Mayor Kenoi’s Blog Pacific Business News
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World Wide Ed Pulpconnection
Geez… earlier in the day, I got an e-mail from Thrifty Car Rental telling me I had earned a free day with them:
I tried to redeem it using the online system… and I got booted from their system a few times and finally gave up.
When I got home and opened up my e-mail… I just got the following:
Talk about BOGUS!
Filed under: Legal, Rumors, Tourism, Transportation, Unexplained Phenomenon | Tagged: Blue Chip Rewards, Free Day, Scam, Thrifty Car Rental | 1 Comment »
The Coast Guard is searching for a snorkeler who went missing near Molokini Tuesday evening.
Coast Guard watchstanders in the Sector Honolulu Command Center were notified of the situation at approximately 5:51 p.m., Tuesday, by the sailing vessel Gauguin. The 56-year-old man was snorkeling near Molokini and went missing after he was seen struggling to swim.
The man was last seen at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday wearing a white rash guard, board shorts. He was not wearing a lifejacket.
A 45-foot Response Boat Medium crew from Coast Guard Station Maui in Maalaea Harbor was diverted from a training mission to begin a search. The Maui County Fire Air 1 helicopter assisted in the search until sunset and an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Air Station Barbers Point was also launched to search. The Coast Guard Cutter Ahi is en route to join the search.
The Coast Guard is asking mariners in the area of the Molokini Crater to keep a sharp eye out for the man and to report any sightings to the Coast Guard over VHF marine radio channel 16 or to contact the Sector Honolulu Command Center at (808) 842-2600.
Filed under: Announcements, Hawaii, Missing, Tourism | Tagged: Coast Guard, Molokini, Snorkeling | Leave a Comment »
Two weeks ago at the Fairmont Orchid, Saturday Night Live’s own Kate McKinnon was awarded a “Golden Honu Award” on the third day of the 2013 Big Island Film Festival.
Kate McKinnon and her Golden Honu Award
The third day of the festival began with a Filmmaker Workshop given by Ron Osborn entitled “What’s So Funny?”
Filmmakers talk story
The content of the workshop explored into the fine line that separates comedy and drama, the current market for comedy, and how to approach just about any subject from a comedic standpoint.
The Filmmakers pose for a picture.
The second workshop was on adaptation and finding inspiration in existing stories or events, classic stories, previously filmed stories and making them your own.
Ron Osborn talks to Film Festival Director Leo Sears
If you weren’t interested in the workshops that were going on during the day, there were also films that were being screened throughout the day beginning at 9:00 with “Side Walk Wars”, “The Lion’s Den” and “Stenwyken”.
The other films that played on Saturday were “Lost Dog”, “Broken”, “Out of Focus”, “Hatch”, “Lipstick Lies”, “Bumsicle”, “What If?”, “Balancing Emma”, “Homecoming” and “Boys Are Us”
At 4:30 a reception began for Kate McKinnon where the public was allowed to mingle with her, talk story with her agents and take pictures with her.
Big Island Photographer Kirk Aeder, Kate McKinnon and Filmmaker GB Hajim pose for the camera
Food was catered by the Fairmont Orchid and consisted of a Moo Shu Duck Station and a dessert bar.
I can honestly say I’m not a duck eater but this was pretty good!
Of course I wasn’t going to pass up on the desserts!
After folks ate their food people moved from the Wailana Garden into the theater where the reception and salute to McKinnon continued with a one-on-one interview with Hawaii Filmmaker Brian “Get A Job” Kohne.
McKinnon talks about her career with Brian Kohne
I had to leave early the next morning, however, on Sunday a reception and salute was also held for Vincent Kartheiser of the TV show “Mad Men” amongst other things.
Big Island Musician RJ Kaneao and Actor Vincent Kartheiser
Filed under: aloha, Announcements, Big Island, Comedy, Hawaii, Kohala, Movies and Film, Television, Tourism | Tagged: Big Island Film Festival, Golden Honu Award, Kate McKinnon, RJ Kaneao, Saturday Night Live, Vincent Kartheiser | Leave a Comment »
The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Office of Consumer Protection announced Thursday that it joined in a multi-state, multi-national law enforcement initiative, coordinated by the Federal Trade Commission, to combat deceptive travel promoters.
The state wants consumers to be alert to unscrupulous promoters tricking consumers into purchasing deeply discounted or “free” vacation packages or future travel-related products or services supposedly worth thousands of dollars.
However, most consumers are required to attend lengthy high-pressure sales presentations and often receive nothing of value after paying thousands of dollars in fees.
Thursday’s announcement coincides with the announcement of more than 80 civil enforcement actions by the FTC and 28 states; more than 58 criminal prosecutions brought by U.S. attorneys nationwide and local law enforcement agencies; and 24 enforcement actions by international law enforcement agencies in eight countries.
To protect themselves against deceptive travel offers, Bruce Kim, Executive Director of the Office of Consumer Protection, advises consumers look out for these warning signs:
“Before signing anything, check the company out with the BBB or the DCCA for consumer complaints against the company. You should ask to see the company’s written cancellation policy and ask a lot of questions, including that they put all their promises in writing before you agree to anything,” Kim said.
Consumers are also advised to consider making travel arrangements through licensed travel agents. They will provide more protection from scams, and they earn their commissions through the business that consumers patronize, not the individual consumer.
If anyone believes he or she has been a victim of deceptive sales practices, please contact the DCCA’s Consumer Resource Center at 587-4272 and file a complaint.
Visit FTC.gov/travel to learn more about travel scams.
The Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Office of Consumer Protection is responsible for reviewing, investigating and prosecuting allegations of unfair or deceptive trade practices in consumer transactions. It has jurisdiction over a wide range of businesses and commercial activities.
Filed under: aloha, Announcements, Economy, Education, Hawaii, Idiots, Legal, National Affairs, Rumors, Security, State Affairs, Tourism, Transportation | Tagged: Better Business Bureau, Credit Card Number, Deceptive Travel Promoters, Federal Trade Commission, Free Vacation, Robocall, Travel Scams, United States Department of Commerce | Leave a Comment »
Australia TODAY Show’s globe trotting weather presenter Steve Jacobs, will head over to the beautiful Hawaiian summer for an outside broadcast of the weather on the Nine Network, commencing Monday 3rd of June.
Steve Jacobs
TODAY will be broadcasting live from three of Hawaii’s most stunning islands, highlighting the diversity of experiences and landscapes, particularly lesser known hidden treasures on the neighbour islands of Kauai and Hawai’i Island, otherwise known as the Big Island.
On Monday the 3rd of June and Tuesday 4th of June, TODAY will discover the Big Island. Segments will show off one of the highlights of a trip to Hawai’i Island with a visit to Volcanoes National Park and a spectacular boat tour to see lava from Hawaii’s only active volcano spill into the ocean.
When I went out on the LavaKai
Next he will tick something else off the bucket list with an opportunity to snorkel and swim with the majestic manta rays in Keauhou Bay.
Kaua’i will be the island on everyone’s lips on Wednesday and Thursday when viewers will be in awe of the natural beauty and diversity of the island. From the depths of Waimea Canyon, to the magnificent cliffs of the Napali Coast and picturesque location of Hanalei Bay, it is no wonder this island has been chosen as a film location for many of Hollywood’s blockbuster movies.
Finally on Friday, Steve will be saying ‘Aloha’ to the familiar face of Waikiki Beach on Oahu, the gateway to the Hawaiian Islands. Steve will be based at the iconic Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa and partaking in all things Hawaiian, from sampling local food and cultural activities and perhaps even hanging loose on the waves of Waikiki if the surf is up.
Helen Williams from Hawai’i Tourism Oceania said “With the growing number of Australians visiting Hawai’i, we wanted to take this amazing opportunity to showcase not only the better known Island of Oahu but two of our very unique Neighbour Islands, Kauai and Hawaii Island. We hope that this exposure will provide more Australians with a compelling reason to visit Oahu plus at least one Neighbour Island when next they travel to Hawaii.” Said Williams
“Awareness of and travel to all six of our Hawaiian islands has been continually growing and with an increase in capacity due to new flights from Brisbane and Melbourne, we want to encourage first time and repeat visitors to see all our Islands. The partnership with Network Nines’ Today Show will showcase a sample of the fun things to see and do when visiting the Islands of Hawaii as well as provide viewers with a taste of Aloha and we would like to say ‘Mahalo’ ( thankyou) to our partners, Hawaiian Airlines and Starwood hotels for helping make this happen.” continued Williams.
The TODAY Show Hawai’i segments will be on air nationally each day from 5.30am – 9am from Monday 3rd – Friday 7th of June.
Live Broadcasts will be from following locations;
Monday June 3- Kahua Ranch- North Kohala, Hawai’i Island
Tuesday June 4- Sheraton Kona Resort and Spa at Keauhou Bay, Hawai’i Island
Wednesday June 5- Smith’s Tropical Paradise Garden Luau at Wailua, Kauai Island
Thursday June 6 – St Regis Princeville Resort
Friday June 7- Moana Surfrider, a Westin Spa and Resort
Filed under: aloha, Announcements, Big Island, Hawaii, Oahu, Television, Tourism | Tagged: Australia Today Show, Australia Today Show in Hawaii, Hawaii, Steve Jacobs, Steve Jacobs in Hawaii | Leave a Comment »
Last week at the Fairmont Orchid over on the Kohala Coast, the 2013 Big Island Film Festival took place.
The South Tower at the Fairmont Orchid
On the second day of the festival the morning began with a “Filmmaker Orientation and Talk Story” held with Big Island Film Commissioner John Mason and Big Island Film Festival Director and Founder Leo Sears.
Filmmakers talk to to John Mason and Leo Sears
Sears and Mason talked about how the Big Island was an ideal place to make movies and how the festival was run amongst other things. After the orientation and talk story, the daytime films that were scheduled were shown.
Films shown were “Coffee, God & Gasoline” “Caterpillar’s Kimono” “Hangdog” “Last Call” “Shoot the Moon” “Stigma” and “If I Were a Bell”.
One of the many waterfalls at the Fairmont
I went back to my room and relaxed for a bit before the evening events began. They added a day to the festival this year and with that came a new event.
A chocolate film reel
At 5:00 in one of the Fairmont’s Ballrooms, the public was invited to meet and take pictures with celebrities and filmmakers on hand at an event dubbed “Meet the Stars: Aloha Hollywood”.
The Paparazzi!
Some of the celebrities that were on hand were Brad Turell from Paradigm Agency, Kate McKinnon from Saturday Night Live and Hollywood Story Consultant Jennifer Grisanti among others.
Brad Turell, Kate McKinnon and Jennifer Grisanti
Screenwriter Ron Osborn (Night Court, The West Wing, Duckman, Meet Joe Black, etc.) and Vincent Kartheiser (Mad Men, Little Big League, Iron Will, Indian in the Cupboard, etc) were also was on hand to take pictures and talk to the general public.
Veteran Screenwriter Ron Osborn, Vincent Kartheiser and Jennifer Grisanti.
And of course there was food and wine provided by Kenwood Vineyards.
Fried Ahi Panko Rolls
Lobster Rolls
Dessert Bar
After the event, folks headed to either the Shops at Mauna Lani for free family films that included “The Invention” and “Upside Down, or folks headed to the Plantation Estate for the Festival films where folks watched “Home”, “A Perfect Day” and “The Land of Eb”.
The “hidden” hot tub
I myself ended up taking a late night soak in the Fairmont’s “Hidden” hot tub.
Filed under: aloha, Announcements, Big Island, Food & Drink, Hawaii, Movies and Film, Television, Tourism | Tagged: 2013 Big Island Film Festival, Big Island Film Festival, Fairmont Orchid Hawaii, Jennifer Grisanti, Kate McKinnon, Ron Osborn, Vincent Kartheiser | Leave a Comment »
Permits now available with specific conditions for recreational vessels
The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of State Parks is taking the next step to restore additional public recreational access to the waters of Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park (KBSHP) after imposing a moratorium that began January 2, 2013 on all vessels entering the bay and all landing at Ka‘awaloa. Swimming and snorkeling have continuously been allowed in the bay without permits.
Taking a phased approach, State Parks in January began issuing permits to commercial and non-commercial vessels to merely transit the bay entering from an outside location (no landing of passengers on land allowed – only swimming in the water). Next, in April and May, the division authorized the three previously permitted commercial kayak guided tour companies to resume operations with strict permit conditions.
State Parks has now begun issuing special use permits – with specific use conditions — for the non-commercial recreational use of crafts such as kayaks, stand-up paddle boards and one-person canoes in the waters of Kealakekua Bay. There is no cost to these permits. Many of these users have been contacting the department for months to ask when they could resume their personal recreational hobby to paddle in the bay.
“Mahalo to those of you who have waited patiently as DLNR grappled with a variety of strategies and legal evaluations that were necessary to restore both a quality experience and provide enhanced resource protection to Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park,” said William J. Aila, Jr., DLNR chairman.
“Due to the legal complexity of changing management of the water from our Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation to the Division of State Parks, with different sets of administrative rules, more time than we anticipated has been needed to allow for various stages of public vessel access to waters of the bay to resume,” Aila said. “DLNR will continue to evaluate all vessel and public behavior and magnitude and determine, as needed, if further changes and conditions are warranted.”
Special use permits are now being issued for non-commercial, personal use of primarily paddle vessels, subject to a set of eight conditions:
1. No launching or landing of vessels from the wharf at Napo‘opo‘o landing.
2. No landing or transporting of people to land or to traverse any of the land at Ka‘awaloa Flats.
3. No launching or deployment of any auxiliary vessels from the permitted vessel. Swimmers are allowed in the water but not to access Ka‘awaloa Flats.
4. Motorized vessels are to operate at a “no wake” speed.
5. There shall be no damage to any live coral, or tampering or interfering with other marine life and mammals. All legal distances are to be maintained from marine mammals.
6. If an emergency landing is required on land within KBSHP, the DLNR Hawai‘i State Park Office must be notified within 24 hours of the landing and report the nature of the emergency and the need to land.
7. These conditions may be subject to change due to resource management decisions.
8. Violation of any of these permit conditions may cause the revocation of the permit
Special use permit request forms may be obtained by e-mailing DSP Permit Staff at Jacqueline.M.Velasco@hawaii.gov
Background:
Years of unmanaged proliferation of rental kayak use and the illegal commercial rentals of kayaks from historic Napo‘opo‘o wharf and landings at Ka‘awaloa Flats have impacted marine life in Kealakekua Bay and historic resources at Ka‘awaloa Flats. Unsustainable high numbers of unregulated traffic and the overall aesthetic degradation of the quality of experience in this culturally significant historic area led to the Department of Land and Natural Resources to determine it was time to implement a moratorium “time out” in order to rest the resources while better management actions could be developed.
Filed under: Announcements, Big Island, Environment, Hawaii, Kona, Legal, State Affairs, Tourism | Tagged: Division of State Parks, Hawai'i Department of Land and Natural Resources, Kealakekua Bay | Leave a Comment »
“Hula Arts at Kilauea” program erupting in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Volcano Art Center is about to turn up the heat at Kilauea Volcano. Starting this Friday, May 24 and running monthly through August, “Sunset Hula” performances by Halau Kahula O Nawahine Noho Pu`ukapu will light up the pa hula (stone platform) near the VAC Gallery in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanos, has been continuously erupting lava and thrilling visitors and park staff following a major activity surge in March 2008. A vigorous, towering plume of volcanic gas churns out of Halema’uma’u Crater throughout the day and as the sun sets, the plume’s reflection of the lava glowing below sets the twilight sky on fire. This nightly occurrence draws a huge audience to the best viewing areas surrounding the Jaggar Museum, where the fiery phenomena can be enjoyed with all five senses.
Four evenings this summer, Volcano Art Center (VAC) aspires to enhance the lava glow experience by introducing a special hula performance just before sunset. The following dates and times were chosen specifically for their closeness to the full moon cycle and actual sunset: May 24 at 6:00pm, June 21 at 6:00pm, July 26 at 6:30pm, August 23 at 6:15pm.
Hula is widely recognized as one of the most treasured elements of Hawaiian cultural heritage. VAC has made an intentional effort since 1980 to perpetuate the ancient art of hula kahiko, welcoming an extensive variety of halau (troupes) and kumu hula (teachers) to share their dramatic portrayals of hula through dance, oli (chant) and mele (song).
“We are thrilled to have the dancers of Halau Kahula O Nawahine Noho Pu`ukapu performing under the direction of kumu hula Ana Nawahine Kahoopii,” states Julie Callahan, VAC’s Hula Program Coordinator. “Their movement is pure poetry come to life.”
This inspired outdoor presentation will take place rain or shine, and the audience is encouraged to bring a sitting mat, dress in warm, layered clothing, and come prepared for inclement weather. Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service should call (808) 967-8222 or email julie@volcanoartcenter.org.
“Sunset Hula” is the latest addition to VAC’s expanding “Hula Arts at Kilauea” program, supported in part by the County of Hawaii Department of Research and Development and the Hawaii Tourism Authority. All events are free, though donations are welcome and park entrance fees apply. For more information on Hula programs through Volcano Art Center, visit volcanohula.com.
Volcano Art Center (VAC) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1974 to develop, promote and perpetuate the artistic, cultural and environmental heritage of Hawaii’s people through the arts and education.
Filed under: aloha, Announcements, Big Island, Education, Entertainment, Hawaii, Hawaiian, Tourism | Tagged: Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Hawaii Tourism Authority, Hula Arts at Kilauea | Leave a Comment »
go! Hawaii’s Low Fare Airline announced today that it will offer space-available accommodations at no cost for Pacific Wings ticket holders affected by the carrier’s shutdown.
Jonathan Ornstein, go!’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented “We have always been committed to helping the people of Hawaii get where they need to go, and we will do everything we can to support Pacific Wings passengers and minimize any inconvenience and disruption.” Passengers that show a printed confirmation of a Pacific Wings booking at the go! ticket counter may fly standby at no cost on their original scheduled day of departure and route.
This offer applies for routes served by go! operated jet flights, and does not include flights operated by Mokulele Airlines. Please see www.iflygo.com/pacificwings for details.
About go! Airlines
go! Airlines is celebrating 7 years of bringing low fares on the most popular routes within the state of Hawai‘i. Since 2006, the airline has been dedicated to bring inter-island air travel to the people of Hawai‘i with convenient routes for kama‘aina. go! passengers fly in the comfort of the airline’s all jet fleet and enjoy true island-style hospitality. To book your tickets visit iflygo.com.
Filed under: aloha, Announcements, Hawaii, State Affairs, Tourism, Transportation | Tagged: Go! Airlines, Pacific Wings | Leave a Comment »
The beloved Volcano House will fully reopen on the rim of Kīlauea caldera in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park next month, following a multi-million dollar upgrade and completing yet another chapter in the epic history of this iconic hotel.
NPS Photo by Jay Robinson
Soon, guests will stroll through the lobby, where polished concrete floors of deep jade have been restored to their 1940s luster, and into the Grand Lounge. Flames from the original lava rock fireplace will warm the lobby and cast flickering light upon the imposing bronze of volcano goddess Pele, sculpted by Honolulu artist Marguerite Blassingame. A few more steps will reveal an expansive, comfortably appointed sitting room with spectacular views of Kīlauea and fuming Halema‘uma‘u Crater beyond large picture glass windows.
While temporary shelters on Kīlauea predate the 1824 grass hut built by Chiefess Kapi‘olani and her entourage, it was in 1846 that Hilo resident Benjamin Pitman, Sr. built a grass house, and christened it “Volcano House.” The name stuck, and the first substantial wooden structure to welcome guests at Kīlauea was built in 1877. (Eventually, this one-story building was relocated, repurposed, and currently houses the Volcano Art Center). Famed writers Mark Twain, Isabella Bird and Robert Louis Stevenson were among guests in the 1877 building, as were King David Kalākaua, and French microbiologist, Louis Pasteur.
The Volcano House in 1947, a historic landmark overlooking Kīlauea Crater, east side. NPS Photo
In 1895, Greek-born George “Uncle George” Lycurgus acquired the Volcano House, and several structural evolutions ensued, including the construction of an ornate, two-story Victorian-inspired building that served many distinguished guests. Visitors included President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1934 (the first U.S. president to visit Hawai‘i), Amelia Earheart, and Princess Victoria Ka‘iulani.
In 1940, a fire from an oil burner destroyed the Victorian-style Volcano House. No lives were lost, but the entire hotel was a complete loss. Undaunted, Uncle George negotiated the construction of a new hotel with the park some 200 yards from its former site. In late 1941, the new Volcano House, designed by Maui-born architect Charles W. Dickey, was unveiled with great fanfare on the crater rim – and it is unveiled again in 2013 in the historic character of the 1940s. Uncle George’s name, flair for hospitality, and affinity towards volcano goddess Pele, will continue to define the character of Volcano House.
Historic photo taken February 1966. NPS Photo/Wm Robenstein.
The 33-room hotel is owned by the National Park Service, and is managed under contract by Hawai‘i Volcanoes Lodge Company, LLC, who also manage Nāmakanipaio Campground and 10 A-frame cabins. While the views from Volcano House of the active volcano may be distracting, the careful observer will note the restoration of canec ceilings in the comfortable guest rooms, appointed with historic crown moldings. Prints by local artist Marian Berger of native birds in the Audubon style of the era adorn the walls. Original tiled hearths in three rooms were upgraded with electrical fireplaces.
Outside, two new decks overlook Kīlauea caldera. Indoors, guests can have a seat at the lovingly restored original koa wood bar in Uncle George’s Lounge, where another bronze sculpture depicting Pele’s vengeance graces a historic fireplace.
If Uncle George were alive today, perhaps he’d marvel over the coincidental return of Pele to her home at Halema‘uma‘u Crater, which began to erupt again in 2008, and to the return of guests to historic Volcano House.
Filed under: aloha, Announcements, Big Island, Education, Environment, Hawaii, Hawaiian, National Affairs, State Affairs, Tourism | Tagged: Kilauea, Pele, Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Volcano House, Franklin D. Roosevelt | Leave a Comment »
Hulihe‘e Palace is expanding its museum hours to be open on most Mondays, with hours of operation from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. The only exception is on the Monday following the monthly Kokua Kailua Village stroll, when the palace is closed in the morning and open 1-4 p.m.
Hulihe’e Palace
Beginning May 1, admission fees for adult, kama‘aina, military and seniors increase by $2. The new fee schedule follows:
General Admission:
Visitors can choose from a 45-minute docent-guided tour, a self-guided tour (detailed brochure provided), or can use a personal mobile telephone to access a free “On Cell” audio tour (regular mobile air me fees may apply).
Built in 1838, the two-story Hulihe‘e Palace houses a collection of ancient Hawaiian (pre-Western contact) artifacts and personal memorabilia of 19th century Hawaiian royalty. The palace structure has been painstakingly restored to circa 1885, a period known in Hawaiian history as the Kalakaua Era. It is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Standout furnishings include King Kalakaua’s magnificent armoire that won a silver medal in the 1889 International Exhibition in Paris, a 70-inch table top made from a single piece of koa wood, an ornate steamer trunk used by QueenKapi‘olani to carry belongings to Queen Victoria’s Jubilee, King Kamehameha the Great’s stone exercise ball weighing a whopping 180 pounds and exquisite bed mats made from the endemic makaloa sedge.
Gift shop hours are 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. For details, contact the palace at 329-1877, the palace office at 329-9555 or visit www.daughtersofhawaii.org. The gift shop can be reached by phoning 329-6558.
Caretakers of Hulihe‘e Palace are the Daughters of Hawai‘i. The organization was founded in 1903 and opens membership to any woman who is directly descended from a person who lived in Hawai‘i prior to 1880. Helping the Daughters in its efforts since 1986 are the Calabash Cousins; membership is available to all.
Filed under: aloha, Announcements, Big Island, Hawaii, Hawaiian, Kona, Tourism | Tagged: Hulihe`e Palace, National Register of Historic Places | Leave a Comment »
Veteran screenwriter Ron Osborn shares his tried and true techniques and insider tips to create winning screenplays, in Big Island Film Festival workshops, Saturday, May 25, 2013. Two screenwriting workshops, “What’s So Funny?” and “Ripped from the Newspapers,” will be held at The Fairmont Orchid, Hawai‘i Promenade Ballroom. Limited space is available at $50 per session, with advance registration required (www.BigIslandFilmFestival.com).
Ron Osborn
Ron Osborn’s wonderful words have been making us smile for over 35 years in favorite TV comedies like “Mork & Mindy,” “Night Court” and “Moonlighting” and feature films like “Duckman.” His “What’s So Funny?” class, from 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon explores the fine line that separates comedy from drama, along with today’s current comedy market, and how to approach just about any subject from a comedic standpoint. “What’s So Funny?” promises to be an entertaining and energizing way to kick off the day with Ron Osborn.
In the afternoon, from 1 to 3:30 p.m., “Ripped from the Newspapers” is all about the art of adaptation. With the mastery that created award-winning dramas like “West Wing,” Osborn shares his approach to finding inspiration in existing news stories or events, classic stories or previously filmed stories, and then making them your own. Using proven strategies that earned him Emmy, Humanitas and Writer’s Guild Award nominations, Osborn will provide valuable insight and perspective to screenwriters at any level.
Osborn has over 35 years of experience in the film industry and presently teaches for Dreamworks. He also has a consulting website, NoBSscreenwriting.com, where he welcomes questions from writers. His spec feature “Visitation” has been optioned, and he has just adapted the supernatural novel “The Elementals” for The Orphanage Animation Studios. He also currently has three features being sent out by his reps, plus an hour-long pilot and a half-hour show that was developed with John Cleese.
The Big Island “Talk Story” Film Festival is a celebration of independent narrative films and filmmaking, taking place May 23-27, 2013. A total of 54 free Family Films (up to PG13) and ‘Festival Films’ (up to R) are screened in three different venues during the five-day festival, which also includes celebrity receptions and salutes, social and networking events and “Best of the Fest” event with concert by HAPA and silent auction to benefit Fisher House at Tripler Army Medical Center.
Tickets are available for individual events, or a variety of passes. New this year, designed with food and wine lovers in mind, the “Reception Pass” admits attendance at four ultra-delicious celebrity soirees, including the invitation-only Mayor’s Welcome Reception on Thursday. With VIP hors d’oeuvres luxuriously catered by The Fairmont Orchid, Hawai‘i chefs, and a different upscale menu every night, the Reception Pass is a good value and great opportunity to mingle with the filmmakers and stars, enjoy stellar cuisine and savor fine wines by Kenwood Vineyards.
Big Island Film Festival’s major sponsors include The Fairmont Orchid, Hawai‘i, 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.
Filed under: aloha, Announcements, Big Island, Education, Entertainment, Hawaii, Kohala, Movies and Film, Television, Tourism | Tagged: Big Island Film Festival, Fairmont Orchid, Ron Osborn | Leave a Comment »
Hawaiian Airlines Pledges Crew Travel and Cargo Transportation
In a significant display of support for the mission of the Polynesian Voyaging Society’s Worldwide Voyage, Hawaiian Airlines has pledged to provide air transportation for PVS crew and cargo throughout Hawaiian’s route network for the duration of the four-year voyage.
Hikianalia on its way to Hawaii last year.
Under a sponsorship contract signed this week, Hawaiian Airlines will provide 32 million air miles for crew travel, as well as cargo support for supplies needed as the sailing canoes Hōkūle‘a and Hikianalia travel to international ports throughout the Pacific. The value of the sponsorship is estimated to be $1 million.
Hawaiian will be the lead sponsor of the voyage, which will be known as “The Worldwide Voyage Sponsored by Hawaiian Airlines.”
The Dalai Lama blessed the Hōkūle‘a at Kualoa Park last year. Photo courtesy of Pillars of Peace
“We are deeply appreciative of Hawaiian’s extraordinary commitment to our mission to inspire young people throughout the world to care for and sustain our planet, and to coexist in peace and compassion,” said navigator Nainoa Thompson, PVS president. “Sailing Hōkūle‘a has taught us the importance of understanding and connecting with our natural resources. She is a reminder to us all of the need to celebrate and protect the natural and cultural treasures of Island Earth.”
“The Worldwide Voyage honors a legacy of connecting islands throughout the Pacific that Polynesian navigators created centuries ago. It is our privilege as modern-day navigators and beneficiaries of that legacy to support this voyage and its message of sustainability and resource protection,” said Mark Dunkerley, Hawaiian Airlines’ president and CEO.
The Worldwide Voyage Sponsored by Hawaiian Airlines will begin in June 2013 with a series of voyages throughout the Hawaiian archipelago, and continue through 2017 with visits to more than 60 ports in more than 20 countries.
The Hōkūle‘a being worked on. Picture courtesy of Pillars of Peace
The 48-month voyage involves more than 400 crewmembers from 16 countries. This includes educators and scientists who will be using the voyage to research ocean wellness, using Native Hawaiian and western science research methods, and to create voyaging-based curriculum to be disseminated in as many Hawai‘i schools as possible, including Mālama Honua, a newly created charter school affiliated with the voyage. Hikianalia, the solar- and wind-powered support and sister vessel to Hōkūle‘a, will be a platform for marine science, documentation, education outreach, communication and teacher training, while Hōkūle‘a will continue to be a platform for indigenous knowledge, experiential learning and sustainability.
PVS expects to have approximately 5,000 of Hawai‘i’s school children physically on the canoes during the first year of the Worldwide Voyage, and more than 100,000 Hawai’i students and teachers on board PVS’s third canoe, the website
http://hokulea.org
, throughout the four-year voyage as part of their curriculum. Students from several public and private schools in Hawai‘i have already been involved in preparing for the voyage by assisting in dry docks (restoration and repair work) for Hōkūle‘a and Hikianalia, studying the sail plan, and participating in crew training and classroom work on the wa‘a.
The blessing of the Hokulea. Photo courtesy of Pillars of Peace
“The involvement of our youth has been one of the most powerful aspects of planning for this voyage,” remarked Thompson. “We can count on this next generation of voyagers to perpetuate the values and practices that will guide our planet toward good health.”
Commented Dunkerley: “The students who will be touched by this voyage, either by participating in it or by learning from the science-based curriculum it will produce, are the future workforce of Hawaiian Airlines. So it is fitting that Hawai‘i-based companies such as ours support this journey.”
Filed under: aloha, Announcements, Hawaii, Hawaiian, State Affairs, Tourism, Transportation | Tagged: Hawaiian Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines Sponsorship, Hawaiian Islands, Hikianalia, Hokulea, Nainoa Thompson, Polynesian Voyage Society | Leave a Comment »
Leaders of the specialty coffee industry are traveling to the state’s largest agricultural district in early May to learn about award-winning Ka‘u coffee.
They include Po-Jung “Simon” Hsieh, founder of Soaring Phoenix Trading Company, a green bean coffee importer; and Jim Munson, president of Brooklyn Roasting Company, a wholesale and retail roastery “committed to superb and socially responsible coffee.”
The notable coffee experts are participating in Ka‘u coffee’s annual reverse trade mission as part of the fifth Ka‘u Coffee Festival May 4-5 at the Pahala Community Center. They will learn first-hand about Ka‘u coffee during Saturday festival activities, including guided tastings and farm tours. On Sunday, the men will give guest lectures to local coffee farmers at the Ka‘u Coffee College.
This is the festival’s third reverse trade mission. Other coffee specialty experts who have traveled to Ka‘u to learn about its special brew include coffee guru George Howell of Terroir Coffee, Skip Fay of Dunn Bros Coffee, James Freeman of Blue Bottle Coffee, Anthony Carroll of Starbucks and Jeff Taylor of PT’s Coffee Roasting Company.
In addition to importing coffee, Hsieh is one of Taiwan’s most accomplished specialty roasters. “Coffee Review” published 18 reviews of his coffees that scored 90 points or higher. He offers professional training in hand-pour and siphon brewing, as well as roasting, plus serves as a quality control advisor for Taiwanese coffee farmers. Hsieh is the author of “Coffee Extraction: All About Brewing.”
Munson is president of Brooklyn Roasting Company; the international brand has cafes in the U.S. and Japan. Munson has served on the Specialty Coffee Association of America’s Conference Committee and the National Coffee Associations Information and Education Committee, plus is the former chairman of the New York chapter of the American Institute of Wine and Food. Before launching his coffee career at Dallis Bros. Coffee, Munson worked as a GM/partner at The Brooklyn Brewery.
“We’re pleased and proud that notable industry leaders come to Ka‘u to share in our community,” says Chris Manfredi who serves as lead festival organizer. “This strategic initiative to create collaborative relationships benefits Ka‘u growers and moves us another step forward on the path toward establishing Ka‘u as a premium coffee growing origin.”
All coffee-industry related activities at the Ka‘u Coffee Festival are open to the general public; some require a fee. The April 26-May 5 festival has expanded to include three new activities: The Ka‘u Mountain Water System Hike on May 1, Coffee & Cattle Day on May 3 and Ka‘u Star Gazing on May 3. Other fun includes the Miss Ka’u Coffee Pageant on April 26, the Simply Elegant: the Ka‘u Farmers Table on April 27 and the Triple C Recipe Contest on April 28. Details on these events can be found at www.KauCoffeeFest.com.
Java-jumping festival fun culminates the weekend of May 4-5 at the Pahala Community Center. On Saturday, enjoy the Ka‘u Coffee Festival Ho‘olaule‘a, with a full day of music, hula, food, local crafts, coffee tastings and farm tours. Festival entry is free; Ka‘u Coffee Experience coffee tasting is $5; farm tours are $20. On Sunday, learn about the coffee industry at the annual Ka’u Coffee College. Admission is free, donations appreciated. Call 808-929-9550 or visit www.KauCoffeeFest.com.
Filed under: Announcements, Big Island, Community, Food & Drink, Hawaii, Tourism | Tagged: 2013 Ka’u Coffee Festival, Jim Munson, Po-Jung "Simon" Hsieh, Specialty Coffee Association of America | Leave a Comment »
The dynamic musical duo HAPA, acclaimed as “the Simon and Garfunkel of Hawai‘i,” will take the stage for Big Island Film Festival’s “Best of the Fest” concert at The Fairmont Orchid, Hawai‘i on Monday, May 27, 2013.
Among the top-selling and most enduring acts in contemporary Hawaiian music history, HAPA has been described by Al Rudis in the Long Beach Press-Telegram as “a musical storm.” The soulful singing of Ron Kuala‘au and stirring guitar strings of Barry Flanagan combine to create what Rudis calls “music with beautiful melodies, soaring harmonies and sweeping rhythms that is immediately captivating… And between the vocal gems are haunting instrumentals. Hearing HAPA’s music, the listener might feel if the Hawaiian Islands could be turned into a movie, this would be its soundtrack.”
Ten-time Nā Hōkū Hanohano award-winners, HAPA has been heard in countless national TV shows and feature films, and was showcased in a PBS documentary hosted by Peter Fonda. Fresh from the recording studio, Flanagan and Kuala‘au are currently on tour, performing 25+ shows spanning both coasts in many of the most prestigious venues in the country.
Tickets for “Best of the Fest” with HAPA can be purchased online at www.BigIslandFilmFestival.com. Best of the Fest tickets are $40 at the door ($30 kama‘āina) and $35 in advance ($25 kama‘āina), $10 keiki 6-12. Some chairs will be available as well as no-host bar, gourmet pupus and other movie snacks (no coolers please).
Best of the Fest includes:
• Silent Auction to benefit Fisher House at Tripler Army Medical Center, 5-7 p.m.
• HAPA Concert, 5-7 p.m.
• Audience-voted Best Feature and Best Short Films of BIFF 2013, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
• Best of the Fest is also a fundraiser for Hawai‘i Island Food Basket.
The Big Island “Talk Story” Film Festival is a celebration of independent narrative films and filmmaking, taking place May 23-27. 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.
Filed under: aloha, Announcements, Big Island, Community, Entertainment, Hawaii, Hawaiian, Movies and Film, Tourism | Tagged: Big Island Film Festival, Fairmont Orchid, HAPA | Leave a Comment »
A 15-year-old San Rafael, CA boy who fell 25 feet into a steaming earth crack at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park Wednesday night was pulled to safety by Park Search and Rescue (SAR) personnel.
Steam vent near Volcano House where the California boy fell. A nearby sign reads: Rain water encounters hot rock as it seeps into the ground, and rises as vapor through a system of cracks to condense in the chilled air. Vapor temperature four feet down is 160 degrees F, cooling to 120 degree F at the surface. NPS Photo.
The Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park SAR team, and County of Hawai‘i Fire crews based in the park, responded to a 911 call from the victim’s mother at approximately 6:43 p.m. It was reported that the youth had attempted to leap over the protective railing surrounding a steam vent between Kīlauea Visitor Center and Volcano House.
Park SAR Coordinator John Broward, assisted by County Fire, rappelled into the deep, narrow, chimney-like crack and rescued the boy, who suffered a bump on his head and minor abrasions. His family declined further medical treatment, and he was released at the scene following assessment by County of Hawai‘i responders.
“This young visitor and his family are extraordinarily lucky that he survived this mishap,” Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando said. “This incident serves as a reminder that park visitors are urged to stay on trails and not engage in reckless behavior while visiting their national parks.”
Rescues like this also put park staff and other first responders at risk, Orlando noted.
This is the seventh SAR mission conducted by park staff so far this year. Last year, park SAR crews responded to a total of 26 incidents.
Filed under: aloha, Announcements, Big Island, Environment, Hawaii, Health, Kids, KO's, Security, Tourism, Unexplained Phenomenon | Tagged: Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Kilauea Visitor Center, Search and rescue, Steaming Earth Crack | Leave a Comment »
This video titled “Deadly Game in Hawaii” was uploaded to YouTube today:
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!
Filed under: Announcements, Hawaii, Idiots, Missing, Tourism, Unexplained Phenomenon, Wordless Wednesday | Tagged: Deadly Game in Hawaii, Hawaii Drownings | 4 Comments »
On Saturday, April 27 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Ab Kawainohoikala‘i Valencia and Tim Tunison lead the field seminar “Plants of Hula: Na Mea Kanu o Ka Hula” in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park.
Ab Kawainohoikala‘i Valencia (seated) is the kumu hula (hula teacher/master) of Halau Hula Kalehuaki‘eki‘eika‘iu. On Sunday, April 27 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Valencia and botanist Tim Tunison team up for a cultural and scientific exploration of the plants used in hula.
“Please join us for this exciting program, following on the heels of the Merrie Monarch Festival, in which a kumu hula (hula teacher/master) and botanist team up for a cultural and scientific exploration of the plants used in hula,” stated Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park spokeswoman Elizabeth Fien.
From kumu hula Valencia, learn about hula plants as kino lau, manifestations of Hawaiian deities in plant form (as his Halau Hula Kalehuaki‘eki‘eika‘iu understands them).
“There are plants for the hula altar, the kuahu, which include maile, ‘ie‘ie, ‘ilima, lehua, and halapepe. Plus, there are adornments—mele hula plants that are worn by the dancers—which include maile, ‘ilima, and lehua, plus palapalai, ‘a‘ali‘i, pukiawe, and ‘olapa,” Valencia explained.
Participants meet at the Kilauea Visitor Center. The day begins with a welcoming oli (chant), followed by a short walk to the kahua hula—the hula platform that overlooks Halema‘uma‘u Crater, home to the volcano goddess Pele.
Next the group will drive to Kilauea Overlook to discuss cultural protocols used when picking plants—and to walk among native species in their natural environment, with scientific information and insight shared by botanist Tunison.
“After lunch, we’ll visit Tunison’s property in Volcano Village, where he is restoring the land to its native ecosystem. We’ll get a hands-on lesson in native plant propagation, plus receive plant seedlings to grow at home,” said Valencia.
Valencia was born and raised in Honolulu, though his ‘ohana (family) was originally from Hilo. He established Halau Hula Kalehuaki‘eki‘eika‘iu in Honolulu in 1991, and currently maintains his halau (school) in Honolulu as well as Volcano.
Tunison worked for the National Park Service for over 30 years. He was a Botanist at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park from 1982-1994 and Chief of Resource Management from 1995-2006, when he retired. Since then, Tunison has taught field botany, native plant propagation, and forest restoration.
This event is presented by the Hawai‘i Volcanoes Institute, a program of the Friends of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, a non-profit organization. Program cost is $45 for Friends members and $65 for non-members. Students (K-12 and college with valid student ID) are $25. Non-members are welcome to join the Friends in order to get the member discount.
To register for the “Plants of Hula” field seminar, call 985-7373 or visit www.fhvnp.org.
Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication or reasonable modification of policies and procedures to participate in this event should email institute@fhvnp.org or call 985-7373 as soon as possible, but no later than 5 days prior to the program start.
Filed under: Announcements, Education, Entertainment, Environment, Hawaii, Hawaiian, Tourism | Tagged: Hawaii, Hula, Merrie Monarch Festival, National Park Service, Volcanoes National Park | Leave a Comment »
If you donʻt like it, what makes you think they do?
Filed under: Announcements, Education, Environment, Hawaii, Tourism | Tagged: Monk Seals in Hawaii | Leave a Comment »
Managers of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park remind the public that dogs and other pets are not allowed in many areas of the park for safety reasons, and for the protection of threatened and endangered species.
A visiting nature enthusiast strolls along the Ni‘aulani Nature Trail, examining a natural arbor formed by fallen and merged endemic Hawaiian tree ferns
According to 36 CFR § 2.15, pets are prohibited in the following areas of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park:
Authorized service animals are permitted, but may be prohibited from certain areas if their presence is detrimental to park management programs, like nēnē recovery.
“During my career in national parks, I have witnessed dogs go over the sides of cliffs chasing birds, and in the past year at Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, we have had incidents of dogs off leash in nēnē areas, and most recently, falling into steam cracks, all while seemingly under control of their owners,” said Park Superintendent Cindy Orlando. “Pets are like our family, and the best way to protect them is to not expose them to the unnecessary hazards and risks prevalent in a national park,” she said.
All pets and service dogs in the park must be leashed at all times. Recently, hikers have reported being bitten by dogs off leash on park trails. In 2012, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park law enforcement officers cited, warned and responded to 24 dog incidents in the park.
Dogs are used by the park to support ungulate control programs, and by law enforcement officers in the performance of their official duties, in accordance with federal and state laws.
Filed under: aloha, Announcements, Environment, Hawaii, Legal, Tourism | Tagged: Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Volcanoes National Park | Leave a Comment »
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