Tag Archive | "tour"
Will they raise the GET or won’t they? Gubernatorial candidates unclear, Mighty Mo closes for movie, more news
Film crews from the Universal Pictures movie "Battleship" have taken over the state's resident dreadnought, the Mighty Mo, forcing the Battleship Missouri Memorial Association to close the popular tourist attraction to the public for several days. Star-Advertiser. Hawaii's Democratic candidates for governor differed Tuesday on raising taxes, with Neil Abercrombie opposing a hike in the general excise tax "without equivocation" and Mufi Hannemann saying such an increase wouldn't be considered "initially." Associated Press. Former U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie and former Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann, the two leading Democratic candidates for governor, said yesterday that they would not raise the general excise tax to help stabilize the state's budget. Star-Advertiser. The two leading Democratic candidates for Hawaii governor were asked at a candidates' forum on Tuesday whether they would raise the state's general excise tax. KITV. The leading Democratic candidates for Governor traded barbs over business issues at a debate today. KHON2. I like candidate “debates”, even though the definition of that term has been totally bastardized since the days when I participated in the National Forensic Society version when I was in high school and college. Hawaii Reporter. Concerns are growing over this month's voter turnout as state elections officials continue to spread the word that there will be 97 fewer polling places across the islands for this year's elections. Star-Advertiser. Associate Justice Mark Recktenwald will be sworn in as the state’s fifth justice at 4 p.m.
Continue reading...Giveaway Alert: Creating the Perfect Hawaii Vacation Playlist
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
As you’re touring along on a scenic drive in Hawaii, you can enhance the experience with some excellent Hawaii tunes to accompany the view. So, let’s create the perfect Hawaii vacation playlist. I need your help, so please comment to share your favorite song(s) from or about Hawaii. If you know the artist’s name, please add that as well. I’ll be giving away a a copy of Facing Future to one lucky commenter from here on the blog. I’ll also be giving away another CD from our facebook community , too. So, you can increase your chances of winning by commenting in both places, if you wish. I’m planning a visit to Oahu this Fall. So, I can’t wait to tour the island while listening to our perfect playlist.
Continue reading...State seeks presidential library, busy week for governor’s race, signs and trash targeted in Honolulu, Maui foreclosure picture not pretty, more news…
Monday, August 30, 2010
Hawaii has an early lead in pitching the islands as the future home of President Barack Obama's library, museum and think tank, but yet another Illinois-Hawaii smack-down is brewing over where it will actually end up. Star-Advertiser. No Public Accountability for Rail PR Contracts. Civil Beat. Less than three weeks remain before the state's primary election and voters are likely to hear and see a lot more of the two Democratic candidates for governor. Associated Press State Showdown: Abercrombie and Hannemann debate Monday August 30. Hawaii News Now. High-profile Democratic primary contests in Hawaii tend to be vicious intraparty wars, and the race for governor is following that predictable script. Tribune-Herald. Neil Abercrombie says on his campaign website that his record is proof of "a boundless commitment to serve others with integrity, honesty and humility." Tribune-Herald. Mufi Hannemann's record is all over the map. His career is a feat of political mountain climbing (with several slips) that took him from humble roots in Kalihi Valley to Harvard University, the White House, Na'alehu, Honolulu Hale and now, he hopes, Washington Place. Tribune-Herald. Republican gubernatorial candidate James "Duke" Aiona told supporters Saturday evening in Kailua-Kona to question the promises his Democratic counterparts have made to not raise taxes. West Hawaii Today. The tight primary race between Democratic gubernatorial candidates Mufi Hannemann and Neil Abercrombie is coming to an end in three weeks. Garden Island. The Waipio Little League All-Stars fly home to Honolulu this afternoon one heartbreaking win short of the title of World Series champs, but they have still stirred the dreams of players like 10-year-old Logan Yee, who hung on every pitch yesterday. Star-Advertiser. Governor Linda Lingle has asked the public to assist in offsetting some of the costs for the players and their families by making a monetary donation. KHON2. U.S. Navy training exercises in waters around Hawaii and across the Pacific would be the same kinds of activities that have been under way for decades, including sonar training and the use of explosives under water, Navy officials said last week. Maui News. Explosives Testing At Kaneohe Marine Corps Base KITV. The four major candidates for Honolulu mayor say they support restrictions on campaign signs, according to The Outdoor Circle. Star-Advertiser. Two lawyers and an engineer are the leading candidates for the top position at City Hall. Each of the three—Kirk Caldwell, Peter Carlisle and Panos Prevedouros —bring substantial experience, expertise and their respective visions of the future for Honolulu. Filipino Chronicle Acting Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell will sign into a law tomorrow morning a bill aimed at cleaning up illegal bulky items on sidewalks. KHON2. A Honolulu City Council member voiced her concerns this afternoon about a recent hike in property taxes. KHON2. The Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation is awarding $3 million to the nonprofit agency Housing Solutions Inc. to help provide housing in Waianae. Associated Press . Hawaii's duck tours are looking to splash back into local waters following a summer of violent incidents. KITV. Citing problems with the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board, such as the expenditure of over $1 million for an online licensing system that is still not operational after 7 years, the 2010 Hawaii Library Reference Bureau’s report and a 2009 State Audit on the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board concurred with the recommendation of several teachers: Abolish the Board. Hawaii Reporter. The nomination of state Supreme Court Justice Mark Recktenwald to be that court's chief justice is to be decided this week. Hawaii News Now. Following a year when no police officers were terminated, the Hawaii County Police Department fired one officer in 2009 and at least one more so far this year. West Hawaii Today. The foreclosure picture for Maui is "not pretty at all" with nearly a thousand single-family homes and condominiums currently pending foreclosure - nearly double the number from a year ago - said the executive director of a non-profit housing organization Thursday. Maui News. A request by nonprofit Na Hale O Maui for $1.1 million from the county's affordable housing fund, for its program of turning foreclosed properties into affordable homes, will be reviewed Tuesday by the County Council's Budget and Finance Committee. Maui News. Kealia landowner Canpartners says Kaua‘i County is turning its back on an offer of $3 million and 16 acres of land. Garden Island. The Aloha Festivals are going on statewide now throughout the month of September. KITV.
Continue reading...Video: Na Pali Coast Sail
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
A couple of weeks ago I shared about our experience sailing the Na Pali Coast with Capt Andy . Now, here’s a video with clips from our tour. (E-mail subscribers, please click here to watch the video .) © 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...Plantations put to use, cooling Waikiki, ed board debated, early kindergarten pau, political debates continue, more Hawaii news
Monday, August 9, 2010
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).
Continue reading...A Buffet of Affordable Breakfast Options in Hawaii
Monday, August 9, 2010
Portuguese sausage, egg, cheese, lettuce and tomato breakfast sandwich plus a slice of fresh pineapple for $5.25 from Kauai's Kalapaki Beach Hut Dining at resort breakfast buffets every morning of your Hawaii vacation can quickly become a hidden cost that steals your vacation budget. Most breakfast buffets in Hawaii range from $15 to $35 per person. From my observation, the average breakfast buffet costs around $25 per person. A couple traveling to Hawaii for a week can easily spend $350 on breakfast buffets. To put that in perspective, that’s probably more that what a couple would spend on their grocery bill for an entire month at home. When it comes to buffets, there’s common mentality that you need to get your money’s worth. Well, at $25 per person, that’s a heck of a lot of breakfast calories. Returning from vacation with a larger waistline isn’t the kind of souvenir most of us want to bring home. It’s a treat to splurge on the breakfast buffet one or two days of your trip – you are on vacation, after all. Maybe you’d like to save some money to spend on a tour or a meaningful souvenir. If you’d like to save a bit of cash and calories on your breakfast in Hawaii,consider these more affordable alternatives: - Many resorts have a coffee shop on-site that also sells fruit cups, yogurt and pastries. Check to see if your resort does. - Ask if the hotel restaurant serves an ala carte breakfast menu. By ordering from the a la carte menu, you can have a nutritious and filling breakfast for a fraction of the buffet cost. - Pick up some breakfast items at the grocery store. Most resort rooms have a mini refrigerator where you can store juice, fruit, etc. - Bring granola and breakfast bars from home. - Find a restaurant that’s a favorite for locals.They know where to find the best restaurants at the best prices. Plus, you get a little insight into the local culture. (See eat where the locals eat .) - Look for hotel deals offer free daily breakfast. That sort of deal has been fairly common recently. These are strategies we’ve used to save money on breakfasts in Hawaii. What strategies have you used? © 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...Case buys into Maui Land & Pineapple, Senate to consider chief justice pick, Oahu fireworks ban advances, fish ban proposed, more news from all…
Friday, August 6, 2010
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.
Continue reading...PUC: Smart grid dumb idea, cable repair could take weeks, WWII munitions no danger yet, lawyers speak out on chief justice pick, more
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Hawaii regulators have rejected plans for a broad expansion of smart grid electric technology that would have been paid for by residents and bus- inesses. Asso- ciated Press. When it comes to repairing a severed fiber-optic cable 3,000 feet under the sea, it won't be as simple as calling the cable guy. Star-Advertiser. Internet, cable television and telephone service began returning to normal Tuesday afternoon for thousands of Oceanic Time Warner Cable customers after a break in an undersea fiber-optic cable disrupted service about 12 hours earlier. Maui News. A rare break in an undersea fiber-optic cable Tuesday morning, left around 400,000 people without Internet, phone and TV service, for 12 hours in some cases. Hawaii News Now. Oahu resident Ian Kurihara discovered early Tuesday morning he wasn't able to go online. KITV. A wind farm on Oahu's North Shore is receiving a big boost in federal funding. KHON2. Chemical weapons dumped off Pearl Harbor after World War II pose no threat to humans for now but are "clearly deteriorating" and should continue to be monitored, the lead scientist on the University of Hawaii project said Tuesday. Associated Press . They're safe for now. There's no threat to humans or the ocean so far. Hawaii News Now. The Hawaii Women Lawyers will be expressing their strong support of Gov. Linda Lingle's appoint- ment of appeals Judge Katherine Leonard as the next chief justice, a spokeswoman for the group said yesterday. Star-Advertiser. In a letter to the Hawaii Bar Association, attorney Eric Seitz calls Katherine Leonard "ill equipped and unqualified" to be Hawaii's next Chief Justice. Hawaii News Now. After failing at its first bid for federal Race to the Top funds, Hawaii has placed among 19 finalists with its second application for one of the coveted education grants. Civil Beat. A West Hawaii ranch owner says a local business owner who bought part of Hokukano Ranch is cutting down old-growth sandalwood in the upper reaches of the property. West Hawaii Today. Recreational off-road vehicles have damaged much of the terrain at Kaena Point. KHON2. A city contractor working on a 42-inch main that broke late last week in Pearl City accidentally severed the 30-inch backup force main near the 14th hole of the Ted Makalena Golf Course, causing a spill of about 108,000 gallons of sewage yesterday. Star-Advertiser. Officials posted signs warning of a sewage spill are being posted along the Pearl Harbor bike path and at Middle Loch. KITV. Hawaii County property taxes are leaving the state this year. But don't worry, say county administrators, the money will come back. West Hawaii Today. Hawaii's "Sunshine Law" is hampering the County Council and should be overturned, says North Kona Councilman Kelly Greenwell. Tribune-Herald. A forum on the topic of “In Search of Real Security for Kaua‘i” will include remarks by Congresswoman Mazie Hirono, D-2nd District. Garden Island. Local divers will be competing in a tournament targeting invasive fish. The "Westside Roi Reckoning" takes place Saturday off Kahe Point. Hawaii News Now.
Continue reading...Fields of Coffee
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Two words that are well-known bffs are Kona and coffee . Today’s fields of Hawaii photo is of a Kona coffee farm on the Big Island of Hawaii. When you visit, you can find plenty of free coffee farm tours and tastings. Kona Coast Coffee Farm Kona coffee is considered to be among the best coffees in the world. What makes it special? As the Kona Coffee Council says, Rocky volcano slopes nurture it. Sun-drenched mornings ripen it. Misty afternoons refresh it. Six hundred farmers meticulously handpick it. Though not as famous, you’ll also find coffee fields on Molokai, Kauai, and Oahu. Photo use from flickr by creative commons. © 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...Na Pali Snorkel Sail with Captain Andy’s
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Capt Andy’s tagline is “Nobody has more fun!” Well, count me in as a believer. We had a blast on their Na Pali Snorkel Adventure . What made the trip so much fun? Our captain, Captain Trent, kept us entertained and laughing most of the way. Have you ever been to a comedy show and laughed so many times you lost count, but when the show was over, you couldn’t remember a single joke? That’s what it was like being on a Capt. Andy’s adventure with Captain Trent at the helm. Capt. Trent at the helm. On previous visits to Kauai , we took an afternoon Na Pali Coast sail , so we wanted to compare that experience to the morning sail plus get an idea of the quality of snorkeling off the coast. Well, we got to experience one of those objectives. I’ll explain more in a minute. Our excursion started bright and early with a 7:15am check in at the Port Allen Marina Center in Ele’ele. (See Google Map of this area .) Luckily, the check in office/shop offered free coffee to help wake us up. From the shop, we were lead to the catamaran by our captain. Once we were on board, we given a safety briefing and then we were off on our adventure. After we moved beyond Port Allen Harbor, a continental breakfast was served. As we headed towards the Na Pali Coast, we enjoyed seeing dolphins. Though it was the official end of humpback whale watching season, we still saw some whales. Just one of the many intriguing cliff views of the Na Pali Coast. As we approached the cliffs of the Na Pali Coast, the ooo’s and aah’s began. It doesn’t matter how many times we’ve seen that coast, the scenery still catches us off guard each time. Captain Trent knew the coast very well and was able to angle the catamaran in close for the cliffs for excellent views of waterfalls, sea caves, and lava arches. We had never been that close to the cliffs from the water and it was fantastic! With our sailing adventure being at the beginning of May, we still experienced what locals would call “Winter” surf. That meant that the surf was rocky at times, and well, the crew wasn’t able to find a safe snorkeling spot. So, darn it, we’ll just have to go back on another tour to experience some Na Pali Coast snorkeling – with twisted arms, of course. As we searched for smooth water, we were able to sail away from the coast which allowed us a broader, “bigger picture” view of the coast. Once we found a smooth patch of water, a make-your-own-deli-sandwich lunch was served. The sails were raised and we enjoyed the peaceful ride and view of the coast. Na Pali Coast In total, the sailing adventure lasted 5.5 hours. Despite the the fact that we couldn’t snorkel, we still enjoyed our time. Here’s what to know when you go: The cost of the tour is $139 for adults and $99 for children. Book online 7 days (or more) before you go and receive a $10 web discount and a a free t-shirt. This discount is currently shown on this page . Wear a swimsuit and cover up. Bring sunscreen, towel, hat or visor, and sunglasses. Take proper precautions if you are prone to motion sickness. Only one kid on our trip got motion sickness at the end of our rocky ride and I think it was because he napped the entire time. Be flexible in your expectations. As we experienced, sometimes the surf doesn’t allow you to snorkel. We also experienced a mixture of clouds, rain, and sun. If possible ask to be on one of Captain Trent’s excursions. I’m not sure how the other captains compare, but we know Captain Trent was great. Have you been on one of Capt. Andy’s sailing or rafting adventures? How was your experience? © 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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Wednesday, September 8, 2010
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