What the island gives, the island also takes away

By Kathleen Merryman

The vog cloaked all of Hawaii as we flew in to visit our grandchildren and their parents.
The cloud of volcanic smog was born in the 4,000 tons of sulphur dioxide that Madam Pele has been blowing out of one old and one new vent on the Kilauea Volcano every day lately. When you’re the goddess who’s still summoning the lava to enlarge paradise in the midst of an ocean, you’re allowed a spate of heavy breathing. Vog’s a fact of life on the Big Island, where Pele’s been increasing the acreage around Kilauea for 20-some years.
Generally, the island keeps its atmosphere to itself. But in the middle of May, the trade winds died for a few days, and suddenly, vog was veiling Maui, Lanai, Molokai, Oahu and Kauai.
It made the front page of the Honolulu Advertiser, in a story about what sulphur dioxide diluted with soft sea air will do to crops, the water supply, tourism and lungs.
It was the vocabulary lesson on Northwest Airlines Flight 219 on May 17, as locals explained the haze to tourists puzzled by the lack of clarity in Honolulu.
“Vog,” we said, pointing our rental car north on Kauai, the Garden Island where our granddaughter Eden and grandson Devon are sprouting like peppers.
Kauai, the sweetest of the islands, is dancing a hula in geologic time. In flames, she rose from the ocean and formed herself to catch the winds and the rains in a crater that remains the wettest place on Earth. The eldest of her sisters, she is relaxing now, and sinking. Under her mantle of soil, she is the patient island, welcoming the newly married, embracing families, and putting up with tourists.
On her slow dance downward, she is also the island of loss.
In Old Kapaa Town and at the beaches, a young man with starter dreadlocks and heartbreaking, vulnerable blue eyes smiled out of posters.
“We miss you, son,” his parents had written. “Please call us.”
The parents had come to Kauai to find the boy who had fallen out of touch. As our week passed peacefully, with grandchildren laughing in their happy family, the people tacking up the pictures grew desperate. They had to return to the mainland.
Please, they begged their boy in a second round of posters, contact them at a certain restaurant, a certain address.
Young people come to Kauai to live not just on, but with, the island, said my stepdaughter Amy the gardener and her husband, Derek, the adventure guide. Both of them had done exactly that.
But some of those young people forget that Kauai is an island in motion. Three of Amy and Derek’s friends – a couple and their infant – were washed away in a flood. An acquaintance of theirs, a baker, slipped on the black rocks of the Napali Coast, with fatal results. From time to time, young people walk out by themselves and never return.
For all her gentleness, Kauai demands toughness and resourcefulness of her people. We tourists can holo holo from beach to beach in fleets of rental cars, dropping cash as if we would never need it again. But for residents, expenses are high, and opportunities are limited.
Derek, our adventure guide, had reached as high as he was going to get looking after ziplining and kayaking tourists. Even with two part-time jobs, it was not enough on an island of star-high rents and $5 gallons of milk.
He looked into the vog, and found the change his family needed.
This summer, he will take a job managing a new adventure ranch just up the highway from where Pele is at work now, puffing out vog. The family will move to the corner of the Big Island of Hawaii with favorable winds and clear skies.
They will move to the young island where creation looks disconcertingly like destruction.
Aloha, Pele, to you and your vog.
Mahalo, Kauai. Mahalo.

Eco-Friendly Real Estate Buyers Plant Themselves in Hawaii

As part of the continuing green movement, consumers are showing an increased interest in agriculturally-focused real estate developments, creating an experience where they can set down roots, grow and thrive–literally and figuratively. As a key example, Kealanani is a sustainable, integrated residential community situated on 2,021 acres overlooking the northeastern shoreline of Kauai, where homeowners are required to farm a portion of their land. More than 20 buyers from the U.S. and Canada have purchased at Kealanani since sales began in November.
The rise in agri-real estate is a result of the recent popularity in agri-tourism both in Hawaii and on the mainland. In recent years, travelers have sought out vacation destinations where they can visit a working farm and participate in agricultural and horticultural activities. Now, buyers want to make this a part of everyday life, whether it is starting their own tea operation or growing cacao trees. Hawaii is leading the way.
Valerie Van Balen, a Kauai local, purchased a lot at Kealanani to contribute to the island’s local food supply. She plans on growing tropical flowers and fruits including mangos and avocados. Andrew Lambden from Ontario, Canada bought four acres at Kealanani because it is “the prettiest place on earth.” Owners Kate and Dean Sullivan wanted a home that encouraged their two young sons to spend time outdoors.
“We are seeing a growing interest from buyers who want to live a more sustainable lifestyle,” says Paul Kyno, co-developer of Kealanani. “Kealanani’s purpose is to preserve Kauai’s rural heritage where homeowners can enjoy natural goodness from their own land in a beautiful and vast agrarian and equestrian community.”
Kealanani residents have access to the 14-acre Rodeo Arena Park, nine valleys, waterfalls, Kapa’a’s Stream and a 12-mile looped trail for hiking, biking and horseback riding. It will connect to a 2.5-mile pedestrian/equestrian path along the beach leading into the nearby town of Kapa’a. Other examples of agri-communities in Hawaii include Ka’anapali Coffee Farm on Maui, where each lot is a working coffee farm and on the Big Island, Waiki’i Ranch dedicates 20% of its land to an agricultural easement for recreational purposes.

Weather: It's another voggy day in paradise

It will be another voggy day today across most of the state, the National Weather Service said in its forecast.
Light south to southeast winds and Hazy conditions will continue today, forecasters said.
The development of sea breezes over most islands this afternoon will result in cloudy skies and showers, especially over interior and upslope areas.
A few of these showers may be locally heavy on Kauai, Oahu and Molokai.
Light trade winds are expected across most of the state by Friday with light to moderate trade winds returning this weekend.
Here's a closer look at what's heading our way during the next few days:
Today: Scattered showers. The rain could be heavy at times. Widespread haze. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 81. Northeast wind at 5 mph becoming southwest. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Tonight: Scattered showers, mainly before midnight. Widespread haze. Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. North wind between 3 and 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Friday: Isolated showers after noon. Partly cloudy, with a high near 83. East wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.
Friday Night: Isolated showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. East wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.
Saturday: Isolated showers after noon. Partly cloudy, with a high near 85. East wind around 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20 percent.

Hawaii beaches among nation's best

Two Hawaii beaches made the top 10 beaches list for 2008.
Hanalei Beach on the north shore of Kauai came in at number 2 while Hamoa Beach on the eastern end of Maui south of Hana came in at number 7.
The best beach this year is Caladesi Island on the Gulf of Mexico side of Florida near Tampa Bay.
The list is compiled annually by Florida International University professor Stephen P. Leatherman, commonly known as Dr. Beach.

Here is this years list.

1. Caladesi Island, Fla.
2. Hanalei Beach, Hawaii.
3. Siesta Beach, Sarasota, Fla.
4. Coopers Beach, Southampton, N.Y.
5. Coronado Beach, San Diego.
6. Main Beach, East Hampton, N.Y.
7. Hamoa Beach, Hawaii.
8. Cape Hatteras, N.C.
9. Cape Florida State Park, Miami.
10. Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Island, S.C.

State Land Department Begins Sewer Improvements at Waimea State Pier

By Deborah Ward

The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) began construction of sewer improvements at Waimea State Recreation Pier on Kaua‘i yesterday.
As part of the Lingle-Aiona Administration’s ongoing capital improvement program to upgrade existing state park and small boat harbor facilities, DLNR’s Division of State Parks is closing the large capacity cesspool which services the comfort station at the pier. Construction will also begin to install a sewage lift station and force main to connect with the County of Kaua‘i sewer system.
Project contractor TOMCO Corporation will excavate the open field area on the pier property and do excavation and trenching of La‘au Road for the sewer line connection.
“Waimea State Recreation Pier will remain open to the public, and the comfort station will remain open until the time of the sewer hook-up,” said Laura H. Thielen, DLNR chairperson. “We appreciate the public’s understanding as we move forward on this very important improvement project.”
The connection to the County system is expected to take an hour or two, but DLNR will have portable toilets on hand in case the connection takes a full day. This is scheduled to occur somewhere in the first half of July.
Construction activity will occur in the open field area adjacent to the comfort station, and temporary protection barriers will be used for the public’s safety. There will be some inconvenience to users of La‘au Road, however appropriate traffic control measures will be implemented.
Project completion is expected by mid-October 2008. Project cost is approximately $290,000.
Waimea State Recreational Pier is located on La‘au Road off Pokole or Moana roads from Kaumuali‘i Highway (Hwy. 50) in Waimea town, west Kaua‘i. It is open daily during daylight hours. It features ocean pier fishing and picnicking, pole fishing and crabbing. Restrooms, picnic areas, trash cans and drinking water are provided.
Waimea became an important port with Captain Cook’s visit in 1778. The original wharf was built in 1865 to compete with Koloa landing as a port of call for whaling ships.
Historically significant, the old Waimea landing first sported a pier with winches for shifting cargo from railcars to lighters out to the awaiting cargo ships anchored off-shore. Products exported from west Kaua‘i at the time were raw sugar, cattle, goats, oranges, taro, sweet potatoes, yams and rice.

Kauai implements beach-safety bookmarks

An agreement between Kauai officials and Kauai's most popular guidebook will put beach safety bookmarks in all new copies of the "Ultimate Kauai Guide," county officials announced.
The bookmarks are part of the county's efforts to reduce drownings on the Garden Isle.
For the past few years, the county's Water Safety Task Force has been working to educate tourists about the dangers of Kauai's beaches. They created Web sites, put banners up at the airport, took out full-page ads in the "Kauai Drive Guide" and made presentations to hotels and activities desks.
Kauai Fire Department Chief Robert Westerman is credited with the idea to put the bookmarks in the guidebooks. The Kauai Water Safety Task Force will get the bookmarks in all new copies of the book, county officials said.
"It's another way to get the word out especially to visitors about the need to be careful when enjoying our beautiful beaches," Westerman said.

Study forecasts halt in economic growth in all four Hawaii counties

All four Hawaii counties will see zero economic growth in 2008, reflecting the slowing state and national economy, according to a new report.
The effects of fewer visitors to the islands, the failure of Aloha Airlines and ATA, the departure of two interisland cruise ships and the overall slowing of economic activity will contribute to the lack of growth in Honolulu, Maui, Kauai and Hawaii counties, according to the forecast by the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization.
"We basically doubled the size of the drop in expected visitor arrivals statewide because of the loss of Aloha and ATA," said University of Hawaii economist Carl Bonham, who co-authored the report with UH colleague Byron Gangnes and Hawaii Pacific University Professor Leroy Laney.
Statewide, passenger arrivals are forecast to decline 3.9 percent and visitor days -- the number of arrivals multiplied by length of stay -- are expected to fall 3.4 percent.
The Neighbor Islands are expected to be hit the hardest because cruise passengers made up most of the growth in the past, Bonham said. Although the ships' departure will also affect Honolulu, it will be more pronounced on the smaller islands, he said.
Visitor arrivals are projected to fall on all islands, in particular on Kauai, which is forecast to see an 11 percent drop. However, visitor days are expected to decline by just 3.3 percent. Tourism on the Garden Isle is projected to remain flat in 2009, but begin to rise in 2010, with 4.3 percent growth projected.
The disparity between arrivals and visitor days can be attributed to the loss of the two cruise ships, since much of Kauai's strong visitor industry performance in the past couple of years was driven by cruise passengers, Bonham said.
"Cruise visitors spend more than most people think -- their daily spending, they're shopping, they're spending a fair amount of money on food," he said. "The impact is certainly there."
The Big Island of Hawaii is forecast to see arrivals go down by 9.1 percent, while visitor days are projected to decline by 5.6 percent. Visitor arrivals are also expected to rebound in 2010.
Maui County, which includes Lanai and Molokai, is projected to see a 6.5 percent drop in visitor arrivals and a 4 percent decline in visitor days. The county is expected to see a small gain next year, 1.6 percent, followed by another 2 percent growth in 2010. Visitor days will also rise slightly, but stay below their 2006 peak.
Honolulu County, which covers all of Oahu, is forecast to see a 4 percent overall decline in arrivals -- including a 6 percent decline from the U.S. and Japan markets -- and a 2.6 percent decline in visitor days. The report forecasts continued weakness for Oahu's tourism market for several years, and projects that the number of visitor days in 2010 will be below their 2005 peak.
Oahu took the brunt of the loss during the last downturn, in late 2001 and 2002 after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, when the number of visitors from Japan fell sharply. The other counties fared better because their visitor base was from the Mainland, a market that rebounded fairly quickly, Bonham said.
"It is hard to get a real useful benchmark for downturns out of the post [Sept. 11] period," Bonham said. "It was unique in a variety of ways -- you had a very sharp downturn in visitors right at the same time you were experiencing an acceleration in construction activity."
Although construction is slowing, a number of military and government projects are expected to keep the sector fairly healthy, he said.

Hilo Hattie sold

Hilo Hattie, one of the largest retailers of Hawaiian fashions, souvenirs and gifts, has been sold to a California-based owner of a chain of hair salons.
TOC Inc. purchased the 45-year-old privately owned company for an undisclosed amount, the company said Friday.
"I have the utmost confidence in TOC Inc's ability to successfully grow the company," Jim Romig, founder and chairman of Hilo Hattie, said in a statement. "Ted Nelson, a principal of TOC Inc., has over a decade of experience in doing business in Hawaii and currently owns the Hawaii region of Fantastic Sams hair salons."
Nelson is a principal in FS Hawaii Inc., which owns 18 Fantastic Sams hair salons on Oahu.
"Hilo Hattie is a strong retail company with an incredible history in Hawaii. We are truly committed to building and expanding its brand," Nelson said.
Romig started the business in 1963 on Kauai as Kaluna Hawaii Sportswear and began manufacturing aloha shirts and other Hawaiian-themed apparel on Oahu two years later. The company was renamed Hilo Hattie in 1979, after the death of the original Hilo Hattie, entertainer Clarissa Haili.
The company today has seven stores on Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island and two in Southern California. Hilo Hattie also is planning to open a new 20,000 square-foot flagship store at the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center in Waikiki.
Employees were told of the sale on Friday afternoon. All retail stores and offices will continue to operate as usual, the company said.

Two Hawaii airports get FAA grants

Airports on Kauai and the Big Island will received almost $6 million in grants from the Federal Aviation Administration.
Lihue Airport on Kauai will get $5.7 million in federal funding for improvements to its terminal building.
Hilo International on the Big Island will receive $189,000 to install a noise-monitoring system.
The grants are a part of the FAA's Airport Improvement Program, which provides money for planning, development and noise-compatibility projects at public airports.

Superferry awaits signal from Kauai

By Rob Perez

The Hawaii Superferry, which hasn't sailed to Kaua'i since harbor protesters blocked its arrival in August, intends to resume trips there only if the community signals it wants the service restored, the company's new chief executive said yesterday.
"We're going to do what is right for each community," said retired Navy Adm. Thomas Fargo, who took over Superferry's top job last week.
The Superferry also will raise its $39 one-way fare between Honolulu and Maui to $49 on June 6. Fargo, in a telephone interview with The Advertiser, said the price is still "hugely competitive."
Starting Friday, the Superferry will add a second roundtrip to Maui, four days a week, but it has no timeline for returning to Kaua'i, Fargo said.
If the Superferry were to get some kind of signal from the community, especially from leadership, that service is desired, the carrier would respond to the request, Fargo said.
Asked what would constitute a signal from the community, Fargo said: "There'll be a momentum or view by the community that they would like Superferry service." He added that he wasn't sure how that view would be communicated.
At least one Kaua'i politician suggested that the company is still unwelcomed by many people on that island.
Sen. Gary Hooser, D-7th (Kaua'i, Ni'ihau), said the percentage of Kaua'i residents opposed to the Superferry probably hasn't changed much and likely won't change much until the company shows it is reliable and forthright with the community.
"The Hawaii Superferry needs to prove itself in terms of reliability, service and community commitment first, and they haven't done that on Maui," Hooser said. "It's proven to be unreliable."
Hooser also said he was unaware of the Superferry doing any significant outreach to community groups on Kaua'i over the past few months, something that will be key to repairing relations and gaining support.
Lori Abe, a spokeswoman for the Superferry, said the company is continuing to talk with community members on Kaua'i.
The company got off to a shaky start last year, dealing with legal challenges, protests, stormy seas, canceled voyages and problems with its $85 million catamaran and docking facilities. Its first voyage to Kaua'i last August was greeted by protesters on surfboards and in kayaks who blocked the entrance to Nawiliwili Harbor.
shakedown period ends
Fargo indicated that Superferry isn't profitable now, but he said he wasn't aware of any company that would be profitable at this early stage of its operations.
Asked if the recent change in management — Fargo replaced John Garibaldi as president and chief executive — was an indication that Superferry investors were unhappy with where the company was at this point, Fargo said the carrier had gone through an expected shakedown period and was now entering the operational phase, for which his expertise with complex maritime operations would be beneficial.
Garibaldi became vice chairman and remains as a board member.
Fargo said he would like to see the company ultimately attract a balance of cargo, passenger and vehicle business so it will become profitable.
He said the current trends are positive, with growth in passenger and vehicle traffic.
On the first weekend of his tenure, Fargo said, Superferry had 2,000 passengers on its Friday, Saturday and Sunday O'ahu-Maui trips, roughly double the previous weekend's count. He also said the company has seen an increase in business since Aloha Airlines closed its passenger service March 31 and more recently halted interisland cargo operations, forcing customers to temporarily seek alternative ways to move their products. Aloha's cargo service resumed after another company reached agreement to buy the business.
The turmoil in the interisland market hasn't altered Superferry's strategy.
"We're going to be a success by establishing a scheduled, reliable ferry service for residents, visitors and businesses in Hawai'i," Fargo said.

Most Kauai cabins won't be auctioned

Residents who keep cabins at Kokee State Park on Kauai will be able to stay there for at least another 20 years under a bill approved by lawmakers. That meanings most of the cabins won't open to the public. The measure attempts to end a fight between the cabin dwellers and the state. Officials wanted to force them to give up their exclusive use of cabins built on public land now that their leases are running out. The state Department of Land and Natural Resources says only about 20 unoccupied lots in Kauai's mountainous interior will be put up for auction. People occupying 93 currently leased lots will be able to negotiate new leases for at least 20 years with the state at fair market value.

Neighbor Island Home Sales, Delta Hikes Fuel Surcharge

By Howard Discus

The neighbor island home sales reports from April are starting to come in. The number of sales were almost 20% less than at the same time last year. The median price fell only 7% but that means than half of the homes went for less than 400 grand. Condos also slowed but a shift of sales to Waikoloa drove up the median price. The Hawaii Information Service also issued April figures for Kauai -- only 19 homes sold and 14 condos, in both cases a drop of more than half from last year. The median home price was 620 thousand, down only 15% from a year ago. The condo median fell almost 40% as sales slumped in the upscale Koloa developments. Still to come, probably later this week, stats from the Realtors Association of Maui.
Other Business Headlines: Delta Air Lines hikes to a 110-dollar roundtrip fuel surcharge on flights between Honolulu and LAX. This puts maximum coach fares to the West Coast over 14-hundred dollars

Visitor Arrival Numbers Down in April

By Howard Dicus

Aloha and ATA went away at the beginning of April, so these figures are the first to show an entire month of damage to the state's tourism industry.
Arrivals fell below 600,000, a decline from year-ago levels of 11 percent. And it wasn't the fault of Aloha or ATA, but Japanese arrivals plunged below 100 thousand for the first time in years.
From the mainland, Kauai got almost 2,000 extra arrivals, but the other operating counties saw major declines. Oahu domestic arrivals down by 32,000 Maui and the Big Island collectively losing 30,000. The state typically assumes 15 percent of arrivals by air are returning locals. Subtract from the grand total decline in arrivals, and you get 68,000 fewer visitors in April 2008 than April 2007. The spending loss is measured in millions.

Employees and clients rejoice over renewal

By Robert Shikina

About 20 employees were happy and ready to get down to business last night as they returned to Aloha Airlines' cargo operation at Honolulu Airport.
Business was slowly trickling in, and two planes were expected to leave at 11:30 last night to Kona and Kauai.
Aaron Sanchez, a driver for Armstrong Produce, pulled into the parking lot of Aloha cargo, leaning out the driver's side window waving. "Hey, what's up?" he said to cheers from Aloha employees. "I'm glad you guys are back."
After unloading, he said it has been a hassle for his boss since no one could handle the volume of their produce shipments. "Now that they're back, life will be easier for Armstrong," he said. "Less headache for us."
Afternoon shift employees had been working for about five hours yesterday before learning about Aloha's return to operations. They had been asked Tuesday to show up for work yesterday without knowing whether they would be paid.
"It still didn't even sink in yet," said Jason Takao, overnight supervisor. "The first thing that came to my mind was I get to see my friends again."
Takao showed up several hours early for his 9:30 p.m. shift to watch the first planes take off. "Then it will probably sink in. I have a job now," said Takao, a 17-year employee.
Clement Balboa, a part-time employee, said he is happy for the long-term workers. "Not too many companies have these kinds of people. For some reason, this bunch of people are just amazing. They stay until the end."
He said he was willing to stay three hours past his quitting time to finish loading the planes.
Kendra Fisher, customer service agent, said, "It's a big relief. We all grew into a big family. It's good to see everyone again."

Kauai feeling brunt of cargo woes

A food industry official looks to the Superferry

By Tom Finnegan

Dick Botti, president of the Hawaii Food Industry Association, said his constituents are already feeling the pressure of Aloha Airlines' cargo service shutdown in their grocery aisles, especially on Kauai.
That is why he is pushing for a return of the Hawaii Superferry to Kauai, something executives at the company would not rule out last night.
The Superferry "stands ready to help our neighbors on Maui and Kauai," Tom Fargo, Superferry's new chief executive officer, said in a statement last night. "Once we've been made aware of what those needs are, we will do everything we can to respond."
Without the Superferry, "everybody's going to be affected," Botti said, "either with shortages or with higher prices."
Starting today, companies with direct shipping of perishable goods such as bread and milk will have to pay more to bring their goods to Kauai or do without, he said. Anything with a finite shelf life that has to be rotated on a regular basis will eventually be affected by the closure, as higher shipping prices and a lack of space squeeze the market, said Botti.
"If the (Superferry) could get out there tomorrow, that would alleviate both the problems," he added. "This is a good test for the people of Kauai (to see) what they want."
Botti has asked every food store on Kauai that he represents to send letters to the Kauai County Council asking for its support to bring back the Superferry, which was greeted by protests last summer. He is hoping the Council, which passed a unanimous resolution in 2006 asking the Superferry not to sail without an environmental impact statement, will revisit the issue at its next meeting.
Councilman Tim Bynum, who was not on the Council when the resolution was passed, said that despite Aloha's shutdown, the Superferry should not return until all environmental impacts have been studied and mitigated.
"Then, I think, they will find the people of Kauai more receptive," he said. "We have very specific concerns on Kauai that other islands may not have," such as invasive coqui frogs and mongooses.

Solar water heaters required in new Hawaii homes

All new homes in Hawaii will be required to have solar water heaters installed starting in 2010 under a law approved Thursday by the Legislature.
Hawaii becomes the first state requiring the energy-saving systems in homes.
Solar water heaters typically cost home buyers about $5,000 extra on their mortgage, but island residents will save thousands of dollars over the years on their electricity bills, supporters said.
"We owe to our children and grandchildren the promise of a clean and renewable energy future," said Rep. Hermina Morita, chairwoman of the House Energy Committee. "A solar water heater mandate in new home construction ... will result in greater public benefits to everyone at large."
Solar water heaters reduce residents' electricity costs between 30 percent and 35 percent _ up to $150 per month for a family of four on Kauai, said Morita, D-Hanalei-Kapaa. With those kind of savings, their initial expense is usually paid off in three to four-and-a-half years.
Opponents of the measure said it would unfairly drive up costs to home buyers.
Lawmakers described a government requirement for solar water heaters as a way to protect the environment, reduce Hawaii's heavy reliance on foreign energy sources and save money.
"There are significant and quantifiable environmental benefits, energy security benefits and economic development benefits," said Sen. Gary Hooser, D-Kauai-Niihau. "This measure lowers the net cost of home ownership and will cost nothing in terms of the state budget to implement."
The bill passed unanimously in the House and 23-2 in the Senate. It now goes to Gov. Linda Lingle's desk for her review.
The bill also ends current state solar tax credits beginning in 2010 worth about $2,500 in savings on purchases of solar water heaters.
Some legislators said they weren't comfortable with a law that takes away residents' ability to decide for themselves what kind of water heater they want to buy.
"Our country was founded on the principles of freedom and liberty," said Rep. Colleen Meyer, R-Laie-Kahaluu. "More and more, these dictates are coming down to the people saying, 'You have no choice anymore. You have to do what is politically correct.'"

Kauai’s Soothing Rhythms

By Dave Stancliff

Humboldt County has a laid-back reputation, but if you compare it with Kauai, it’s the difference between the Indy 500 and a foot race. The locals go to hana (work) early in the morning and by 3 p.m. are relaxing at the beautiful beaches, parks and their homes.
The moisture-laden trade winds range from soft caresses to a pounding power that carves valleys in the soft lava rock. This paradise is being threatened by developers who are destroying the groves of coconut trees and the lush green fauna around them at a rate that has the locals writing about it in the island’s daily newspaper, The Garden Island, published since 1902. (See Kauaiworld.com)
Shirley, Nanci, Larry, and I, were quickly lulled by the island’s soothing rhythms, and we gaped like carp at every new sight. Kauai has 553 square miles of beaches, rain forests, desert, mountains and plains. We did our best to see it all in seven days.
We also tried to pick up as much of the Hawaiian language as we could, constantly practicing it’s melodious sounding words. The Hawaiian alphabet has only 12 letters — five vowels and seven consonants. It’s a streamlined approach to communicating that none of us properly mastered.
Hawaiian Pidgin words and phrases greeted us at every eatery and store. Some were easy to understand and those that spoke thick pidgin did so purposely to keep their conversations private.
You also have to take in certain voice inflections and body language to determine if a person is actually a kama’aina (longtime resident.)
Because we cooked some meals at the condo, we made sure to take advantage of the local farmer’s market — the Sunshine Markets — which offered locally-grown fruits and produce throughout the week.
Pleading numerous old injuries (and my gimpy knee), Larry and I elected to sit on our okoles (rear-ends) and didn’t snorkel at Po’ipu Beach Park, but our spouses did. Shirley reported seeing some beautiful blue fish and lots of legs as she was nearly carried away to another island with the treacherous current while sightseeing.
One thing everyone should know; Not all the beaches in Kauai have lifeguards. Signs, however, warn visitors on all beaches to be careful of the dangerous riptides and undercurrents. There’s also sharp coral rock underfoot which Shirley experienced first hand (foot?) during her snorkeling tour. Later, we watched in wonder as a giant sea turtle gracefully emerged from the surf and sunned itself on the sandy shore while disregarding the stares of the beachgoers and the local volunteers who roped off an area around it for privacy.
You must see Waimea Canyon to fully appreciate the diversity of the island’s terrain. Looking at the layers of rock surrounding Waimea Canyon can give you a geological picture of the various eruptions and the lava flows that formed them. It’s greener than Arizona’s Grand Canyon and is 10 miles long, one mile wide, and more than 3,600 feet deep. We were treated to the sight of pygmy goats navigating sheer shelves while searching for food.
Among other special sightings was the endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal. We took photos of one at Po’ipu Beach Park, and another at Kealia Beach. Volunteers were again posted on these beaches and immediately cordoned off an area around the seals to keep people away as the seals napped under the sun’s sultry embrace.
More than 50 movies have been filmed on Kauai. Jurassic Park was partly filmed at Manawaiopu Falls (it was also partly filmed here in Humboldt County’s majestic redwood forests). It’s a tenuous tie-in, to be sure, but when you think about the beauty we have here — and a slower way of life compared to our southern neighbors — we can claim some similarities to the island of Kauai.
Humboldt bird watchers will find Kauai is a great place to count species. From the protected Nene (they look somewhat like geese — who are state-of-the-art beggars — to the ever-present, brilliantly festooned roosters and their families, you’ll find yourself admiring this island haven for its birds and people, too. The kama’aina are quiet and gentle, wise and warm.
Final parting shots: There is a coffee plantation, but its beans don’t rival those famous Kona beans grown on the Big Island. Kauai’s best-tasting pizza is Brick Oven Pizza (on the south shore). It has license plates from cars all over the world sent in by happy customers to prove it.
As it stands, I could go on forever about Kauai, but life moves on, so Mahalo (thank you) for reading this series of columns.

Kauai County Adds New Bus Routes to North Shore

To meet the growing need for public transportation on the north shore, Kauai county officials have added three new bus routes.
Officials added a morning route departing Hanalei at 7:20 a.m., an afternoon route from Kauai Community College heading out to Hanalei at 3:21 p.m., and a late afternoon route at 5:20 p.m. from Hanalei to Lihue.
"Hopefully these changes will address the growing demand for bus service on Kauai for now," said Janine Rapozo, executive on transportation."
Rapozo said that the Transportation Advisory Committee are in the process of evaluating ridership on all the routes.
Ridership bus passes are $15 a month and it entitles a rider to travel anywhere on the island that the Kauai Bus goes.
Individual fares are $1.50 for adults while seniors and children ages 7 to 18 pay 75 cents for one-way travel. Children six and under ride free when accompanied by an adult.
For more information on the Kauai Bus, click on the Kauai County link.

Abandoned monk seal pup brought to Oahu from Kauai

Early yesterday morning NOAA Fisheries dispatched a team of recovery experts to follow up on reports of an abandoned monk seal pup in a remote area on Kaua'i.
Spokeswoman Wende Goo said that when the team arrived they found the pup alone on the beach and estimated that the pup is a male about one to two days old. Shortly afterwards, a female and male joined the pup. Attempts to reintroduce the pup to the female were unsuccessful as she exhibited aggressive behavior toward the pup and seemed more interested in the presence of the male. This female is the same one that abandoned a pup last year at about this time in the same location. The recovery team determined that the pup, if left alone, would have no chance of survival and made arrangements to transport it to O'ahu for captive care rehabilitation. As they have done in the past, the U.S. Coast Guard provided transportation for the animal from Kaua'i to O'ahu on a C-130 early this afternoon.
Although an extreme intervention, NOAA Fisheries considers the life of each and every monk seal precious as the population continues to decline at about 4 percent per year. It is estimated that less than 1200 Hawaiian monk seals remain.
NOAA Fisheries is assembling the best team of experts available and is relying on assistance from the Marine Mammal Center, a world leader in marine mammal care and rehabilitation with lots of experience with harbor seal neonates. The Marine Mammal Center also partnered with NOAA Fisheries on the successful rehabilitation in the captive care of monk seal twins two years ago.
"We've never dealt with a seal this young before and are guardedly optimistic because dealing with a neonate (newborn) is tricky business. The animal will be stressed and susceptible to disease so strict quarantine measures will be observed," said Dr. Charles Littnan, NOAA Fisheries, Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program.

Black Pot Beach on Kauai to close for two weeks

In an effort to clean up and do the necessary repair work on the park's septic system, Black Pot Beach Park will be closed for two weeks from May 15 to 31, according to a news release from Kaua'i County.
"The county is working with the state to take care of a public safety issue at Black Pot Beach Park," said Bernard Carvalho, director of the Department of Parks and Recreation. "The timing is also perfect for preparing the park for summer activities."
According to Doug Haigh, chief of the Department of Public Works Building Division, the park's septic system was installed in 1990 and needs to be upgraded.
"Basically, we'll be upgrading the existing wastewater system at the park to increase capacity and improve effluent disposal," said Haigh, adding that the major portion of the work is expected to be completed by the end of May.
Plans are also under way for north shore residents to participate in a community workday at the park during the closure.
Hanalei resident Catherine Ham Young, who is an active participant in the county's Adopt-a-Park program, has gathered a team of volunteers and is leading the charge for the May 17 workday.
Other community groups that have committed to helping on the park beautification project include the Hanalei Community Association and the Rotary Club of Hanalei Bay.
For information regarding the community workday, please contact Catherine Stovall at 241-6398 or cstovall@kauai.gov.
Beginning June 1, the number of campers allowed at Black Pot Beach Park will increase from to 50 to 85.
"We're pleased that soon we'll be able to offer more residents and visitors the option of camping at one of our beautiful parks," said Carvalho, noting the popularity of the north shore park particularly during the summer.

Firms want Kauai ferry service

Food industry leaders ask for help in getting the Superferry to sail to assist with cargo.

By Tom Finnegan and Rosemarie Bernardo

A number of food industry executives, led by Love's Bakery President Mike Walters, are asking the Hawaii Superferry, Gov. Linda Lingle and Kauai politicians to bring the Superferry back to Kauai.
Walters, whose bakery shipment to Kauai was still sitting in Los Angeles late last night, met with Superferry executives yesterday, asking them to return to the Garden Isle for cargo purposes.
Dick Botti, president of the Hawaii Food Industry Association, a lobbying firm, also sent a memo to Linda Smith, Lingle's chief policy adviser, asking her to help out to get the Superferry back to Kauai.
"We desperately need it," Botti said. "If we don't (get it), the people will suffer."
Members of the Lingle administration said last night that it's up to the Superferry to chart its next trip to Kauai.
Superferry officials remained noncommittal.
But Botti also urged all his vendors on Kauai to contact the Kauai County Council and ask them to support the Superferry's return.
Jimmy Trujillo, one of the organizers of the anti-Superferry movement on Kauai, said the vessel still is not wanted.
"Aloha Air cargo is certainly a valued service. Perhaps Aloha Airlines should have been the beneficiary of a special legislative session," Trujillo said.
"The military cargo Strykerferry isn't the vehicle to carry depleted uranium and baked goods," he added. Meanwhile, the Hawaii Farm Bureau is looking into alternatives to help farmers transport produce in the wake of the sudden shutdown of Aloha Airlines' cargo operations.
"It's going to take a concerted effort by all parties to find alternatives and solutions," said Executive Director Alan Takemoto.
Some farmers and distributors affected by the shutdown are likely to turn to Hawaiian Airlines, Young Bros., the Hawaii Superferry and interisland cargo companies.
But officials fear that those affected by the shutdown will be forced to increase prices.
The farm bureau was inundated with calls yesterday from farmers looking for alternatives to transport their produce.
"They're at a standstill right now," Takemoto said.
A spokeswoman with the Department of Agriculture said officials were assessing the situation yesterday.
Dean Okimoto, owner of Nalo Farms in Waimanalo and president of the Hawaii Farm Bureau, said the shutdown puts a lot of farmers at risk.
For 12 years, Okimoto said, Aloha's cargo service was Nalo Farms' sole cargo carrier for perishable items that include tomatoes, onions and lettuce flown to Oahu from the Big Island and Maui. Nalo Farms distributes produce to 80 restaurants on Oahu and a number of restaurants on the neighbor islands.
Kelvin Shigemura, vice president of Armstrong Produce Ltd., used Hawaiian Airlines Monday to fly produce to Kauai soon after the announcement. The company also secured Trans Air, an interisland cargo company, to transport produce to and from Oahu.

On The Hunt ~ The Nature Conservancy takes on Hawaii's feral pigs

By Sheila Sarhangi


When it comes to Hawaii’s native forests, wild pigs and goats are destructive menaces. They rip through forest ground cover, affecting watersheds and eroding soil, which can smother ecosystems in nearby waters. There’s no good estimate of the Islands’ wild-animal populations, but researchers know they can cause a lot of damage in a small amount of time. According to The Nature Conservancy of Hawaii (TNC), a single pig can disturb an area the size of a football field in just seven days. And goats eat their way up mountains, leaving nothing but a barren trail behind them. That’s scary stuff when you consider that Hawaii has already lost about half of its native forests due to agriculture, grazing, development and the impacts of invasive species. To help protect what’s left, TNC has hired Prohunt, a New Zealand company that specializes in hunting and monitoring wild animals in conservation areas. The company is conducting research and demonstration projects on Conservancy preserves and other private lands on Maui, Kauai and Molokai. “Our goal is to protect the dwindling amount of native forests left in Hawaii from extinction,” says Evelyn Wight, TNC’s communications manager. “Most of these forests remain in very remote areas.” Prohunt projects include helicopter-assisted hunts and tracking 55 wild goats and pigs with telemetry collars. But not all Neighbor Island residents want help with their pig populations. On Molokai, where only 15 percent of native forests remain, about a third of residents rely on subsistence hunting, which includes fishing. A small group of hunters has vehemently opposed a Prohunt project that began in the spring, even publicly threatening violence if TNC didn’t back down. Lifetime Molokai resident Ron Rapanot, president of the Molokai Hunters Association, has no problem with Prohunt’s monitoring of wild animals, but “for the hunting part, they should leave it to the locals,” he says. “I want to see the day when my grandkids go up there and hunt and be able to catch something.” Wight insists that TNC isn’t interested in islandwide eradication. The organization supports hunting in forests where there are invasive species and, after listening to residents at 30 community meetings over the past year, has modified its project to focus on Molokai’s largely inaccessible areas.“Our long-term goal is to work with a locally owned and operated business that can help us manage non-native animals in core native forests, and enhance hunting opportunities in other areas,” Wight says. For now, TNC has decided to work with Prohunt because “we do not know of a local company that has all of the tools needed to run a project of this magnitude.”

A golf outing at the beautiful Makai Course in Kauai whets the appetite for more in Princeville

By Steve Zylius

I was 10 when I first saw that iconic coastline. The one that looks like a sleeping Sioux, beautifully laid out along Hanalei Bay. I had no idea I'd be back here 27 years later, and I didn't even bring my clubs.
I remembered the road that leads down to the Princeville Hotel and the various condo developments that all look the same - it was as if some mad city planner decided to make another Irvine on North Kauai. Nice, but nothing too spectacular from the road.
But I was jonesing for some golf. Here I am in Hawaii - Princeville, no less. I grabbed a tee time at the Makai course, the more resort-like of Princeville's two championship courses.
OK. I wasn't feeling masochistic enough to play the Prince course, with its tough layout. They say you lose a ball for every handicap stroke. That would take care of the dozen balls I bought for the occasion. Didn't feel like ruining my day by shooting 105.
I've been playing golf since I was in the single digits, but about two years ago, I got serious about my game. I try not to hit as many houses lining whatever course I'm playing on. Some days I'm proud of my game. Other days, I just thank the good Lord that I am playing golf.
I'm cheap when it comes to golf. Anaheim Hills is nice - it's inexpensive and it has great views. I seem to use every club in my bag. Love Los Verdes in Palos Verdes. A poor man's Torrey Pines, as I've heard it described. I remember playing Brea Creek Golf Course and Birch Hills many times in my formative years. Cheapola. And anybody remember Imperial Golf Course?
But what the heck. This is Hawaii. Another world. This is golf the way the founding fathers intended it to be played. Beautiful surroundings. Ocean views. Well-maintained fairways in an exotic locale. You can't beat the scenery. There aren't a whole lot more endorphin-inducing experiences than teeing off over a cliff to a green perched on the other side, with the shoreline of the Pacific and Kauai mountains in the background.
I got on fairly early in the morning. I had the course to myself. So I took the time to take in the scenery, weird birds, the smell of the ocean. I leapt at the chance to play in Hawaii. It is a destination for golfers. It is one of the pilgrimages that you have to take as a devotee to the game – something you can recount to your buddies. And I can even say truthfully that I shot an albatross on a par 4 there.
The Makai course is actually three nine-hole courses (Lakes, Ocean and Woods). Which two are open for play any given day depends on who knows what.
I started out with the spectacular views of the Ocean course. Hole three is a 100-foot drop from tee to green over a lake. I clubbed down and watched in horror as the ball sailed into oblivion on a shanked shot. There goes one of those pretty little logo balls. Hole seven is even more intimidating - 200 yards over a cliff. Thankfully, I just pulled it a bit and landed on the fringe.
The Lakes nine start off about as nice as any local country club, but by hole four, the course veers toward the ocean. I teed off on hole five and stayed awhile, trying to spot whales migrating. I almost hated to tee off on six - I'd be leaving the ocean views behind.
Trying to play a decent round, taking pictures and mental notes, and enjoying myself in the meantime, proved to be a bit much to do at once, especially when you throw unfamiliar rental clubs in the mix. I missed my Hogan irons. My putter. I wished for my trusty 3-wood. They were nice rental clubs - new Callaways. They just weren't mine. The putter, a nice model with a soft insert, felt like I was putting with cheese.
On my way out of Princeville, I stopped at the Prince course, shot a few pictures and got back in the car. I looked at the course I had yet to play.
"Next time," I told myself. Oh yeah. I'd be back.
With my own sticks.
IF YOU GO:
Princeville at Hanalei golf courses, 5520 Ka Haku Road Princeville, HI 96722. 808-826-3580. www.princeville.com
Director of golf: Michael Castillo
Course designer: Robert Trent Jones Jr.
$175 (morning standard rate), $95 (afternoon standard rate), $140 (morning Princeville Resort guest), $95 (afternoon Princeville Resort guest), $95 (twilight rate from 1:30 p.m.), $50 (twilight rate after 3:30 p.m., for nine holes or more)

Hawaiians are able to get their Love's bread -- via LAX

By Peter Pae

A loaf of Love's Bakery bread is a slice of life in Hawaii, as familiar to residents and tourists as flip-flops and aloha shirts. So there was no way residents would be deprived of their daily staple even if it meant having to fly the loaves a circuitous 5,000 miles through Los Angeles. On Tuesday -- thanks to bankrupt Aloha Airlines -- residents on the islands of Hawaii and Kauai were in danger of being without their ration for the first time since Robert Love, a Scotsman waylaid in Honolulu, began baking the bread in 1851.Aloha had been flying the freshly baked breads from Oahu to the other neighboring islands. But when Aloha abruptly ceased cargo operations Monday, it left 22,000 pounds of bread and other baked goods sitting at Honolulu International Airport.With an inter-island barge not scheduled to leave for several days, Love's Bakery seemed stuck until it found it could get the bread on a Delta Air Lines flight. The bread was flown to Los Angeles, where it caught separate flights back to Kauai and the Big Island.Kauai is 102 air miles from Honolulu and the Big Island is about twice that."They should be arriving right about now," Love's Bakery President Mike Walters said in a telephone interview Tuesday afternoon, about 16 hours after the bread left Oahu on the roundabout journey."They just left us high and dry," Walters said of Aloha, which stopped passenger service last month and announced Monday that the company would be liquidated."It's an extraordinary distribution method and a costly one, but it takes care of customers," Walters said, adding that the bakery plans to "eat the costs." He said he was unsure of how much it would cost."Our customers have supported us since 1851 and we're not going to infringe on that relationship just because someone else messed up."

Workers wrap up on Kauai, Big Isle

Aloha cargo employee Mario Andres sat in the cargo warehouse at Hilo airport yesterday playing with a couple of cucumbers.
A grower whose shipment was stranded Monday night by the shutdown of Aloha Cargo reclaimed it yesterday, leaving one of his boxes of cucumbers for the employees to share.
"We got paid in cucumbers," Andres said with a grin.
In Hilo and Lihue, a number of now-jobless Aloha Air veterans showed up for work anyway, helping wrap up loose ends and talking story.
"Nothing else better for us to do," said Makanani Nelson in Hilo.
They were there to make sure customers who dropped their products off Monday would be able to get them back, explained employee Stacey Urbano-Pepee.
"The customers became our friends," she said.
Some employees, like Andres, had been laid off when Aloha's passenger service closed March 31.
A few with seniority were called back for two days of training in the cargo service last week, Andres said.
They began working Sunday night. The cargo operation shut down Monday night.
"We trained two days for one day of work," Andres said.
With a play on words, he added, "We started Sunday evening, and Monday was 'aloha.'"
On Kauai, Ronald Silva, who just celebrated 20 years with Aloha on Saturday, was joined by 23-year employee Ken Kashiwabara and retiree Jeff Albao, who reminisced about working the night shift, hopping on a plane to play softball or get a different bite to eat, and then coming home all in the same day.
"The Aloha spirit, it still lives on," Kashiwabara said. "I would've come in just to keep the customers" happy.
Albao brought his daughter, who grew up at the Aloha cargo terminal, to help clean up. "I'm retired (after almost 35 years), but it still hurts," Albao added.