Merrie Monarch Festival

Catch live coverage of the annual Merrie Monarch Festival from Hilo, Hawaii http://www.k5thehometeam.com/category/184055/merrie-monarch-festival

Here's some history of how the annual festival came to be:

HILO (HawaiiNewsNow) - King David Kalakaua, also known as the Merrie Monarch, was a patron of the arts – especially traditional Hawaiian music and dance. The festival named in his honor has come a long way from its beginning. This morning, Malika Dudley brings us the first of a series of stories from her home town of Hilo, as we count down the days to the Merrie Monarch  Festival.

The Merrie Monarch Festival is just a few years shy of its Golden Anniversary, with 47 years of culture, crafts, music and dance. It's brought about a renaissance of Hawaiian culture, but it wasn't started with such a lofty goal in mind.

"In 1963, the chairman of the county of Hawaii that was the forerunner of the mayor was Helene Hail, and she wanted something to boost our economy," said Luana Kawelu, executive director of the Merrie Monarch Festival.

Her director of programs at the time was none other than the legendary Uncle George Naope. It was his idea to honor King Kalakaua with a festival. The year was 1964.

"We had a grog shop, we had a big coronation pageant," said Kawelu. "Uncle loved pageantry. Kalakauka-style beards will highlight the festival

But it wasn't long before the festival was in trouble.

"After the fifth year nobody wanted to be chairman, so the festival was going to fold," said Kawela. "So my mom volunteered."

Dot Thompson, or Aunti Dot as most call her, met with Uncle George and several prominent hula masters.

"And they convinced my mom to do a contest," said Kawelu. "She wanted to do things to replicate what King Kalakaua brought back like the traditions, hula, culture and the arts."

In 1971, the first hula competition was staged. Buying a $1 button got you in to all of the events.

"And in actuality it didn't do very well," said Kawelu. "My mom and uncle would go all around town begging people to buy buttons, and still it was very cooly accepted."

It wasn't until six years later, with the addition of Kane Hula, that it really took off.

"That was something unusual that they hadn't seen in a long time, and it brought excitement," said Kawelu. "With the halaus now, the audience goes crazy when Kane Halau come on."

The Kane are a draw, but every halau brings something special to the stage after undergoing months of intense preparation.

"All the dancers, all the kumu, all the time and hard work they spend…I so admire them. It's tremendous, for seven minutes on that stage," said Kawelu.

In addition to hula training, kumu hulas must create fact sheets that explain the meaning and translates the ka'i, or entrance; the mele; the dance itself; and the ho'i, or exit.

"A lot of the kumu have told me how much they appreciate my mom forcing them to do this research because they themselves have learned a lot through this," said Kawelu.

And it's not cheap.

"I understand from a lot of halau it takes about $45,000 to bring a halau here, and so I really want to get the message across to people that we should appreciate what they've given us. It's a treasure," said Kawelu.

A treasure that they share with the world. Tickets for this yearly event sell out very fast, so if you'd ever like to see the festival in person, purchase your tickets as soon as they become available. I've blessed to attend this festival many years ago with my ohana and I really enjoyed it.

The Hawaii 5-0 Effect

Local businesses in Honolulu Hawaii have been reaping the rewards for having either their product or tourist destination as part of an episode back drop. A locally owned shave ice company has been shown on practically every 5-0 episode so far, while a local beer called Kona beer has seen their revenue increase as well. The USS Missouri 63 has also enjoy increased tourists visiting their museum shops because of being shown on an episode of 5-0. The most beautiful thing is that the entire state of Hawaii is once again becoming a popular tourist destination as the show is shown around the world.

Being from Hawaii myself it makes me proud seeing the Aloha State enjoying such national and international exposure again because of a locally filmed tv show. It's often tough to say which shows will do well in the ratings when filmed in Hawaii, as not all shows enjoy success right out of the gates.

http://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/category/6743/video?clipId=5595021&topVideoCatNo=195904&autoStart=true&redirected=true

State legislature honors CBS, Hawaii Five-O

Alex O'Loughlin, Scott Caan, Grace Park, and Daniel Dae Kim have made their roles on Hawaii 5-0 memorable for fans of the original show with the late Jack Lord. These cast members have a unique chemistry that have seen the show enjoy a revival, after many failed earlier attempts, and drawn tourists back to the islands.

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The Hawaii State Legislature Thursday honored CBS and Hawaii Five-O Thursday for engaging a new era of viewers and showcasing the beauty of the islands as never seen before.

CBS' Hawaii Five-0 took the police procedural drama set in the backyard of Hawaii, and updated the show's brand appeal with a new generation of fast-paced, high-action, eye-seducing, crime-fighting quartet.

The legislature honored representatives from CBS, the show's producers, cast and crew on the global success of their first season.

Honorees include Senior Vice President of Current Programming for CBS Glenn Geller, Executive Producer Peter Lenkov, Co-Executive Producer Paul Zbyszewski, Co-Executive Producer and Director Brad Turner, Producer and Co-Unit Production Manager Jeff Downer, cast members Alex O'Loughlin (Steve McGarrett) and Daniel Dae Kim (Chin Ho Kelly).

"While some may have had their doubts about bringing back this iconic series," said Rep. K. Mark Takai (District 34 - Aiea, Pearl City), "It really was a win-win for everyone involved-especially our local film and television industry. The success of the new series tells other production companies that Hawaii is a good place for film and television ventures."

In its first season, Hawaii Five-O led with notable rating recognitions. The highly anticipated pilot episode was watched by over 17-million viewers and on January 23, 2011 Hawaii Five-O picked up its highest ratings to date, with the fifteenth episode of the first season drawing 20.95 million viewers. (Source: Nielsen Galaxy Explorer. As dated. P2+, L+7 000s)

For his portrayal of New Jersey transplant, devoted father, and McGarrett's partner in crime and crime-fighting, Detective Danny "Danno" Williams, Scott Caan was nominated for a 2011 Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television.

At the 37th People's Choice Awards on January 5, 2011, Hawaii Five-0 won "Favorite New TV Drama."

Shot entirely on-location, Hawaii Five-O has brought the flavors and stunning backdrop of the Hawaiian islands to viewers across the country and the world - in over 200 international markets. Locals here and abroad look forward to new episodes (CBS, Mondays 9 p.m. on KGMB) to spot their favorite hangouts and maybe even their friends and family as extras.

"In the words of the late James MacArthur," Takai said. "I, too, am heartened to see the legacy of this popular cultural icon, preserved and perpetuated in the hands of the terrific people now at the helm."

Copyright Hawaii News Now 2011. All rights reserved.

Big Island of Hawaii ranks near top of tropical destinations

Active volcanoes. Black-sand beaches. Coffee plantations. Four national parks. Hawaii's Big Island is a boon for nature lovers who want a tropical vacation beyond sun and surf (although there's plenty of that, too). Visit between December and May for humpback whale watching, or any time of year to dive with friendly manta rays. Get your thrills at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, which is both a UNESCO World Biosphere and World Heritage site, and offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to tour the area around Kilauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes. Want beauty that's a bit more genteel? Botanical gardens, hiking trails, and countless waterfalls also await you.

Lava spews 65 feet high after crater collapse

Story by the A.P.


VOLCANO, Hawaii – A new vent has opened at one of the world's most active volcanoes, sending lava shooting up to 65 feet high, scientists at Kilauea volcano said Sunday.

The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory said the fissure eruption was spotted shortly after the floor at the Pu'u O'o crater collapsed around 5 p.m. Saturday. It occurred along the middle of Kilauea's east rift zone, about 2 miles west of Pu'u O'o.

"As a volcanogist, this is what we do. These are the moments we wait for," volcanogist Janet Babb told KHON2. "It is exciting to see an eruption begin particularly if you can see it from the very start."
Kilauea has been in constant eruption since Jan. 3, 1983.

At the summit, lava receded rapidly late Saturday but seemed to slow Sunday. There were also about 150 small earthquakes were recorded within Kilauea in the past 24 hours.

Scientists said areas near the vent could erupt or collapse without warning, posing a threat to visitors or hikers to the area. Also potentially lethal concentrations of sulfer dioxide gas could be present within about a half-mile downwind of vent areas.

Because of the latest activity, the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has closed Chain of Craters Road and all east rift zone and coastal trails. Kulanaokuaiki campground was also closed until further notice.

Babb told the Hawaii Tribune-Herald that the fissure has expanded to about 535 yards long and that scientists were hiking into the remote area to observe the fissure and take readings.
No homes are under threat.

Some highlights of Sen. Akaka's decades-long career on Capitol.. - Hawaii News Now - KGMB and KHNL Home

By Minna Sugimoto

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - US Sen. Daniel Akaka announced on Wednesday that he will not seek re-election in 2012.

The World War II veteran was a school teacher and principal long before entering politics. During his decades-long career in Washington, DC, he perhaps taught us about perseverance as he steadfastly fought for bills he believed in.

Last month, Sen. Dan Akaka made history on Capitol Hill, becoming the first Native Hawaiian to chair the Indian Affairs committee. It was just another ground-breaking accomplishment for the well-liked 86-year-old, known for his wide smile and aloha spirit.

He's America's first senator of Native Hawaiian ancestry, serving since 1990. The former educator also served 14 years in the US House, starting in 1976.

He spent the past decade fighting unsuccessfully for the so-called Akaka Bill, which would have given federal recognition to Native Hawaiians. The latest version of the measure died in the Senate last December.

"I will not give up until the Native Hawaiian people have the same rights to self-governance already afforded to the rest of the nation's indigenous people," he said at the time.

In 2008, Akaka and Sen. Daniel Inouye fought for long-denied pension benefits and recognition for Filipino veterans.

"I believe it's a moral obligation of this nation to provide for those Filipino veterans who fought under the US flag during World War II," he said at the time.

In 2009, the Vietnam Veterans of America honored Akaka for his public service, service that really began upon his high school graduation. He joined the US Army Corps of Engineers and served during World War II.

"Some doubted that a generation of veterans could reintegrate into society without disaster," he said. "They were wrong. This is because when we come back home, we return to a grateful nation."

But not all of the recognition has been good. In 2006, Time Magazine named Akaka one of America's five worst senators, calling him a "master of the minor resolution and the bill that dies in committee."

"I think that was wrong," he said at the time. "I mean, what is minor? Everything we do is really important and major."

Copyright 2011 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.

Mahatma Gandhi's grandson spreads message of peace in Hawaii - Hawaii News Now - KGMB and KHNL Home

By Teri Okita – www.HawaiiNewsNow.com

WAIKIKI (HawaiiNewsNow) – The grandson of spiritual and political leader, Mahatma Gandhi, is carrying the family's message of peace and non-violence to Hawaii. Arun Gandhi says the world is being consumed by too much violence, and it's time to break down barriers.

Arun Gandhi stood underneath his famous grandfather's statue in Waikiki - to talk about transformation in an era of turmoil. "The time has come when the world needs to look at alternate ways of resolving the conflicts that we face," says Gandhi.

With violent protests sweeping through the Middle East, an on-going tit-for-tat in the Koreas, and the U.S. fighting two wars, Gandhi points out: we're living in a time of international instability.

"We cannot secure our nation here in this corner of the world, if the rest of the world is going down the tubes. So, we have to ensure that the whole world lives in peace and harmony," explains Gandhi.

Mohandas "Mahatma" Gandhi pioneered the civil disobedience movement in India during the early half of the last century - based on his philosophy of peace and non-violence.

At age 12, Arun Gandhi went to live with his grandfather who taught him the principles that he now teaches today. Arun's first test of forgiveness, rather than revenge, came just two years later, when Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated. His parents reminded the young Arun: change had to begin within.

He says about his grandfather, "Gandhi's very famous quotation is: that we must become the change we wish to see. And I have added onto that: and I said, we must not only become the change we wish to see, we must also become the agents of change that we wish to see."

The 76-year-old Gandhi, who now lives in the U.S., is carrying on the family name and message through his lectures, on his Washington Post blog, and through the Gandhi Worldwide Education Institute.

He'll be in Hawaii through Monday - speaking at various venues across Oahu. For more information, here is a link to a website with the list of events.

www.gandhianpeace.com/events.html

Honolulu Freeways

Locals have been complaining about how busy the freeways are on the Honolulu freeways for years. On Oahu you have the following major junctions on the freeways: West end:Route 93 in Kapolei, H-2 in Pearl City, H-201 in Aiea, H-3 in Halawa, East end:Route 72 in Honolulu, HI. The H-1 freeway  is the busiest Interstate Highway in Hawaii, is also known as the Queen Liliʻuokalani Freeway. Here's a trivia fact about the H-1 freeway: It is the westernmost and southernmost Interstate Highway in the United States.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interstate_H-1 provided the above information.

The Hawaii Department of Transportation or HDOT has for years been trying to figure out what the best way to possibly alleviate the heavy traffic on Honolulu freeways, thus making it easier for residents traveling to and from work. It's possible had the H-4 freeway been permitted to be built back in 1965, that some of the traffic problems wouldn't be as bad. Honolulu has the nation’s second highest metropolitan travel time during peak commute hours, second only to Los Angeles.

These are some alternatives modes of transportation Oahu has recently put to good use, such as using buses. Established by former Mayor Frank F. Fasi as the Honolulu Rapid Transit (HRT), Honolulu's TheBus system has been twice honored by the American Public Transportation Association bestowing the title of "America's Best Transit System" for 1994–1995 and 2000–2001. TheBus operates 107 routes serving Honolulu and outlying areas on Oahu with a fleet of 531 buses, and is run by the non-profit corporation Oahu Transit Services in conjunction with the city Department of Transportation Services. Honolulu is ranked 4th for highest per-capita use of mass transit in the United States.

The other possible mode of transportation using a Rail system is hitting snags. Currently, there is no urban rail transit system in Honolulu, although electric street railways were used in Honolulu prior to World War II. The government of the City and County of Honolulu is currently planning a 20-mile (32 km) transit line that will connect Honolulu with outlying suburban areas to the west of the city on the southwestern part of Oʻahu. The Honolulu High-Capacity Transit Corridor Project is aimed at alleviating traffic congestion for Leeward Oʻahu commuters, but has been criticized for its cost and environmental impacts (including the likelihood of disturbing Native Hawaiian burials and the visual impact of the fully-elevated line.)

As the points of view from Native Hawaiians is understandable and respected, there should be a way of possibly putting a railway on Oahu without causing any major environmental damage to native plants and sacred sites. The fact that locals don't want a railway being an eye sore to residents and visitors alike, plays a major component on how HDOT possibly comes up with an idea on how to install a railway system. Should a railway ever be built on Oahu, it'd have to go around the entire island, stop at selected railway stations close to work, shopping malls, hotels& beaches, and not to far from home.

Hawaii board OKs plan for giant telescope

The following story is by the AP or associated press.


HONOLULU – Hawaii has moved a step closer to the construction of the world's largest telescope on the summit of Mauna Kea.
The state Board of Land and Natural Resources unanimously approved the plan Friday. A consortium of California and Canadian universities had applied for a permit to build the Thirty Meter Telescope on conservation land.
The board, however, also granted a request by opponents for a case hearing on the telescope.
Some Native Hawaiians say the construction would defile Mauna Kea's summit, which they consider sacred. Environmentalists also oppose the telescope, claiming that it would harm the rare wekiu bug.
The telescope would be able to observe planets that orbit stars other than the sun and enable astronomers to watch new planets and stars being formed.

Living in Hawaii

I'll say this about living in Hawaii, it's not for everyone, as many families have found out for themselves. At first the idea of actually living in Hawaii seems cool or perhaps a once in a life time experience. From personal experience living in Hawaii taught me many things about life and about myself. Even though Hawaii is located nearly 3000 miles away from the U.S. mainland, the fact that when you're inspired to take a long drive somewhere proves limited when living in the islands. Island fever is a term for those who aren't able to adapt to living in the islands, as once you've lived on the U.S. mainland, there are many things you're able to do there that you aren't be able to do in Hawaii. Exploring other states is something you can't do from Hawaii in a car or a train, leaving air travel as the primary mode of transportation.

Should your family be the ones moving to Hawaii for being closer to either spouses family or because your job firm transferred you there, please make sure it's really something meant for your family. I've seen situations where families didn't do well living in Hawaii for several reasons, the primary reason being jobs. Unlike their mainland counterparts, getting a job in Hawaii generally proves challenging, especially when you didn't prepare for that in advance. Through the years I've learned about the important things to be aware of or learn more about before possibly moving to Hawaii.

Before agreeing with your boss on a job transfer to Hawaii, requiring you to move your entire family, the  following things are important to know before hand.
1) Will your salary(s) increase enough to offset the higher living expenses Hawaii has?

2) What sort of housing will you be able to afford living in the islands? Will you be able to afford the different selections of insurance required to have in the islands? Earthquake and Flood insurance would be at the top of the list.

3) In the event you've got kids attending school, does the school they'll attend have or come close to the
    curriculum  of your child(s) previous school? In case it turns out the curriculum is behind what your
    child had been taught in school previously, how will you deal with that? In my personal experience, it
    hurt me more then I suspected, that the learning curriculum was two years behind.

4) Health insurance for you and your family, will you still remain with your company's health care plan
    or have to purchase another health plan once you've settled down? Health insurance plans in the
    islands have selected price ranges on what you're able to afford.

5) The weather in the islands varies somewhat from island to island. Getting acclimated to the island
     weather temperatures shouldn't take long adjusting to, unless you've moved from a cold weather state.

6) Auto Insurance it's important on checking to see how your auto insurance rates will differ living in
    Hawaii. At last check all licensed drivers were required to no-fault insurance on their vehicles.

7) In the event of a family emergency that requires you to return to the mainland, will you be able to bear
    that unexpected expense. Depending on which island you're living on, the costs of an airline ticket
    could possibly shock you. Most airline flights directly out of Honolulu are the least expensive, should
    that be where you're living.

With the technology of the internet available these days, it's quite simple checking on these important things before possibly moving to Hawaii. The many families who relocate to the islands, end up loving the laid back life style, as for some families it doesn't work out as well. The important thing is doing a complete research, thus making a educated decision before moving to the islands, having feedback in knowing or not if living in Hawaii is right for you and your family. With Hawaii being located in the Pacific Ocean, remember it's still an approximate 5 to 6 hour flight back to the mainland.

Visiting and Vacationing in Hawaii!

This map is courtesy of the following website: http://www.hawaii-accommodation-pictures.com/map/index.html

For many visitors visiting and vacationing in Hawaii it's quite an uncommon experience and adventure. Located nearly 3000 miles from the U.S. Mainland of California, the sites and scenery of the islands, are quite unlike any other place in the United States with tropical scenery. Tourism is important to the islands, as various televised commercials broadcast on TV & radio try to show what Hawaii has to offer the visitors from around the world. With the recent success that Hawaii 5-0 is having, that show itself has been successful in marketing the natural beauty of the Hawaiian islands.

Whether you're traveling by plane or cruise ship, make your visit or vacation to the islands as memorable as you're able to. A few visitors have come up to me and mentioned that Hawaii is expensive, I've replied by saying, since you're there for a vacation to relax with family members, just enjoy it. Yes it's true some things in the islands are priced higher then in San Diego county, however, that isn't far behind some priced items being nearly the same. When you do visit Hawaii for a vacation, the following advice should prove helpful:

1) Depending upon what time of year your visiting, bring a light jacket in case of unexpected rain.

2) Bring a suntan lotion with a high spf count of over 30 at least, Hawaii is located near the equator, but south of the tropic of cancer. People with sun sensitive skin should be especially aware of this when visiting.

3) Spending Money- Don't bring more then you actually need. Whenever possible use traveler's checks for traveling purposes, or what ever credit card your family uses for vacations only. You don't want to make yourself a target by advertising you're carrying large amounts of money on your person. Frommer's Hawaii 2010 (Frommer's Colour Complete Guides)

4) Locals naturally speak a dialect of English and Hawaiian called Pidgin English. Unless you're familiar with that dialect, don't attempt trying to use it. The words used have different meanings, as you could possibly offend someone unknowingly, in attempting to use Pidgin English. I myself can still speak the dialect with no problem, one of the benefits of living in Hawaii.

5) Site-Seeing: Most important thing here to remember is genuinely know your physical limitations when scuba diving, swimming, hiking, biking, or what ever you have planned during your visit. Each island offers some uncommon tropical beauty, making for lots of pictures. The Big Island offers the many diverse options as far as weather conditions go. Just for example, say you're visiting the summit of Mauna Kea be forewarned that even though the thermometer reads 85 at sea level, the temps change drastically the higher in elevation you climb. A thicker jacket is highly recommended for the mountains to keep you comfortable. The Big Isle is also the largest of all the Hawaiian islands combined.

6) Shop carefully for good deals when it's known you'll be visiting Hawaii. Some package deals look good at first, however, take a closer look at the fine print. Your visit to Hawaii should be memorable, as misfortunes sometimes occur out of the blue. From airline, rent a cars, hotels, an important thing to understand is staying within your budget range. Don't try impressing anyone by staying at some expensive hotel you can't genuinely afford on your budget. When staying at a hotel be sure to ask about the local farmers market near your hotel, good deals are often found there on assorted items. Don't forget to ask where a local supermarket is located you'll save money. Another hint is ask the hotel clerk when the local grocery store ads appear in the newspaper. You'll save some additional money doing that and use it for other things.

7) Enjoy your visit to the Hawaiian Islands as you experience the aloha spirit in person!

Kilauea Volcano

Pu'u O'o eruption, Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii. Pahoehoe slab twisted up by motion
of the flow. U. S. Geological Survey photo by Don Swanson, May 8, 2004. The volcano has continually erupted since 1983, providing spectacular picturesque moments you wouldn't normally get to see. Since 2008, rising emissions of sulfur dioxide from the Halemaʻumaʻu crater at Kīlauea's summit have led to increased levels of volcanic smog and air quality concerns. Located within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Kīlauea is visited by millions of tourists each year, making it the most visited attraction in Hawaii and the most visited volcano in the world. Despite its relative safety for researchers and visitors alike,^[6] Kīlauea is regarded by the USGS as the most dangerous volcano in the U.S.


My Family, who resides on the Big Island, are roughly an hour or so from the Hawaii Volcanos National Park. When the trade winds aren't going, lots of volcanic ash known locally as vog fills the atmosphere, depending upon the severity level, a health alert will be issued via radio or tv stations. Trade winds keep the vog level to a minimal, but, more importantly bring rain clouds with them, bringing much needed rain to the islands.