Archive for February, 2008
Photojournalist Catherine Bauknight’s documentary, "Hawaii — A Voice for Sovereignty," will premiere Feb. 29 in Hollywood.The 10-minute short spotlights Hawaiians’ efforts to preserve their ancestral islands and social, economic, and ecological issues that have developed in Hawaii Narration for the film will be supplied by Al Harrington of "Hawaii Five-O."
"Hawaii — A Voice for Sovereignty" was selected from among 1,000 submissions to premiere at the Maui Film Festival last June. The premiere includes a luau, a private screening of the documentary short, a surfing exhibit by Mark Kahanamoku, grandson of Duke Kahanamoku, on-site lei-making and Hawaiian-themed food. For those of you in California looking for a Hawaii fix - you can purchase tickets for the screening at www.catherinebauknight.com.
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February 20th, 2008
All I knew was that I had to be at Manoa Elementary School. When I arrived the school was full of people in multiple lines twisting back thru the schoolyard. My guess was that there were at least 3,000 people. I ran into many friends and old acquaintances, it was turning into a neighborhood block party.
Under a bright full moon, I saw volunteers, young people, grandpas, some of my neighbors and children playing. The energy was exciting as we all stood unified, waiting to cast our vote and participate in what would be a caucus record turnout of over 37,000 votes.
While my friends and I voted differently, we all came to the same conclusion. It is exciting to have people from all walks of life and ages turning out to be part of the political process here in Hawaii. Either way you slice it, Clinton or Obama, people showed up wanting to be counted, hoping to make a difference. (Posted & Photo CM)
February 20th, 2008
As if Hawaii isn’t beautiful enough, we are graced with the talented soccer star David Beckham. Arriving on Oahu Monday, the athlete and his team the Los Angeles Galaxy are here to participate in this week’s Pac-Pacific Championships.
The teams will be facing off at Aloha Stadium Wednesday the 20th and this Saturday the 23rd. Beckham was quoted in the Honolulu Advertiser saying that the players are enjoying their time in Hawaii. "I think the atmosphere and warmth of the place is great, everybody has such a friendly aura in Hawaii."
I heard from a nameless source that the players might be staying at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki. Keeping in line with the aloha spirit, I may have to force myself to go down to his hotel room and personally welcome Becks myself. Just doing my little part to greet our visitors and pass on the aloha spirit. Does anyone know if Becks surfs? (Posted by CM - photo: Honolulu Advertiser)
February 19th, 2008
Even as a Hawaii resident, I never get jaded to a beautiful day. Yesterday was one of those glorious days when you just have to get outside. One of my favorite spots is Lanikai Beach located on Oahu’s windward shore. It is consistently rated as one of the top beaches in the world.
Standing on the beach you can see two small islands about one mile away off the coast. They are called the Mokulua Islands. These two cone shaped volcanic nuggets are remnants of the Kailua Volcano. The larger north island is called Moku Nui, featuring a small sandy beach making it popular for people to paddle out to as I did yesterday. The other smaller island is called Moku Iki. A shallow sandy channel about 200 feet wide separates the two islands.
Set aside as a State Seabird Sanctuary for the protection of nesting shore birds and the Hawaiian Monk Seal, the islands are a favorite with residents and tourists as a great spot during the day. Yesterday the water was clear and slight winds made for great visibility. We spotted a turtle and some spectacular coral formations. If you get a chance to visit Oahu this is an amazing way to see one of the many magical spots on the island. Just remember to pack your camera and stay out of the restricted areas where the birds are nesting. (Posted & Photos CM)
February 19th, 2008
The presidential campaign is in full swing in Hawaii with the candidates trying to get the attention of Island voters before our caucus on Tuesday. The Clinton camp sent Chelsea Clinton to the Islands. Whenever Bill and company come to Oahu they always stop at their favorite Zippys in Hawaii Kai. Chelsea stopped there yesterday and visited with supporters.
Hawaii born Barak Obama’s half-sister is Maya Soetoro-Ng is representing from his side. It is believed that Brarak has the home town advantage, however the Clintons are loved in Hawaii and cannot be counted out.
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The Obama campaign, not to be outdone, placed a Van in the parking lot with a 3 foot Obama poster in advance of Chelsea Clintons arrival.
February 17th, 2008
It’s official, today is Feb 14th – Valentine’s Day. A day many embrace and celebrate and a day many dread. Some see it as a gross commercialization of a manufactured day to make money off the guise of love. Feeling the pressure to buy over priced roses, and packaged chocolates. I however love it…due to the fact I have an actual valentine this year.
Even if you don’t embrace all the mushy emotion of the day, you have to admit that Hawaii is a very romantic place. We have some of the best beaches in the world and Hawaii is the number one honeymoon destination. Not to mention the sunsets, flowers and long strolls along the beach. It doesn’t get more romantic than that.
So how do we celebrate Valentine’s Day here in Hawaii? It can be traditional with dinner and roses, or it can be an afternoon surfing together and watching the sunset. It could be a walk around Diamond Head or drinks and nibbles at the waters edge at Lanikai beach as the sun goes down. Or perhaps a private hula? I think the best valentine ideas are free, it is really who you are with that makes it special. But I must admit, I am still a sucker for those over priced red roses.
Posted by Cara M. 2/14
February 14th, 2008
Yesterday I had the pleasure of exploring Kualoa Ranch. Located on the northeastern side of Oahu in the countryside, it is less than an hour from Honolulu. The ranch terrain varies from rainforest and valleys to awesome cliff faces. It is truly a paradise for outdoor recreation with many places accessible only by horseback or by foot. It is a beautiful spot not to be missed on a visit to Oahu.
In ancient times, Kualoa was one of the most sacred places on the island. It was a residence of kings, a place of sanctuary and a training spot for royalty in the arts of war, history and social traditions. The current family owners strive to be stewards of the land by preserving it from development. The ranch is open to the public and a very popular spot for weddings and private events. Most recently it has been a popular filming location for the “Lost” television series. Other filming has included “Jurassic Park”, “50 First Dates”, “Along Came Polly”, and “Godzilla”.
One of the many hidden gems I discovered on the Kualoa property, is the 800 year-old Moli’i fishpond. To my amazement it is one of the largest fishponds in the state of Hawaii. Ancient Hawaiian fishponds are a good example of aquaculture. Hawaiians are the only Polynesians known to harness the ocean in this manner using brackish water ponds near the ocean for stocking and harvesting fish. (Posted CM - photo: Kualoa Ranch)
February 13th, 2008
As a kid, I had visited Canada and the two things I remember was that they said “eh?” and they have cold winters! So when I read in the paper that Canadian visitors to Hawaii were increasing, I wasn’t surprised.
As Hawaii’s fourth-largest market, Canadian travelers increased by 19.6% for December 2007. Marking the fifth consecutive month of increases of visitors from the land of the red maple leaf. Considering it is the middle of winter and the Canadian dollar is strong, it makes sense. If I were living somewhere covered by snow, I would want to come to Hawaii’s warm waters too. Come to think of it – I think that is why I am here too. It is easy to see why Canadians love the “Aloha State”. (Posted by CM)
February 12th, 2008
Pride of Aloha to leave the fleet in May
HONOLULU – February 11, 2008 –NCL Corporation (“NCL”) today announced the withdrawal of Pride of Aloha from the Hawai‘i market effective May 11, 2008. The ship is being transferred to Star Cruises and will be re-flagged and deployed in Asia in the summer of 2008.
The remaining year-round ship in Hawai‘i will be the larger and newer Pride of America, introduced in 2005, a vessel specifically designed and built for Hawai’i cruising. The company announced, and put on sale, Pride of America’s sailings through 2010 offering its popular inter-island cruises departing every Saturday from Honolulu.
Since the announcement a year ago of Pride of Hawai‘i’s temporary transfer to NCL’s European deployment, renamed as Norwegian Jade, the company has embarked on a major fleet-wide initiative called Freestyle 2.0 featuring significant product and hardware upgrades to its modern fleet, including Pride of America. The Freestyle 2.0 program will further enhance the on-board experience taking Freestyle Cruising to the next level. Enhancements include a major investment in the total dining experience; upgrading the stateroom experience; new wide ranging on-board activities for all guests; additional recognition, service and amenities for balcony, suite and villa guests; and the establishment of casual action-station restaurants taking the place of the “traditional” buffet experience. Freestyle 2.0 will be in place on Pride of America and across NCL’s fleet, now the youngest fleet in the cruise industry, by the middle of May 2008.
“Pride of Aloha pioneered the new inter-island market but, as we move forward with Freestyle 2.0 to take our product to the next level across what is already the youngest fleet in the industry, we cannot justify further investment in this ship,” said Andy Stuart, NCL’s executive vice president of marketing, sales and passenger services. “Withdrawing Pride of Aloha was an extremely difficult but necessary commercial decision; however we see a strong future for the long-term flagship in Hawai‘i, Pride of America. In Pride of America, we have created a commercially successful modern U.S. Flag cruise ship home ported in Hawai‘i - the first time that has ever been achieved. With Pride of America, we are offering a high quality product, on a world class ship sailing one of the most exciting itineraries available in the industry.
“With today’s announcement of Pride of America’s itinerary through 2010, our guests and travel partners can choose a Freestyle Cruising vacation on a big, modern ship visiting all four main islands and featuring more time to explore ashore than any other cruise line sailing in Hawai‘i. In the longer term, as demand continues to grow for this premium experience, we hope to bring back our other modern purpose-built U.S.-flag ship, Pride of Hawai‘i.”
Guests booked on Pride of Aloha
For guests booked on Pride of Aloha from May 11, 2008 and beyond, NCL is holding space and will offer the same cruise fare as they currently have paid on their Pride of Aloha cruise if they would like to transfer to the same week on Pride of America, departing one day earlier. In addition:
• Guests will receive a $100 per person on-board credit (up to $200 per stateroom).
• For guests who made their air and/or hotel arrangements through NCL, NCL will protect the rates they currently have paid and cover any air or hotel change fees.
• For guests who purchased their own air, NCL will protect up to the first $100 per person of any increase in air costs and cover up to $75 per person in air change fees.
• For guests who made independent hotel arrangements, NCL will cover any hotel change fees up to $25 per person.
Guests may book any other NCL cruise and receive a $100 per person on-board credit (up to $200 per stateroom) if they rebook by March 7, 2008. In addition, NCL will cover up to $75 per person in air change fees and up to $25 per person in hotel change fees.
Guests may cancel their cruise and receive a full refund if NCL is notified by March 7, 2008. In addition, NCL will cover up to $75 per person in air change fees and up to $25 per person in hotel change fees. After March 7, 2008 cancellation fees will apply in accordance with NCL’s cancellation policy.
Pride of America’s deployment announced through 2010
Following a 14-day scheduled dry dock in Hawai‘i from April 26, 2008 to May 10, 2008, Pride of America will sail its four main island itinerary with a change in order of ports including an overnight in Nawiliwili, Kaua‘i; an afternoon cruise of the breathtaking Napali Coast; Hilo,
Hawai‘i; an evening sail by Mount Kilauea; Kona, Hawai‘i; and an overnight in Kahului, Maui. All of the Freestyle 2.0 enhancements will be rolled out on Pride of America during the ship’s dry-dock.
Launched in 2005, Pride of America has over 660 balcony staterooms, the broadest range of family-friendly interconnecting cabins available at sea, a choice of nine different restaurants and 12 dining options, multiple entertainment venues, three pools, extensive children’s facilities, an abundance of spacious public rooms, and the largest dedicated meeting facilities at sea. All inspired by the diverse regions of America.
Cabotage Issues
Commenting on the Pride of Aloha withdrawal, NCL’s President and CEO Colin Veitch said: “Our Hawai‘i business has been extraordinarily difficult, and although we have progressively established a stable operation, delivering a good product in a great destination, the overall price level in the market has been driven down, to a significant degree, by an unprecedented expansion of capacity from low-cost foreign flag ships based on the west coast operating domestic Hawai‘i itineraries that the Customs Service has indicated are legally the preserve of U.S. flag ships.
“We have invested heavily in U.S. flag cruising in reliance on our nation’s cabotage laws providing a level playing field in Hawai‘i. Our remaining ship, Pride of America, is generating an encouraging profit now, and we project a continued improvement in this one-ship operation as the unique nature of Hawai‘i, from a cabotage standpoint, is clarified and restored. In due course, we would then expect, and hope, to be able to grow our U.S. flag business back to two profitable ships by reintroducing Pride of Hawai‘i.”
February 11th, 2008
Having worked in the yachting industry for two years, I wanted to learn more about the proposed federal rule stipulating that foreign flagged vessels must stop in a foreign port for a minimum of 48 hours before entering a U.S. port.
How could this impact Hawaii’s cruise market? The proposed rule claims it was designed to help U.S. flagged ships operated by NCL America on their Hawaii cruises be more competitive with foreign-flagged cruise lines sailing from California. The change is an extended length of stay required by foreign flagged vessels, increased to a 48-hour stay instead of the previous 4 to 12 hours.
The irony of the new rule is that now due to the increased 2-day stay, foreign ships may have to alter their itinerary to comply – skipping Hawaii completely. Since Hawaii is the most isolated island chain in the world, it takes time to get here from the west coast. Now with the new rule, there simply may not be enough time for foreign vessels to comply with the ruling and make it to Hawaii. Governor Lingle has come out against the bill as cited in the Honolulu Advertiser, “If foreign vessels drop Hawaii, it could cost the state $200 million annually and eliminate more than 1,400 jobs.”
U.S. flagged ships are built and registered in the United States and hire only U.S. citizens. The business conducted on the vessel must concur to U.S. law and employment regulations. Therefore the costs of running a U.S. flagged vessel are higher than a foreign flagged vessel. Foreign flagged ships are registered outside the United States and therefore avoid the stricter U.S. labor, health, tax, safety and environmental laws.
Where did this new rule come from? It is called the “Passenger Vessel Services Act”, a federal law that forbids foreign-flagged vessels from transporting passengers directly between U.S. ports. It is the Customs and Border Protection Agency’s new interpretation of the 122-year-old law. It directly targets rival foreign-flagged ships based in Los Angeles and San Diego that stop briefly in Ensenada, Mexico en-route to Hawaiian waters.
Other port locations likely to be left off foreign ship’s itineraries are Juneau, Alaska, Portland, Maine and Key West, Florida. Many elected officials and tourism professionals have criticized the rule claiming it could drive ships away from U.S. ports and force them to drop shorter trips. As one of the world’s top cruise destinations, Juneau could lose an estimated $68 million in direct spending in one summer as ships are forced to spend more time in British Columbia.
As it stands now, NCL America hasn’t backed down from its position that something needs to be done to protect it’s U.S. flagged Hawaii ships. Alan Yamamoto, V. P. of Hawaii Operations for NCL America, stated in the Star Bulletin that, “NCL America’s U.S. flagged ships are at a competitive disadvantage because they are subject to U.S. taxes and labor laws.” Yamamoto went on the further state, “We have invested $1.3 billion in the fleet. Since 2004 the company has lost more than $250 million, principally due to lower cost foreign competition from the West Coast.”
While the final rule could be adopted anytime, it appears that customs officials are re-thinking their approach, “We do not want to turn the entire cruise industry upside down,” stated Glen Vereb, Customs Chief, in the Advertiser. With the largely negative reaction to the bill, it will be interesting to see how the Customs and Border Protection Agency navigates the bumpy waters ahead.
posted by Cara M. 2/11/08
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February 11th, 2008
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