Kauai bound Superferry excursions currently on hold…

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If you had plans to go to the island of Kauai, you might want to rethink that one. Due to the protests by residents of Kauai, some of whom formed a human surfboard chain in the waters at Nawiliwili Harbor, Governor Linda Lingle and the Coast Guard have suspended entry to Kauai indefinitely. The Kauai Garden Island News reports,

“Our top priority is to operate a safe and reliable ferry system for Hawaii’s residents. When that can be accomplished, we will resume service,” Hawaii Superferry President and CEO John Garibaldi said in a press release. Passengers who are stranded as a result will receive return air fare, ground transportation, hotel accommodations, car shipment and other related expenses, the company said. Customers who have already booked passage will be issued refunds upon request to the company’s Web site or reservations center.

People for the Preservation of Kauai organization was looking into getting a restraining order against the Superferry. The Superferry apparently isn’t overly popular on other islands as well. On Monday a judge ruled that the Superferry can’t use Kahului Harbor on Maui.

What are your thoughts? Are you for or against the Superferry and why?

Will Tropic Thunder filming be hindered by Owen Wilson’s mysterious hospitalization?

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I ran across this article in the Honolulu Star Bulletin about the filming on Kauai of the new Ben Stiller comedy, “Tropic Thunder.”

(Read article here)

One can only speculate as to whether Owen Wilson’s recent stint in the hospital will delay the filming of the movie. The rag mags have been reporting Wilson attempted suicide but no statement from the actor’s camp has been released regarding the official cause for the hospitalization. Wilson did issue a brief statement saying “I respectfully ask that the media allow me to receive care and heal in private during this difficult time.”

Regardless of the reason for his injuries, True Aloha would like extend its’ best wishes to Owen for a speedy recovery.

Bounty Hunter fans bombard Honolulu judge Barry Kurren

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Attorney for the Chapman family found himself on the end of a beef with Honolulu Judge Barry Kurren after tons of Dog the Bounty Hunter fans bombarded his office with phone calls and emails. Duane and Beth Chapman issued a statement last week saying they were “devastated” by the judges ruling to allow the $300,000 bond to stand after the Mexican government dismissed charges against Dog, son Leland and associate Tim Chapman. The Mexican government did file an appeal. Judge Kurren said he was under the impression after a closed door meeting on August 15th that they understood the prosecutor could have 30 days to decide what to do in light of the appeal and the Chapman’s would be released on their own recognizance and the bail would be released.

Enter the Chapman’s plea…and your response. I was able to see many people clicked on email links provided here. (insert guilty snicker here) Sorry… Kurren said he had some “confusion and unhappiness” with the strong response from fans and has asked the attorney to tell his clients not to tell people to contact him anymore. *giggle* Sorry…I’m just trying to imagine some of the emails or better yet voice mails this guy got as a result.

So I’ll do my duty…don’t call or email Barry Kurren.

Girl power at Waikiki today!

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The following just updated on The Honolulu Advertiser.

Pro longboarders Kassia Meadow, Kelia Moniz and current world champ Jennifer Smith will sign autographs from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. today on the beach fronting the Shore Bird Restaurant & Beach Bar. The surfers are in town to compete in the Roxy Jam Honolulu, the first-ever women’s longboarding competition in Hawai’i sanctioned by the Association of Surfing Professionals. The contest runs today through Saturday at Queen’s. They will also be handing out free copies of the Roxy surf movie “Shimmer.” The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 924-6007.

So head on down to Waikiki Beach to watch these girls rip. Oh and if you go to the Shore Bird for some grub, eat some chili from their salad bar for me! Mmmm.

Famous Kauai resident makes permit error…

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Part time Kauai resident Bette Midler is in a bit of hot water after having over 200 trees cleared on land she owns on the north shore of Kauai without the proper permits. 120 Java plum trees, 100 octopus trees and 10-20 Madagascar olive trees that were removed were all non-native species along with some native trees as well. Midler was taking the non native trees down to plant native species and improve the lot which is zoned conservation. The singer/actress will pay a $6500 fine and follow a replanting program, according to her attorney. Midler has always been a good friend to Kauai’s aina and residents as she has ok’d portions of land she owns on the east side to be used for a temporary bypass road to relieve traffic congestion.

Dog Chapman’s book goes #1!

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Reality TV star Duane “Dog” Chapman’s new book “You Can Run But You Can’t Hide” has debuted on the New York Times Best Seller List at #1! Chapman and his crew are currently on a book tour promoting the new book and are setting records wherever they show up. Chapman will return to Hawaii for two book signings at Border’s Books on August 30 in Waikele and on Aug. 31 at the Windward Mall. He’ll get on the road with his nationwide tour a short time later.

Season 5 of “Dog the Bounty Hunter” will begin shooting in October.

Breaking News: Dog Chapman bond stands!

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In a shocking move, a federal magistrate in Honolulu has ordered the bond remain in effect for the reality TV star’s year old case seeking extradition to Mexico. A court dismissed the charges last month against Chapman, his son Leland and associate Tim Chapman but Thursday Judge Barry Kurren left the bond in effect. (Not a Dog fan I take it?) An appeal has been filed by the Mexican prosecutor. If convicted, the trio faces up to four years in Mexican jail.

Dog and his wife Beth released a statement today saying he was “devastated” and they are urging fans of the show and/or his mission to protest the decision.

If you would like to contact the proper officials to support the Chapmans, you can do so with the info below:

For Condaleeza Rice
secretary@state.gov

For President Bush
president@whitehouse.gov

For Dick Cheney
vice_president@whitehouse.gov

U.S. Department of State, Office of International Affairs
2201 C Street NW
Washington, DC 20520
Tel. 202-647-4000
TTY: 1-800-877-8339

Barry M. Kurren, U.S. Magistrate Judge
PJKK Federal Building
300 Ala Moana Blvd., C-338, Honolulu, HI 96850
Tel. (808) 541-1306
Fax Number (808) 541-3500

Ronald Johnson, Assistant U.S. Attorney
PJKK Federal Building
300 Ala Moana Blvd., Room 6-100
Honolulu, Hawaii 96850
Tel. (808) 541-2850
TTY: (808) 541-1850
Fax: (808) 541-2958

(Mahalo “DogHelper” for the contact info!)

Breaking News: Hawaii born pro-wrestler found dead

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Brian “Crush” Adams was found dead in his Tampa home by his wife. She called 911 saying he wasn’t breathing and paramedics were unable to revive him. Adams was 43 years old. His death is the 108th pro wrestler under the age of 50 to die in the past decade.

Adams debuted in the WWE in 1990 becoming the 3rd member of legendary tag team, Demolition. The Hawaii native was also a two time WCW World Tag Team Champ, WWF Tag Team Champ and All Japan Pro Wrestling World Tag Team Champ. Adams was forced into retirement in January 2003 when he suffered a spinal injury during a wrestling match. In his wrestling days, he went by the names American Ninja, Demolition Crush, Crush, Kona Crush, Brian Adams, B. A. and The Demon.

Click “read more” to read about my personal experience with Brian Adams

5.4 earthquake rattles Big Island; causes rockslide

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As if things weren’t tense enough for Big Islanders, a 5.4 magnitude earthquake centered in northwestern Kalapana, 25 miles south of Hilo, rocked the island of Hawaii. A 3.2 aftershock was also felt and the after effects stretched as far north as Lapahoehoe Gulch where a rockslide occured. No other damage has been reported at this time. It appears despite being so close to Kilauea, that the flows coming from the volcano were not effected by the tremblor.

Hang on Big Islanders, despite Flossie being downgraded to a category 2 hurricane, Mother Nature seems to be testing your fortitude over these few days. Stay safe!

Closings abound today as Flossie comes in

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All Big Island schools public, private and charter will be closed today as a safety precaution as Hurricane/Tropical Storm Flossie moves in. All state parks, trails and forest and natural area reserves on the Big Island will be closed through Wednesday by the state Department of Land and Natural Resources because of expected high winds, falling trees, heavy rain and flash flooding from Hurricane Flossie.

Visitors, please CALL AHEAD before you go out for the day! Some major attractions, stores and even some restaurants may close early today in preparation for the incoming weather situation.

Locals and visitors alike…bunk down, be prepared and spread the aloha when it’s all over. If you see debris in the road, move it to the side. Check on your neighbors. If you see pets wandering and they appear approachable, call their owners if they have a tag or take them to a humane society where their owners will likely call to look for them. If everyone makes an extra effort, any impact Flossie attempts will be minimal when she leaves.

Here are some resources you may need:

List of island shelters

Pet Protection Checklist

Track Flossie

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