Gross-Out At the Bishop Museum

The Bishop Museum here on Oahu is world renown for one of the largest collections of cultural artifacts from Hawaii and all over the Pacific.  In over 122 years, the Museum has acquired 24.7 million items telling the story of Polynesia. But did you also know that the Bishop Museum is home to a fun exhibit for kids called “Animal Grossology”?

This is a fantastic opportunity to introduce your children and teens to the museum. Be prepared to have a laugh and learn some rather unusual things as this interactive exhibition takes a different view of the animal kingdom. Prepare to meet frogs that give birth by belching. Play “Transfusion Confusion” to discover which animals have what color blood. Learn why a cat’s anatomy is the reason they spit up hairballs. And discover the mystery of the incredible tapeworm. This bizarre educational exhibit makes learning fun and is a terrific reason to bring your tots to the museum.

The “Grossology” exhibit is running through April 20^th. Another family friendly thing to check out is the planetarium. This Friday (the 1^st Friday of each month) they offer a planetarium show called “Sky Tonight” where weather permitting a huge telescope is available to view the stars from the museum lawn. If you miss that, an on-going exhibit called the “Explorers of Polynesia” takes you on a journey to Tahiti learning the techniques of navigating by the stars.  

With the diverse options at the museum you will find something that will appeal to both you and your kids. I encourage you to explore the Bishop Museum and learn more about the people of Polynesia and what makes Hawaii such a special place. (Posted by CM – images Star Bulletin & B. Museum)

Add comment March 31st, 2008

Hope fades fast for Aloha Airlines

A federal judge today rebuffed a state effort to keep Aloha Airlines flying despite the company’s decision over the weekend to end passenger service.

U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Lloyd King said Aloha’s move to end passenger service at the end of the day today was a business decision by the company.

The state had asked the court this afternoon to prohibit Aloha from closing its passenger flight business until the company has shown it has exhausted alternatives for continuing its operations.

The airline announced yesterday that it was ending all flights after today.

The suddenness of Aloha’s going out of business — it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection March 20 — caused Gov. Linda Lingle to question whether its finances were as dire as they’re being made to appear.

“Nobody can tell at this point if it’s too late,” Lingle said. “We don’t know what the cash position is of Aloha Airlines.”

But Judge King this afternoon said the company appeared to have made a good-faith effort to remain operating, and declined to force it to continue flying passengers.

Add comment March 31st, 2008

It may not be over for Aloha Airlines as state tries to bail out airline

Hawaii’s leaders tried today to come up with a way to save Aloha Airlines and keep it from shutting down permanently.

Republican Gov. Linda Lingle said the state was asking a bankruptcy court judge to prohibit Aloha from closing its passenger flight business until the company has shown it has exhausted alternatives for continuing its operations. The airline announced it was ending all flights after today.

Before the announcement, state senators were crafting measures that would provide $50 million worth of loan guarantees in addition to tax breaks for Aloha.

“It isn’t over yet,” said Sen. Kalani English, D-East Maui-Lanai-Molokai, chairman for the Senate Transportation Committee.

But any effort to save the money-losing airline could be futile unless it can become profitable again.

Aloha has been caught up in a three-way pricing war with one-way fares as low as $1 since go! airlines, an interisland carrier started by Phoenix-based Mesa Air Group Inc., launched in June 2006.

Island air fares are expected to rise now that only two major interisland carriers will remain — Hawaiian Airlines and go!

The suddenness of Aloha’s going out of business — it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection March 20 — caused Lingle to question whether its finances were as dire as they’re being made to appear.

“Nobody can tell at this point if it’s too late,” Lingle said. “We don’t know what the cash position is of Aloha Airlines.”

State attorneys will ask the court not to approve any shutdown of the airline until it shows it has exhausted all possibilities of finding financing or a buyer for its flight operations, established that it lacks resources to continue operations, considered the views of other creditors, complied with a law requiring employees receive 60 days notice before closure and filed its bankruptcy in good faith.

About 1,900 employees may be affected by a shutdown, Lingle said. A government labor team has been formed to evaluate their job skills and determine what type of job placement assistance might be needed.

“I don’t want to hold out any false hope, but to make certain everyone’s aware we’ll do everything we can to help these employees and their families,” Lingle said.

Few air service disruptions are anticipated, said state tourism liaison Marsh Wienert.

Ticketed interisland passengers will get free seats on standby from Hawaiian Airlines through April 3. Passengers on longer flights will be able to fly on a standby basis on Hawaiian at no charge, and United Airlines is offering reduced rates.

“Although they may not get a seat at the time they want, they should be accommodated,” Wienert said. “We do believe there are adequate seats in our marketplace now that will absorb those seats we will lose by our Aloha Airlines trans-Pacific flights.”

A Hawaii vacation may become even pricier with higher airfares in the future, but lawmakers are hoping they stay reasonable, English said.

“The days of super-low fares are behind us,” he said. “Unsustainable tickets and fares aren’t going to be able to continue.”

Legislative proposals include exemptions for interisland carriers from paying the general excise and use taxes on fuel.

The state loan guarantees could give private lenders confidence to invest in Aloha’s assets without having to fear that they won’t get paid back, English said.

Add comment March 31st, 2008

Shocker! Aloha Airlines Suddenly Cancels all Flights

 Aloha Airlines,  which just last week declared that it was going to have to file bankruptcy for the second time in three years,  has announced its ceasing operations effective pretty much immediately. When I first heard news of this last week I  thought this was going to be in it for Aloha because there was no way,  and in such a short period of time,  they were going to be able to convince a judge and creditors that  they were going to be able to perform and come out of bankruptcy yet again. I also wondered how they would ever find a buyer would be willing to step up to the plate and take over this fudging airline. I kept on seeing the news reports and all of the Aloha that poured out ,  all of the many workers and families that ralied in the end  none of that none of that could save this historic inter-Island carrier from demise. 

The sudden departure of the airlines is  sending shockwaves through Hawaii’s communities.  The first news started to break around 1:30 p.m. Hawaii time. Neither one of the daily papers in Hawaii had the story so there was not even a leak . Senator Daniel Inouye gave a very predictable comment commending Aloha Airline officials and sending his heart out to all of the Aloha employees. Gov. Lindla Lingle wants to try get a  court not to allow the shutdown of Aloha Airlines’ interisland and transpacific flight operations until Aloha has shown it has exhausted all possible avenues for continuing its operations.  The problem with Governor Lingle’s plan is that she has to go to a federal court to make this happen and it’s unlikely that a federal judge is going rule in her favor.

ALERT HAWAII-ALOHA.COM CUSTOMERS
For those of you who are our customers and are wondering what to do if you’re affected by these flight cancellations, rest assured that we are on it. We are communicating with the airlines to get everybody rescheduled as soon as possible. If you have an aloha airlines ticket and are planning to come to Hawaii make sure that  you contact us and speak to your agent immediately.  We have already  identified those passengers who are on the Aloha Airlines.  Our immediate concern are the people that are here in Hawaii right now need to get home in an ex 24 to 48 hours. Call  -800-843-8771

Letter to Aloha Employees

David Banmiller, Aloha Airlines’ president and chief executive officer, sent the following letter to Aloha employees today:
Advertisement

March 30, 2008

Dear Fellow Employees:

It is with a heavy heart that, in spite of everyone’s gallant efforts, time has run out. Because of our fiduciary responsibility to creditors and the traveling public, we have no choice but to announce today the shutdown of our passenger business. Effective immediately, we will no longer sell tickets for travel beyond Monday, March 31, 2008.

Although we worked non-stop in search of a qualified buyer, no entity stepped forward due to the escalating fuel costs and the ongoing fare war. The toxic combination made investment in our passenger business too risky. And over the past week, news stories speculating about our demise made it more and more difficult for us to keep our passenger business going.

In an effort to protect thousands of our passengers holding reservations for Spring Break travel, we’ve decided to maintain our schedule through March 31, 2008. On that last day we will not operate the entire schedule. We’ve cancelled the eastbound transpac and short-haul flights on the mainland. Rest assured we have secured transportation for all crewmembers on duty to get them home.

We know we can depend on you to hold your head high right up to the end.

From the time I arrived until today, everyone has worked hard to carry on this Company’s proud tradition and keep the spirit of aloha alive. There are no words to convey our gratitude to you and your families for your sacrifices and everything you have done for the Company. Thanks to you, we have earned the respect of loyal customers, and the support of the shareholders who have stood by us in tough times. What is most anguishing is that despite everyone’s heroic effort, forces beyond our control forced us to shut down our passenger operation.

We will continue to work with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court to seek bidders so that we can continue to keep the air cargo and contract services businesses going and preserve as many jobs as possible.

God bless,

David A. Banmiller

Add comment March 30th, 2008

New Waikiki Hot Spot

Saturday night I had the pleasure of attending P.F. Chang’s soft opening at their new Waikiki location on Kalakaua Ave. in the Royal Hawaiian Center. While they also have a restaurant at Ward Center, this new Waikiki spot is amazing. Located at the totally renovated Beach Walk area, I predict this P.F. Chang’s will become one of the company’s busiest retail operations.

P.F. Chang’s is a popular restaurant chain featuring Asian inspired food and themed drinks. This new stylish space is large and will accommodate a high stream of tourists and residents. It sprawls over two floors and has a generous outside seating area over looking the retail shops and it is ideal for Waikiki people watching.

The staff was eager to please and very attentive. If you are looking to try a new drink, this is the place. The bar is loaded and I felt compelled to give a few of their signature drinks a whirl. Top on my list was the Sake Martini. After a few of them - sock it to me! The menu is very diverse and features a wide range of cuisine all with an Asian flavor.  If you go with a group I would encourage you to order family style so you can get a bigger sample of the goodies on the menu. My group started with the fun “Chang’s Lettuce Wraps” that you construct on your plate. However the real crowd pleaser was the “Crispy Green Beans”. I was surprised at how tasty green beans could be. As for main dishes, the “Oolong Marinated Sea Bass” was absolute heaven. I secretly wished I had a plate all to myself as I didn’t want to share!

I have been to other P.F. Chang’s on the mainland as well as both locations here on Oahu. I have to say that they deliver consistently good food at good prices. I think if you are looking for a nice spot to meet some friends for drinks and appetizers – P.F. Chang’s new Waikiki location is a winner. Their official grand opening will be April 24^th. (Posted by CM – images PF Chang website)

Add comment March 30th, 2008

Exploring the Views from Makapu’u

My friend Angela’s favorite spot to watch Humpback whales is a breathtaking place called Makapu’u. It is immensely popular with both residents and tourists offering panoramic views of the Ka ‘Iwi Wilderness Area, Rabbit Island and the Pacific Ocean. On clear days Molokai and Lanai are visible.

Located on Oahu, Makapu’u marks the island’s most eastern point. The cliff forms the eastern tip and is the site of the prominent Makapu’u lighthouse, comprising the remnant of a ridge that rises 647 feet from the sea. The area known as Makapu’u translates to “bulging eye” in Hawaiian and is a reference to an image said to have been located in a cave there called Keanaokeakuapōloli.

A paved road and parking lot leads out to the well worn trail heading up to Makapuʻu Head and the lighthouse at Makapu’u Point. The trail is roughly 1.75 miles long, it is a relatively easy hike and appropriate for children if accompanied by an adult. The 46-foot tall Makapu’u Point Lighthouse is visible from the trail and still actively used today. A small white and red building is located nearby that was once part of the lighthouse keeper’s quarters long ago.

The highlight of the spot is the view from the top look out point. Even last week we saw loads of whales and their calves swimming in the clear waters below. It was truly amazing! A telescope is available to the public at the summit lookout to explore the many features such as the tide pools and blowholes along the rocky shore below Makapu’u Head. I encourage you grab your camera and take a few hours to visit this special area. Even if you don’t spot any whales, it will still be worth the trip. (Posted & Images by CM – references Wikipedia).

Add comment March 27th, 2008

Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole of Hawaii

I always remember March 26th, as it is my sister’s birthday. However to the residents of Hawaii it is the birthday of Prince Kuhio. In Hawaii it is a state holiday to celebrate one of the last princes in the reigning House of Kalākaua when the Kingdom of Hawaii was overthrown by US residents in 1893. This interesting man went on to become a politician and served in the United States Congress.

Born in 1871 on Kauai, Kuhio was as an “aliʻi” or Hawaiian nobleman. He was well educated, attending the Royal School in Honolulu. After completing his basic education he traveled to continue his studies in California and England. Kuhio was adopted by King Kalakaua’s wife Queen Kapiolani also from Kauai. This was a common by Hawaiians and Kuhio became a prince. As a result, Kuhio became one of the most important members of Hawaiian nobility. 

In 1895, at the age of twenty four, Kuhio fought against the missionary and white rule in a rebellion against the Republic of Hawaii. They proved no match for the troops and Kuhio was sentenced to a year in prison.  Upon his release, Kuhio and his wife left Hawaii and traveled widely in Europe and Africa.

The Prince returned to a different Hawaii and became active in politics. Kuhio was given a leadership position and was elected to the U.S. Congress. Prince Kuhio was so beloved that his birthday was made a State holiday and is celebrated with cultural events island wide. He is memorialized by streets, beaches, plazas and a federal building named in his honor. Stroll down Kuhio Ave in Waikiki and you will find a statue celebrating this great man. (Posted by CM – references Wikipedia & GNU)

1 comment March 26th, 2008

Honolulu’s Contemporary Museum of Art

Hawaii is well recognized for its surf, hula and beaches, but less known for a little gem housing some amazing art. It is the Contemporary Museum. I would encourage a visit to explore one of Hawaii’s most historic homes and stroll along its breathtaking garden courtyards that surround the Academy’s 30 galleries, offering panoramic views of Diamond Head.

Situated high above Honolulu in Makiki Heights, the Spalding house is the home of this unique setting. The residence was originally constructed in 1925 for Mrs. Ann Rice Cooke. After passing ownership in the late 1970s, it was opened to the public in 1988 as the Contemporary Museum. Ann Rice Cooke, wanted to share her love of art with the Hawaiian people, becoming the island’s first patron of the arts and also founding the larger Honolulu Academy of Arts.

An unusual feature of the Contemporary Museum is the 3.5 acres of meditation and sculpture gardens known as “Nu umealani” or heavenly terrace. The gardens were originally landscaped in the 1920’s by a Japanese garden master Reverend K. H. Inagaki. The area’s serenity complements the gracefulness of sculpture garden showcasing numerous artists. Reverend Inagaki created the gardens to encourage contemplative strolls and reflection. Be sure to bring your camera and stroll the grounds.

After a few hours exploring the museum I would recommend a visit to the Contemporary Café. This casual lunch spot is a great way to conclude your visit. The museum is open Tuesday – Sunday and free for children under 12. (Posted by CM – images Wikipedia and TCM)

1 comment March 25th, 2008

Primo Beer Back in the 808 State

Back in the 1960’s the local brew to drink in Hawaii was Primo Beer. About ten years ago, the beer was discontinued when parent company Stroh Brewing decided to stop production. So Primo lovers were more than ecstatic to learn that their beloved beer was back and available this week on Oahu. Once the island’s top selling beer, this 100 year old beverage is now available in local bars, restaurants and markets starting today.

Known as a blue-collar beer, Primo had been part of the island scene since 1898. The re-launch of Primo is great for beer drinkers both old and new, allowing them to experience a premium beer and a special part of Hawaii’s past. Company spokespeople claim the brew will taste even better - retaining its unique balance of flavor and smoothness.

Stroh decided last year to bring back the brand as a premium lager to compete with the likes of Heineken. The draft version is brewed locally by Keoki Brewing Co. of Kauai and features cane sugar grown on Maui.

Historically the beer has been popular with Hawaii’s famed watermen for decades. People have a lot of aloha for Primo and passion associated with the brand. People would collect the different Primo bottles and promotional items like Aloha shirts and hats, now they are collectible items.

The new Primo is endorsed by surfer Keoni Watson who says the beer is a perfect compliment to local foods like poke and SPAM musubi. So if you are in Hawaii I say indulge in the local culinary scene and wash it down with Hawaii’s tasty historic larger. (Posted by CM – images Wikipedia & Honolulu Advertiser)

Add comment March 24th, 2008

Hawaii’s Historic Chinatown

Chinatown is Hawaii’s most exciting and mysterious neighborhood. The historic district is located in downtown Honolulu sprawling over fifteen blocks and has long been a popular gathering place for residents and visitors. As a gateway to Hawaii for many immigrants, Chinatown is a blend of Asian cultures with a modern twist.

A few hours exploring the streets of Chinatown is a fun and unexpected adventure.  You will find authentic Asian and local food not to mention an assortment of flower leis. Chinatown bustles with activity incorporating a rich mixture of cultures and people. A few years ago, much of Chinatown was unsightly and crime was a serious problem. However now, it is an eclectic mix of shops, art galleries, restaurants and hip night spots.

Honolulu’s Chinatown was started by early Chinese settlers in the 1880s. They migrated to work in the island’s cane sugar plantations and eventually open a community of family stores. The Chinese store was an important social institution to the immigrants. The storekeepers loaned money acted as a bank, post office and wrote and read letters for the illiterate immigrants. The Chinese store also offered a place to stay and eat, typically for people who came from the same village back home in China. The stores continued to operate this way even into the 1930s.

I encourage you to visit Hawaii’s Chinatown. Where else can you view a Buddhist Temple, walk the streets that inspired the character Charlie Chan and Hawaii Five-0, eat authentic Asian food and then hit the beach?

Add comment March 21st, 2008