Feeding the needy—and using federal money to do it—is but one piece of this legislative session’s Senate Majority Package, which emphasizes social services, health care, education and renewable energy. “In these economic times, we have a responsibility… [»Read]
When she got the telephone call, Charlene Hughes thought someone was playing a trick on her. The master quilter didn’t think she would really be singled out to participate in a Washington D.C., exhibit of quilts honoring President-elect Barack Obama. “They called me… [»Read]
Long-printed on bumper stickers, T-shirts, key chains and more, the countdown to January 20, 2009 has been years in the making. Among those making the pilgrimage to Washington D.C. for inauguration day are members of Punahou School’s marching band, who will perform for… [»Read]
At about 5am on Friday, Nov. 21, a large chunk of mountain fell onto the road on the east side park entrance at Waimea Valley. The rock slide blocked entry and cut off the valley’s electrical supply, phone and computer cables and water line. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs… [»Read]
Bureaucracies are notorious for their emphasis on the kind of wonkish rhetoric (“pushing the envelope,” or “thinking outside the box,”) that creates bloated organizations long on conversations and short on accomplishments. Hawai’i Department of Human Services Director… [»Read]
Wedding industry insiders estimate that more than 20,000 couples get married in Hawai’i each year. That amounts to more than 1,650 weddings each month, nearly 60 weddings a day, and millions and millions of dollars being pumped into the local economy. At least one state… [»Read]
An online search for “‘bed and breakfast’ Oahu” turns up more than 200,000 results. That’s quite a return for an island that banned the opening of any new bed and breakfast establishments nearly two decades ago. But with one City Council member’s proposal to lift that ban,… [»Read]
Depending on your point of view, the dispute over the diversion of streams in East Maui either took a nasty turn last July or a turn for the better. According to a report from a state employee, people associated with the nonprofit group Na Moku ‘Aupuni O Ko’olau Hui allegedly… [»Read]
Roughy 50 farmers, residents and assorted politicians and board members gathered on a rainy night last week at Koko Head Elementary for a meeting to discuss the fate and future of Kamilo Nui. The tiny valley behind the Mariner’s Cove neighborhood of Hawai’i Kai is one home… [»Read]
One out of five people in Hawai’i cannot read this sentence. That means they also can’t read menus or road signs. They can’t fill out job applications or help their children with homework. Think about them for a moment: They are your neighbors, the almost 20 percent of our… [»Read]
It’s no secret that the nation’s newspaper industry is facing unsteady times. Diminishing circulation numbers and falling advertising sales have put many jobs in jeopardy in addition to those already lost. The state’s largest daily newspaper, the Honolulu Advertiser,… [»Read]
With its serene setting, storied history and impressive statuary, the O’ahu Cemetery is an heirloom of Honolulu’s past; the Nu’uanu park was the first public burial ground in the Hawaiian Islands. During the early 1800s, with 400 foreign ships docked in the Honolulu Harbor… [»Read]
Many people and businesses are already feeling the effects of the economy’s downswing with increases in costs of living and unemployment. Perhaps hurting even more so are charitable organizations that depend on generous donations to keep their services functioning. Places… [»Read]
“Chinatown has been part of my life since I was a little boy,” says 55-year-old Rod Tam. “My grandmother would bring us down to the markets for shopping. Back then, there were two big fish markets, including the one at O’ahu Market, and in those days they actually had fish… [»Read]
When Sen. Barack Obama returned to Hawai’i on vacation in August, thousands of supporters gathered at Ke’ehi Lagoon to welcome him home. Mayor Mufi Hannemann gave a brief introduction and compared the senator to President John F. Kennedy, who visited Hawai’i in 1963 and… [»Read]
