Hawaii Kai Breaking News

Hawaii Kai Streetlights Activated

After much discussion and community input, new streetlights on Lunalilo Home Road have been activated and approved by neighborhood board members.  The city installed lower wattage bulbs with flat glass, which are dimmer and more energy efficient.

Tsunami Warning Fortunately only that

The forecast tsunami in the aftermath of the 8.8 earthquake in Chile turned out to be basically a false alarm, with smaller surf than forecast and no damage.  It was a good exercise in checking the equipment and a dry run in case Hawaii Kai is threatened in the future by a true tsunami.

Honolulu Theatre for Youth Comes to Hawaii Kai

Honolulu Theatre for Youth is bringing a 30-minute interactive play to public libraries statewide.  The free production, "Keiko and Louie: Best Best Friends (Mostly)" tells a tale about friendship for ages 2-5.  It's scheduled for the Hawaii Kai Library March 25, 10:30 AM.

Holy Trinity Students help Maunalua Bay stay Healthy

About 70 students helped Malama Maunalua and the Nature Conservancy remove invasive algae from Maunalua Bay.  The kids learned hands-on about protecting our resources, but more efforts are needed.  The algae is now found in high densities over 54 acres of the once-healthy coral reef.

University of Hawaii Cancer Center to partner with Queen's, Hawai'i Pacific Health, and Kuakini Health System

Construction of a new 150,000 SF center begins this summer at the UH Medical School.  Aligning with the state's 3 main health care providers will stimulate research and improve cancer care for Hawaii residents.

Hawaii 1st State to Require Solar Hot Water Heaters - read my blog post

Hawaii Kai Real Estate Market for 2009 ends on Positive Note

Sales for December were up over last year, and sales for the year were too.  Visit my Market page and Blog for details.

Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale Nat'l Marine Sanctuary needs volunteers

The Sanctuary is asking for volunteers at more than 60 shore sites around O'ahu, Kaua'i, and Big Island.  Call 808-397-2651 ext 253 for O'ahu.

Hawaii Kai Marina Festival of Lights Boat Parade

More than 40 boats participated in the 13th annual Hawaii Kai Marina Christmas Boat Parade, watched by thousands from around the island.  After the boats passed twice by the reviewing stand, the musical trio Maunalua performed, and a hula was danced by Ka Hale I o Kahala Halau Hula.

2010 Tax Assessments have been mailed

The average tax rates for the new year island-wide are down 6.7%.  Contact me if you don't understand the assessment.  Read my blog about the tax rates for more information.

Koko Marina Lokahi Tree

Koko Marina Center will display a Lokahi Tree in the Bank of Hawaii building near Oceanic Time Warner office from November 28-December 18. It will be filled with cards of children, teens and adults who have a wish for a gift for Christmas. Shoppers can choose one or more names from the tree and purchase appropriate gifts for the person described and bring those unwrapped gifts to the Koko Marina Center management office for delivery.

Keiki Kalikimaka Parade Nov. 28

Koko Marina Center and the Hawaii Kai Lions Club will host the annual Keiki Kalikimaka Parade at 10 AM Nov. 28, supporting Toys for Tots.

Hawaii Kai Tree Lighting Ceremony Nov. 27

Hawaii Kai Towne Center will start the holiday season Friday, Nov. 27, 5-7:30 PM, with their annual tree lighting entertainment.  There will be a hula performance, choral choices, clown and Santa Express train for the keikis.  Call the center at 808-396-0766 for more information.

Work on Makapuu Point highway project changed to night hours

After community feedback, the highway dept. has decided to focus the majority of work on the retaining wall during the night.  Lane closures on Kalaniana'ole Highway will be from 8:30 PM to 4 AM Sunday through Thursday.  The project starts Nov. 29 and is scheduled for completion by the end of 2010.

Hawaii Kai Retirement Community Going Green

Residents of Hawaii Kai retirement community have started their own "Going Green" recycling program.  The project has been in the works since September 2007.  Two different teams are committed to the Hawaii Kai "Going Green" newspaper recycling program.

Public Access Blocked to Hanapepe Brow Beach

The city has closed access to this stretch of beach, claiming it is unsafe for public use.  Body boarders disagree and community members feel the gate creates more of a safety issue.  The city says the gate is only for the short term.

Paramedic of the Year from Hawaii Kai

Chris Honda, who was raised in Hawaii Kai and graduated from Kaiser High, has been named Paramedic of the Year for 2009 by the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT).  He has served as a Hawai’i County firefighter/paramedic for nearly 10 years.

More news on Lanakila Meals on Wheels

See below the appeal for drivers for Lanakila, such an important non-profit in our community helping the elderly and those who must stay at home.  Oct. 22 is the Good Table, a fundraiser where more than 50 restaurants will serve special, chef-designed meals to diners who purchased tables for the fundraiser.  If you weren't able to attend, visit www.lanakilahawaii.org to donate.

Mokulele and Go Airlines Plan to Merge

The combination of the two financially struggling carriers will happen 1 and result in one airline called go! Mokulele.  Mokulele — which had struggled financially despite investments that made Indianapolis-based Republic Airways Holdings the local carrier's majority owner — is largely being folded into go!  That leaves 3 interisland carriers:  Island Air, Go, and Hawaiian.

City Council Shelves Bill to Ban Shark Tours

City Council members scrapped a bill that would prohibit shark tour operations on O'ahu after city attorneys advised them that they may be stepping outside of their jurisdiction.  Members voted 7-1 to shelve the bill, after attorneys told them they would need to provide concrete evidence that shark tours posed a hazard to public safety.

Hawaii wins First Book Award

Hawaii won 1st place, over North Carolina and Kentucky, for the First Book prize, which will give the state library system 50,000 new books.

Hawaii Kai Public Library Fall Children's Programs

Preschool Storytime will be held Wednesdays, 10:30 AM through Dec. 23 for children ages 3-5.  Auntie Christin will read stories, lead sing-along songs, and teach finger plays.  Toddler Puzzletime will be the 1st Thursday of each month through Dec. 3 for ages 1-3.  This features a short storytime and educational puzzles and toys.  Call the library, 808-397-5833, for more information.

Hawaii Kai Toastmasters Earn Award

The Hawaii Kai Toastmasters Club earned the Select Distinguished Club award for 2008-2009, which shows they met 7 of 10 goals by Toastmasters International.  Toastmasters International is a non-profit educational association with 250,000 members in more than 106 countries around the world.

Diamond Head work to start next year

Planning and funding for the multimillion improvement project for Diamond Head State Monument are on target to finish this fall, so construction can begin early next year.  The $4.4 million project will include improvements to the historic 0.8-mile summit trail, the addition of a small, one-way loop at the summit for hikers going back down and some rockfall mitigation work.

Hawaii to Receive $10.3M in Stimulus Funds for Energy Projects

The allocation is part of $141M distributed for energy-efficiency and renewable energy projects, and is meant to cover 40%of each state's (5 others) total energy program costs.  Hawaii plans to use the funds for building retrofits and energy efficiency measures in the hospitality industry.

Hawaii Complete Streets Law

Complete streets requires the state and county DOTs to reasonably accommodate all users of public streets:  pedestrians, bicyclists, public transit users, and peope with disabilities.  AARP is a member of a new task force formed to study design standards and implementation issues, the availability of transportation services, safety of roadways, and future design of communities.  To volunteer, contact Jackie Boland, 808-545-6003.

Lanakila Meals on Wheels Needs Drivers

Lanakila needs 25 volunteer drivers by July 1 to transition to an all-volunteer driving force.  As with so many non-profit organizations, the cost-cutting move comes as the organization is facing a growing waiting list and a shrinking bottom line.  Lanakila Meals on Wheels is the largest home delivery meal service for seniors on O'ahu, and services many seniors in Hawaii Kai.  They will, of course, take monetary donations, but if you only have hours to give, please volunteer.  Many Hawaii Kai seniors depend on Lanakila for their one hot meal a day.  Contact Lanakila Pacific at 808-531-0555.

Diagnostic Testing Labs Opens New Hawaii Kai Facility

“Diagnostic Laboratory Services needed to expand its presence to meet the demands of Hawaii Kai’s growing population,” Sheryl Mabuni, Hawaii Kai satellite supervisor, said in a prepared statement. “This facility will give people more options and make it more comfortable for our clients.” The new location, at 333 Keahole St., #2A-1, in the Hawaii Kai Towne Center, is open from 5 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Gov. Lingle announces plan to save Ka Iwi

East Oahu Sun reports that Governor Linda Lingle has announced that the Office of Planning will be filing a petition with the State Land Use Commission to reclassify 235 acres of state-owned land on the Ka Iwi Scenic Shoreline on Oahu's southeast coast from urban use to conservation use. The area encompasses the land between Queen’s Beach and the Makapu‘u Lighthouse.  Read the full article at the East Oahu Sun online.

Annual Christmas Boat Parade in the Marina

33 boats participated in the 2008 contest.  Winner of the “Best Overall Boat” went to Tom Hintnaus and his crew. Tom transformed his 24' outboard to a winning “Mark Twain” theme. His creative abilities have won him several grand prizes in past boat parades.

What is the East Honolulu Sustainable Plan and what do the boundaries mean to you?  Download a free copy.