Honolulu, HI

I’m just glad to see that Hawaii lawmakers are not going to let this opportunity for a new business fall to the wayside. One of the biggest changes in the “>Hawaii Superferry saga would allow the Superferry to continue operating in the islands while an environmental review was being conducted.

The restrictions are as such. They would have to give “unconditional acceptance” to operating restrictions that would be placed on them. The goal of the restrictions would be to protect the whales and prevent the spread of invasive species on the neighbor islands. This is still a potential option and it needs to be approved as of yet, but at least that’s better news that the “shut-out” treatment they got last week. (more…)

I attended a conference today about the real estate market. I got to thinking about all the great reasons why Hawaii is such a prime location to invest and worth every penny. It’s all about the dream! On top of that, every market goes up and down and there’s no doubt that over the long haul, Hawaii real estate will always go up.

Well, there’s really no new land that’s being created and the land that is being created is well – lava. That’s probably, not such a great place to live in. It’ll be smelly (sulfur dioxide) and hot! And since there’s no new land, supply is limited.

Here are the top reasons why investing in Hawaii Real Estate is a good idea. (or just come for a visit)

1. Property values will always go up. Every market goes up and down, but no matter what state you live in, property values aren’t what they were 30 years ago.

2. The longest one way trip you’ll ever make on an island is at most 100 miles.

3. No matter how far inland you are, you’re never really far from the beach.

4. The Big Island (Hawaii) is roughly 50 minutes away by plane.

5. Winter temperature low’s are in the low 60’s, high 50’s. Summer temperature high’s are usually in the low to mid 90’s at most. If it gets too hot, just go to the beach!

6. You can enjoy life in the balmy tropics and still capitalize on convenience stores and Starbucks.

7. You’re kids will know you’re the best parent a kid could every have if you ever gift your Hawaii real estate to them!

hawaii real estate, Big Island, Starbucks

The Hawaii Superferry just laid off 249 of its crew members last week in response to the decision that it would not be able to operate until an environmental assessment has been completed.

If you’ve read the timeline of the Hawaii Superferry, then you’ve noticed a trend where lawmakers and judges alike have favored this business in the previous years. Just where is the love now? It seems that the Hawaii Superferry is being shafted left and right!

Judge Cardoza is the same judge who only last year threw out a case that environmental groups were making against the Hawaii Superferry. Just last week, when it seemed that the only difference between then and now is that the Hawaii Superferry is now open for business, this same Judge says that the Hawaii Superferry has to obey environmental laws. Forgive me if I am mistaken, but I don’t think Chapter 343 changed much within the last year. (more…)

Last month it was the fabulous Thunderbirds. This month we’re in for another treat! The Blue Angels received a warm Hawaiian welcome earlier this week at Kaneohe Marine Corps Base. The last time the Blue Angels performed in Hawaii was back in 2004 and in 1995. Four F/A-18 Hornets of the eight member team of the Navy Blue Angels will perform two air shows this weekend at the base. The event is free and open to the public. (more…)

Looking in the Honolulu Advertiser today, you see a row of faces. These people are suspected of being connected with a drug ring smuggling more than 1.2 million dollars in crystal methamphetamine per month.

The sad part is that most of the people were in their early twenties. Is this what our society has come to? We deny access to cutting edge technology and businesses like the Hawaii Superferry so we can live the life we’ve always lived for years. The problem with living the life we’ve always lived is that it presents a one-sided view for the younger generation! They don’t know anything else other than what they’ve been exposed and as a result, they never strive for anything. (more…)

The Honolulu Advertiser published a timeline of events for the Hawaii Superferry.
Here’s a summary of what it said.

2004

The Hawaii Superferry starts laying the foundation of its business by agreeing to purchase two catamaran vessels. Even the U.S. House appropriates some money for ferry service between Hawaii and Alaska. Late 2004, we begin to hear complaints that of industrialization and congestion on Maui.

2005

Early in the year, the request for an environmental impact statement arises. (more…)

Maui Circuit Judge Joseph Cardoza ruled that the Hawaii Superferry would not be allowed to operate until an environmental assessment has been completed. Keep in mind that it could take months to complete these assessments. Based on Chapter 343 of the State’s environmental law, an environmental assessment is required.

To add to that, the operating agreement between the Hawaii Department of Transportation and the Hawaii Superferry is invalid and as a result, the vessel cannot use port facilities statewide. Ouch!

Superferry president and CEO John Garibaldi issued the following statement regarding the Maui court ruling today:
“Obviously, we are disappointed. While the ruling is a loss for Hawaii Superferry and our employees, it is a greater loss for the state of Hawaii.” (more…)

With Hawaii Superferry losing more than $650,000 per week you would think that they would hurry it up a bit. But I guess you can’t rush decisions like this, can you?

Forget the fact that a local business is reportedly getting deeper in debt daily and may consider leaving the islands.

Forget the fact that the monopoly on inter-island cargo carriers will resume should the Hawaii Superferry leaves.

Forget that 90% of 300 workers will get laid off if the boat is tied up for the environmental assessment. Just think of all those people who left jobs to support the ferry. (more…)

Several months ago, I had the opportunity to attend a domestic violence seminar at a local church on the Windward side (Kaneohe). The guest speaker, Reverend Al Miles, had just released a book that talked about this issue. There was so much that I got out of that seminar, but with this first piece, I wanted to talk how it all begins.

The statistics:
- 85 – 90% of victims are women
- Over 90% of perpetrators are male
- 3-4% are women perpetrators abusing men

(more…)

A photo of Kobe Bryant emerging from their first three-hour practice splashes the Sports section of the Honolulu Advertiser.

The LA Lakers will be in Honolulu for the next nine days as they begin their pre-season training. Held at Iolani School gym due to a scheduling conflict at the Stan Sheriff Center, practices are closed to the public. (more…)

October is domestic violence awareness month in Hawaii and here are just some of the things taking place in the islands. Using the slogan “There is NO EXCUSE for Domestic Violence”, this awareness campaign is seeking to bring more and more awareness to

If someone is controlling you, calling you names, degrading you, or hurting you physically,
PLEASE CALL 841-0822 or 1-800-799-SAFE (more…)