Visitors to the islands rises in March

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Tourism is the lifeblood of Hawaii’s economy and thankfully March saw an upswing by almost 10% in arriving visitors.  Increased arrivals and spending netted almost $99 million.  If you’d like to read more about this report, click here.  If you’d like to help out Hawaii’s economy, plan a trip!  After all, you’re just doing your part for the visitor industry!  Right?

Dog the Bounty Hunter book tour

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Duane “Dog” Chapman is doing a promo tour for his new book “Where Mercy is Shown, Mercy is Given.”  This is a multi-state tour so he will be coming to the mainland.  You can see if Dog will be showing up in your town by clicking here.  No word on if just Dog will be there or other members of the crew.

Help save the Hawaii County Band

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hiloJust saw an update from Jake Shimabukuro about this and thought I would get this out there too.  The follow is from a petition that has been started:

The Hawaii County Band, which is part of the Parks & Recreation Department of County of Hawaii, has just been informed that they will not be funded after June 30, 2010, thereby effectively ending a 127 year Big Island of Hawaii tradition. The Mayor and the Parks and Recreation Department Head have refused to consider refunding the band, even though the savings will constitute less than 1.4% of the total annual budget of the Department and less than one tenth of 1% of the total annual county budget.

The Hawaii County Band was formed in 1883 during the period of the Hawaiian Monarchy and existed through the Hawaiian Republic and was finally incorporated into the County of Hawaii during the territorial period of Hawaii. The band has performed at festivals, parades, public ceremonies and other Big Island events for 127 years, an extraordinarily long tradition for the youngest state in the nation.

Even if you don’t live in Hawaii, please show your support for the music & arts, the Big Island community as well as a part of history and sign this petition. You may also show your support by emailing (or calling – area code 808) the following members of the Hawaii County Council. But please hurry, the County Council is meeting on the March 22, 2010 to discuss the final budget. They have the power to overturn the Mayor’s budget and fund the band.

If you’d like to show your support and sign the petition, click here.

Hawaiian Chip/Onion Ring recall

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chips

 

Tim’s Cascade Snacks-Hawaiian Kettle Style Sweet Potato Chips, Sweet Maui Onion, Sweet Maui Onion Rings have been recalled.   There is a risk for salmonella.  So far there has been no reports of anyone getting sick.  You’re asked to check your cupboards to see if you have any of the recalled items and either throw them away or take them back to the store where you purchased them.

 

To see more about this recall, click here to go to the FDA recall notice.

Akaka Falls lookout closed temporarily

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If you’re going to Akaka Falls on the Big Island, the walkway will be temporarily closed until March 12th so that a safety rail can be installed.  Kahuna Falls lookout is still open and you can take that lookout to Akaka Falls.  Call it the ‘scenic route.’

Maui Pineapple gets reprieve!

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All looked bleak for the Maui Gold label pineapple after they announced in November that Maui Land and Pineapple Company could no longer continue to operate the production plant.  It had been an institution since 1912 and almost 260 workers faced losing their jobs.

Along comes investors in the newly formed Haliimaile Pineapple Company, LTD and saved one of the last pineapple producers in the US.  It will still operate under the Maui Gold name and you will still be able to purchase online!  This company was formed by former execs and operations directors from Maui Pineapple Company/Maui Land & Pineapple. The majority owner is Pardee Erdman of upcountry’s Tedeschi Vineyards. 

So a big mahalo to the Hali’imaile Pineapple Co. LTD for stepping up and saving an integral part of Maui’s history for many generations to continue to enjoy!

Video: Final harvest of Maui Land and Pineapple

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Video courtesy of MauiNow.com

Big Island cell phone ban goes into effect 1/1/2010

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Starting January 1st, 2010, you will not be able to use a cell phone or electronic mobile device unless it’s hands free on the Big Island.   The penalty for doing so is up to $150 or $500 if you are involved in an accident while using these devices.  The devices included in this ban are cell phones, text message or paging devices, PDA’s, laptops, video games, digital cameras.

It doesn’t include navigation systems, on board emergency systems or DVDs for back seat passengers. 

The half exception to the rule is making a 911 call which they would have to prove a call to 911 was made and the driver could still be cited. 

Those planning a trip to the islands, remember to pull over to make calls or have your passenger make any necessary calls on the Big Island.

Hawaii being pounded by high surf

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The islands are getting pounded by high surf this week which makes serious surfers happy and locals and visitors alike stop in their tracks to witness Mother Nature’s fury.  While it is beautiful and picturesque, it should go without saying that swimming or novice surfing should not be attempted in these conditions.  Watch from the safe shoreline and park in designated parking or risk getting a nice souvenir ticket from the local police department!

Pineapple production to cease on Valley Isle

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It’s with a heavy heart to report that Maui Land and Pineapple have announced that they are shutting their doors after almost 100 years.  Planting has been ceased immediately and the harvest will be done by the end of the year.  They cite having lost $115 million on the agriculture business since 2002 but invested $20 million in a fresh packing facility and could not continue based on those numbers.  Maui Land and Pineapple also announced they would be restructuring operations of the Kapalua Resort in West Maui which is part of its Kapalua Land Company subsidiary.   As a result of this closing, close to 300 employees will be without jobs and Oahu as the distinction of the only major pineapple producer in the United States.  This is a real loss not only for the island of Maui but for those who have ever had a Maui Gold pineapple.  They were quite simply the best pineapples on the planet and will be sorely missed!

To read more about this situation, click here. 

To order your pineapples before it’s too late, click here.

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