Showing posts with label dining. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dining. Show all posts

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Native Hawaiian recognition moves forward, Hawaii team seeks Pacific garbage patch, civil defense sirens to be mandatory in Hawaii County, 911 fails on Kauai, Oahu sewage problems increase, more news from all the Hawaiian Islands

Native Hawaiian bill signing courtesy photo Governor's Office
A new state law recognizes the first people of Hawaii and lays the foundation for Native Hawaiians to establish their own government. Associated Press.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Wednesday signed a bill into law recognizing the first people of Hawaii. KITV4.

With historic Washington Place as the backdrop for a ceremony that included conch-shell blowing, traditional Hawaiian music and hula, Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed into law a bill that formally recognizes Native Hawaiians as "the only indigenous, aboriginal, maoli population" of the islands and begins a process to create a registry of qualified members to work toward the reorganization of a native government. Star-Advertiser.

As of Wednesday Native Hawaiians have confirmation from the state of something they knew all along. Wednesday Governor Neil Abercrombie signed a bill into law officially recognizing Native Hawaiians as the "only indigenous, aboriginal, maoli population of Hawaii." Hawaii News Now.

In one session, the 2011 Hawaii Legislature was able to do what the U.S. Congress has not been able to do in a decade's time: recognize Native Hawaiians as the indigenous people of Hawaii. Civil Beat.

A bill intended to move in concert with the Akaka Bill was signed by Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Wednesday, July 6 at Washington Place amid praise and protest. Hawaii Independent.

Unwilling to wait for federal recognition of the Hawaiian people, Gov. Neil Abercrombie on Wednesday signed into law a bill providing for recognition and eventual self-governance. Tribune-Herald.

The team onboard the Sea Dragon, a 72-foot steel-hull racing sloop expects their mission to find the "Great Pacific Garbage Patch" will take a week. KITV4.

Farms Under EEOC Scrutiny in Hawaii and Washington Receive Federal Aid. Hawaii Reporter.

Hawaii lawmakers are considering a proposed business model for the development of geothermal energy as a statewide resource for electrical production. Hawaii Independent.

An ordinance requiring civil defense sirens as a condition of development moved forward Wednesday with a positive vote from the County Council Planning Committee. West Hawaii Today.

Waikiki residents and leaders are stepping up efforts to get the first city park built in central Waikiki after the death of community activist William Lee Sweatt, who worked for more than a decade to turn the derelict lot behind his condominium into a place where his grandchildren could play. Star-Advertiser.

The City & County of Honolulu, which is working to construct a $5.3 billion steel on steel elevated rail system from Kapolei to Honolulu, has leased premium office space in the midst of Honolulu’s pricey downtown civic center. Hawaii Reporter.

Rail project officials meet with Kakaako residents about pre-construction noise. Hawaii News Now.

Hawaiian Airlines Thursday will change the type of aircraft it uses to operate its daily, nonstop flights between Honolulu and Tokyo’s Haneda Airport. Pacific Business News.

Don Ho's Island Grill is "not closed," said owner Phillip Johnson, who established parent company PJJ Restaurant LLC to buy the Aloha Tower Marketplace restaurant in September. Star-Advertiser.

In just a few weeks, raw sewage sludge will start to be trucked from downtown Honolulu to treatment plants in Kailua and Ewa Beach. KHON2.

Leeward Oahu residents say they've seen a rise in staph infections and they fear the source is one the more popular beaches on the westside. KHON2.

Inside the Nawiliwili Council Chambers on Wednesday morning, Kauai Police Department Chief Darryl Perry spoke about the dangers of driving while holding a cell phone. Garden Island.

Mayor Alan Arakawa and Maui County Council Chairman Danny Mateo are leading a delegation of county representatives to South Korea to encourage tourism, and cultural and educational exchanges between Hawaii and the emerging Asian economic powerhouse. Maui News.

A group of business and political heavyweights pitched Wednesday to a receptive County Council a public-private partnership for handling East Hawaii garbage, but Mayor Billy Kenoi said after the meeting the administration is proceeding with its own plans. West Hawaii Today.

Molokai community leaders Kanoho Helm and Walter Ritte told PBS Hawaii Insights moderator Dan Boylan last night that Molokai doesn’t want the billion-dollar undersea cable and Molokai doesn’t want Big Wind. Molokai Dispatch.

For five hours beginning Tuesday night, the Kauai Police Department's 911 emergency dispatch telephone system and its backup failed, Kauai County officials said. KITV4.

Two investors have partnered with the owners of Waiakea Waterfront, bringing much-needed capital into the troubled commercial development in Hilo. Tribune-Herald.

Collecting on delinquent accounts, charging more fees, curbing property tax abuse and reviewing procurement and employee contracts are just a few avenues proposed by a commission tasked with reducing the cost of our island's government. West Hawaii Today.

Thursday, December 30, 2010

Obama's Hawaii vacation, Tea Party candidate wins Honolulu council race, gated communities lock out police, economy looking up, Maui man pleads guilty in Ponzi scheme, Judge King remembered, audits critical of prisons, computers, Hilo lights protect astronomers, fireworks hoarders ready for new law, more news from the Hawaiian Islands

There's some good economic news that eases the budget crunch facing state government. KITV4.

The forecast for the state budget got a little better today but big gap still must be closed. KHON2.

The state Council on Revenues yesterday raised its forecast for tax collections for the fiscal year that ends in June, which could considerably reduce a projected budget deficit over the next six months and ease an expected shortfall over the following two years. Star-Advertiser.

The State Council on Revenues predicts an increase in tax revenues for the state in the current fiscal year. Hawaii News Now.

Maui County welcomed 168,131 visitors in November and has had nearly 2 million in the first 11 months of 2010. Maui News.

President Barack Obama is extending his Hawaii vacation by another day. Associated Press.

President Barack Obama hit the town in Honolulu on Wednesday night for a leisurely dinner with friends and family at one of his favorite island restaurants. Associated Press.

President Obama and his party caused quite a stir dining at Alan Wong's Restaurant Honolulu on South King Street this evening -- one of his favorite restaurants. Star-Advertiser.

State Sen. Malama Solomon, appointed to office last week by Gov. Neil Abercrombie, is withdrawing as a plaintiff in a pending lawsuit against the state. Hawaii Reporter.

A harsh assessment of Hawaii's contract with a mainland corrections company may be the catalyst needed to fix an overcrowded system.Civil Beat.

State Auditor Marion Higa is blasting the state Department of Public Safety's management of a private prison contract. Associated Press.

A series of decisions by the state Department of Taxation on computer services contracts is coming under scrutiny. Associated Press.

Tom Berg, Oahu’s “Tea Party” candidate, won the Honolulu City Council seat left vacant when Honolulu City Council Chair Todd Apo resigned to accept a position with Disney’s Aulani Resort in Leeward Oahu. Hawaii Reporter.

After an unsuccessful run for the state House, Republican legislative aide and tea party activist Tom Berg emerged victorious yesterday in the special election for City Council. Star-Advertiser.

Tom Berg has won the special election for the District I seat on the Honolulu City Council. Hawaii News Now.

At the home of West Oahu's newest City Council Member, Tom Berg, there was no large celebration.  In fact, the candidate himself was surprised he had even won. KHON2.

Gated communities are keeping out more than unwanted visitors. They're also blocking access for the police. West Hawaii Today.

Because an imminent ban on fireworks has a number of Oahu residents buying for next year, some are concerned hoarding these explosives will turn into a hazard. KITV4.

Hawaii County Fire Chief Darryl Oliveira has issued a warning regarding the Sky Lantern novelty, which he said poses "a serious fire safety hazard." West Hawaii Today.

Oahu’s North Shore. The land of surf, country living, and ... giant wind turbines? Hawaii Independent.

Hundreds gathered in downtown Wednesday to remember longtime Federal Judge Samuel King. KHON2.

Wailuku businessman Lloyd Kimura pleaded guilty to four counts of securities violations in 2nd Circuit Court on Tuesday morning. Maui News.

A meeting is scheduled Monday between the Hawaii Public Housing Authority and tenants at a state housing project who were threatened with eviction because of a possible violation of water pollution rules and regulations. Hawaii News Now.

The latest bright idea from Hawaii County's senior traffic engineer aims to make nighttime driving safer and slash electricity use without blinding astronomers. Tribune-Herald.

County administration officials want to add nearly $26 million in projects to the county's capital budget, through amendments being brought before the County Council's Finance Committee Monday morning. West Hawaii Today.

A law that requires DUI offenders to install a device on their vehicles that would prevent the engine from starting if their blood-alcohol level is 0.02 percent or higher goes into effect with the new year on Saturday. Tribune-Herald.

During the holiday season, too many people will die from drinking and driving — not just the drunk driver, but innocent victims who won’t have a choice. Garden Island.

Lance Hiromoto has been selected as the new director of the Maui County Department of Personnel Services, the county's Civil Service Commission announced. Maui News.

Grand Opening of Podium Racing Hawaii, the island’s first and only indoor electric-kart racing track. Honolulu Weekly.

Ka'iu Kimura joined the 'Imiloa Astronomy Center in 2001, when it was still in the planning stage. She helped design cultural exhibits for the center, which was developed to celebrate the connections between Hawaiian culture and the astronomical research taking place on Mauna Kea. Big Island Weekly.

Forecasters predict light, scattered showers through New Year's Eve. Star-Advertiser.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

New Akaka Bill offered, IRS seeks Hawaii taxpayers, restaurant inspectors stretched, Hawaii marijuana heads to Colorado, recycling rates up, more state news

U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka has introduced a compromise version of a native Hawaiian federal recognition bill and is waiting to hear from Senate leaders whether legislation can move during a lame-duck session before the end of the year. Star-Advertiser.

The IRS is looking for people in Hawaii to give money to. The agency said Wednesday that 735 Hawaii residents are due a total of $739,000 in refunds, but it can't find them. Associated Press.

The state has set aside nothing to pay for retiree health benefits for its aging public workers over the next three decades, leaving future taxpayers on the hook for the estimated $10.8 billion cost. Star-Advertiser.

The largesse in congressional earmarks awarded to Hawaii each year is in position to be severely curtailed, with Republicans in Washington coalescing around a ban on pork-barrel projects and President Barack Obama saying the nation cannot afford them. Associated Press.

Millions of meals are served every year on Oahu but there are only 10 inspectors making sure health guidelines are followed which means there are plenty of violations out there that aren't being found. Hawaii News Now.

A group of Hawaii residents who say they are really good at growing pot said they have found success in the medical marijuana industry in Colorado. KITV4.

A state agricultural advisory committee has recommended an emergency quarantine on the Big Island to prevent the spread of a beetle that could severely damage Hawaii's $27-million coffee-farming industry. Star-Advertiser.

After a three-hour hearing today, the committee recommended in favor of a one-year quarantine but suggested adding more mitigation methods. A full board hears the matter next Tuesday. KHON2.

The state has increased the rates it pays for redeemable aluminum cans, glass bottles and plastic bottles. Associated Press.

A national organization has given the University of Hawaii a grade of "F" for online security breaches that exposed Social Security numbers and other sensitive information in nearly 260,000 records. Star-Advertiser.

The Washington D.C. based Liberty Coalition said over the last five years the University of Hawaii has had five security breaches involving at least 259,000 records. KITV4.

“Change, not charity” is the motto used by Hawaii People’s Fund (HPF) Hawaii Independent.

Tension and confusion about the state Tax Department's new crackdown on "cash economy" businesses escalated yesterday when city parks officials barred some vendors from learning about the new rules -- and Mayor Peter Carlisle took responsibility for the abrupt cancellation of the 36th annual Mayor's Craft and Country Fair scheduled for Saturday. Star-Advertiser.

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle said Wednesday the city needlessly cancelled a craft fair this weekend that raises money for senior clubs. KHON2.

Honolulu's 36th annual mayor's craft and country fair may happen after all. Hawaii News Now.

A proposal to lower the county homeowner tax exemption was deferred Tuesday by the Maui County Council Budget and Finance Committee. Maui News.

Honolulu Mayor Peter Carlisle says he's not happy about reports of excessive use of overtime by city road division employees and promised to look into the issue, following a series of stories Civil Beat published this week. Civil Beat.

Police have cited more than 700 Big Island drivers for driving while using a cell phone so far this year, including 38 instances linked to car crashes. Tribune-Herald.

Wild Donkey Round-Up Underway on Big Island. KITV4.

Most of the dogs received at the island’s only animal shelter later found homes, but the majority of cats collected were euthanized, according to the Kaua‘i Humane Society’s annual report to county officials. Garden Island.

After two years of multimillion dollar losses, Parker Ranch Foundation Trust made money last year and now wants to raise more by hosting special events at its Waimea rodeo arena. Tribune-Herald.

The National Weather Service in Honolulu has placed the island of Oahu under a Flash Flood Watch effective from 6:00PM this evening thru Friday afternoon. Hawaii Reporter.

Maui Fire Department officials are asking for an additional $1.1 million in funding, saying an unusually busy brush fire season has depleted their budget. Maui News.

They're all over the island: in former Hamakua cane fields, running across a'a in the Ka'u desert, crossing the Mauna Kea uplands: stretches of abandoned or semi-abandoned road, owned but no longer maintained by the state or the county. Big Island Weekly.

A West Hawaii subdivision is a step closer to getting county water, after a County Council committee gave its approval to a county department manager's plan to create a water improvement district there. West Hawaii Today.

Construction at Cooke Memorial Pool in Kaunakakai could not have come at a worse time for the Molokai High School (MHS) swim team. Molokai Dispatch.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Kona Coffee Festival perking, symphony struggles, dining inspections down, furlough fights continue

The Kona Coffee Cultural Festival has been celebrating and promoting Kona coffee for 39 years. The theme of this year's festival, which runs Friday through Nov. 15, is "Kona Coffee: Aroma of Aloha."

Ninety-five public schools have applied to turn teacher training days into instructional days and restore some of the class time students are losing to furloughs.

A group of state Senate and House members plans to meet with staff members of the Lingle administration to discuss reducing the number of days public schools are closed due to budget cuts.

The House and Senate Republican Caucus is urging the Hawaii State Teachers Association to rework its (relatively new) contract with the Department of Education. GOP lawmakers want the HSTA and DOE to scrap the teachers' existing contract and negotiate a new deal that will end furlough Fridays.

Perennial guests at a 54-year-old Waikiki hotel say they are saddened that they might not be able to return to their favorite winter retreat, fearing it could close.

Just three years ago, inspectors used to make unannounced inspections on restaurants about once a year. However, that situation has worsened.

People in Hawaii love to dine out at all kinds of eateries. There are about 5,800 restaurants on Oahu, and the results of some inspections might make you think twice about dining out.

The Honolulu Symphony may file for bankruptcy protection as early as tomorrow, according to people familiar with the situation.

Jenna Roussy, an employee at Hilo Shark's Coffee, holds a 7-pound Keitt mango on Friday at the shop. The fruit is possibly the largest mango ever grown in the U.S., and surpassed only by the current world record holder, a 7-pound, 7-ounce Keitt cultivated in the Philippines.