March 31st, 2010 by MauiNOW staff
Hawaiian Airlines reached a tentative agreement with union mechanics. The deal with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, District 142 is for a four-year contract with increased compensation for members and operational improvements for the company.
File photo by Wendy Osher.
The negotiations cover 600 employees, including those working as aircraft inspectors, mechanics, line service, cleaners, and contract service personnel.
Hawaiian’s mechanics union is the last of the company’s labor groups to reach a new agreement. Hawaiian previously negotiated new labor contracts with the unions representing its pilots, flight attendants, clerical workers, and dispatchers.
Mark Dunkerley, Hawaiian’s president and CEO said, “As we have done with all of our new labor contracts, this negotiated agreement will increase the wages earned by our mechanics group while making Hawaiian Airlines stronger and more efficient in its operations.”
Union members are expected to vote on the new contract in the coming weeks.
Tags: Clerical Workers, Contract Service, Dispatchers, District 142, Dunkerley, Flight Attendants, Hawaiian Airlines, International Association Of Machinists, International Association Of Machinists And Aerospace Workers, Labor Contracts, Labor Groups, Mechanic, Mechanics Group, Mechanics Union, New Contract, Operational Improvements, Osher, Tentative Agreement, Union Members, Wages
Posted in Business, MauiNOW | No Comments »
March 31st, 2010 by MauiNOW staff
By Wendy Osher
SLIGHT INCREASE AIMED AT COVERING COLLECTIVE BARGAINING RAISES
The Maui Police Department presented its 2011 budget request before the council’s budget and finance committee today. The Department is seeking an increase of about $300,000 in part to cover the 6% pay raise sworn officers are entitled to under the last year of a 4-year collective bargaining contract. The contract also calls for a 4% step movement for about a third of the department’s 368 sworn personnel.
FURLOUGHS Expected to impact Dispatch most
The Police department budget also calls for furloughs of HGEA and UPW employees excluding civilians, the chief and the deputy, resulting in an estimated $271,600 in savings. Maui Police Chief Gary Yabuta said that breaks down to about $34,000 for administration, $36,000 for investigative services, $44,000 for uniform services, and $157,000 for support services.
“Out of this furlough program, we’re looking at about $75,300 for communications staff,” said Chief Yabuta. “This is going to be the biggest impact with the furlough program because our dispatchers and communications section—to take them out of the program resulting from a furlough—would definitely impact our ability to respond to 9-1-1 calls and calls for service,” said Chief Yabuta.
FREEZE ON 54 POSITIONS
The department is also proposing to freeze 47 sworn positions for six months, and seven civilian positions for the entire 2011 fiscal year. Chief Yabuta said the move is expected to save the department $1.8 million.
OVERTIME BUDGET – FLAT
In all, the MPD is asking for $35.6 million in salaries for FY2011, compared to $35.29 in FY2010.
The Police Department’s overtime budget remains flat in 2011 at $4.9 million. But Chief Yabuta called the figure “a little bit unrealistic” because of the raises guaranteed under collective bargaining.
OPERATIONS BUDGET – FLAT
The MPD Operations Budget proposal is flat at $7,968,047 compared to he previous 2010 fiscal year.
EQUIPMENT BUDGET
The Maui Police Department is asking for $931,000 for its equipment budget, down from the $948,000 the department sought in the current fiscal year. The figure includes 18 patrol vehicles at $47,000 each, 20 tasers at $1,000 each, 70 ballistic vests at $500 each, and a single culpascope at $15,000 to replace a technologically out of date device that was donated to the department 15 years ago. The device is used by hospital staff when validating trauma in a sex assault victim.
Tags: Budget Proposal, Budget Request, Chief Gary, Civilian Positions, Communications Section, Communications Staff, Department Budget, Dispatchers, Finance Committee, furlough, furloughs, HGEA, Maui Police, MPD, Osher, Sworn Officers, Sworn Positions, Uniform Services, Upw, Yabuta
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March 30th, 2010 by MauiNOW staff
By Wendy Osher
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMWQd89WYw0[/youtube]
Using native flora and fauna as a source of inspiration a trio of Hawaiian women are designing clothing in a uniquely Hawaiian way.
“When we first started, we really wanted to do something that could showcase the things that we feel are truly Hawaiian,” said Hina Kneubuhl of Kealopiko.
In addition to nature, the designs of Kealopiko utilize images of ali’i (chiefs) and ‘olelo Hawaii (the Hawaiian language).
“We had been seeing our whole lives growing up all of these other things on shirts…things that are tropical and beautiful, but not necessarily unique to Hawaii,” said Kneubhl. So the company chose, “the stuff that we felt was really a part of who we are as Hawaiians and our environment, our kupuna, our mo’okuauhau,” said Kneubhl.
One particular line of shirts is dedicated to the pairings discussed in the Kumuliopo Hawaiian creation chant.
“There’s always something in the kai that’s guarded by something in the uka or land,” said Kneubhl.
The line includes a design featuring the weke fish and the wauke plant, with the phrase, “I wehi no ku’u kino,” meaning “an adornment for my body.”
Kneubhl explains the mana’o behind the design saying that much like the wauke was pounded to make kapa clothing to adorn people, the scales on the weke fish are like an adornment for their body as well.
Kneubhl, who is a botanist by profession said, “I’ve been working in conservation since I was young… so we kind of wanted to include both the uka and the kai to represent that, and all the beautiful things in between.”
Tags: Adornment, Beautiful Things, Botanist, Chiefs, Creation Chant, Flora And Fauna, Flora Fauna, Hawaiian Language, Hawaiian Way, Hawaiian Women, Hawaiians, Http Www Youtube, Kai, Kealopiko, Kupuna, mana, Native Flora, Olelo Hawaii, Osher, Uka
Posted in Arts & Entertainment, MauiNOW | 1 Comment »
March 29th, 2010 by MauiNOW staff
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyOU28zjH9w[/youtube]
Fresh new sounds from New Zealand’s Three Houses Down are moving on up at Pacific Radio Group’s Native 92.5 FM. Featured musicians Sione and Charlie talk story with Native’s Kawika-Veeka, telling trade tales of their name, song lyrics and native vibe.
The long-time friends spent the week on Maui, where they were the featured entertainment at the Ocean’s Bar & Grill in a concert presented by Kingdom Entertainment, C.N.A. Entertainment and Native 92.5 FM. (Check back here for video from their concert to be posted soon!)
This footage was filmed exclusively for Native 92.5 FM, Pacific Radio Group and MauiNOW.com.
Tags: Amp, Featured Entertainment, Kawika, Live Interview, Long Time Friends, Maui, Moving, Musicians, New Houses, New Sounds, New Zealand, Pacific Radio Group, Radio 5, Sione, Song Lyrics, Story Telling, Three Houses, Vibe
Posted in Arts & Entertainment, Featured Articles, MauiNOW | No Comments »
March 29th, 2010 by MauiNOW staff
Hawaii’s premiere hands-on arts and cultural festival will grace the grounds of the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua Resort, April 2-4, 2010. In preparation for the 18th Annual Celebration of the Arts Festival, event chair Clifford Nae’ole announced the theme “E ia ka Manawa”, or “Here, Now is the Time” saying this year’s focus will initiate thoughts from the present to the future. Highlights include village galleries featuring traditional artists from Niihau to Hilo; a Celebration Pa’ina featuring master chanter and Kumu Hula Charles Ka’upu and performers from the award-winning Ulalena theatrical presentation; and panels discussions with an emphasis on education and cultural awareness.
Clifford Nae'ole. File Photo by Wendy Osher.
Every Easter weekend, Celebration of the Arts is presented complimentary to the public to reconnect the “host to the hosted.”
“This year’s theme will inspire intellectual conversation to shape and align the future of Native Hawaiians,” said Clifford Nae`ole, event chairperson and hotel cultural advisor. “In prior years, we have focused on bringing the past to the present, while this year the concentration will initiate thoughts from the present to the future.”
A recipient of the prestigious Kahili Award from the Hawai`i Tourism Authority in 2005, Celebration of the Arts is Hawai`i’s premiere hands-on arts and cultural festival. Kama`aina (local residents) and malihini (visitors) are invited to experience the “Hawaiian heart and soul” through interaction with artists, cultural practitioners, workshops, films, food and music.
The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua overlooks one of the most significant sites to native Hawaiians, the Honokahua Preservation Site, and is a gathering place for Hawaii’s well-known and best loved artists, educators, cultural art masters and healers. Maui visitors blend with island kupuna (elders) and keiki (children) in a rich tapestry with a common thread to learn about Hawai`i’s past, present and future. Each event features a timely topic with emphasis on education, cultural awareness and sharing so that it can be perpetuated.
Friday and Saturday, April 2 & 3
The panels and events are scheduled Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with traditional craft stations and continuous hula/cultural performances throughout the day. With this year’s theme, sessions and panels will include the following:
• Can or No Can – a discussion of the pros and cons of establishing large observatories and telescopes on the volcano summits, regarded as sacred sites by many Hawaiians
• 2012…Huli Ia (to change) – a look at the Polynesian view of messages from nature that could become more evident in 2012
• Passing the Torch – a lesson in mentoring ancient things in a contemporary time
• The Mua, the Men and the Mission – details the challenge of adult Hawaiian males guiding male youth to become adults, while preparing themselves for the responsibilities of being kupuna (elders)
• A Green Harvest with Executive Souz Chef Marc McDowell – returning for its second year with an informative tour through the hotels organic gardens
• Got Poke? – new poke (diced tuna seafood salad) cooking demonstration hosted by Kumu Charles Ka`upu and respected kupuna Aunty Mapu Yasue
• Contemporary artists from The Village Galleries and traditional artists from Ni`ihau to Hilo will offer hands-on art experiences throughout the resort for children and adults
• Celebration After Hours in Alaloa Lobby Lounge – four-part harmony and contemporary beats of Vaihi will be featured on Friday from 9 p.m. to midnight; Waipuna, Hawaii’s newest musical stand out, will take the mic on Saturday from 9 p.m. to midnight night to close out the festivities; no cover charge
For the children, Ke Kula Kamali`i (children’s learning center) offers a day of Hawaiian mana‘o (thinking) and art inspired by nature. Keiki are taught the language of Hawai‘i through counting, painting, crafts and outdoor activities. Hawaiian kumu (teachers) share the heart and soul of their native language and culture.
Saturday, April 3
The highlight of the weekend is the Celebration Pa`ina and Show on Saturday, April 3 at 6 p.m. in the Aloha Garden Ballroom. The entertainment filled evening will showcase a transition of music and dance in time with the talent of Master Chanter and Kumu Hula Charles Ka`upu and his kane kahiko (ancient men’s hula,) auwana (contemporary hula) from the women and children of Keoni Manuel, and the innovative vignettes of Hawaiian history presented by the creators and performers of the award-winning Ulalena.
Hawaiian cooks join with The Ritz-Carlton chefs to create an abundant masterpiece of traditional lu`au foods along with those delicacies a visitor might only find if invited into a Hawaiian home. “This feast and show is an evening of classic Hawaiian delicacies in combination with the cuisine of The Ritz-Carlton chefs,” said John Zaner, Executive Chef. “Don’t wait too long to get your tickets, because this will certainly sell-out.”
Ticket prices are $90 for adults and $45 for children ages 5 to 12, inclusive. Advance reservations are recommended as the event sells out in advance each year.
Sunday, April 4
A complimentary Easter Egg Hunt takes place on the expansive Plantation Lawn. The lavish Easter Sunday Brunch is held in The Terrace Restaurant. Prices are $75 for adults and $37.50 for children ages 5 to 12. Prices are exclusive of taxes and gratuity. Please call (808) 669-6200 for reservations.
The 18th Annual Celebration of the Arts is sponsored by The Village Galleries, Hawaiian Airlines, Maui Visitors Bureau, MC&A, Kapalua Resort, Kapalua Villas and The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua.
For more information on Celebration of the Arts, visit www.celebrationofthearts.org. The event hotline is available 24 hours a day at (808) 665-7296.
Tags: 18th Annual Celebration of the Arts, Alaloa Lobby Lounge, Art Masters, can or no can, Celebration of the Arts, Celebration of the Arts Festival, Celebration of the Arts Kapalua, Charles Ka'upu, Clifford Naeole, Cultural Art, E ia Ka Manawa, Easter Egg Hunt, Easter Sunday Brunch, Easter Weekend, Gathering Place, Got poke, Hawai I, Hawaii Tourism Authority, Hawaiian Heart, Heart And Soul, Here Now is the time, Hilo, Honokahua, Honokahua Preservation Site, Huli la, Intellectual Conversation, Kahili Award, Kamaaina, Kapalua Resort, Kapalua Villas, Ke Kula Kamalii, keiki, Keoni Manuel, Kumu Hula, Kupuna, Malihini, Mapu Yasue, Marc McDowell, maui news, Maui Now, maui tv, maui video, Maui Visitors, Maui Visitors Bureau, MauiNOW, mauinow, MC&A, Native Hawaiians, Niihau, Osher, Pacific Radio Group, Paina, Ritz Carlton Kapalua, Theatrical Presentation, Tourism Authority, Traditional Artists, Ulalena, Vaihi, Waipuna, Weekend Celebration, Wendy Osher
Posted in Arts & Entertainment, Featured Articles, MauiNOW | 1 Comment »
March 26th, 2010 by MauiNOW staff
Hawai’i’s economic recovery has begun according to the latest economic forecast released by the University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization. The Spring report says employment is stabilizing, with many sectors expected to add modest numbers of jobs as the year progresses. While growth is resuming, the pace of recovery—according to the report—will be slow. Improvements are expected for both U.S. and Japan visitor arrivals this year, with payroll jobs and real personal income showing improvement in 2011, according to the UHERO report.
The report states that while the visitor industry remains in a “deep slump”, arrivals numbers edged up slightly over the course of 2009 and visitor spending stabilized by year end. The department projects a 2.9% gain in arrivals this year, aided in part by additional airlift to the state.
In the construction sector, job losses and building permits slowed and flattened out by the year’s end. According to the UHERO quarterly forecast, a short-term impulse from government contracts will lead to net hiring in the coming months. Overall construction spending is expected to be 17% lower in 2010, but rise more than 4% in 2011.
More information available at: http://uhero.prognoz.com/Default.aspx?src=forecast
Tags: Airlift, Construction Sector, Economic Forecast, economic recovery, Economic Research, Government Contracts, improvements, Impulse, Job Losses, Pace, Payroll, Personal Income, Report States, Research Organization, Sectors, Slump, Spring Report, University of Hawaii, visitor arrivals, Year End
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March 26th, 2010 by MauiNOW staff
The Maui Roller Girls proudly present their first official Roller Derby Bout on Maui! The event begins at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 27th at the Central Maui Boys and girls Outdoor Basketball Courts on Kanaloa Avenue in Kahului.
MRG Courtesy Image.
The bout features MRG’s Crazy 808’s and the Garden Island Renegade Rollerz of Kauai.
Flat Track Roller Derby has been growing across the continental U.S. since 2001, with the Maui Roller Girls (MRG) forming in 2008. MRG is an all women’s flat track roller derby organization whose mission is to creating an environment that empowers the wahine of Maui to play and promote the sport of Roller Derby.
The event is free for all ages. Spectators are encouraged to bring beach chairs or blankets to sit on. The event is substance free: NO alcohol, smoking or drugs allowed on the property.
(Posted by Wendy Osher)
Tags: Alcohol, Beach Chairs, Blankets, Bout Time, Boys And Girls, Central Maui, drugs, Image Caption, Organization Whose Mission, Osher, Outdoor Basketball Courts, Renegade, Roller Derby, Roller Girls, Rollerz, spectators, Sport, Valley Girls, Wahine, Wendy
Posted in MauiNOW, Sports | No Comments »
March 26th, 2010 by MauiNOW staff
Enforcement officers from the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE), will be at several locations on Maui this weekend helping to educate ocean users about humpback whales, monk seals, sea turtles, and other marine protected species.
File photo by Wendy Osher.
DOCARE officers along with staff from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the United States Coast Guard will be at Mala boat ramp, Ma‘alaea harbor, Kihei boat ramp and Keone‘oi‘o (La Perouse) bay between 8 to 11 a.m. on Saturday March 27 and Sunday March 28.
Randy Awo, the branch chief for the Maui division said federal grants allow the department to increase efforts during the annual migration of humpback whales and the opening of the bottomfish season. The DOCARE officers are deputized to enforce fisheries and protected species laws in federal waters.
Information will also be available on the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary and bottom fishing rules.
“We are looking forward to this opportunity to share information that allows the public to help protect our valued marine species, in partnership with NOAA and the U.S. Coast Guard,” said Laura H. Thielen, DLNR chairperson.
“This educational effort is made possible through a joint enforcement agreement between NOAA and DOCARE. The Federal funding provided by the agreement allows DOCARE officers to increase their public awareness and enforcement efforts in areas of mutual responsibility with NOAA,” she said.
“One of the primary strategies of the Coast Guard’s Marine Protected Species program is to partner with other agencies involved in the preservation and recovery of marine protected species and eliminate redundancy, and this is a key example of how state and federal partners can work together and provide a valuable service to the public,” said Eric Roberts, U.S. Coast Guard District 14 Marine Protected Species program manager.
(Posted by Wendy Osher; Information courtesy DLNR)
Tags: Alaea, Boat Ramp, Bottom Fishing, Fishing Rules, Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale, Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine, Host Weekend, humpback whale, humpback whales, Keone, La Perouse Bay, Monk Seals, National Marine Sanctuary, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration Noaa, Ocean Users, Sea Turtles, Species Laws, U S Coast Guard, United States Coast Guard
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March 25th, 2010 by MauiNOW staff
By Wendy Osher
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRGmNVV-6lE[/youtube]
Ukulele virtuoso, Jake Shimabukuro visited Pacific Radio Group’s KPOA 93.5 FM studio today in preparation for his weekend concert at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center. Prior to his Saturday, March 27th, 2010 performance at the Castle Theater, Jake had planned to make his rounds in the community, visiting high schools, elementary schools, churches and elderly care facilities.
“Whenever we do things like that, you always think you’re trying to do some service, but its really the other way around,” said Shimabukuro.
When describing his love for the ukulele and his career as a musician Shimabukuro said, “The ukulele brings so much joy to people. Just something about the sound and the way that it’s tuned, it reminds me of children laughing.”
Shimabukuro also tells of his recent visit overseas where he met the Queen of England and played a duet with on-screen actress Bette Midler.
MACC Jake Shimabukuro Concert
Saturday March 27, 2010
7:30 p.m. in the Castle Theater
Jake Shimabukuro is recognized as one of the world’s most exciting and innovative ‘ukulele players and composers. Lightning-fast fingers and revolutionary techniques, this young ‘ukulele virtuoso is known for his ability to play everything. His virtuosity defies label or category. Playing jazz, blues, funk, classical, bluegrass, folk, flamenco, and rock, Jake’s mission is to show everyone that the ukulele is capable of so much more than traditional Hawaiian music. Expect to hear and see an exciting music mix of hot n’ fast jazz and rock classics, island favorites and phenomenal ability. Tickets: $12, $30, $40. Preshow dinner by Alexander’s Famous Fish.
Tags: Castle Theater, Elderly Care Facilities, Exciting Music, Http Www Youtube, Island Favorites, Jake Shimabukuro, Jazz Blues, KPOA, MACC, Maui Arts, Music Mix, Osher, Pacific Radio Group, Phenomenal Ability, Queen Of England, Revolutionary Techniques, Rock Classics, Screen Actress, Traditional Hawaiian Music, Ukulele Players
Posted in Arts & Entertainment, Featured Articles, MauiNOW | No Comments »
