Like every food bank across the country, Hawaii Foodbank, a member of the Feeding America network, is working harder every day to assist individuals and their families right here in the islands in these tough economic times. It’s a daily challenge, and we are always looking for new ways to meet it head on.

A proven fundraising program has partnered with NBC’s The Biggest Loser, General Mills, Subway, 24 Hour Fitness and Walgreens to encourage people to “Lose Nationally, Feed Locally” and the Foodbank needs your support to make our involvement a success!

Participating is easy and your impact can be huge.

Simply sign up and pledge your weight loss goals at www.pfpchallenge.com/hi. For every pound you pledge, the Pound for Pound Challenge will donate 14 cents to Hawaii Foodbank. In addition, if you Tweet, Facebook and Blog this to everyone you know, you can propel the Hawaii Foodbank to one of the top 10 Food Banks that will get a $10,000 bonus. That’s 25,000 meals and you can make this happen. Sign-up at pfpchallenge.com/hi and then pass it on, PLEASE!

It’s a great opportunity for our friends to do something good for themselves and do something good for our community.

To learn more about the Pound For Pound Challenge, you can visit the national website at pfpchallenge.com or e-mail megan [at] hawaiifoodbank.org.

If you lined up last year’s total recycled directories, end to end, it would stretch the total distance from Honolulu to Maui! Hawaiian Telcom Yellow Pages wants to exceed last year’s total of 90 tons to ensure all outdated directories are recycled into usable goods.

The neat thing about this project is that Hawaiian Telcom Yellow Pages has partnered with wonderful people to make the result a lasting impression on Oahu. All recycled directories will be processed at Island Shell, a local recycling plant, and converted into environmentally safe products including materials for vehicle oil change kits, mulch and wall insulation products which will then be sold and used locally. Think Yellow Go Green will ensure its mission is supported on each island from start to finish.

This program only runs through Feb. 14, so be sure and spread the word about the Think Yellow Go Green recycling program to your friends, family and coworkers.

Oahu Think Yellow, Go Green Recycling Program Schedule:

Final Weekend:
Friday, Feb. 12 – Sunday, Feb. 14

Time:
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Drop off locations:
Ward Centers
Windward Mall
Waikele Premium Outlets
Kahala Mall

More information: www.thinkyellowgogreen.com

Photo Credit: (ClickFlashPhotos / Nicki Varkevisser) / CC BY 2.0

In Hawaii we live with the giving spirit of aloha to extend compassion, generosity and love to all humanity. In this crisis, the people of Hawaii are standing together to continue to carry out the aloha of the islands to the people of Haiti.

“The people of Hawai’i have been following the news of the devastating disaster in Haiti with great interest and have been generously donating towards the relief effort. The U.S. government has sent thousands of military personnel and tons of aid, including supplies and volunteers. As always, our residents have reached deep into their hearts and pocketbooks to contribute to those Haitians who need immediate aid.

The State of Hawai’i stands with the people of Haiti during this time of crisis and we pledge our long-term support. I urge everyone to continue donating to the American Red Cross and other relief agencies. I also ask the people of Hawai’i to keep the Haitians in their thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.“

- Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle

Source: Hawaii.gov

Below is the listed information on how you can help whether you are in Hawaii or other parts of the world. If you’ve ever listened to one our podcast you will know that I always end the show with the words “continue to spread the aloha no matter where you are in your part of the world” and today I am asking that again of everyone reading this post. I thank you all for your continued support and love that you extend in your daily life and now it’s time for all of us to unite and come together to share aloha with our fellow citizens of the world residing in Haiti. I thank you in advance for your love and compassion.

People of Hawaii:
Hawaii Red Cross
Ph: 808-739-8109
Mail: Send checks payable to American Red Cross, 4155 Diamond Head Road, Honolulu, HI 96816 and specify “Haiti Relief” in the comments.

People of the World:
Mobile: Text the word “QUAKE” to 20222 to donate $10 to the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund.
Online: Donate through the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund

USS Missouri (BB-63) arrives at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard
U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Mark Logico/Released

Mighty Mo is one of several historic sites clustered within Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. An Iowa class battleship, she is 997 feet long and 209 feet high from keel to mast. Original equipment included nine 16 inch guns and twenty 5 inch anti-aircraft guns. She could reach speeds of over 30 knots (35 mph).

The Missouri saw plenty of action in 50 years of service. Earning 11 battle stars, she was the last battleship ever commissioned by the United States government. Built in the Brooklyn New York Navy Yard and christened by Mary Margaret Truman on January 29, 1944 she sailed in time to join the Pacific Fleet during World War II. During her tour of the Pacific Theater she fought in the battles of Iwo Jima and Okinawa. She was in Okinawa when attacked by a Kamikaze pilot who left a lasting dent on her aft starboard side that is still visible today. Perhaps the most memorable event occurred on Sept 2, 1945 in Tokyo Bay. The formal Japanese surrender and signing of the Japanese–Armistice that ended World War II took place on the Missouri. A commemorative brass plaque embedded in the ship’s teak deck now marks the historic spot.

A key force in the Korean War, the Missouri was the first American ship to arrive in support of the Korean Republic. She sailed into the Korean peninsula and served there from 1950 to 1953. The nine 16 inch guns launched 2,700 pound shells a distance of up to 23 miles. The ship was decommissioned in 1955, destined for the Pacific Reserve Fleet and possibly the scrap yard. In 1986, however, the Mighty Mo was re-commissioned and retrofitted with the most advanced technology available at the time, including Tomahawk missile launchers. In 1990, she took on Iraq and Kuwait targets in “Operation Desert Storm“.

On the 50th anniversary of the December 7, 1941 attack, the Missouri made its final voyage, leading an armada into Pearl Harbor. America’s last active battleship was decommissioned once again in 1992. In 1998, she was donated to the USS Missouri Memorial Association, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to her preservation. The ship was then opened to the public as a museum, a memorial to our people and history, exactly 55 years after she was launched. Her position in Battleship Row off Ford Island honors and watches over the men of the USS Arizona who were entombed below the water just yards away on December 7, 1941. These two ships symbolize the beginning and end of World War II in the Pacific Theater.

The USS Missouri receives over 400,000 visitors who tour the ship each year. The battleship is expected to return to her position on Battleship Row in January 2010.

• Designing the Missouri took 175 tons of blueprint paper. The ship was built in three years and required over 3 million man-days to complete the job.
• For comparison’s sake, the Missouri is 279 feet longer and 11 feet wider than the USS Arizona. The Mighty Mo is also 5 feet longer and 18 feet wider than the RMS Titanic.
• Just how big is the Missouri? If you could stand the ship on end, it would be 332 feet taller than the Washington Monument.
• The nine 16-inch guns are the Mighty Mo’s trademark feature. Each gun barrel is approximately 67 feet long, weighs an incredible 116 tons, and can fire a 2,700-pound shell 23 miles in 50 seconds — with pinpoint accuracy.
• The Missouri was the last U.S. battleship to be launched and the last to be decommissioned. She was also the most formidable. In addition to her massive firepower capabilities, she possessed thick steel armor plating that protected the hull (13.5 inches), the gun turrets (17 inches in front; 13 inches on the sides), the citadel (17 inches), and the conning tower sides (17.3 inches).

Video: Timelapse – Mighty Mo entering drydock via Honolulu Advertiser/USA Today

About this guest blogger:
April M. Williams is a frequent visitor to Hawaii and a great friend of 808Talk.

Learn more about April by visiting her at the websites below.
LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/in/aprilmwilliams
Twitter http://twitter.com/AprilMWilliams
CyberLife Tutors Blog http://cyberlifetutors.com/blog.html
Personal Blog http://aprilmwilliams.wordpress.com

Michele Carbone, MD, PhD (Human Pathology), was approved as the new director and started on a three-year term on September 1, 2009. Dr. Carbone previously served as the interim director, a position he assumed upon the resignation of the previous director in December 2008.

Upon Dr. Carbone’s appointment as interim director, University of Hawaii Manoa Chancellor Virginia S. Hinshaw was quoted saying, “Dr. Carbone, an internationally respected scientist, particularly in the area of mesothelioma, joined the Cancer Research Center in 2006 and has also been serving as Chairman of the Pathology Department at the John A. Burns School of Medicine. We very much appreciate his stepping forward to assume this leadership responsibility so that we keep moving forward with the development of the Cancer Research Center for the State of Hawaii.”

Before working with the University of Hawaii in 2006, Dr. Carbone worked at the Loyola University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois. Deemed an authority on malignant mesothelioma, a rare cancer related to asbestos exposure, Dr. Carbone and his team have comprehensively studied the impact of genetics, environmental carcinogens and viral infections on mesothelioma development and have subsequently worked to develop preventative and therapeutic treatments.

Dr. Carbone also received a $1 million grant from the American Cancer Society and, along with his team members, has received more than half of all federal funding for mesothelioma and approximately 90 percent of the National Cancer Institute’s funding allocated for mesothelioma research.

Additional information about mesothelioma and mesothelioma research may be found through the Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com.

Recently I had the wonderful chance of experiencing the new show “Hā–Breath of Life” at the Polynesian Cultural Center. It was AMAZING! Now courtesy of the PCC, kama’aina can experience it at a discounted price for a limited time!

Download this special offer coupon HERE!

The coupon offer, gateway buffet dinner and show, is good for up to 4 people with a valid Hawaii ID. Just simply present the coupon when purchasing your tickets. This offer expires on Oct. 31, 2009

This one of a kind summer adventure for the Roaming Gnome is taking advantage of all the amazing deals and hopping on a plane to travel to some of the most popular summer vacation destinations like Hawaii. Hoping to inspire others, the Roaming Gnome is letting the fans and followers map out his summer tour and follow the journey online. So far he’s been to Chicago, Las Vegas, Grand Canyon, Philadelphia, and next HAWAII!

This latest leg of the tour was a competition between Hawaii, Cancun, and Jamaica and with over 100,000 votes cast, Hawaii was announced the winner today taking 46 percent of the votes with 56,470 total votes. It’s believed that on the Hawaii visit the Gnome will visit each island in search of the best places to stay, eat, party, and meet the locals.

We at 808Talk want to be among the first to welcome the Gnome to Hawaii with a great big ALOHA! See you soon…

You can vote for the Roaming Gnome’s last destination on the tour by going to http://votetravelocity.com and selecting between Mission Beach (San Diego) vs. South Beach (Miami) vs. Venice Beach (Los Angeles). Be sure and follow the Roaming Gnome during his travel in Hawaii on Twitter or Facebook. Better yet, join in the fun and come visit Hawaii to meet him in person!

“The original Lynx was built in 1812 as a blockade runner in Fells Point, Baltimore, by Thomas Kemp. She had a very short privateering career and was captured by the British at the start of her second run from the Chesapeake to France in 1813. She then promptly entered British Naval service as a revenue cutter, was renamed Mosquidobit, and was stationed in Nova Scotia. She was later sent to England and her lines were taken off on May 10, 1816.“

The Privateer Lynx in Morro Bay

Tall Ship Privateer Lynx

A complete schedule of where the “Privateer Lynx” will be docking and offering tours over the next few weeks in Hawaii is available here: http://urltea.me/00v

“The feedback from viewers who watched the Maui episode has been incredible with many sharing their excitement about the beautiful scenery, the impressive diversity of activities, and how they now want to visit Hawai‘i,” said John Monahan, president and CEO of the Hawai‘i Visitors and Convention Bureau, the State of Hawai‘i’s marketing agency for North America who had a major role in bringing this show to the islands. “Hawai‘i’s Big Island will be a notable contrast with its rich lava landscape, and prominent beachfront resorts. Being home to all but two of the world’s main climate zones, viewers will see just how huge, diverse, and exciting the Big Island really is.”

Jillian and the final two bachelors – Ed Swiderski and Kiptyn Locke – find themselves on incredible final dates that take them across the Big Island highlighted by an aerial tour of Kïlauea volcano’s active lava flows with Sunshine Helicopters, landing beside a secluded Hilo waterfall for a private barbecue with KapohoKine Adventures, and discovering a remote black sand beach with Captain Zodiac Rafting Adventures.

After exploring the diversity of the island, the couples continue their dates with dinner and alone time at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel and The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii resorts on the legendary Kohala Coast, the sun-soaked northwest side of the island that was once a popular retreat for Hawaiian royalty.

A private oceanfront estate on the Kohala Coast provides the setting for what could be a life changing moment for Jillian as she makes her final decision. As the largest of all of the main Hawaiian Islands combined and home to Maunakea, the world’s tallest mountain, Hawai‘i’s Big Island is a perfect symbol of the enormous decision to be made there.

Hawai‘i has been named the top destination for weddings, honeymoons, and romance many times over the years by the readers of the nation’s top bridal publications, news and travel websites, and travel suppliers. Viewers will get a glimpse of the Aloha State’s natural beauty and relaxing atmosphere via two hours of prime time national television.

Does Jillian find her soul mate? Tune in to ABC’s “The Bachelorette” on July 27 at 8 p.m. EST/7 p.m. CST (check local listings) for the season finale. For information about the show, visit ABC.Go.com/Primetime/Bachelorette.

For information on Hawai‘i, the Islands of Aloha, visit GoHawaii.com or call toll-free 1-800-GOHAWAII.

Photo Credit: Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Kirk Lee Aede

Sheri Smith and John Williams, a couple from California, who now live in Hawaii, have come up with a unique, pro-active way to “sell” their one-of-a-kind 1,300 square-foot custom, never-before-lived-in home in a depressed real estate market – they are offering it as the GRAND PRIZE in an essay contest.

Smith and Williams, as WinHawaiianHome.com LLC, are sponsoring Essay 101, a contest of skill, where anyone (21 years old or older) can write a short essay (101 words or less) and, for a $101 entry fee, get a chance to win a brand new, custom built home on the Big Island of Hawaii.

The contest is open worldwide, however essays must be submitted in English, and must be the entrant’s original work. 101 finalists will be chosen and then judged by community leaders.

The home (affectionately called the “Sweetheart Cottage” due to its many design details) was built by Williams, a local builder, with the goal of selling it immediately and using the proceeds to finish construction of his castle (CastleInHawaii.com), a future vacation rental or bed and breakfast.

Due to the recession, real estate sales are down and thus, this fun and exciting vehicle was created. Contest entries will be made online at WinHawaiianHome.com, although postal mail entries will also be accepted. Local schools in Puna to benefit by donation from the sponsor as well.

Essay 102 is also in the works (with two spectacular homes to choose from) and they hope to write an e-book to share their method with others to try to turn around the economy, one house at a time.

Oh and if you’re a social networking guru, then you TOO can also win a lovely prize of a one week stay at “The Castle” just for telling others about this amazing contest!

Note: Contest deadline of May 1st, 2009 has been extended to August 11th, 2009

This is a contest of skill and will be judged by an impartial panel of judges picked from local community leaders. Your original essay must be 101 words or less. NO profanity, sexual or political rants – keep the writing within the bounds of good taste or your entry will be disqualified.

Subject
You may choose a subject from the following two:

Aloha:
What does Aloha mean to you? How do you share Aloha? How would you share Aloha if you won this home?

Mahalo:
What makes you feel thankful? Why would you be thankful to win this home? How would you show gratitude if you won this home?

If you don’t live in Hawaii and these two words are not familiar to you – then this is a great chance to learn about the spirit of the islands.

Judging
All entries will be judged as follows:

Creativity                                 50%
Persuasiveness                          30%
Grammar/English/Punctuation  20%
Each of the categories (creativity, persuasiveness, etc.) will be judged on a scale of one to ten, ten being best. Then the total score will be tallied and 101 finalists chosen.

Prizes
The Grand Prize is a never-before-lived-in, custom home nestled in an enchanted forest with singing frogs. The home is just a mile and a half from a secluded black sand beach which is home to a pod of dolphins.
Second prize is     $10,000
Third prize is        $5,000

For more details, see: Essay 101 Contest Details

Covered on local KGMB TV morning news show SUNRISE:
http://kgmb9.com/main/content/view/13118/108

WomenEntrepreneur.com: Couple Find Unique Way to Fund B&B

Follow Castle in Hawaii on Twitter: @castleinhawaii
Media Inquiries Only (714-253-3810)

The Keiki May Day Special is good for any child under 12 from Friday, May 1, through Sunday, May 3, for the submarine tours offered by Atlantis Submarines in Waikiki, Lahaina, and Kona, as well as for the Sunset Dinner Cruise offered by Atlantis Navatek Cruises.

Atlantis uses the world’s most technologically advanced passenger submarines to carry guests to depths of up to 125 feet amid schools of brightly colored fish and beautiful marine life. Green sea turtles, stingrays, reef sharks, and even humpback whales are often seen on the tours.

The quiet, battery-powered submarine features a spacious, air-conditioned cabin with plenty of leg and headroom and large viewing ports for each seat. Children must be 36-inches tall to participate and all guests must be able to navigate a nearly vertical 7-step ladder in and out of the submarine.

Atlantis Navatek Cruises departs Aloha Tower Marketplace each afternoon at 5:15 p.m. The 140-foot Navatek I comfortably seats more than 300 guests and features upper and lower observation decks and two air-conditioned dining rooms with large picture windows. With its state-of-the-art double-hulled design, Navatek I provides Hawaii’s smoothest cruise experience by lifting the passenger-carrying compartment above the ocean’s surface and limiting wave action against the vessel.

Guests are treated to a two-hour cruise along Oahu’s south shore that includes a sumptuous dinner, live entertainment, and spectacular views of the setting sun. For dinner, guests are offered a choice of the elegant Royal Sunset Dinner Cruise or the all-you-can-eat Sunset Buffet Dinner Cruise.

For more information or to make reservations, visit www.atlantissubmarines.com or call Atlantis toll-free at 1-800-548-6262. Complimentary transportation from Waikiki hotels is included. Prices do not include harbor fee and state excise sales tax.

Tickets on sale NOW at the Campus Center Ticket, Information and ID office.

More Info: http://tr.im/alohabash09

Video: Maoli “No One”

Ticket Information
Pre-Sale:
$5 UH Manoa students w/ ID
$8 UH Manoa students guest
$12 General

At the door:
$10 UH Manoa student w/ ID
$17 General

Tickets available at the following locations:
-Campus Center Ticket & Information Window
-Leisure Center (Hemenway Hall)
-Razor Concepts Pearlridge (General only)

Restaurants around Oahu joined in the Oahu Dines initiative, raising funds in the fight against AIDS. From fast food to fine dining, restaurants donated 20% of diner’s checks to the cause. We had dinner at Diamond Head Market and Grill, a Platinum event sponsor. I spoke to Chef/Owner Kelvin Ro who pledged at least $1500 for the cause. He said “Life Foundation is a good cause and needed by the community. I support the work that they do in treatment and education.”

Melanie Moore, Life Foundation Director of Communications, told me the non-profit organization provides treatment programs for 700 people living with AIDS in Hawaii. They also offer prevention programs including 2000 AIDS tests each year. Services are provided at no cost to clients.

Life Foundation is dedicated to stopping the spread of HIV and AIDS. To find out more about their confidential services or how you can get involved, call 808-521-2437 or visit them online at www.lifefoundation.org.

About this guest blogger:
April M. Williams is a frequent visitor to Hawaii and a great friend of 808Talk.

Learn more about April by visiting her at the websites below.
LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/in/aprilmwilliams
Twitter http://twitter.com/AprilMWilliams
Blog http://cyberlifetutors.com/blog.html

I am just truly thankful for the support that was shown throughout the community and spread across Twitter. I remember when I sent out DM’s (direct messages) to everyone talking about Twestival and how we in Hawaii should be a part of this since we are the master of tweetups. The response I received was amazing! Everyone was interested and ready to jump right in, although in my mind I truly thought if it was possible at all it would be a little smaller and would be in a setting more cozy and without loads of bands and sponsors. But I was proven wrong, which in this case was a good feeling!

On the eve of Jan. 28th at a food court table in Ala Moana Shopping center the event was born. We tossed around venues, ideas and then Oceans 808 came up. That very night after the pow wow around the food court table, Matt Matsumoto (@mattmatsu) and myself headed over to Oceans 808 to discuss securing the venue. Surprisingly with no hesitation they were ready to support, but did mention “you plan to do all this in two weeks?” “Yes why not?”, was our response. A little while after I finally realized that the venue we had chosen was so fitting for our cause. OCEANS = WATER. How crazy is that? Do you think someone was showing us it was truly meant to be? I do.

So from messages shooting back and forth on our little group to me hanging out almost every night with musicians, who are also dear friends and wanted to be a part of our wonderful event, it became overwhelming. I never before seen so much outpouring of aloha towards an event in such a short period of time, but in Hawaii ANYTHING is possible!

Being that I’m in the military, it has taken me to places around the world. In my travels, I have seen areas of poverty and poor infrastructure where finding a clean glass of water is so very hard unless you’re fortunate enough to have money to do so. Just think, a couple dollars for water may not seem much to us, but in parts of the world it can take months or even a year to even make that kind of money. Yes hard to believe, but true. Some places don’t even have the opportunity to have running water or the convenience of just turning a knob on for clean, fresh water. We often take this for granted so much in America. The Twestival allowed us to come together not only for a good time, but to also raise both awareness and money for a cause that I wholeheartedly support: “charity: water.”

I think this entire event and coming togetherness truly shows what the power of social media can do. And to all those supporters and businesses that helped us in raising enough money to show the world that Hawaii is a force to be reconded with, I say MAHALO! You really do get it!

$7,000+ for charity in an event that came together in 2 weeks! How amazing is that!
Might I also add that we had over 200 in attendence at the event. WOW!

Mahalo to all the organizers, supporters, musicians and our venue (Oceans 808) who came together in such short notice to show the world the aloha that makes Hawaii so unique.

Metromix Honolulu: Party Pics
Featured Photo by Dallas Nagata. See more here: http://tr.im/g976

Want to see the entire event from start to finish from our recorded live stream? Then check it out via Ryan (@hawaii) right here. (shorter version)

Honolulu Twestival: http://honolulu.twestival.com
Charity Water: http://www.charitywater.org

Now it’s out with the old and in with the new and we hope you can say, just as much as we can, that it’s time for a fresh new start and time to move on to bigger and better things in 2009.

At 808Talk we went through some struggles as 2008 kicked off. Early on we almost crashed and said goodbye to the love we have for sharing the aloha. This of course was when we announced that we were going to shut down and discontinue the podcast, which at the time was all we actually were, A PODCAST. Then it hit us! Why not continue this venture of love, cause God knows it’s no money maker, and try to do the best in keeping it alive in whatever little bit of time we have available. And so thus the NEW 808Talk was born…one that offers more than just a podcast, more than just videos, but an insider look at things going on in Hawaii and the news, culture, music and movers and shakers in this great island paradise we call home.

So to all our readers, both new and old, and to those who have been with us from the very start, we say MAHALO for your continued support and interest. We promise to continue to give you things about Hawaii in every way that we can and in return we only ask that you try and tell just ONE person in 2009 about 808Talk.com and help us continue to spread the aloha throughout the world.

The top 10 articles of 2008 @808Talk

1. Blue Hawaii Big Wave Surfing
2. Hawaii Goes MRAZy For Jason Mraz
3. Start Or Stop Light Rail Transit In Honolulu…You Decide!
4. 2008 Olympics Artist Wyland Announces Grand Finale Mural
5. Japanese Obama Girls Visit Hawaii And Dance The Hula
6. Makana Different Game An Experience For All
7. Katchafire Coming To Aloha Bash 08
8. Native Hawaiians Take Iolani Palace
9. IZ’s “Over the Rainbow” Version On American Idol
10. First Annual Hawaii MMA Sports & Fitness Expo

New Hawaii friends we connected with in 2008 and so should you!

• Kam Family Blog – Life in Hawaii as we live and enjoy it!
• Robin Graf
• Victoria Wiseman
• Arleen Anderson
• Deborah Micek
• Howzit Howard
• So Necessary… Keeping Tabs on Honolulu Nightlife
• Fung Associates, Inc.
• Ukulele Underground
• ZZType.com – Blaine Fergerstrom
• And so many more…just look here, here, and here!

And the music! Well so much you just have to check it all out for yourself

• Music featured on 808Talk…past to present

In Honolulu and still looking for a last minute NYE celebration to attend?

• Ignite: Times Square Waikiki at Rumfire
• Metromix: Where to party on New Year’s Eve in Honolulu

Not since the earthquake of October 2006 has Oahu experience an island wide blackout which had many residents again asking “what went wrong” and “why are we experiencing an island wide blackout from just a lightening storm?” Luckily we have a wonderful group of Hawaii people who quickly took the reigns and started passing information from Hawaii Kai to Makakilo and from the North to the South of Oahu using the free service of Twitter.

People began tweeting away and quickly using up all the available power on laptops, cell phones and connecting via AirCards and EVDO to get news out about what was happening island wide. We even had our own established hash tag (#hipower) which was initiated by @hawaii at the prompting of @exbor. At one point the tag even trended at #1 on Twitter Search.

So here we are almost 24hrs later and most things are returning to normal. At last count, HECO reported that 282,000 out of the 293,000 customers on Oahu have had their power restored.

A few minor accidents were reported due to failed traffic lights and some grocery stores had to totally shutdown their produce, meat, and frozen food sections because all were considered spoiled. There has also been a call for water conservation, but for the most part it was just a pitch black night…lol.

Reports seem to reflect that Oahu residents are okay and that our President-Elect, who is vacationing in the islands, is also safe due to the wonderful work of the U.S. Secret Service.

So if you’re curious about what went down throughout the night…check out the #hipower stream and follow along with the wonderful people of Hawaii from beginning to end. Aloha!

“While on vacation in Hawaii, the Obama family is staying in a $9 million single-story oceanfront home in a laid-back neighborhood over the mountain from downtown Honolulu where the president-elect grew up.

The five-bedroom wood frame house sits on almost an acre of land fronting Kailua Beach, a favorite spot for windsurfers, kayakers and dogwalkers.

The white sand in front of the house is public land, just like all beaches under state law. The Obamas may see neighbors out for a walk or jog“

-AP

President-Elect Obama and his family last visited Hawaii in August of this year where they were seen enjoying shave ice in Kailua, visiting the USS Arizona Memorial, and hanging out at Sandy Beach, where Barack enjoyed some body surfing.

This trip is set to be more of a private retreat for the new first family as they prepare for the journey ahead to the White House.

There are no public appearances scheduled during this trip, but the Obama family does plan a private service for Madelyn Dunham, whom Barack called “Toot” after the Hawaiian word for grandparent, tutu.

The three males named Malosi, Keahi and Tondi are the cubs of Sumatran Tigers Chrissie (mother) and Berani (father). These were the first tiger cubs born at the Honolulu Zoo since a pair of Bengal-Siberian hybrids named Tex and Marybell produced a litter of five cubs on April 27th 1981. Of that litter of five, two were stillborn, another died shortly after birth, and the remaining two, a male and female, where sent off to other zoos.

“We are happy to give this early Christmas present to the people of Honolulu and visitors to our city“

-Mayor Mufi Hannemann

I’m in need of some mind-altering humor, and not the illegal kind. Lucky for me, a brand new improv-only theater company has opened its doors in the arts district to refresh my funny bone and give me the strength to get through the holidays.

Founded by Second City alum Shannon Winpenny, the Laughtrack Theater Company runs shows every Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. It’s long-form improv, heavy on audience interaction. If you’re not in the know, Second City is the famous Chicago improv company that was the hatching ground for comics like John Belushi, Bill Murray, Mike Meyers and Steve Carrell. So this theater is the real deal.

And if you’ve never been to an improv show—get yourself to one. Improv is great because every show is different. The actors are sharp, and you feel included as a member of the audience. But the best thing is, that anything can happen.

The theater is also offering improv classes to the public—eight three-hour sessions at the bargain price of $175. I think that would be a fun little lark, even for someone with no acting aspirations.

So this year, my family’s going to get a couple of tickets in the stockings. Which is really a gift for me—the best kind.

Photos: Laughtrack Theater by hawyn316

The Laughtrack Theater Company is located at 1123 Bethel Street in Honolulu
Online at www.laughtracktheater.com or call (808) 384-3362

In their East Coast performances, each artist will be featured via their own performance set, as well as a performance set together. Their joint performances will include a song recently written and completed specifically for the Hawaii State Society Presidential Inaugural Ball and President elect Barack Obama, entitled “Hawaii’s Gift”.

Raiatea Helm, 2 time GRAMMY nominee, is Hawaii’s young female vocalist with a style that comprises both the traditional and the future of Hawaiian music.

Kohala’s blend of island/folk/jazz features Hawaii’s first GRAMMY recipient, Charles Michael Brotman. (www.palmrecords.com )

Keale, a powerful presence on stage, brings forth the music of his cousin Israel
Kamakawiwo’ole (“IZ”) with his captivating vocals and acoustic style.

The Hawaiian Aloha Tour presents an unusual opportunity for the U.S. Mainland, East Coast Music and Entertainment Industry as well as the General Listening public. This rare opportunity to experience the most popular and accomplished, acoustic representation, of award-winning music existing on the Hawaiian Islands today is sonically incomparable.

Featured Video: Deeper Blue by Kohala at KMF 08

Press & Industry inquiries contact:
Craig Hyman, (917)-854-6315, craighyman [at] earthlink.net
www.hawaiianalohatour.com

Obama’s early years in Hawaii will be the focus of a locally produced documentary, titled “An American Boyhood: Barack Obama in Hawaii,” set to premier this month.

It’s obvious that the film is angling to dispel some of the myths surrounding Obama. For example, interviews with classmates from the Punahou School not-so-subtly reference the Christian school’s religious teachings, an obvious attack on the mindset that “Barack must be a Muslim because he has a scary sounding name!”

I love the little details this film provides about our soon-to-be prez. He was born at Kapiolani Medical Center, which I drive by weekly. He bummed around his neighborhood of Makiki, where I get coffee now and again. He lived in a modest apartment, not a well-appointed mansion. His first job was working at Baskin-Robbins on King Street. (As a McDonald’s alumnus, this makes me feel better about my future, despite not having any designs at a presidential nomination.)

But the movie has one notable challenge: to tread lightly the line between a legitimate Hawaii focus to the film and a less-legit and more preachy, pro-Hawaii vehicle.

From the trailer, every interviewee copiously mentions a direct relationship between Obama’s success and his childhood in Hawaii. It seems a bit trite to me, which could seriously jeopardize the film’s ability to gain widespread appeal outside our islands.

But then again, trailers can only reveal so much, and I’m optimistic. As a kama’aina, I have high hopes—I hope to hear a story about our new leader that is yet untold because only homegrown, island people can tell it.

Stay tuned for a review when the movie is released.

Visit www.BarackObamaHawaii.com to see a wonderfully lengthy half-hour preview

The night is set for December 13th @ Pipeline Cafe in downtown Honolulu where Q-Tip will be joined by DJ Scratch from EPMD. This is one night you won’t wanna miss and best of all, it’s FREE.

Mark your calendar and come on out and chill the night away with Q-Tip, MySpace.com and AT&T. Limited tickets will be available at Dig Lifestyles (Ward Warehouse) on December 10th at 7 pm.

This is an 18+ event with doors opening at 10pm, so get there early!

Q-Tip – The Renaissance

With sextuplets and a pair of twins, the Gosselins are hardly your
typical American family. Jon and Kate are the ambitious parents of
this adorable bunch and they are battling all odds to make sure
their brood has a normal, happy childhood. The show follows them
as they tackle seemingly ordinary life events like pumpkin picking
and birthday parties that become extraordinary when you have two
sets of energetic multiples.

For more information, visit TLC.Discovery.com

Jon & Kate Plus 8 – Leis & Luaus
November 10, 2008

• TLC – Oceanic Cable 71/Digital 331 – 9:00 p.m. HST
• TLC – Oceanic Cable HD 1331 – 4:00 p.m. HST

After several days of travel, the Gosselins’ arrive in Maui and learn about Hawaiian culture through private lei making and hula lessons, Hawaiian cooking classes, snorkeling in the Pacific Ocean and participating in a traditional Grand Lu’au.

Jon & Kate Plus 8 – For Better or Worse
November 17, 2008

• TLC – Oceanic Cable 71/Digital 331 – 9:00 p.m. HST
• TLC – Oceanic Cable HD 1331 – 4:00 p.m. HST

Jon and Kate prove that they are more committed than ever to each other and their unique life together as parents of multiples. After almost ten years of marriage, Jon and Kate have a wedding vow renewal ceremony on Maui and you are cordially invited!

Mokulele airlines is expanding to a larger fleet of 70-seat Embraer 170 Regional Jets in a partnership with Republic Airways, which will add dozens of daily flights between Honolulu, Kauai and Kona. The announcement came as a sigh of relief to several hundred former Aloha Airlines employees who Mokulele has embraced and welcomed to the family.

So does all this mean Mokulele is the new Aloha? Hmmm…just a thought.

Mokulele’s president, Bill Boyer says, “I had an emotional talk with Aloha Airlines over here, and more than 50% of my workforce is going to be Aloha Airlines…”

This new move is being funded through a $150 million dollar partnership with mainland carrier Republic Airways, who remains one of a handful of profitable US airlines. Republic owns the aircraft Mokulele will operate, and has offered parts and assistance in the new expansion.

The new Mokulele interisland service is set to launch November 19, with prices starting at $61. Mokulele says they will not initiate a fare war in the way that GO! Airlines did, but will remain competitive and offer a high quality service for island residents and visitors.

For more information on Mokulele Airlines visit http://www.mokuleleairlines.com

Last weekend I had the opportunity to join several other local supporters who will be in attendance at PodCamp Hawaii, which by the way is being held at our state of the art convention center located in beautiful Honolulu. We all got together to shoot the 30 second commercial, which title sponsor Road Runner has agreed to air 300 times on local cable stations. YES 300 times! We also got a chance to view the wonderful section of the convention center which will host this MUST ATTEND event!

If you’re a business, an individual or just wanna get in on some new media insight, then you should MUST attend this event. From learning how to set up your blog on the spot, to creating a podcast, to marketing and selling your products and services online using new media, this event will teach you all that and more. It’s an open discussion with people who have been there and become successful in using new media and willing to share it all with you. Best thing is, it’s absolutely FREE!

So head over to the PodCamp Hawaii website to learn more and check out some of the sponsors and the special travel offers that have been graciously created just for you, the PodCamp/WordCamp Hawaii attendee!

Stay informed on the latest news about PodCamp Hawaii by following @podcamphawaii on Twitter!

I’m going. See you there! ALOHA…