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Honolulu rail transit doubted, Hawaii Board of Education takes shape, Kona disaster center busy, barking dogs, golf subsidies, plastic bags debated,…

Thursday, March 31, 2011

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Honolulu rail transit doubted, Hawaii Board of Education takes shape, Kona disaster center busy, barking dogs, golf subsidies, plastic bags debated,…

After weeks of escalating tension between Honolulu City Council members and the administration of Mayor Peter Carlisle, the council went public with a flood of concerns about the city's $5.5 billion rail project Wednesday. Civil Beat. Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Wednesday reinforced his opposition to raising the Hawaii's broadest tax, saying it "isn't something we should be looking to" as the state struggles with deep budget problems. Associated Press. The governor’s nine nominees for the Board of Education, announced yesterday, plan to meet for the first time April 26 to kick-start an overhaul of board operations, moving to audit BOE policies, shift more responsibility to the superintendent and decrease the number of employees in the board’s offices. Star-Advertiser. BOE Appointees Include Former News Anchor, Attorneys, Academics, Execs. KITV4. Word of the governor's announcement spread quickly on public school campuses across the state. KITV4 . Governor Neil Abercrombie announced his appointees for the new state Board of Education, tapping a diverse group of busy business executives, attorneys and even a former news anchor. Hawaii Reporter. The Governor introduced his choices for the State Board of Education yesterday. Hawaii Public Radio. The board consists of nine members - three from Oahu, three at-large, and one each from Hawaii Island, Maui and Kauai. Hawaii News Now. In another step forward to advance the state’s public school system, Governor Neil Abercrombie today announced his appointments to the new Board of Education. Hawaii Independent. Maui Memorial Medical Center CEO Wesley Lo is among nine people appointed to the Board of Education by Gov. Neil Abercrombie, the governor's office announced Wednesday. Maui News. Preparations are on track for the Nov. 12 APEC Leaders' Meeting and the adjacent conferences that will bring at least 12,000 people to Hawaii including President Barack Obama and leaders of 20 other nations, according to members of the APEC Host Committee. Hawaii News Now. Hawaii Island residents continue to lag behind the rest of the state when it comes to healthy living. Tribune-Herald. Oahu residents dodged a major disaster with the March 11 tsunami, city Department of Emergency Management officials said yesterday. Star-Advertiser. Nearly 40 people visited Tuesday the Disaster Assistance and Recovery Center in Kailua-Kona, a one-stop shop offering information about disaster aid and services available in the wake of the March 11 tsunami, said state Civil Defense spokeswoman Shelly Ichishita. West Hawaii Today. Zoo Director Manny Mollinedo faced his first tsunami after only three months on the job. During that emergency, the zoo lost one of its animals: a llama. KITV4. South Kona councilwoman Brenda Ford wants to re-write the county code when it comes to barking dogs… Big Island Video News. Joseph Wildman has withdrawn his nomination to be a judge in the 2nd Circuit Court. Pacific Business News Marine helicopter crashes in Kaneohe Bay. Hawaii News Now. The owners of Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu’s North Shore are renewing efforts to develop the property, but are willing to scale back a previous plan that called for five new oceanfront hotels with 3,500 rooms and condominium units. Star-Advertiser. Bus fares, golf subsidies and the Hawaii County Band were fair game Wednesday as the County Council wrapped up three days of a department-by-department budget analysis. West Hawaii Today. During a protest about local jobs going to mainland workers yesterday, deputy sheriffs arrested a union leader who used a bullhorn to make his statement at the Kalanimoku Building on Punchbowl Street. Star-Advertiser. While water shortages and rate increases have plagued Molokai Irrigation System (MIS) users for years, the island’s state representative, Mele Carroll, has taken action to legally bind the Department of Agriculture (DOA) to provide water at a reduced rate. Molokai Dispatch. Disagreement over Kaua‘i County Council rules of procedure took center stage Wednesday after committee members learned their vote not to approve an amendment to the plastic bag ban may have killed the bill. Garden Island.

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Obama birthers discredited, Abercrombie meets with Hawaii mayors, new senator suing the state, fugitive causes ruckus outside Obama vacation home, …

Friday, December 24, 2010

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Neil Abercrombie knew Barack Obama's parents when the future president was born here in 1961, and he has been aggravated by the so-called birther movement, which alleges Obama was not born in the United States and thus should be expelled from office. Los Angeles Times. Hawaii's four mayors met for the first time with Gov. Neil Abercrombie in his state capitol office Thursday. KITV4. Newly appointed State Sen. Malama Solomon is suing the state over a water usage issue on Department of Hawaiian Home Lands pastoral property her family holds on the Big Island. Hawaii Reporter. President Barack Obama, who planned to keep a low profile on his vacation in Hawaii, managed to avoid a bizarre turn of events yesterday just outside his security bubble. Star-Advertiser. Associated Press Video A man wanted by police is in custody tonight after tense moments in the Kailua neighborhood where President Obama and his family are vacationing. KHON2. After a little bit of work and a morning workout, President Barack Obama hit the links on his first day of vacation in Hawaii. Star-Advertiser. With warrants out for his arrest and police following his pick-up truck, Leon Rodrigues tried to get away by turning off Kalaheo Avenue onto Kailuana Place. Bad move. Hawaii News Now. Parts of Hawaii could be in for another bout of very wet weather early next week. Hawaii News Now. Many travelers are heading home for the holidays on what's considered one of the busiest travel days of the year. KHON2. Disciplinary actions against Hawaii County police officers doubled in 2010 compared to previous years, with most suspensions coming from not filing incident reports on time. West Hawaii Today. A state water official says a headline-grabbing water study that found a probable carcinogen in Honolulu's tap water was "irresponsible," since it drew its conclusion based on a single water sample. Civil Beat. Hawaii Island's drinking water is clear of dangerous concentrations of the "Erin Brockovich chemical" found in Honolulu's tap water. Tribune-Herald. For construction workers in Hawaii, recent economic news has been bleak. But there may be some reason to cheer for job seekers in other industries. KITV4 . Wholesaler Pacific Fireworks will move 200,000 pounds of product this year. Hawaii News Now. Hawaiian Electric Co. hopes to replace a destroyed transformer for Ala Moana Center by this weekend, but the utility fears there could be further outages as it slowly switches from shaky backup systems. Star-Advertiser. Hawaiian Telcom customers around Oahu are reporting a number of outages to land-line services. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii has lost one of its most visionary and productive real estate developers, Herbert K. Horita, whose projects included Ko Olina Resort & Marina and thousands of Oahu homes. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii State Department of Health officials announced Thursday that a large quantity of storm water and landfill waste was discharged from the Waimanalo Gulch Sanitary Landfill into ocean waters between Ko Olina and the Kahe Power Plant.

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Obama home for the holidays, Native Hawaiians get $500M in no-bid contracts, Young Bros. seeks big shipping increase, lights out at Ala Moana Center,…

Thursday, December 23, 2010

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Obama home for the holidays, Native Hawaiians get $500M in no-bid contracts, Young Bros. seeks big shipping increase,  lights out at Ala Moana Center,…

After a 10-hour flight, President Barack Obama arrived in Honolulu under a waning moon on a humid night. Star-Advertiser. A politically rejuvenated President Barack Obama arrived here late Wednesday for an 11-day family vacation in his home state. Associated Press. Check out this first video of their arrival. KHON2. President Barack Obama has arrived in his home state for a 10-day family vacation. Associated Press. Wednesday afternoon President Barack Obama boarded a flight to Honolulu where he will spend Christmas with his wife and two daughters, but he didn't leave Washington DC until finishing important business. Hawaii News Now. President Barack Obama arrived in Hawaii a little before midnight Wednesday. KITV4. Security around President Barack Obama’s compound on Kailua Beach is about to get a lot tighter, once the president arrives overnight Wednesday. KITV4. President Barack Obama has something in common with potential White House rival Mitt Romney. He and the Republican are both taking vacations in Hawaii. Associated Press. Young Bros. Ltd., Hawaii's regulated interisland ocean cargo transportation firm, says it needs to raise average rates 24 percent -- the highest increase in at least 30 years. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii's largest inter-island shipper on Wednesday asked regulators for permission to raise its rates by an average of 24 percent, saying it needs to charge customers more to stay in business because of falling cargo volumes and the emergence of new competition. Associated Press. Cargo company Young Brothers has announced they will be increasing their shipping rates statewide. Molokai Dispatch. A handful of Native Hawaiian-owned companies used federal contracting preferences authored by U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye, D-HI, to land some $500 million in non-bid or reduced competition government work since 2005, according to federal purchasing records. Hawaii Reporter. Hispanics in Hawaii. Honolulu Weekly. A Wailuku teenager forced to re-tool himself after a near-death experience can claim fame as a guest on the set of the new "Hawaii Five-0," a remake TV show trying to craft its own success. Maui News. Obama ends year on high; Djou on Djou farewell; Akaka on Akaka bill; and Slom says U.S. a "bona fide homosexual nation." Civil Beat. Hawaii's two congressional districts are unlikely to change significantly under new population counts released Tuesday by the U.S. Census Bureau. West Hawaii Today. Rancher Malama Solomon is returning to the state Senate seat she held for 16 consecutive years. Tribune-Herald. Outgoing City Councilman Rod Tam, already facing possible jail time after pleading guilty last month to 26 misdemeanor counts to settle charges brought by the state, could face additional charges stemming from a separate investigation by the state Campaign Spending Commission. Star-Advertiser. A promised crackdown by Honolulu city officials on the use of illegal fireworks has already resulted in three arrests in less than 24 hours. KHON2. A local police union official says that despite the economy, there needs to be more patrol officers on the beat. Tribune-Herald. Hawaii County drinking water may soon cost more, but it is clear of the concentrations of the "Erin Brockovich chemical" found in Honolulu's tap water. West Hawaii Today. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources on Wednesday advised the ocean-going public that recent heavy rains, along with forecasts for more rain during the coming week, may increase the presence of sharks in nearshore waters. Garden Island. Regular beachgoers who brave the debris from Hawaii's recent storms should be on the lookout for another challenge, the type with big teeth. Star-Advertiser. Kaua‘i Planning and Action Alliance is beginning work on the third edition of “Measuring What Matters for Kaua‘i: Community Indicators Report,” and has received $10,000 from the SW Wilcox Trust toward its publication. Garden Island. The project to rebuild the parking area near the entrance to the Keawakapu Beach access will remain suspended at least for a while. Maui News. It was lights-out again at the State's largest mall. KHON2. Power went out again briefly last night at Ala Moana Center at the height of the holiday shopping season. Star-Advertiser. With so many potholes to fill following the recent heavy rains on Oahu, the city has increased the number of crews patrolling the island. Hawaii News Now. Kailua-Kona resident Clement "Junior" Kanuha Jr. never lost sight of his dream to protect, preserve and recount the oral traditions of significant Big Island places. West Hawaii Today. Kyoto Obubu Tea Plantations tea farmer and president Akihiro Kita will be visiting Hilo to introduce tea lovers and aspiring tea growers to Japanese tea and tea farming. Big Island Weekly.

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Hawaii protests airport checks, Citibank to repay $1.1B student securities, Aiona mulls next election, APEC to bring tight security, Hawaiian…

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

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Hawaii protests airport checks, Citibank to repay $1.1B student securities, Aiona mulls next election, APEC to bring tight security, Hawaiian…

Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle's official state portrait shows her standing in front of the Capitol building, smiling and wearing a blue suit and a yellow lei. Associated Press. Citigroup Inc. will repay all the money Hawaii lost on $1.1 billion worth of investments in student loan-backed securities, according to a settlement announced Tuesday. Associated Press. Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona said yesterday that he will decide after the 2012 elections whether to run for governor again in 2014. Star-Advertiser. It's been three weeks since James "Duke" Aiona lost to Neil Abercrombie in the governor's race. KHON2. Duke Aiona is proud of his career, saying not too many people can claim as many public service jobs. Hawaii News Now. James "Duke" Aiona says he'll be back — maybe. Associated Press. Defeated GOP gubernatorial candidate Duke Aiona said Tuesday he is eying another bid for governor in 2014. KITV4. Experts: Hawaii not involved in Korea dispute. KHON2. The escalating tension between North and South Korea is being closely monitored by Hawaii's visitor industry. Hawaii News Now. An international terrorism expert says Hawaii officials will need strong leadership and to work close with the community to keep next year's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting safe. Associated Press. Carlisle Says City Won't "Tolerate" Homelessness During APEC. Civil Beat. The Hawaii chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union is planning to distribute flyers to airline passengers explaining their rights at airport security checkpoints. Associated Press. A 74 year old Maui grandmother is among a growing number of Americans speaking out against new security procedures at our nation's airports instituted by the Transportation Security Administration. KHON2. Donald G. Horner, chairman and chief executive officer of First Hawaiian Bank, has been named chairman of the board of directors for the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB) for 2011. Hawaii Reporter. Haleakala Ranch Cattle Manager Greg Friel hopes for La Nina to develop in the eastern Pacific next year. Maui News. A native Hawaiian practices organization is suing the University of Hawaii and the state to require an environmental impact statement on the proposed management plan for a Haleakala observatory on Maui. Star-Advertiser. The battle between a traditional poi maker and the state Department of Health has escalated, with supporters of the traditional practice using a petition and even bumper stickers calling for the state to allow hand-pounded poi to be sold commercially. KITV4. It will cost 13 cents more to ship a 20 lb. bag of rice to Hawaii after new Matson container shipping rates go into effect in January. Hawaii News Now. The City Council, with five new members coming on board next year -- including one who has yet to be elected -- has organized behind Nestor Garcia as Council chairman for 2011. Star-Advertiser. KITV4 News has learned City Parks Director Lester Chang is resigning, upset about what he considers to be a “lack of support” from the new administration of Mayor Peter Carlisle. KITV4. The county Planning Commission officially accepted the resignation of Planning Director Ian Costa during its regular meeting Tuesday at the Mo‘ikeha Building. Garden Island. University of Hawaii professor Christopher J. Bae is being awarded a $1.1 million grant to research eastern Asian human evolution during prehistory. Associated Press. Two small earthquakes struck within 20 minutes and 50 miles of each other last night off the coast of Maui, shaking residents as far away as Kapolei. Star-Advertiser. An earthquake rattled Maui County residents at 6:34 p.m. Tuesday. Maui News. This year, Honolulu police are on pace to exceed the number of DUI arrests they made in 2009. Hawaii News Now. The Big Island continues to lag behind the rest of the state in its gradual economic recovery. Tribune-Herald. Patients at North Hawaii Community Hospital are more satisfied with their care than those at Kona Community Hospital, and both are much more satisfied than patients at Hilo Medical Center. West Hawaii Today. A new, more environmentally friendly VA clinic opened Monday morning in Lihu‘e, offering bigger lab facilities and more exam rooms and offices. Garden Island. Before the 40-foot Monterey Cypress could be felled Monday morning, master woodworker Ski Kwiatkowski talked to it, shared the plan and asked the tree's permission. West Hawaii Today. Several improvements to the Kaunakakai Harbor have been in the works, and the state Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), in coordination with the Department of Transportation, invites the public to attend an information meeting

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Where to Swim at a Waterfall in Oahu

Monday, October 25, 2010

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Where to Swim at a Waterfall in Oahu

As you are planning activities for your Oahu vacation, you might want to consider swimming at a waterfall for a unique experience. Waihi - Waimea Falls On Oahu, there’s not an abundance of waterfalls that the public can access. Manoa Falls is an amazing Oahu waterfall, but visitors aren’t allowed to swim there. The good news is that  Waimea Falls (also known as Waihi) in Waimea Valley offers a safe place to swim at a waterfall. Friendly lifeguards are on duty . Life vests are available for you use. A changing room and restrooms are also available here. I don’t think there’s anywhere else in Hawaii where you’ll find these safety features and facilities at a waterfall. You must pay an admission fee to get into the valley. Once you’ve paid the fee, you’ll have to walk approximately 3/4 of mile on paved paths to get to the waterfall. Besides Waimea Waterfall, there’s plenty to see in this valley that features botanical gardens and some Hawaiian history and cultural information. If you go, print the second page of  this brochure (pdf). I really wish this place did more to help guide visitors to their attractions as they offer no maps and minimal guidance once you have paid your admission. Waimea Valley is open daily from 9am – 5pm. It’s located on the North Shore of Oahu across from Waimea Beach. For more information, visit their website . Here’s a video Andy shot during our visit to Waimea Falls. (Email subscribers: click here to access the video.) For fans of the television show LOST , Waimea Falls may look familiar to you. In the earlier seasons, the plane crash survivors collected fresh water here. Kate and Sawyer also had a romantic swim here. Have you been to Waimea Falls for a swim? What did you think of your visit? 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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Where to Swim at a Waterfall in Oahu

Monday, October 25, 2010

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Where to Swim at a Waterfall in Oahu

As you are planning activities for your Oahu vacation, you might want to consider swimming at a waterfall for a unique experience. Waihi - Waimea Falls On Oahu, there’s not an abundance of waterfalls that the public can access. Manoa Falls is an amazing Oahu waterfall, but visitors aren’t allowed to swim there. The good news is that  Waimea Falls (also known as Waihi) in Waimea Valley offers a safe place to swim at a waterfall. Friendly lifeguards are on duty . Life vests are available for you use. A changing room and restrooms are also available here. I don’t think there’s anywhere else in Hawaii where you’ll find these safety features and facilities at a waterfall. You must pay an admission fee to get into the valley. Once you’ve paid the fee, you’ll have to walk approximately 3/4 of mile on paved paths to get to the waterfall. Besides Waimea Waterfall, there’s plenty to see in this valley that features botanical gardens and some Hawaiian history and cultural information. If you go, print the second page of  this brochure (pdf). I really wish this place did more to help guide visitors to their attractions as they offer no maps and minimal guidance once you have paid your admission. Waimea Valley is open daily from 9am – 5pm. It’s located on the North Shore of Oahu across from Waimea Beach. For more information, visit their website . Here’s a video Andy shot during our visit to Waimea Falls. (Email subscribers: click here to access the video.) For fans of the television show LOST , Waimea Falls may look familiar to you. In the earlier seasons, the plane crash survivors collected fresh water here. Kate and Sawyer also had a romantic swim here. Have you been to Waimea Falls for a swim? What did you think of your visit? 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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Visit Polynesian Cultural Center’s Haunted Lagoon For A Spooky Fun Time

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

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Visit Polynesian Cultural Center’s Haunted Lagoon For A Spooky Fun Time

During the day, visitors to the Polynesian Cultural Center take pleasant canoe rides through Polynesian villages. As the canoes float along the smooth river, visitors hear the sounds of Tongan drums and Polynesian songs while taking in the interesting sights like the Fijian temple show in the photo on the right. It’s a very safe and happy scene. As night falls in October, canoes navigate through dramatically different sights and sounds. A haunted lagoon comes to life. Darkness evokes the creatures and ghosts of the lagoon. Along the bank of the lagoon, tortured souls scream in a struggle to escape. The story of this haunted lagoon is that Laie Lady wanders the lagoon in search of her lost son to keep her company, but any guest will do. (Gulp!) She appears dressed in white as she skims on top of the lagoon’s water in search of a friend. The Laie Lady longs for company. (Photo courtesy of the PCC) As our canoe navigated these spooky waters, we would narrowly escape creatures popping up from the water, reaching from the river bank and dropping within inches of our heads from the bridges. Each bend of the river exposed a new scene of ghosts and goblins. We were on high alert looking around us futilely trying to anticipate the next surprise. I won’t give away any secrets or spoil your surprise when you go for this spooky fun time. I screamed. I told monsters to get away. I braced myself for a fright and I still screamed. All sorts of creatures emerge from the haunted lagoon. (Photo courtesy of the PCC) Even though this haunted lagoon has its scary moments, I know we laughed just many times. I’ve been to some pretty gory haunted houses in my younger years – ones where I latch onto strangers begging them to protect me. I was glad that this haunted lagoon at the Polynesian Cultural Center wasn’t nearly as disgusting and frightening as those experiences. I would describe it as family-friendly. There were two kids on our canoe ride that seemed to have a great time. At the end of the ride one of them proudly proclaimed that he didn’t get scared. His mom quickly called him out by asking him why he was closing his eyes and covering his head. If you enjoy a good fright, sit on the side of the canoe or in the front or back. If you are a chicken like me, sit in the center of the canoe. The Haunted Lagoon runs most nights in October. See the schedule here . I estimated that the lagoon ride lasted about 30 minutes in total. Adult tickets start at $25 for non-Hawaii residents and $20.50 for children . See this link for all ticket options, including a “fast pass” that significantly reduces your wait time. As Hawaii’s largest Halloween attraction, the Haunted Lagoon is very popular with local residents, so you should try to book your tickets early. Mahalo to the Polynesian Cultural Center for hosting us on this spooky fun time! © 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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Visit Polynesian Cultural Center’s Haunted Lagoon For A Spooky Fun Time

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

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Visit Polynesian Cultural Center’s Haunted Lagoon For A Spooky Fun Time

During the day, visitors to the Polynesian Cultural Center take pleasant canoe rides through Polynesian villages. As the canoes float along the smooth river, visitors hear the sounds of Tongan drums and Polynesian songs while taking in the interesting sights like the Fijian temple show in the photo on the right. It’s a very safe and happy scene. As night falls in October, canoes navigate through dramatically different sights and sounds. A haunted lagoon comes to life. Darkness evokes the creatures and ghosts of the lagoon. Along the bank of the lagoon, tortured souls scream in a struggle to escape. The story of this haunted lagoon is that Laie Lady wanders the lagoon in search of her lost son to keep her company, but any guest will do. (Gulp!) She appears dressed in white as she skims on top of the lagoon’s water in search of a friend. The Laie Lady longs for company. (Photo courtesy of the PCC) As our canoe navigated these spooky waters, we would narrowly escape creatures popping up from the water, reaching from the river bank and dropping within inches of our heads from the bridges. Each bend of the river exposed a new scene of ghosts and goblins. We were on high alert looking around us futilely trying to anticipate the next surprise. I won’t give away any secrets or spoil your surprise when you go for this spooky fun time. I screamed. I told monsters to get away. I braced myself for a fright and I still screamed. All sorts of creatures emerge from the haunted lagoon. (Photo courtesy of the PCC) Even though this haunted lagoon has its scary moments, I know we laughed just many times. I’ve been to some pretty gory haunted houses in my younger years – ones where I latch onto strangers begging them to protect me. I was glad that this haunted lagoon at the Polynesian Cultural Center wasn’t nearly as disgusting and frightening as those experiences. I would describe it as family-friendly. There were two kids on our canoe ride that seemed to have a great time. At the end of the ride one of them proudly proclaimed that he didn’t get scared. His mom quickly called him out by asking him why he was closing his eyes and covering his head. If you enjoy a good fright, sit on the side of the canoe or in the front or back. If you are a chicken like me, sit in the center of the canoe. The Haunted Lagoon runs most nights in October. See the schedule here . I estimated that the lagoon ride lasted about 30 minutes in total. Adult tickets start at $25 for non-Hawaii residents and $20.50 for children . See this link for all ticket options, including a “fast pass” that significantly reduces your wait time. As Hawaii’s largest Halloween attraction, the Haunted Lagoon is very popular with local residents, so you should try to book your tickets early. Mahalo to the Polynesian Cultural Center for hosting us on this spooky fun time! © 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 Vacation Deals & News: September 9, 2010

Thursday, September 9, 2010

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Hawaii Vacation Deals & News: September 9, 2010

Let’s take a seat under this umbrella at Lanai’s Hulopoe Beach while we read today’s deals and news. * Congratulations to Evelyn of Homespun Honolulu for creating the blog Carnival of Aloha that’s just reached its three-year milestone! * Summer’s not officially over, but it is time to start planning your trip to Hawaii if you are going for Christmas and/or New Years. Hawaii’s Hapuna Prince Resort is offering a rare selection of Holiday Specials valid for stays between December 23rd and January 2nd. * Need some spa pampering when you visit Oahu? Mandara Spa at Hilton is offering a deal of a 25-minute massage, 25-minute facial, and 25-minute foot treatment all for just $129++. See the coupon listed under “Health & Beauty” section of Bank of Hawaii’s coupons . The offer is valid to November 1st. * The Polynesian Cultural Center’s popular Haunted Lagoon is gearing up for this coming October. Be advised that the Haunted Lagoon is not for the faint of heart, so the PCC also offers milder “keiki canoes” for family members of all ages. Aboard each keiki canoe is a “lost warrior” who carries a mystical light staff that repels monsters or creatures, including the ghostly Laie Lady.The Haunted Lagoon will run from October 1st to 23rd, with canoes departing periodically beginning at 6:30 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. From October 25th to 30th, canoes will run Monday through Saturday (closed on Halloween). See this link for more information. © 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 wins Race to the Top money, Maui aquarium collecting law expected today, Bar Association likes Recktenwald, Aiona trails in polls, more state…

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

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Hawaii wins Race to the Top money, Maui aquarium collecting law expected today, Bar Association likes Recktenwald, Aiona trails in polls, more state…

The U.S. Education Department said Tuesday that nine states and the District of Columbia will get money to reform schools in the second round of the $4.35 billion "Race to the Top" grant competition. Associated Press. The U.S. Education Department says Hawaii is among nine states and the District of Columbia will receive money in the second round of the $4.35 billion "Race to the Top" school reform grant competition. Star-Advertiser. The latest unemployment figures show Hawaii is experiencing steady improvement, state Director of Labor and Industrial Relations Pearl Imada Iboshi said. KITV. Residents of Hawaii had to work for 231 days to pay off their share of the burden of government in 2010. Hawaii Reporter. A federal court lawsuit aims to help legal migrants from Micronesia, the Marshall Islands and Palau regain benefits lost under a new state health plan. Associated Press. New cuts to medical benefits for low-income residents based on nationality amount to discrimination, according to a federal class action lawsuit filed Monday against the state of Hawaii on behalf of disabled Micronesians. Civil Beat. Last week, Native Hawaiians of the Friendly Isle gave thanks and heard about the future of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) during its annual “Share Mana`o: OHA in Your Neighborhood” community meeting. Molokai Dispatch. A speaker at a meeting of the Conservative Forum for Hawaii riled supporters of the Hawaiian sovereignty movement, although he never actually shared his thoughts or research on the subject. Tribune-Herald. The Army says a wildfire has burned 2,000 acres at Pohakuloa Training Area on the Big Island. Star-Advertiser. Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mufi Hannemann yesterday slammed scathing criticism from former U.S. Rep. Ed Case, who endorsed Hannemann's chief rival, Neil Abercrombie, over the weekend. Star-Advertiser. Former U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie and former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann might be knotted in the Democratic primary for governor, but both Democrats hold double-digit advantages over Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona, the leading Republican, in hypothetical matchups for the November general election, a new Hawaii Poll has found. Star-Advertiser. Be they Democratic, Republican or independent voters, Peter Carlisle appears to have support from all three camps heading into the final weeks of the special election for Honolulu mayor. Star-Advertiser. Even the president of the League of Women Voters of Hawaii isn't sure where her polling place is this year. Associated Press. The Hawaii State Bar Association board of directors voted yesterday to find Associate Justice Mark Recktenwald qualified to be the next state chief justice. Star-Advertiser. Honolulu on Monday agreed to dispose of 20,000 tons worth of gigantic piles of shrink-wrapped garbage that have been moldering in the heat of a Hawaii industrial park where it had been waiting for more than five months for a possible shipment to Washington state. Associated Press. The city has scrapped its plan to ship trash to the mainland, and bales of plastic-wrapped garbage once destined to take a 2,600-mile boat ride to Washington state will now be trucked less than a mile to the HPOWER incinerator. Star-Advertiser. Maui County is poised to pass an ordinance today that would make it the first Hawaii county to require permits and reports for the capture of aquarium fish from local reefs. Civil Beat. The spirit of volunteerism, generosity and a can-do attitude was evident Sunday at Old Kona Airport Park and Kohanaiki, where roughly 45 soldiers from Schofield Barracks participated in various community service projects. West Hawaii Today. What was first built as a sanitarium for tuberculosis patients has over a century evolved into a country hospital with a tightknit staff that cares for Maui's elderly on the quiet hillsides of Haleakala. Maui News. Every year the Kaua‘i County Farm Bureau Fair grows a little bigger. Garden Island. The State Department of Agriculture's Plant Pest Control Branch has been studying the Madagascar Ragwort, also known as fireweed, for years. KHON2. University of Hawaii scientists have joined colleagues at the Smithsonian Institution in creating the first frozen bank for Hawaiian corals in an attempt to protect them from extinction. Star-Advertiser. Seven projects have been approved for Legacy Land Conservation Program funding. Associated Press. The federal government is seeking comments from the public on its management of the Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge. Associated Press. Plans are in the works to help the Oahu homeowners whose property taxes recently quadrupled because of zoning changes. KHON2. Craig Smallwood says NCSoft was negligent because it knew the game Lineage II would cause addiction. KHON2.

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