to historic Kealakekua Bay , the historian, Boyd, highlighted heiaus, village remains, and stories of struggles and misunderstandings of Captain Cook’s visits to Hawaii Island. Captain Cook Monument in Kealakekua Bay The more I learn of Hawaii’s history, the more I want to learn, which made this sunset sail right up my ally. You don’t need to be a Hawaii nerd like me to enjoy it though. I felt like Boyd shared the history in a way that both new and veteran Hawaii visitors appreciated. The boat followed the coast as far as Kealakekua Bay where we slowed down inside the bay for smoother water as passengers enjoyed the dinner buffet that included Hawaii favorites like lomi lomi salmon, barbeque beef skewers and lau lau. While we were in Kealakekua Bay, dolphins came to the boat as if to say hello. They put on a little leaping and spinning show before heading further down shore. Kona Sunset On our way back to Kailua-Kona we listened to songs played by a very talented slack key guitar player and singer. That, of course, added to the romantic setting sun followed by the waning rays of the day. By the time we arrived back in Kailua-Kona, the sky was all dark which made the lights of town reflect on the water. Kailua-Kona lights shimmering on the bay What to know when you go: - The cost of this tour is $105.02 for adults and $72. 87 for youth ages 6 to 17. - This historical tour is offered three nights per week, at the moment – Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. - The staff was very helpful. If they offer to carry your drink or food, it’s a good idea to let them help you. - One drink coupon is included in the cost of the tour. A cash bar was available with soft drinks, beer, wine and cocktails. - Bring cash for tipping (at the end) and for the cash bar. - Try to get to the buffet line soon after it opens. Andy and I waited for the rush to die down. Our timing was bad as the boat pulled out of the smooth water of the bay in into the rougher waters. - You might want to bring a jacket or sweater. After sunset, the wind did have a bit of a chill to it. - If you have medium to long hair, you might want to bring something to hold your hair back. I have medium length hair and found it difficult to eat with the coastal wind swirling my hair. - If you are going to Hawaii during whale season (January – March), there’s a good chance you’ll see humpback whales,. So keep your eyes peeled. - See all our photos from this tour. Mahalo to Body Glove Hawaii for sponsoring our tour.

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Circle Hawaii Cruise 19 Days $1699

Monday, January 30, 2012

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Hawaii Cruise Deals - Circle Hawaii San Diego, California to Vancouver, B.C. Oosterdam Departs March 31, 2012 19 Days Oceanview From $1,699 pp,do Promo Code:HALWS Call 1.800.330.8820 or click here to have a Hawaii Travel Specialist contact you about booking this Holland America Hawaii Cruise . TravelWizard.com: Specialists in the Art of Travel: Call 1-800-330-8820

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Kahala Hotel Deal – Oahu

Friday, January 27, 2012

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Hawaii Travel Deals - Oahu The Kahala Hotel & Resort Promo Code:VNL Call 1.800.330.8820 or click here to have a Hawaii Travel Specialist contact you about booking this Oahu, Hawaii vacation . TravelWizard.com: Specialists in the Art of Travel: Call 1-800-330-8820

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Kahala Hotel Deal – Oahu

Friday, January 27, 2012

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Hawaii Travel Deals - Oahu The Kahala Hotel & Resort Promo Code:VNL Call 1.800.330.8820 or click here to have a Hawaii Travel Specialist contact you about booking this Oahu, Hawaii vacation . TravelWizard.com: Specialists in the Art of Travel: Call 1-800-330-8820

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