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So Much More Hawaii
Dipping Into The Queens Bath in Kauai

christine

2 Jul 2009 | 9:38 pm

The following is a post from Jaunted covering Shira Lazar’s recent travels to Hawaii. The original post can be found here. West Coast web media princess, and Jaunted Embed, Shira Lazar rushed off to Hawaii for a couple days at the bequest of So Much More Hawaii. We will be bringing you her travel videos from the trip, in hopes of creating a glorious on-the-fly travel guide using as much point oh social webbing as we can. Enjoy. The Queen’s Bath in Kauai is a small freshwater pool carved out of a ...
Paragliding in Hawaii: Koko Crater

christine

20 Jun 2009 | 3:06 pm

The following is a guest post by Alex Salkever of Hawaiirama. The original post is found here. The eye-popping bright colors and high winds make Hawaii a paragliding paradise. Witness this footage shot in 2008 over Koko Crater (in Honolulu near Waikiki) on Oahu. It’s enough to make you up your deductible. Gravity Hawaii has the paragliding goods on this on Oahu. Call them up, strap in and take off tandem! About The Author Hawaiirama was launched by veteran travel journalist Alex Salkever in the summer of 2006. He’s lived in Hawaii since ...
Meet L.P. Neenz Faleafine of Pono Media

christine

20 Jun 2009 | 9:08 am

Can you give us a quick intro to yourself and your connection to Hawaii? L.P. “Neenz” Faleafine — Founder of Pono Media, Chief Evangelist for Alltop Bred, born, and raised on the island of Oahu with my two sisters and younger brother, and scores of cousins, but no partridge in a pear tree. I grew up through humble times, but my parents worked very hard to provide a good childhood for all of us. They kept us busy in school, sports and between seasons we’d spend a lot of time camping in ...
Molokai: The Friendly Isle

guest

20 Jun 2009 | 8:12 am

The following is a guest post by L.P. “Neenz” Faleafine of Pono Media. Original post can be found here. A population of more than seven thousand people on an island approximately 260 square miles continue the traditions, values, and culture that earned them the appropriate nickname, The Friendly Isle. Inhabited since 650 A.D., Molokai remains the least developed of the major Hawaiian islands. The natural beauty of Halawa Valley, the historical innovative ancient fish ponds, the seven tiny buildings that make up Church Row in Kaunakakai – Molokai is rich in ...
Think Global, Live Local

guest

20 Jun 2009 | 8:06 am

The following is a guest post by Share Your Table. The original post can be found here. Think Global, Live Local Connecting consumers to their food source SYT, The Honolulu Advertiser, Hawai‘i Seals of Quality and Whole Foods Market hosted “Think Global, Live Local” this past Saturday at Kahala Mall. The afternoon was buzzing with cooking demonstrations by Hawai‘i chefs who shared simple and delicious ways to use Hawai‘i-grown products. Wanda Adams, food editor of the Honolulu Advertiser and author of several books about local island food, moderated the event. The Chefs…

Twitter Search: #HawaiiHTA
RT @makanamusic working on my new album, 'Venus, and the Sky Turns to Clay' due out Aug 18, my first all instrumental album. #hawaiihta

HawaiiHTA (So Much More Hawaii)

1 Jul 2009 | 4:29 pm

RT @makanamusic working on my new album, 'Venus, and the Sky Turns to Clay' due out Aug 18, my first all instrumental album. #hawaiihta
SFGate Hawaii Insider: "Summer deals from budget hotels to splurges" -- http://is.gd/1kltt #hawaiihta

HawaiiHTA (So Much More Hawaii)

1 Jul 2009 | 9:38 am

SFGate Hawaii Insider: "Summer deals from budget hotels to splurges" -- http://is.gd/1kltt #hawaiihta
@Genuine I'll see your Aloha Shirt..I think I have like at least 3 in my closet right now. How you like that #HawaiiHTA?

thekenyeung (Ken Yeung)

1 Jul 2009 | 9:30 am

@Genuine I'll see your Aloha Shirt..I think I have like at least 3 in my closet right now. How you like that #HawaiiHTA?
Day 3 of 3 yr old wearing "Hang Loose" hawaiian shirt. Will not discuss any other alternative. Damn you #HawaiiHTA ;)

Genuine (Jim Turner)

1 Jul 2009 | 9:28 am

Day 3 of 3 yr old wearing "Hang Loose" hawaiian shirt. Will not discuss any other alternative. Damn you #HawaiiHTA ;)
"Alaska says Aloha" -- @AlaskaAir begins direct service b/t Portland and Maui on Friday -- http://is.gd/1khsk #hawaiihta

HawaiiHTA (So Much More Hawaii)

1 Jul 2009 | 9:08 am

"Alaska says Aloha" -- @AlaskaAir begins direct service b/t Portland and Maui on Friday -- http://is.gd/1khsk #hawaiihta

From the Mind of NEENZ
Neil Abercrombie Brings Back Dinner 2.0

NEENZ

25 Jun 2009 | 2:20 am

On March 7, 2009 Hawaii Congressman Neil Abercrombie announced his candidacy for Governor in 2010 via Twitter. A member of Twitter since November 2007, the Congressman and his team have been using social media tools such as Ustream and Utterli since the last election season. I have the fortune of continuing to be involved with [...]
My Old Dog on Old Dogs (Trailer 2009)

NEENZ

22 Jun 2009 | 3:38 am

A few weeks ago I had lunch with my lifetime friend, Kevin Yamada over a few dozen little plates of Hawaiian delicacies at People’s Cafe. He was in for a week, and I was more than happy to move around my schedule, if only for a few hours to talk story, reminisce, and well eat! [...]
Life, Liberty, and Tears of Happiness

NEENZ

8 Jun 2009 | 5:10 pm

Inalienable rights of man: “Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” — The United States Declaration of Independence It’s been more than 72-hours since we landed at Hickam Airforce base in the C-2 Greyhound and I’m still feeling out my emotions — there are so many! My experience as a Distinguished Visitor of the U.S. Navy [...]
Challenge: Think Global, Live Local

NEENZ

2 Jun 2009 | 1:08 am

Through building my professional network, I have gained a personal friend — Melanie Kosaka, creator and founder of culinary website, Share Your Table. The team effort of Melanie, and local blogger, writer, and everyone’s favorite pushy Chinee broad Melissa Chang; I have been discovering my inner foodie. It’s obvious that I love to eat, but [...]
Recruited by the U.S. Navy DV Embark

NEENZ

28 May 2009 | 7:11 pm

From the Coast Guard to the Army and especially well represented in the Marines, both my maternal and paternal relatives have served in the United States military. I lived in Jacksonville, North Carolina when my father was stationed at Camp Lejeune until he eventually retired after being stationed at Kaneohe Marine Corps Base. One of [...]

Hawaii Traditions
“Remember When…?” A Hawaii Traditions Series Celebrating 50 Years of Statehood

Jan

2 Jul 2009 | 10:30 am

Do you remember bowling at Keiki Land and playing in the sand boxes at the old Ala Moana Center? Do you remember eating at Coco’s and Goody Goody Drive-in? Or how about when Elvis entertained at Honolulu Stadium? Were you there? Do the names “Checkers and Pogo” or “Captain Honolulu” mean anything to you? Do you remember riding the boats at the Ala Wai Canal boat ride concession? There is a Hawaii from yesterday—a simpler place from a more innocent time. It is the Hawaii of our youth, the romantic, nostalgic version of the 50th State that brings a flood of memories and emotions…
Hawaii Eats: Malasadas

Jan

2 Jul 2009 | 2:20 am

From as far back as I can remember, visiting my Aunty Edith’s Kapahulu house always meant one thing; dessert. No matter the time of day, we would always bring a white box of warm Leonard’s Malasadas in hand for all to share. Now with my own children in tow, the tradition continues. Malasadas—a fluffy, light, Portuguese sugar coated donut—was introduced at Leonard’s Bakery soon after it opened in Honolulu in 1952. Best eaten piping hot, the traditional Malasadas has no filling, and has a generous dusting of granulated sugar. The palm sized donut (without a hole) is wonderfully light…
The 2009 Friends of the Library Book Sale: My Loot

Jan

2 Jul 2009 | 12:05 am

Some would argue that I live a very…well, mild life. And I would have to agree. Evidence: The Friends of the Library Book Sale is something I obsess think about all year long. I mean, not only did I go once this year, but I went three—count ’em three times—this year (woohoo!). In the end, my husband dropped me off at the book fair and lovingly said, “Stay as long as you like and get it out of your system so we don’t have to come back again.” Humpf. So I did! And man, oh, man, did I get some goodies! In the end, I skipped away with about 40 books in all; from literature and…
Our Island Neighborhoods: Chinatown

Jan

29 Jun 2009 | 5:00 am

Wafting up to greet you as you enter Honolulu’s Chinatown, is a heady mix of sweet char sui, fragrant flower lei and Chinese herbs and incense. Explore the area for a day and Hawaii’s diversity becomes palpable. Here, yesterday and today, meld. Old buildings stand next to new ones and yesterday’s immigrants from China keep shop next to today’s immigrants from Thailand. Intermingled in the mix are shoppers with colorful plastic bags hunting for the cheapest and freshest produce and lei, alongside serious eaters on their way to a stomach full of dim sum. It all began back in 1788, when…
Lanai: The Pineapple Island

NEENZ

28 Jun 2009 | 10:52 pm

Only about 141 square miles, the island of Lanai earned its nickname from its past major export, pineapple. Today, it continues to be an escape from the big city life boasting 4-wheel drives along roads void of traffic and traffic lights for that matter. The comma shaped island is only 9-miles from Maui, and like we’ve learned about Moloka’i, Ni’ihau, and Kaua’i — the culture of Lanai’s people have helped to preserve much of the isle’s original habitat. As the pineapple industry began phasing out across the State of Hawaii, Lanai entered the tourism…

Building Communities Through Social Media
So Much More Hawaii, What’s Next?

NEENZ

19 Jun 2009 | 6:14 am

It’s been two weeks since the official So Much More Hawaii tour ended, and everyone — bloggers, public relations representatives, marketers, writers, taxpayers, opinion formers —... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]
So Much More Hawaii Tweet Ups!

NEENZ

27 May 2009 | 5:14 am

The So Much More Hawaii Team will be visiting Oahu, Kauai, Maui and the Big Island in 8 days! Many have been asking me about a “schedule of events” and with Puka Shell Tour Guides for... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]
So Much More Hawaii Puka Shell Tour Guides

NEENZ

27 May 2009 | 4:41 am

In late April, just before leaving for Chicago, Alltop received an inquiry from Christine Lu of Cilantro Media to develop a partnership for the So Much More Hawaii tour. As I discussed my strategy in... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]
Creating Your Own Opportunities

NEENZ

27 May 2009 | 2:19 am

In June of 2007 I read a news article in the Honolulu Advertiser about Ryan Ozawa livestreaming via his Palm Treo 700p. I became intrigued and began researching on the internet to learn more about... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]
So Much More Hawaii Tour

NEENZ

25 May 2009 | 4:46 pm

The So Much More Hawaii website officially launched early this morning signifying the much anticipated, first ever social media tour sponsored by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. There has already been... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

KGMB9 News
American Soldier Feared Captured in Afghanistan

2 Jul 2009 | 10:50 pm

WASHINGTON (AP) - A search is under way in eastern Afghanistan for a soldier apparently being held by Taliban insurgents after he walked off his base without his body armor or weapon. Officials say the military has intercepted communications in which...
Water Main Break in Aiea

2 Jul 2009 | 10:05 pm

The Board of Water Supply is working on a water main break in Aiea. It was first reported at 2.15 a.m. on Moanalua Road and Aiea Library. We have a crew at the scene. Keep checking KGMB9.com for more updates....
Lingle and Staff to Work on New Plan This Weekend

2 Jul 2009 | 2:35 pm

No furloughs, at least for now. A court says the governor's plan to force state workers to take days off is unconstitutional. That doesn't mean it won't still happen. But it won't happen her way.
Could Mike Trapasso Leave UH for Washington?

2 Jul 2009 | 2:28 pm

As reported by the Honolulu Advertiser, Hawaii head coach Mike Trapasso is a candidate for the vacant head coaching position at Washington.
Latest Housing Report Shows Uptick in Sales

2 Jul 2009 | 2:17 pm

Is Oahu's housing market stabilizing? Housing experts are cautious, saying it's too soon to tell it we've hit the bottom, but the latest report by the Honolulu Board of Realtors shows a bump in prices and sales.

KITV4: Top Stories
Crash Closes H-3 Near Harano Tunnel

KITV.com

2 Jul 2009 | 11:21 pm

Police reopen the Harano Tunnel after a single-car crash closed the eastbound lanes for several hours.
Inouye Denies Trying To Influence Bank Regulators

KITV.com

2 Jul 2009 | 1:53 pm

Sen. Daniel Inouye says he only recently learned that his staff inquired about Central Pacific Bank's application with federal regulators.
Sex Offender Web Site Gives E-Mail Notification

KITV.com

2 Jul 2009 | 9:59 am

Users can now sign up for e-mails alerting them of a sex offender moving or working in their area.
Judge Grants Injunction Against State Furlough Plan

KITV.com

2 Jul 2009 | 9:44 am

A judge says the state's three-day a month furlough plan violates worker rights.
CDC Raises Hawaii Swine Flu Cases To 616

KITV.com

2 Jul 2009 | 9:27 am

The CDC says the number of Hawaii H1N1 flu cases jumped 113 patients in the last week.

Photostream from Daylife

KHNL8: News
Furlough ruling favors unions

3 Jul 2009 | 3:08 am

With a $730 million budget shortfall, the question is how will Governor Linda Lingle come up with the cash? This has become one ...
Judge sides with unions on mandatory furlough controversy

3 Jul 2009 | 3:06 am

Hawaii state workers achieved a major victory in their fight against Gov. Linda Lingle's (R-Hawaii) plan to furlough them three days a month. First Circuit Court ...
Police starts enforcing cell phone ban

3 Jul 2009 | 3:03 am

Police issued more than three dozen citations on the first day of Oahu's ban on the use of hand-held cell phones while driving. We stand along busy...
Bandaged attempted murder suspect appears in court

2 Jul 2009 | 11:56 pm

A man accused of trying to kill several people by setting fire to their apartment went before an Oahu judge Thursday. With a bandage ...
Society of Seven Classic returns

2 Jul 2009 | 11:39 pm

They were first known as the Fabulous Echoes. But in 1969, they changed their name when they arrived in Hawaii. Now the Society of Seven...

Hawaii Blog
Gov. Lingle Vetoes Online Tax Bill

Ryan

1 Jul 2009 | 7:14 pm

A quick update to my last post on Amazon.com dropping Hawaii affiliates. As the online giant (and many local affiliate marketers) hoped, Gov. Linda Lingle today vetoed HB1405. Now the ball is in the Legislature’s court, as lawmakers mull convening a special session to override the governor’s vetoes. The full text of Gov. Lingle’s press release below the fold. Governor Linda Lingle vetoed HB 1405 today because this legislation has immediate and adverse consequences for residents and businesses of Hawai‘i. This legislation would place Hawai‘i companies at a competitive…
Amazon Dumps Hawaii Affiliates

Ryan

30 Jun 2009 | 10:52 am

Amazon.com has pulled the trigger. As reported earlier, a looming Hawaii state tax law change relating to online affiliate marketers has prompted the Internet retailer to close the Amazon Associates accounts of Hawaii residents. Members of the local tech community are pushing Gov. Linda Lingle to veto HB1405, but Amazon.com is acting pre-emptively, clearly hoping that its action prompts even more people to express outrage. The new law takes effect tomorrow, but Gov. Lingle has until today to notify the legislature of her intent to veto (which she must then do by July 15). The text of…
Review: Apple iPhone 3GS

Ryan

27 Jun 2009 | 5:18 pm

I’ve had the iPhone 3GS for a week now, so I thought I’d share my impressions as someone who upgraded from last year’s iPhone 3G. There are dozens of excellent exhaustive reviews out there (see Engadget and Gizmodo’s take, as well as that of the New York Times‘ David Pogue), so I’ll just touch on the things that stand out the most for me. The “S” stands for speed. That’s what Apple says, and it’s definitely the most noticable improvement over the 3G. Yes, the 3GS is more of an “evolutionary” upgrade rather than a…
‘The Fuel Film’ Comes to Hawaii

Ryan

25 Jun 2009 | 12:39 am

An award-winning documentary on America’s addiction to oil and the promise of alternative energy is coming to Honolulu. “The Fuel Film” (formerly “Fields of Fuel“) will be screened one night only, this Friday at the Blaisdell Concert Hall. The film follows director and activist Josh Tickell as he travels around the country, uncovering the massive influence of the oil industry and profiling a number of innovative and promising solutions to “repower America.” The documentary includes appearances by celebrities like Julia Roberts, Woody Harrelson, and…
Bookmarks for June 22nd

Ryan

22 Jun 2009 | 6:30 pm

When I’m not blogging, I’m browsing. Here are sites and pages that I bookmarked on June 21st: School Program Cuts Problem Behaviors In Fifth Graders In Half: The study was conducted in 20 public elementary schools in Hawaii. Participating schools had below-average standardized test scores and diverse student populations with an average of 55 percent of students receiving free or reduced-price lunches. Lesbian albatrosses and bisexual bonobos have last laugh on Darwin: Almost a third of chick-raising pairs of Laysan albatrosses were found to be all female in one Hawaiian colony.

iLind.net
Mr. Romeo Levitates, and other Feline Friday treats

Ian Lind

3 Jul 2009 | 8:47 am

If there were a panel of judges holding up cards rating Mr. Romeo on his form, I’m sure he would be racking up some high scores! Back straight, legs directly in front, tail extended, eyes forward. It was a very lucky shot. I happened to have the camera in hand when he took up a position on the floor, looking up to the counter top, and his back end signaled that he was preparing to jump. So I raised the camera and took several images in short order. This one caught almost the perfect moment as he appears to be hanging in mid-air. Today’s Feline Friday collection also includes…
Thursday…UH labor economist warns against fiscal policy driven by political ideas, UH assesses budget cuts

Ian Lind

2 Jul 2009 | 8:43 am

Senate President Colleen Hanabusa isn’t the only one who is suggesting that Gov. Lingle appears to be inflating the state’s budget deficit. Lawrence “Bill” Boyd, labor economist on the faculty of the University of Hawaii’s Center for Labor Education & Research, says the cuts being proposed by Gov. Lingle are 25% greater than required to meet the Council on Revenues forecast. A Powerpoint presentation summarizing his arguments can be found on the CLEAR web site. Boyd says Lingle’s furlough plan will contribute to the decline in Hawaii’s private…
Wednesday (4)…Senate President warns Lingle of “unintended consequences” of furloughs, suggests alternatives

Ian Lind

1 Jul 2009 | 7:24 pm

Senate President Colleen Hanabusa has warned Governor Lingle of “unintended consequences” of her furlough plan, including creating a financial “windfall” for some low paid public employees who could qualify for unemployment benefits to make up for lost wages. Hanabusa’s warning came in a letter to Lingle dated June 30, 2009. In addition, Hanabusa raises questions about the actual size of the budget deficit and the amount of savings or revenues needed to fill the gap. She suggests that Lingle may be overstating the budget deficit, and proposes dumping the furlough…
Wednesday (3)…UH faculty union files prohibited practices complaint, demand for arbitration

Ian Lind

1 Jul 2009 | 5:36 pm

The University of Hawaii Professional Assembly has filed a prohibited practices complaint with the Hawaii Labor Relations Board. UHPA cites language in its contract, which expired yesterday, that seems to require its terms to be extended in the absence of agreement on a new contract. According to the complaint, UH President David McClain rejected a class action grievance based on the same contract language, prompting the union to proceed to the HLRB.
Wednesday (2)…Government’s response in opposition to HSTA/UPW motion for TRO to stop furloughs

Ian Lind

1 Jul 2009 | 2:17 pm

Click here to read the state’s reply brief to the joint HSTA/UPW motion seeking a temporary restraining order to stop the implementation of furloughs. The case is scheduled to be argued in court tomorrow. The state argues that relieving employees of their duties temporarily for legitimate reasons is a non-negotiable management right under state law. Despite the unions’ attempt to avoid even discussing the controlling law, HRS § 89-9(d) serves as the critical backdrop for this case. This statute reserves certain rights to the public employers, rights that are so fundamental and…

Poinography
The wait is almost over - vetoes announced tomorrow

Doug

28 Jun 2009 | 9:24 pm

Long time, no posting. Sorry. This post has been on my back burner for quite some time, and now it is finally time for me to act. Back in early May, the Governor issued a press release seeking public comment and input on the bills transmitted to her by the 2009 legislature. As she has done in prior years, the Governor is seeking comments on bills from the public, including individuals, businesses, industry and professional associations, nonprofit groups, and community organizations statewide. In addition, the Administration is soliciting input from the counties, law enforcement agencies and…
UH part of effort to send ROV to bottom of deepest ocean trench

Doug

3 Jun 2009 | 10:39 pm

It’s been a while since I have used the science category (not surprisingly, since it’s been a while since I have done any scientific work), but the Saipan Tribune reports on a research expedition from the R/V Kilo Moana, a UH-operated ship that used to take me to sea regularly. If you’re a science dork, it’s exciting news. The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, partnered with a UH geologist, has made several dives to explore and to gather data from the Mariana Trench with the Nereus, a remotely operated submersible. It has been a few years (after the loss of a…
AG reverses its opinion of furloughs, with curious timing

Doug

3 Jun 2009 | 10:39 pm

Thanks to the Hawaii House Majority for this blog post that provides two opinions sent from the Attorney General’s office to Speaker Say in response to a series of questions about furloughs. The first opinion, dated February 17, told the Speaker that furloughs would need to be part of the collective bargaining process. On May 29, however, a second opinion now claims that the Governor may unilaterally impose furloughs. The first opinion took pains to note areas of the HRS where furloughs are conspicuously absent, but at that time the Deputy AG inferred that furloughs would need to be…
Motion? What motion? Denied.

Doug

10 May 2009 | 2:22 pm

Hmmm. The Hawaii Supreme Court has not (so far as I know) responded to the Lingle administration’s motion to reconsider the Superferry ruling. More than ten days have elapsed since her motion and the Senate’s amicus brief were submitted nearly a month ago. According to the procedure Charley Foster helpfully wrote about earlier, the decision invalidating Act 2 still holds. “Neener, neener, neener,” says the Court. Okay, the justices say that through only by inference through their inaction, but still… Nothing overt “happened,” but this is clearly news.
Budget in limbo serves as a de facto furlough

Doug

8 May 2009 | 10:45 pm

From a KGMB story: [T]he governor could veto the entire budget. She has asked for guidance from her advisors about that option. “If she vetoes the budget,” said Sen. Donna Mercado Kim, “come July 1st, when the new budget is supposed to take effect, then they wouldn’t have a budget, and I’m not sure how she’s going to operate because they can’t spend any money.” If the override doesn’t work [note: the overrides worked], the governor’s vetoes would stand and she would have to make up the money gaps. She’s suggested furloughing…

Disappeared News
Action alert: Medical Marijuana bill needs support

Larry

2 Jul 2009 | 5:13 pm

by Larry Geller The governor’s potential veto list is out. I know that people may differ on whether they think a bill should be allowed to live or die. I have my opinions, but for some of these bills, I am not as informed as others might be on the pros and cons. So I’m grateful when a reasoned appeal comes into my inbox that I might be able to pass on. This message was written by Pam Lichty,
Tune in to Town Square today (Thursday) for Nomi Prins interview, 5-6 p.m. 89.3 FM

Larry

2 Jul 2009 | 4:05 pm

by Larry Geller Instead of talking on the cellphone in your car today, tune in to Town Square, KIPO 89.3 FM 5-6 p.m., or from home, streaming from hawaiipublicradio.org. Hosted by Beth-Ann Kozlovich. Get the inside scoop on the economic bailout, the economic meltdown, and more, from an insider: journalist Nomi Prins, a former managing director at Goldman Sachs and author of books including Other
Superferry article close, but no prize

Larry

2 Jul 2009 | 11:02 am

by Larry Geller Ok, no big deal, but the Star-Bulletin might have questioned this statement: The company spent as much as $20 million fighting in court to keep the operation open, including the costs of keeping the ships ready and crews on the payroll while it waited for the state Supreme Court to rule, Harman said. The ferry actually shut down after the Supreme Court ruling. The article
Hawaii’s Internet tax could cost the state rather than help

Larry

1 Jul 2009 | 12:52 am

by Larry Geller Hawaii’s Internet tax (HB1405) could drive web companies to incorporate elsewhere. That’s what a caller told Lt. Governor Aiona yesterday on KHBH. If that happens, then the state would lose the amount of corporate taxes they now pay. For most of us small timers, Amazon ads bring in little, so when the expected email arrived yesterday announcing that all Amazon Associates in Hawaii
Governor’s potential veto list is out

Larry

30 Jun 2009 | 9:47 pm

by Larry Geller Gee, the Advertiser breaking news doesn’t have it yet, but the Star-Bulletin does. I depend on the Adv. for breaking news, and this was expected, so they should have been on the alert. Now, if they did, and I'm the one who missed it, I’m sure to get a nastygram or two. The list is here (pdf file). On this list is HB128, which drastically increases contribution limits to state

Hawaii Reporter
In Hawaii, Who are the "Public's"' Workers?

2 Jul 2009 | 11:40 am
Irony: First Circuit Court Ruling Against Furloughs Comes on Same Day National Unemployment Numbers Hit 30-Year High

2 Jul 2009 | 11:20 am
Congress' Globe-Trotting Trips: No Recession Here

2 Jul 2009 | 11:17 am

Hawaii's Sen. Daniel Inouye, a Democrat, led a group of senators and spouses on a four-day trip to France for the Paris Air Show, staying at the Intercontinental.
Gov. Lingle's Bill Action Report - ACTS 168 – 171

2 Jul 2009 | 11:17 am
Providing for the Common Defense Uncommon in White House

2 Jul 2009 | 11:12 am

KGMB9: Howzit Howard
The budget crisis and public frustration with bureaucrats

hdicus

2 Jul 2009 | 9:26 pm

My email overflows with bile directed against state workers. I wondered if other news media were getting the same thing. So I spent awhile reading posts in response to furlough stories in the two Honolulu dailies. Yup: they’re getting it, too. The general theme is that private sector people resent the healthy raises given to state [...]
Linda Lingle, Colleen Hanabusa, and the state budget crisis

hdicus

1 Jul 2009 | 10:16 pm

Colleen Hanabusa has written a letter to Linda Lingle which questions the arithmetic of the furlough plan, enumerates some unintended consequences, and suggests another way to close the budget gap. The tone of the letter is low-key, even respectful, as if the Senate president, who has sniped at the governor in the past, is keen not [...]
Hawaii Superferry abandons ship, and other bankruptcies in the news

hdicus

1 Jul 2009 | 9:56 pm

For the first time since it filed for Chapter 11, Hawaii Superferry is flatly saying it won’t be back. Ever. A Superferry lawyer told a bankruptcy judge in Wilmington, Del., the company won’t be returning to Hawaii, now that the judge has granted a motion to abandon its two ferries, handing them over to a federal [...]
Senator Inouye + one phone call = weird investigative story

hdicus

1 Jul 2009 | 8:56 am

“Family of four survives as boiler fails to explode.” Anything can be made to sound like news if you craft it like news. Which brings me to a bizarre allegation against Senator Inouye that’s based on a single phone call by an aide. Central Pacific Bank got one of those federal bailout loans last fall. Before [...]
Swine flu: here’s what we do next

hdicus

30 Jun 2009 | 10:53 am

Up to now, our plan to combat the 28% drop in Japanese arrivals has been to urge them not to take swine flu so seriously. But now it’s time for a second step: we need to take it more seriously ourselves. Let’s see if we can disengage the natural human tendency to try to classify everything [...]

Erika Engle: The Buzz
Twitter service aids hunt for the cheapest airfares

Twitter and cheap airfares from Honolulu to destinations around the globe have merged at www.twitter.com/flyfromHNL. In fact, Twitter users can get updated, real-time "Tweets," or Twitter posts, on fare deals from 170 cities in the U.S. and Canada on Twitter.com via www.farecompare.com/ twitter.
Lingle vetoes bill aimed at taxing e-commerce

Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle has vetoed House Bill 1405, a bill that caused online retailers to terminate affiliate relationships with Hawaii businesses and households, shutting off a torrent of revenue and income adding up to millions of dollars a year.
BLT Steak is expanding chain to Trump in Waikiki

BLT Steak is not bacon-lettuce-tomato-steak, but the acclaimed steak house concept of chef and restaurateur Laurent Tourondel — set to open late this year on the ground floor of Trump International Hotel & Tower in Waikiki.
Ad 2 Honolulu girding for tsunami of applications for pro bono PR work

'Tis the time of year for nonprofit organizations that put service above self to chance 'um and apply for a free million-dollar public-awareness campaign.
Obama's D.C. luau thrills isle tourism executives

The White House luau was actually not a concept cooked up by the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, though it and the rest of the state likely will benefit from the hula-hoopla it generated.

Maoli News
Afternoon Maoli Headline for June 29

29 Jun 2009 | 6:04 pm

7 lose home in Wai'anae blaze | HonoluluAdvertiser.com | The Honolulu Advertiser Hawaii charter school panel orders Waters of Life to close | HonoluluAdvertiser.com | The Honolulu Advertiser Ephemeral Life...: Spirit... Turtles at issue in fishing plan | HonoluluAdvertiser.com | The Honolulu Advertiser Kihune to remain trustee until July 17 | HonoluluAdvertiser.com | The Honolulu
Morning Maoli Headlines for June 29

29 Jun 2009 | 1:01 pm

Ephemeral Life...: Ka'ahumanu... Molokai: The Friendly Isle — Hawaii Traditions Ephemeral Life...: O'ahu... Ephemeral Life...: Na Lei O Kaholoku... Petition demanding to hold hearings in Hawai’i – Ephemeral Life...: Loea... Damien artifacts will get new Hawaii home | HonoluluAdvertiser.com | The Honolulu Advertiser For many, Damien's sainthood was inevitable |
Afternoon Maoli Headline for June 26

26 Jun 2009 | 6:00 pm

Archival clippings leading up to 1959 "Statehood" vote Ephemeral Life...: Po'o Kanaka... Na Kai Ewalu - 13 June 2009 : Na Kai Ewalu Radio Maile's Blog: Board of Water Supply Construction - Nanakuli Avenue Hawaii A Voice For Sovereignty premieres at Maui Film Festival Maile's Blog: Nanakuli Steel Poles Installation Project - UPDATE Ephemeral Life...: Hula...
Morning Maoli Headlines for June 26

26 Jun 2009 | 1:00 pm

Ulupo Heiau Hoike Saturday July 11, 2009 « Ahahui Malama i ka Lokahi Ka Huli Ao: Center for Excellence in Native Hawaiian Law: NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS!!!! Ephemeral Life...: Deep... Office of Hawaiian Affairs - Are Native Hawaiians like American Indians or an ethnic minority? The Kona Times: Ukulele Festival in Holualoa, Hawaii Ephemeral Life...: Pa'u... nathankam's
Afternoon Maoli Headlines for June 25

25 Jun 2009 | 6:01 pm

Island Images - Columnists - Starbulletin.com Free Hawai`i US Supreme Court Says Tribes Have No Religious Rights Ephemeral Life...: Faces... Office of Hawaiian Affairs - DHHL Signs Lease Agreement with Safeway and Target Kanu Hawaii Day of ‘Living Aloha’ Ephemeral Life...: Awesome... Service Project at Na Pohaku o Hauwahine Sat. June 20th « Ahahui Malama i ka

Starbulletin News
Education board leader finds redemption in judge's ruling

State Board of Education Chairman Garrett Toguchi said a court decision shows the school board was correct in not taking action on budget cuts based on state-proposed furloughs.
City official denies dump allegations

A city administrator says crews were not using Mailiili Stream as a dump site for concrete, as alleged in a complaint being investigated by city, state and federal agencies.
N. Korean missile watch on

SEOUL » South Korea said today it is closely monitoring North Korean military sites because it believes the communist nation might fire more missiles, amid speculation that a long-range test launch aimed toward the United States is possible in coming days.
UH-Hilo coach Manley drowns

The University of Hawaii at Hilo men's assistant basketball coach, Hamilton Manley, died Wednesday in an apparent drowning in Puna, police and UH officials said. He was 64.
Sex offender arrested again

Deputy U.S. marshals have arrested a convicted sex offender, a former local bank executive, for allegedly violating conditions of his supervised release.

Starbulletin: Whatever Happened To...
Negligent-homicide case closed with death of wrong-way driver

Question: What ever happened to the driver who was going the wrong way on the H-3 freeway and crashed into another car, killing a single mother of two? Did the case ever go to trial?
Malama Learning Center getting redesign due to ailing economy

Question: Whatever happened to the Malama Learning Center that was planned as an extension to Kapolei High School?
Church moving forward on plans to replace school destroyed by fire

Q: What ever happened to the charred remains of the Central Union Church preschool destroyed by a fire last October?
Waianae twins with rare blood condition doing well

Q: What ever happened to the Waianae twins born with neutropenia, a rare disorder characterized by absence of white blood cells?
Requirements trash garbage venture

Q: What ever happened to plans to start a private facility in Nanakuli to turn household garbage into compost? A: Bedminster Oahu LLC has abandoned its plans to build the $20 million plant, due to regulatory hurdles...

East Oahu Sun
Economic Slow Down Not Halting Community Support, Sponsors and Efforts to Go Green at July 4th Celebration

Chelsey Kobatake Flanagan

2 Jul 2009 | 4:56 pm

Hawaii Kai – July 4, 2009 will mark the second annual Independence Day at Maunalua Bay with fireworks, food, entertainment, activities and an immense amount of community support. “We’ve had so much support. Lots of companies giving what they could in these times,” says Melanie Long, President of IDMB Foundation. Hosted by emcee Ramsay Wharton of KGMB, the event will run from 2 to 9 PM and will feature musical groups Maunalua, Kajiki Johnson Band, Yoza Music, This City Lives, Heartsong, Gregg Hammer Band and keiki hula halaus of Leolani Pratt and Shirley Recca. In…
Early Success propels top triathelete Rachel Ross

Joe Edwards

22 Jun 2009 | 3:00 pm

There’s a great scene in an episode of “Seinfeld” in which Jerry and George are hashing out a concept for Jerry’s TV pilot. George, of course, wants to do a show about nothing, figuring everybody else is doing shows about something so they should do nothing. At first, Jerry doesn’t grasp the genius that is Costanza, but he eventually comes around. “So, we go into NBC, we tell them we’ve got an idea for a show about nothing,” Jerry says to George. “Exactly.” “They say, ‘What’s your show about?’ I say,…
Winners’ Camp wins big with $10,000 donation

Hawkins Biggins

22 Jun 2009 | 2:00 pm

On May 5th, 2009 Delorese Gregoire was invited as a guest panelist on “The Recovery Project” part of the Town Hall Meeting in Honolulu sponsored by A&E Oceanic TimeWarner Cable. Libby O’Connell, senior vice president of corporate outreach for A&E stunned Gregoire by presenting her with a check for $10,000 to help fund Winners’ Camp. Gregoire exclaimed, “It was a total surprise to get this money, there was no indication prior to the show. I was totally floored, I let out a yelp!”
Local real estate market shows signs of life

Chelsey Kobatake Flanagan

22 Jun 2009 | 1:00 pm

Four years after the most recent market peak, Oahu and East Oahu residential real estate markets continue their paces in a healthy market cycle. Oahu has seen increased overall sales since January 2009 followed by a decreasing inventory since February. This follows the normal pattern of supply and demand: as the inventory pool gets smaller, prices will eventually rise due to competition.
Hawaii Kai Track Club Gets Jump on Summer

Joe Edwards

8 Jun 2009 | 3:45 pm

Hawaii Kai Track Club’s summer program is off and running … and jumping and throwing. It's quite the summer bargain. The $55 fee pays for everything, and it’s a substantial list: Two workouts a week at the Kaiser High track with experienced coaches. Registration with USA Track & Field, which pays for insurance and allows them to compete in sanctioned meets. A uniform shirt. Pictures at the end of the season. Entry to as many as six meets at various tracks on Oahu. Younger kids can do three events each meet; those 13 and up are allowed four events.

Hawaii Free Press
Response to Sakamoto ruling: Governor to Continue Negotiations, Seek Additional Cuts from Departments

News Release

2 Jul 2009 | 8:58 pm

Governor Lingle said that she and her cabinet will be working late into the night and through the weekend to plan the next steps following Friday's court ruling on her furlough plan.
Taxed Enough Already? Rally July 4 Honolulu, Hilo, Kona, Kauai, Maui

Andrew Walden

2 Jul 2009 | 1:53 pm

All the details and contact info for TEA Party July 4 rallies on Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and Hawaii Islands.
Unions' hand-picked Judge blocks furloughs

Selected News Articles

2 Jul 2009 | 1:18 pm

No surprise here. The unions shopped for Sakamoto amidst the Hawaii Judiciary's sea of plenty. Here are some quick hits from the local media...more updates as they become available....
Hawaii Co. GOP to "GTMO" Greenwell: Call it quits

West Hawaii Today

2 Jul 2009 | 12:42 pm

Here are the last two days of public commentary on Robert 'Kelly' Greenwell's invitation to resettle Guantanamo detainees on the Big Island. At top a letter from Hawaii County GOP Chair Daryl Smith.
Gov. Lingle vetoes online tax bill

News Release

1 Jul 2009 | 4:19 pm

Already Amazon.com and Overstock.com have officially sent out notification that they are severing their “affiliate” relationships with Hawai‘i. Other well known internet-based firms, such as eBay are likely to do the same if prompt action is not taken.

Hawaii Independence Blog
July 4th events at Palace "Restoration of the Nation: Looking to the Future"

Scott Crawford

2 Jul 2009 | 7:40 pm

July 3, 4, and 5, 2009Iolani Palace GroundsPLEASE BRING YOUR OWN CHAIRSRestoration of the Nation: Looking to the FutureJoin us as we kukakuka to identify our common values,Reconnect to our ancestors, andVision the future of a restored nation!SPECIAL EVENT!Oahu premier of Catherine Bauknight's filmHawaii - A Voice for SovereigntySaturday, July 4, 1 pm, Kanaina Bldg.Honoring our own independence!Friday & Sunday, Noon - 5 pm (informal talk story in the evenings)Sunday @ 9 am: Site/work visit to Kaniakapupu, Kamehameha III's Summer PalaceParking on the Palace grounds (no meter payment…
Noho Hewa T-Shirts

Scott Crawford

2 Jul 2009 | 6:44 pm

Date: Thu, 25 Jun 2009 23:51:44 -1000Subject: New "Noho Hewa" t-shirt design-- order one TODAY! Please fwd.From: keala kelly <keala.kelly @ gmail.com>Aloha Kakou:"Noho Hewa" is almost pau and will be available by the end of August. In the mean time, the first of several new t-shirt designs is available for pre-order. They should be in-hand by July 4th, or soon thereafter, just in time to celebrate the American empire's declaration of liberation from the British empire. This shirt was designed to visually symbolize what the U.S. presence in Hawaii has meant for Kanaka Oiwi, and with the…
Hawaiian independence - restoration, not secession

Scott Crawford

30 Jun 2009 | 2:22 pm

Patri Friedman with the Let a Thousand Nations Bloom blog contacted me about a "Secession Week Blogging" series for the July 4th week.It is understandable that folks tend to think of Hawaiian independence as "secession" because for those unfamiliar with Hawaii's unique history, it appears to be a state of the United States seeking to be removed from the union, like secession movements in "other" states. But it is very important to understand that Hawaii cannot secede, because it was never ceded. There was never any lawful cession of Hawaii's sovereignty or territory to the United States,…
Coffman's "Nation Within" republished and retitled

Scott Crawford

29 Jun 2009 | 1:44 am

Tom Coffman has republished Nation Within, first published in 1998, but he changed the subtitle from "The Story of America's Annexation of the Nation of Hawaii" to "The History of the American Occupation of Hawai`i." In his note on the second edition, he says:Where annexation connotes legality by mutual agreement, the act was not mutual and therefore not legal. Since by definition of international law there was no annexation, we are left with the word occupation. In making this change, I have embraced the logical conclusion of my research into the events of 1893 and 1898 in Honolulu and…
Uncle Ed Lindsey passes away

Scott Crawford

26 Jun 2009 | 11:30 am

So long Uncle Ed...From the Maui News:Edwin "Ed" Lindsey Jr., "a steadfast champion and leader in protecting Maui's aina and its important cultural landscapes," died Wednesday morning at his family residence in Lahaina. He was 70. The Maui County Council honored Lindsey in May with a ceremonial resolution as a "beloved Maui treasure" who served in numerous roles, including kumu, kupuna, uncle, tutu, brother, dad and husband. Auntie Patty Nishiyama of Na Kapuna O Maui, an organization of Hawaiian elders she actively participated in with Lindsey, described him as "a warrior, a strong warrior."…

Got Windmills?
A LOAD ON THE PAPER

Andy Parx

2 Jul 2009 | 7:38 pm

A LOAD ON THE PAPER: The dynamic duo of “new” blood at the local paper in the personages of Editor Nathan Eagle and Assistant Editor Michael Levine has brought a new era of, if nothing else, clear concise writing and reporting on Kaua`i.But wouldn’t you know someone would go and ruin it with the rehiring of perhaps the worst writer and most ethically challenged reporter in the paper’s and island’s history, Paul Curtis.Curtis, who has been hired and fired at the paper more than once over the last couple of decades, is the master of sycophantic reporting and has a skill for writing…
WRIT LARGE

Andy Parx

1 Jul 2009 | 7:25 pm

WRIT LARGE: We’re now in possession of a “quotable” text copy of the Office of Information Practice (OIP) application for “writ of certiorari” (mahalo to Larry Geller for the excellent conversion work) regarding the infamous ES (executive session) 177 the Kaua`i County Council held in January 2005 (we mistakenly said 2006 yesterday).If the Hawai`i Supreme Court accepts the writ they will hear an appeal of an Intermediate Court of Appeal’s (ICA) decision upholding a 5th circuit court ruling denying the access to the minutes of the meeting.According to the briefThe ICA decision…
ASK THE BIG DOG

Andy Parx

30 Jun 2009 | 7:09 pm

ASK THE BIG DOG: The Office of Information Practices (OIP) has appealed the Intermediate Court’s denial of it’s appeal of a 5th circuit court ruling that kept the minutes of the infamous “ES-177” from pubic eyes.The case stems from a January 2006 Kaua`i County Council closed-door meeting regarding its then-pending investigation of the Kaua`i Police Department. When the OIP told the council to give up the minutes, the council sued the OIP to stop their release.But while we’re in receipt of the Supreme Court appeal brief we’re unable to lift quotes from the document that was also…
MADNESS TO THE METHODS

Andy Parx

29 Jun 2009 | 7:27 pm

MADNESS TO THE METHODS: A small notice in today’s local paper announced what may seem to malihini to be about a ho-hum blessing of the new papaya disinfection plant on Kaua`i.But in simply rewriting a county press release the paper’s editor allows more questions to be raised than answered for many kama`aina who remember the history of the papaya “industry” and the issues of disinfection.The press release conveniently fails to answer the big question- exactly how will the papaya’s be disinfected?There was a time in the 70’s when papaya was “the future of ‘diversified’…
(PNN) REPORT: DAM DITCH INTAKE AND RETURN WATER TO MOLOA`A STREAM

Andy Parx

26 Jun 2009 | 5:38 pm

REPORT: DAM DITCH INTAKE AND RETURN WATER TO MOLOA`A STREAM(PNN) -- Moloa`a Stream's flow will be “restored to it’s natural state” if a consultant’s recommendation are followed, the county council was told Wednesday.But although Moloa`a water activist Hope Kallai, who has pushed for the return of water to Moloa`a residents and farmers, was pleased, she also said not so fast there. She explained that the point of diversion is on conservation land and any effort at all would need permissions and permits to work on the current stream alteration that diverts river water into Moloa`a…

Leslie Wilcox
PBS Hawaii Has a New Chairman of the Board

lwilcox

2 Jul 2009 | 10:01 pm

What is leadership? It's a question that PBS Hawaii's new Chairman of the Board has turned inside and out and which he answers very thoughtfully. Robert Alm, or Robbie as he's called, is a student of leadership. He also teaches leadership--a graduate course at the University of Hawaii. And of course, he leads. He has guided many Hawaii nonprofits over the years. A lawyer and former banker, he is Executive Vice-President of Hawaiian Electric Company. When you think of a leader, do you think of a charismatic speaker? Robbie pictures…
Queen's Poi Supper

lwilcox

30 Jun 2009 | 12:51 am

The Queen's Medical Center, celebrating its 150th anniversary, invoked the Hawaiian time period in which it was founded and set the table for an 1800s-style poi supper last Saturday (June 27, 2009). The poi supper was held on the front lawn, in elegant white tents near majestic trees. With foliage screens blocking the view of traffic on Punchbowl Street, guests did have a sense of going back in time. I was reminded of a famous 1889 black-and-white photo showing a table groaning with dishes and bowls of food. At the head of a large table in the Waikiki home…
Try out My Weekly E-Newsletter

lwilcox

26 Jun 2009 | 4:00 am

Every week, I write an e-newsletter and send it out to anyone who wants a heads-up on some of the interesting programs ahead on PBS Hawaii. It's a handy way not to miss good shows. Thought I'd share the upcoming week's e-newsletter with you. If you'd like to subscribe, just send your email address to newsletter@pbshawaii.org. Promise I won't use your email address for any reason other than sending you PBS Hawaii programming information! Aloha mai kakou from Leslie Wilcox, President and CEO of PBS Hawaii... In what is rapidly becoming a specialized, niche world,…
What to Say to Grieving Family Members?

lwilcox

25 Jun 2009 | 7:25 pm

I went to pay my respects last evening at my friend's father's funeral. All I wanted to do was give my friend a hug and tell her and her family that I'm so sorry for their loss. In my heart I know that there's nothing one can say to make loved ones feel better, that the most important way to speak is with one's presence. Even though I know that, I still managed to say dumb things as I went down the reception line. Like "Great to see you!" Fortunately, it's one of the nicest families one could meet and nobody rolled their eyes or took offense, just thanked me for…
Fireworks Bursting on Computer Wallpaper

lwilcox

25 Jun 2009 | 9:54 am

The largest fireworks display anywhere in the country is coming up again on the nation's birthday--and I've just changed my computer wallpaper to feature the Fourth of July pyrotechnics on the U.S. Capitol's West Lawn. This wallpaper, with a July 2009 calendar, is available for free downloading at www.pbshawaii.org/ourproductions/wallpaper.php Other calendar wallpapers being offered this month by PBS Hawaii: the imposing architecture of the Parthenon, and--you can't go wrong with the strong dancers of Robert Cazimero's Na Kamalei: The Men of Hula! PBS Hawaii is airing in high-definition the…

From Lanai's Mind
Michael Jackson Vigil

lanai

29 Jun 2009 | 6:25 pm

Michael Jackson via last.fm via youtube.com Posted via web from Lanai’s posterous Share and Enjoy:
Champagne Wines News - The New York Times

lanai

29 Jun 2009 | 6:18 pm

Fred R. Conrad/The New York Times Wine lovers may argue over Bordeaux vs. Burgundy, Napa vs. Sonoma, or even cabernet sauvignon vs. merlot. But when it comes to Champagne, there is no argument. Almost everyone, it seems, loves Champagne. Genuine Champagne comes only from the strictly defined Champagne region, 90 miles northeast of Paris. Champagne producers wage an unrelenting war against any and all winemakers outside their region who try to usurp the Champagne name. Grapes have been grown and wine produced there for 2,000 years, but what we think of as Champagne can be traced only as far…
Come To Tokyo w/ Me

lanai

21 Jun 2009 | 5:17 pm

Image by kevin (iapetus) via Flickr September 24th I have put together the Ultimate vacation! We leave Thursday morning and arrive Friday after noon in Tokyo. What we have planned you will never get at this price! It is a 4 day 3 night trip for $1,099. which includes Escorted tours of Tokyo’s many citys by train. Air on Japan Airlines and a 5 star hotel above Shinagawa Station. You will also get tickets to Benny Agbayani’s baseball game at the Chiba stadium and a after party invitation with Local recording artist 10 Feet. If you never been to a baseball game this is the one to…
Taking Life’s Little things for Granted.

lanai

18 Jun 2009 | 6:30 pm

Image via Wikipedia I am living temporally in a rented Old Home. I decided to rent out my condo to make some money so rented out this really old house. You don’t really realize how important a functioning toilet is until that bastard decides to spew your piss and shit all over the place because it gave up on accommodating your ass. As this thing is is flooding my bathroom floor all that is running through my mind is where am I gonna take my nightly dump. It really puts a hinder on your daily routine. think about all the obstacles stand in your way everyday if there not functioning…
Waiting

lanai

9 Jun 2009 | 4:42 am

Waiting…Fucking can be Grueling. Did you notice how much of our lives are wasted waiting? We wait in lines, we wait at traffic lights, we wait for people to give birth, we wait for results, results for the Pregnancy test. We wait for a lot of shit. Im not mad because sometimes the longer the wait the better the reward. when we wait for the girl to come over, and even the girl to cum. Ok sorry that was deep. But we do wait for every thing. We wait for our paychecks, our shifts to finish, our drinks from a crowded bar, our food from our server. We wait at the airport 2 fucking hours early…

Topix: Hawaii News
Hawaii Superferry can give ships to lenders, court says

3 Jul 2009 | 8:38 am

Hawaii Superferry Inc. can abandon its ships to lenders owed $158.8 million for their construction, the company's bankruptcy judge ruled.
Japan royal couple head to Canada, Hawaii

3 Jul 2009 | 12:29 am

Japan's Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko hope to reach out to Americans and Canadians of Japanese ancestry during a two-week tour that began Friday, but they won't be going to Pearl Harbor.
Hawaii volcano glow snuffed out by falling rocks

2 Jul 2009 | 6:03 pm

The bright glow at the summit of Hawaii's Kilauea volcano has been snuffed out by a series of large rock falls within its crater.
Three Hawaii State Employee Unions Challenge Furloughs

2 Jul 2009 | 1:44 pm

Linda Lingle from ordering thousands of their members to take three unpaid days off each month.
Aloha! Get a taste of Hawaii in Ketton

2 Jul 2009 | 9:19 am

A TASTE of Hawaii will be brought to Ketton on Saturday, July 4. Ketton Club in High Street has organised an Hawaiian Hula Party, which will include a barbecue, punch, games and activities.

Hawaiirama
Paragliding in Hawaii: Koko Crater

Alex

15 Jun 2009 | 3:54 am

The eye-popping bright colors and high winds make Hawaii a paragliding paradise. Witness this footage shot in 2008 over Koko Crater (in Honolulu near Waikiki) on Oahu. It's enough to make you up your deductible. Gravity Hawaii has the paragliding goods on this on Oahu. Call them up, strap [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]
New Hawaii Food Blogger: Eatizen Jane

Alex

15 Jun 2009 | 2:08 am

Wish she would post more often. Monthly is not enough as the reviews are better than most and often off-beat. Check out this piece on the nouveau Indian cuisine of the Halekulani Hotel's Vikram Garg. [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]
Lava Tube Hikes in Hawaii

Alex

8 Jun 2009 | 4:22 am

I've been on the Pua Po'o Tube Hike in HAVO several times and just love the peace and fragility of these places. There are many paid tours but none are as good as the ranger-guided tours at the park, which are free (if you pay park admission of like [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]
Introducting Our New Twitter Deal Feed, FyndHawaii.com

Alex

7 Jun 2009 | 1:56 am

Fyndhawaii.com is something we contemplated for a while. At first I was doing this as a Hawaii-centric search engine but had troubled tuning it the way I wanted. Then along came Twitter. I wanted to figure out a way to create a real-time stream of deals / things to [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]
SMMH: What Makes Your Local Island Unique?

Alex

2 Jun 2009 | 11:21 am

Image by bobster855 via FlickrJoin the discussion ongoing at SoMuchMoreHawaii.com. Local bloggers talking about what makes their island unique -- for me, Oahu where I live, the diversity is what makes my island unique. I can be hiking a waterfall trail in the morning, surfing at a secluded break at [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]]

Honolulu Advertiser: Editorial Blog
Putting cell phones in their place

Stephen Downes

1 Jul 2009 | 8:40 am

On July 1 - that's today - you can no longer hold a cell phone while driving. It's a silver lining on a day when all the increased taxes and fees go into effect. I have to have a cell phone. But I don't, yet, have to have Bluetooth, or a headset, or any other hands-free thing that will force me to talk on the phone from the sanctity of my car. I now have an excuse not to answer the cell. "Sorry, I was driving, and the new law..." Now I can drive in peace, listen to the FM radio, pay attention to the road, maybe even put in a cassette tape (just google it, kids). Once again, the car has become…
Aloha, King of Pop, and thanks for the $11

Vicki Viotti

25 Jun 2009 | 4:50 pm

Through all his weirdness, I held fast to my core conviction: Michael Jackson was a great talent, who was derailed by, well, that weirdness thing. I'm not saying he had no part in his own career demise. He had everything to do with it, his character already wounded by a sometimes sordid upbringing and the basic corruption faced by all child stars. But I saw that famous 1983 TV appearance in which he moonwalked and spun and made us believe that "Billie Jean is not my lover." (Oh, if we only knew then how true that was!) And I thought, this guy owns this audience. Superstar is an overused term,…
Who cares about saints?

Stephen Downes

18 Jun 2009 | 9:06 pm

On Oct. 11, the Belgian priest, Fr. Damien de Veuster, will become a saint of the Roman Catholic Church. There has already been lots of news coverage in The Advertiser and other media since the canonization was announced, and as the official ceremony draws closer. For non-Catholics and those who don't believe in the divine, all this attention to a religious ritual for one man may seem a bit much. Damien himself, a modest man of humble origins, likely would agree. But there are historical reasons that Hawaii folks, religious or not, can appreciate. Of all the thousands of saints revered by the…
So that's what tweeting is for...

Stephen Downes

16 Jun 2009 | 9:41 pm

A previous post posited the position that Twitter was a "colossal waste of time." For some people who live in a free country, maybe. But for others who don't, it's proved a revolutionary form of expression. Perhaps literally.
Give Kobayashi points for chutzpah, anyway...

Vicki Viotti

15 Jun 2009 | 8:19 pm

Is it possible for something to be both galling and unsurprising at the same time? Anyway, that's how I respond to Ann Kobayashi's latest political announcement, that she's seeking a return to City Hall. She said at the time -- it was just last fall -- that she was ready to move on from City Council but had to be persuaded that a run for the mayor's seat was a good plan. When that decision was made, it came in so late that those wanting to fill her Council vacancy had to scramble and ... well, you know all about that mess. I never really believed that she wanted out of Council politics, so I…

Interactive Strategy @KGMB9
Digging Through the Pitch; Getting the Real Numbers

Jared Kuroiwa

29 Jun 2009 | 7:44 pm

Hopefully you’ve been following along with this stream of thought about buying the web from the buyer’s perspective. And if you are a media buyer, you’re looking more at how to educate yourself so you get the most bang for the buck. If you happen to be the competition, then hopefully you’ll see how selling [...]
Can the Court Have Access to Your Information? (Las Vegas Review-Journal case)

Jared Kuroiwa

24 Jun 2009 | 8:32 pm

Okay, now a bit of serious stuff in the news that sent a bit of a chill down my spine. This type of story interests me because I’ve been curious about privacy and the expectation of privacy in online environments (would have been my dissertation if I stayed in grad school). The gist of what is [...]
Should I Just Buy Online Only? (and a little observation of Obama’s online campaign)

Jared Kuroiwa

22 Jun 2009 | 7:44 pm

Now, I know that a lot (and I mean a lot) of people think that marketing and advertising on the web is the most defined as far as knowing the target audience and effectiveness of the campaigns. You’ll hear a lot of statements being made about the metrics of online marketing that allow you to [...]
Buying the Web: Part III (what you need in place)

Jared Kuroiwa

17 Jun 2009 | 1:44 pm

Okay, in Buying the Web: Part I (Keeping it local) we looked at two things. It’s not about having more volume, it’s about impressions spread amongst the population viewing the site. It’s not just about the sheer volume, but rather about how much fits the demographic you looking to reach. In Buying the Web: Part II [...]
Buying the Web: Part II (consistency in audience)

Jared Kuroiwa

15 Jun 2009 | 2:25 pm

In Buying the Web: Part I (Keeping it local) we looked at two things. It’s not about having more volume, it’s about impressions spread amongst the population viewing the site. It’s not just about the sheer volume, but rather about how much fits the demographic you looking to reach. In this post, we’ll look at trending [...]

KGMB9: Tannya Joaquin
Favorite Fireworks

tjoaquin

2 Jul 2009 | 7:45 pm

Ala Moana Center’s fireworks show was just named one of the country’s top 10. It is a great show. Add the venue and ono grinds, and it’s easy to see why it’s so popular. I also happen to think the Maunalua Bay fireworks are extraordinary. Last year was the 1st time Hawaii Kai had its own display & personally, I put it up there with the Magic Island display. Gets bonus points from me since it’s in my own backyard. And, I remember being out there last year taking it all in… 8 months pregnant and all. Can’t wait for this weekend’s show……
Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

tjoaquin

1 Jul 2009 | 6:43 pm

Ask any female news anchor and you’ll probably get a similar response. Inevitably, the one thing that gives us the most grief… and gets the most attention from viewers… is our HAIR! I think it was Katie Couric who once said, she can do an exclusive interview with a world leader, but all anyone wants to talk about is her hair. The reason I bring this up is because I’m getting a haircut tomorrow and I’m second guessing what I should do now. The reason? Without fail, whenever I make an appointment… suddently out of nowhere , I actually have a “good hair…
A True American Idol

tjoaquin

30 Jun 2009 | 7:38 pm

Caught some of the music video tributes to Michael Jackson that have been playing non-stop since his death… and became a fan all over again. So catchy… and the choreography? Amazing! I was especially enthralled by Thriller. I’ve always loved that. It really changed the face of music videos forever. I also stumbled upon the end of American Idol’s tribute to the King of Pop. Guess this season’s finalists all did covers of his songs to pay homage. Nice idea, but was it just me or did all of them stink? Maybe it’s because he was such an original and I was…
Just Do It!

tjoaquin

29 Jun 2009 | 7:45 pm

Spent this weekend tackling projects we keep putting off. Childproofing, hanging pictures, cleaning, yard work. It was tempting to blow off again… because the weather was so nice… and our boat looked so inviting. What started out as a Saturday project… spilled over to Sunday… and motivated us to get started on a major landscaping project… we’ve held off on… because it’s going to turn our lives upside down for a while… oh and there’s the whole bottomless pit home renovations can turn into. Thank goodness for tax refund this year.
Aloha Friday New Beginnings

tjoaquin

26 Jun 2009 | 4:46 pm

Today’s blog is a mixed plate of sorts. Two parties for two very different reasons. First, KGMB9 held a party in our studio this afternoon for Anita Brady. She’s been a constant voice of KGMB– even as faces in front of the cameras have changed. Anita has been our receptionist greeting everyone who drops by the station… for 47 years! Anita is now starting her much deserved retirement. Our station sent her out in style… with a catered event and special gift to commemorate each of her years of hard work. See for yourself tonight on our news at 5 & 6PM. After I…

Starbulletin: Editorials
Given his stake, Inouye should've known better

Services provided by members of Congress routinely include contacting federal agencies on constituents' behalf, but Sen. Daniel Inouye has been taken to task by the Washington Post for doing so for a Hawaii bank where he keeps at least two-thirds of his assets.
Keith Amemiya

High school sports provides budget entertainment for the whole family. That's the way Keith Amemiya sees it, and the executive director of the Hawaii High School Athletic Association hopes that even in the recession's grip, fans will keep filling the stands in the coming school year.
Letters to the Editor
Brief asides
Special session not warranted

Gov. Linda Lingle's list of bills that she may veto will please some and disappoint others, but none warrants a special session of the Legislature to override a veto. Legislators have been known in the past to use a special session to accomplish other ends and should not again place themselves under such pressure.

Starbulletin: Editorial Columnist
No free ride to top office as lieutenant governor

Half of Hawaii's six governors were lieutenant governors: George Ariyoshi, John Waihee and Ben Cayetano all started out as No. 2. Now Republican Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona is hoping the legacy continues.
Ka Lā Ho'ohanohano iā Kamehameha I

What is the best way to honor Kamehameha the Great?
Measure of victory will be how little is lost

There seems to be no good options for any side in this perilous time for public worker unions and the state of Hawaii.
Mufi's bid for governor will mix up City Hall

Let's talk tactics. Not strategy or anything high-minded — let's just figure out what's up with the City Council.
A penny a pound more adds up to a weighty fee

I am thinking of ways to lessen the weight of my car. You see, the City Council, in all of its wisdom, has decided to raise the tax on motor vehicles by a penny per pound.

All Hawaii News
Public union rallies top Wednesday news

1 Jul 2009 | 8:25 am

Hundreds of government union members rallied along Kamehameha Avenue in Hilo and thousands on the lawn of the state Capitol on Tuesday in a show of solidarity and strength as Gov. Linda Lingle and the state's unions remain at an impasse over unpaid furloughs. The mandatory furloughs are equivalent to about a 14-percent pay cut for two year, although workers would have most Fridays off. Lingle is trying to close a $3 billion budget gap,and the furloughs would account for about half of that. Employees would get three Fridays a month off. Other media accounts of the rallies and union…
Top Hawaii Headlines: Tuesday morning edition

30 Jun 2009 | 8:27 am

Faced with a projected deficit of close to $2.6 million for the fiscal year ending today, University of Hawaii athletic director Jim Donovan is looking to hold the line on the budgets for the school's sports teams while keeping ticket prices at current levels.Battered by what he termed "one of the toughest economies we've ever faced as an athletic department," University of Hawai'i athletic director Jim Donovan said he expects to report a $2.58 million deficit for the fiscal year that closes today.The first swine flu death in the state and the hospitalization of another person raised concern…
Top Hawaii Headlines: Monday morning edition

29 Jun 2009 | 9:20 am

The Department of Land and Natural Resources is undertaking a major restructuring of its law enforcement arm to refocus on protecting the state's natural, cultural and historic resources.While Hawai'i tourism has slowed, the number of street performers, artists and other sidewalk entrepreneurs appears to be growing along Waikiki's Kalakaua Avenue.The state attorney general's criminal division is investigating procurement practices at the state Department of Education.Honolulu's latest effort to move the homeless off Oahu's beaches is set to continue on the Waianae Coast.As the Coast Guard…
Top Hawaii Headlines: Friday morning edition

26 Jun 2009 | 9:48 am

Straw huts, hula dancers and kids with hula hoops were all on display last night in the White House's backyard -- not the typical congressional picnic.The White House luau was actually not a concept cooked up by the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, though it and the rest of the state likely will benefit from the hula-hoopla it generated.Hawaii businesses may donate the same amounts to political candidates as individuals, according to a Thursday ruling by the state Intermediate Court of Appeals upholding a lower court's decision.About 6.9 percent fewer visitors came to the Islands in May…
Top Hawaii Headlines: Thursday morning edition

25 Jun 2009 | 9:35 am

Matson Navigation Co.'s top unionized officers could strike tomorrow -- putting a crimp in Hawaii's delicate supply chain -- if they do not reach accord during scheduled talks with the shipping company today.Crew members, including captains, on Matson Navigation Co.'s trans-Pacific cargo ships have authorized their union to call a strike if a contract agreement is not reached.Moderate to "exceptional" drought conditions have gripped much of the state, leaving firefighters prepping for a potentially busy summer of brushfires and spurring calls for water conservation on the Neighbor…

Hawaii247.org
O-Bon service and dance Festival

Baron

3 Jul 2009 | 7:58 am

Dancers circle around the yagura (tower) at Honomu Hongwanji Buddhist Temple for the O-Bon Festival. Next Bon Dance is at Puna Hongwanji Buddhist Temple July 3 & 4.
Wish you were here: Above the clouds

Karin

3 Jul 2009 | 4:01 am

The International Space Station will be visible from the Big Island over the next few nights. Bust out the binoculars!
Governor to continue negotiations for labor savings

Karin

3 Jul 2009 | 3:29 am

Media releases compiled by Karin Stanton/Hawaii247.org Contributing Editor Gov. Linda Lingle said Thursday she and her cabinet will be working late into the night and through the weekend to plan the next steps following Friday’s court ruling on her furlough plan. Circuit Judge Karl Sakamoto ruled earlier Thursday that the governor does not have the authority to [...]
Volcano Watch: Kilauea activity update for week of June 26

Karin

3 Jul 2009 | 3:23 am

(Activity updates are written by scientists at the U.S. Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.) Surface flows in the Royal Gardens subdivision slowed early this past week in response to a deflation-inflation (DI) event at Kilauea’s summit, but had picked up again by Wednesday evening, July 1. At the coast, the Waikupanaha and Kupapau ocean entries remain active [...]
Volcano Watch: Enjoy nature’s fireworks show

Karin

3 Jul 2009 | 3:22 am

(Volcano Watch is a weekly article written by scientists at the U.S. Geological Survey’s Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.) As we get ready to enjoy Independence Day fireworks, Pele has been giving scientists at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory some spectacular displays of lava activity within Halemaumau Crater. Views into the vent — just over a year old — [...]

Kanu Articles and Blog
Live Aloha Campaign Recap

When the founders of Kanu Hawaii first got together a few years ago, one of the things that worried us most was the slow deterioration of aloha in the islands. We wanted our kids and grandkids to grow up in a place where a spirit of compassion was tangible, and where that spirit could continue to br
Update on the KPT June 20th Workday (note updated supply list!)

This afternoon, a few of us from IHS, the management company of KPT, and Kanu got together to plan for this Saturday's workday at KPT. Here is a general outline of the work we'll be doing. Cleaning Clean out a small flooded area Miscellaneous general cleaning Painting Paint a retaining wall Str
Living Aloha at a Manoa Refuge

Within the lush greenery of Manoa Valley sits a pu’uhonua, a refuge place, that shelters single mothers and their families within its walls.  This place is called Ka Ohu Hou o Manoa, "fresh mists of Manoa." The Salvation Army has created a transitional shelter for single mother
Win the coolest Kanu tshirt!

     Recruit 5 KPT Volunteers  and get a FREE Kanu T-Shirt Hey Kanu members!  Mahalo nui to those of you that have committed to our Live Aloha campaign on June 20th.  We have a special promotional contest for participants at the KPT site on Oahu.  If
Living Aloha at Kuhio Park Terrace

I grew up in Kuhio Park Terrace (KPT) and Palolo Valley Homes public housing projects. When I tell people this, the reaction I get is usually, "YOU lived in public housing?!"  When I ask people why they react this way, they often say, "Well, I'm impressed." I know I shoul

Midweek Extra
Look at that Wiener Dog Go!

Steve Murray

1 Jul 2009 | 1:00 pm

Born from a beer ad, dachshund racing is a growing sport among dog lovers who embrace the combination of friendly competition and comedy. With a height of several inches and legs looking short and stiff
A Job to Relish!

Sarah Pacheco

24 Jun 2009 | 1:00 pm

After nearly a decade’s absence, the deliciously iconic Oscar Mayer Wienermobile rolls back into town
Getting Wet ‘n’Wild

Sarah Pacheco

17 Jun 2009 | 1:00 pm

MidWeek checks out the newest rides at Wet ‘n’ Wild, and comes down screaming (and ready for more!)
Slapshots in Paradise

Steve Murray

10 Jun 2009 | 1:00 pm

Inline hockey is growing in popularity in Hawaii, and the state’s best will be on display this weekend in Mililani
For the Love of Joshua

Alana Folen

27 May 2009 | 1:00 pm

Local star Kristian Lei promises an evening of Broadway favorites as she presents Honolulu Broadway Babies, all for a good cause

The Kona Blog
Hawaii Superferry Opponents Are A Bunch Of Hypocrites,Sandwich Isles Communications Should Be Forced To Reveal More About Their Operations

Aaron Stene

2 Jul 2009 | 9:01 pm

The Hawaii Superferry is officially never returning to Hawaii since they are essentially abandoning their two ships during their current bankruptcy proceedings. This is a really tragic turn of events. It is also very frustrating as the opponents of the HSF never truly allowed this revolutionary service to prove itself. Thus as result of this decision [...]
Sandwich Isles Communications Proposal To Buy Hawaiian Telcom Lives Another Day

Aaron Stene

1 Jul 2009 | 11:18 pm

Howard Dicus reports that the bankruptcy judge handling Hawaiian Telcom’s case has allowed Sandwich Isles Communications proposal to be considered. This is absolutely bad news for Hawaii’s key telecommunications company. It will ultimately mean that Hawaiian Telcom will probably not be able to exit bankruptcy later this year.On top of that, SIC’s proposal raises [...]
Thirty Meter Telescope Article Roundup By Andrew Cooper

Aaron Stene

1 Jul 2009 | 9:54 pm

Andrew Cooper has blogged a lot about the Thirty Meter Telescope proposed for Mauna Kea. He has compiled a list of these articles here.Andrew has been very vocal in his support of this project and clearing up misinformation stated by anti-astronomy activists. Thus whatever side of the fence you are on regarding this project his [...]
Federal Government Gravy Train Has Picked Up Former Hawaii County DPW Head

Aaron Stene

1 Jul 2009 | 9:33 pm

It has come to my attention that David Corrigan did not videotape the recent Hawaii County Council coup meeting.David simply transferred highlights of the county funded video tape coverage of the meeting on to his website. I’m very happy that Governor Lingle vetoed legislation that would’ve damaged Hawaii’s business climate further. I hope the governor [...]
Hawaii’s Residents & Visitors Will Be Hit With Higher Taxes Starting Tomorrow Thanks To The Democratic Party Controlled Legislature

Aaron Stene

30 Jun 2009 | 7:38 pm

Hawaii’s residents and visitors will be hit with higher taxes starting tomorrow thanks to the Democratic Party controlled legislature.The most immediate impact will be higher gasoline prices.I’m utterly pissed off about this. It is already very hard to make ends meet here due to high costs of living.The latter will be even more harder to [...]

Planet Kaua`i
Applying Hawaii's shield law

charleyfoster

1 Jul 2009 | 11:19 am

The AP has reported the story of the ACLU invoking Hawaii's new shield law in opposing the Brescia subpoena of an individual who has been making a documentary of Native Hawaiian burial practices.The shield law, enacted last year, protects journalists and others who are acting similarly from having to testify or produce evidence.The subpoenas stem from a property dispute in Kauai. For eight years, landowner Joseph Brescia had sought to build on a parcel on Naue Point where 30 graves had been discovered, according to the ACLU.Though the state Supreme Court ruled against his construction plans,…
Joan Conrow, Garden Island, et al, prevail in defamation appeal

charleyfoster

30 Jun 2009 | 9:39 pm

The case arose, in the words of the decision (PDF), out of the investigation by the Kauai Police Department of two murders and an attempted murder, each involving sexual assault and stabbing of women, that were committed in separate incidents in 2000 on Kauai. In 2000 the Plaintiff-Appellant sued the Kauai police chief, a number of officers, and the county, claiming they had engaged in misconduct while investigating him for these crimes. He also sued the authors (including Joan Conrow) and publishers of articles appearing in the Honolulu Magazine and The Garden Island claiming, among other…
ACLU gets involved in Brescia case

charleyfoster

30 Jun 2009 | 8:02 pm

Via the Advertiser, The ACLU will represent Keoni Kealoha Alvarez who, according to the article, is "an independent filmmaker working on a documentary about Native Hawaiian burial practices who has been subpoenaed by lawyers for" Joseph Brescia. According to court records available online Alvarez does not appear to be a named party in any actions involving Brescia, however the paper indicates that the subpoena is related to Brescia's "civil suit against individuals he claims have delayed [] construction." According to the article the subpoena encompassed "[n]early all of Alvarez's unpublished…
Some old cases relevant to Kauai's suit against the Hanalei boat tour operator

charleyfoster

29 Jun 2009 | 5:22 pm

Hawaiioceanlaw.com has provided some interesting history relevant to Kauai County's suit alleging permit violations against a Hanalei boat tour operator - The State of Hawaii attempted to require boat operators to obtain permits to operate in Hanalei Bay and Hanalei River. A boat operator challenged the regulations, citing the Supremacy Clause of the Constitution. The regulations were struck down by the Ninth Circuit. Young v. Coloma-Agaran, 340 F.3d 1053 (9th Cir. 2003).Separately, rival tour boat operators brought suit against the Hanalei boat operators asserting that their alleged failure…
New Hawaii legal blog

charleyfoster

28 Jun 2009 | 8:43 pm

Honolulu employment law and civil litigation attorney Roman Amaguin has a new (May 23) blog, Virtual Hawaii Employment Lawyer.

KauaiEclectic
Musings: Quick Stop

Joan

2 Jul 2009 | 11:30 am

I'm in a rush today, but wanted to provide you with a link to a piece I just published on cultural and environmental concerns related to placing the bike path on Wailua Beach.Then there's also the Star-Bulletin piece reporting that a federal judge has ruled Hawaii Superferry can abandon its two ferries to MARAD, the federal agency that provided the bulk of its funding. According to the article, we won't be seeing the ferry in Hawaii again:"We're not going to be returning back to the state of Hawaii now that the estate has abandoned the ships," Leon Barson, a Hawaii Superferry attorney, told…
Musings: Playing Rough

Joan

1 Jul 2009 | 1:23 pm

What a gorgeous day!Jupiter and Venus were golden and Waialale — as first glimpsed through the looped barbed wire atop the lumber yard fence — was totally clear, as were Kalalea, Hokualele, Nounou, Haupu, Makaleha and all the other mountains, when Koko and I set out walking this morning.Clouds started slowly drifting in as we cruised down Kawaihau Road, with me admiring the super cute architecture of some of the houses, and Koko endlessly fascinated with an array of scents, and by the time the eastern sky turned yellow, they were piling up mauka and shapeshifting into coral heads…
Musings: Sucky Stuffs

Joan

30 Jun 2009 | 12:04 pm

Waialeale’s summit was sandwiched between a pink sky and pink clouds when Koko and I, after a restless night of roosters that wouldn’t stop crowing, headed to the beach this morning, arriving just in time to see the sun rise orange and vibrant out of the sparkling sea.Mounds left by burrowing crabs created the tropical version of a prairie dog village on the sand, and Koko busied herself with furious digging and stick chewing as I dove into water inhabited by hundreds of tiny blue fishes.And then we returned to the parking lot, where a few piles of broken car window glass served as silent…
Musings: On Blogging

Joan

29 Jun 2009 | 11:37 am

A big rain came through last night, giving the morning a fresh, clean feeling when Koko and I went walking as nene honked overhead and the fragrance of unseen citrus blossoms wafted through the air. Venus and Jupiter were still visible, and for the first time in the two weeks since I moved, Waialeale revealed herself — initially just her notch, and then her flat, sloping summit, overscored by a long, thin, pink-gray cloud, and then, as the sun rose behind a gilt-edged puff, her full face, flushed delicate rose.Now that made me happy. As for Koko, she was already dancing at the end of her…
Musings: Desecration in the Hood II

Joan

27 Jun 2009 | 11:42 am

It seems there was a bit of action yesterday at the house that Joe Brescia is building atop burials at Naue, what with kids coming to pray, sing and chant to the iwi — prompting contractor Joe Galante to call police — and all the tree-cutting that was going on for the second day in a row.Since the police were there, anyway, taking Galante’s complaint, Caren Diamond took the opportunity to file a complaint of her own about Bresica et.al. fencing off the public beach. Now this is an interesting issue, with statewide implications, and while it’s a bit convoluted, I’ll try to present a…

The Maui News
Paia dust devil

3 Jul 2009 | 9:37 am
Road closures ordered

3 Jul 2009 | 9:34 am

LAHAINA - Road closures have been announced for Fourth of July events this weekend. Police will close a portion of Front Street in Lahaina for a Fourth of July fireworks show organized by the Maui Chamber of Commerce. The road will be closed between Baker and Hotel streets starting at 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Side streets also will be closed, and no on-street parking will be allowed.
Waiting for the rodeo action

3 Jul 2009 | 9:26 am
Police leaders sworn in

3 Jul 2009 | 9:24 am

WAILUKU - Police Chief Gary Yabuta pledged to reduce crime and curtail drug and gang activity in "challenging times," as he was sworn in Thursday as the ninth police chief in Maui County history. Family, friends and fellow police officers filled the lounge area of the chief's office at the Wailuku Police Station for the ceremony.
Alcohol ban at park advances

3 Jul 2009 | 9:13 am

WAILUKU - The Maui County Council debate about whether to ban alcohol at South Maui's popular Charley Young Beach Park proved to be much more complicated than just an attempt by some vocal neighbors to force out a regular group of party people.

westhawaiitoday.com
In Brief - Business

3 Jul 2009 | 10:11 am

Chamber presents Pualu Awards The Kona Kohala Chamber of Commerce has announced the names of recipients of its Pualu Awards. The Hawaii Island Humane Society; Fair Wind, Big Island Ocean Guides; and Big Island Carbon LLC are the recipients.
In Brief - Big Island

3 Jul 2009 | 10:11 am

Information on collision sought Police are looking for witnesses to March accident in Hilo involving a truck and bicycle.
Puna woman a murder victim

3 Jul 2009 | 10:10 am

The investigation into the death of a 21-year-old Puna woman has been reclassified from a coroner's inquest to a murder.
Lingle slashes $4M more off UH-Hilo budget

3 Jul 2009 | 10:10 am

HILO -- Salary cuts for a couple dozen executives are on the table as the University of Hawaii at Hilo grapples with an unprecedented $4 million budget cut out of the $33 million in yearly funding it receives from the state.
County sues over Waikoloa housing project

3 Jul 2009 | 10:10 am

Hawaii County is suing the company responsible for building the Waikoloa workforce housing project.

Big Island Chronicle
Guest Column — Fireworks Shows on the Big Island

Bruce Albrecht

3 Jul 2009 | 1:30 am

By Bruce Albrecht Looking for a spectacular fireworks display to enjoy this weekend? Here are a few suggestions to cap off your fun-filled Independence day. Coconut Island Fireworks 2005 In Hilo, the Lehua Jaycees are once again producing their annual 4th of July fireworks show, set off on Moku Ola (Coconut Island). The island itself will be closed, but great viewing is available at Liliuokalani Gardens or just about anywhere on Bayfront. If you are going to be on the leeward side this Saturday, you can catch one of the four professional fireworks displays being performed in Kona and South…
***Commentary*** My Heart Gently Weeps For Pahoa; The Butt-End Of Woodland Center Will Face Historic Town’s Entrance

Tiffany Edwards Hunt

2 Jul 2009 | 12:01 pm

Depicted are plans for Woodland Center to include Longs Drugs, Kentucky Fried Chicken, and Burger King at the entrance of the centennial town of Pahoa. (Click for a full view.) Notice how the butt-end of Longs Drugs faces the town's entrance. Forget beautification! How about uglification?! Thanks to Paul Ogasawara who believes this is progress. What about the jobs, you say? You call $7.25 per-hour minimum wage jobs progress? Sorry, go-nowhere jobs that encourage the youth not to stray far beyond their town's end, or entrance, are pretty low standards in my mind. Every one is entitled…
Dispatches From Curt — Steadfast And Ever-Faithful GOP Loyalist Elroy Osorio And Some Island Political History

Tiffany Edwards Hunt

2 Jul 2009 | 1:53 am

Curtis Narimatsu (Curtis Narimatsu is a lifelong resident of Hilo who writes about the forgotten past such as the old plantation days & untold heroes.) Emil Osorio, born 1898, arrived here in 1910, nephew of mogul J.A.M. Osorio. Emil is Elroy’s father. Emil got Board of Water Supply job under GOP County Chairman Sam Mahuka Spencer. Elroy Osorio born Sept. 1924 — 84 yrs. old but looks 64 yrs. young, was inspired by GOP County Chairman Jimmy Kealoha to run for political office. Elroy Osorio (about a decade or so ago) Next to GOP Bernard Akana/Wendell Kaehuaea, GOP Elroy…
***Commentary*** U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye, Central Pacific Financial, And The Appearance Of Impropriety

Tiffany Edwards Hunt

2 Jul 2009 | 1:29 am

Noteworthy is a Wednesday, July 1, 2009 Washington Post article entitled, “After Call From Senator’s Office, Small Hawaii Bank Got U.S. Aid.” U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye The ailing Central Pacific Financial, which previously had been determined not to meet the Treasury Department’s criteria, reportedly received a federal infusion after an inquiry from the office of U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye. ProPublica and Washington Post Staff Writers Paul Kiel and Binyamin Appelbaum reported that Sen. Inouye has “ownership of Central Pacific shares worth $350,000 to $700,000, some…
Kona News — Forest City Hawaii Hosts ‘Keahuolo Village Planning Workshop’ On July 7

Tiffany Edwards Hunt

2 Jul 2009 | 1:06 am

MELISSA CHANG: URBAN MIX PLATE
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee!

Melissa

2 Jul 2009 | 1:48 pm

Last night was the opening of Manoa Valley Theatre's "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee." What a fun little musical production! If you haven't gotten your tickets yet, what are you waiting for? The entire theatre, including the bathrooms, is decorated like a high school. The cocktail servers are dressed like cheerleaders, with the exception of one guy who is dressed like a cafeteria lady. Go Putnam Poi Dogz! The inside of the theatre looks like the inside of a gym. I sat with Christa Wittmier (aka @Supercw on Twitter), as we were two of the "VIP Celebrity Twitter Spellers" for…
Dinner 2.0 with Kelly Hu

Melissa

29 Jun 2009 | 6:17 am

One of the notable things that set the Obama presidential campaign apart from other political campaigns in history was its use of social media--Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, blogs, and more. This is something that you will continue to see as an essential part of political campaigns from now on. I was fortunate to experience part of this in Congressman Neil Abercrombie's campaign on Saturday. During his last campaign, his social media team came up with a concept called "Dinner 2.0," where a small group gathers with the candidate over an informal meal and talks story. It's unique because the…
Tweet Up! Fendu Boulangerie

Melissa

26 Jun 2009 | 9:57 am

When I saw Fendu Boulangerie open in Manoa Marketplace, I couldn't wait to see Manoa blogger Kristen Lum Brummel's review on it. I was even more excited when she suggested we check it out together, with Real Life 101 blogger Kelli Miura! I love meeting my fellow bloggers! Boulangerie at last! Kristen & Kelli It's been kind of crazy for all three of us lately, so it took a while to schedule something. Lilikoi Cheesecake and Zucco We kind of gawked at the desserts. There were so many! I think I'm going to try these next time. It was a lot of fun to meet up--actually, Tweet Up, since Kelli…
Checking out Kaimuki Grill

Melissa

19 Jun 2009 | 1:46 am

About a month ago, Catherine Toth blogged about a new place called Kaimuki Grill, which took the place of Momotarou (across Victoria Inn). It looked so good, I had to try it. I went with the effervescent Christa Wittmier (@supercw) and asked her to bring a couple friends. Daniel Gray had just opened his Chinatown club, SoHo, on a Friday night, and was taking a break from the scene; this seemed like a good way to help him chillax. Next to Christa is Anne Au, who owns Rockshop--retailing fun fashions on First Fridays. Christa and Anne sport Rockshop shades with the CB Sliders, mini…
Kapalua Wine & Food Festival Finale

Melissa

15 Jun 2009 | 7:39 am

I was going to entertain you with more food p0rn to celebrate the Kapalua Wine & Food Festival's finale. But after seeing what piqued people's interest on my Twitter feed last night, that all went out the window! I'll just give you a quick peek. Sunday's breakfast of champions We started the day with a workshop called "Day After Alchemy," in which sommeliers and chefs brought out their hangover helpers--using food, wine, and spirits. What a great theme! They fed us many salty, spicy, fatty, carby things that are key to battling hangovers. It was still a lot of food, though. More than any…

Share Your Table: Main Features
Flavors of Hawaii Celebrated at the White House

23 Jun 2009 | 5:00 pm

Flavors of Hawaii Celebrated at the White House Flavors of Hawaii Celebrated at the White HouseChef Alan Wong creates a modern luau for Congressional picnic
Chicken Long Rice: A Luau Favorite

22 Jun 2009 | 5:00 pm

Chicken Long Rice: A Luau Favorite Chicken Long Rice: A Luau FavoriteCan the origins of this soupy noodle dish be traced to Hawaii’s Chinese immigrants?
North Shore Cattle Company: Doc Lum’s Legacy

17 Jun 2009 | 5:00 pm

North Shore Cattle Company: Doc Lum’s Legacy North Shore Cattle Company: Doc Lum’s LegacyFormer state vet pioneers 100% Hawaii Grown Beef
Mango Chutney: Preserving Summer’s Bounty

13 Jun 2009 | 5:00 pm

Mango Chutney: Preserving Summer’s Bounty Mango Chutney: Preserving Summer’s BountyA condiment with Indian roots
Think Global, Live Local

2 Jun 2009 | 5:00 pm

Think Global, Live Local Think Global, Live LocalConnecting consumers to their food source

808Talk Hawaii
Another Perspective of Diamond Head

April M. Williams

2 Jul 2009 | 5:30 am

We showed you Diamond Head from above and hiking up Diamond Head but for a real adventure talk a walk around Diamond Head. Really! Around Diamond Head! Put on your comfortable shoes because we have a long hike ahead of us. Plan on four to five miles depending on your starting location. The best time to take this walk is just before sunrise, before the day heats up. If you are starting from Waikiki, walk along Kalakaua Avenue and listen to the quiet of the morning. Traffic is light, mostly trucks delivering food and supplies to businesses. Say “hello” to your fellow early morning…
Video: The Other Hawaii

V.Brown

1 Jul 2009 | 6:15 am

Inside USA - The Other Hawaii - Part 1 Inside USA - The Other Hawaii - Part 2 ShareThis
Mailani Solo Debut Album Released

V.Brown

1 Jul 2009 | 12:45 am

Singer-songwriter Mailani Makainai returns to the Hawaiian music scene with her first solo album on the Mountain Apple Company label. “Mailani” features her beautiful, unique voice and original songs that have endeared her to fans in Hawai’i and around the world. Mailani, who grew up in Kailua Town on O’ahu’s Windward Coast, is part of a musical family. She started singing at the age of two and taught herself ‘ukulele while in high school. It was at Maryknoll Schools that she met Lei Melket, with whom she later formed Keahiwai, one of the most popular…
Video: Aloha From Waikiki

V.Brown

28 Jun 2009 | 5:30 am

ShareThis
Photo: Oahu Surfing

V.Brown

27 Jun 2009 | 3:45 am

Oahu Surfing ShareThis

Capsun's Corner
AQ: Admired by the NEA

Capsun

2 Jul 2009 | 10:45 am

I’ve been writing about my friend AQ McElrath for several months now. And it seems like others are seeking to honor her posthumously. You may have already seen this, but as someone who wrote about AQ so extensively and the husband of a dedicated teacher, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention this in this space. I received this email from the National Education Association and am happy to share it with you, to honor AQ and the NEA on the day that the NEA honors her: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nation’s educators to honor Ah Quon McElrath WASHINGTON, DC-The National Education…
Honeymoon in…Washington, DC

Capsun

30 Jun 2009 | 10:45 am

Yes, you read that correctly. The Mrs. and I decided to go to Washington, DC for our honeymoon. So, as you read this, we’re probably over the skies above or near the Eastern Seaboard. For those of you who know I’m a political junkie, you’re probably thinking that I must have won that argument. Well, I’m happy to report that Mrs. Poe was more than happy to consent. This will be her second visit, but her first “real one” as her first time was just for a few hours. Her only condition was that we get tickets to visit the White House! Thanks to…
Mr. & Mrs. Capsun M. Poe

Capsun

26 Jun 2009 | 10:45 am

Here we are, the former Bride and Groom, and current Wife and Husband, Earth and Capsun - Mr. & Mrs. Capsun M. Poe, although I think she’ll keep her maiden name for now. I want to take some time to thank all of my readers for sending their congratulations on my recent wedding. I’ve been very busy as I only took Monday off and was back to work on Tuesday. So, for everyone asking for wedding photos, they are coming, but probably after we get back from our honeymoon. Once I do get them, I may post them here, on my photo blog (http://capsunpoe.blogspot.com/), or on my…
Memorial Service for Ira Rohter

Capsun

24 Jun 2009 | 10:45 am

By now, most in Hawaii’s political and academic realms have heard of the sudden passing of Professor Ira Rohter. As I Tweeted on Monday, Ira was both a UH Political Science professor and leader/founder of the Hawaii Green Party. Many of the blog and Twitter tributes to him describe him as a good government advocate, which he was. And if you’ve never had him as a professor or even heard of him, even though he is gone, you can still read some of his thoughts in his book, A Green Hawaii. I was one of the first to Tweet about Ira’s passing because my friend Sue, a current…
Remembering AQ: Carol Thompson Okay

Capsun

17 Jun 2009 | 10:45 am

Note: This is part of my (supposedly) Weekly AQ Wisdom special series. To see other posts in the series, click on the Best Bets tab at the top of any page here and scroll down to the “AQ McElrath” section. Material for this post was taken from information available at her Celebration of Life in February. “Ah Quon was tireless and inspiring in her work to improve the lives of others on two levels. She was an effective social change agent working with organizations and institutions to implement systemic improvement. That work will be well recorded in Hawaiian and labor…

Bytemarks.org
Summer Solsitice (pt. 2)

admin

26 Jun 2009 | 1:17 am

Several days have gone by since spending the Solstice day at Nualolo on Kauai. Being back in the urban life of Honolulu it’s easy to see the contrast of place. As obvious as it is, I am still processing what it all means. We live in the city but the brief moment we spend in the wilderness is full of sustainence. When going to a place like Nualolo, you will feel a connection with the land all around you and in you face. The photo to the right is of a fresh water spring in Nualolo. It typifies the life bestowing jewel of the valley. My friend Kelvin describes these experiences as…
Summer Solstice

admin

24 Jun 2009 | 8:19 am

June 21, 2009 marks the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. It is the tilt of the earth’s axis that causes this long day and as soon as it happens we pass into a period of shortening days. It is the transition from one period into the next. For seven years, my friend Kelvin Ho made it a personal commitment to celebrate the solstice by taking a group of friends into a valley along the Na Pali coast of Kauai called Nualolo. Through this commitment, he and his wife Kat recognize and honor our Hawaiian ancestors who lived and drew sustanance from this land. This was the fifth year…
Project Kaisei

admin

14 Jun 2009 | 11:32 pm

Back on the Sept. 3, 2008 episode of Bytemarks Cafe, Ryan and I had a chance to talk to Marcus Eriksen and Joel Paschal about the Junk Kraft and their voyage into the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. This Pacific Gyre or Vortex is an area northeast of Hawaii where the currents swirl and collect the plastic garbage dumped into the ocean by the US and Asia. One year has passed and although we are a little more aware of the situation, not much has been done to clean it up, until now. Project Kaisei recently came onto our radar and is working toward a solution. We had Mary Crowley from Project Kaisei…
Visual Thinking

admin

7 Jun 2009 | 11:20 pm

While at SXSW 09 this past March, I sat through an inspiring keynote by Tony Hsieh, CEO of Zappos. As interesting as his talk was, I found myself drawn to what was happening on the left side of the stage. A graphic recorder was taking notes while Tony was speaking. She paced herself throughout the 50 minute talk highlighting Tony’s key messages. This was new to me and I had not seen this before. I later found out that graphic recorder was a woman named Sunni Brown and this style of visual note taking and information design is a technique that dates back more than 30+ years. Obviously,…
Roz Savage

admin

25 May 2009 | 9:47 am

I had the fortune of meeting this wonderful woman last year as she entered into the Waikiki Yacht Club on her ocean voyage from California to Hawaii. For Roz Savage, this was just the first leg of a trans-Pacific quest to solo-row from California to Australia. Her mission, which she takes seriously is to bring awareness to the condition of our planet and to motivate people to do something about it. On her initial leg of her voyage it was about the pollution we were dumping into the ocean, particularly plastics. On this segment of her voyage as she continues her journey to Australia is to…

Bytemarks Cafe
Bytemarks Cafe - Episode 44 - June 24, 2009

Ryan

26 Jun 2009 | 1:49 pm

After the headlines, Ian Kitajima and Ed Young join us to tell us about the Dual-Use conference going on at the Honolulu Country Club. Then, Fred Rodi from DR Fortress and Alex Laguardia from Superb Hosting will join us to talk about data centers and the infrastructure needed to host your servers. Download MP3 File
Bytemarks Cafe - Episode 43 - June 18, 2009

Ryan

18 Jun 2009 | 3:55 pm

After the headlines, Darren Kimura from Sopogy gives us some energy saving tips. Then, Kim Bridges from the UH Botany Department and Richard Palmer from the state Department of Health will join us to discuss the new frontiers of high resolution photography and the “GigaPan” system. Recommended GigaPan links from Richard: Gigapan.org: The main site with links to reviews, and much more information. Global Connection Project (CMU/NASA/Nat Geo/Google), from which the GigaPan originated. Hanauma Bay Herbarium sheet Honolulu from Pu`u Ualaka`a State Park Richard’s User Page…
Bytemarks Cafe - Episode 42 - June 10, 2009

Ryan

12 Jun 2009 | 6:50 pm

After the headlines, Mary Crowley from Ocean Voyages Institute tells us about Project Kaisei. Later, Pete Cooper from Better Place Hawaii and Bor Yann Liaw from Hawaii Natural Energy Institute join us to discuss electric cars and the infrastructure to support them. MP3 File
Bytemarks Cafe - Episode 41 - June 3, 2009

admin

5 Jun 2009 | 12:57 am

First we’ll look at the latest tech news and happenings in Hawaii and beyond. Then we’ll have Leah Lamb from Current here to talk about the So Much More Hawaii bloggers tour. Later, Sunni Brown from Brightspot Info Design and Chris Gargiulo from KCC join us to discuss “visual thinking” and information design. Download MP3 File
Bytemarks Cafe - Episode 40 - May 27, 2009

Ryan

1 Jun 2009 | 11:16 pm

After the headlines, Peter Rosegg from HECO joins us to talk about the Hawaii Clean Energy Day. Then, Cleo Brown from ING Direct and Kenneth Newman from Central Pacific Bank will be here to talk about online banking and identity protection. Download MP3 File

Tech Hui Blogs
How Not to Market in Tough Times

Robert F. Kay

By now you’ve seen enough “Marketing Ideas for Tough Times” stories to make you puke. They offer the usual tried, true and hackneyed advice—"stay close to your customers, listen to your customers, review your strategies, be even more responsive to your customers," ad nauseam. Like you don’t do these things already? Hell, what you need is more cash flow. In you found some new customers, you don’t need to be told that it’s good to listen to them. So let’s a assume you have a little more time on your hands and instead of taking another yoga class, going swimming at Kaimana or…
Featured Techie: Labels That Talk President Ken Berkun

Daniel Leuck

I first met Ken on TechHui. He was an early member and a frequent participant in our groups and forums. I was intrigued by his company's product, Soundpaper, which encodes audio in high density barcodes. In Japan I frequently see bar codes used to encode URLs that can be read by mobile phone cameras. You find them everywhere from vending machines to magazines. The user points their mobile camera at the barcode to access media (sound, image or video) over the network. Soundpaper is unique in that the data itself is encoded, which removes the need for a network connection. This technology has…
Silverlight 3.0 - The First Real Threat to Flex

Daniel Leuck

I just finished reviewing the API docs for Silverlight 3. I'm really impressed with the 3.0 framework. Silverlight has always had good underpinnings including an elegant and clean API, a declarative UI, a solid VM and an excellent programming language (C#). The problem has been a lack of polish in the UI, missing high level components and missing key features already found in Flash/Flex. SL 3.0 solves all these problems. Looking through the API docs, which are starting to look more like J2ME than a toy browser plugin API, I see advanced bitmap and vector APIs including filters and effects,…
FREE to a Good Home: 3 Tivos (old Series 1) plus TiVo WiFi

Shane Robinson

I have 3 Series 1 TiVo boxes, remotes, and a TiVo USB WiFi adapter that I would prefer don't go into the landfill. 2 of them work perfectly. One has problems starting up. I thought one of you gadget gurus might have use for their innards, could use them for parts, or just want another TiVo or two around the house. First person willing to pick them up today in Kailua or next week in town, from Judi Clark, can have 'em.
How About A Simple Plan to Reduce Hawaii Electric Costs to Near Zero? Great Geothermal Paper

Alex Salkever

Why Geothermal Energy Production in Hawaii is Good

Raising Islands
The latest NASA moon shot, LRO, has Hawai'i cred

1 Jul 2009 | 8:23 pm

Each of three of the pieces of equipment aboard NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter—which is swinging around the Moon as this is written—has hibiscus tucked behind its ear.Well, not really. But they have legitimate Hawai'i credentials.(Image: A shot taken Dec. 12, 1972, during the Apollo 17 mission, shows orange soil near Shorty Crater. The color, later examination showed, came from orange volcanic glass particles. Credit: NASA.)Three University of Hawai'i scientists, B. Ray Hawke, Jeffey Gillis-Davis and Paul Lucey, all of the Institute of Geophysics and Planetology, are contributing…
Sweet potato: key to Hawaiian dryland agriculture systems?

29 Jun 2009 | 6:05 pm

New archaeological studies from the famed Kona Field System appear to confirm the dramatic expansion in organized Hawaiian agriculture starting as early as the year 1300, and certainly by the late 1400s. In terms of calories produced, one of the key crops of the drylands was the sweet potato. Did the late arrival in the Islands of this rich source of carbohydrates prompt the development of extensive, highly organized dryland agriculture? It's possible, researchers said. The crop was popular enough that large sections of land were dedicated exclusively to its production. (Image: Sweet potato…
Electric cars: Hot, hot, hot!

26 Jun 2009 | 10:55 am

The hottest car in the world may be an electric car. For those of us accustomed to thinking about golf-cart-like electric car models, something like Tesla's Roadster is the game changer. It's what car magazines would call “smoking hot,” a sexy low-slung sports car that goes 0-60 in four seconds, and whose top speed is double the highest posted speed limit in Hawai'i. Touch the car with a finger and go “Sssss.” (Image: Tesla Roadster. Credit: Tesla Motors.) There are a couple of them in Hawai'i already and more coming, bought by well-heeled customers. (They run a bit north of…
Repairs as art--beyond recycling!

25 Jun 2009 | 10:28 am

There was a time when you just fixed broken stuff, no questions asked. Busted handle on a teacup? You glued it. Cracked metal on a mower, you got a neighbor with a torch to weld it. Today that stuff ends up at the dump, and there's a thriving market on eBay and in stores for replacement gear. We toss things out casually, often when they are still functional, and only challenged aesthetically. A Dutch design firm, Platform21, and the Dutch magazine BRIGHT are collaborating on a contest for repairs that are not only functional, but creative and attractive. Dremel will give away a multifunction…
Need a jump, sugar? A sweet new battery technology.

19 Jun 2009 | 7:55 pm

You got your lead-acid batteries, your lithium batteries, and of course, those sugar batteries. Sugar batteries? Battery technology has been identified as a key factor in the future of alternative energy, and lots of folks are working on ways to advance battery science. Some of it tweaks existing technologies, and some is going to entirely new places. Two researchers from the University of Hawai'i's Hawai'i Natural Energy Institute, Daniel Scott and Bor Yann Liaw, have just published a report on a new way to use sugar to produce power in a battery. The paper is “Harnessing electric power…

Sustainability in Hawaii
Abercrombie to KIUC: face up to climate change

Ken

1 Jul 2009 | 9:15 am

Sheesh, it’s only been 18 months since Councilmember Jay Furfaro interrupted my speech to the Filipino Chamber of Commerce on Kauai’s sustainability challenges with his own rant about the uncertainties of climate change and the need to proceed with caution. And it was only last week that The Garden Island published a puff piece on [...]
ebike love II: on days without cycling

Ken

1 Jul 2009 | 8:22 am

Back to e-bikin‘ (yeah), after Bionx sent me a replacement wheel under warranty and suddenly the days are fun again. Bob Stehlik at Blue Planet Surf and Bionic Wheels was super at expediting the exchange (mahalo!). Oh, and, Stehlik’s got more ebikes on Oahu or can put one together for ya…if you’re ready to step up [...]
faster is better: on energy pathways to economic recovery

Ken

19 Jun 2009 | 9:40 am

“The faster and farther California can improve energy efficiency, while accelerating deployment of renewable energy, the faster the state economy will grow and create jobs”, says a new report on “Energy Pathways” by Berkeley economist, David Roland-Holst (via next10). If you think this sounds like greener-sooner-cheaper, you’d be right. And if you think the alternative “portends [...]
indigi-new economy: Adamson on sustainability and hard times

Ken

17 Jun 2009 | 12:24 pm

“We will find abundance through hard times when we find each other”, says First Nation’s Rebecca Adamson. “Abundance comes not from stuff…An indigenous system is based on prosperity, creation, kinship, and a sense of enough-ness. It is designed for sharing.” Adamson’s wisdom flows through a marvelous interview by Sarah Van Gelder in the “New Economy” issue of [...]
exploring eco-Edmonton: host with the most for sustainability

Ken

15 Jun 2009 | 11:43 am

Tomorrow will be this city’s turn to shine the light on local initiatives for sustainability. As host of ICLEI’s triennial World Congress, Edmonton has packed the day with 14 “mobile workshops” that will take the local leaders from 57 countries out into the city and region of Edmonton (by foot, bus or bicycle) to explore sustainability [...]

Honolulu Advertiser: Hawaii Hacks
iPhone 3GS Unboxing and Overview (Plus a full resolution video sample!)

John Garcia

20 Jun 2009 | 9:48 pm

Shot and uploaded to YouTube by Scott Morifuji, here's a quick overview of what you can expect in the box of your new iPhone 3GS. Update: Here's a full resolution video sample that was taken yesterday in the Honolulu Advertiser newsroom. YouTube version: Full resolution H.264 .MOV file: http://bit.ly/3gsvideo
Video review: Speck iPhone 3GS CandyShell Case

John Garcia

20 Jun 2009 | 9:11 pm

My mission of the day was to find a decent case to protect my new 32GB iPhone 3GS. I've been carrying the phone around with no case, being as careful as possible not to scratch, drop or lose my new phone just hours after purchasing it. My search started at the Ala Moana Apple Store where, to my surprise, stood a line of people spanning fifty long waiting to get their hands on the new smartphone. To make matters worse, the temp. guage in my car read 87 degrees in the parking garage... it must have been in the low to mid 90s in the direct sun! Once again, Apple Store staff handed out umbrellas…
3GS to YouTube rocks!

John Garcia

20 Jun 2009 | 8:32 pm

Okay, so it's been a full day since we've had the iPhone 3GS and let me tell you, the more I play with it, the more I love it! My favorite feature by far is the video to YouTube feature which allows you to quickly and easily shoot anything you want and upload it to your YouTube account. My longest video test was a clip shot last night at Pearl Nightclub and Lounge in Ala Moana Center. With a total running time of just under two minutes, uploading to YouTube through the built in iPhone 3GS interface took about nine minutes. Once your video is uploaded, the YouTube servers take over and crunch…
iPhone 3GS review, photos and videos coming soon!

John Garcia

19 Jun 2009 | 12:13 pm

It's been about an hour since Scott and I have had the new iPhone 3GS in our grubby little paws and it's about time you folks see what this thing can do! Check back shortly for a review on the new iPhone features which include the built in compass, 3mp photo and videos samples. If you're not already following us on twitter, be sure to hit us up! @honadv @scottmorifuji @johngarcia Special thanks to Sandee Oshiro for letting us hijack her blogspace! Follow her @sandybeach! >>> Sandee says: John, anytime! Here's the @honadv iPhone story with @jgarcia pics. Enjoy!
Mission accomplished

Sandee Oshiro

19 Jun 2009 | 10:36 am

@johngarcia reports he's got his phone and it is activated. Not bad for a three-hour wait!

HAWAII SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL
HISciTech Rally at the Capitol

HISciTech Rally at the Capitol

25 Feb 2010 | 4:00 pm

Join us at the State Capitol to show your support for the innovation and tech industry! Tech professionals, students, parents and all those who want to contribute to "Build a Future We Can Live In" should attend.
Pacific Rim Summit on Industrial Biotechnology & Bioenergy

Pacific Rim Summit on Industrial Biotechnology & Bioenergy

7 Nov 2009 | 4:00 pm

BioTechnology Industry Organization Presents: THE PACIFIC RIM SUMMIT ON INDUSTRIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY & BIOENERGY November 8-11, 2009 Honolulu, Hawaii The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), a leader in industrial biotechnology is pleased to announce the fourth annual Pacific Rim Summit on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioenergy. This meeting will continue and expand the essential exchange between industry, academia and government that has been so successful at the World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioprocessing. This meeting will address…
HWBC Blog Workshop

HWBC Blog Workshop

21 Jul 2009 | 5:00 pm

Join us for the workshop you've been waiting for. Learn how to build and promote a blog for your business from scratch with no experience and no specialized training. In this workshop Nate will build a search engine aggressive blog and start promoting it online live at the workshop! This workshop is the nuts and bolts about building your blog and marketing it online. You already know the power of blogging and now it's time for you to use it for your business. You will leave the workshop with skills and strategies that you will be able to implement immediately in the comfort of…
Building Sustainability and Asset Optimization

Building Sustainability and Asset Optimization

9 Jul 2009 | 5:00 pm

• Building Sustainability and Asset Optimization, with George Benda Friday, July 10 • 9:00am-12:00pm • UHM Krauss 012 (Yukiyoshi Room) • $55 (General), $45 (Student or Government), includes ebook (A monograph entitled “Managing Sustainability in Existing Buildings,” a handout for building occupants, and a resource guide of valuable web links will also be included.) Building owners and managers are increasingly finding that improving the sustainability of existing building operations brings economic advantage on…
A Hands on LinkedIn Tutorial Workshop

A Hands on LinkedIn Tutorial Workshop

30 Jun 2009 | 5:00 pm

A Hands on LinkedIn Tutorial Workshop Press Release Come see Kathy Kamau'u and Thomas Trenz teach you the basic LinkedIn strategy. Honolulu, Hawaii - June 15, 2009 - A Hands on LinkedIn Tutorial Workshop. Come see Kathy Kamau'u and Thomas Trenz teach you the basic LinkedIn strategy. How to understand the Home Page and updates How to craft a good Profile. How to effectively and efficiently build and expand your network. How to recommend others and get recommendations Learn about fun tools with LinkedIn Participants are asked to register an account and begin their profile on LInkedIn…

HAWAII SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY JOBS
Systems Engineer (Washington DC area) - Referentia Systems, Inc.

Systems Engineer (Washington DC area) - Referentia Systems, Inc.

28 Jun 2009 | 5:00 pm
PACOM Senior Network Engineer

PACOM Senior Network Engineer

28 Jun 2009 | 5:00 pm

POSITION DESCRIPTION: SENIOR NETWORK ENGINEER (PACOM, Honolulu) Referentia Systems Incorporated has a requirement for a Senior Network Engineer to support network operations & maintenance at U.S. Pacific Command, Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii. The position is located within the J64 IT Services Division. The objective is to provide sustainable information technology support to the Commander, US Pacific Command (USPACOM), and assigned staff. USPACOM J64 requires on-site, professional, technical services to complete enhancement projects and ensure continuous operation. This support is essential to…
Senior Systems Engineer

Senior Systems Engineer

28 Jun 2009 | 5:00 pm

Provides leadership, innovation, subject matter expertise for execution on programs with the focus of developing new capabilities in the Advanced Network Systems business area. Responsible for technically leading engineering teams, capturing business, and developing new products. Duties: Participates on programs and projects lending expertise, leadership and engineering knowledge to meet the goals and objectives of the initiative Assesses industry technologies in reference to program needs and requirements. Identifies gaps and existing industry shortfalls that may lead to initiation of…
Systems Engineer

Systems Engineer

28 Jun 2009 | 5:00 pm
Sales Manager (Honolulu) - Referentia Systems, Inc.

Sales Manager (Honolulu) - Referentia Systems, Inc.

31 May 2009 | 5:00 pm

Pacific Business News: Honolulu
Hawaii hotel rates, occupancy drop

2 Jul 2009 | 5:48 pm

Hawaii hotel room rates continue to drop by double digits on most islands.
Exec leaves HECO, joins Sennet Capital

2 Jul 2009 | 5:48 pm

Karl Stahlkopf, Hawaiian Electric Co.'s top technical expert on renewable energy, retired from the utility on Tuesday and on Wednesday was named partner at a Honolulu merchant bank that finances local renewable energy projects.
Judge says state must negotiate furloughs

2 Jul 2009 | 2:50 pm

A Honolulu judge on Thursday ruled that state worker furloughs are subject to collective bargaining between the state and its unions.
Kaiser Permanente Hawaii debuts mobile health vehicle

2 Jul 2009 | 2:38 pm

Kaiser Permanente Hawaii is unveiling its mobile health vehicle Thursday.
Court nixes Delta cancellation of Mesa Air contract

2 Jul 2009 | 2:05 pm

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit affirmed a preliminary injunction in favor of Mesa Air Group Inc. Wednesday blocking Delta Air Lines from terminating a regional service agreement with a subsidiary of the Phoenix company.

Hawaii Business: Features
Island-Style Dress for Success

Shara Enay

1 Jul 2009 | 2:26 am
New Direction for Nonprofits

Dawn Morais Webster

1 Jul 2009 | 1:44 am
Negotiate Your Way to a Better Job

Beverly Creamer, Photos by David Croxford

1 Jul 2009 | 1:40 am
Building a New Girls' Network

Shara Enay

1 Jul 2009 | 1:30 am
Is it Really Green?

Jan TenBruggencate

1 Jun 2009 | 5:25 am

Starbulletin: Business
E-tailers praise Lingle's tax veto

Utah-based Overstock.com Inc. was first to reinstate Hawaii affiliate advertisers who had been shut out by pending legislation seeking to collect tax from out-of-state online retailers.
Go! filled 71 percent of planes in June

Mesa Air Group's interisland carrier go! filled 71.1 percent of its capacity last month — a year-over-year increase of 2.5 percentage points — due to flying fewer aircraft than it did in June 2008.
Twitter service aids hunt for the cheapest airfares

Twitter and cheap airfares from Honolulu to destinations around the globe have merged at www.twitter.com/flyfromHNL. In fact, Twitter users can get updated, real-time "Tweets," or Twitter posts, on fare deals from 170 cities in the U.S. and Canada on Twitter.com via www.farecompare.com/ twitter.
Business briefs
Superferry ships awarded to construction lender

Hawaii Superferry Inc. can abandon its ships to lenders owed $158.8 million for their construction, a federal judge ruled.

Starbulletin: Business Columnists
Twitter service aids hunt for the cheapest airfares

Twitter and cheap airfares from Honolulu to destinations around the globe have merged at www.twitter.com/flyfromHNL. In fact, Twitter users can get updated, real-time "Tweets," or Twitter posts, on fare deals from 170 cities in the U.S. and Canada on Twitter.com via www.farecompare.com/ twitter.
Lingle vetoes bill aimed at taxing e-commerce

Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle has vetoed House Bill 1405, a bill that caused online retailers to terminate affiliate relationships with Hawaii businesses and households, shutting off a torrent of revenue and income adding up to millions of dollars a year.
BLT Steak is expanding chain to Trump in Waikiki

BLT Steak is not bacon-lettuce-tomato-steak, but the acclaimed steak house concept of chef and restaurateur Laurent Tourondel — set to open late this year on the ground floor of Trump International Hotel & Tower in Waikiki.
Obama's D.C. luau thrills isle tourism executives

The White House luau was actually not a concept cooked up by the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, though it and the rest of the state likely will benefit from the hula-hoopla it generated.
Conde Nast readers get insider look at Hawaii

Conde Nast Traveler magazine's Hawaii Insider guide,hits newsstands this week. Hawaii is on the cover "and it features a great piece by Deputy Editor Hanya Yanagihara," who grew up in Hawaii "and returns to the islands of her youth and finds them largely unchanged by time or the spotlight."

Honolulu Advertiser: Biz Bites
What's wrong with this page?

Rick

23 Jun 2009 | 2:34 pm

The Honolulu Advertiser's business section had the following headlines this morning: "HMC's disclosure statement approved" "New bidder for Hilo Hattie" "HawnTel rebuffs Isle firm's $400M bid" All three stories are about established local institutions that wound up in bankruptcy. Each of them found their way in bankruptcy court in different ways. Hawaii Medical Center, which acquired St. Francis Medical Centers in 2007, has been struggling with lower federal Medicare and Medicaid disbursements while sales at Hilo Hattie heav sagged as the local tourism market faltered. Despite its monopoly…
KS to pay $135,000 for study

Rick

22 Jun 2009 | 9:53 pm

The controversy over trustee pay raises is costing Kamehameha Schools big bucks. Last year, a Probate Court-appointed panel recommended increasing board members’ pay between 65 percent and 123 percent. Instead, Kamehameha Schools trustees Robert Kihune, Douglas Ing, Nainoa Thompson, Diane Plotts and Corbett Kalama took a 10 percent pay cut, citing the trust’s weakened financial condition. Now, Probate Judge Colleen Hirai has approved payments of more than $135,000 to Mercer Inc., the compensation expert that recommended the ill-fated pay raises. Mercer is the San Francisco-based executive…
Territorial Update

Rick

14 Jun 2009 | 9:50 pm

It may be the worst time in decades for an IPO, let alone a stock offering for a bank stock. But little Territorial Savings Bank is going ahead with plans to go public. In May, parent Territorial Bancorp Inc. hired Keefe, Bruyette & Woods Inc. as its financial advisor for the offering, in which the company will issue 10.6 million to 12.3 million shares of common stock. The $10 per share offering is expected to raise $75 million to $120 million, which will be used to expand the bank's branch operations and pay off short-term borrowings and other obligations. Bank stocks are a tough sell…
The Telcom Plan

Rick

9 Jun 2009 | 7:35 pm

Bankruptcy restructurings are often conducted on the backs of employees. So when Hawaiian Telcom Inc. disclosed its reorganization plan last week, many workers probably breathed a sigh of relief. Hawaiian Airlines emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2005 only after the company froze workers' defined pension plans and require them to take lesser pay raises. Aloha Airlines' employees got a worse deal. During the airline's first bankruptcy, management dumped workers' pensions and forced them to take tens of millions of dollars worth of concessions. Hawaiian Telcom's 152-page reorganization…
Insider pay at Hilo Hattie

Rick

1 Jun 2009 | 5:26 pm

Several former executives at Hilo Hattie received hefty payments prior to the kamaina company's bankruptcy filing. Jim Romig, who founded the aloha-wear company in 1963, received $308,869 in compensation from September 2007 to October 2008 while Paul deVille, former President and CEO of Hilo Hattie’s parent Pomare Ltd., earned $358,277 during the same period, according to a bankruptcy court filing. John Reed, another former CEO, earned $341,476 while Lena Young, the company’s former vice president of human resources received $198,798, the filing said. Romig sold the company in July 2008…

Honolulu Advertiser: Island Real Estate
June Housing Statistics for O`ahu

Harvey Shapiro

2 Jul 2009 | 12:06 pm

The Honolulu Board of REALTORS® released resale figures today for the month of June. According to the analysis conducted by the Board, using data collected from its computerized Multiple Listing Service (MLS) system, the statistics are: Single-Family Homes - 254 Sales - $569,000 Condominiums - 293 Sales - $310,000 During June, sales of 254 single-family homes and 293 condominiums were reported through the Board's MLS, an increase of 9.5 percent for single-family homes and a 17.3 percent decrease for condominiums, compared to the same month last year. This brings total single-family home…
Car Cell Phone Ban Coming 7/1!

Harvey Shapiro

29 Jun 2009 | 2:05 pm

Enforcement of the cell phone ban will begin on Wednesday, July 1, when the new law takes effect. Bill 4 (2009) is the new law which prohibits the use of mobile electronic devices while operating a motor vehicle. The law applies to hand-held devices; hands-free devices will still be allowed. Drivers will need to switch to hands-free technology, such as cell-phone headsets or Bluetooth earsets, or face a fine. There is NO grace period. Bluetooth headsets may be purchased from any cell phone carrier store or consumer electronic retailers such as Radio Shack, Best Buy, Office Max, Office Depot,…
Donation to Hawaii HomeOwnership Center

Harvey Shapiro

25 Jun 2009 | 11:32 am

As part of its mission to promote homeownership, the Honolulu Board of REALTORS® has awarded a $15,000 grant to the Hawaii HomeOwnership Center from its REALTOR® Housing Fund. "It's gratifying to see how the Hawaii HomeOwnership Center has helped many island residents realize the dream of homeownership by providing valuable education, information and support," said Sandra "Sam" Bangerter, president of the Honolulu Board of REALTORS®. "With this grant, we know that they will be able to continue their mission to create successful first-time homeowners." Established by the Honolulu Board of…
Single-Family Homes in Windward Coast

Harvey Shapiro

22 Jun 2009 | 2:06 pm

The Windward Coast neighborhood is, as the name implies, on the windward side of O'ahu and north of Kaneohe. It is a diverse area with a mix of large oceanfront properties as well as smaller living spaces. This neighborhood is geographically defined by the Honolulu Board of REALTORS® as Tax Map Key, Zone 4, Section 8, through Zone 5, Section 4. Also included is Zone 4, part of Section 7. This neighborhood has been stable with very little sales activity. For all of 2008, there were only 63 single-family homes sold which was down from the 77 sold in 2007. This year, through May, only…
Calling All Homebuyers & Homeowners

Harvey Shapiro

18 Jun 2009 | 12:54 pm

The Honolulu Board of REALTORS® will be partnering with the Hawaii HomeOwnership Center and other organizations at the annual Homebuyer & Homeowner Fair this Saturday, June 20, at Kapolei Hale from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Housing related agencies will create a roadmap for those in the market to purchase their first home or for those who want more information on short sales and foreclosures. Workshops will be held to prepare consumers for the home buying process, from pre-qualifying for a mortgage to closing the transaction. The event is free and open to the public! For more details,…

Honolulu Advertiser: Say Alaka'i
What the heck do you mean by ‘Achievable?’

Rosa Say

2 Jul 2009 | 4:00 am

We have all heard the conventional wisdom attached to smart goal-setting: Although they should stretch you, make your goals realistic, and make them achievable. I included an expanded checklist in my book, Managing with Aloha: “…you cannot choose a goal on the merit of the goal alone; it must be judged in the context of the employee who sets the goal and the mission that drove it. The relationship you initiated with Ho‘ohana is already paying you dividends here. The more you have learned about the employee you coach, the better you’ll be equipped to help him or her set goals that are:…
Make it Easy, Make it Hard

Rosa Say

30 Jun 2009 | 4:00 am

Quick review: We’ve been talking about banishing mediocrity (because it is THE biggest sin committed in business) and about creating energy instead (because energy generates to Ho‘ohana power). Energy is the greatest resource managers (who both manage AND lead) have at their disposal. No energy, no action. No action, no business life to speak of. And in my view, business, whether the business of work, or the business sensibility of life, is a great playground to Ho‘ohana within. Let’s dig into this a bit more. I’ll share one of my favorite mantras with you from an Alaka‘i…
3 Ways Managers Create Energetic Workplaces

Rosa Say

25 Jun 2009 | 4:00 am

This past Tuesday I stated that the biggest sin in business today is mediocrity. Today’s post is about what I feel the answer is with correcting that sin, so if you missed it, click over to: The Biggest Sin in Business Today and then come back. We’ll wait. Ready? How do you, the Alaka‘i manager, banish mediocrity in your workplace? I believe your best possible strategy is this:You replace mediocrity with energy. Energy generates Ho‘o Power As with Ho‘ohana, [intentional, Aloha-driven work], Ho‘o power makes things happen. Blast from the past: My favorite Hawaiian coaching word is…
The Biggest Sin in Business Today

Rosa Say

23 Jun 2009 | 4:00 am

We interrupt our normal programming of Tuesdays’ leadership topics to talk about Ho‘okipa: Aloha inspired customer service. But then again, everything is about leadership —or the tragic absence of it. I need your help I recently set a goal to write about exceptional customer service in our Hawai‘i nei, for we are the land of Aloha, right? I love spreading the good word about how our values play out every day the way they do. So I went in search of a new story I could share with you and also build a presentation around (my Ho‘okipa class schedule resumes in September), one which…
Alaka‘i Managers Coach, and they Facilitate

Rosa Say

18 Jun 2009 | 4:00 am

Finding versus Making Some of the best management advice I got over the years came from my dad. When he heard my news of an early-in-my-career promotion, one of the things he said to me was, “Now you can find your decisions instead of making them all by yourself.” He was very aware of my natural tendency with on-the-spot decision-making based on my own sense of logic and common sense. In fact, he’d counted on me honing in on confident decision-making as one of my strengths: I was the oldest of five children, and my siblings were often left in my care as both my parents worked to make…

U.S. Congressman Neil Abercrombie (HI-1st-D)
Utterz from Neil Abercrombie

JPhilipson

25 Jun 2009 | 8:20 pm

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Utterz from Neil Abercrombie

JPhilipson

25 Jun 2009 | 7:33 pm

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Utterz from Neil Abercrombie

JPhilipson

21 Jun 2009 | 1:05 am

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Utterz from Neil Abercrombie

JPhilipson

31 May 2009 | 9:02 pm

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Utterz from Neil Abercrombie

JPhilipson

28 May 2009 | 5:56 pm

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Hawaii House Blog
Manoa Library Going Green

2 Jul 2009 | 5:52 pm

The Manoa Public Library, located on Woodlawn Drive, will today shut its doors and lock up for the last time. It will reopen in two years, but by then book lovers can expect to be greeted with "greener" doors.The building will be under construction for the next couple of years to become an new, larger, and environmentally-friendly community library. After completion of the "green" building, the
Keiki Care makes national news

2 Jul 2009 | 5:19 pm

FOX News is in town doing a story on Keiki Care, Hawaii's initiative to provide basic health coverage for uninsured children. Today, reporter Griff Jenkins interviewed the House Health Chair, Rep. Ryan Yamane, and Jennifer Diesman from HMSA, Keiki Care private partner provider. They filmed at Kewalo Basin State Park.Rep. Yamane also brought along his own keiki, 1-year-old Gavan.
Notice of Intent to Veto

30 Jun 2009 | 9:09 pm

Here's a list of the Governor's potential vetoes, with links to the bills and bill history.
Thousands rally at Capitol against Lingle's furlough plan

30 Jun 2009 | 8:45 pm

Thousands of people came to the Hawaii State Capitol this afternoon to protest against Gov. Linda Lingle's plan to furlough state workers three days a month. Members of the Hawaii Government Employees Association, Hawaii State Teachers Association, United Public Workers, the UH Professional Assembly, and their families waved signs and cheered after each speaker took the stage calling for fairness
Never shake a keiki

29 Jun 2009 | 8:52 pm

House and Senate Committees on Human Services today held an informational briefing to take a closer look at what the state can do to better address elder and child abuse.In 2009, three major cases have made headlines in the news. One involves a former nursing aide who was charged in June with fondling three elderly women at a Kahala nursing home. Another, a man who allegedly beat his 7-month-old

State Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu (41st - D)
Rep. Bob Nakasone, Part II

Jon Riki Karamatsu

2 Jul 2009 | 2:40 am

Rep. Nakasone, The House of Representatives is not the same without you. Politics is not the same without you. Many of your friends hold your friendship and your advice very close. All that you have told me, I am implementing the best I can. There are times when I wish I could go to your office and talk. Despite all the negativity around us, you could make many of us feel better. Your old school strength, but with compassion and generosity inside was priceless. Even now, I cherish your positive energy when I try to overcome some of the toughest obstacles. We will never…
Racing Against Time, Part V

Jon Riki Karamatsu

30 Jun 2009 | 2:19 pm

Dear Friends, I find it interesting that a number of bloggers are wondering about my health or are wondering why death seems to be in the back of my mind. First of all, I am perfectly healthy. However, when I was thinking of getting life insurance during this past legislative session, a nurse came over to my office to take some tests right after I had to painfully say “no” to a senator that wanted a bill that had some legal concerns. Stress can cause a lot of problems. My blood pressure was high on the first try. After about ten minutes, it went down to an average…
Sunday Media

Jon Riki Karamatsu

29 Jun 2009 | 6:25 am

On Sunday, June 28, 2009 I was interviewed by KHON2, KITV4, and KGMB9 news stations regarding my campaign’s exploratory committee for the Lt. Governor’s office.
Teamsters Picnic

Jon Riki Karamatsu

29 Jun 2009 | 6:21 am

On Sunday, June 29, 2009, I attended a picnic held by a number of the Teamseter Union from 1:30 P.M. to 2:30 P.M.
United Japanese Society of Hawaii Luncheon

Jon Riki Karamatsu

29 Jun 2009 | 6:14 am

On Sunday, June 28, 2009, I attended the United Japanese Society of Hawaii Luncheon at Hilton Hawaii Village from 10:30 A.M. to 1:00 P.M.

State Rep. Mike Hu (21st - R)
The Most Expensive Price of All: Something for Nothing

Mike Hu

2 Jul 2009 | 11:04 am

The greatest economic lesson taught in the schools in Hawaii, is the desirability of getting something for nothing -- as in getting paid to do some work, and then once paid, the workers go home or goof, demanding more for them to actually do any work -- since why should they after they've gotten paid?And nobody can fire them -- because nobody else is allowed to do that work, by their friends the lawmakers. And so of course, the price for everything, is exorbitantly high -- and there are no alternatives, no choices other than what the ruling party provides them -- or not, once they've already…
The More Things Stay the Same

Mike Hu

2 May 2009 | 8:52 pm

Societies and cultures don’t have the luxury and option of staying the same -- forever after. The whole reason and purpose of cultures and societies is to deal with challenges of change by providing institutions and protocols to provide a continuity from one era to the next -- rather than just worshipping the past, which is what culture and society has become in Hawaii, and so no longer plays a useful role in lives but actually becomes counterproductive to it.If they have ten million to spend, they don’t need to spend it on a memorial to the dead -- as much as to spend it to feed, clothe…
How Do You Solve A Problem Like Hawaii?

Mike Hu

15 Apr 2009 | 11:29 am

Like a lot of pork barrel projects (earmarks), they exist for no other reason than that they can get the federal funding for it -- while the very real problems of Hawaii run out of control. It was the same thing with the previous city ferry operation -- it existed for no other purpose but to sop up the federal funding, and as soon as it was over, they packed and left -- meanwhile, the problems of Hawaii soared out of control!The major justification for any project is that they can get the federal funding -- regardless of whether it addresses the real problems in Hawaii, which are neglected…
A Ship of Fools

Mike Hu

29 Mar 2009 | 1:27 pm

Laws were intended to ensure the success and prosperity of human communities -- and not to ensure their extinction so only the seals, turtles and whales will survive in their "natural" state.That is the meaning of the great teachings that are the foundation of great societies -- that they are biased towards human success and not giving equal chance to the jellyfish and whatever forms of intelligent life the self-hating and self-loathing Sierra Club and PETA elitists think would make better heads at the Department of Education and Planning.It's not like there aren't hundreds of similar boats…
It's A Better Newspaper

Mike Hu

17 Mar 2009 | 9:33 pm

The online newspaper is a far superior product to the old hardcopy product -- because it allows the interactivity of communication, rather than being one person imposing their reality on everybody else unilaterally. That is what the hardcopy newspaper inherently can't do -- which is a handicap in information gathering and processing. One has to be able to interact with the information (source) in order to get the highest reliability -- otherwise one is limited to one person's perception (understanding) and interpretation of an event rather than the total perspective (possibility) of it.

MIKE HU, DISTRICT 21 WAIKIKI - KAPAHULU
Continued at Thinking Differently.blogspot.com

Mike Hu

29 Jun 2009 | 2:12 pm

This was the blog I started and used during my 2006 campaign for the office of representative for the district of Waikiki-Kapahulu, and although losing that election handily, kept up the postings until a few months ago, when I wanted to consolidate and refocus my energies on my natural and native interests of conditioning -- and particularly the field I conjured up as "Understanding Conditioning," which is essentially asking the question, "How do we know what we think we know?"For most people, that is because everybody else has told us so, but often times, what is believed true by everybody,…
Some People Never Learn

Mike Hu

25 Apr 2009 | 7:57 am

Every year it is the same thing -- the people whining and complaining about the crooked and inept Democrats -- and saying they should withhold their votes in the next election.But then, nobody is offering to run against the incumbent and they expect the Republican Party to offer them a choice, and when nobody does run, they don't think it is up to them to do something about it, but up to the Republican Party or somebody else to do something FOR them -- so that they can continue to do NOTHING but whine and complain about their "choices.".The people of Hawaii still don't get "democracy." It's…
Over the Rainbow

Mike Hu

8 Apr 2009 | 9:33 am

Hey, it looks like some Hawaii people are starting to catch on.Those liberal groups don't exist to eliminate the problems for which they're raising money for -- but to raise money exploiting the causes for which they're raising money for.So getting rid of these problems is obviously not what they're going to do -- but to create/perpetuate as many of them as they possibly can.Maybe there's hope for Hawaii after all. Nah, the newspapers are going to do as many "public service announcements" masquerading as news as ever. There's the editor carrying their banner for them right now. They're…
Blind Ambition

Mike Hu

25 Mar 2009 | 12:24 pm

Highly competitive systems often favor those who are the most ruthless rather than those who are the most good (best).That is the problem of places like Hawaii -- where now, the only way people think they can win, is to lie, cheat and steal.Eventually though, you have nothing but a culture and society that rewards and promotes that -- and all the good people leave.And so everybody remaining preys on everybody else in a final vicious cycle -- until people become desensitized to the brutalities of people getting battered in the streets and every court decision is an outrage and violation of all…
Take Nothing For Granted

Mike Hu

14 Mar 2009 | 8:13 pm

The beauty and value of times like these, is the reminder that one should take nothing for granted, because the change you want, may be worse than what you already have -- and could at the least, be very different than what one expected.The world is a very different place from what it was only a year ago. Then, oil and other commodity prices were still heading up in what seemed like an unending forever, and then last summer, began to fall with no resistance. By late summer, the real estate industry finally admitted that the imminent resumption was actually nowhere in sight, and then at the…

Hawaii County News
Shizuko Teshima celebrates 102 years

County of Hawaii

2 Jul 2009 | 8:01 pm

Mayor Billy Kenoi proclaims "Shizuko Teshima Day" Tuesday to celebrate the 102nd anniversary of Mrs. Teshima's birth. Her actual birthday is June 24, 1907. The presentation took place a Teshima's restaurant in Honalo where Mrs. Teshima has been the proprietor since 1929. On the right looking on is Wally Lau, county deputy managing director for West Hawaii.
Have a safe and happy 4th of July

County of Hawaii

1 Jul 2009 | 11:47 am

Don't forget Saturday's 4th of July festivities at Hilo Bayfront, including canoe races, Paradise Cruise Classic Car Show and Hilo Bay BBQ Cookoff during the day, Hawaii County Band concerts at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m., capped off with a spectacular fireworks show from Coconut Island at 8. Mayor Billy Kenoi wishes everyone a happy and safe 4th of July and hopes to see as many people as possible attending the parades and fireworks celebrations in Volcano, Hilo and Kailua on Saturday. KBIG-FM's JE Orozco and Hunter Bishop, public information specialist for Hawaii County, talk about the holiday events…
4th of July fireworks, parade in Kona Saturday

County of Hawaii

1 Jul 2009 | 11:24 am

The Rotary Club of Kona, the Kailua Village Business Improvement District, the Kailua-Kona Community Parade Association, and the County of Hawaii are sponsoring the Kailua-Kona Fireworks Celebration, Saturday, July 4, 8:30 p.m. over Kailua bay.
Downtown Hilo sustainable design presentation available online

County of Hawaii

30 Jun 2009 | 3:07 pm

The Power Point presentation by the American Institute of Architects Sustainable Design Assessment Team Program for Downtown Hilo is now available online.
Fire suppression test set July 20-22 at former Kailua-Kona landfill

County of Hawaii

30 Jun 2009 | 2:35 pm

The County of Hawai`i Department of Environmental Management, Solid Waste Division, is planning a fire-suppression pilot test July 20-22, 2009, at the former Kailua-Kona Landfill (a.k.a. Old Kona Dump), located about three miles north of Kailua-Kona on the west coast of the Island of Hawai`i.

Punatoons Blog
Driving with a Cellphone

28 Jun 2009 | 10:53 pm

[...]
Michael Jackson

25 Jun 2009 | 10:08 pm

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Kim Jong II comes to Hawaii

19 Jun 2009 | 3:02 am

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Father's Day

18 Jun 2009 | 10:04 am

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Sunshine Law

17 Jun 2009 | 1:14 pm

[...]

Honolulu Advertiser: The Notebook
Pot-ay-to, Po-tah-to

Derrick DePledge

3 Jul 2009 | 3:55 am

Democrats and Republicans saw yesterday's Circuit Court ruling on Gov. Linda Lingle's furlough plans differently. Brian Schatz, the chairman of the Democratic Party of Hawaii, called for a new round of contract negotiations. State House Minority Leader Lynn Finnegan, R-32nd (Lower Pearlridge, `Aiea, Hälawa), suggested that the only alternative now is layoffs. From Schatz: The Governor was trying to take a shortcut, and when it comes to the law, shortcuts don’t work. Judge Sakamoto today confirmed that no one is above the law. Hawaii law clearly requires collective bargaining, so this…
Friend-raising

Derrick DePledge

2 Jul 2009 | 3:12 am

Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann may be focusing on his job as mayor, but the mechanics of his potential campaign for governor in 2010 are coming together. In an e-mail this week, his committee urged supporters to sign an online petition or volunteer for grassroots organizing. Donating money would be nice, too, they say, just to let the mayor know: Over the next several months we will be fundraising and friend-raising statewide and believe our efforts will demonstrate the breadth and depth of support for Hannemann’s candidacy. It is our sincere hope that you will join in our efforts. If you…
Ready Steady Go

Derrick DePledge

1 Jul 2009 | 3:54 am

Democrats and Republicans used the rally by state workers at the state Capitol yesterday afternoon as a chance to put the dispute between Gov. Linda Lingle and public-sector labor unions over furloughs into a political context. Brian Schatz, the chairman of the Democratic Party of Hawaii, told state workers to remember the issue in next year's governor's race. Please, please remember this moment when Duke Aiona comes back around in 2010. Jonah Ka'auwai, the state GOP chairman, used a press release to take a poke at union leaders who back Democrats' campaigns. If the bosses really want to talk…
Skin in the game

Derrick DePledge

30 Jun 2009 | 3:57 am

For those readers who may have missed this nugget in Loren Moreno's story on Sunday about school spending cuts, Garrett Toguchi, the chairman of the state Board of Education, has asked the state House and Senate to come back in special session to look at options to furloughs. In a June 22 letter, Toguchi asks lawmakers to consider using money from the state's hurricane relief fund and rainy day fund and temporarily raising the general-excise tax to help preserve funding for schools. Public-sector labor union leaders have made similar suggestions to offset Gov. Linda Lingle's furlough plans…
Pennies on the dollar

Derrick DePledge

29 Jun 2009 | 7:25 pm

Hawaii Superferry filed an objection today in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware to the state of Hawai’i’s request that the case be transferred to the Islands. Attorneys for Superferry argue that the major secured creditors -- the federal Maritime Administration and Guggenheim Corporate Funding -- prefer that the case remain in Delaware. The filing is interesting for its tone. Superferry executives aggressively courted the state for years, helped convince state lawmakers to approve $40 million in harbor improvements, and urged the Lingle administration to exempt the harbor improvements…

Hawaii Legal News
Restitution is a Collateral Consequence; Insured Losses play no part in Ordering Restitution.

1 Jul 2009 | 7:19 pm

State v. Tuialii (ICA June 30, 2009) Background. Tuialii was charged with theft in the first degree (HRS § 708-839.5(1)(a)) based on an alleged transfer of about $76,000 from his employer's account to his personal account. Tuialii pleaded no contest. The no-contest plea form stated that various penalties, including restitution, could be imposed by the court. The circuit court, however, did not mention restitution during his change-of-plea colloquy. At his sentencing, the circuit court, upon the State's recommendation, ordered that Tuialii pay full restitution. The circuit court entered a…
Excessive Speeding Statute's Sentencing Provision Leaves Nothing to Discretion of Sentencing Courts.

29 Jun 2009 | 10:27 pm

State v. Nakamura (ICA June 29, 2009) Background. Nakamura pleaded guilty to a single count of excessive speeding (HRS § 291C-105). Nakamura agreed to, pursuant to the district court's "suggestion," a six-month license suspension among other things like a fine and community service. The district court sentenced him pursuant to the suggested agreement. Nakamura later filed a motion to correct his illegal sentence on the grounds that the suspension period was improper. Nakamura maintained that the suspension period should have been 30 days. The motion was granted in part. The district court…
Limitations on Campaign Contributions Depend on who gets it, not who Gives it.

27 Jun 2009 | 1:57 pm

Charmaine Tavares Campaign v. Wong (ICA June 25, 2009) Background. Charmaine Tavares ran for mayor of Maui County, a non-statewide office with a four-year term. Tavares' campaign committee was called the Charmaine Tavares Campaign (CTC) and was organized to spend money on behalf of and accept contributions for her mayoral campaign. The CTC told the public it could accept contributions up to $4,000. Quong Enterprises, a real-estate development corporation from California, gave $2,000 to the CTC. Talboy Construction also gave $2,000. Cheeseburger in Paradise and its partner, Cheeseburger in…
ICA Extends Tachibana to Juvenile Proceedings

25 Jun 2009 | 8:01 pm

In re TKC (ICA June 24, 2009) Background. The State filed a petition against TC, a juvenile, alleging ten counts of engaging in sexual conduct with a person less than fourteen years old. TC was less than fourteen years old at the time of the incidents. The family court conducted a "stipulated trial." Police reports and the reports of a psychologist were stipulated into evidence for the family court--as the trier of fact--to review. The stipulation did not discuss TC's waiver of his right to testify; it merely said that the stipulation was "through and upon the advice of his attorney." After…
No Substantive Change in Proposed Action, no Supplemental EIS.

27 May 2009 | 12:09 pm

United Here! Local 5 v. City and County of Honolulu (ICA May 22, 2009) Background.In the 1980s Kuilima owned a resort on the north shore of Oahu.Kuilima proposed a project that would expand the existing hotel, build three new hotels, a golf course, condominiums, clubhouse, tennis courts, and an equestrian center.The project also included a number of public improvements like a wastewater treatment plant, new wells, and highway improvements.Kuilima submitted an environmental impact statement for the project in 1985, which included projected studies up to the year 2000.The EIS mentioned the…

Honolulu Advertiser: Hot Seat
Coming Wednesday: Live video stream Hot Seat with Mayor Mufi Hannemann

Jeanne Mariani-Belding

28 Jun 2009 | 2:41 am

Got questions for Mayor Mufi Hannemann? Join us Wednesday from noon to 1 p.m. for our first-ever live video stream version of the Hot Seat – with Mayor Hannemann answering your questions live during the hour. There’s plenty to talk about: The City Council just approved property tax hikes and increases in a wide range of user fees for city services. The mayor, who had proposed some relief through property tax credits, opted not to sign the budget, but to let it become law without his signature. The mayor also announced recently that he would set up an exploratory committee to weigh a run…
Now on the Hot Seat: Big Island Mayor Billy Kenoi

Jeanne Mariani-Belding

24 Jun 2009 | 2:46 pm

Welcome to the Hot Seat. As the budget picture gets worse, the state and all of Hawaii’s counties are grappling with cuts, labor reductions and charting a lean course ahead. For the counties — charged with fundamental issues such as roads, sewers, police and fire services — cutting back has posed some touch choices. In Honolulu, that means higher property tax rates as well as higher fees for a variety of services. What about the Neighbor islands? Joining us Wednesday will be Big Island Mayor Billy Kenoi. And judging from our early postings, there’s much to talk about happening at the…
Coming Wednesday: Big Island Mayor Billy Kenoi

Jeanne Mariani-Belding

22 Jun 2009 | 6:26 pm

As the budget picture gets worse, the state and all of Hawaii’s counties are grappling with cuts, labor reductions and charting a lean course ahead. For the counties — charged with fundamental issues such as roads, sewers, police and fire services — cutting back has posed some tough choices. In Honolulu, that means higher property tax rates as well as higher fees for a variety of services. What about the Neighbor Islands? Joining us Wednesday will be Big Island Mayor Billy Kenoi. To join the conversation, log on at noon and post your questions for Mayor Kenoi live during the hour. If…
Now on the Hot Seat: State Board of Education Vice Chairwoman Karen Knudsen chats with you about state education budget cuts and more

Jeanne Mariani-Belding

17 Jun 2009 | 2:45 pm

These are indeed tough times for the state budget. That dire situation has state public school officials worried about making staffing cuts — including furloughs — that could impact our public school classrooms. What should be done to balance the education budget and deal with the large budget shortfall? With Wailupe Elementary closed, should the BOE return the site to the City or create another education facility, or is there a way to generate much-needed revenue? Joining us live today from noon to 1 p.m. to answer your questions on these topics and public education in general will be…
Coming Wednesday: State Board of Education Vice Chairwoman Karen Knudsen

Jeanne Mariani-Belding

16 Jun 2009 | 12:36 pm

The dire budget situation has state public school officials worried about making staffing cuts, including furloughs, that could impact our public school classrooms. What must be done to balance the education budget and deal with the large budget shortfall? That decision will ultimately rest with the state Board of Education. Joining us live Wednesday from noon to 1 p.m. to answer your questions on this topic will be Karen Knudsen, vice chairwoman of the state Board of Education. To join the conversation, log on at noon and post your questions for Karen live during the hour. If you can't…

PDHBlog
a perfect PDH

frosty

24 Jun 2009 | 1:43 am

its been suggested that we use this blog as a forum for brainstorming the future of progressive democrats of hawaii. seeing as i seem to have an abundance of free time during the evenings these days, i thought i’d start. first let me tell you about my history with and dedication to PDH. i happened to come [...]
Support Booming for ‘Public Option’

frosty

22 Jun 2009 | 11:59 pm

in a recent new york times/cbs news poll, reuteres reports, 85% of respondents wanted major healthcare reforms and most would be willing to pay higher taxes to ensure everyone had health insurance. this is HUGE. most people usually respond to the notion of higher taxes with some level of annoyance or anger. but in this case, the [...]
Fuel

frosty

17 Jun 2009 | 12:41 am

i’ve been made aware of an excellent movie premiere here in honolulu on june 26th at the blaisdell concert hall. i’ll let the preview, which is powerful in its own right, speak for itself. i will suggest, however, that PDH try to get as many people together as possible and go as a group.
Civil Unions Hijacked

OahuSophist

19 May 2009 | 1:02 am

I’ve followed the progress of the civil unions bill from the beginning of the session and cannot believe how things ended up! As a resident of the beautiful aloha state, I am ashamed of our state legislature for denying, once again, the rights of a minority class of their constituents. How cruel, insensitive, cowardly, and short [...]
Obama Nominates Christ to Replace Souter

Joe

4 May 2009 | 1:40 am

President Obama Today Has Nominated Jesus Christ to the Supreme Court. Republicans Plan Filibuster AP Monday, May 4, 2009 President Barack Obama has announced the nomination of Jesus Christ to replace retiring Justice David Souter. Republicans hastily called a press conference to announce outrage at the selection, and announced a filibuster. “Some say he [...]

Honolulu Advertiser: Volcanic Ash
flASHback: Done and undone

David Shapiro

3 Jul 2009 | 6:00 am

Political and legal fireworks give way to the real thing as we "flASHback" on the week's news that amused and confused: Gov. Linda Lingle said she may veto 65 bills, more than a quarter of the Legislature's output, and lawmakers are planning an override session. Imagine what they'd accomplish if they didn't waste so much energy undoing each other. The state failed to have the Hawaii Superferry's bankruptcy case moved from Delaware to Honolulu. It's just as well. If the Superferry got worked over in a Hawai'i court one more time, we'd have to follow the bankruptcy proceeding with a mugging…
Circling and jabbing

David Shapiro

2 Jul 2009 | 6:00 am

Everybody assumes that a Democratic primary for governor between U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie and Mayor Mufi Hannemann will be a repeat of their 1996 mudfest when they ran against each other for Congress. But both have kept it well above the belt in the early going, stressing what they see as their positives and avoiding a lot of direct criticism of each other. Abercrombie, the only major Democrat to formally announce for governor, promises to tap his extensive experience in federal, state and county government to create a synergy for solving Hawai'i's problems. Hannemann, who has formed an…
Kobayashi looking tough to beat

David Shapiro

1 Jul 2009 | 6:00 am

The odds seem to strongly favor Ann Kobayashi in the short campaign for her old Manoa-Makiki City Council seat following the death of Duke Bainum. There are 14 candidates, including well-known former state Sen. Matt Matsunaga, but Kobayashi, who relinquished the seat to run unsuccessfully for mayor last year, has the advantages of a well-oiled political organization and a familiarity to voters gained from serving the district on the council and in the Legislature for 20 years. Those advantages are magnified in a five-week campaign in which voting will be conducted entirely by mail, with…
Requiem for a second banana

David Shapiro

30 Jun 2009 | 6:00 am

“Nada Sou Sou” by Rimi Natsukawa One of the few politician blogs I look at once in awhile is Rep. Jon Riki Karamatsu's. He gets beyond the political humdrum with posts that range from religious and philosophical treatises to interesting personal trivia — his favorite songs, colors and holidays — to the occasional baffler, such as an entry about how he drew his sword during a meeting with Honolulu Prosecutor Peter Carlisle. (I assume he was writing figuratively, since Carlisle didn't indict him for indecent exposure.) Around the time of his DUI conviction in 2007, Karamatsu blogged,…
The politics behind the city tax fight

David Shapiro

29 Jun 2009 | 6:00 am

Mayor Mufi Hannemann has cast his differences with the City Council on real property tax rates as a matter of protecting owner-occupants. But a closer look suggests the primary concern may be elsewhere. Hannemann wanted to raise the rate on homeowners from $3.29 to $3.59 per $1,000 valuation, and then return part of the increase in the form of a $150 credit in fiscal 2010 for owner-occupants. The council decided to end the shell game of taxing more than needed and giving some back in credits in favor of the more straightforward approach of simply setting the rate lower for everybody at $3.42.

Honolulu Advertiser: He Hawai'i Au
"Ceded" Lands Battle Continues in Waimanalo As Bellows Reopens

Trisha Kehaulani Watson

2 Jul 2009 | 3:01 am

As Bellows reopens for the 4th of July weekend, it's clear that the battle for the area and the continued placement of another military site on Hawaiian "ceded" lands isn't anywhere near an end. Concerned citizens have been fighting the continued use of Bellows by the military for a very long time. What seems a little ironic to me is the heavy criticism of the public not taking care of the land when, according to an EPA report, the military remains one of the worst sources of environmental pollution in the state, along with the Hawaiian Electric Company. You can download the report from the…
#justwednesday: Social Networks, Individual Action and Global Justice

Trisha Kehaulani Watson

30 Jun 2009 | 8:42 pm

I am inspired. I am inspired by the use of Twitter to provide the world a window into the injustices occurring in Iran. I am inspired by the nearly 25,000 people who signed a petition posted on Facebook demanding a moratorium on the selling of "ceded" lands in Hawai`i. I am inspired by the use of YouTube to bring the world images of conflict throughout the world, as in Peru. I believe we have the technology and global consciousness to change the world, to make it better, to heal it. I recently came across a beautiful saying in an old Hawaiian dictionary: `A`ohe pono `o keia e noho aku nei.
NOAA Awards $167M to Coastal Projects, TNC and Malama Maunalua Among Groups to Benefit

Trisha Kehaulani Watson

30 Jun 2009 | 11:07 am

Today NOAA announced that 50 Coastal and Marine projects will receive a total of $167 million in recovery funds for restoration efforts. Hawai`i's Chapter of The Nature Conservancy and Malama Maunalua are the Hawai`i groups benefitting from the awards. The Nature Conservancy will receive $2.7 million for restoration of the Pelekane ahupua`a, owned by TNC, located on Hawai`i Island. Maunalua Bay will receive $3.4 million for its reef restoration efforts. Malama Maunalua has been coordinating community "limu huki" for years in the bay, where community members gather to removed invasive limu…
Where Are They Supposed To Go?

Trisha Kehaulani Watson

29 Jun 2009 | 2:23 am

(Note: since the majority of the "houseless" in Wai`anae are Native Hawaiians, and Hawai`i is our home, I was taught that the preferred term is "houseless," not homeless. So the term "houseless" will be used in reference to Native Hawaiians and "homeless" for those of non-Hawaiian ancestry.) I'll admit I'm a little sensitive when it comes to this topic. My dissertation started out as a project on the "houseless" in Wai`anae. I spent a lot of time on those beaches talking with families without anywhere else to live. Many held regular jobs. Most were families. It was some of the most difficult…
The Food Security Scare: Why "Food Sovereignty" Matters

Trisha Kehaulani Watson

26 Jun 2009 | 1:18 am

I have friends and family who live off the land. "Live the dream" some of us say... "Crazy hippies" others say... They're not looking so crazy right now. In fact, those who have food for their families on their land are looking like the smartest people around right now. My boyfriend and I went shopping tonight only to face a frenzied crowd of residents preparing for a possible Matson worker strike. The shelves were empty. Apologetic workers were explaining that many basic items (milk, toiler paper, etc.) had sold out. And they weren't sure about the next shipment, because of the strike...

HawaiiOceanLaw.com
Defending Against Pirates - Guidelines for Self Defense and Firearms

Mark Murakami

1 Jul 2009 | 11:18 am

Captain Bryant has a great post on three recent Coast Guard Port Security Advisories related to defending U.S. flagged, commercial vessels from the threat of piracy. The three advisories are available for download at his blog. From the Coast Guard's advisory: Working with our interagency partners we have identified at least three options under which firearms could be exported and used aboard vessels in compliance with the ITAR, 1) obtaining a temporary export license (DSP-73), 2) temporarily exporting firearms and ammunition under an exemption to the ITAR, and 3) purchasing foreign…
Exxon Valdez - Ninth Circuit Awards Post Judgment Interest , but....

Mark Murakami

29 Jun 2009 | 6:02 pm

Exxon Valdez litigation update: The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, on remand following the Supreme Court's decision limited punitive damages to 1-1 ratio with compensatory damages, awarded post-judgment interest to the Plaintiffs in the amount of $507.5 million. Decision posted here. But, per SCOTUSBLOG, Exxon has sought rehearing en banc, with regards to the denial of Exxon's costs of court.
Engineering a Solution to Governmental Concerns with Seawalls - Maui Resident's Solution

Mark Murakami

29 Jun 2009 | 2:53 pm

The Maui News has a good article recounting one owner's experience with coming up with a solution to the erosion of his oceanfront land that would accomplish his objective (i.e. land preservation) and be palatable to governmental officials. Seawalls, and efforts to address the often competing interests of property owners and governmental regulators, are controversial and present thorny issues of Constitutional law, ocean engineering and intergovernmental relations/authorities. Stay tuned.
County Regulates Boating? Kauai County Sues to Enjoin Commercial Vessel Operations

Mark Murakami

27 Jun 2009 | 8:12 pm

Per news releases and reports, the County of Kauai brought suit against a vessel operator to enjoin passenger loading operations in the Hanalei River. The County asserts that the operator must obtain a Special Management Area permit from the Planning Commission. Hat tip to Kauai blogger Charley Foster for his post on this new lawsuit with links. We'll try to get a copy of the complaint. Tough to operate on the Hanalei River it seems. Some of the operators have been in Hanalei River litigation before. The State of Hawaii attempted to require boat operators to obtain permits to…
Supreme Court Allows Punitive Damages for Seaman's Maintenance and Cure Case

Mark Murakami

26 Jun 2009 | 1:30 pm

The Supreme Court, in an opinion by Justice Thomas, has held that punitive damages are allowable for seaman's maintenance and cure claims, despite the argument that the Jones Act remedies (which don't include punitive damages) are exclusive. The case is Atlantic Sounding Co., Inc. v. Townsend and the opinion is here. Quick post, but more analysis to follow. My earlier post on the case here. Side note: Justice Thomas was joined by Justices Stevens, Souter, Ginsburg and Breyer. The dissent was written by Justice Alito, joined by Chief Justice Roberts and Justices Scalia and…

Insurance Law Hawaii
Bad Faith Claims Based on Insurer's Lack of Concern Denied

Tred Eyerly

1 Jul 2009 | 7:00 am

Bad faith and coverage for looting were at issue in Spears v. State Farm Ins. Co., No. 08-3183, 2009 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 49554 (E. D. La. June 12, 2009). The insureds' home was damaged by Hurricane Katrina on August 29, 2005. A homeowner's policy issued by State Farm provided coverage of up to $179,700 for dwelling and up to $134,775 for contents and loss of use. In September 2005, State Farm opened a claims file and advanced $2500. In November 2005, State Farm inspected the property. On November 25, 2005, State Farm paid $55,205,87 for dwelling loss and…
Eleventh Circuit Certifies Question on Effect of Cancellation Notice

Tred Eyerly

29 Jun 2009 | 7:00 am

The insured held a commercial auto policy issued on June 5, 2006 by Infinity General Insurance Company. See Infinity Gen. Ins. Co. v. Reynolds, No. 08-14785 (11th Cir. June 8, 2009) [here]. The premium was overdue as of July 5, 2006, and a cancellation notice was sent July 10, 2006. The notice indicated that coverage would cease at 11:59 p.m. on the cancellation date, July 25, 2006, unless the premium payment was received before the cancellation date. Thereafter, the insured's son was involved in an auto accident on August 2, 2006, fatally injuring his two…
Faulty Data Base Increases Out-of-Pocket Medical Expenses

Tred Eyerly

25 Jun 2009 | 7:00 am

If you have ever sought out of network health care, here is a story to make your blood boil. Today's New York Times reports that Congressional investigators have discovered a faulty database overcharged patients for seeing doctors outside their insurance plan network. The database was operated by Ingenix, a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group. The Congressional investigators found insurers submitted data that underestimated the costs of medical services, making patients pay out-of-pocket expenses that should have been covered by insurance. Thanks to my fellow…
Supreme Court Bars Further Asbestos Claims Against Insurer

Tred Eyerly

24 Jun 2009 | 7:00 am

In the term's insurance-related case, the United States Supreme Court held that additional suits were barred against an insurer that participated in a 1986 settlement of asbestos claims and contributed to a trust fund. See Travelers Indemn. Co. v. Bailey, No. 08-295 (U.S. June 18, 2009) [here]. We previously reviewed the Travelers case here. Before the reorganization, Travelers faced suits by third parties, such as Manville factory workers, seeking compensation under Manville's policies. In 1986, the Bankruptcy Court approved an agreement which enjoined the…
Insured Not Entitled to Independent Counsel Based on Speculative Conflict

Tred Eyerly

22 Jun 2009 | 7:00 am

The insured's right to independent counsel after the insurer agreed to defend under a reservation of rights was the issue presented in National Casualty Co. v. Forge Indus. Staffing Inc., No. 08-3110 (7th Cir. June 3, 2009) [here]. Forge was a staffing agency that placed temporary employees at companies throughout the United States. NCC issued a policy insuring Forge against any legal damages stemming from intentional acts, including intentionally discriminating against any of its employees. The policy did not cover, however, punitive damages nor "willful…

inversecondemnation.com
PropertyProf's Summary Of The SCOTUS Beachfront Takings Case

Robert Thomas (inversecondemnation.com)

2 Jul 2009 | 1:13 pm

In What's At Stake in Stop the Beach Renourishment, Lawprof D. Benjamin Barros posts a comprehensive summary of "judicial takings" case accepted for review by the US Supreme Court, Stop the Beachfront Renourishment, Inc. v. Florida Dep't of Environmental Protection, No. 08-11 (cert. granted. June 15, 2009). Raises several interesting points and worth a read.
Tuesday Round-Up

Robert Thomas (inversecondemnation.com)

30 Jun 2009 | 11:58 am

Here are items which we've been reviewing today: Dwight Merriam's thoughts on SCOTUS nominee, Second Circuit Judge Sonia Sotomayor. A report that the "Florida Hometown Democracy" initiative has made the 2010 ballot. According to the report "[i]f the proposal gets 60 percent approval at the polls, Hometown Democracy would require local referendums on changes to city and county comprehensive plans." From the Willets Point United blog: "Willets Point United Hires NY State's Top Eminent Domain Attorney." (They've hired our Owners' Counsel of…
Cert Denied Update

Robert Thomas (inversecondemnation.com)

26 Jun 2009 | 12:01 am

Last week's cert grant by the Supreme Court in Stop the Beachfront Renourishment, Inc. v. Florida Dep't of Environmental Protection, No. 08-11 (cert. granted, June 15, 2009) got us to thinking about other petitions in takings and land use cases which we've discussed, so here's an update on the cases denied review: Empress Casino Joliet Corp. v. Giannoulias, No. 08-945 (cert. petition filed Jan. 21, 2009) - the Illinois Supreme Court held (896 N.E.2d 277 (Ill. 2008) that a regulation which imposes a 3% "surcharge" on Illinois casinos with gross receipts over $200…
Links From ABA Condemnation Committee Conference Call

Robert Thomas (inversecondemnation.com)

25 Jun 2009 | 11:59 am

A very interesting conference call today, focusing on the property-related decisions by SCOTUS nominee Sotomayor and the takings case recently accepted for review by the U.S. Supreme Court. Here are the links to some of the cases and other topics discussed during today's call, and other items of interest which we didn't have time for: Judge Sonya Sotomayor's decisions about eminent domain and regulatory takings Resource page for the Florida beachfront takings case, Stop the Beachfront Renourishment, Inc. v. Florida Dep't of Environmental Protection, No. 08-11 (cert. granted,…
On Judicial Takings, And The Hawaii Water Rights Backstory In Stop The Beach Renourishment

Robert Thomas (inversecondemnation.com)

24 Jun 2009 | 4:32 am

The U.S. Supreme Court last week agreed to review the Florida Supreme Court's decision in Walton County v. Stop the Beach Renourishment, Inc., 998 So.2d 1102 (Fla. Sep. 29, 2008), which held that a state statute prohibiting "beach renourishment" without a permit did not effect a taking of littoral (beachfront) property, even though it altered the long-standing rights of the owners to accretion on their land and direct access to the ocean. See Stop the Beachfront Renourishment, Inc. v. Florida Dep't of Environmental Protection, No. 08-11 (cert. granted. June 15, 2009). More…

Hawaii Real Estate Reporter
Hawaii Ranked 15th for Highest Number of Foreclosure Filings

melissav

15 Jun 2009 | 11:30 pm

Due to a steady rise in Hawaiian foreclosure filings as stated by a June 11th honoluluadvertiser.com posting, Hawaii ranked 15th among the 50 states for the highest number of foreclosure filings per household last month. These numbers come from a recent RealtyTrac report, ranking the states based upon foreclosure filings. There were 816 foreclosure filings within Hawaii. This marks the second time that Hawaii has been among the 20 top states for foreclosure filings since RealtyTrac’s creation in January of 2005. The reason for Hawaii’s ranking in recent months is believed to be that the…
Mortgage rates have risen above 5%, Probably Won’t Go That Low Again

melissav

5 Jun 2009 | 7:45 pm

According to a May 29th, 2009 article posted by CNNMoney.com, Both mortgage and interest rates have risen above 5% and will remain there for sometime. This past week mortgage rates peaked at 5.45%, which is the highest recorded rate for this year. The reason for the increase in rates has been linked to the great deal of debt that the United States government has been issuing in the form of treasuries or bonds. Recently the supply of treasury bills has begun to increase with little response from buyers. This has led to a direct hit on mortgage rates, pushing them well above the 5% mark. The…
$8000 First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit Explained in Video - Do You Qualify?

Hawaii Real Estate reporter

4 Jun 2009 | 12:09 pm

The National Association of Home Builders put out a great video explaining $8000 first time home buyer tax credit. Do you qualify? Click play on the video to watch: Post from: Hawaii Real Estate Reporter $8000 First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit Explained in Video - Do You Qualify?
RealtyTrac Claims Foreclosures Have Risen 217%. Debatable.

melissav

2 Jun 2009 | 6:29 pm

According to an article from a Wednesday, May 13th posting to honoluluadvertiser.com, Isle Foreclosures rose 217% in April. Andrew Gomes states that while Hawaii’s foreclosure rates have risen, they are well below the national average of one filling per 374 households. While there has been an overall consensus from local economists and foreclosure attorneys that foreclosures among the Hawaiian Islands are worsening, it may not be to the extent at which the research company RealtyTrac has been reporting. In recent weeks, concerns have been rising as to the methods by which the California…
May 2009 Hawaii Real Estate Stats: Sales Up Again, Inventory Down

Hawaii Real Estate reporter

2 Jun 2009 | 1:25 pm

Attached please find the May 2009 Honolulu Board Of Realtors Stats for May, 2009. There is a lot of good news here for Hawaii real estate. The good news will be clear to see for anyone - except the media who is still comparing everything to last year. If you look at what is going on so for this year – it is looking much better. One important thing to keep in mind. Median home sales prices were down compared to April `09 and of course to May of last year. This was expected. It was expected because median sales price is measuring the median price of the property sold within the month. With a…

BeachWalks.tv
Beach Walk 742 – Huli Heaven

beachwalks@gmail.com (Roxanne Darling) (Roxanne Darling)

24 Jun 2009 | 4:23 am

iPod | 5:10 | To Embed or Email: click above It's been a long time since we've been out on the water together. Our friends Eric, Stacey, and Kaile got a new 4-man outrigger canoe. Shane, Eric, and I took it out - saving a seat for you! I have missed being on the water, and hope you enjoy this episode - oh so Hawaii. Huli means to roll over in Hawaiian, and though we caught several awesome waves, we also caught a 360! It was a great day, made better in my memory by the amazing song, "The Ocean" by Barefoot Truth. Please follow that link to iTunes and purchase a copy in support of…
Beach Walk 741 – Silence is Divine

beachwalks@gmail.com (Roxanne Darling) (Roxanne Darling)

3 Jun 2009 | 2:33 pm

iPod | 4:01 | To Embed or Email: click above I went on a 5-day silent intensive with Lola Jones a few weeks ago. For me it was pure heaven. I have in the past done 24 hours of silence on my birthday, and loved the clarity I experienced. To be able to ignore all others and go within myself for listening, for sharing, for counsel, was very powerful. There is a lot of noise, especially in my work on the social web (twitter, etc) And much as I love it, I was yearning to talk to the divine, to God directly. I can say that the moment we dropped into silence, having prepared for over 2 weeks, my…
Beach Walk 740R – Memorial Day in the Pacific

beachwalks@gmail.com (Roxanne Darling) (Roxanne Darling)

25 May 2009 | 2:20 am

iPod | 6:38 | To Embed or Email: click above We originally filmed this episode for Memorial Day in 2006. But it clearly stands out as a timeless message, and represents the true magic of Beach Walks. It is all completely unscripted, no shot list, we just showed up and worked as fast as we could before the sun set. Sometimes, you know the universe is on your side.Today's show was filmed at the Hawaii Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. 50,000 leis were donated, and over 100 young Boy Scouts placed a lei and a flag on each gravestone. I was quite stirred to be in the presence of death while…
Beach Walk 739 – Roz Savage Rowing Strong

beachwalks@gmail.com (Roxanne Darling) (Roxanne Darling)

20 May 2009 | 2:16 am

iPod | 5:19 | To Embed or Email: click above Roz is one of those people you meet who is unforgettable. She has rowed solo across the Atlantic, and is now one-third of the way across the Pacific. She has been featured as a top adventurer by Outside Magazine. She recently met Al Gore as part of her mission is to help us wake up to the incredible pollution in the oceans among other environmental causes. She departs from Hawaii at sunset on Sunday May 24th, and is having a local fundraiser at the ING DIRECT Cafe this Friday, May 22nd. Please come and support Roz, or make a contribution on her web…
Beach Walk 738 – Version Control

beachwalks@gmail.com (Roxanne Darling) (Roxanne Darling)

15 May 2009 | 1:22 pm

iPod | 3:02 | To Embed or Email: click above A few weeks ago I talked about updating the database. And there is a tricky second aspect of that. If you are updating an old version of the database, then you miss out on stuff! This happens, sadly, all the time when more than one person has access to a master database. They work "locally, make a bunch of changes, and everything looks cool. But if they don't connect and send their updates to the main source, then everyone else who uses it is missing something. Or sometimes the db gets moved, and you didn't know, so you are syncing with an old…

Blaine's Blog
Pop Fergie happy and full on Father’s Day.

Blaine

21 Jun 2009 | 10:37 pm

Pop Fergie happy and full on Father’s Day., originally uploaded by zztype.
Meet my new daughter, Lily!

Blaine

10 Jun 2009 | 11:40 pm

Meet my new daughter, Lily!, originally uploaded by zztype.
Dr. Emmitt Aluli says aloha to @svetin!

Blaine

10 Jun 2009 | 3:35 pm

Dr. Emmitt Aluli says aloha to @svetin!, originally uploaded by zztype.
@hawaii and @kilinahe at #Hoku

Blaine

10 Jun 2009 | 12:45 am

@hawaii and @kilinahe at #Hoku, originally uploaded by zztype.
Holunape! #Hoku

Blaine

10 Jun 2009 | 12:37 am

Holunape! #Hoku, originally uploaded by zztype.

PULP CONNECTION
Adding su.pr to Pulpconnection

Gee Why

3 Jul 2009 | 9:11 am

I’m tweaking things a little by adding StumbleUpon’s new su.pr service to Pulpconnection. Su.pr is yet another URL shortening service (still under development) but has the appeal of tapping into the popular StumbleUpon “stumbles.” Su.pr also has its own Wordpress plugin which makes configuration much easier, and su.pr even supports shortening URLs using your own domain. For example, links I “shorten” can look like http://pulpconnection.net/asdf, though that’s not a very short URL. I’ll have to play with that a bit. I also stopped my automatic…
Apple Stores Fixing Cracked iPhone Screens In-house

Gee Why

3 Jul 2009 | 5:11 am

Hope I won’t need this service, but Apple Stores can now fix cracked iPhone screens right in the store. Your iPhone needs to be under warranty, or you need AppleCare to take advantage of this repair though.
Excellent Reading at Ann Taylor Kahala Mall

Gee Why

2 Jul 2009 | 11:51 am

I must say that the Ann Taylor location in Kahala Mall has some excellent reading material. Lots of classics! Must be there are a few husbands and kids who hang out in the waiting area while wives and mommies shop for clothes.
Gassing Up at Sam’s Club

Gee Why

2 Jul 2009 | 11:43 am

The popular gas stations run by Costco have a new competitor in Hawaii with the opening of Sam’s Club’s own gas station. Though from the looks of things, I don’t know if this gas station will be around with business like this. I don’t mind the non-existent lines though, makes gassing up so much faster.
Thanks to The Counter!

Gee Why

1 Jul 2009 | 11:52 am

Just wanted to say thanks to The Counter for giving Hawaii its own Twitter special last night. If you bought two burgers on “Twitter Tuesday” then you’d get either free sweet fries or a dessert. To beat the crowds, we got there a tad bit early but got the okay that the special would still apply. We went with the traditional Counter Burger, my custom creation, a peanut butter shake, and some free sweet fries. So ono! And by the time we were leaving, the mass of Hawaii tweeters were congregating for their Counter dinner. And oh yeah, congratulations to Ryan Kanno for…

Mel's Internet Universe Weblog
Welcome to Black Wednesday - Forever

mel

1 Jul 2009 | 9:15 am

More cash out of our pockets beginning today. Taxes and various fees go up because most Democrats in the State and City level created and supported bills to "enhance revenue streams" and take more money out of our wallets. Here are some of the taxes and fees that will increase:Bus fares being hiked from $2 per ride to $2.25 per ride. Monthly bus passes increase to $50 from the previous $40.The City is increasing property taxes for operational expenses. Hello? Can we cut some of the operations like say, support staff for the proposed rail. Let's just cut the rail. It will be a big black hole…
State Workers Rally Against Furloughs

mel

1 Jul 2009 | 2:00 am

It was inevitable. The state public worker unions staged a big rally with over a thousand participants from their rank and file at the State Capitol today. The unions rounded up their troops and bussed them to the capitol grounds where they joined many others for a spirited sign waving and protest rally.The big issue is of course the Governor Linda Lingle's worker furlough plan that kicks in tomorrow (July 1) barring any court action that may come out on July 2. State workers are also without a contract at the start of the new fiscal year.These people can put on a good rally and show. And…
New Taxes & Fees Contribute to Higher Cost of Living in Hawaii

mel

29 Jun 2009 | 9:00 am

THE COST OF LIVING IS INCREASING IN HAWAII ON JULY 1"Prepare for Life to Get a Lot More Expensive" proclaims an article in the Sunday Honolulu Star-Bulletin. Writers B.J. Reyes and Richard Borreca point out:The start of the new fiscal year also launches a slew of tax and fee increases passed by lawmakers who faced some of the toughest budgeting decisions anyone can remember.It all means less money in everybody's wallet -- .....Tax and fee increases come on top of hiring freezes, spending restrictions, program cuts and other cost-cutting moves made at state and county levels in an effort to…
Michael Jackson 1958 - 2009

mel

27 Jun 2009 | 7:00 pm

Like many people all over the world, I was quite surprised to learn of the untimely death of singer Michael Jackson. I got first indication of his death after reading an alert on my Google RSS reader. Shortly after news of his death was on the radio, TV and elsewhere on the internet.Michael Jackson was not my favorite music artist. Still, he was one of the biggest icons in the music business. He made his mark not only in music, but also in dance, showmanship and video. He was the child star and lead vocalist of The Jackson 5, the music group put together by his parents and consisting of his…
Matson Employees May Go on Strike

mel

25 Jun 2009 | 8:15 am

The bridge crews at Matson may go on strike. The officers who pilot and navigate the big ships between Hawaii and the mainland are at the center of the labor dispute. The issues revolve around pay rates according to the type of ships the personnel crew. The state of Hawaii relies on Matson to bring in up to 80% of all consumer goods bought and sold. A strike will cripple Hawaii's delicate supply line. Rice, toilet paper and other items will be in short supply.I am not a fan of labor unions especially when they hold the people in Hawaii hostage and increase our costs.As of this posting a…

Homespun Honolulu
Ride Your Bike to Work Day on June 15th!

Evelyn

14 Jun 2009 | 11:00 am

No, not the bicycle kind of bike, the motorcyclekind of bike. Just in case Hawai’i got dropped out of the loop on this, Monday (tomorrow), June 15, 2009 is the 18th Annual Ride to Work Day! Follow the link for more information — I was glad to see some governmental backing on this. It would be nice if I wasn’t such a coward. It’s not the bikes themselves — it is the drivers. It’s not as much the drivers of the bikes as it is the other cars on the road. I have a problem with road rage and I do tend to be very impatient — not a good M.O. for…
Carnival Excitement Rides Waves to Island Shores!

Evelyn

2 Jun 2009 | 9:26 am

This month, we’re flying high as visiting bloggers from across the country come riding in on the surf for a visit! I got so excited when I saw this! Ryan opens things for us this month by letting us know that The Bloggers are Coming posted over at his Hawaii Blog. Ryan describes it as “an experiment by the Hawaii Tourism Authority and Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau to reach beyond the traditional media and professional travel agents to see if bloggers and vloggers can help spread the appeal of the Aloha State to a new audience.” If you’re on Twitter,…
Imagine That! Dreams Can Come True!

Evelyn

1 Jun 2009 | 4:01 pm

Movie Contest for the Keiki! Here’s a summary of the storyline for an upcoming film: “In Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies’ family comedy “Imagine That,” Eddie Murphy stars as a successful financial executive who has more time for his BlackBerry than his seven-year-old daughter (Yara Shahidi). When he has a crisis of confidence and his career starts going down the drain, however, he finds the solution to all his problems in his daughter’s imaginary world.” This movie opens Nationwide on Friday, June 12, 2009. It runs for 107 minutes and stars Eddie Murphy,…
Daughters of Hawai’i and Their Calabash Cousins

Evelyn

31 May 2009 | 6:30 am

I think most of us tend to be curious about a place marked “National Historic Site,” especially when it has a gift shop too! I was nosey and went in to see the little gift shop and man did I find some really cool stuff and some really cool staff willing to share their knowledge! I discovered connections to things I had seen elsewhere, I saw books with names I recognized, and there were books about things that had already become a focus for my insatiable curiosity about the history of our home. In future posts I’ll fill you all in as I get through the items I bought at…
Kawaiaha’o Church Finds Treasure

Evelyn

26 May 2009 | 9:44 am

That’s Kawaiaha’o Church at the end of the rainbow in this photo. It’s all about the angle. It might be Queen’s hospital or Honolulu Hale at the end of that rainbow, if you were coming from a different direction, but this worked for me! It worked even better when this story about finding the iwi (bones) hit the news. This happens so very often when new construction happens. My initial comment when I heard about this was, “tell me a better place to have something like this happen?!?” This is on the Church grounds. They have indeed found…

Kam Family Blog
There’s a monster in my drawing!

Nathan

2 Jul 2009 | 8:12 pm

A couple nights ago, Ensen was doodling on his drawing pad when we discovered he’d created a monster. Literally! He was actually drawing sideways, but when we turned the page, this is what we saw. We named him Mo Monster. Could we have a future artist on our hands? Not bad for a 2-year-old, huh? -NGK Posted in Ensen (aka Little E), Random-ness Tagged: children's drawings, monster
Giant insects invade Oahu’s Pearlridge Center

Nathan

24 Jun 2009 | 9:17 am

After much anticipation, Kelly and I finally had the chance to take Ensen to see the Giant Insect Safari exhibit at Pearlridge Center Uptown. Aunty Kim also came along to ensure none of the huge bugs attacked us. It’s actually one of the better mall experiences I’ve seen and needless to say Ensen loved riding the train ($3/person) through the larger-than-life creature display. I have to say the 19-foot Praying Mantis, the 15-foot Caterpillar, and 16-foot Locust were 100 times grosser (is that a word?) than their real-life counterparts, but really cool at the same time. Little E…
Happy Father’s Day to the best dads on Earth!

Nathan

21 Jun 2009 | 10:09 am

Kelly's father Dave has big plans to make Ensen a fine fisherman like himself. There have been so many great times enjoyed and memories made with our dads over the years. Kelly and I are fortunate to have such supportive, wise, and loving role models in our lives. Both taught us the meaning of hard work and challenged us to do and be our best. We can’t imagine life without them! Father’s Day has now become extra special becoming a dad myself with 2-year-old Ensen growing up quickly. I vividly recall joking when I was younger that “I’ll never do things like my…
It’s kind of hectic (but fun) turning 2-years-old!

Nathan

17 Jun 2009 | 12:18 am

Birthday festivities started on Friday at home with a simple dinner and singing of Happy Birthday to you with a cupcake. The saying “time flies when you’re having fun” is so true when it comes to raising a child. Particularly your first child! Ensen turned the big 2-years-old this past Friday and while we didn’t celebrate with an all out festival like most Hawaii families would have, we did manage to piece together a fun and busy weekend with friends and family. Here’s a photo recap. Happy Birthday Ensen! Ensen had a busy Saturday. First stop...the doctor for a…
Hawaii vacationers can have cake and eat it too!

Nathan

7 Jun 2009 | 12:19 pm

A popular spot for visitors traveling to Hawaii is Kualoa Ranch on Oahu where the hit ABC show "LOST" is filmed. Unless you’ve been living in a cave, you’re probably aware that traveling to your favorite vacation destination is now more affordable (and probably cheaper) than ever. Airlines, hotels, activities, and attractions are bringing down rates and adding value in an effort to entice visitors to get off the sofa and travel in this challenging economy. Those with the means (or attitude) to kick the “recession” in the behind and continue with their…

hapa | hale
weekly sales sheet

leigh

26 Jun 2009 | 8:47 am

stock up on your favorite ali'i kula lavender treats at the kcc farmers market this weekend. when: sat, jun 27th - 7:30a to 11a where: kapiolani community college enjoy pupus and refreshments while meeting the creators of anje designs, jo.jah.jae & more during olive boutique's local designers shop event. when: sat, jun 27th - 5p to 8p where: 43 kihapai street, kailua fyi: save 10% off storewide save 50% off all designer denim and assorted jewelry/handbags plus up to 80% off apparel during the final days of shasa emporium's moving sale. when: now to sun, jun 28th where: shasa emporium,…
sustainable soirée style

leigh

24 Jun 2009 | 2:43 pm

happy news for anyone who loves to flip through the party pages and gaze at the beautiful tableaus composed by the most stylish event planners. green honolulu relaunched its official website (designed by stacy from bradley & lily) last month and added a gorgeous event gallery which has taken a cue from the lovely inspiration boards that have become a must do on all the wedding blogs. peek after beautiful peek takes you inside the most charming soirées to daydream about being the most fabulous host/ess or a guest lucky enough to score an invite where the little details include pretty…
new peeks: wings hawaii

leigh

23 Jun 2009 | 1:27 pm

. . . miter shell dress : ocean bandeau : mermaid skirt . . . if you stopped by the fashionista's market fresh shopping fair last weekend, you scored one of the first peeks of the new collection offered by the lovely ladies of wings hawaii. this time around wings is expanding their repertoire with made to order dresses cut from a stunning new offering of island inspired fabrics that have been block printed and dip dyed by hand in their maui studio. the result is simply dreamy with tiny seashells receiving a delightfully graphic translation to create looks any modern day mermaid would swoon…
weekly sales sheet

leigh

19 Jun 2009 | 2:43 pm

. . . backstreet by alliway : global warming tee . . . sneaker freaks will want to hele over to the kicks/hi makaloa outpost for their big summer sale with select in-store merch marked down 50 to 90%. where: today to sun, jun 21st where: 1530 makaloa street, honolulu fyi: all sales final fashionista's market hosts fresh, a summer shopping affair complete with beauty and tasting bars, prizes, and designer discounts from 14 local stylistas including allison izu, ginger13, roberta oaks, the wedding café and wings hawaii. a portion of ticket sales benefit the women speaking out foundation. when:…
and the winner is . . .

leigh

19 Jun 2009 | 11:39 am

natalie from new jersey who got her wish for maui dive girl's pearl of aloha spirit necklace! lisa from maui dive girl sent along a sweet consolation prize for the 99.99% of the h|h 'ohana who were not chosen - scoop up your favorite design(s) during the month of june and lisa will include a complimentary clover aloha wish necklace (retail: $12) with your order. click over to maui dive girl's etsy shop to take a peek at all the latest designs and follow the directions below at checkout: secret code: hapa hale (enter in notes to seller) expires: tue, jun 30th congratulations, natalie! [mahalo…

An Island Life
Aloha Friday #89

Kailani

2 Jul 2009 | 9:00 pm

Welcome to this week’s edition of Aloha Friday. In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that we take it easy and look forward to the weekend. So I thought that on Fridays I would take it easy on posting, too. Therefore, I’ll ask a simple question for you to answer. Nothing that requires a lengthy response. If you’d like to participate, just post your own question on your blog and leave your link below. Don’t forget to visit the other participants! It’s a great way to make new bloggy friends! My question is: What’s one thing you’ve been putting off doing?
Great Summer Safety Tips from MommyDocs

Kailani

28 Jun 2009 | 11:15 pm

I don’t know about your kids but mine live outdoors during the Summer months. They love to play in the backyard pool and have picnics in the shade. It’s great for me because it keeps the house clean for at least a couple of hours! However, it’s during these times that families must be extra careful when it comes to outdoor exposures to heat, germs, playground safety, and dehydration. To help you stay safe during the summer heat, Mommy Docs, The Clorox Company, & Mom Central have joined up to provide you with these valuable safety tips: Staying Safe at BBQs. According to a recent…
Hoping For A Better Week

Kailani

27 Jun 2009 | 11:17 pm

Pre-school is not going well. I’m not sure if she just needs time to adjust or if it’s because she’s in the wrong age-group class, but we’ve had to deal with crying, tantrums, and imaginary friends all last week. She didn’t even want to go on her Chuck E Cheese field trip! Now what child doesn’t want to go to Chuck E Cheese? Every morning, Baby Bug does fine until she notices that we’re driving in the direction of her school. That’s when the chanting starts, “No more school! No more school!” When we pull into the parking lot, the…
aden + anais: Australian Muslin Baby Wraps (Giveaway)

Kailani

27 Jun 2009 | 2:00 pm

There’s nothing more adorable than a baby wrapped up in a snuggly blanket. They look so warm and comfortable, don’t they? Well, aden + anais specializes in comfortable baby items including swaddling blankets. COMPANY DESCRIPTION Aden + Anais was formed by Australian mothers who moved to the United States and found that the swaddling cloths made of the muslin fabric they wanted were too small for their babies, Aden and Anais. Further, every swaddling blanket that was large enough was made with fabric other than the muslin cloth that is so readily available for swaddling a baby in…
Aloha Friday #88

Kailani

25 Jun 2009 | 9:00 pm

Welcome to this week’s edition of Aloha Friday. In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that we take it easy and look forward to the weekend. So I thought that on Fridays I would take it easy on posting, too. Therefore, I’ll ask a simple question for you to answer. Nothing that requires a lengthy response. If you’d like to participate, just post your own question on your blog and leave your link below. Don’t forget to visit the other participants! It’s a great way to make new bloggy friends! My question is: Do you have any eating habits that people think are strange?

Honolulu's Nightlife Diaries
[pics] vans 3 feet high half cab, white party, 3 years of Soul Clap

Christa

1 Jul 2009 | 12:06 pm

ahhh. not so much this sapphire martini, but more so the mirror up there. i was in the bus driver club for quite some time and sitting here having a cocktail looking at that kind of made my evening last thursday. i’m almost positive that came from the hubcap of a bus. not like i need [...]
chill ass chill sunday

Christa

28 Jun 2009 | 5:17 pm

spend some time talking to the north shore’s jimmy dicarlo why don’t you? he’s brilliant. i’m so excited to go over to soho at 6 tonight that i’m actually blogging about it. everyone welcome. come on down.
[pics] lurk overdrive. v lounge too late and on the set of “ecila”

Christa

24 Jun 2009 | 8:11 pm

actually, before i get in to this i just want to say that nights like this don’t happen as much any more… …that’s kind of why i had to rush through my last post to share. this was the same night as the bombay sapphire dinner. normally i would crawl home to bed after something like [...]
[pics] a quickie for you. bacardi dragonberry launch, mai tai competition, sapphire. workfun.

Christa

23 Jun 2009 | 8:17 pm

not like i need to prove i’ve been busy with work with a photo update. but. i’ve been busy with work. here’s proof. in a photo update… this is a quickie. for any new readers i might have picked up that can’t be bothered with the whole scroll down for lots of photos thing…. and for any [...]
i’m no martin sargent….

Christa

21 Jun 2009 | 7:40 pm

…but I’d work my ass off if I actually was selected to be the Lifestyle Correspondent at Murphy Goode’s Winery. Jeez… I’d kinda just do what I’ve been doing here since forever, only about wine. What they say: “We’re looking [...]

HNLNOW: ALL EVENTS HONOLULU
Sat, Jul. 4 - Shine at Bonsai Restaurant & Lounge

3 Jul 2009 | 11:00 pm

Furious Styles and Profound Entertainment present SHINE. Honolulu's sexiest Saturday hot spot. SHINE is located at BONSAI in Restaurant Row, Honolulu's most modern Japanese restaurant. Every Saturday night BONSAI is transformed into the most trendy and exclusive ultra lounge on the island. Enjoy delicious Japanese inspired appetizers and creative drinks. Innovative DJ's spin a variety of upbeat music and videos for your listening and viewing pleasure. Doors open at 10pm, 21+, Dress code is enforced, so dress to impress!
Sat, Jul. 4 - 4D @ Bob's Sports Bar at Bob's Sports Bar

3 Jul 2009 | 11:00 pm

Come by Bob's every Saturday night for some cold beers and great live music.
Sat, Jul. 4 - Fireworks Displays in Honolulu, Hawaii

3 Jul 2009 | 11:00 pm

Friday:» Duke Kahanamoku Beach, 7:45 p.m.» Aloha Tower Marketplace, 9 p.m.Saturday:» Kailua Beach Park, 8 p.m.» Maili Beach Park, 8 p.m.» Maunalua Bay (Hawaii Kai), 8 p.m.» Marriot Ihilani Resort & Spa, 8 p.m.» Ala Moana Beach, 8:30 p.m.» Wet 'n' Wild Hawaii, 8:30 p.m.» Hickam Air Force Base, 8:30 p.m.» Turtle Bay Resort, 9 p.m.» Pearl Harbor, 9 p.m.» Schofield Barracks, 9 p.m.Source: Honolulu Fire Department
Sat, Jul. 4 - Camera Obscura at Indigo

3 Jul 2009 | 11:00 pm

Spinning Dark 80s, Goth, Industrial, EBM and Dark Wave are DJ NOCTURNADJ MODBOY 9pm to 2amLOFT (115 N. Hotel St)NO COVER21+www.myspace.com/808cameraobscurawww.myspace.com/djnocturna Drink specials Sushi Bar open til midnightReserve a table for VIP Bottle Service. Call or email for reservationsInfo: 808 591-3500 Spinning Dark 80s, Goth, Industrial, EBM and Dark Wave are DJ NOCTURNADJ MODBOY Camera Obscura is every first Saturday of the month at the LOFT (115 N. Hotel St.)
Sat, Jul. 4 - pleasure lounge every saturday at Honolulu Design Center

3 Jul 2009 | 11:00 pm

join us at the Honolulu Design Center from 9pm-2am for the classiest Saturday night party featuring 3 lounges to chill and get your groove on to with Dope Style DJs Toma and video mixing by Mixmaster B and also featuring guest DJs in the mix. 21 & over. Stylish dress code required. RSVP to get on my guestlist (+1). Good until May 30th.

Hawaiimagazine.com
Boom Boom Pow! A list of Hawaii Fourth of July fireworks shows

2 Jul 2009 | 6:41 pm

Boom Boom Pow! A list of Hawaii Fourth of July fireworks shows Slather on the sunscreen, purchase your ahi and tako poke early and throw some burgers and hot dogs on the grill … the Fourth of July weekend is here! And there’s no shortage of fireworks shows lighting up skies all over Hawaii this year.Need to sate a 4th of July pyrotechnics fix? Here's our complete list of free, open-to-the-public fireworks displays throughout the 50th State this weekend.Happy Fourth of July from the entire HAWAII Magazine ohana!July 3 OahuIf you’re in the mood to celebrate the 4th a day…
Major collapse at Kilauea volcano vent dims evening glow

2 Jul 2009 | 5:07 am

Major collapse at Kilauea volcano vent dims evening glow A major collapse at Kilauea volcano’s Halemaumau crater summit vent this week has dimmed the luminous evening glow that had attracted thousands of visitors to the site in recent weeks.Geologists at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory report that a 1:38 p.m., Tuesday collapse of the vent wall—and a series of smaller collapses in the hours that followed—have choked the Halemaumau crater vent with a significant amount of debris. The firs...
VIDEO: HAWAII Magazine’s Contemporary Tropical cocktails on Sunrise on KGMB9

1 Jul 2009 | 7:50 am

VIDEO: HAWAII Magazine’s Contemporary Tropical cocktails on Sunrise on KGMB9 We were mixing mai tais … in the morning … on TV! And here are the videos to prove it.As promised, we’ve got the links for Sunrise on KGMB9’s segments spotlighting our July/August fresh tropical cocktail feature Contemporary Tropicals: A Guide to the Best in Island Libations.The video segments—which aired today on the top-rated Honolulu morning show—feature...
HAWAII Magazine's Contemporary Tropical cocktails … On TV!

30 Jun 2009 | 10:40 am

HAWAII Magazine's Contemporary Tropical cocktails … On TV! Our July/August tropical cocktail feature has gone multimedia. Yep, we’re on TV!Contemporary Tropicals: A Guide to the Best in Island Libations will be a featured segment on top-rated Honolulu morning show Sunrise On KGMB9, Wednesday, at 7:50 a.m.Wake up and watch as HAWAII Magazine editor John Heckthorn, Royal Hawaiian Hotel master mixologist Joey Gottesman and KGMB reporter Ramsay Wharton mix up some cocktails at the Mai Tai Bar on Waikiki Beach. The segment was taped this morning under clear blue skies and w...
Say goodbye to Waikiki's International Market Place? An update.

29 Jun 2009 | 5:06 pm

Say goodbye to Waikiki's International Market Place? An update. Last month, we reported that the original plans to renovate Waikiki’s International Market Place had been put on hold and the property would be staying the same, for now.That was true as far as it went. However, we have since learned that the landowner, Queen Emma Land Co., has requested new proposals from developers—not just for the Market Place, but for a 6.48 acre parcel which also includes the Waikiki Town Center (the three stories of shops on the Kuhi...

Honolulu Metromix: play. eat. repeat.
Live tweeting from the Eddie Vedder concert tonight

1 Jul 2009 | 7:31 pm

Get up to the minute — or maybe more like up-to-the-15-minute — updates from the Eddie Vedder concert tonight by following my live Twitter feed. So it's not the same as being there, but I'll do my best (via 140 character messages) to make you feel like you're right there with us. Twitpics included. Follow: @kawehi The Twitter feed will stream directly to this blog below. &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a…
Thanks for the memories, Michael Jackson

25 Jun 2009 | 6:55 pm

Everyone's doing what I'm doing right now. Talking, Twittering, blogging, Facebooking about the death of Michael Jackson. My cynical self is telling me to stop already. To not be one of those wailing, hyperventilating King of Pop fans. I wasn't one when he was alive, and I'm not one now. But part of me — OK, most of me — can't help but be saddened by the loss of this person, this icon, this musical genius and master entertainer. Is it because I've listened to his music for as long as I can remember, and he's just sort of always been there, and now he's not? Is it because this is a…
My hunt for lunch wagons

5 Jun 2009 | 9:41 am

When we decided that a lunch wagon round-up would make a good cover story for TGIF, we knew it was going to take some time — and a whole lot of driving around the island, eyes peeled for parked trucks that might be selling some kind of food. Over the course of a few months, I, and whomever I could cajole into going with me, circled this rock looking for the 309 lunch wagons that are allegedly in operation. (That stat comes courtesy of the Department of Health, which issues the food permits for lunch wagons.)I can say this for sure: I didn’t find 300 wagons. Not even close. But I…
A boulangerie in Manoa

22 May 2009 | 4:54 pm

LIKE THE TITLE SAYS: a new boulangerie opened yesterday in Manoa Marketplace. I won't go into great detail about it right now, because I'll do that in a future issue of TGIF, but here's the quick and dirty of the place for the sake of info dissemination: What's a boulangerie? Sounds stuck up: It just means a "French-style bakery." It sounds more high maka than it is. Really. Who's behind it? The place is owned by Niel Koep, the former patisserie chef for the Four Seasons on Lanai. How's the food? The pastries are sweet, delicate and flaky when they should be, dense and rich when they should…
In the kitchen with Chef Mavro

9 May 2009 | 4:52 pm

Metromix was invited to take an inside look at how Chef Mavro and his team prepare for a dinner service. We also test tasted Mavro's four-course Mothers' Day menu, which was, in a word: extraordinary. Not that it came as any surprise to us. Chef George Mavrothalassitis, affectionately known as Chef Mavro, is the best chef in the state, hands down. He is, in my opinion, the unparalleled master of Hawaiian regional cuisine. (Yes, I’m prepared to handle the inevitable barrage of criticism that’s going to fill my inbox as the result of making such bold statements.)A small group of…

PHOTOlulu
Highlights: 2009 Hawaii Dragon Boat Festival At Ala Moana Beach Park

PhotoluluGuy

28 Jun 2009 | 10:12 pm

On Your Mark. Get Set. Row! It’s that time of year again for the annual Dragon Boat Festival at Ala Moana Beach Park. This free event took place on June 27 and 28. This year’s Dragon Boat Festival featured local and national boat racing teams competing for an industry trophy in two catagories - open race award [...]
Candlelight Vigil: Hawaii Remembers Michael Jackson At Magic Island

PhotoluluGuy

26 Jun 2009 | 12:03 am

Aloha To The Pop Legend Hawaii fans gathered for a candlelight vigil at Magic Island, Ala Moana Beach Park tonight in remembrance of Michael Jackson, who passed away on June 26, 2009. R.I.P. Michael Jackson 1958-2009 Photos from the Michael Jackson candlelight vigil at Magic Island. Click thumbnail images below to view image in full size.
King Of Pop - Michael Jackson Dead At 50

PhotoluluGuy

25 Jun 2009 | 8:08 pm

CNN: Michael Jackson, pop music legend, dead at 50
Goodbye Spring. Hello Summer.

PhotoluluGuy

22 Jun 2009 | 1:13 am

Summer Night In Waikiki It’s now Summer in Hawaii. Summer officiallly started last night (June 20th) at 7:45pm. Have a safe and fun Summer.
Aloha Friday, Aloha Apple iPhone 3G S

PhotoluluGuy

19 Jun 2009 | 11:04 am

Where’s The Line? The new Apple iPhone 3G S is finally here and people lined up very early to get their hands on one. The line at the Apple Store Royal Hawaiian in Waikiki wasn’t long at all. The photo above was taken around 6:45 in the morning 7am…Come On In! Hope you all are enjoying your new [...]

Honolulu Advertiser: Show and Tell
Island Sounds: Peace songs, bebop, hapa and piano

Wayne Harada

3 Jul 2009 | 6:12 am

This month’s Island Sounds recap includes songs of peace from an Arab American perspective, flavored with aloha; bebop jazz; hapa haole harmonies; and classics on piano from the operating room. FAWWAZ JUBRAN "Peace at Heart" Island contemporary Peace at Heart Fawwaz Jubran’s underlying theme here is love and harmony, peace and happiness. Friends, not strangers. Perhaps being an Arab American, in these uncertain and unsteady times, is the source of his hopeful mission. Overview: Jubran is more a poet than a singer, with a marginal voice now transplanted in the Islands. His homage to his…
What to do: Clubs, opera, rock, culture, cabaret

Wayne Harada

30 Jun 2009 | 5:19 pm

Here’s a quickie compilation of nighttime stuff to do in the days and weeks ahead. There’s something for everyone on the calendar grid: Nightclubs: SOS will have double the fun The Society of Seven LV, the resident band at the Outrigger Waikiki’s Main Showroom, will host and welcome back the classic Society of Seven group, in shows Wednesday (July 1) through Saturday. That means double the number of musicians-singers (14 — seven from each band), and double the fun and energy. Showtime is 8:30 p.m. daily except Saturday, when the performance begins at 6:30 p.m., allowing Fourth of July…
Gale Storm, a voice from the past, dies

Wayne Harada

29 Jun 2009 | 5:21 pm

I have to share a bit of news aboout one of my one-time singing favorites, Gale Storm, who died last Saturday at age 87. According to the Associated Press, the former singer and early TV star of “My Little Margie” and “The Gale Storm Show,” had been in failing health in recent years and died at a convalescent hospital in Danville. When I was still a student, exploring an interest in newswriting, reporting and column-writing, Storm was what then was dubbed a chartbuster, landing such tunes as “I Hear You Knockin’,” “Ivory Tower,” “Dark Moon,” “Teenage Prayer” and…
50 Years of statehood--plus a '50s flashback show

Wayne Harada

27 Jun 2009 | 7:24 pm

A concert by three 1950s-'60s groups — The Platters, The Coasters and The Drifters — will be staged at 7:15 p.m. Aug. 21 as the nightcap of a day-long conference that will not only commemorate Hawaii’s 50th anniversary as a state but explore the vision for the next 50 years. Themed “New Horizons for the Next 50 Years: A Commemoration Conference,” the event will include reflection and perspective on what Hawaii means to the rest of the world. The gathering will serve as a launching pad for the state’s next 50 years, according to the conference website,…
Movie munchies: Who made the rules, anyway?

Wayne Harada

26 Jun 2009 | 9:11 am

Who made the rules on movie snacks, anyway? I’ve often wondered why we all prefer kakimochi with popcorn at the theater. Both have always been sold separately at the snack bar, but some time back, the marriage was consummated: Mochi crunch and popcorn rule as the snacky couple. Then along came the add-on hurricane mix, with furikake flavoring the blissful kakimochi-popcorn blend. Ever wonder, though, why not cheese? Commercial popcorn manufacturers have touted cheese flavoring, along with caramel, even a chocolate veneer. Options for those mail order popcorn also include sour cream flavors.

Nahenahe.net Blog
Good Grief

Administrator

30 Jun 2009 | 10:36 pm

I just noticed that it has been over two months since my last post here. My bad. I have been busy tweeting about Hawaiian music on my Twitter account for Nahenahe, but I’m long overdue for a more substantial post. I do want to remind everyone about the MELE Songwriter’s Workshop that will be held next weekend at Honolulu Community College. I’ll be there, and am dragging my old buddy Tarvin Mākia along for the ride. It should be a great event. Don’t forget also the Kaua‘i Music Festival at the end of July. I’ll be there as well, and as an instructor. Kenneth…
Facebook Hula

Administrator

22 Apr 2009 | 9:45 pm

One day I saw a Facebook status update from my friend Kama Hopkins, noting that he was on the Pali Highway and it was raining. I thought to myself, “why the heck is he updating his Facebook status while he’s driving?”. I wrote a single verse (verse 5 below) to tease him about it and to remind him not to do such dangerous things (turns out he was stuck in traffic at the time and not speeding down the road). Within about 15 minutes I had 7 verses and posted it on Facebook. Read the rest of the story here.
Auntie Maria Retiring, Mele.com To Live On

Administrator

27 Mar 2009 | 10:51 am

I received a note from Auntie Maria at Mele.com yesterday, informing me (and others) that she was retiring effective April 15, 2008. That does not mean the end of the best Hawaiian music store on the net. Mele.com has been acquired by Fred Krauss of Punahele Productions, which means it will continue to be the best Hawaiian music store on the net. Congrats to Maria on her retirement and to Fred on his new venture. Mele.com will go down on April 15, but will be back online my May 1.
2009 Nā Hōku Hanohano Lifetime Achievement Awards Luncheon

Administrator

2 Mar 2009 | 1:04 pm

The Hawai‘i Academy of Recording Arts is pleased to announce the 2009 Nā Hōku Hanohano Lifetime Achievement Awards Luncheon will be held at the Sheraton Waikīkī, in the Maui and Kaua‘i ballrooms, on Sunday, March 15, 2009. The five recipients of the highest award for excellence in our recording industry – the Lifetime Achievement Awards – are Cecilio and Kapono, The Sons of Hawai‘i, Keola and Kapono Beamer, and the late John Pi‘ilani Watkins and the late George Jarrett Helm. The 32nd Annual Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards will also be held at the Sheraton Waikīkī Hotel in the…
Pūlama Mauli Ola in E. Hawai‘i: Sat. Feb. 14

Administrator

4 Feb 2009 | 8:07 pm

Pūlama Mauli Ola, the joint fundraising fair of Ke Kula ‘O Nāwahīokalani‘ōpu‘u and Pūnana Leo o Hilo will be held on Saturday, February 14 from 9-3PM at the Nāwahīokalani‘ōpu‘u campus in Kea‘au (across from the Humane Society). Entertainment includes Randy Lorenzo, Rupert Tripp, Jr., Pu‘ulena, Braddah Waltah, Lā Pu‘uwai Singers, Kawekiu Boys, Hi-Town and the students of both schools. There will also be children’s games, educational ID, keiki ID, rummage sale, craft fair and a silent auction. Download the attached .pdf flyer for more details.

Kenneth Makuakane
Uncle Joseph Kanakahelelā Goo

admin

17 Jun 2009 | 8:04 am

On May 8 – 10, 2009, I was part of the teaching staff at the first annual Koke‘e Music Camp on the island of Kaua‘i, along with Hawaiian language professors Puakea Nogelmeier, Keola Donaghy, Kaliko Beamer-Trapp and fellow musician Walt Keale. We taught Haku Mele, the art of Hawaiian poetry and song to about 60 bright eyed participants during that weekend. It was here that I befriended a 78 year old Hawaiian-Chinese man named uncle Joe Kanakahelelā Goo, a slight gentleman who came up to my shoulder in height. During the next three days, I heard snippets of his life, of his three…
Volcano Cultural Festival

admin

12 Jun 2009 | 10:03 am

July 11th will mark the 29th year for the Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Cultural Festival on the lawn of the Kīlauea Military Camp. I will be doing a one hour performance. I will also be teaching half hour ‘ukulele lessons to the festival visitors. The 20 ‘ukulele were provided by The Ukulele Guild of Hawaiiʻs “Ukes for Kids” program. A big mahalo goes out to Norman Takeya for his organizationʻs kind donation.
PCATT Lectures

admin

19 May 2009 | 2:49 am

I am teaching the Garage Band application for the Apple iLife Suite at Honolulu Community College May 18 – 20. This Apple Summer Institute lecture series is part of the Pacific Center for Advanced Technology Training (PCATT) program for teachers. Today was my first session and the room was standing room only. People had to leave because it was way too crowded. I was totally shocked, yet pleasantly surprised at the overwhelming turnout to this elective track. I showed the various functions of the software, including audio and video capabilities. The great part of the iLife application is…
Hoku Award Finalist for Island Music Album of the Year

admin

14 May 2009 | 2:34 am

I am very excited to have made the final ballot for the “Island Music Album of the Year” for the 2009 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards to be held on June 9th at the Sheraton Waikiki ballroom. Because of this, I am giving away two free downloads from The White Bathtub, in celebration. The first song Ma Nawiliwili is a composition I wrote during our familyʻs cruise around the Hawaiian Islands as a 16th birthday present to my son Kawai. Our first stop was on the island of Kaua‘i. Our ship sailed into the Nawiliwili harbor and I was so captivated by the islandʻs inner beauty. The second…
Koke‘e Music Camp

admin

5 May 2009 | 3:36 pm

Coming up this weekend, May 8 – 10, 2009 is the Koke‘e Music Camp featuring wonderful instructors. If you haven’t done so, please call the number below to attend a first-ever songwritng camp for the art of mele.

UKULELE UNDERGROUND
Uke Lesson 19 – Out Of My League AND Live Lesson WED!

anaka

1 Jul 2009 | 3:01 am

Got questions about this lesson? Post them HERE. Watch the Play-Along for this song HERE! Hi there, UUers! Welcome to July – It’s the first of the month, which means a brand new episode of Uke Lessons! It’s also a Wednesday, which means Free LIVE Lesson (at 2pm HST)! TWO ukulele lessons in one day … Can you handle it?? >>——– Live Ukulele Lessons with Aldrine Guerrero ———<< Thanks to everyone who encouraged us to do a lesson on “Out of My League” (by Stephen Speaks)! We wouldn’t have even attempted this…
Member video of the week 6/29/09

aldrine

29 Jun 2009 | 11:04 am

In honor of the passing of one of music’s most influential artist, this week’s MVOW comes from our member keonepax with his rendition of Michael Jackson’s “One day in your life” Michael Jackson once said on one of his performances that this was one of his favorite songs and that he loved ballads. Everything is soft and slow and that allows you to listen to the lyrics and really feel the music. Keonepax did an awesome job at all these elements. He kept it nice and simple and let the words ring out in order for us to take in and fully appreciate the meaningful…
Uke Minutes 51 – Blues Ukulele Chords

anaka

27 Jun 2009 | 3:04 am

Got questions about blues chords? Post them HERE! Hey UUers! Is the sunny summertime a little too happy and fun for you?? Regain that cold sadness of the forgotten winter by playing yourself some BLUES! In this week’s episode of Uke Minutes, Aldrine breaks down how to find some “bluesy” sounding ukulele chords for any key! Here’s how to do it: 1. Pick a key and find the Chord Family. 2. Take the 1, 4, and 5 chords in the chord family and add 7ths to them. 3. Play them in order or mix them up to find what sounds bluesiest for you! For cheaters, here are the easy blues…
Uke got mail ep30: Licks and pancakes

aldrine

25 Jun 2009 | 5:00 pm

This time on uke got mail… Seeso and Crystal send us emails to answer. Watch the episode and find out!
Live Lesson Wednesday! 2pm HST (5pm PST)

rayan

24 Jun 2009 | 3:07 pm

Tune in por another live ukulele lesson with Aldrine! >>——– Live Ukulele Lessons with Aldrine Guerrero ———<<

Live 'Ukulele
Harmony

Harmony is a really neat facet of music, it’s kind of a shame that there aren’t more harmonized ‘ukulele parts. Anytime you play a chord you are playing harmony. Anytime one or more people sing backup in a different interval they are singing harmony. But there is plenty of info out ...
Jazz Primer

This is a great site about the basics of jazz improvisation. Marc Sabatella covers many aspects of the genre including: chords, scales, accompaniment, theory, etc. It is written with a number of instruments in mind, so as long as you have the basics of theory and how an 'ukulele can ...
Slash Chords

Slash chords can be confusing, because on top of the hundreds of normal chords to be learned, add a slash and you have a whole new meaning. A slash chord is written like this: C/B, G7/A, etc… What a slash chord is, is a normal chord voicing (before the slash) with an ...
Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen by Carlos Santana Tab

This song was requested by Ole. Off of the early Santana album "Abraxas", Black Magic Woman has one of the most memorable guitar intros ever. It arranges for 'ukulele nicely. Here it is: Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen 'ukulele tab
One String Tabs

This is an interesting idea, one string tabs. The melody can be played on any string, just follow the fret numbers. I could see this being great for beginning 'ukulele players who want to try some easy picking. One String Tabs

Honolulu Metromix: Weekend Warrior
Half price sushi alert!

20 Jun 2009 | 12:56 pm

Half price sushi is something that pretty much always gets my attention. So when the publisher of our newspaper (who also usually get's my attention because he's the guy who calls all the shots around here) burst into my office and said: "you gotta check out Sansei's late night half price sushi deal" I immediately perked up. I love sushi. I am also a cheap ass. Therefore, half price sushi for me is like the awesome feelings of finding the last one of that really cute dress in your size at the store and it's on sale, and then your boyfriend lets you finish all the bag…
A reality show about Burgers? Yes Please.

5 Jun 2009 | 7:19 pm

So a few weeks ago you may remember that Burgers on the Edge, the create-your-own burger joint on Kapahulu, launched an "ingenious burger competition." The competition asked Hawaii residents to come up with the eatery's next "signature burger" with the winner not only getting their recipe placed on the Burgers on the Edge menu but also scoring free burgers for a year. Cool right? But now Burgers on the Edge is taking this to a whole new level, burger making is about to become reality television. On Wednesday June 24th burgers go prime time as the six finalists from the…
I could mope, or.....

31 Mar 2009 | 3:05 am

This is a weird week for me- I was supposed to spend this week back home in Washington DC shopping for a wedding dress with my three best friends and my sister- and then I called off my engagement. So, to keep myself from dwelling on what I was supposed to do this week I'm planning a girl-licious week for myself. Good thing there's a ton of great girly stuff going on this week. First up its FASHION WEEK! What, you didn't know that Honolulu had a fashion week? We do. All week long Pearl is hosting fashion shows featuring some of Hawaii's best designers. Tomorrow night's show…
The Metromix Pink Tiki Party

11 Mar 2009 | 2:54 pm

OK so in case you live under a rock and you haven't heard yet, Metromix and Pink Tiki's are teaming up for an old school Tiki party on Friday night. We're talking Aloha shirts and white pants, old school here, with the go-go girls dancing in coconut shell tops and grass skirts. Oh, and did I mention that if you know the secret password you can buy $3 Mai Tai's? Oh what, you want to know the password? Ok, it's metro-retro-mix. Say that 5 times fast after a few Mai Tais. Wait, that's not enough for you guys? What? You also want us to buy you bottle service?
Don't be a Larry Lemming

9 Mar 2009 | 2:37 pm

I'm sorry Honolulu but I'm worried that we are turning into nightlife lemmings. For example, First Friday- why are we still going? Sorry Chinatown, but I'm bored. First Friday is the same thing every month, like the bars realized that First Friday will be successful no matter what so they said "why should we bother ever spicing it up?" First Friday is the nightlife equivalent of Ground Hog Day. The other 29 nights of the month these are the places bringing out great dj's, fun bands, cool fashion shows and all other kinds of nightlife yummy-ness, but on First Friday they just seem…

Honolulu Advertiser: Island Theater Scene
Gun Play in Knoxville

Richard MacPherson

1 Jul 2009 | 5:15 am

“I wanted it shaken not stirred,” moaned Madison Millhouse as they placed him on the stretcher. “Had a good bead on the bartender but my wife jostled the shot.” Ever since the new gun law went into effect allowing firearms in bars, Knoxvillains have been trying to keep the peace in the city’s watering holes. Bartender Willy Bender claimed he had every right to protect his premises. “Last time there was a ruckus, Buffalo Bill Cody put a bullet in the ceiling to break things up. I feel bad about winging the wife but she had that snub nose coming up fast.” The whole brouhaha may…
You Can’t Go To Houston Again

Richard MacPherson

28 Jun 2009 | 12:18 pm

I spent a hot, languid summer in Houston, Texas. Long enough to read Thomas Wolfe’s novel “Look Homeward Angel”. Wolfe is remembered for his admonishment that the past is irreversible. His phrase, “You can’t go home again,” has found its way into the vernacular of American life. The Texas city where I languished could serve as a metaphor for Wolfe’s writing. All I recall were endless blocks of strip malls carved out of the flat landscape. Nothing built to last, just convenient and transitory. Even the astronauts at the Houston Space Center were quick to make a space…
Iranian are Fit to be Tied

Richard MacPherson

26 Jun 2009 | 7:35 am

In what only can be described as street theater, Iranian demonstrators confronted their leader today. Taking a page from the Iraqi who threw his shoe at ex president Bush, dissidents pelted Mahmoud Ahmadinejad with neckties. What followed was equally shocking when the Mahmoud picked a tie and attempted to tie it. Actor Sean Penn, who had traveled to Tehran to make up his own mind about the election, stepped forward and in a gesture of good will assisted Ahmadinejad. After much fumbling and laughter, a mirror was brought forward and the president exclaimed, “This looks good”! A…
Conan Needs a Cardinal

Richard MacPherson

23 Jun 2009 | 7:05 pm

Conan O’Brian’s less than auspicious debut on the Tonight Show may mean that JC’s (Johnny Carson) slot could still be open. Carson was like the Pope of Comedy. Legend has it that if your material was good enough, His Funniest would grant you a spot near his desk. To a comedian, that’s as close to sainthood as you were ever going to get. Clearly Conan is a pretender to the throne. While that opening sequence of him running across the country was the first time I actually thought he was funny, he failed to deliver the punch line. Why not run on to the set in tatters accompanied by Tom…
You’re Invited

Richard MacPherson

20 Jun 2009 | 5:09 am

The Island Theater Scene award ceremony will take place in Diamond Head crater. It promises to be a gala affair where the hoi polloi of Honolulu will mingle with the glamorous stars of this year’s fabulous theater season. A huge canvas cover depicting the Sistine Chapel will enclose the entire crater. Noted scenic designer Rex Romulus has spent days on his back painting the scenes of creation depicting this year’s nominees as angels and other biblical characters. Guest presenters include the Pope, Barrack Obama, and the Queen of England. Entertainment will be provided by ex President…

GREATER GOOD RADIO
WALTER KIRIMITSU – President of Saint Louis Schools Hawaii and former judge at Hawaii’s Appellate Court

admin

20 Jun 2009 | 8:00 am

Walter Kirimitsu is the first non-clergyman to lead Saint Louis Schools Hawaii in its 160-year history. Walter, a former Appeals Court Judge for Hawaii, sits as president, headmaster and chief executive officer of Saint Louis.
DOMINIQUE LEMAY - Social worker, Founding president of Virlanie Foundation

jayr

15 Jan 2009 | 9:01 pm

With little knowledge of the language, culture, and the country in general, Dominique Lemay left France for the Philippines more than two decades ago with an assignment as a social worker… barely knowing that he would stay for a long term. Five years from his arrival in the country, Dominique founded Virlanie Foundation, one of the [...]
BARBARA HASTINGS and BARBRA PLEADWELL - Partners at Hastings & Pleadwell

jayr

27 Dec 2008 | 7:00 am

Barbara Hastings and Barbra Pleadwell are partners at one of Hawaii’s top 10 PR firms, Hastings & Pleadwell. H&P has worked on environmental preservation, recycling, illegal dumping, tobacco control and homelessness. They maintain their commitment to education through mentorship and an internship program at the firm. To celebrate their 10th anniversary, Hastings [...]
PONO SHIM - Marketing Executive and Founder of Concierge Services at Ward

jayr

20 Dec 2008 | 7:00 am

“What I saw in the Concierge at Ward was an opportunity to build relationships,” says Pono Shim, who has worked for Ward Properties for 17 years. Seeing an open door to entrepreneurship, Pono accepted the concierge service for the Ward 16 Theatre, becoming its first strategic partner—and beyond this, he saw a brighter prospect [...]
KATE HOGLE - President and Media Director of KWME

jayr

13 Dec 2008 | 7:00 am

Kate Hogle has worked in radio and TV sales until 1998 when she made a life changing decision of running her own business. In that year, she started Ohana Media Partners with Kit Warrington. Kate currently sits as president and Media Director of KWME, having acquired the company in 2002. Kate runs KWME with [...]

Gruvr.com: Hawaii Concerts
Map of Hawaii concerts

3 Jul 2009 | 11:44 am

Click for map of all Hawaii shows or on individual concert maps to set email reminders.
Tuesday August 11th: No Doubt tickets Honolulu 96814 at Neil S. Blaisdell Arena

3 Jul 2009 | 11:40 am

Neil S. Blaisdell Arena Honolulu 96814
Saturday July 25th: Katchafire tickets Waikoloa at Hilton Waikoloa Village

3 Jul 2009 | 11:37 am

Hilton Waikoloa Village 69-425 Waikoloa Beach Drive Waikoloa 96738
Saturday August 29th: Pepper tickets Honolulu at Pipeline Cafe

3 Jul 2009 | 11:34 am

Pipeline Cafe 805 Pohukaina Street Honolulu 96813
Saturday September 12th: John Legend tickets Honolulu at Neal S. Blaisdell Center - Concert Hall

3 Jul 2009 | 11:30 am

Neal S. Blaisdell Center - Concert Hall 777 Ward St Honolulu

Tim Ryan's Reel Hawaii
EXCLUSIVE! SOUL SURFER BEGINS FILMING IN AUGUST

Tim Ryan

21 Jun 2009 | 6:32 pm

(Soul Surfer executives at Turtle By Resort): (L-R) Debbie Schwartz, co writer; Doug Schwartz, producer/co writer; Sean McNamara, director/producer/co writer; Tiffany Hofstetter, consultant for Bethany Hamilton; and Dutch Hofstetter, producer. The long-awaited feature film Soul Surfer begins eight weeks of filming in August, primarily on Oahu, two days on Kauai, and a day in San Clemente, [...]
DAVID LA CHAPPELLE TO DIRECT INDIA ARIE MUSIC VID ON MAUI

Tim Ryan

27 May 2009 | 6:14 pm

Star photog/artist Dave La Chappelle (above) will direct a music video in Hana, Maui next month featuring the artist India Arie. Filming is scheduled June 1-3 wrapping on June 4. The production company is Hana Productions. The production is looking for key players for the shoot,including a 1st AC, 2nd AC, BB Electric, Grips, VTR, Playback, PA’s and 12-15 dark complected model/dancer types. For [...]
HAWAII INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL CALL FOR ENTRIES!

Tim Ryan

21 May 2009 | 8:33 pm

The Hawaii International Film Festival (HIFF) is accepting entries for its Fall 2009 showcase. Films in any genre, including feature films, documentaries, short films, Hawai‘i-themed films, music videos, and student films are being accepted. Films must have been completed after January 1, 2008. Work that has had commercial, theatrical, or television play in the U.S., and [...]
HONOLULU TO GET “COOLER” WITH A&E/BRUCKHEIMER PILOT

Tim Ryan

12 May 2009 | 10:53 pm

MAY 18 UPDATE: Believe it! Cooler Kings, the police procedural pilot by producer Jerry Bruckheimer, plans to shoot on Oahu in late July. If that’s picked up as a series for A&E, then filming will begin in March or April, said sources in Los Angeles…Current discussions about Cooler Kings’ first season likely will be eight, hourlong episodes… The series [...]
REALITY SHOW TO FILM ON BIG ISLAND; HBO’S ENTOURAGE MAY FILM ON OAHU IN AUGUST

Tim Ryan

9 May 2009 | 7:16 pm

LMNO Productions, Inc., one of the leading producers of programming for the premier American cable networks, next week will begin filming for about two days an as yet unnamed reality show on the Big Island with a 10-person crew while based at the Hilton Waikoloa Resort. Filming will take place at the resort and off property. Some Big [...]

Honolulu Advertiser: Fo' Reel
Talking Toys are Tedious Entertainment

Sean Bodnar

29 Jun 2009 | 4:22 pm

For my debut FO’ REEL blog I wanted to break open with a review of a summer movie blockbuster, so I thought that a good candidate was Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen. Lines at the box office were predictably long, and when I got to the window I was told there were only 3 seats left for the 3:45 p.m. show, then unexpectedly, a manager signaled to the box office attendants with the gesture of moving his hand across his neck, signaling ‘cut off’ for that performance.I didn’t take this personally, as I often do when I’m cut off at the local drinking establishment by the…
Reely? REMINDED!

Kanani Souza

15 May 2009 | 1:07 pm

I was in Hilo for three days this past week to attend two funerals, one on Monday and the other on Wednesday. My grandpa’s sister, Patsy, passed away in her sleep at the age of 74 and her niece (my mom’s first cousin), Betty, passed away a few days later at a care home. Going to two funerals within a couple of days of each other brought about more grief than I anticipated ever experiencing at one time, but through all of the tears, these circumstances prompted a celebration of life and reminded me of the importance of family. My grandfather, Edwin Medeiros, was from Hilo and grew up in a…
Ghosts of Girlfriends Past

Kanani Souza

6 May 2009 | 1:51 am

Just another cliché feel-good comedy is what I was expecting out of Ghosts of Girlfriends Past. I was delightfully surprised when I realized that there was much unique heavy-hearted material contained in this film instead of the same ‘ole romantic comedy content which is usually very predictable. I didn’t think the film was cliché at all, as it grappled with the underlying issues that possess a stereotypical “player”, and showed a disregard for any type of corny, sappy romance sequences. The movie was real and honest, which is always refreshing. The Plot: Matthew McConaughey’s…
Follow me on Twitter @kananisouza

Kanani Souza

28 Apr 2009 | 3:29 pm

I have fallen victim to the twitter craze! Aside from my facebook account and my myspace (which I heard is now the "un-cool" thing), I just signed up for Twitter! My username is kananisouza, so if you want to follow me, you can go to: http://www.twitter.com/kananisouza to see my page. Any advice or suggestions you can give me regarding twitter would be helpful, as I am a complete newbie to this social networking site. Thanks!
Reely? CAFFEINATED!

Kanani Souza

15 Apr 2009 | 4:30 pm

“Can I order a grande coffee, with room for cream please?”… I have this phrase at the tip of my tongue every morning as I leave my home and drive frantically to the nearest Starbucks to get my caffeine fix before I choose to crawl back into bed and pretend I never heard the annoying ring of my alarm clock on my Blackberry. I yearn for sleep amid the hours of late night studying, paper writing, and early mornings. I have become a caffeine addict. If the first step is admitting it, then I guess I am on the path to recovery…or not. The aroma of Starbuck’s Pike Place Roast brewing at 6…

Hawaii Vacation Blog
Independence Day in Hawaii

Bruce Fisher

2 Jul 2009 | 6:18 pm

If you’re lucky enough to be on your Hawaiian Vacation during the 4th of July, you’ll find plenty of celebration. Independence Day in Hawaii. It’s as American as poi, surfing and the Humuhumukununukuapua’a. Each year, on all the islands, we celebrate pretty much as you do at home. We cook out, we throw horseshoes, we play softball and volleyball, we splash in the water, we hold parades and we watch fireworks. At the edge of the Downtown Honolulu Harbor, The Aloha Tower Marketplace will celebrate a day early – on Thursday the 2rd —…
Bishop Musuem Hawaiian Hall set to reopen on time

Bruce Fisher

29 Jun 2009 | 8:17 pm

The Bishop Museum’s Hawaiian Hall is scheduled to reopen August 8 after nearly 3 years and $21 million dollars for renovations. This was the first building built at the Museum and Victorian architecture has earned it a place on the National register of historic places. It was built in three phases from 1889 to 1903, using lava stone that was quarried on the site of the museum’s Kalihi campus. The building itself is more than a hundred years old and needed renovation. Teams of workers have pulled out the koa-trimmed cabinets and are restoring them, bringing historic…
Don’t be fooled about getting a last-minute deal during peak season

Bruce Fisher

26 Jun 2009 | 1:45 pm

Ever since the economy has taken a nosedive you’ve probably been hearing how that has affected the travel industry. If you have been following what’s happening in the Hawaii travel market, it gets even more complicated. In addition to the economic woes, fears about swine flu and Korea missile firings have added to the tourism slump fears. While there’s no question that we have seen the downturn, there is still high demand for Hawaii vacations and if you’re traveling during peak times you have to still have to plan in advance. Here at Hawaii-Aloha.com, we had a…
President Obama to Host Luau at White House

Bruce Fisher

23 Jun 2009 | 5:22 pm

The tastes and talents of Hawaii will take center stage in the national spotlight on Thursday as President Barack Obama, the first president from the Aloha State, hosts the first-ever White House luau. The South Lawn luau is a twist on the annual Congressional picnic for members of Congress and their families and will feature the best in contemporary Hawaiian cuisine with a menu created by award-winning chef Alan Wong, whose Honolulu restaurant has been recognized as one of the best in America and the Pacific Rim. Along with Hawaii’s finest delicacies, the evening will feature…
Old Hawaii Sugarcane Plantations are home to fun Adventures

Bruce Fisher

22 Jun 2009 | 6:46 pm

Back in the turn-of-the-century, the majority of the irrigation ditches used to distribute water to the sugar cane fields were built by Japanese immigrants. These elaborate waterways were built by hand in very difficult conditions using bare hands, picks, shovels, and hammers. The laborers often had to work 12 hour days for a pittance and a place to live. In the day, building these irrigation ditches was engineering genius. Over time sugar was no longer produced in the islands and sugar cane fields became obsolete. Fast-forward to today and you’ll discover that these plantations…

Hawaii Vacation Connection
Episode #330 Great Stuff to do in Downtown Honolulu

1 Jul 2009 | 7:00 am

Common questions about Hawaii,Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort Foreclosure, Doing fun stuff in Honolulu, Hawaii Vacatoiin Package Reviews
Episode #329 Celebrities with connections to Hawaii

24 Jun 2009 | 5:00 am

Customer question, Obama plans Luau at White House, Roys Restaurant Review, Celebrities connected to Hawaii, Hawaii Package Reviews
Episode #328 Booking last minute or short trips to Hawaii

19 Jun 2009 | 5:00 am

Listner Questions, Shout outs, booking condos, Hawaii Package Reviews
Episode #327 Booking a Condo owner direct vs. Agency

17 Jun 2009 | 7:00 am

Listner Questions, Shout outs, booking condos, Hawaii Package Reviews
Episode #326 Aloha Friday Show

12 Jun 2009 | 6:00 am

Listner Questions, Polynesian Cultural Center, Monoa Falls, Hawaii Package Reviews

Hawaii Vacation Q and A
Celebrities connected to Hawaii

23 Jun 2009 | 8:00 pm

Celebrities connected to Hawaii
Hawaii Vacation Connection E327

13 Jun 2009 | 3:00 am

Aloha Friday Show
April Hawaii Vacation News

20 Apr 2009 | 3:00 am

Arizona Memorial new ferries, Bishop Museum Cutbacks, Monk Seal Comeback
Honolulu Safest City in America

13 Apr 2009 | 4:43 am

Honolulu is currently ranked as the safest city in the United States. If anything, it's getting even safer. Current FBI crime statistics indicate that there was a 22-percent decline in crime in Honolulu over the first six months of last year.
Kauai's Fern Frotto

2 Apr 2009 | 3:43 am

Not so long ago the beautiful Fern Grotto was one of Kaiai's mpst famous attractions.

Go Visit Hawaii
Fact 1 of 50 About Hawaii, the 50th State

sheila

3 Jul 2009 | 6:20 am

On November 22, 1935, Pan American Airways offered the first regular commercial flight from the US mainland to Hawaii. This first regular air service was a 16-hour flight from Los Angeles to Honolulu. Prior to this air service, the quickest journey to Hawaii from the US mainland took five days by sea. (Source)I wonder if folks back then could imagine that the flight duration would be whittled down to today’s length of only five hours from LAX to HNL? What an improvement, eh? © Go Visit Hawaii – Republication of this entire post is prohibited without prior permission. Using…
Announcing a New Series: 50 Facts About Hawaii, the 50th State

sheila

3 Jul 2009 | 6:00 am

Counting today, tt’s 50 days until August 21st. What’s the significance of that day? On August 21, 1959, President Eisenhower made Hawaii’s Statehood official by signing the proclamation that welcomes Hawaii as the 50th state of the union. To celebrate 50 years of Hawaii’s Statehood, I’ll be posting an interesting fact about Hawaii each day between now and August 21st. I hope you’ll enjoy these 50 facts about the 50th state in celebration of Hawaii’s 50th anniversary. To organize this series, I’ve created a new category under the…
Hawaii In Contrasts: Summer vs. Winter Waves

sheila

2 Jul 2009 | 5:15 am

I’ve been to Oahu in all seasons and have witnessed what a dramatic difference Oahu’s North Shore is in Winter versus Summer. Winter months bring big waves to Oahu and turn the North Shore into a surfer’s dream. In summer months, the water is much more calm. Just see for yourself. We took the following photos of the beach at Turtle Bay Resort. Though the vantage points are different, I promise that these photos are of the same beach. Winter Waves We snapped this photo in February 2009 from the shoreline. (For even bigger waves just a few miles down the road and on the same day, take a…
Hawaii Vacation Deals & News for July 1, 2009

sheila

1 Jul 2009 | 8:54 am

* Starting August 23, you can get an outstanding room and car packaged deal at the Sheraton Kauai for a rate of $179 per night. The Sheraton Kauai is situated on Kauai’s sunny Poipu beach which is a great area to stay in Kauai to avoid rain. I found this deal through TravelZoo and Expedia. For comparison, Travelocity’s lowest rate was $199 without the rental car. This deal is good for stays August 23 through December 26, 2009. * The Mighty Mo battleship will be moving to dry dock for up to three months in September. The historic battleship will undergo some maintenance and repair…
Best Kauai Cheap Eats

sheila

30 Jun 2009 | 8:08 am

From writing this blog and being on twitter, I have met some great folks who live in the Aloha State. I’ve recently connected with Brian Rubadue who is a real estate expert and resident on Kauai. You can find him and his wife, Alicia, at their Web site, Kauai Real Estate Professionals. We all know that dining in Kauai can be expensive. So, I recently asked Brian if he would be interested in providing us with a list of his favorite budget-friendly places to dine on Kauai. Lucky for us, he said yes. Here’s his list of places that you can easily dine for under $10 per person: Pho Kauai Lunch…

Ka'anapali Dreamin' Blog
Aloha Friday – July 3rd, 2009

Kris Nelson

3 Jul 2009 | 10:11 am

Aloha Friday Photo Vivid red rocks at the base of a cliff at Koki Beach. This week’s Aloha Friday photo was also featured in on the Koki Beach post of my new website, Maui by Photo. As always, our Aloha Friday photo is taken from today’s photo in the Maui Daily Photo Calendar, so if you’re a fan of Maui, you might have seen this shot a few times already ;). With the shameless self promotion out of the way, I remember being really surprised when we saw these rocks at Koki Beach on our visit to Hana earlier this year. We were there relatively early in the morning, so the beach was empty…
My Newest Maui Site: Maui by Photo

Kris Nelson

30 Jun 2009 | 5:59 am

As I started mentioning late last week, I have been working on a new Maui site and it officially launched yesterday. Yay! About the Site The new site is Maui by Photo, and its primary focus is to provide a place for those that have visited Maui to relive all their favorite memories without setting foot outside their front door. And while you have those special moments top of mind, you have a place where to share them with others, as well as read stories from other frequent Maui visitors and even local Maui residents. Below are a few screenshots from the new site. Site Home Page …
Sunday Photo: Cliff Dive Warrior

Kris Nelson

28 Jun 2009 | 3:06 pm

Taken by Kris Nelson on September 17, 2007 Location: Black Rock, Ka’anapali I stumbled across this photo from my archives while selecting photos for my new website (which I’m hoping to launch on Monday). The Black Rock Cliff Dive is certainly one of our favorite things to see while when we stay at the Sheraton, and in fact, it was a tough call whether it was my one favorite at this Facebook thread. Anyway, I was amazed with the detail in the lit torch, and even though the rest of the photo is mostly underexposed (aka dark), I chose it anyway. :) This last week has been pretty busy with…
Aloha Friday – June 26th, 2009

Kris Nelson

26 Jun 2009 | 10:21 am

Aloha Friday An old version of the sign out front of Whalers Village. Back today with another Aloha Friday photo after missing the last few weeks. I like this photo, even though this sign has since replaced with a new one. It’s a reminder that even though all of our past trips have essentially centered out of the same spot in Ka’anapali, there is something always new and different to discover at Whalers Village. The second year we were there, they updated the sign and a few shops. This past February, there were even bigger changes with the Rusty Harpoon moving out…
News: County Department Proposing New Beach Rules

Kris Nelson

22 Jun 2009 | 10:33 am

Came across this article from the Maui News this weekend and thought it would be something worth sharing. Maui News Article: County ‘drawing a line’ in sand with park rules Posted on: June 21st, 09 The short recap of the story and the issues at hand are new rules being proposed by the county’s Parks and Recreation department. The aim of the new rules is to limit the number of tour and activity operators that can function on certain beaches, as well as only during specified periods. The effort is being made to help reduce some of the crowding these tour operators are said to have on…

Leslie Lang, Hawaii Writer
Place Names of Hamakua

Leslie Lang

29 Jun 2009 | 3:02 pm

We live on the Hamakua coast, a little ways outside of Hilo, and almost every time I drive into town I think about my grandmother, my Tutu, telling me offhandedly once that her great-grandfather had known every twist and turn of that road. Even when he was in his 80s and 90s and fully blind, she told me, he knew where he was by the turns and feel of the road, and he would call out the name of every small bit of land as they drove by. In the old times from which he came, place was so important, and every small area of land was known and labeled. Things have changed for most of us; I mostly…
Summer of Exploration

Leslie Lang

24 Jun 2009 | 5:05 pm

Between everybody being sick recently, and lots of working and starting school and such, there hasn’t been enough playing around here lately. We have not been taking advantage of living on this beautiful island, and so I hereby declare this The Summer of Exploration. My 5-year-old told me the other day, “Let’s just go driving and look around and see new things.” If there’s a better attitude toward life than that, or one I’d rather foster in a young child, I truly don’t know what it is. So even if some are just short excursions, we are going to go…
First Five

Leslie Lang

23 Jun 2009 | 3:46 pm

Today is Day 2 of working outside of my home. I got a lot done yesterday, and am working on doing the same today. I hope that in my last post I didn’t give the impression I have just been waiting for my daughter’s first five years to fly by so she’d be in kindergarten. They have been the best five years of my life, and I have so enjoyed being with her, watching her learn, playing with her. In fact, I am a little bit mourning the loss of our ability to take off on trips whenever we want. Or to take a day off preschool and sleep in, and go to a planetarium show, and have a…
Our First Day

Leslie Lang

22 Jun 2009 | 12:49 pm

My daughter went to her first-ever day of kindergarten today. It’s actually a sort of kindergarten orientation — two weeks of mandatory summer attendance where the kids get accustomed to their teachers, their classrooms and the routine, before jumping into school when it starts in August. But it sure felt like real kindergarten this morning, as I walked her into that bright, cheery and busy classroom, and we put her change of clothes and sleeping blanket in her cubby, and learned where her box was for messages from the school. “Hi!” said her friend Mikayla, who had…
Beginning Ukulele Class

Leslie Lang

4 Jun 2009 | 2:44 pm

Macario will teach a continuing Beginning ‘Ukulele class at the East Hawai‘i Cultural Center starting Saturday, June 6. The series of 1.5 hour classes, which will meet on five consecutive Saturdays at 10 a.m., cost only $25 total for the public and $20 for EHCC members. “You don’t have to know anything about the ‘ukulele,” says Macario, who played music professionally in Honolulu and on the mainland for 16 years. “You need to have your own ‘ukulele and bring a pen or pencil, and that’s it.” He says he will teach some basic theory and chord structures so students will…

A Darker View
Parker Ranch Rodeo

2 Jul 2009 | 1:00 am

The 2009 Parker Ranch Rodeo will be tomorrow, July 3rd, 9am to Noon, at the Waimea Rodeo Grounds. Head on over to witness the real character of the Waimea ranching tradition. Admission is $6 at the gate, for a day of roping, double mugging, horse racing and more. Deb and I attended this rodeo in 2008 and it was a lot of fun. I have attended a lot of rodeos, from big professional rodeos to small Indian rodeos, the Parker Ranch Rodeo is among the best. Real cowboys competing for nothing more than pride makes for good events. Paniolos from Parker Ranch attempt to dress a calf with a T-shirt…
Governor Signs Starlight Reserve Bill

30 Jun 2009 | 2:57 pm

Governor Lingle has signed SB536 requiring the creation of a strategy to preserve dark skies across the state. Hawai'i County has a dark sky protection ordinance, but there is no state wide regulation. This is good news for the environment, the taxpayers and astronomy here in Hawai'i. Effort is still needed, this is not protection, but simply the first steps in the right direction. ACT 161 (09) SB536 SD1 HD1 CD1 Signed: June 29, 2009 RELATING TO STARLIGHT RESERVE Requires the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to develop a statewide starlight reserve strategy to…

Big Island On The Cheap
Kohala Bon Dance - July 4

Leslie Lang

2 Jul 2009 | 7:05 pm

[ July 4, 2009; 7:00 pm; ] On July 4th, 2009, at 6 p.m., it's the annual Kohala Hongwanji Bon Dance. Participate in the cultural dancing and enjoy the onolicious oncession. Service: 6 p.m. Dance and concession: 7 p.m. Located at Kohala Hongwanji, Akoni Pule Highway, Kapa‘au. For more information, contact Wendy Nickl at 889-0549 or nickl@hawaii.edu.
Ranger-Led Hikes at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Leslie Lang

2 Jul 2009 | 4:35 pm

Rangers at the Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park give presentations daily. Ranger-led programs enrich your knowledge of park resources and Hawaiian culture. The schedule of ranger programs is posted on the Ranger Activities bulletin board in the Kilauea Visitor Center each morning at 9 a.m. These free programs may be short presentations in the visitor center auditorium, or a map presentation [...]
“Departures” at Palace Theater, July 3, 5, 6-7

Leslie Lang

2 Jul 2009 | 2:53 pm

[ July 3, 2009; 7:00 pm; July 5, 2009; 2:30 pm; July 6, 2009; 7:00 pm; July 7, 2009; 7:00 pm; ] At the Palace Theater in Hilo, the movie "Departures" (rated PG13). Friday, July 3 at 7pm Sunday, July 5 at 2:30pm Monday & Tuesday, July 6 & 7 at 7pm Runtime: 130mins Starring: Masahiro Motoki, Tsutomu Yamazaki, Ryoko Hirosue, Kazuko Yoshiyuki Directed by Yojiro Takita Academy Award winner for Best Foreign Language Film! In Japanese with English subtitles Departures is a delightful journey into [...]
Volcano Parade & Other July 4th Activities

Leslie Lang

2 Jul 2009 | 12:27 pm

[ July 4, 2009; ] Head up to to the Cooper Center in Volcano Village on Saturday, July 4, 2009 for all sorts of 4th of July activities. Starting at 8 a.m., they include the annual parade, a craft fair, food booths, entertainment, games and wholesome fun for the whole family. For more information, contact Linda Ugalde, 985-9508, or kilaueatut@hawaii.rr.com.
Cruise to the Volcano - July 2

Leslie Lang

1 Jul 2009 | 7:41 pm

[ July 2, 2009; ] On Thursday, July 2, 2009 at 9 a.m., the Hawai‘i Classic Cruisers leave Prince Kuhio Plaza and head to the Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park and the Volcano Winery. For more information, contact Kalen Koga, 345-6776 or see www.myspace/hawaiicc.

KOHALA BLOG
The Two Faces of Parker Ranch

margaretwille

3 Jul 2009 | 12:44 am

Parker Ranch has two persona. The first is the Ranch, an enterprise tied to the land, to history, and to extraordinary cowboys who make it work. Lots of other sentient beings involved (the cattle, the horses, the dogs) raise this enterprise to a plane above those where most of us find ourselves, relating to papers or machines. Part of this persona are some great events such as tomorrow’s –July 3rd Rodeo at the Waimea rodeo arena from 9a.m. to noon. Be there and support this event! read more
Court rules against Governor Lingle saying furlough plan is subject to collective bargaining for union employees. No surprise!

margaretwille

2 Jul 2009 | 11:14 pm

It is no surprise the Circuit Court ruled in favor of the state employee unions that furlough days are subject to collective bargaining. [Just answer the question: does the Governor's proposed furlough plan concern wages and hours? If you answered yes, then if you were the judge I bet you would have ruled the same way.] I mean really this outcome was so easy to predict, that I figured Lingle anticipated this happening so she would now be able to rally around the flag of “layoffs – you deserve ‘em”. read more
Waimea's Regional Park Moves Closer to becoming a reality -- not just a promised "dream". Layout plans to be decided soon.

margaretwille

2 Jul 2009 | 9:33 pm

Have you heard about Waimea’s Regional Park? The proposed location has been selected –just south of the Parker Ranch Connector Road now under construction and adjacent to the rodeo grounds. read more
July 4 Turtle Independence Day at the Mauna Lani Hotel: You are invited to the Turtle Parade and Release. Share the fun!

margaretwille

2 Jul 2009 | 2:01 am

JULY 4: 10:30–12 noon. It's Turtle Independence Day at the Mauni Lani and the public is invited to participate in the celebration. Starting at 10:30 the juvenile honu that have been cared for in the honu ponds will be gathered up and paraded to the beach for release into the ocean. Check out the Mauni Lani’s announcement here about this celebration and the 4th of July Family Barbeque. Enjoy!
County's Diane Ley appointed by Obama to head State Farm Service Agency; Councilmember Ford's Flood Legislation Needed

margaretwille

1 Jul 2009 | 12:14 pm

On June 29th the Obama Administration announced the selection of Diane Ley to serve as the Hawaii State Executive Director for the USDA’s Farm Service Agency. Diane Ley is currently the Deputy Director of Hawaii County’s Department of Research and Development. See KGMB's news release here. read more

Guava Bee
Press and Play: Kona Folks

Barbara Uechi

2 Jul 2009 | 1:24 am

PRESSDo you recognize this woman? It's longtime Kona resident, Emily Gail, back in the days when she lived in Detroit. There's an engaging article written by Neil Rubin of the Detroit News about our Emily, who's now a realtor, radio broadcaster and community volunteer. Here's her LinkedIn profile.PLAYKona Natural Soap Company is featured on Pacific Network TV's Travel Channel, Hawaii-born filmmaker Edgy Lee's latest project. Greg Colden takes you on a quick tour in this You Tube clip, and you'll find more on Pacific Network TV labeled "Kokoleka Lani…
Pelekane Bay Watershed Restoration Project Receives $2.69 Million

Barbara Uechi

1 Jul 2009 | 7:06 pm

Tons of sediment are carried into Pelekane Bay with storm flows like this one in 2003. Credit: Carolyn Stewart. The Kohala Watershed Partnership has received $2.69 million in federal funds through a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) coastal restoration grant to improve the condition of the Pelekane Bay watershed on the leeward coast of Kohala Mountain, Senate Appropriations Chairman Daniel K. Inouye and Senator Daniel K. Akaka announced yesterday.The Pelekane Bay Watershed Restoration Project is one of two Hawai‘i habitat restoration projects selected for funding by…
Holualoa Library Closes

Barbara Uechi

1 Jul 2009 | 5:23 pm

From Friends of the Libraries Kona (FOLK):Effective July 1, 2009, the Holualoa Public Library will temporarily close do to budget cuts. This is not being called a permanent closure, but it is not known how many months or years it will take before reopening. While this will be a loss to the Holualoa community, we encourage their patrons to visit the Kailua Kona and Kealakekua Public Libraries in the mean time. Their hours of operation can be found here: http://www.librarieshawaii.org/locations/hours.htm We understand that sacrifices must be made to keep a balanced budget, but we feel…
Keahuolu Village Planning Workshop

Barbara Uechi

30 Jun 2009 | 5:34 pm

Tuesday, July 75pm to 8pmDiscovery Room, Royal Kona ResortForest City Hawaii, in partnership with the State of Hawaii, invites the public to participate in an evening workshop to gather community input on its master-planned affordable housing project.Keahuolu Village, in its planning stages, is a 272-acre mixed use community between Palani Road and Kealakehe Parkway.The workshop will begin with a description of the project, and identify the opportunities and constraints of the site. The project team will then lead workshop participants in an interactive discussion. Participants will be asked…
Celebrate the Fourth of July

Barbara Uechi

29 Jun 2009 | 2:46 pm

We're gearing up for a fabulous Fourth of July Weekend and thought we'd start listing the celebrations around the island. Send in your additions through the comment section or contact Barbara@guavabee.com. Also check back here for any updates.Annual Parker Ranch Independence Weekend Rodeo. Friday, July 3, 9am to 12 noon. Parker Ranch Rodeo Arena. Online tickets and event information...4th of July Rodeo in Ka'u. Ka'u Roping & Riding Association, Inc. puts on this annual event at the Naalehu Arena grounds in Ka'u. The organization is dedicated to preserving Paniolo…

Hamakua Springs Country Farms
Sustainable Agriculture

leslielang

3 Jul 2009 | 3:05 am

From the Los Angeles Times food section:THE CALIFORNIA COOK'Organic' label doesn't guarantee quality or tasteJust because it's organic doesn't mean it's the best. Let flavor dictate.By RUSS PARSONS July 1, 2009...The real world isn't black and white at all. Between pure organics and the reckless use of chemicals, there is a huge gray area, and this is where most farming is done.Ignoring this means that not only are you being misinformed, but you're also taking your eye off the real mission of supporting small farmers who grow wonderful food.The sustainable…
It's Called "Hamakua Springs"

leslielang

1 Jul 2009 | 12:18 pm

Richard Ha writes:Lately we’ve been thinking about cleaning out the sugarcane to see what that mysterious spring under the vegetation looks like. Is there a series of ponds under there? Could someone grow kalo there? What was it in the old days?There's water underneath this tangle of cane, running through a culvert under the road. It's coming from a spring a short distance away.A road runs in front of those trees In the foreground. That road bends around and joins up to the road that I am driving on. There is no evidence of running water anywhere; just at that one place. That…
Ulupono Initiative

leslielang

29 Jun 2009 | 3:05 am

Richard Ha writes:Pierre Omidyar, founder of eBay, and his wife Pam just announced the launch of their Ulupono Initiative. It’s:a Hawai‘i-based business and social investment initiative rooted in the local wisdom that a healthy environment and a healthy economy go hand in hand. The Ulupono Initiative will invest in and help scale innovative Hawai‘i-based organizations to catalyze economic and social change in the areas of waste reduction, local food production and renewable energy. By growing a progressive, thriving economy based on sustainability, the Ulupono Initiative ultimately aims…
What About The Rest?

leslielang

26 Jun 2009 | 3:05 am

Richard Ha writes:I went to O‘ahu last night for the last of the Thirty Meter Telescope Draft EIS hearings, which was held at Farrington High School’s cafeteria and where I said a few words. What I keep coming back to again and again is what Kumu Lehua Veincent told me the first time I asked him what the TMT should offer the Big Island as an introductory, good faith gift. I asked him if it would be appropriate to ask for “full ride” scholarships for at least five native Hawaiians to attend the best colleges in the nation. He asked me, in a very sincere way, “And what about the…
Alan Wong at the White House

leslielang

24 Jun 2009 | 3:05 am

Our friend Chef Alan Wong is cooking for President Obama on Thursday night. It's a White House lu‘au on the South Lawn for the President, his family and congressional delegates from all 50 states with their families.Read more about it here.Last year when Chef Alan made his annual visit to Hamakua Springs Country Farms, he and his chefs and restaurant staff cooked a huge feast for all the Hamakua farmers who grow and produce what he uses in his restaurants, as they do every year. And last year for the first time, there was an imu. Chef Alan did some interesting things with that imu! For…

Sensible Simplicity
Biochar II

27 Jun 2009 | 9:19 am

The initial garden beds

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