Honolulu, HI

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…)

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…)

Want to know where the cheapest gas is being sold on Oahu? Updated daily, HonoluluGasPrices.com lists the locations and prevailing rates of Oahu’s gas stations. Find out how your local gas station is ranking against island-wide prices.

You know, I thought all the gas stations charged pretty much the same thing. But there can be huge differences in gas prices!

HonoluluGasPrices does a great job at tracking local gas price trends as well as comparing them to national trends. They also provide articles to help people like me understand what’s going on in the gas industry.

honolulugasprices, oahu gas station

I just read in the paper this morning that Wal-Mart is going to use a new slogan, “Save Money. Live Better.” They’re leaving “always low prices” to add a more personal touch to their advertising campaign. After more than 19 years of “always low prices”, it’s probably time for a change and Wal-Mart is well prepared to do just that.

Wal-Mart has really become a part of family life for many people. Much like McDonald’s endearing connections with families, Wal-Mart has the potential to have that same type of connection with household goods. That’s still in the shaping, BUT this new campaign slogan will certainly help form those connections.

Check out these video clips from Wal-Mart! I think the idea is “catchy” and will definitely impact the hearts of families!

Wal-Mart Save Money. Live Better.

Wal-Mart Road Trip Commercial

Wal-Mart Cars Commercial

Wouldn’t it be cool if Wal-Mart personalized commercials by locale? For example, seeing a Hawaii themed commercial would be cool, don’t you think?

Wal-Mart, walmart, save money live better, always low prices, McDonald’s

Businesses and non-profit agencies make a good combination! Starting today through September 14, 2007, go! Airlines will contribute $1 to the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) of Hawaii for every roundtrip purchased. Travel must be between August 31, 2007 and September 14, 2007 in order to qualify.

go! Airlines, the originator of cheap inter-island travel, is doing its part in raising MDA awareness here in Hawaii. “We are glad to contribute to our community’s efforts in raising awareness of the many ailments known as muscular dystrophy,” said Jonathan Ornstein, MESA Air Group Chairman and CEO.

Corporate giving is on the rise averaging an increase of 4.7% for top companies. There’s even a study done in 2006 attempting to link increased profits and corporate giving. The study suggests that businesses selling consumer products since they already advertise to the general public. In addition, businesses have an opportunity to use a “back door” approach to sales. By advertising the donations, they can ultimately see an increase in their revenues.

Is this really the cause of revenue increase? I really don’t think anybody knows. Honestly, how can you really prove something like that? However, I think what should matter most is that somehow businesses are getting involved in aiding community causes. We are seeing businesses commonly taking on more social responsibility and that’s a good thing. We should probably just leave it at that.

go airlines, muscular dystrophy association Hawaii, mda Hawaii, mesa air group, corporate giving, Hawaii

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

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

BIG OOOPSIES for me! In my quest to get one “up and running”, I forgot to introduce myself and what I’m doing here. Jeez… sometimes I get so caught up in my work that I forget about stuff like this. Sorry about that!

So here I am! My name is Coreen Nishijo. Introducing your new Honolulu, HI blog here at 451Press! Why are we here? One of the best things I love about Hawaii is the people and that’s what this blog is all about. You’ll be sure to find local events, places and things like that, but you’ll also find out about the people who make Hawaii great!

If you ever have a question, an idea, or just want to send me a note, feel free to do so. I’d love to hear from you!

Stay tuned and check back often to see what’s going at the Honolulu, HI blog! Until next time…. Aloha!

honolulu, honolulu HI, 451 Press