Ford Island Control Tower Blessing Friday at the Pacific Aviation Museum

Posted on February 22, 2011 by Damon

Tower Blessing Friday at Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor

Media Release:

Stabilization of the Ford Island Control Tower officially begins Friday, February 25, 10am with a blessing, it was announced today by Pacific Aviation Museum Executive Director Kenneth DeHoff.

“It’s time to begin this long awaited and badly needed Tower stabilization project. The Tower stood guard over Ford Island on the day of the Imperial Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941, so its historical significance is immense,” said DeHoff.

Present at the blessing will be Lance Wilhelm, senior vice president of Kiewit Building Group Inc., the contractor for the stabilization project, along with Project Manager Scott Ruppel, Project Engineer Matt Brannon and Kiewit Business Manager Alma Ohta.

“We look forward to assisting Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor in the stabilization of the historic building and control tower that defines the skyline in Pearl Harbor,” said Wilhelm.

This is the second project that Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor and Kiewit Building Group have done together. Kiewit Building Group was the general contractor for the current site of the Museum when it opened December 6, 2006.

Also attending the blessing will be Glenn Mason, president of Mason Architects, Inc., architect for the project, and Project Manager Angela Thompson. Commander of Navy Region Hawaii RADM (Rear Admiral) Dixon Smith will also be in attendance, as well as CAPT (Captain) Richard Kitchens, commander of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.

It is estimated that $7.5 million is needed to completely restore the Tower.  Former Congressman and now Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie was instrumental in helping to secure $3.8 million through the Department of Defense appropriations for the stabilization and restoration of an historic landmark.

The Ford Island Tower complex constructed in 1941 consists of a 3rd story Aerological Center and Observation Deck on top of the 2-story Operations Building, and the Air Traffic Control Center on top a 158-foot steel water tank tower. The Tower played a major role in the naval activity at Pearl Harbor, especially during World War II.  The Tower is registered as a Category I structure in the Pearl Harbor Naval Base Historic Preservation Plan of 1978.

The Tower and two-story concrete building and its third story observation structure have been in need of attention over the past 30 years and have deteriorated. The steel components throughout the structure which include the tower skin, stairs, landings, ladders, beams, fascia and flanges are experiencing severe corrosion. Many of the components require repair and refinishing, and in some areas complete removal and replacement.

Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization. Its mission is to develop and maintain an internationally recognized aviation museum on historic Ford Island that educates young and old alike, honors aviators and their support personnel who defended freedom in The Pacific Region, and to preserve Pacific aviation history.

The Museum, located at 319 Lexington Boulevard in Hangars 37 and 79 on Ford Island at Pearl Harbor, recently, was ranked one of the “top ten aviation attractions” nationally by TripAdvisor. Phone (808) 441-1000 or visit www.PacificAviationMuseum.org for tickets and more information.

Filed under: Announcements, Hawaii, Military, National Affairs, State Affairs | Tagged: , , , | Leave a Comment »

Big Island Resident in the SPAM Can Design Contest

Posted on February 22, 2011 by Damon

SPAM is considered a “staple” to many Hawaii residents and recently Hormel has offered the residents of Hawaii a chance to design their own SPAN can that will actually be placed in grocery stores throughout the state.

Big Island resident Amy Okamura is currently in second place of this contest that will end on February 25th.

This is her design:

I’m encouraging folks to vote for Amy here:  Hawaii Packaging Design Contest

Filed under: aloha, Announcements, Big Island, Food & Drink, Hawaii, State Affairs | Tagged: , , | Leave a Comment »

Hilo Rally to Answer the Call for the American Dream Movement

Posted on February 22, 2011 by Damon
Media Release:

Answering the call for the American Dream Movement as a counterpoint to the unthinking/uncaring GOP/Tea Partiers who are trying to eliminate  public services, workers’ rights, women’s rights and more, a Hilo rally is being staged this Saturday, Feb. 26, on the Kamehameha Avenue sidewalk just downslope from the State Bldg. and the king’s statue, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. PLEASE JOIN US in a show of PEOPLE POWER! As a friend of mine said, Americans need to go back to the streets like we did in the 60s and 70s.

Anyone wanting to show solidarity to the Wisconsin Dems, teachers, nurses and other public workers, unions, those who rely for every penny they get from SocSec, the young, elderly and in-between who need medical care, women (who Republicans seem to want to eliminate from the face of the Earth….the most recent outrages being changing the definition of rape and investigating any woman who suffers a miscarriage!!!), those who believe in evolution, who want our gov’t to act responsibly regarding climate change, who want our government to quit waging war, on and on, ad infinitum, please come stand with us this Saturday.

Make a sign to carry expressing your frustration, wear red if you want to support the Wisconsin effort, or just come out and help us show the strength in numbers!!!!  MoveOn.org is coordinating this across the country. Hope to see you there!

Here are some links you might want to read:

http://www.commondreams.org/view/2011/02/22-7

http://bl151w.blu151.mail.live.com/default.aspx?n=773179453

Malama pono America!

Filed under: Announcements, Guest Commentator, Hawaii, Hilo, Politics | Tagged: | 1 Comment »

PBS Hawaii Presents “A Conversation with America ’s Poet Laureate: W.S. Merwin”

Posted on February 22, 2011 by Damon

Program Will Premiere for Hawaii Audiences Thursday, February 24th at 8:30PM Before Airing on PBS Stations Across the Country

Media Release:

Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and longtime Maui resident W.S. Merwin is America ’s Poet Laureate.  This honor had never been bestowed upon a Hawaii resident; let alone a writer who wants to be known as a Hawaii poet.  True to this conviction, Mr. Merwin insisted on presenting himself to the world from Hawaii with an interviewer from Hawaii .

 

Leslie Wilcox talks story with Mr. Merwin

PBS Hawaii CEO and veteran journalist Leslie Wilcox spoke with Mr. Merwin at his lush, secluded home on Maui ’s northern coast, where he and his wife Paula cultivate one of the world’s largest collections of endangered palm trees.

Flowing through the hour-long program,  produced by PBS Hawaii,  are readings from his work and his thoughts about poetry, literature, the power of words, Hawaiian myth and values, conservation, the future of mankind and much more.  In the end, a never-before-seen portrait of the man and the artist emerges.

 

Merwin's garden

Merwin is the seventeenth United States Poet Laureate.  He has published 26 collections of poetry and received numerous honors and awards in a career that spans more than six decades.

William Stanley Merwin was born in New York City in September of 1927, the son of a strict Presbyterian minister. He was raised in New Jersey and Pennsylvania .  As a child, he listened to and was moved by the language of the King James Version of the Bible and the children’s poetry his mother often read to him. With a gift for languages, he graduated from Princeton University in 1948, and then traveled, living for many years, alternately, in Europe and the United States .

In 1976, Merwin moved to Hawaii to study Buddhism with the revered Zen master, Robert Aitken.  Besides being a widely read poet and accomplished literary translator, Merwin is also recognized for his commitment to the environment.  For the last thirty five years the Hawaiian Islands have been Merwin’s home.

Because Merwin wishes to be represented to the world through this interview, selections from it will also be made available to media outlets around the globe.

Filed under: aloha, Announcements, Entertainment, Guest Commentator, Hawaii, Something New?, Television | Tagged: , , | 3 Comments »

*UPDATE* Census Data Being Released TODAY

Posted on February 22, 2011 by Damon
Media Release:

Today, the Census Bureau shipped local 2010 Census data to the governor and leadership of the state legislature in Hawaii. After confirmation of receipt, usually within 24 hours of shipment, the Census Bureau will issue a news release with five custom tables of data for the state. Because of time zone differences and the increased time required to ship to Hawaii, the data will be released to the public Thursday, around 3 p.m. EST. At that time, the full set of data will be available via FTP download at http://www2.census.gov/census_2010/01-Redistricting_File–PL_94-171/. Within 24 hours after release, the data will be posted on the Census Bureau’s new American FactFinder site http://factfinder2.census.gov.

The data will include summaries of population totals, as well as data on race, Hispanic origin and voting age for multiple geographies within the state, such as census blocks, tracts, voting districts, cities, counties and school districts.

According to Public Law 94-171, the Census Bureau must provide redistricting data to the 50 states no later than April 1 of the year following the census. As a result, the Census Bureau is delivering the data state-by-state on a flow basis in February and March. All states will receive their data by April 1, 2011.

For More Information:

For more information on the Census Bureau’s Redistricting Data Program, visit http://www.census.gov/rdo and http://2010.census.gov/news/press-kits/redistricting.html.

Filed under: Hawaii, National Affairs, State Affairs | Tagged: , , | 3 Comments »

Nine Year Old Lands Marlin in Kona

Posted on February 21, 2011 by Damon

Most people go their entire lives without ever landing a marlin and now this nine year old kid landed one recently in Kona on the fishing boat Sea Genie II!

On a recent family vacation, 68-pound Ian Beall of Davidsonville landed a 400-pound blue marlin while in Kona, Hawaii.

The fight took about an hour, but without any assistance, 9-year-old Ian managed to get the fish to the boat for tagging and release…

More here: 9 year-old lands 400-pound blue marlin

Filed under: aloha, Entertainment, Kids, Kona, Sports | Tagged: , , , | Leave a Comment »

Big Island Luxury Home to Be Auctioned Off… No Minimum Bid

Posted on February 21, 2011 by Damon

No minimum bid for premier residence in world-renown Waikoloa Beach Resort!

Media Release:

A live, on-site auction of a custom Hawaiian Island residence with 150 feet of secluded beach front in the exclusive Waikoloa Beach Resort at 69-1065 Kolea Kai Circle will take place March 21, Concierge Auctions has announced. Originally listed for $11,500,000, there is no minimum bid required. The sale is being conducted in cooperation with listing agent Daryl Flem, RB of Century 21 All Islands.

“This is an exciting opportunity for buyers searching for a Big Island resort residence,” stated Flem. “The lifestyle and amenities offered by the Waikoloa Beach Resort are unsurpassed, and this property is one of the most premier within the community. I urge all luxury buyers and agents to take notice, as my client is committed to selling to the highest bidder on March 21.”

Open and stunning, 69-1065 Kolea Kai Circle offers luxury island living at its finest. Perfectly situated on a 34,000-square-foot ocean front lot, the estate grants gated access to 150 feet of secluded Pacific Ocean beach front and effortlessly fuses an indoor/outdoor lifestyle with native Hawaiian architectural flair, rich interior details and remarkable smart home technology. With 5,759 square feet under roof, including four bedrooms and four full and one half bathrooms, the residence fosters a casual atmosphere without losing the privacy one expects in a luxury estate. A covered lanai, poolside cabana, extensive landscape lighting and tiki torches underscore the Big Island lifestyle.

Nearby amenities of the 1,350-acre Waikoloa Beach Resort include ocean sports activities, a classic Robert Trent Jones Jr. golf course and a links-style course designed by Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish, preserved cultural sites, world-class hotels such as the Hilton Waikoloa Village and the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort and Spa, and the famed Kings Shops and Queens Marketplace.

“With over $50 million in luxury Hawaiian properties sold, we have proven ourselves as leaders in identifying the most motivated owners of exclusive Island estates,” stated George Graham, CEO of Concierge Auctions. “Our success has included sales in other world-class resorts on the Big Island’s Kohala Coast, such as the Hualalai Resort, home to the Four Seasons Hualalai, where we sold Cher’s residence for $8.72 million, and Kuki’o, where last year alone we sold five premier properties, and we are excited to now be working in the Waikoloa Beach Resort. This is one of the most desirable residences in one of the most sought-after vacation destinations in the world and is a great opportunity for any buyer searching for a luxury Hawaiian home.”

The Waikoloa Beach Resort is located approximately 25 miles north of Kona on the Big Island’s sunny Kohala Coast, which means “cherished land” in Hawaiian, and enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine a year. Embraced by the balmy, sweet-scented Pacific Ocean trade winds, Kona is famous for sport fishing, snorkeling, gorgeous sunsets and its unrivaled Kona coffee.

The “live” auction of 69-1065 Kolea Kai Circle will be held on March 21. No minimum bid is required. Bidders will be able to participate in person or proxy via telephone or Internet. A 2% buyer’s broker commission is offered on the high bid. See Auction Terms and Conditions for full details. The property is available daily for preview between 1 and 4 p.m. For more information visit www.HawaiiLuxuryAuction.com or call 800-211-1785.

Related Articles

Filed under: Announcements, Big Island, Hawaii, Kona | Tagged: , , | Leave a Comment »

Mahalo Once Again!

Posted on February 21, 2011 by Damon

Well sometime last night… the page views of this site topped 800,000 individual page views.

Here are some quick stats:

2008: 73,464 page views (5 months)

2009: 378,596 page views

2010: 312,850 page views

Most page views in one month:

February 2009: 57,379 page views

General:

Posts: 5,150

Comments: 4,428

So I just wanted to say Mahalo to everyone that views this site as well as Mahalo to the sponsors of this site!

Filed under: aloha, Announcements, Blogs | Tagged: | 1 Comment »

Welcome to Hawaii… The New Official Airline Greeting for State of Hawaii

Posted on February 20, 2011 by Damon

In-flight programming for airline usage that welcomes visitors and kama’āina to our islands using the Hawaiian language. This program is part of an effort to create a sense of place at our local airports that authentically reflects the host culture of Hawai’i.

Filed under: aloha, Hawaii, Hawaiian, Something New?, Tourism, Transportation | Tagged: | Leave a Comment »

Former BJ Penn Instructor Tom Callos Featured at Todays Big Island Internet Society Meet Up

Posted on February 19, 2011 by Damon

The Big Island Internet Society has grown to about 100 folks and the meetings have been moved to the third Saturday of each month.  Today’s meeting was a potluck held at the societies founders house Larry Czerwonka.

Today, a group of about 20 of us met to listen to Tom Callos discuss how he has used the internet to help his business in general.

Larry Czerwonka talks to Tom Callos about the internet

This months format took a different twist as Larry interviewed Tom which was video taped and then others had the chance to go forward and give a “Born/Raised” presentation on where they were born and raised.

Larry interviews Sherry Carden

Here is part of the interview with Larry and Tom.  For those that don’t know… Tom Callos is the guy that basically taught BJ Penn much of what he knows as he was one of BJ’s first instructors.

…At his school’s peak in the late 1990’s, Tom taught about 200 Hilo residents both stand-up martial arts (taekwondo and kickboxing) and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Before Tom started his school in Hilo, in fact, on the first day he and his bride to be Kathleen Harris moved from Kamuela to Hilo, Tom put up fliers in local gyms looking for judo players and wrestlers to train with.

The next day BJ Penn’s father called Tom and said his boys were interested. Coincidently, Tom had met JD Penn the day before, as he was leasing one of the Penn’s rental properties on Kauila St.

BJ Penn, his brother Reagan, and a number of their friends started meeting Tom two to three times a week at the Waiakea Recreation Center. Tom taught BJ and “the boys” what he knew, as he had just started training in Jiu-jitsu a 18 months before, and BJ became Tom’s 5th degree black-belt-test training partner.

“I’m going to guess that I have tapped out BJ Penn more than anyone in the world, “Said Callos in a recent interview. “Of course, that was in the first three months of training with him, because after a few months, BJ was a formidable and eventually an unbeatable opponent.”

When Callos’ instructor, Ernie Reyes, Sr. was having his 50th birthday party in 1997, Tom suggested to JD Penn that BJ could go to San Jose with him. Tom offered to introduce BJ to his former teacher, Ralph Gracie (the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu pioneered the worldwide popularity of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu).

Shortly thereafter, BJ’s father arranged for BJ to live near –and train with — Ralph Gracie’s Academy. Two years later BJ would earn his black belt (normally a 5 to 8 year process) and win the world championships, earning him the nickname, “The Prodigy”…

More Here: What is Tom Callos to BJ Penn

Filed under: aloha, Announcements, Big Island, BJ Penn, Blogs, Hawaii, MMA, Technology | Tagged: , , , | 3 Comments »

Pro Surfer Sunny Garcia Gets in Fight off the Gold Coast

Posted on February 19, 2011 by Damon

Hawaii’s former world champion Sunny Garcia and world tour competitor Jeremy Flores of France were allegedly involved in a fracas not far from where the Burleigh Breaka Pro heats were taking place on Saturday…

…Police are investigating and a spokesman told AAP that video evidence had been obtained.

A witness told Brisbane’s The Sunday Mail a fight broke out when Garcia’s 16-year-old son was pushed by a young local surfer…

Full Story Here: Pro Surfers Embroiled in Fight

Another Clip:

Filed under: KO's, Rumors, Sports | Tagged: , , | Leave a Comment »

Hunter Bishop Speaks Up: NLRB finds Hawaii Tribune-Herald Violated Federal Law

Posted on February 18, 2011 by Damon

I just received the following from Hunter Bishop:

I want to make sure that those that I know have covered our case against the Tribune-Herald in the past received this release that is being distributed today.

Mahalo,
Hunter

The Hawaii Tribune-Herald illegally attempted to suppress union activity in Hilo , the National Labor Relations Board ruled on Monday, February 14.

In issuing its ruling, the four-member board upheld the findings of an administrative law judge, John J. McCarrick, who ruled on March 6, 2008, that the newspaper company had violated Section 8(a)(1) of the National Labor Relations Act. The newspaper appealed that decision

The sweeping judgment against the Hawaii Tribune-Herald affirmed the judge’s ruling that the company unlawfully:

** Interrogated employees about union activity

** Disparately and discriminatorily enforced a security access policy against the union

** Discriminatorily prohibited employees from wearing buttons and armbands in support of discharged or suspended employees

** Promulgated and maintained a rule prohibiting employees from making secret audio recordings of conversations in response to protected activity

** Issued a written warning to employee Koren Nako

** Suspended employees Hunter Bishop, Peter Sur and David Smith

** Discharged Hunter Bishop and Dave Smith

** Refused to provide in a timely manner to the Union information necessary and relevant to its duties as a collective bargaining representative of employees.

“It is about time that the Hawaii Tribune-Herald and its parent Stephens Media end its policy of terrorism against its employees,” said Wayne Cahill, the recently retired administrative officer for the Hawaii Newspaper Guild. “This newspaper company needs to buck up and rescind its illegal policies, rescind the illegal discipline, hire back Hunter Bishop and Dave Smith, and pay them the back pay and benefits they are due.”

A detailed account of the company’s illegal activities may be found in the ruling, beginning with Judge McCarrick’s findings. The pattern of egregious abuses reached its peak during efforts by the Hawaii Tribune-Herald to punish the Hawaii Newspaper Guild, Local 39117, during the eight-year-long negotiations for a new contract.

The NLRB has ordered the Hawaii Tribune-Herald to cease and desist from the above activities, to offer Smith and Bishop immediate and full reinstatement to their former positions, to make Bishop, Smith and Sur whole for any loss of earnings and other benefits suffered because of their suspensions and discharges. Back pay will be computed quarterly from the day of their suspension to the date of a proper offer of reinstatement, minus any interim earnings, with compound interest. The Hawaii Tribune-Herald must also remove from its files any reference to the unlawful disciplinary actions.

The Hawaii Tribune-Herald is owned by Stephens Media. Members of the Hawaii Newspaper Guild and the California Media Workers recently approved a merger to form the Pacific Media Workers Guild.

The full text of 356 NLRB No. 63 may be found here:

http://nlrb.gov/cases-decisions/case-decisions/board-decisions

“This newspaper, like all newspapers, exists to serve Hilo with accurate reporting of the news,” Cahill said. “Newspapers set examples and help form opinions. They have a higher calling than most businesses. The Hawaii Tribune-Herald has been found guilty. It’s time to right the wrong.”

Filed under: Announcements, Big Island, Blogs, Hawaii, Legal, Newspapers, State Affairs | Tagged: | Leave a Comment »

NTIA Launches National Broadband Map

Posted on February 18, 2011 by Damon
Media Release:

Today Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) launched the first-ever public, searchable nationwide map of broadband access.

The National Broadband Map is an unprecedented project created by NTIA, in collaboration with the FCC, and in partnership with each state, territory and the District of Columbia. The map was created at the direction of Congress, which recognized that economic opportunities are driven by access to 21st century infrastructure.

With funding from NTIA’s State Broadband Data & Development Program, state partners have gathered and worked to validate broadband data from thousands of providers across the country. Together, a dataset and website were developd that includes more than 25 million searchable records displaying where broadband Internet service is available, the technology used to provide the service, the maximum advertised speeds of the service, and the names of the broadband providers. Whether you are a consumer seeking more information on the broadband options available to you, a researcher or policymaker working to spur greater broadband deployment, a local official aiming to attract investment in your community, or an application developer with innovative ideas, the National Broadband Map can help.  And if you don’t find the answer you’re looking for on the map itself, you can download the entire dataset.  NTIA press release |  Broadband map

While the launch of this map is a huge accomplishment, today is just the beginning. Our partners in the states are working to expand and update this important dataset, and we will update the map with new data every six months. In the meantime, you can help. Each time you search the map, you have the opportunity to tell us about the data you’re seeing. This crowdsourced feedback will be an important tool to improve and refine the data.

We invite you to explore the many features and functionalities the National Broadband Map offers at www.broadbandmap.gov. To start, search for broadband by address. Or go straight to our analysis tools and compare one area to others, and make sure you spend some time with our maps.  Want more? Download the dataset, use our APIs and please tell us how you’re using the data.

We expect the map will be a valuable tool as we work to bridge the technological divide, expand economic opportunities, and leverage the power of broadband to address many of the nation’s most pressing challenges.  We hope you will make full use of its capabilities and let us know what you think and how we can improve. BroadbandUSA

Filed under: Announcements, Economy, Environment, National Affairs, Technology | Tagged: , , | Leave a Comment »

3.0 Earthquake Shakes Puna District

Posted on February 18, 2011 by Damon
Magnitude 3.0
Date-Time
Location 19.352°N, 155.335°W
Depth 33.2 km (20.6 miles)
Region ISLAND OF HAWAII, HAWAII
Distances
  • 15 km (9 miles) SW (224°) from Volcano, HI
  • 22 km (14 miles) NE (43°) from Pahala, HI
  • 25 km (16 miles) WSW (238°) from Fern Forest, HI
  • 47 km (29 miles) SW (214°) from Hilo, HI
  • 339 km (211 miles) SE (130°) from Honolulu, HI

Filed under: Announcements, Big Island, Environment, Puna | Tagged: | Leave a Comment »

Skywalk Hawaii Opening Soon!

Posted on February 18, 2011 by Damon

A new thrill will be opening up in Waikiki called Skywalk Hawaii!

This youtube clip that was just uploaded states the following:

An ultimate adrenaline adventure has come all the way from the swiss alps to discover the Pacific Islands of Hawaii. Get ready to explore this outstanding, breath taking, unique and unforgetable adventure!

From the looks of it… It looks like it’s going to be a walk between the two towers of the Hyatt hotel  in Waikiki.

They have a website set up for the Skywalk however it just states that it’s coming soon.

Filed under: aloha, Announcements, Entertainment, Hawaii, Oahu, Something New?, Tourism | Tagged: , | Leave a Comment »

Laupahoehoe Music Festival and More This Weekend

Posted on February 17, 2011 by Damon
Media Release:

In addition to the FABULOUS Laupahoehoe Music Festival this coming Saturday (go to www.laupahoehoemusicfestival.com for details or e-mail laupahoehoemusic@hotmail.com or phone (808) 938-3688), there is a yard and bake sale at the old hospital – see below for details!

The Laupahoehoe Community Public Charter School project will be holding a benefit yard and bake sale this Saturday, February 19, from 8:00 to 3:00. The sale will be located at the old Laupahoehoe Hospital , located on the stretch of old highway between the 50s Restaurant and the Laupahoehoe post office. Items have been donated from dozens of families, and include furniture, household items, clothes, baby and child items, a weed wacker, exercise equipment, artwork, glass ware, a bread machine – you name it! Scrumptious bake sale items will also be featured.

In addition, we will have a limited number (first come first served) of brand new compact fluorescent lightbulbs, for FREE. Simply bring one or more incandescent (regular) lightbulb(s) from your house, and you will receive the same number of compact fluorescent bulbs, absolutely free. The light bulb exchange is a benefit for the Hamakua chapter of 4H.

The Charter School effort received a grant of more than $450,000 from the United States Department of Education in the fall of 2010. However, the grant does not cover certain expenses, including airfare for board members to travel to Honolulu as required by the charter conversion process. Therefore, the project is holding this benefit sale to build a petty cash fund to cover some very important miscellaneous expenses.

Please stop by on your way to or from the Laupahoehoe Music Festival!!

Filed under: Announcements, Big Island, Community, Entertainment | Tagged: | Leave a Comment »

New Pahoa Police Station Finally Opens

Posted on February 17, 2011 by Damon
Media Release:

County dignitaries and members of the public celebrated the grand opening of the new Pāhoa police station Thursday morning (February 17).

The new Pahoa Police Station

The new station, located just north of Pāhoa town on Highway 130, will replace a converted kit house in Pāhoa town that functions as a police substation.

Mayor Billy Kenoi, Deputy Police Chief Paul Ferreira and Puna Captain Samuel Jelsma addressed the crowd of community residents who came out to show their support and see the new station. Afterward, the audience toured the station and enjoyed light refreshments.

The new station has more workspace that the old one, is more secure, and includes three holding cells, surveillance cameras and plenty of parking.

Citizens may renew their driver’s licenses and register their vehicles in a portion of the new building operated by the County Department of Finance. In the near future, they will be able to apply for gun permits and register firearms by appointment. (The Police Department will notify the public when firearm registration at the Pāhoa station becomes available.)

The Puna District is the third busiest police district on the island – behind South Hilo and Kona. In Fiscal Year 2009-2010, 4,076 of Puna’s cases came from lower Puna, compared with 2,917 from upper Puna.

Filed under: Announcements, Community, Highway 130, Legal, Pahoa, Puna, Security | Tagged: | Leave a Comment »

Community Meeting on Kahuku Villages

Posted on February 17, 2011 by Damon
Media Release:

There will be an upcoming community meeting sponsored by Nani Kahuku ‘Aina, LLC, March 2 at 6:00pm in the Na‘alehu Community Center in Na‘alehu. They are seeking community input on Kahuku Villages, a proposed development in Ka‘ū.

Please consider attending this event if you would like to learn more about it and let them know your thoughts as well. For more information please email: info@kahukuvillages.com

Have a wonderful and safe weekend.

Aloha,

Brittany Smart, District 6 – Upper Puna, Ka‘ū, South Kona

 

 

Filed under: Announcements, Community, County Council, Guest Commentator | Tagged: , , | Leave a Comment »

Kamehameha Staff Member John Garcia in the Audi Social Media Campaign

Posted on February 17, 2011 by Damon

As most of the readers of my blog know that I’m a proud parent of a Kamehameha Schools Bishop Estate (KSBE) student.

Recently, John Garcia, an online digital designer for KSBE has been selected as a finalist for the Audi Social Media Campaign where he could win $25,000 for a local charity.

Currently he is the leader in this global contest being run on Twitter and if we all can support a local braddah from Oahu… it would be cool!

LP. Neenz Falafeens writes:

Here’s how you can help:

  1. Retweet his original tweet or any tweet that contains #ProgressIs AND #DeskDiary hashtags.
  2. Increase the views of his #DeskDiary twitpic and share the link with your community.
  3. Watch his #ProgressIs video on YouTube and leave a comment.
  4. Write and publish a blog post, then share on Twitter with the #ProgressIs and #DeskDiary hashtags.

Each action earns John a different amount of points, so why not do them all.  Let’s keep him in the lead, not because he’s a friend, but that his qualifying tweet, “#ProgressIs remaining timeless in design, pure in performance, genuine in quality while innovating for the future” is the best entry.

You can view a quick video he put together here:

Filed under: aloha, Announcements, Blogs, Hawaii, Something New?, Technology | Tagged: , , , | 1 Comment »

Census Bureau to Release Local Hawaii 2010 Data Next Week

Posted on February 17, 2011 by Damon

Media Release:

What: Next week, the U.S. Census Bureau anticipates releasing local-level 2010 Census population counts for Alabama, Colorado, Hawaii, Missouri, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Washington. For each state, the Census Bureau will provide summaries of population totals, as well as data on race, Hispanic origin and voting age for multiple geographies within the state, such as census blocks, tracts, voting districts, cities, counties and school districts.

According to Public Law 94-171, the Census Bureau must provide redistricting data to the 50 states no later than April 1 of the year following the census. As a result, the Census Bureau is delivering the data state-by-state on a flow basis in February and March. All states will receive their data by April 1, 2011.

When: Each state’s geographic products and redistricting data are first delivered to the state’s leadership, such as the governor and majority and minority leaders in the state legislative body. Upon confirmation of delivery to the state leadership, we will release a news release with five custom tables of data. Within 24 hours, the full set of five detailed tables will be available to the public online at http://factfinder2.census.gov.

For more information on the Census Bureau’s Redistricting Data Program, visit  http://www.census.gov/rdo.

Filed under: Announcements, Hawaii, National Affairs, State Affairs | Tagged: , , | Leave a Comment »

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