Hula Planet:What To Do In Hawaii

More military might, politics and dirty tricks, Filipinos love Abercrombie, more island news

Delegations representing indigenous people from around the world were taken from Hawaii's voyaging canoes yesterday morning and paddled to the shores of Kualoa in a welcoming ceremony unlike any other seen at previous Healing Our Spirit Worldwide conferences. Star-Advertiser. A celebration ceremony Sunday shared cultures from around the world. KHON2. The Pentagon is planning a $278 million program to increase missile testing on Kauai that would improve the protection of Europe from ballistic missiles from countries such as Iran, and provide an additional element of defense for Hawaii from North Korean threats, officials said. Star-Advertiser. The Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies has broken ground on a new wing. Associated Press. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service plans to spend $1.4 million cleaning up lead paint on former Midway Atoll military buildings that have been poisoning Laysan albatross birds there. Associated Press. Honolulu-based Hawaii Oceanic Technology Inc. has withdrawn its permit application for a 12-cage submerged ahi farm offshore of Malae Point, North Kohala, and plans to seek permission for just one cage instead. West Hawaii Today. Kaua‘i’s beaches and surfbreaks are usually clean. Some are cleaner than others. Garden Island. Despite the rhetorical fireworks between gubernatorial candidates Neil Abercrombie and Mufi Hannemann, the longtime Hawai‘i Democrats appear to be more ideologically alike than they let on to be. Associated Press. According to the Hawaii Filipino Chronicle’s (HFC) recent Primary Election poll, former U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie holds a commanding lead over former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann in the race for governor among registered Filipino voters, 45.2 percent to 13.7 percent. Filipino Chronicle. The Hawaii Venture Capital Association said it is outraged that another organization using a very similar name on Thursday endorsed Mufi Hannemann for governor when the HVA two months ago endorsed Neil Abercrombie. KITV. When a political endorsement doesn’t go your way, why not just start a new group with almost the same name and have it endorse you so people think that the group you wanted to be endorsed by actually endorsed you in the first place. Hawaii Reporter. The two major Democratic candidates for governor are set to participate in a debate sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii and the Hawaii Medical Assurance Association. Associated Press. Democratic gubernatorial candidate Neil Abercrombie is accusing the campaign of his rival, Mufi Hannemann, of using religion to divide voters and attack his character. Associated Press. Civil Beat sent the three leading candidates for Honolulu mayor the same questionnaire. Civil Beat. The two leading candidates for Honolulu mayor are running television ads that look and sound pretty similar. KITV. It was not a typical Maui County mayoral forum Friday night at the Iao Theater. Maui News. The Garden Island asked the Kaua‘i candidates running for mayor, Kaua‘i County Council, state Senate and state House of Representatives to respond to three general questions about their decision to seek elected office. Garden Island. More than half of the traffic deaths on the Big Island have been blamed on drunken driving over most of the last decade, according to a study released by the North Hawaii Outcomes Project. KITV. Impaired driving has killed more Big Island motorists than any other cause, according to a recent report aimed at drawing attention to DUI deaths. Tribune-Herald. Honolulu Police are stepping up enforcement to keep drunk drivers off the road. KHON2. The owner's representative of the 670-acre Honua'ula development in South Maui asked members of the public and Maui County Council on Thursday to take a close look at the project's voluminous cultural resources preservation plan - a condition for its construction - before making any more judgments. Maui News. West Maui lawmakers announced that the long-awaited Lahaina Harbor Improvement Project has been successfully awarded and finalized. Lahaina News. Take a walk down Manako Lane in Kaunakakai on any given weekday and you will notice an unassuming green house nestled in the corner, buzzing with traffic. Several days a week, mental health patients gather at this spot – known as the clubhouse – which they describe as a place of solace and understanding. Molokai Dispatch.

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Stamp ceremony on the volcano, Recktenwald slides in, Obama birth certificate ‘irrelevant’ in military case, new tourism chief named, more

The last in a series of 12 Nature of America stamps was unveiled Wednesday at the site of its inspiration, in a first-day-of-issue ceremony attended by federal, state and county officials. West Hawaii Today. More than 200 people gathered Wednesday to celebrate the release of a new collection of 10 stamps created by Hilo artist John D. Dawson. Tribune-Herald. Hawaii is 47th in the nation, when it comes to highway conditions, according to a study released today by Los Angeles-based think tank Reason Foundation. Star-Advertiser. A new study released today says the rail transit program could bring in thousands of jobs. KHON2. Agents say they've cracked the largest human trafficking case ever charged in U.S. history. Hawaii News Now. Six labor recruiters have been accused of luring 400 farm workers to Hawaii from Thailand and mistreating them in what the FBI said is the largest human trafficking case ever charged in U.S. history. KITV The application to build a Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea is a good one, the Mauna Kea Management Board decided Wednesday at the University of Hawaii at Hilo campus. Tribune-Herald. Kaua‘i plans to limit lighting at public facilities as much as possible to protect endangered seabirds. Garden Island. A ceremony aboard the USS Missouri marks 65 years since Japan's surrender ended the war. Star-Advertiser

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Pampering in Paradise at Kauai’s Anara Spa

Garden Spa Treatment Hale Anara Spa’s setting is amazingly blissful. Stone paths lead you past tropical gardens filled with blooming ginger, palms, ferns, and plumeria. Your mind is put at ease by the sounds of waterfalls cascading over lava rock walls and tropical birds. You’ll enjoy sipping fruit-infused, chilled water while waiting reclining in an open-air, thatched roof hale (bungalow) before your spa treatment. It’s fantastic! A dreamy and sighful “aahhh” comes to mind when I recall my recent experience at Anara Spa. I loved it! If you are looking for a special spa experience on your Kauai vacation, I highly recommend you check out Anara Spa. Anara Spa offers a wide range of spa treatments from massages and body treatments to facials. Treatments are offered either in “indoor-outdoor” rooms with a little bit of an open-air element or in the garden spa area with thatched roof hales. I opted for the 50-minute Hawaiian Lomi Lomi Massage in an outdoor private hale ($160). The massage was excellent. Before your spa treatment, you can take advantage of the spa’s unique amenities spread across this 45,000 square foot spa. The spa offers a lap pool, whirlpools, outdoor lava rock wall showers (see my iphone photo ) , soaking tubs, sauna, and steam room. They even have a 12-head shower that’s fun to try. It’s like being in a car wash. After my visit to Anara, I told my husband, Andy, that I’ve probably never been cleaner in my life with all the different showers I tried. I loved soaking in the sounds and garden scenery at this Relaxation Hale Some spas have snooty staff, but you won’t find that at Anara Spa. Anara’s staff is very helpful and welcoming. I was warmly greeting when I arrived and led to the women’s locker area, where I was given an orientation to the spa and facilities. What to know when you go – Review Anara Spa’s website which describes their spa services and prices. Anara Spa is located at the beautiful Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort in Poipu (Koloa) at 1571 Poipu Road. If you are not a guest of the hotel, you can self park in a large parking lot on the left near the entrance of the resort. Valet service is also available. Aim to arrive at least 30 minutes before your appointment to take advantage of the steam room, sauna, whirlpool, lap pool, showers, etc. I thoroughly enjoyed the Relaxation Hale, so make sure you leave time for that. Bring a swimsuit if you’d like to take advantage of the lap pool, whirlpools, etc. Want a deal at Anara Spa? Who doesn’t! Check the Grand Hyatt Kauai twitter stream or their facebook page for the latest spa deals. Have you been to Anara Spa? How was your experience? Photo Credit: Anara Spa at Grand Hyatt Kauai © 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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Your Take: Why You Love Oahu

Windward Oahu is a peaceful contrast to lively Waikiki. A few weeks ago, I asked the Go Visit Hawaii facebook community why they like Oahu.  As I read each comment, I must have been nodding my head in agreement.  I also felt the urge to book a ticket to Oahu ASAP. That’s just a warning for you before you start reading them. From your thoughts on Oahu,  I think we can all agree that there’s bunches to love about Oahu. Bunches! The community’s responses were too good not to share, so here’s a sampling: Clarice says, “My memories of Oahu span 35 years beginning with a second honeymoon on a “zero” budget. We stayed in a wonderful inn blocks from the beach for $7 a day and lived on Guava juice and plate lunches. On later trips we stayed at more upscale hotels, including Hilton Hawaiian Village but it was always the magic of the beach , the joy and hospitality of the people and diversity of the island –from surfing on the North Shore to the cultural center and rides over the Pali –that kept us coming back. Quite simply, there is no place on earth that feels as rich with happiness and spiritual awe as Oahu .” Folks who haven’t experienced Oahu yet, already love it. Steve shared this:  “I love Oahu because it’s always been my and my wife’s dream to go . We always look at the travel books and online and imagine how great it is. Now we are planning to go next year for our 30th anniversary so we can experience it finally for ourselves.” Jennifer is also planning her Oahu visit next year. She says, “I can’t wait to visit Oahu next April –I’m already in love with the island – it’s blend of historical and modern , glorious beaches and pali, and warmth of spirit and sky —-April can’t come soon enough” Even our taste buds love Oahu. Janet  tells us. “I love Oahu because of the North Shore waves in winter and Teds Bakery !” Waikiki lights up with romance after the sunset. Tom also reminds us of the tasty Oahu treats and more. “Great place to visit all around! Wonderful beaches, great restaurants, shrimp @ Giovannis on the North Shore, Haleiwa Shave Ice and good shopping too!” Aloha Kilikina explains that she lives in two states simultaneously. “ My heart lives on Oahu … my body just resides in Pennsylvania. I believe that Oahu is the most understated of the Hawaiian Islands. So many people will “skip” over this beautiful island when visiting. They say “Oh, it’s like a city, it’s too crowded!” And I tell them; to compare the whole island of Oahu to Waikiki and/or Honolulu is like comparing the entire state of New York to just the City. It’s not fair to do so. Oahu has it all. It has the nightlife , the shopping and people-watching of a busy beach resort area … but a quick drive to the windward coast will offer you vistas to take your breath away . Oahu offers some of the best swimmable beaches the islands have to offer . I’ve been going to Oahu for about 20 years now… and I still haven’t seen or done it all. Oahu is home to me. Teresa reminds us that life is short and that Oahu will make you fall in love. “From the time i was a child i always wanted to go to OAHU. As our 20th anniv. approached they thought i had breast cancer. After 3 months they determined it was not. So , I emptied my change bottle and booked a 8 day 7 night trip to OAHU, best trip ever taken. Fell in love twice on that trip , first fell in love with my husband all over again , then the Beautiful Paradise Island of OAHU . It felt like we had arrived home at last there!!!!!” By the way, Teresa was the randomly selected winner of the framed print giveaway . Susie describes how Oahu suits so many. “ Oahu has action, it has tranquility, it has whatever you want in a lush tropical setting . There is a feeling there hard to describe, but understood by everyone that goes there. I cried when I left after my first trip there.” I bet Susie isn’t the only person who has cried when leaving Oahu. A hike to Manoa Falls is a fun Oahu adventure. I think Nicole succinctly summed up Oahu with her comment. “ ANYONE can find something for them on Oahu . It has everything: beaches , a big city , the country , gorgeous scenery and did I mention the beaches.” I hope you enjoyed reading these thoughts on why Oahu is so lovable. If you didn’t have a chance to share your love of Oahu earlier, please comment. The more the merrier. © 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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Kauai football schedule for the birds, electric coop pays $11M for bird mitigation, state raids e911 funds to plug budget, Hawaii County plagued by…

A research ship is due to return from a voyage to the marine monument in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Associated Press. Shark tour operators who were cited for allegedly chumming off the North Shore say they will challenge the law. KITV. It turns out the whale that tried to beach itself off Maui earlier this week is an extremely rare species.

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Keeping the culture, lots of complaints about Honolulu, dollar favors Japanese visitors, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

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Kaanapali, Maui Vacation 3 Nights $868

Kaanapali, Maui Travel Deals Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa 3 Nights From $868 pp,do Promo Code:PLWS Kaanapali, Maui Vacation Includes daily buffet breakfast for 2 Adults & 2 Kids PLUS Kids 17 & younger stay FREE. Call 1-800-330-8820 to book your Kaanapali, Maui Vacation or click here for reservations . Special subject to change without notice. Certain restrictions apply. Not responsible for errors or omissions.Valid for travel 10/1/10-11/15/10, please call for other travel dates. Airfare from LAX. TravelWizard.com: Specialists in the Art of Travel: Call 1-800-330-8820

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Plantations put to use, cooling Waikiki, ed board debated, early kindergarten pau, political debates continue, more Hawaii news

Dirt is flying on fallow plantation lands for the first time in 15 years, as Mayor Billy Kenoi's administration digs out old roads and prepares to lay fencing for an innovative community project. West Hawaii Today. Two years into the county's legal battle with Molokai Properties over who should manage utilities set up by the now-defunct Molokai Ranch, county officials estimate that the parties have spent well over $1 million in legal fees, which could go even higher if a settlement isn't reached before a planned October trial. Maui News. Hotel owners in Waikiki are looking at the possibility of using cold sea water to air-condition their buildings in a move that could substantially cut electricity costs and help the tourism industry market the famed resort area as a green destination. Star-Advertiser. The federal government has turned to a 130-year-old Hawaii sugar grower for help in powering the Navy and weaning the nation off a heavy reliance on fossil fuels. Associated Press. For years, the Molokai branch of the Maui Invasive Species Committee, otherwise known as MoMISC, has battled stubborn invasive species with science and technology. Molokai Dispatch. Parents, school officials, students, business leaders and even a current school board member used their Sunday morning to urge voters to replace an elected Board of Education with one appointed by Hawaii's governor. Star-Advertiser. Students, parents, and community leaders of Hawaii's Children First gathered today to urge voters to pass a ballot initiative to get rid of electing members to the Board of Education. KHON2. The state Department of Education continues its quest to obtain a federal "Race to the Top" school reform grant this week. Associated Press. A new law will end junior kindergarten in public schools in 2013 but could be the catalyst for the creation of a state-funded universal preschool program. Star-Advertiser. The fate of several Hawaii schools lies in the hands of Board of Education members. The Board will hear recommendations on Keanae Elementary, on Maui. Hawaii News Now. Leaders of a couple of environmental watchdog groups said this week that they would keep an eye on the U.S. Navy's plans to conduct military readiness training and testing in Hawaiian waters as well as off the coast of Southern California. Maui News. The dollars rolling into the two Democratic candidates for governor are big. Civil Beat. If the statewide polls are right, it’s anybody’s guess who is going to represent the Democratic Party against the top Republican challenger in the Nov. 2 general election. Garden Island. Former Honolulu Mayor and Democratic candidate for Hawai‘i governor Mufi Hannemann says he would start fixing the state’s economy on his first day in office. Garden Island. The night Bob Jacobson lost his 6th District council seat to Guy Enriques, he had a ready explanation. Tribune-Herald. Three of the four candidates for Honolulu mayor will debate before business leaders this week. Hawaii News Now. The state Department of Transportation (DOT) is holding its second round of statewide public informational meetings to discuss and solicit comments on the fiscally constrained Draft Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) for Fiscal Years 2011-14 (+2).

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Case buys into Maui Land & Pineapple, Senate to consider chief justice pick, Oahu fireworks ban advances, fish ban proposed, more news from all…

Legislation banning tropical fish collecting in Hawaii waters will be introduced in January by state Sen. Josh Green, who said he is planning to write and submit "a simple bill" on the controversial issue. West Hawaii Today. A mysterious disease is killing striped and porcupine puffer fish. Molokai Dispatch. The state Senate Judiciary Committee voted yesterday against recommending appeals Judge Katherine Leonard as Hawaii's next chief justice, leaving her with an uphill fight to win confirmation when the Senate considers her nomination today. Star-Advertiser. Katherine Leonard needs 12 out of 23 votes to become Hawaii's next chief justice. Civil Beat. A Honolulu district judge's appointment to the Circuit Court bench was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee yesterday, even though the nominee was rated "unqualified" by the Hawaii State Bar Association. Star-Advertiser. The state Senate Judiciary Committee has approved judicial nominations submitted by Gov. Linda Lingle and state Supreme Court Chief Justice Ronald Moon. Associated Press. The Hawaii County prosecutor's office agreed yesterday to dismiss a trespassing charge against a census worker who had been arrested after a Puna resident refused to participate in the survey. Star-Advertiser. There are many reasons why people from all over the world are drawn to the offshore areas of the privately owned island of Ni‘ihau. Garden Island. A final vote on an islandwide consumer fireworks ban will be taken by the City Council on Aug. 18, even with the fate of the bill uncertain. Star-Advertiser. The two Democratic rivals for governor are continuing to spar over political ads they are airing as the likely Republican nominee touts assistance he's getting from GOP governors on the mainland. Associated Press. The two Democratic rivals for governor yesterday sparred over their political ads as the likely Republican nominee touted the assistance he's getting from GOP governors on the mainland. Associated Press. The leading Democratic candidates for governor faced off in a debate on Kaua'i Thursday night. KITV. AOL co-founder Steve Case has significantly expanded his stake in Maui Land & Pineapple Co., buying additional stock that increases his ownership to 62.8 percent of the company. Maui News. (photo by Robert Scoble ) Members of Hawaii's voyaging community are sailing around the state in honor of the late master navigator Mau Piailug. Associated Press. The Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa recently unveiled a brand new high-tech telescope for its “Tour of the Stars” experience. Lahaina News. Expect some possible delays on the roads Friday. Huge wind turbines will be heading to their final destination in Kahuku for a new windfarm. Hawaii News Now. The group tasked with coordinating next year's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference in Hawaii has a new leader. Associated Press. A Hansen's disease patient pleaded guilty Thursday afternoon to trying to smuggle crystal methamphetamine to the leprosy settlement at Kalaupapa, Molokai. KITV. A former Honolulu Police Department recruit is suing the city, a high-ranking HPD commander and several other HPD officials. KHON2. When students check into their dorms at the University of Hawaii at Manoa this fall they'll notice an upgrade. KHON2. The University of Hawaii in Hilo is getting a big amount of money. The estate of the late Howard and Yoneko Droste, left the school $810,000. Hawaii News Now. Maile David's name is on the Sept. 18 ballot for County Council District 6. But whether she gets to remain a candidate is up to a court. West Hawaii Today. When one of the wettest spots in the world receives only around three-fourths the rainfall it normally receives, Kaua‘i like the rest of the state finds itself in drought conditions. Garden Island. Brian Kajikawa, the controversial head of Hawaii County's Building Division, has been sent to another department, delighting at least one of his critics. Tribune-Herald.

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50 Facts About Hawaii

This time last year, I was knee-deep into a Hawaii fact finding mission. To celebrate Hawaii’s 50th anniversary as the 50th US state, I published 50 interesting facts about the Aloha State. It was a fun learning experience. Since it’s a year later, and we could all use a refresher, I took the time to gather all 50 facts into one convenient spot. So, study these today as there will be a pop quiz tomorrow. 1:  The First Commercial Flights To Hawaii 2:  When the Flag with the 50th Star First Flew 3:  Hawaii Time 4:  Hawaii’s Population Ranks 42nd In the US 5:  Hawaii’s Diverse Population 6:  Hawaii Has 5 Counties 7: Is Hawaii the Smallest State? 8:  Hawaii’s Fishes Are Unique 9:  The First Seeds of Hawaii’s Statehood 10: Hawaii’s State Flag 11: Hawaii’s Diverse Climates 12: Hawaii is Home to the World’s Tallest Mountains 13: The Dance Developed in Hawaii 14: Another Name for the Hawaiian Islands 15: No Billboards in the 50th State 16: Island Nicknames 17: Hawaii is Home to the Smallest US County 18: How Big is Hawaii’s Big Island? 19: Hawaii Loves Spam 20: The Hawaiian Alphabet 21: Hawaii’s Northwestern & Southeastern Islands 22: Hawaii Was First United Under King Kamehameha 23: Hawaii’s Average Water Temperature 24: Hawaii’s Endemic Happy Face Spider 25: America’s Only Royal Residence 26: Hawaii’s State Flower 27: Historic Pacific Cable Speeds Communication To/From Hawaii 28: How Many People Visit Hawaii Each Year? 29: Hawaii is Home to the Earth’s Wettest Spot 30: Where WW II Began & Ended in the Same Spot 31: Ka Lae is Hawaii’s & the US’s Southernmost Point 32: Hawaii’s State Capitol Building 33. The Paniolo, Hawaii’s Cowboy 34: Hawaii Daylight Hours Don’t Vary Much 35: Hawaii’s State Bird, the Nene 36: Kauai’s Historic Kilauea Point 37: World’s Tallest Sea Cliffs 38: Hawaii Really IS Far Away From It All 39: Hawaii Grows Goodness 40: Hawaii’s Total Coastline 41: Hawaii’s State Fish 42: Hawaii’s Beaches Are Free 43: Unique Guitar Sounds Invented in Hawaii 44: Hawaii Is a Hotbed for Astronomy 45: Hawaii Is Home to the World’s Most Active Volcano 46: Hawaii Offers a Warm Welcome Year-Round 47: No Scary Snakes In Hawaii 48: Hawaii Holidays 49: Hawaii’s Winter Guests – Humpback Whales 50: Hawaii’s State Motto Okay, there’s not really going to be a pop quiz. © 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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