22nd Annual Rubber Duckie Race Fundraising Event Set for Fourth of July

Posted on May 17, 2013 by Damon

It is going to be a fun-filled day raising much needed funds for the United Cerebral Palsy Association (UCPA) of Hawaii and honoring our first responders.  The 22nd Annual Rubber Duckie Race, with 100 percent of the duck adoptions benefiting the United Cerebral Palsy Association (UCPA) of Hawaii, is set for July fourth.

Rubber Duck Race 2

“This year we chose the theme Hawaii Five-0 to show our appreciation of our first responders here on Hawaii Island,” said Specialty Leasing Manager Colene DeMello.  “This is an opportunity for Kings’ Shops to give back to our island community, continued Mrs. DeMello who is spearheading this year’s event.

Kings’ Shops General Manager, Steve Schwartz commented, “last year we raised over $35,000 and this year with the public’s help, we hope to raise even more.” The duck adoptions are slated to begin the first week of June.

Between the first week of June and July 4th, adoption certificates will be available at Adoption Headquarters, the Kings’ Shops Management Office and at the Queens’ MarketPlace Management Office.  Mail-in order forms will be available at Waikoloa Village Market.  Online adoptions can be made at www.KingsShops.com.  On race day look for the United Cerebral Palsy Association duck booths where adoptions will be available all the way up to race time. Adopt a duck with a donation of $5 or a “quack pack” of four adoption certificates and a duckie t-shirt for a $25 donation.

The adopted ducks are tagged with a waterproof ticket with the adoption certificate number and the name of the adoptee.  They will then be placed in a giant starting cage which is suspended over the Kings’ Lake.  At exactly 3 p.m. on the Fourth of July they will be released.  The first 50 duckies to cross the finish line win one of the 50 prizes which together total over $25,000.00.

 

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Video: Punahou Pole Vaulter Snaps Pole During State Meet

Posted on May 15, 2013 by Damon

Pole vaulting is a sport for the brave!

Pole Vault

A Punahou Pole Vaulter, Quinn Cassid, snapped his pole during the recent state meet held at Mililani High School:

Another angle:

Cassid was fine and later went on to take second place in the event.

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Staying at the Tropicana in Las Vegas and Coming Away With Money!

Posted on May 14, 2013 by Damon

Last week I went to Las Vegas for my friend’s bachelor party and we stayed at the “New”  Tropicana Las Vegas Hotel and Casino.

Outside the Tropicana

I say “new” because it’s recently gone through a huge remodel and everyone that I spoke to around the place that were regulars at the place talked about how nice it had become of late.

Tropicana

Big Island resident and famous comedian Roseanne Barr is currently doing shows at the world famous comedy club the “Laugh Factory” at 7pm on many nights.  We went later in the evening and caught some other comics that had us laughing pretty hard.

Laugh Factory

Of course most folks tend to gamble in Vegas and I have to say the Tropicana dealers were especially kind to me.  Especially a dealer named “Tracey S.” that actually seemed more interested in peoples life’s then just bringing in money to the resort.  She really tried her best to explain the game clearly to those that were not very experienced at it and as someone who has lost money in the past do to some sneaky dealers… I appreciate a dealer that is honest about what they are doing!

Chips

They are still in the process of remodeling a restaurant that I have heard will become a buffet.  The pool at the Tropicana has consistently been ranked as one of the top pools on the strip.

Tropicana Pool

I got an excellent rate at the place because my friend had a bunch of rooms reserved under his name for his bachelor party so I’m glad I didn’t have to spend a lot for my rooms, however, when I looked at what the price of the rooms would have cost me… it was pretty reasonable for the time of the year and the location on the strip.

I did pretty good at the tables and I figure that after all of my expenses including airfare, hotel, food and entertainment… I came out about $600.00 bucks ahead for five days.  The real joy was spending time with folks I hadn’t seen in a long time… that was priceless!

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Hawaii Department of Agriculture Inviting Public to Sew Leis to Honor Those Interred at the National Cemetery of the Pacific

Posted on May 13, 2013 by Damon

The Hawaii Department of Agriculture (HDOA) is inviting the public, from keiki to kupuna, to come and sew locally grown flowers to honor those interred at the National Cemetery of the Pacific at Punchbowl and the State Veterans’ Cemetery in Kaneohe.

HDOA’s Plant Quarantine Branch will open its doors on: Saturday, May 25, 2013, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Made with Aloha

HDOA will provide thousands of locally grown flowers and the lei-making supplies.  Backyard flowers are also welcome!

“The long-standing tradition that honors our veterans holds greater Aloha when the lei is made with our local flowers,” said Russell S. Kokubun, chairperson of the Hawaii Board of Agriculture. “Over the past years, many Hawaii flower growers have gone out of business due to competition from foreign growers.  When we talk about sustainability, it doesn’t just mean food security, it also includes the preservation of traditions and cultural aspects that make our community thrive.”

Finished lei will be taken to the Oahu veterans’ cemeteries to be placed on the graves by local scouting organizations the following day.  More than 50,000 lei are needed to honor every grave.

“We have ordered thousands of plumeria, tuberose, orchids and other lei flowers and foliage,” said Carol Okada, manager of the Plant Quarantine Branch.  “We need to turn the tide and replace imported flowers with local flowers and the more people get that message, the stronger Hawaii’s floriculture industry can become.”

HDOA is working in coordination with the City and County of Honolulu, which is responsible for the Memorial Day ceremonies at Punchbowl.  City lei queens will make a special appearance at the event.

There will also be lei-making demonstrations and educational displays.  The event also ties into the Buy Local, It Matters campaign, which encourages consumers to purchase locally grown produce and products whenever possible.

“If you don’t know how to sew a lei, we will have people available to teach you,” said Okada.  “We feel it’s a really nice way to honor our veterans as well as showcase Hawaii blossoms.”

The public may also drop off flowers at the Plant Quarantine Branch earlier in the week if they are not able to attend on May 25.

 

Plant Quarantine Branch, 1849 Auiki St., near Sand Island Free parking! Free Buy Local, It Matters giveaways!

Plant Quarantine Branch, 1849 Auiki St., near Sand Island
Free parking! Free Buy Local, It Matters giveaways!

 

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“Mad Men” and “Saturday Night Live” Stars Shine on Hawaii Island at the 2013 Big Island Film Festival

Posted on May 9, 2013 by Damon

From sinister to seriously funny, this year’s Big Island Film Festival (BIFF) celebrity honorees bring some of the best talent in television to Hawaii over Memorial Day Weekend.  Vincent Kartheiser, “Pete Campbell” on the award-winning drama “Mad Men,” will appear in person, as will Kate McKinnon, featured player on the legendary “Saturday Night Live,” known for hilarious impressions of Ann Romney, Ellen DeGeneres and Penelope Cruz.

and Kate McGinnon

Vincent Kartheiser and Kate McKinnon

Named after Vincent van Gogh, Kartheiser began acting as a teen, in “Untamed Heart” with Marissa Tomei.  His many film credits include “Little Big League,” “Ironwill” and “Another Day in Paradise” with James Woods and Melanie Griffith.  Most recently he appeared in the sci-fi thriller “In Time” with Justin Timberlake.  On television, Kartheiser starred in Joss Whedon’s “Angel,” and has guest-starred in numerous other series including “ER” and “The Cleveland Show,” before joining the skyrocketing success of Mat Weiner’s “Mad Men” on AMC.

Kate McKinnon joined the cast of “Saturday Night Live” last April and has cracked up fans with creatively wacky characters and killer celebrity impressions ever since, one of which earned an invitation to “The Ellen Degeneres Show” last month.  McKinnon also earned a spot on Forbes’  “30 Under 30” list for 2012.  Prior to “SNL,” McKinnon performed with numerous at the Upright Citizens’ Brigade Theatre, becoming beloved by the New York comedy community for the three one-woman shows she wrote and performed at the UCB: “Disenchanted,” “Best Actress” and “Kate McKinnon On Ice.”

BIFF 2013 celebrity events:

  • Friday, May 24, 5-6:30 p.m., “Meet the Stars: Aloha Hollywood” reception in the Kilohana Room.  $75 VIP admission includes The Fairmont Orchid’s elegant “Legacy Menu” pupus, Kenwood wines and other beverages.  Or—new this year—the “Paparazzi Pass” at $15 invites the public to bring cameras and watch for photo ops as celebrities and filmmakers arrive on the red carpet, then mingle with the stars, and enjoy a no-host bar.  Party-goers are encouraged to dress up in aloha wear and join in the fun of celebrity buzz and Hollywood style “Aloha glam.”
  • Saturday, May 25, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Reception & Salute to Kate McKinnon, starring chef’s select Asian appetizers, Moo Shu duck station and desserts, like fruit “sashimi,” mango nigiri and chocolate chopstick matcha torte.  After the reception, Brian Kohne will talk story with Kate in a one-of-a-kind interview and Q&A.  $35, advance tickets required.
  • Sunday, May 26 4:30-6:30 p.m., Reception & Salute to Vincent Kartheiser, with a “Mad Men” theme:  mini Beef Wellingtons and Oysters Rockefeller, “Dr. Arnold Rosen and Sylvia’s” cheese fondue and Baked Alaska.  Video career retrospective and personal interview with Vincent to follow.  $35, advance tickets required.
  • Monday, May 27, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Golden Honu Awards Brunch in the Kilohana Room.  $50 per person, reservations required.  Posh buffet brunch, Awards presentations and announcement of the Audience Choice films that will be screened at Best of the Fest Monday evening.

The Big Island “Talk Story” Film Festival is a celebration of independent narrative films and filmmaking, taking place May 23-27, 2013.  Major sponsors include The Fairmont Orchid, Hawai‘i and The Shops at Mauna Lani and Hawaii Tourism Authority/Hawai‘i County CPEP.

For complete schedule information and tickets, visit www.BigIslandFilmFestival.com or call (808) 883-0394.

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Video: Jumping Off the Stratosphere in Las Vegas

Posted on May 9, 2013 by Damon

So last night me and some friends at a bachelor party jumped off the Stratosphere in Las Vegas with “SkyJump Las Vegas“.

Stratosphere Here is the video of my jump:

I’ve skydived with SkyDive Hawaii five times so I’ve kind of gotten over the fear of heights.

The Stratosphere

Here is the video of John Evich’s jump. (The Bachelor)

I got a certificate from the place after I jumped and the last part of it reads:

“This certificate also entitles the SkyJumper to a lifetime immunity from being called chicken, scaredy cat, wimp and any other monikers that might imply less than crazy brave.  Any embarrassing screams or loss of bodily fluids will forever remain under SkyJumper/SkyJump Las Vegas privilege.”

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Puna Man Arrested for Multiple Offenses Including Impersonating a Law Enforcement Officer

Posted on May 7, 2013 by Damon

Hawaiʻi Island police have charged a 27-year-old former resident of Pāhoa with several offenses stemming from incidents that occurred in the Puna District last weekend.

Phillip Jon Richardson

Phillip Jon Richardson

On May 4, at 8:05 pm, Phillip Jon Richardson, who has no permanent address, was arrested at a home on 18th Avenue in Hawaiian Paradise Park. The 28-year-old female victim reported that as she was dropping off a relative at the residence, the suspect opened her car door, identified himself as a police officer and demanding the car keys. The victim said that the suspect grabbed her and was forcibly trying to pull her out of the vehicle in an attempt to take the vehicle. During the confrontation, another relative in the same vehicle used his cell phone to call 911. However, the suspect removed the phone from the 76-year-old victim before he could complete the call.

The 28-year-old victim managed to call a 29-year-old man on her cell phone to ask for assistance. As he arrived at the property, the suspect then attempted to enter the 29-year-old man’s vehicle. When he was unable to do so, the suspect reached into the vehicle, grabbing the victim’s arm and attempted to open the vehicle’s door. The suspect reportedly left the scene in a pickup truck.

A short time later, police received a report of a pickup truck ramming into a house on 17th Avenue, causing damage to the wooden structure. A 36-year-old female occupant of the residence told police that the male driver exited the truck and was seen entering her house through a window. As police arrived in the area, the pickup truck was observed fleeing the scene. The suspect abandoned the truck and fled on foot into the bushes. The victim discovered that a safe had been stolen from the house and a parked vehicle on the property had been entered with items removed.

During the investigation, police also received a report from a 63-year-old man from 1st Avenue, who informed police that while in his house, a pickup truck pulled into his property and the male suspect forced his way into the victim’s home and removed a computer before fleeing the area.

No one was seriously injured during these crimes.

Richardson was being held in the police cellblock while detectives from the Area I Criminal Investigations Section continued the investigation.

At 7 p.m. Monday (May 6), after conferring with prosecutors, detectives charged Richardson with two counts of second-degree attempted robbery, one count of phone ripping, one count of impersonating a law enforcement officer, two counts of first-degree burglary, one count of first-degree unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle, one count of fourth-degree criminal property damage and one count of resisting an order to stop. Richardson’s bail was set at $83,000. He was scheduled to make his initial court appearance Tuesday afternoon (May 7).

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Big Island Police Investigating Puna Road Rage Incident

Posted on May 2, 2013 by Damon

Hawaiʻi Island police are investigating an unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle case stemming from a road rage incident in Puna on Monday (April 29).

HPDBadgeAfter a traffic dispute around 6:45 p.m., the driver of a blue Honda sedan hurled objects at the victim’s car and forced it onto the shoulder of Highway 130 near the 4-mile marker. The suspect then reached into the victim’s vehicle and assaulted him.

The victim was driving a Champagne colored Honda sedan and heading toward Pāhoa.

Anyone who witnessed this incident or who has any information about this case is asked to call Officer Jenny Lee at 965-2716 or the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 935-3311.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.

 

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“Three Wise Monkeys” Campaign to Raise Awareness About Viral Hepatitis

Posted on May 2, 2013 by Damon

The Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH) in collaboration with Hep Free Hawaii is joining the global “Three Wise Monkeys” campaign to raise awareness about viral hepatitis both worldwide and within local communities. The three-month campaign which also includes in-language bus ads and radio spots on KNDI runs from May through July and coincides with National Hepatitis Testing Day on May 20, 2013, and World Hepatitis Day on July 28, 2013. Both of these annual events are intended to raise awareness and support improvements in prevention, diagnosis and treatment for people living with chronic viral hepatitis B and C.

Three Wise Monkeys

The overall theme for World Hepatitis Day 2013 is “See no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil,” as represented by the three wise monkeys, an old proverb that is commonly used to highlight how people often deal with problems by refusing to acknowledge them. The monkeys were chosen for the campaign to highlight that around the world and in Hawaii hepatitis is still being largely ignored.

According to the World Hepatitis Alliance, “We are calling for people to uncover their senses and confront the realities of hepatitis.” “Often called the silent epidemic, most people with hepatitis B or C don’t have symptoms for many years,” stated Loretta Fuddy, DOH Director of Health. “People with hepatitis B and C shouldn’t wait until they feel sick to be tested because there are many things, including treatment, they can do to take care of themselves before they become ill. The earlier people know they have hepatitis, the better the outcome.”

According to DOH Immunization Branch estimates, 1 to 3 percent of people in Hawaii have hepatitis B, and approximately 23,000 are living with hepatitis C. Hepatitis B and C are the most common known causes of liver cancer in Hawaii, and Hawaii has the highest rate of liver cancer in the United States.

Hepatitis B and C are spread through contact with blood and body fluids. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that anyone who has been exposed to blood through needle use, blood transfusion, non-sterile equipment, or tattooing should be tested for both hepatitis B and C. Anyone born in a country with high rates of hepatitis B, especially countries in Asia and the Pacific, should be screened for hepatitis B.

Three Wise Monkeys 2

Anyone born from 1945 to 1965 (“baby boomers”) should also get a one-time test for hepatitis C, regardless of any known risk. To join the campaign and take a photo with the three wise monkeys, contact Thaddeus Pham at thaddeus.pham@doh.hawaii.gov or (808) 733-9298. To follow the monkeys on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or for more information about hepatitis resources and events in Hawaii, go to www.hepfreehawaii.org.

Photos will also be shared on the DOH Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/HawaiiDOH

 

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DLNR Seeks Tips From Public On Theft of Solar Panels & Other Items at MacKenzie State Park

Posted on May 2, 2013 by Damon

Comfort station will be closed indefinitely until replacements, security measures are in place

The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is seeking tips from the public that may help enforcement officers identify persons who stole solar panels and other items from MacKenzie State Recreation Area in Puna district this past weekend.

mckenzie

DLNR’s Division of State Parks has been conducting ongoing improvements at MacKenzie State Recreation Area since early this year that include a new composting comfort station and parking area near the camping sites and road repairs and improvements. Park improvements were to be completed this month.

Unfortunately, this past weekend (April 27-28), the new comfort station sustained property damage and theft of the newly installed solar panels and electrical equipment to operate the composting toilets. As a result, the new comfort station will be closed indefinitely to ensure the completion of repairs and installation of replacements, and security improvements are made.

Some of the items that were stolen are part of a sewage containment system and not of much value to those that have taken them because of the specialized nature of the parts.

It is not yet known how long it will take to find replacement parts and components of the stolen and damaged facilities.

Hawaii County Police Department and DLNR DOCARE enforcement officers are investigating. Estimates on the value of items stolen are pending. Anyone with information about the theft of items is asked to call the DOCARE branch office in Hilo at (808) 974-6208.

MacKenzie State Recreation Area, covering 13.1 acres, is located on Kalapana-Kapono Beach Road (Highway 137), 9 miles northeast of Kaimu. It is a low-cliffed, wild volcanic coastline with picnicking and tent camping in an ironwood grove and known for good shore fishing. An old Hawaiian coastal trail traverses the park. The park has restrooms, camping area, trash cans, but no water and is open daily during daylight hours. There is no entrance fee.

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Hawaii State Senate Statement Regarding House Bill 622 – (Journalism Shield Law)

Posted on May 1, 2013 by Damon

capital

“Passing the amendment without consulting with the other chamber affirmatively kills the bill.  The draft that was passed out of conference in the form of HB622, HD1, SD1, CD1 continued the additional protections of a shield law above and beyond what is provided by Hawaii’s constitution for the press.

The floor amendment presented a very substantive change to the conference draft that was agreed upon by the House and Senate conferees. Every draft of the bill up until that point sought to make the shield law permanent.  To introduce such a substantive change, moments before the Senate began its floor session, lacked the transparency and openness that the public expects and deserves. “

-Senate Majority Leader Brickwood Galuteria

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Commentary – Dear Legislators “Video on Frankenstein Bill”

Posted on April 26, 2013 by Damon
Dear Legislators:
I am seeing quite a few bills that don’t meet the standards of an open and accessible government.
HB 252 Frankenstein
Such as, SB252 which unrelated language was inserted without notice or discussion.
Here is my view on this practice.  Enjoy the video.

Frankenstein Bill from Jonas William on Vimeo.

SB 252

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All-Star Ensemble Cast for New Hawaii’i-Based Film: “The Fishing Club”

Posted on April 25, 2013 by Damon

Zippo Film Productions announced that it will begin production of a new made-in-Hawai‘i narrative festival film, led by award-winning director David Rosen and starring an ensemble cast of Hawaii’s top talent including KITV4 Sports Director Robert Kekaula and musical artist and kumu hula Keali‘i Reichel.  Filming is scheduled to begin in May on Oahu, with a world premier planned for later this year, and film festival tour to follow.

Keali'i Reichel and Robert Kekaula

Keali’i Reichel and Robert Kekaula

In “The Fishing Club” a group of longtime fishing buddies hatch a plan to save their favorite fishing spot from development.  When outside forces come into play, events start to spin out of control and the Fishing Club’s members have to question not only their plans, but their own, and each other’s, personal motives and kuleana.

One of Hawaii’s premier directors, Rosen (Shooters Film Production) is known for his visual storytelling style which has helped create successful marketing campaigns and garnered numerous local and national awards, including Hawaii’s 2010 Advertising Man of the Year.  With him, Shooters Executive Producer Darrin Kaneshiro brings key organizational skills and 20 years of production storytelling to the quality film project.

In addition to Kekaula and Reichel, the cast includes veteran actor Allan Okubo, who began his career in “Magnum P.I.” and appeared recently in “You May Not Kiss the Bride.”  Fellow “Bride” actor Theo Coumbis has also played roles in iconic TV series from “Fantasy Island” to “Lost” and “Hawaii Five-0.”  And, musical theatre actress-singer Mary Gutzi performed in “Les Miserables” and “CATS” in New York, and most recently, the television military drama “Last Resort.”

A serious story with a sense of humor, “The Fishing Club” is based on short fiction written by Hawai‘i Island author Catherine Tarleton in the 1990’s, though its themes, and its questions, are alive and well today.  Executive Producer Dana Hankins of Redhead Productions selected the story from entries written for the Honolulu Magazine Fiction Contest , as with previous short films, “The Lemon Tree Billiards House” with Ray Bumatai, “Dancing with the Long Bone” (Henry Kapono and Karen Keawehawaii), and “True Love and Mimosa Tea” (Tamlyn Tomita and Elizabeth Lindsey).  Hankins also produced the award-winning short film “Chief,” which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.

For more information, follow The Fishing Club Movie on Facebook or visit www.thefishingclubmovie.com

The Fishing Club

 

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A Bad Day at the Pahoa Post Office – Car Goes Postal!

Posted on April 15, 2013 by Damon

A bad day at the “Post” Office:

Post Office Truck 1

The owner of this truck thought he was in reverse… but he was actually in drive!

Post Office Truck 2

This accident happened about 1:30 this afternoon blocking off the access to the Pahoa Post Office from Main Government Road.Post Office Truck 3

It didn’t look like anyone was injured and the guy just seemed a bit embarrassed!Post Office Truck 4

Filed under: Big Island, Comedy, Hawaii, Idiots, Pahoa, Transportation | Tagged: | 1 Comment »

Wordless Wednesday – Deadly Game in Hawaii

Posted on April 10, 2013 by Damon

This video titled “Deadly Game in Hawaii” was uploaded to YouTube today:

Deadly Game
With all of the drownings that we have been having recently… some folks still won’t get the message that the ocean is NOT THEIR PLAYGROUND!

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2013 Big Island Film Festival Announces Official Selections

Posted on April 3, 2013 by Damon

Now in its 8th year, the Big Island Film Festival has announced 54 Official Selections for 2013, to be screened May 23-27 at The Fairmont Orchid, Hawai‘i and The Shops at Mauna Lani.  The “talk story” film festival is a celebration of narrative films and filmmaking, with free family films, nightly double features for grown-ups with gourmet food and no-host bar, and “meet-the-stars” celebrity social events.

BIFF2013

Notable selections include the inter-cultural romance “Chasing Shakespeare” starring Danny Glover.  Continuing the legend of their ancestral Lightning Clan, a Native American family sends a talented daughter to reach for her destiny on Broadway.

“Home,” with Gbenga Akinnagbe (“The Good Wife”) follows a mentally-ill father on the slippery path to recovery and re-connection with his son.  The film’s ensemble cast includes Emmy-winning actor James McDaniel (“NYPD Blue”).  The short film “Liberator” stars Lou Ferrigno as a washed-up super hero dealing with his past, and co-stars Ed Asner.

Top contenders from Hawai‘i State and Island include “Strange Frame” by G.B. Hajim, Island Planet One Productions (East Hawai‘i).  This animated sci-fi romance won Best Feature at the Dragon Con Independent Film Festival, with the famous voices of Claudia Black, Tara Strong, Ron Glass, Tim Curry, Alan Tudyk, Michael Dorn and George Takei, to name a few.  On the opposite end of the spectrum, a slice-of-life drama, “The Land of Eb,” directed by Andrew Williamson, tells a touching story of Marshallese coffee workers in today’s South Kona.

Another Big Island film, “Bullitt and the Mystery o the Devil’s Root” is an island adventure,  produced, acted, and directed by Kona filmmakers Richard Gonzalez and Rockwood, with Shawn Lathrop, Darrin “DC” Carlson, Mary Croix, and a great ’68 Mustang.  In “Parts of the Same Circle,” the Honolulu team of Eric Nemoto and Denny Hironaga use intertwining stories and familiar local characters to create a kaleidoscopic (at times very funny) look at life and death in Hawai‘i.  And, from the Marshall Islands, Jack Niedenthal’s “The Sound of Crickets at Night” summons a mysterious ancient deity to reunite a Bikini Atoll elder with his family.

On Thursday, May 23 at 7:30 p.m., BIFF’s Grand Opening at The Shops at Mauna Lani will include a free sampler of movies with seven short films.  One of most unique, the animated film, “Searchlight Serenade: Big Bands in the Japanese American Incarceration Camps,”shares stories from the WWII-era big band musicians and singers who made history with their music.  The entire community is invited to come and welcome filmmakers to the Island.

The Official Selections for BIFF 2013 are:

  • A Perfect Day
  • Balancing Emma
  • Boys Are Us
  • Broken
  • Bullitt and the Mystery of the Devil’s Root
  • Bumsicle
  • Caterpillar’s Kimono
  • Chasing Shakespeare
  • Coffee, God and Gasoline
  • Fight Scene
  • Frame of Mind
  • Gabby’s Wish
  • Good Dog
  • Hangdog
  • Hatch
  • Home
  • Homecoming
  • If I Were A Bell
  • Last Call
  • Liberator
  • Lift
  • Lipstick Lies
  • Lost Dog
  • Monster in Paris
  • Offline
  • Out of Focus
  • Paper
  • Parts of the Same Circle
  • Pervertigo
  • Searchlight Serenade: Big Bands in the Japanese American Incarceration Camps
  • Shoot the Moon
  • Sidewalk Wars
  • Six Letter Word
  • Spaghetti for Two
  • Stenwyken
  • Stigma
  • Strange Frame
  • Sway Away
  • The Assistant
  • The Equestrian
  • The Future
  • The Intruder
  • The Invention
  • The Land of Eb
  • The Lion’s Den
  • The Perfection of Anna
  • The Regret of the Doubt
  • The Sound of Crickets at Night
  • The Spare
  • The Visit
  • Upside Down
  • What if
  • You Got This!
  • Your Place or Mine

A limited number of ballots will be given to audience members during each screening.  Votes are tallied at the end of the festival, to determine the Audience-choice Feature and Short to be screened at Best of the Fest on Monday, May 27.

The Big Island “Talk Story” Film Festival is a celebration of independent narrative films and filmmaking, taking place May 23-27, 2013. Major sponsors include The Fairmont Orchid, Hawai‘i and The Shops at Mauna Lani and Hawai‘i Tourism Authority/Hawai‘i County CPEP.

For complete schedule information and tickets, visit www.BigIslandFilmFestival.com.

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Filed under: aloha, Announcements, Big Island, Comedy, Entertainment, Hawaii, Movies and Film, Tourism | Tagged: , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

Kayaking Near Erupting Lava

Posted on April 2, 2013 by Damon

Well here is an interesting video that was uploaded to YouTube today entitled “Kayaking in Erupting Lava – Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii”:

Kayaking in Lava
They certainly have a lot of guts!

Filed under: Entertainment, Environment, Hawaii, Idiots, Television, Unexplained Phenomenon | Tagged: , , | Leave a Comment »

Flaw in Redistricting Software Means Hawaii County Council Districts to Change Again in 2014

Posted on April 1, 2013 by Damon

The State of Hawaii Reapportionment Commission announced today that there was a flaw in the software that was used in 2011 to draw the Hawaii County District Maps and that a new Redistricting Commission will be selected next month to redraw county districts based on the 2010 Decennial Census Bureau Population Count.

Redistricting

The software used was a ArcGIS platform and pertinent dataset components provided comprehensive features and functionality for plan management, visualization, editing, and community collaboration.

Hawaii County Councilman Dru Kanuha, who was the Redistricting Commission Co-Chair, said “Unfortunately the software was flawed and the data was only recently inputted correctly so the new maps need to be drawn.  We can’t unding a bell and have an entirely new election.”

In establishing the boundaries of the districts, the Hawai‘i Reapportionment Commission gave consideration to the following factors: (a) population deviations from ideal district targets (b) cohesiveness, contiguity, integrity, and compactness of territory, and (c) socio-economic interests of the districts.

Another member of the 2011 Redistricting Commission and current Councilwoman Valerie Poindexter stated, “We did the best we could with the software that we had.  None of us (members of the commission) knew that the software was flawed.”

Fourteen plans were submitted by Advisory Councils or the public prior to July 26, 2011 and were reviewed by the Commission before their proposed plan was published. An additional twelve public plans were received during the public hearing period as well as verbal and written testimony. Congressional, State Senate and State House plans now online are those adopted on March 8, 2012.

Rene Siracusa, who was the Chair of the Commission, stated “It’s unfortunate that this has happened, however, I believe even if we had the correct software, that the current districts that were drawn into place, would still remain the same”

A County Council Meeting to discuss these matters is scheduled for Executive Session later on today, April 1st.

Filed under: Comedy | Tagged: | 1 Comment »

Rocky Horror Picture Show at University of Hawaii Hilo

Posted on March 7, 2013 by Damon

The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Performing Arts Department presents a Senior Project of two performances of the rock musical and science fiction movie spoof, Rocky Horror Picture Show Shadow Cast, Saturday and Sunday, April 6 & 7, at the UH Hilo Old Gym on Kapi`olani Street at 7 p.m.

Rocky Horror Picture Show
Mason Pulgados and Nicole Cowan star as the clean-cut kids Brad Majors and Janet Weiss, who encounter car trouble and stumble upon the laboratory where Dr. Frank-N-Furter, played by Kawai Soares, is in the midst of his maniacal experiments. Also featured is Randal McEndree as Dr. Scott, Bertram Kalani Spain as The Criminologist, along with “live” shadow cast performances.

The show is produced by Denyse Woo-Ockerman, Nicole Cowan and Jin Piper, who also directs. Choreography is provided by Agriculture faculty member Norman Arancon with Musical Direction by Performing Arts music concentration major Christopher Vizzone.

Participation Kits are $10. Tickets are $5 with costume or $8 without costume. All tickets are available at the door or can be purchased in advance by contacting Denyse Woo-Ockerman at 756-5575 or email dwoo.films@gmail.com.

Filed under: Announcements, Big Island, Comedy, Entertainment, Hawaii, UH Hilo, Unexplained Phenomenon | Tagged: , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Toga Party at University of Hawaii Stan Sheriff Center

Posted on February 24, 2013 by Damon

Toga

University of Hawaii Basketball team presents Olympic Toga Night on Thursday Evening, February 28, 2013

Filed under: Announcements, Comedy, Education, Entertainment, Hawaii, Kids, Something New?, Sports, UH, Unexplained Phenomenon | Tagged: , , | Leave a Comment »

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