The AARP hosts two voter education sessions on Maui today—one in Wailuku and the other in Lahaina.  The sessions are aimed at assuring members and the general public understands the background on key issues in Maui’s congressional and state legislative races.  The agency will discuss the economy, jobs, Hawaii’s doctor shortage, the state budget as... Read more »

(Posted by Wendy Osher) The state’s visitor industry is showing signs of economic recovery.  Visitor arrivals in August increased 11.8 percent and spending increased 30 percent compared to last year.  That translates to an additional $250 million in visitor spending for Hawaii’s successful summer travel season. The positive performance is being attributed in part to... Read more »

Adrienne King, 2010 candidate for Lt. Governor (R) Transcript: Introduction:  Aloha, my name is Adrienne King and I’m running for Lt. Governor on the Republican ticket.  A little about myself–I was born in Detroit, Michigan; I came to Hawaii in ’72 after graduating from college in law school.  I came and met and married a... Read more »

Norman Sakamoto, 2010 candidate for Lt. Governor of Hawaii, Transcript:    Introduction: Aloha, My name is Norman Sakamoto.  I’m running for the very important office of Lt. Governor.  There are many issues facing our state, but certainly jobs and education are at the top.  A brief background:  I’m a building contractor, a civil engineer.  I went to University... Read more »

Gary Hooser, 2010 candidate for Lt. Governor of Hawaii, Transcript:  INTRODUCTION:  Aloha, I’m Gary Hooser.  I’m a candidate for Lt. Governor.  And I’m focusing on the issues (there’s lots of important issues of course, but) energy independence, educational excellence, environmental protection and sustainability are my key areas of focus.  I’ve been in the Hawaii State Senate... Read more »

Lambda Legal and the American Civil Liberties Union of Hawai`i (ACLU) today expressed disappointment in Governor Linda Lingle’s decision today to veto House Bill 444 that would have given same sex couples similar legal responsibilities as legally married heterosexual couples.  The two groups readied a lawsuit after the House tabled the Civil Unions bill in... Read more »

By Wendy Osher Olympian Apolo Ohno touched down on Maui today as part of a sweepstakes aboard Alaska Airlines.  A special “Follow Apolo to Hawaii” themed-plane arrived at Kahului Airport with five winners aboard who will join Ohno in his first real vacation since his career took off.  (VIDEO below from Apolo’s visit to Maui) ... Read more »

Olympian Apolo Ohno visits Maui today as part of a sweepstakes in which winners get to follow the athlete to Hawaii aboard Alaska Airlines.  Ohno, who won eight career medals at the Winter Olympic Games, is the most decorated winter Olympian in history. The group will be greeted by Lt. Governor James “Duke” Aiona and... Read more »

Lt. Governor James R. “Duke” Aiona, Jr. today unveiled legislation to establish a Hawaii Sports Commission.  Under his proposal, the 13-member commission would be given the full-time responsibility to attract, develop and promote sporting events throughout the state.  According to the Hawaii Tourism Authority, the Pro Bowl alone accounted for $28.6 million in visitor spending;... Read more »

A half-a-million dollars was released today for a development plan to improve Hana Harbor. The funds are part of the Lingle-Aiona Administration’s six-year Harbors Modernization Plan, and is in addition to the $1.8 billion public infrastructure construction plan unveiled by the Governor in December to stimulate the economy and create jobs. “Hana Harbor serves as... Read more »

A blessing was held this morning to mark the opening of Ke Kama Pono or “Children of Promise” Safe House Group Home in Wailuku, a facility designed to turnaround the lives of troubled youth. The Wells Street facility has the capacity to serve eight boys with transitional housing for up to six months at a... Read more »

Students from the Maui High robotics team are headed to Atlanta, Georgia to compete in the FIRST Robotics World Championship.  The Maui team is one of four in the state that advanced to the event after qualifying during the regional competition held last month on Oahu.  The competition features 350 teams from around the world... Read more »

(By Wendy OSHER © 2009) State Senator Gary Hooser of Kauai announced his plans to run for Lt. Governor in 2010.  The announcement came in the form of an email to supporters.  In it, Hooser said that while his role as Senate Majority Leader is important, he has an opportunity to serve an even stronger... Read more »

January 26, 2009 Senate President Hanabusa, Speaker Say, Lt. Governor and Mrs. Aiona, former Governor Ariyoshi, former Governor Waihe`e and Mrs. Waihe`e, members of the Legislature, cabinet members, Chief Justice Moon, Chair Apoliona, Mayor Tavares, Mayor Kenoi, military leaders, members of the Consular Corps, distinguished guests, and to the people of Hawai`i…good morning and aloha!... Read more »