June 30th, 2010 by MauiNOW staff
Hawaii’s newest school children — kindergartners — will be starting school for their first time next month. Since these kids aren’t going ‘back to school,’ they may not know what to expect — or what’s expected of them — when they get there.
Image courtesy: Institute for Native Pacific Education and Culture
The Institute for Native Pacific Education and Culture (INPEACE) is encouraging families to register now for Keiki Steps to Kindergarten, a FREE kindergarten transition program offered in local elementary schools statewide — including 5 schools on Maui and Moloka’i — in June and July.
The Maui program is being offered at Hana Elementary School from July 7-20 between 8 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. On Molokai, the program is being offered at Kaunakakai Elementary School July 7-20 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; at Kilohana Elementary School from 6/24 to 7/15 from 8-11 a.m.; at Kualapu’u Elementary School from July 12-23 between 7:30 a.m. and 12 p.m.; and at Maunaloa Elementary School from July 1-22 between 8 and 11 a.m.
Children without any formal early learning experience are given the highest priority for placement in the program.
Through Keiki Steps to Kindergarten, children and parents participate in activities to learn skills that are important for school success. While children learn to follow directions and socialize with other children, parents learn developmentally and culturally-related activities the family can enjoy at home to support their child’s learning.
INPEACE is dedicated to improving the quality of life for Native Hawaiians through community partnerships that provide educational opportunities and promote self-sufficiency. INPEACE’s three focus areas are: early childhood education, professional development and cultural land stewardship.
For more information, call (808) 693-7222 or email: info@inpeace-hawaii.org.
Tags: Children And Parents, Community Partnerships, Early Childhood Education, Education Professional Development, Educational Opportunities, Email, Focus Areas, Going Back To School, Kindergarten Children, Land Stewardship, Learning Experience, Local Elementary Schools, Maui Hawaii, Maui Program, Molokai Hawaii, Native Hawaiians, Quality Of Life, School Success, Self Sufficiency, Transition Program
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June 30th, 2010 by MauiNOW staff
Hawaiian Airlines announced the planned launch of a new Honolulu to Seoul South Korea flight to begin in January (2011). The announcement coupled with the airlines plans to begin daily service between Honolulu and Haneda International Airport in Tokyo later this year, is a significant step towards overseas expansion to Asia. The Korea Flight will operate four times per week and is expected to add more than 54,000 new air seats annually. The flight is also expected to offer potential for growth with its recent addition to the U.S. Visa Waiver program.
Image courtesy: Hawaiian Airlines.
“The addition of Incheon is an important step in our vision to expand Hawaiian’s business into the fastest growing region in the world. This new nonstop service from one of the world’s largest gateway cities will increase visitors to Hawaii not only from Korea, but from all of Asia,” said Mark Dunkerley, Hawaiian’s president and CEO in a company press release today.
Incheon (ICN) International Airport in Seoul, South Korea is one of the largest air traffic hubs in Asia.
Hawaiian will initially operate its new service four times weekly using 264-seat Boeing 767-300ER aircraft. The company plans to increase service on the route in 2011 as its long range fleet expansion progresses.
Flight #459 is planned to depart Honolulu International Airport on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 1:15 p.m. and arrive at Incheon International Airport at 8:00 p.m. the following day. Flight #460 will depart Incheon on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays at 10:00 p.m. and arrive in Honolulu at 10:45 a.m. the same day. South Korea is 19 hours ahead of Honolulu and the flight crosses the International Dateline. The 11-hour flight between Honolulu and Incheon will cover a distance of approximately 4,500 miles.
Tags: Air Traffic, Boeing 767, Day Flight, Dunkerley, Fleet Expansion, Gateway Cities, Haneda International Airport, Hawaiian Airlines, Honolulu International Airport, Incheon International Airport, International Dateline, Korea Airlines, Launch, Overseas Expansion, Seoul Korea, Seoul South Korea, South Korea, Thursdays, Visa Waiver Program, Wednesdays
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June 30th, 2010 by MauiNOW staff
University of Hawai‘i athlete Amber Kaufman, of San Jose, California, was named the recipient of the Western Athletic Conference’s Joe Kearney Award for 2009-10. Kaufman, earned All-American honors in both volleyball and track & field this past year. Kaufman joins former Rainbow Wahine volleyball players Kanoe Kamana‘o and Kim Willoughby as Kearney Award winners from the University of Hawaii.
Kaufman was part of the 2009 UH volleyball team that advanced to the Final Four. In Track and Field, Kaufman was the runner-up in the high jump at the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championship, and captured the national title in the Outdoor championship this month.
The Kearney award is named in honor of former WAC Commissioner Joe Kearney.
Tags: Award Winners, Final Four, Hawai I, High Jump, Joe Kearney, Kamana, Kaufman, Kim Willoughby, Ncaa Indoor Track And Field Championship, Rainbow Wahine volleyball, S Joe, San Jose California, Track Athlete, UH Volleyball, University Of Hawai, University of Hawaii, Volleyball Players, Volleyball Team, Wac, Western Athletic Conference
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June 30th, 2010 by MauiNOW staff
By Wendy Osher
Officiails with the Maui Department of Fire and Public Safety are reminding the public to be especially careful this Fourth of July because of the hot, dry and windy weather. Anyone who plans on using fireworks or supervising children using fireworks should avoid use near dry brush, near fields or around homes.
File image.
There are no firecracker permits available on Maui because no vendors are bringing in firecrackers to sell. Sales of Novelty fireworks however, start on Tuesday, June 29th.
So far, the only show that has filed for a permit to conduct a public fireworks display, has proposed use of a barge outside of Front Street in Lahaina beginning at 8 p.m. on July 4th. Front Street in Lahaina will be closed to all vehicular traffic from Baker Street to Hotel Street 4:00-9:00 PM Sunday, July 4, 2010 to accommodate the Tenth Annual Fireworks Celebration. If you are parked in a lot that only exits onto Front Street, you won’t be able to leave during the road closure. Front Street will be a TOW AWAY ZONE starting at 3pm. No bikes or mopeds. No fireworks, open burning, alcohol or coolers. Fireworks will begin at 8:00 pm, sponsored by the Maui Chamber of Commerce. The 10th Annual Fireworks Celebration put on by the Maui Chamber of Commerce is funded by Maui businesses and individuals.
Governor Linda Lingle signed a bill into law this week that gives individual counties the authority to limit or ban fireworks. Act 170 allows counties to enact ordiances that are more stringent than what the state already has in place.
The new law also establishes a task force to make recommendations to prevent the illegal importation of fireworks into the state.
Retail locations in Maui County selling novelty fireworks include: Costco Wholesale in Kahului; Foodland stores in Kahului, Kihei, Lahaina, and Pukalani; Kmart in Kahului; Malama Market in Lahaina; Misaki on Molokai; Pine Isle Market on Lanai; Sac n Save in Wailuku; Safeway stores in Kahului, Kihei and Lahaina; Take’s Variety on Molokai; Times Supermarket in Kihei and Lahaina; and Walgreens stores in Kahului and Lahaina.
Tags: Barge, Chamber Of Commerce, Costco, Costco Wholesale, Firecracker, firecrackers, Fireworks Celebration, Fireworks Display, Foodland Stores, Fourth Of July, Governor Linda Lingle, Hotel Street, Illegal Importation, Image Caption, July 4, July 4 2010, July 4th Fireworks, June 29, Kmart, Linda Lingle, Maui Businesses, Maui Chamber of Commerce, Maui County, Misaki, Osher, Public Safety, Pukalani, road closure, Safeway Stores, Tow Away Zone, Using Fireworks, Vehicular Traffic, Walgreens, Walgreens Stores, Weather, Wendy, Windy Weather
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June 30th, 2010 by MauiNOW staff
The 45th Annual makawao Paniolo Parade will be held on Saturday July 3rd, 2010. The parade begins at around 8:30 a.m. starting at the Baldwin/Makawao Avenue intersection and ending at the Eddie Tam Gym. This year’s parade theme is “Heroes and Outlaws.”
Road Closures:
Roads will be closed from 8:45 to 11:30 a.m. The closure extends from Baldwin Avenue at Kaluanui Road to makawao Avenue at Makani Road.
Shuttle Service:
Parade spectators that will be attending the rodeo are invited to park at the Oskie Rice Arena and catch the free shuttle, courtesy Jim Falk’s Valley Isle Motors, to Makawao town before the parade. The shuttle will run spectators back up to the rodeo grounds after the parade. The free shuttle runs from 7-9 a.m. and then resumes after the parade until noon.
Parking:
There is limited parking in Makawao Town. Spectators are encouraged to park at the Eddie Tam Center. There will also be an announcer next to Eddie Tam, at the end of the Parade this year.
Volunteers needed:
Security volunteers are needed. Fore details, call Arthur Delima at 573-0422.
File footage from 2007 Parade:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Od_oyjrT6kA[/youtube]
Tags: Arthur, Baldwin, closure, Delima, Eddie Tam, Free Shuttle, Heroes, intersection, Jim Falk, Limited, Makawao, Od, Outlaws, Parade Theme, Resumes, Road Closures, Rodeo Grounds, Shuttle Info, Shuttle Run, Shuttle Service, spectators, volunteers, Www Youtube
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June 30th, 2010 by MauiNOW staff
Changes in fees and services approved for the FY2011 budget begin Thursday, June 1, 2010 with the start of the new Fiscal Year. The changes include bus fare increases, electrical permit violation fees, reduced landfill hours, changes to real property taxes, and a one-day-per month furlough schedule for county workers.
BUS FARE INCREASES
- Commuter Fee: $2.00 per boarding
- Fixed Route Fee $1.00 per boarding (all fixed routes)
- ADA Paratransit fares are the same as all other passengers, with passes available.
Effective July 1, 2010, the monthly pass rates for fixed routes on the Maui Bus, which includes commuter service, are as follows:
- All Routes Bus Pass – General Boarding $45.00
- All Routes Bus Pass – Student (With Valid School ID) $30.00
- All Routes Bus Pass – Senior (55 Years & Older) $30.00
*All Routes Bus Pass includes Commuter Service
- Loop & Villager Restricted Monthly Bus Pass (Routes #1, 2, 5, 6, 15 & 23) $20.00
*Loop & Villager Bus Pass includes ADA Paratransit Service
Monthly bus passes are valid for a calendar month and are available for purchase from the 25th of the previous month through the 10th of each month.
Monthly passes are available from Maui Bus drivers; Roberts Hawaii; at the County Business Resource Center at Maui Mall (mall hours); and at the Wharf Cinema Center Management Office (weekdays 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., excluding holidays).
*More info: www.mauicounty.gov/bus
ELECTRICAL PERMIT VIOLATION FEES
The fee charged for starting work requiring an electrical permit before a permit has been obtained will increase from $200 to $500. Additionally, two new fees for permit violations will be implemented: a fee of $200 for energizing an electrical installation without inspection approval, and a fee of $200 for concealing electrical wiring prior to inspection approval.
FURLOUGH DAYS
County of Maui offices will be closed on one furlough day per month; for schedule information, visit http://mauinow.com/2010/06/20/mayor-charmaine-tavares-announces-county-of-maui-furlough-schedule/
GOLF FEES AT WAIEHU GOLF COURSE
Description From To
Rates – weekdays:
- Residents with Resident Card $8 $10
- Military $8 $10
- Retirees with Resident Card $3 $5
- Non-Maui County Hawaii Residents with Hawaii Driver License or Hawaii State Identification Card $30 $35
- Non-Residents $50 $55
Rates – weekends and holidays:
- Residents with Resident Card $8 $10
- Military $8 $10
- Retirees with Resident Card $5 $7
- Non-Maui County Hawaii Residents with Hawaii Driver License or Hawaii State ID Card $30 $35
- Non-Residents $55 $55
Rates – monthly:
- Students of State of Hawaii through age 18 $8 $10
- Club No Show Fee (unused pre-booked blocked time) $8/person $10/person
- Tournament Fee $8/person $15/person
- Lost/Replacement Card Fee $5 $5
LANDFILLS
Reduced hours at all County landfills will begin July 1, 2010.
The new landfill hours of operation are:
- Central Maui Landfill: Monday – Saturday: 6 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Sunday: CLOSED
- Olowalu Convenience Center: Monday – Saturday: 8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.; Sunday: CLOSED
- Hana Landfill: Tuesday – Saturday: 8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.; Sunday & Monday: CLOSED
- Molokai Landfill: Tuesday – Saturday: 8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.; Sunday & Monday: CLOSED
- Lanai Landfill: Tuesday – Saturday: 8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.; Sunday & Monday: CLOSED
For general landfill information, visit www.mauicounty.gov/solidwaste.
POOL CLOSURES
All County swimming pools will close one day per week except during weeks containing a County-observed holiday, when they will close on the holiday instead. Additionally, except for pre-scheduled County pool programs, Kahului Pool (Old Salvation Army) and Old Wailuku Pool will be closed daily. The public is advised to call the Maui County Pools information line at 270-8208; the recorded message is updated by 9 a.m. daily.
CENTRAL MAUI:
- Sakamoto Pool closed Mondays
- New Wailuku Pool closed Thursdays
- Kokua Pool closed Tuesdays
UPCOUNTRY
- Upcountry Pool Complex closed Tuesdays
KIHEI
- Kihei Aquatic Center closed Wednesdays
LAHAINA
- Lahaina Aquatic Center closed Thursdays
REAL PROPERTY TAX RATES
Real Property Tax rates per one thousand dollars of net taxable assessed valuation will increase in some categories.
Description From To
- Improved Residential $4.85 $5.00
- Apartment $4.55 $5.00
- Commercial $6.25 $6.25
- Industrial $6.50 $6.50
- Agricultural $4.50 $5.00
- Conservation $4.75 $5.00
- Hotel & Resort $8.20 $8.30
- Time Share $14.00 $14.00
- Unimproved Residential $5.35 $6.25
- Homeowner $2.00 $2.50
- Commercialized Residential $4.00 (new)
More information is available at www.mauicounty.gov/finance
REFUSE COLLECTION
The furlough schedule will result in a change to the normal refuse collection schedule for Molokai and Hana customers. More information is available at www.mauicounty.gov/solidwaste
- MOLOKAI: Regularly scheduled Friday pickups will be made on Wednesdays during weeks containing a furlough day.
- HANA: Friday pickups will be made on Thursdays during weeks containing a furlough day.
TIPPING FEES
In the County’s solid waste program, tipping fees at the landfill will be raised from .205 to .0305 cents per pound, or about $3 per ton.
Description From To
- Tipping fee per ton $58 $61
Fees will be increased in areas where there are no scales for weighing:
Description Misc. Trash ($/Load) Greenwaste ($/Load)
Old New Old New
- Category I gross vehicle weight 10,000 lbs $33 $52 $5 $21
- Category II gross vehicle weight 10,000 to 19,999 $65 $102 $8 $34
- Category III gross vehicle weight 20,000 to 25,999 $95 $150 $12 $51
- Category IV 12 cubic yard capacity $105 $166 $13 $56
- Category V 20 cubic yard capacity $180 $285 $21 $90
- Category VI Roll Off (not compacted) $257 $408 $31 $132
- Category VI Roll Off (compacted) $398 $630 $47 $201
- Category VI 42 cubic yard front end loader $459 $720 $54 $231
- Category VI 20 cubic yard front end loader $218 $340 $25 $107
WASTEWATER
The monthly base charge for wastewater is increased by $1 a month or about 5 cents per day for a single family residence, from monthly base charge of $25.50 to $26.50. (Rates will increase an average of 4.5% in all categories.)
WATER
Water rates will increase by about $1.75 a month or about 6 cents per day for the average residential family.
File image by Wendy Osher.
Tags: Ada Paratransit Service, Bus Drivers, Bus Fare, Bus Passes, Business Resource Center, Calendar Month, Center Management, Cinema Center, Commuter Service, County Business, Electrical Installation, Electrical Permit, Electrical Wiring, furlough, Landfill, Management Office, Maui Mall, Office Weekdays, Valid School Id, Villager
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June 30th, 2010 by MauiNOW staff
Maui Drivers have one week to prepare for a new law that goes into effect on Tuesday banning the hands-on use of cell phones and mobile electronic devices while driving. Bill 40 gained unanimous passage by the Maui County Council on June 18th and takes effect upon the Mayor’s signature on July 6, 2010.
“As our county’s population of drivers increase and technology finds its way into everyday activities, it’s become necessary to consider additional ways to help keep motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists safe,” said Mayor Tavares.
“The community we help to keep safe includes all of our families and friends so although the new law may inconvenience some drivers, it’s an important one. I encourage drivers to take steps now to prepare for this new law and learn more about it,” said Tavares.
The County Charter allows ten business days for Mayor Tavares to approve by signature, veto the Bill or allow it to become law without her signature. Bill 40 was transmitted to the Mayor on June 21 – making July 6, 2010 the 10th business day following receipt from the Council.
Maui becomes the last county in the state to implement a law banning hands on technology while driving. Maui’s bill differs from other counties in that it also specifically restricts drivers under the age of 18 and those with permits from using electronic devices while driving.
Bill 40: Mobile Electronic Devices While Driving
File Photo by Wendy Osher.
Tags: Bicyclists, Bill Becomes Law, Business Day, Business Days, County Charter, Electronic Devices, Everyday Activities, Inconvenience, July 6th, June 21, Maui County Council, motorists, Osher, pedestrians, Receipt, Signature Bill, Tavares, Unanimous Passage, veto, Wendy
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June 29th, 2010 by MauiNOW staff
U.S. Representative Mazie Hirono of Hawaii today voted in support of legislation that extends by three months the required closing date for a federal homebuyer tax credit for homes purchased through April 30, 2010. The Homebuyers Assistance and Improvement Act, H.R. 5623, aims to provide taxpayers who purchased a home by April 30 a closing deadline of October 1, 2010. Under current law, closings must occur by June 30. The U.S. House passed the legislation by a majority vote of 409 yeas to 5 nays.
According to the National Association of Realtors, the closing of an estimated 710 home sales in the State of Hawaii will be delayed beyond the June 30 deadline.
“This bill would provide relief to new homeowners in Hawaii who, through no fault of their own, are about to watch a substantial tax credit slip through their fingers,” said Congresswoman Hirono. “Purchasing a home is a time consuming process that has its share of typical delays. Once signed into law, this legislation will provide new homebuyers the tax credit they’re entitled to, beyond the original June 30 deadline.”
H.R. 5623 extends the tax credit of up to $8,000 for qualified first-time home buyers, as well as a credit of up to $6,500 for repeat buyers purchasing a principal residence.
The Homebuyers Assistance and Improvement Act now goes before the U.S. Senate for consideration.
Tags: Association Of Realtors, congresswoman, Credit Slip, First Time Home Buyers, Hawaii Today, Homebuyer Tax Credit, Homebuyers Assistance, Improvement Act, Majority Vote, Mazie Hirono, National Association Of Realtors, Nays, New Homeowners, Principal Residence, state of Hawaii, Substantial Tax, Time Home Buyers, Typical Delays, U S Senate, Yeas
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June 29th, 2010 by MauiNOW staff
Concert Flyer. Click to enlarge.
For the first time on Maui, Grammy-nominated rapper duo, LMFAO will perform. REDFOO and SKY BLU are taking a break from their world tour with the BLACK EYED PEAS to perform live at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center’s Castle Theater. Join DJ Luckly Lou for the electro hip hop concert of the year. That’s on Friday, July 2, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $32 in advance, or $35 the day of the show. For tickets or more information, call the MACC Box Office at (808) 242-SHOW (7469) or order online at MauiArts.org.
Tags: Amp, Black Eyed Peas, box office, Castle Theater, Dj, Grammy, Hip Hop, Lmfao, Luckly, Maui Arts, Sky, Skyblue
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June 29th, 2010 by MauiNOW staff
Budget impacts have resulted in additional pool closure days on Maui. The County of Maui Department of Parks and Recreation announced today that beginning July 1, 2010, all County swimming pools will close one day per week in efforts to meet a loss in funding and personnel for Fiscal Year 2011, which runs July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011.
Additionally, except for pre-scheduled County pool programs, Kahului Pool (Old Salvation Army) and Old Wailuku Pool will be closed daily.
County officials say the weekly pool closures, along with the previously announced closures on all County-observe holidays, are being implemented to uphold public safety while generating cost savings through janitorial services, repairs and maintenance at pool facilities.
County pools will close one day per week as follows, except during weeks containing a holiday, when they will close on the holiday instead.
CENTRAL MAUI
Sakamoto Pool: Monday
New Wailuku Pool: Thursday
Kokua Pool: Tuesday
UPCOUNTRY
Upcountry Pool Complex: Tuesday
KIHEI
Kihei Aquatic Center: Wednesday
LAHAINA
Lahaina Aquatic Center: Thursday
The public is advised to call the Maui County Pools information line at 270-8208; the recorded message is updated by 9 a.m. daily.
(Placeholder image courtesy: County of Maui)
Tags: Aquatic Center, Central Maui, Closure Days, County Officials, Information Line, Janitorial Services, Kihei, Kokua, Lahaina, Maui County, Maui Information, Parks And Recreation, Placeholder, Pool Facilities, Pool Programs, Public Safety, Recorded Message, Sakamoto, Salvation Army, Swimming Pools, Upcountry
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