Honolulu, HI

Saturday, September 1st is opening game for this year’s UH football season for all you Rainbow fans out there. It’ll be time for tail-gate parties and pupu platters at the Aloha Stadium – popular pastimes and food here in the islands!

Date Opponent Time W/L Score
09/01/07 NORTHERN COLORADO 6:05 PM – –
09/08/07 at Louisiana Tech 6:05 PM – –
09/15/07 at UNLV 6:35 PM – –
09/22/07 CHARLESTON SOUTHERN 6:05 PM – –
09/29/07 at Idaho 2:05 PM – –
10/06/07 UTAH STATE 6:05 PM – –
10/12/07 at San Jose State (ESPN) 5:05 PM – –
10/27/07 NEW MEXICO STATE 6:05 PM – –
11/10/07 FRESNO STATE 6:05 PM – –
11/16/07 at Nevada (ESPN2) 8:05 PM – –
11/23/07 BOISE STATE (ESPN2) 4:05 PM – –
12/01/07 WASHINGTON (ESPN OR ESPN2) TBA – –

UH football tickets are still available starting at just $24 for adult seats. Purchase them online or at the Stan Sheriff Box Office.

UH Football season, rainbow fans, Aloha Stadium, UH Football tickets, Stan Sheriff Box Office

Just about everyday this week, the Hawaii Superferry has been in the news. Monday’s first voyage to Kauai was met with delays as people paddled or swam out to meet the ferry as it entered Nawiliwili Harbor. The intent was to create a blockade of people and prevent the Superferry from docking in the harbor. Well, the people won and ultimately the ferry sailed back to Honolulu after many hours in limbo. The Coastguard even got involved with this one.

Just what is the deal? Local environmental groups have sued the state to require an environmental impact statement (EIS) that was previously deemed not necessary by the Hawaii Department of Transportation (DOT). In an earlier article, the Honolulu Advertiser reported that the Hawaii Superferry must comply with conducting a reduced version of the EIS, but that they could continue business as usual. So they did. The Superferry set sail on Monday to Kauai only to be met by aggravated environmental supporters. The Honolulu Advertiser published a photo of a woman holding a sign that read, “Stupid Ferry Stupid Riders” (this woman was on Maui – another sail stop).

As you can guess, the Hawaii Superferry has ceased operations and meetings have ensued to discuss future island activities.

From the environmentalist’s point of the view, some of the top concerns are:
1. Ferry would endanger humpback whales and other marine species
2. Risk the spread of invasive species
3. Impede recreational use of the harbor
4. Harm fishing
5. Harm other Native Hawaiian subsistence resources as people bring their own vehicles onto the islands

On top of that, the Hawaii Superferry’s business actions have been questioned. The $5 fares and setting sail ahead of time was viewed as an act of bad faith and the implication was that they should have waited until the assessment was completed.

You know after reading all of this, I’m horrified at the responses being given. I understand why island locals are feeling the way they do, but at the same time, couldn’t they have done it another way? The idea of someone diving in the water to be a part of a human blockade is scary to see the lengths that people will go to get their point across. At the same time, shouldn’t the Hawaii Superferry have foreseen potential issues and taken the proper precautions as an act of good faith?

Meanwhile this is all being rectified in court and the rest of us are stuck in the middle awaiting the final outcome. What do you think about this?

Hawaii superferry, environmental impact statement, Hawaii Department of Transportation, Kauai, Nawiliwili Harbor, Honolulu Advertiser

Wow! I didn’t even know the UH Football team was doing the “haka” dance. Pause. Well, it’s over now. I guess the UH Men’s volleyball team was doing it as well? Wow.

Watch more video clips like these and actual dance clips on YouTube.

UH football, haka

Missed the concert? Watch clips of songs and more like these on YouTube. When I first found the video clip, there were only 3 songs performed. Now, you can practically watch her whole concert! Well, you know it’s not the same as actually being there, but at least it’s something. See “Rich Girl”, “Hollaback Girl”, “Early Winter” and “What You Waiting For?” and more YouTube.

Gwen Stefani has this powerful voice that you know is sheer talent. You know how some singers have computer fabricated voices? Well, hers is for real! Besides that, she’s just plain awesome to watch. Her music reaches out to the younger generation, but she brings back a lot of the “generation x” stuff (you know, stuff from the 90’s) – beats, old songs and mashes them into something new.

Well anyway, watch concert video clips on YouTube.

gwen stefani live, Hawaii, youtube

The Hawaii Superferry sure is getting a lot of press these days. Its inaugural sail which was reported to leave many feeling sea sick also brought about some environmental concerns. Now, I’m not too familiar with the whole process, but the concept of the Hawaii Superferry is not new. Right when they are just about to open for business, there are potential environmental issues that need to be addressed? Couldn’t they have been addressed sooner? Like maybe when they weren’t yet committed to transporting passengers?

An article in the Honolulu Advertiser this past Sunday reported that neighbor island passengers could be stranded potentially should environmentalists decide to set up a picket line. Bummer! Can you imagine being a passenger having to cross a picket line just because you’ve already paid for a fare? Does this label me as “non-environmentally friendly?” Really - I just want to take advantage of the $5 fare and I really do love the environment.

Anyway, here are some great photos on Flickr showing the Superferry. You can even view them in a slideshow format if you wish. The Superferry’s webpage has more professional shots taken (can you see the difference a lens makes? – amazing)

I’m personally excited about the Hawaii Superferry. Who wouldn’t be? You can essentially take you and your car to a neighbor island for the cost of an airline ticket. Besides, it’s a new thing. I do have one question though. Is my car insurance rate going to go up if I transport it on the ferry? Just wondering.

Hawaii superferry, superferry photos

So what do we do here? Body surfing! Well, I don’t body surf. I don’t even swim very well, BUT many people here do!

Check out what it’s like with this YouTube clip.

body surfing hawaii, point panic, surf session report

The heartbeat of Hawaii is more than just a thought. It encompasses much more like lifestyle, feelings and the Aloha Spirit. Just as any city has its own special flavor that makes it unique, the heartbeat of Hawaii describes the uniqueness of our island home.

Why is this important? Because it tells you what the people of Hawaii are like. What are their concerns? What are their passions? What influences them to do what they do?

We are a modern Hawaii. The grass huts and girls in grass skirts aren’t really around anymore. They’ve given way to concrete high rises, hybrid automobiles and all the modern facets of urbanization. There’s a Starbucks in just about every town on Oahu and soon, we’ll be seeing Walgreen’s.

Despite the modernization of Hawaii, the heartbeat lives on. That’s something that is timeless. It brings back feelings of nostalgia, but at the same time leaves you with a feeling of awe when you walk through the doors of Ko’olani.

Think you have a clue to what the heartbeat of Hawaii is all about? Tell me about it. I’d love to hear from you!

heartbeat of hawaii, aloha spirit

What is the Heartbeat of Hawaii? Is this one of those vague questions that really has no answer?

While the clip you’ll see below doesn’t take place in Hawaii, is this what is the “heartbeat of Hawaii”?

Just what is the heartbeat of Hawaii and what does it mean to you?

free hugs, heartbeat of hawaii

With all the construction going on over by the WalMart in Pearl City, I was wondering what they were planning on building. Open for just a couple of weeks Kozo Sushi has come to Pearl City! In Hawaii, sushi is a big thing. I’m a big fan of Kozo’s. Now, I don’t really eat raw fish, but I’ll eat the cooked stuff. So for all you non-raw eating sushi lovers, this one’s for you!

I like of course, the California roll (hand roll and maki) as well as the tuna and spam hand rolls. The sushi is made fresh most of the time (sometimes they pre-stock during busy lunch periods). But the ebi tempura don and the shrimp tempura maki has been calling out to me, “Eat me! Eat me!” so I’m going to try that some time soon.

As you might already know, Kozo Sushi is reasonably priced for sushi. Making kind of sushi from hand rolls to party platters, Kozo Sushi has something for every one. The platters are great sellers during the holidays and for parties. One thing that caught my eye was the 92 piece set called the “Kama’aina Plate”. Wow! I’m sure I can find someplace to bring that to!

I got a chance to meet the owner. I didn’t catch her name, but during several of my visits there, I’ve seen her every time. She’s a very nice lady and very polite. She was always tidying her store and looking to see how to improve it – just keeping herself busy. The store is brand new so of course, it’s extremely clean. There’s a dining area that I don’t normally see with many Kozo Sushi locations so that’s a good deal too. If you’re ever in the area, stop by and see what I’m talking about – Kozo Sushi in Pearl City, next to WalMart.

Kozo Sushi, sushi, kozos, hawaii sushi

This was surely an eventful morning for my kids and me. They just finished making their breakfast when we heard it. Zzzzzt! Everything shut down - power outage. As many people do, I went outside to see what was going on. Like that’s going to tell me anything?!? Why do people do that anyway? After a few seconds of looking around, I went back into the house wondering if I forgot to pay my bill.

Meanwhile, my kids on the other hand, are grinning cheek to cheek. “Does this mean we don’t have school today?” Terror struck me! I have a deadline to meet today. There’s no way I’m going to make it if they stay at home. My kids begin to talk amongst each other planning their day at home. Cheerful chattering fills the room.

As a mom, I’ve got to take control of the situation! Super Mom! Yeah, that’s me. After all I owe it to them to not let their hopes get too high on this one. There’s no way they can stay home today.

Nervously, I search for the electric company’s hotline number. “Please let this not be about my bill!” Anxiety fills my heart. Okay, here’s the phone number. As I listen to the recording, I hear power outages are reported in my area! Yippee! I’m on cloud nine now. There really is an outage. Now I have to figure out what to do with the kids.

Slowly, I approach them and sit. “You know boys, sometimes schools have generators that keep the school running.” My older son quickly replies, “I don’t think our school has that.” I know by now that I’m bumming their trip. “Let’s just see what’s going on in school. We’ll drive by and if no one is there, we’ll leave.” Silence. They know exactly what that means. Slowly, they pick up their bags and head towards the car.

As we approach the school it seems as though it’s business as usual. My older son tells me that his classroom door isn’t open yet as a subtle way of saying that I’m not in the clear. As they get out of the car, I tell him that he can call me if the school shuts down. He mumbles, “yeah” and walks off without saying goodbye. Okay. He’s not happy. My younger son is oblivious to everything at this time. He can stay at home or be in school. He’s just happy to be doing something. Okay, at least he’s not mad. I’ll make it up to my older son tonight. We’re eating at Curry House for dinner - his favorite place.

Well, the power was back on within an hour – thank goodness HECO (Hawaiian Electric Company) was on it. I still don’t know what exactly happened, but at this point, it doesn’t matter because I’ll meet my deadline and the kids are in school. Problem solved. Life goes on despite power outages.

life goes on, HECO, Hawaiian Electric

‘Ohana - In Hawaii, the term “‘ohana” extends beyond just the people we live with. Encompassing close friends and relatives, ‘ohana describes those who are close to our heart. The love and aloha that graces our island state is displayed in the families of Hawaii – or at least it should be. Why then, can’t we just get along?

Of all the people that should support us, shouldn’t it be our family? Our family should be the very ones rallying behind us because they know what gets us excited; what our passions are. But far too often, our family is the very ones who don’t take the time to understand us. They display the least amount of compassion and of course, dissention occurs. What should offer a covering of love and protection gives way to gossiping, wrong attitudes and negative perceptions. How can Hawaii or anywhere else, be a place of love and aloha if the condition of the family lies in a state of division?

It’s time to bring the families together – to make peace with each other and to start making amends for whatever has been done in the past. Don’t get me wrong. Not all families or family members are unsupportive, but if this situation applies to you, no longer should it be acceptable for us to harbor unresolved feelings or hold on to past hurts. Plain and simple, it’s just not acceptable. Life is just too short.

ohana, families of Hawaii

Yup! Today’s the day we celebrate being admitted as a State of the Union. How did we spend it? It’s was a holiday for some. Well, I worked today – it’s a holiday only for some employees. For the private sector folks, it’s a normal day in Hawaii. Happy Admissions Day Hawaii!

But I did find out the Dog the Bounty Hunter did not get released from his bond. It remains intact by a U.S. Magistrate Judge Barry Kurren. This was for capturing Andrew Luster in Mexico three years ago. I’d be kind of curious to find out why he wasn’t released. I also found out he wrote a book, “You Can Run, But You Can’t Hide.” Interesting…

I also did come across an article on the web saying that Hawaii was not really a state of the union. Also, interesting… I guess that’s something that could be pursued, but compared to Dog the Bounty Hunter’s story, Dog wins out.

Like I said Happy Admissions Day Hawaii!

Admissions Day Hawaii, Dog the bounty hunter

Good news! Hurricane Flossie has been downgraded to a tropical storm. That brings relief for many residents and visitors alike. As I read through various articles and watched the evening news about the storm’s status, it got me thinking about the way we tend to react in situations like these. In Hawaii, hurricanes are a big deal!

Reading through an article on Flossie by USA Today, about a third of the post focused on businesses and the fact that they were able to keep stock on the shelves. Interesting… Items like toilet paper, bottled water, flash lights and batteries were in demand but they weren’t “flying out the window”. Businesses received a steady flow of customers, even higher than normal traffic but nothing outrageous.

What I started thinking about was that perhaps we are better prepared this time around to handle weather events like Hurricane Flossie. Maybe the days of “mad rushes” to the stores are over because on the whole, we know to be ready. That kind of gives me a warm, bubbly feeling all over.

Maybe a year or two ago (I don’t remember exactly when), there were rumors of a tsunami that was going to hit. At that time, Hawaii residents stormed stores to gather up the usual items including of course, spam. The general feeling back then was panic! Well it turned out to be a hoax. Nevertheless, that’s a big difference we’re seeing today dealing with Flossie.

I think it’s great that we’re ready and prepared for any storm. I know the media (newspaper and television) has done a great job instructing residents and visitors on what to do in the event Hurricane Flossie should hit. I’ve also seen them do a great job keeping us up to date on the storm’s status. Props to the media teams for a job well done!

Hurricane Flossie, hawaii hurricanes

Walking around the Honolulu Zoo is great but at some point in your walk, you’re going to need some refreshment. Located just in the back left corner of the zoo in the heart of the Savanna are two great places to do just that - “Via Veneto” and “Fresh Squeezed Lemonade”.

And no doubt, cool and refreshing these places are! Owned by Drake Nishijo, these stands are located in just the right spot to keep you refreshed during your visit to the zoo. Open 7 days a week from 10am – 4pm, these stands offer the greatest tasting lemonade around; not to mention the best light, fruity and refreshing Italian ice in Waikiki.

The flavors of the Italian ice vary from week to week, but some of the most popular flavors are mango, strawberry-banana, rainbow (which is a combination of cherry, blue raspberry, and lemon) and cotton candy. The flavors do rotate, but you’ll never be disappointed with the choices available! Every flavor is great!

You may have seen his face around working various events at places like the Aloha Stadium and Blaisdell Center. While working for Bull Dog Concessions, Drake purchased these two stands at the Honolulu Zoo about a year ago and it’s been a ride for him ever since! He’s always loved serving both the people of Hawaii and the island’s visitors as well.

Drake is probably one of the friendliest guys I know. Always joking around and never failing to give a great smile and a warm welcome to all who come to visit him. His friends claim that “There’s never a dull moment with Drake.” Drake is certainly a person who embodies the “Aloha Spirit” of the islands.

If you’re ever around the Waikiki area, drop by and visit the stands for some of the coolest, most refreshing treats available at the zoo!

Honolulu Zoo, waikiki, Via Veneto, Fresh Squeezed Lemonade

Now isn’t this cute? I kind of reminded me about how life can sometimes be. We spend much of our lives in pursuit of something or just plain working and then there comes a point in our lives where we wonder – “Why are we doing all of this?” We lose our direction and our focus and wonder what’s next for us.

Well, here are some things to think about. When you don’t know where to go, just sit. Just taking some time to think things through and get your thoughts in order sometimes is all we really need. Now you might be thinking that in Hawaii, that’s really easy to do. Honestly, it’s the same every where you go.
Here are some quick-fix ideas, that’ll help you clear your mind and regain your focus.

1. Overlook beautiful scenery with a cup of coffee
2. Go to a spa and get a massage
3. Take a shower or relaxing bath
4. Meditate
5. Exercise

Once you get your mind ready to go, you’ll ideas flowing to you in a creative way!

These animals were photographed at Waikiki’s Honolulu Zoo.

Honolulu Zoo, relaxing