Native Hawaiians have the right to challenge construction plans that disturb Hawaiian burial sites, the Hawaii Supreme Court ruled yesterday. Star-Advertiser. When Christopher Monahan undertook a remedial survey of archeological and cultural resources on the Army's Schofield Barracks, Kahuku Training Area and Pohakuloa Training Area, he faced some unusual challenges. Big Island Weekly. Hawaii ranks among the worst states in the nation on its response to human trafficking, according to a report released Wednesday by the Polaris Project. Civil Beat. More than 500 lawyers and judges filled the Monarchy Ballroom at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa on Tuesday to hear a panel discuss trying terrorists, and the pros and cons of doing it in ordinary civilian courts or before military commissions. Maui News. U.S. Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy is delivering the keynote address Thursday of the annual 9th Circuit Court Judicial Conference. Associated Press. A federal undercover investigation uncovered alleged criminal activity at two of Oahu’s North Shore shark tour companies. KITV. Police versus politician, on Wednesday night, we heard for the first time the dispatch calls on the day Hawaii County Council Member, Kelly Greenwell, got arrested. Hawaii News Now. Left with no backing from his colleagues, North Kona Councilman Kelly Greenwell on Tuesday put the brakes on his effort to end the Police Department's use of unmarked patrol cars. Tribune-Herald. The state Sheriff’s Department, under fire for poor management and more than 50,000 unserved warrants, is working to correct deficiencies that were noted in a critical state Auditor report. Hawaii Reporter. Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona released his policy agenda on jobs and the economy yesterday and said state government must reduce the financial and regulatory burdens on businesses. Star-Advertiser. The white-shirted members of Team Neil flexed their collective political muscle in a Tuesday evening rally in Hilo. Tribune-Herald. Holding a Komoda stick doughnut in a clear plastic bag, bakery worker Earl Lamadora had a request Tuesday during a public hearing to discuss the county's implementation of a new plastic bag reduction ordinance. Maui News. A crowd of about 200 gathered at Mooheau bandstand in Hilo Wednesday and marched on the federal building to protest the court’s decision to deny bail for Christie. KITV. Chinese business owner and surfer Hongbin "Robin" Wang said he was looking for waves to ride and hotels to buy during a trip this month to Hawaii. Star-Advertiser. Historic Waikiki Beach could see its first new shoreline tower in decades under an overhaul of Kyo-Ya Hotels & Resort's Moana Surfrider and Princess Kaiulani properties approved unanimously by the City Council yesterday. Star-Advertiser. Hawaiian Airlines is ready to launch service to Japan and started with a new website. KHON2. The $446,939 tab for the Hawaii Tourism Authority's delegation to the 2010 Shanghai Expo in June included money for cocktail receptions, hula halau and 400 extra large aloha shirts from Hilo Hattie.
Continue reading...Thursday, July 8, 2010
Whoa! I’ve got bunches and bunches of Hawaii travel news to share with you today. So, fasten your seatbelts and prepare for take off. * Travel+ Leisure issued their 2010 World’s Best Awards. Kauai (#2), Maui (#8), and the Big Island (#10) made the Top 10 Islands List . You may be interested in seeing the Top 25 Resorts in Hawaii . * Limber up your booking fingers and prepare to snag one of Honolulu’s Ala Moana Hotel rooms at $40/night. This low offer will be available for booking online on July 14, 2010, beginning at 4:40 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time. See this link for more details. * Another Hawaii great is celebrating their 40th birthday this year – the Kona Coffee Festival. This cultural festival takes place November 5 – 14 on the Big Island, of course. See more about the festival here . * Hawaii’s Prince properties have great a room and rental car deal. This limited time deal includes a free rental car on top of a low room rate. It’s definitely worth considering, especially if you are headed to the Big Island. Those are the best Prince properties, in my opinion. See all the details here and book before July 17, 2010. * Readers of USA Today voted Honolulu as the Best American Destination . Congrats Honolulu! * Homespun Honolulu just published a new issue of the Blog Carnival of Aloha . * Hawaii Forest & Trail is offering a new twilight volcano tour that’s perfect for a quick exploration of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and a view of the active lava flow at Kalapana. This Twilight Volcano Adventure is a 12-hour round-trip tour that departs from the Kona side of the Big Island. See more about it here . * I was contacted by the folks from the Entertainment Book telling me that Go Visit Hawaii is among a select group of publishers able to offer the 2010 Hawaii Entertainment Book for only $7.99. This deal is valid through July 14. To order the book, see this special Go Visit Hawaii affiliate link . As we have previously discussed, the Hawaii Entertainment Book can quickly pay for itself many times over if you are going to Oahu. You’ll recoup your money and save much more from the luau coupons alone.To review that discussion, see this post, Hawaii Entertainment Coupon Books – Worth the price? One catch to let you know is that the coupons in the 2010 book expire November 1, 2010. © 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...Friday, May 21, 2010
Kauai Travel Packages Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas 5 nights from $729 pp,do Promo Code:TIWS Kauai Travel Package includes 6 day Hertz car rental, 5 nights hotel stay, hotel tax and service charges. For more information about your Kauai Travel plans, please contact Travelwizard.com at 1-800-330-8820 or enquire here . Special subject to change without notice. Certain restrictions apply. Not responsible for errors or omissions, prices shown are per person, based on double occupancy. Rates are valid for travel now-6/30/10. TravelWizard.com: Specialists in the Art of Travel: Call 1-800-330-8820
Continue reading...Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Kauai Hotel Deals -Sheraton Kauai Resort 6 nights from $949 pp,do Promo Code:GGWS Kauai Vacation Package INCLUDES 6 nights, Sheraton Kauai Resort, midsize rental car & lei greeting. BONUS 2 free nights, room upgrade & buffet breakfast for 2 daily. Airfare additional. For more information about your Kauai Travel plans, please contact Travelwizard.com at 1-800-330-8820 or enquire here . Special subject to change without notice. Certain restrictions apply. Not responsible for errors or omissions TravelWizard.com: Specialists in the Art of Travel: Call 1-800-330-8820
Continue reading...Monday, April 19, 2010
Big Island, Hawaii Hotel Deals - MAUNA KEA BEACH HOTEL Available through December 20, 2010 5 Nights rates from $899 per person Promo Code:VNL-CCV Hawaii Vacation Includes: A $350 air credit! Accommodations in a Mountain View room , Room upgrade upon arrival, if available, Buffet breakfast for two daily,A $25 Pro Shop credit, Complimentary parking for duration of stay, Reduced room rate. For more information about your Hawaii Travel plans, please contact Travelwizard.com at 1-800-330-8820 enquire here . Special subject to change without notice. Certain restrictions apply. Not responsible for errors or omissions. TravelWizard.com: Specialists in the Art of Travel: Call 1-800-330-8820
Continue reading...Monday, April 12, 2010
I wanted to provide an new review on the Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay . We first stayed at this resort back in 2007 and though there were some hiccups, we really looked forward to returning again someday. (You can read my first review here .) We very much enjoyed our more recent stay over the New Year’s Holiday. Since we’ve been home, we’ve lost count of the number of times that we’ve daydreamed about being back at the Four Seasons Lanai at Manele Bay. In fact, we’re still aiming to get back there again this year. So, why did we look forward to returning? This resort is absolutely gorgeous and we’re in love with Lanai ! We’ve been all over Hawaii, and we’d have to rank this resort in the top 5 resorts in Hawaii. This resort offers a beautiful ocean side setting. As I mentioned in my first review, “The resort’s location on Lanai’s remote, south shore makes the resort very special. It feels secluded and swank. The resort is perched on a bit of a cliff over looking the marine preserve of Hulopoe Bay where pods of spinner dolphins frequently visit and one of Lanai’s more famous landmarks, Puupehe (sweetheart rock) . The scenery will not disappoint.” We were still impressed with the generous size of the rooms and all the special little amenities the resort offers. You don’t even need to bring sunscreen because they provide it for you. One of our favorite amenities is that when you go to the beach, the staff set up beach chairs, umbrella and table for you. After you’re settled in and enjoying the sounds of the ocean, they deliver fresh cut slices of pineapple, Evian spritzes, chilled towels, and ice water. How’s that for service? On our recent visit, we had a bit more time to explore the resort’s services. The spa was outstanding. Andy and I enjoyed an ocean side, sunset couples massage that still makes me swoon when I think about it. I still rank Grand Wailea’s spa (on Maui) number one in all of Hawaii, but this Four Seasons Spa at Manele Bay is easily number two. We loved using the fitness room. To give you an idea of how much we liked it – Andy and I don’t normally work out in resort fitness centers when we’re on vacation. From this fitness room, you have a fantastic view of the Hulopoe Bay that makes you want to add minutes to your elliptical or treadmill workout while you sip on the free energy drinks and dab your brow with a chilled towel. We noticed a big improvement in the friendliness of the staff and the service levels compared to our last visit. To be fair, during our first visit, Four Seasons had just taken over management of this property and I think the kinks were still being worked out. We have absolutely no complaints this time. Everyone was so friendly and where possible tried to remember our names. Tips, tricks, and what to know when you go: I’m going to let you in on a secret – you will not find a better luxury value in Hawaii. Period. There’s currently a promotion to stay in a Superior room for $295 per night. Even if you can’t take advantage of that deal, they often offer a fourth-night free deal. You don’t have to pay a resort fee here. Yippee! You really don’t need to bring much to this resort. Normally, Andy and I travel with enough sunscreen to get us through our first few days. We didn’t need to do that as the resort provides sunscreen. The resort even provides a nice beach tote to use during your stay. I should also mention that the toiletries are L’Occitane brand. Me likey! Resort guests have access to the spa’s steam room and sauna that are quite nice. So, take advantage of that. Kids and teens programs are free here. At other Hawaii resorts, you’d pay upwards of $75 a day per child for the resort kids’ club. See my article, Four Seasons Resorts Lanai Makes Family Escapes Easier . You don’t need to rent a car on Lanai. A shuttle service is provided to and from the airport and into Lanai City. When you go to Lanai City or over to Koele, bring a light sweater or jacket. The higher elevation there can be chilly in comparison to Manele. The resort regularly brings in local artists. We had the pleasure of meeting Mike Carroll and fell in love with his art. In fact, we bought this piece and had it shipped home. The short hike over to see Puupehe (Sweetheart Rock) is well worth doing. Consider catching sunset there with a picnic. Do you have an American Express Platinum Card? If so, book your stay with that card (through American Express travel services) and you’ll get free breakfast for two daily, plus one free lunch and a room upgrade based on availability. New Years Eve is a great time to visit. The resort puts on a wonderful fireworks show. One of the best restaurant views in all of Hawaii is the Clubhouse Restaurant at The Challenge Golf Course. Don’t miss it. As a matter of transparency and disclosure, we paid for our stay at this resort, however, the spa treatment was provided by the resort free of charge. © 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...Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Hawaii Travel Deals Book by April 30, 2010 Promo Code:CCVNL Save a cool "grand" on your next vacation to Hawaii when you book air, car and select hotels with Travelwizard.com. With savings like these, the time to book your Hawaiian vacation is now. Take off for the Islands. And take off $1,000. For more information about your Hawaii Travel plans, please contact Travelwizard.com at 1-800-330-8820 enquire here . Special subject to change without notice. Certain restrictions apply. Not responsible for errors or omissions. TravelWizard.com: Specialists in the Art of Travel: Call 1-800-330-8820
Continue reading...Monday, April 5, 2010
Hawaii Travel - Waikiki Hotel Deals Trump International Hotel Waikiki Beach Walk Kids 17 & younger stay FREE. 3 Nights $1113 pp, do Promo Code:PLWS For more information about your Hawaiii Travel plans, please contact Travelwizard.com at 1-800-330-8820 enquire here . Special subject to change without notice. Certain restrictions apply. Not responsible for errors or omissions. TravelWizard.com: Specialists in the Art of Travel: Call 1-800-330-8820
Continue reading...Friday, April 2, 2010
Maui Hotels - The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua SAVE UP TO: $2000 per couple 5 nights from $989 per person Promo Code:CCVWS $500 Air Credit , Every 5th night Free, $500, Resort Credit, $500, Air Credit! For more information about your Hawaii Travel plans, please contact Travelwizard.com at 1-800-330-8820 enquire here . Special subject to change without notice. Certain restrictions apply. Not responsible for errors or omissions. TravelWizard.com: Specialists in the Art of Travel: Call 1-800-330-8820
Continue reading...Friday, April 2, 2010
Hawaii's participation in the 2010 Census, so far among the worst in the nation, is raising concerns about whether the state will again lose out on millions of dollars in federal funding. Hawai'i is among the nation's leaders in swine flu vaccinations and health officials here credit an aggressive educational program for much of the success. The leaders of the state Legislature's two money committees continue to criticize Gov. Linda Lingle's handling of the state budget shortfall. Hawaii hotels have performed better in the economic slump than key rival destinations, despite cutting room rates less. Maui coral reef lovers came looking for answers Tuesday night from the state Department of Land and Natural Resources about an accident in which state officials and private contractors dropped 125 concrete slabs onto the Keawakapu artificial reef. A day after votes by Hawai'i lawmakers and the teachers union renewed pressure for resolution of the state's teacher furlough mess, Gov. Linda Lingle's office released new details about the "nonessential" personnel that have become a $30 million sticking point in the controversy. One Big Island lawmaker wants police and fire personnel to forgo pay raises for a year to share in the sacrifices most other government workers are making. The popular Peppa's Korean BBQ on South King Street was shut down yesterday by the state Department of Health after seven people were diagnosed with E. coli poisoning last month, four of them requiring hospitalization. An April Fool's Day joke on KUMU-FM that the upcoming Merrie Monarch Festival was canceled because of the recent deaths of three hula legends, left many in Hawaii dismayed Thursday morning. Award-winning songwriter Roslyn Catracchia says her prayers have been answered. Honolulu police recovered her stolen computers Thursday and they still contained her prized compositions. When it comes to selling its Paauilo lands, Hawaii County is batting .000. Rows of tables, stacks of documents, piles of pens. The Hawaii County Finance Department was ready. In fact, only one thing was missing from the much heralded bid opening for the first Hamakua land sale -- bidders. As the Kaua‘i section administrator in the state Department of Human Services Benefit, Employment and Support Services Division, on Monday she had the unenviable task of hand-delivering letters of layoff to 22 of her co-workers. The county's long-term solid waste management plan is up for review Tuesday by a Hawaii County Council committee. In 2008, James Koshiba helped launch Kanu Hawaii, a nonprofit that promotes and supports Island-style sustainability.
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Thursday, August 19, 2010
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