Volume IX, No. 13 Waikīkī Improvement Association Mar 27, 2008 — Apr 3, 2008
Waikīkī Wiki Wiki Wire Prince Kūhiō celebration ends Parade and concert this Saturday, March 29th
The Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs Prince Kūhiō was raised in Koloa on the island of caps off their month-long Prince Kūhiō Kauai, and attended the Royal School on Oahu, Celebration this week. originally called the Chief's Children School. He studied for four years at St. Matthew's College in On Saturday, March 29th, at 4:00 p.m., California, the royal Agricultural College in England, The Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs, and then eventually graduated from a business school schools, and Hawaiian organizations unite to honor Prince Jonah Kūhiō also in England. Kalaniana‘ole with the Prince Jonah Kūhiō Upon the assumption of the Kalakaua dynasty to Kalaniana'ole Celebration Parade. The Parade will the throne of the Hawaiian Kingdom in 1884, a run from Saratoga Road to Kapi‘olani Park. Dr. Kalani proclamation ending the Kamehameha Dynasty also Brady and Dr. Claire Hughes are the grand marshals. declared Kūhiō a royal prince. King David Kalakaua, This is a free event! Public Invited! also Kuhio's uncle, then appointed him to a seat in the royal Cabinet administering the Department of the Later on Saturday evening, starting at 6:00 p.m., Interior. However, American businessmen overthrew the Prince Kūhiō Moonlight Concert takes place at the Hawaiian kingdom in 1893. A year later, Kūhiō Kapi‘olani Park Bandstand. Expect fabulous Hawaiian and brother Kawananakoa joined other native entertainment from Willie K, Kealoha Kalama and Hawaiians in an attempt to restore the monarchy. The many other of Hawai‘i’s best entertainers! Enjoy the attempt was unsuccessful, and Prince Kūhiō was cultural exhibits and ‘ono dinner plates under the sentenced to a year in prison while others were stars! Charlie Rose and Aunty Elizabeth Lau will be executed for treason against the republic. After getting honored at the concert. Another free event! Public out of prison, Kūhiō left Hawaii and traveled in South Invited! Africa for a few years, vowing never to return to a The Prince Kūhiō Celebration is sponsored by the Hawaii that appeared inhospitable to Hawaiians. Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs and the Hawaii During his time away from home, he joined the British Tourism Authority, the City & County of Honolulu, Army to fight in the Boer War. Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, Kamehameha Schools, Papa Ola Lokahi, To learn more, please visit www.pkhcc.com/about. Queen’s Medical Center, Queen Lili‘uokalani Trust, Bishop Museum, Hawai‘i Hotel & Lodging Association, and Hawai‘i Maoli. These exciting events were preceded by events statewide and on the continent, presented by the local Hawaiian Civic Clubs, starting off with the Holoku Ball at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Waikiki on March 1st. Born on March 26, 1871, Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaole was prince of the reigning House of Kalakaua when the Kingdom of Hawaii was overthrown in 1893.
Inside this issue:
Hālona blowhole to close temporarily 2 Ciao Mein receives “excellent” from Zagat 5
City to observe Earth Hour 2 Waikīkī promotions and appointments 5-7
Hilton’s letter on Ala Moana improvements 4 Waikīkī Hula Show at Kūhiō Beach Hula Mound 8
Safety work will temporarily close Hālona blowhole
The City will temporarily close the parking lot and • Reconstruction of the upper visitor viewing viewing area at Halona Blowhole so that workers can platform. complete important renovations that will make the area safer and more attractive. • Provision of access for disabled people from the parking lot to the upper viewing area. The site will be closed on April 14, and work is Such access is not currently available. expected to be completed by September, before the next whale watching season begins. The construction • Reconfiguration of the parking lot to improve dates were selected in consultation with the Hawaiian pedestrian and motorist safety. The number of Island Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary parking stalls will remain the same. Program. Construction cost of the project will be $824,000, A section of the lower level lookout collapsed in and the City’s contractor is Kaikor Construction 1997 due to weathering, and has been closed since Company, Inc. then. The upper viewing level has signs of severe deterioration. The upcoming work will include: • Demolition of the lower platform due to safety concerns, and restoration of the area to a natural appearance.
City to observe Earth Hour Residents asked to turn off non-essential lighting on Saturday night at 8:00 p.m. as a gesture of solidarity for global climate protection
Mayor Mufi Hannemann has announced that the Being an active part of Earth Hour is easy to do. City will join with media partners The Honolulu The mayor and other leaders of Earth Hour ask that: Advertiser and Clear Channel Communications for a one-week media campaign to generate public • Residents and businesses turn off non- participation in Earth Hour, slated for Saturday, essential lighting (and other electrical devices) March 29, from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., or longer. on Saturday, March 29, from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. or longer. Mayor Hannemann said, "Since signing the Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement in 2005, the • Visit www.earthhour.org to register your City, through our 21st Century Ahupua'a program, participation and get ideas on what else you has been very proactive in finding ways to break our can do to spread the word. dependence on fossil fuels and conserve energy. Earth • Use Earth Hour to change your bulbs to Hour is more than just a gesture. It's an opportunity energy-saving CFLs and spend some quality for people to show that they have the power to work time with your family instead of the TV or together to make a difference." computer. Begun last year in Sydney, Australia, Earth Hour (www.earthhour.org) has grown into a global • Businesses should consider shutting off non- movement in just one year. The World Wildlife Fund essential systems at the end of the business (WWF) is the primary sponsor of the event, which is day on Friday. designed primarily to raise awareness about the threat • Spread the word via email, phone, and talking of climate change and empower the average person to with friends and neighbors; Earth Hour is become involved. powered by people. In a recent letter, World Wildlife Fund President • Make energy conservation, sustainability, and and CEO Carter S. Roberts praised the mayor's environmental protection a year-round involvement: "Thanks for not only your attention to commitment. the critical issue of climate change, but also your willingness to engage your fellow citizens."
Page 2 Page 2 Waikīkī Wiki Wiki Wire
Royal Hawaiian Center welcomes its newest merchant, Juicy Couture. This 3,420 sq. ft., two- level shop is located prominently along the Center's streetfront. This Juicy Couture flagship store adds a new dimension to the Center's merchant mix as it nears the completion of its $115 million revitalization.
Earlier this month, The Grand Waikikian™ project at the Hilton Hawaiian Village reached the “topping off” stage, marking a construction milestone when the tower’s roof is installed. The 38-story high rise tower is scheduled to open in December. As the project progresses toward completion, a number of enhancements along Ala Moana Boulevard, will be necessary. The work is scheduled to begin on Monday, March 31. On the following page is a letter that was distributed to businesses and residences that are expected to be affected by the enhancements.
Page 3 Page 3 Waikīkī Wiki Wiki Wire
March 21, 2008
Aloha Friends & Neighbors!
We would like to give you an update on the construction progress of The Grand Waikikian Tower adjacent to the Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa. As a part of this overall development, improvements to Ala Moana Boulevard are scheduled to begin on March 31, 2008. It is our intention here at Hilton, along with the involvement with the Department of Transportation of the State of Hawaii, to provide improvements that will streamline traffic flow along Ala Moana Boulevard, and significantly enhance and beautify this important gateway to Waikiki.
This upcoming enhancement program will begin from Holomoana Street (Ewa end of Hawaii Prince Hotel) and end at Kalakaua Avenue and will include the following:
Resurfacing, reconstruction of weakened pavement areas Addition of a fourth lane from Hobron Lane to Kalia Road in the eastbound direction Lengthening left turn pockets onto Hobron Lane and Kalia Road Landscaping enhancements in the center median in consultation with the Outdoor Circle Replacing highway lighting with decorative lighting similar to Kalakaua Avenue Reconstructing portions of pedestrian sidewalks and driveways
In efforts to shorten the duration and minimize disruptions in the area, one lane of traffic in each direction (east and west bound) may be closed during the day between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. and two lanes of traffic in each direction at night between the hours of 7:30 p.m. and 5 a.m. Lane closures will be limited to Monday through Friday, with some occasional Saturday work. In accordance with the approvals from the State Department of Transportation, traffic control measures will be in place at all times during construction along Ala Moana Boulevard. Also, all traffic control measures will be monitored on the Boulevard during the course of these roadway improvements by uniformed police officers from the Honolulu Police Department. We intend to monitor all noise during the day and night during all construction operations and will endeavor to keep any disruption to a minimum.
The Ala Moana Boulevard improvements are expected to commence on March 31, 2008 and are expected to be completed by December 2008. Hilton has worked diligently to obtain all necessary permits to complete these enhancements from the State of Hawaii, Department of Transportation as well as working with our immediate neighbors to achieve a plan that will be of benefit to us all.
Please be assured that your concerns are of the utmost importance to us and we ask for your patience and understanding while these improvements are under way.
We apologize for any inconvenience this construction may cause. To keep you informed of anything that may affect you, we have designated a construction direct hotline at (948-7600) which will be updated regularly providing you with current construction information as well as any future events that are planned as we proceed with the work.
With our warmest aloha,
Oswaldo D. Lopez Project Director, Project Management Hilton Hotels Corporation Ciao Mein receives Zagat’s “excellent” rating for 2008
Ciao Mein, an internationally acclaimed restaurant flavorful dish is served family-style. The extensive at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Resort & Spa, has menu also features “Collision Cuisine” dishes that recently been awarded Zagat’s “Excellent” rating for combine Italian and Chinese ingredients into one dish 2008 for its exceptional quality in restaurant services. for a sensational treat for the palate. The restaurant interior is ornately decorated with original art Zagat’s review of Ciao Mein on its website states: paintings and furnishings and features five private “This Hyatt Regency Waikiki venue is the best way to settle the question ‘Chinese or Italian?’ and its dining rooms. regulars reveal it’s also ‘best if you go in a group’ so you can order more of the ‘wonderful, innovative combinations’ to share while you ‘watch the chefs prepare’ the food via ‘closed circuit TV.” Ciao Mein has also received recognition from AAA, Food Industry News, Honolulu magazine, Gourmet magazine, Taste of Honolulu and Flavors of Honolulu since its opening in 1991. The Zagat Survey is one of the most respected “We are extremely pleased to again be recognized restaurant, hotel, nightlife, theater, golf and airline with Zagat’s ‘Excellent’ rating for Ciao Mein,” said review resources with reviews for cities in 95 countries David Lewin, general manager, Hyatt Regency Waikiki worldwide. Zagat’s ratings consist of a 30-point scale Resort & Spa. “This achievement clearly demonstrates system that covers food, decor, service, and cost Hyatt’s commitment to excellence in quality and factors to come up with an overall rating of an service in our food and beverage operations.” establishment. For more information about Ciao Mein or the Ciao Mein offers the best of both worlds with Hyatt Regency Waikiki Resort & Spa, please visit Italian and Chinese cuisines under one roof. Popular www.waikiki.hyatt.com. For reservations, please call amongst locals and world travelers alike, each fresh, 808-923-1234.
Dawn Kane promoted to vice president of Resortquest Real Estate of Hawaii LLC
Dawn Kane was named vice “I’m always proud when we can promote from president of ResortQuest Real Estate within the company and Dawn is a shining example of of Hawaii, LLC. Kane was most the growth that can be found in our company for a recently the general manager of the sharp and passionate individual,” said Kelvin Bloom, ResortQuest Mahana at Kaanapali. president of ResortQuest Hawaii. Kane brings over 28 years of experience in the hospitality industry. She previously served in multiple positions at a variety of Maui properties including assistant front office manager at Napili Shores, front desk supervisor and reservations manager at Kaanapali Shores, reservations manager at Sands of Kahana, assistant general manager at Kamaole Sands and general manager of Whalers Realty Management Company.
Page 5 Page 5 Waikīkī Wiki Wiki Wire
Group 70 Promotes Five Team Members to Associate
Group 70 International, Inc. has announced the Honda has served as project manager for Group 70. promotion of five of its team members to the associate Her project roster includes Koloa Landing at Poipu level. As associates, they will have a greater leadership Beach, Maluhia at Wailea, and Wailea Fairway Villas role in the firm through their participation in strategic Multi-Family Resort Housing. planning meetings and in stewarding client relationships. David Miyasaki joined Group 70 in May 2001 as a full-time intern. He is a J. Blaise Caldeira has more than 30 member of the American Institute of years of architectural experience in Architects (AIA) Honolulu Chapter, design and specifications, quality certified in Construction Document control, construction administration Technology (CDT) and is a LEED- and forensic architecture. Caldeira accredited professional. Miyasaki received his Bachelor of Architecture graduated from University of Hawai‘i and Bachelor of Fine Arts in at Manoa’s School of Architecture in architecture from the University of 2001. His past projects include the Hawai‘i at Manoa. Caldeira’s past Kamehameha Schools Maui Campus, Ke Kailani and current projects span a variety of markets and Development, and Marriott Kauai Lagoons Timeshare. project types including: Koloa Landing at Poipu; Kauna‘oa at Mauna Kea Resort; Prince Kuhio Mall; Rachel Shaak is familiar with a Hawai‘i State Capitol Renovations; Aloha Stadium range of development projects Renovations; and the State of Hawai‘i’s DAGS, Quality including residential, resort, Control and Construction Administration Projects. In institutional, commercial and addition to his employment at Group 70, Caldeira’s mixed-use development. A LEED- professional and community affiliations include the accredited professional, Shaak has Construction Specification Institute, American six years of experience in the Institute of Architects Honolulu Chapter, and past preparation of environmental and directorships in the Hawai‘i Portuguese Chamber of urban planning products and is a member of the Commerce and the Hawai‘i Chamber of Commerce. American Planning Association’s Hawai‘i Chapter and the American Institute of Certified Planners. She Kirstin Hochart has four years of received her Bachelor of Arts from Elizabethtown experience as a land use and College and her Master of Arts and Master of Divinity environmental planner and more than degrees from the Pacific School of Religion. six years of experience as a geographic information systems analyst. Hochart received her Master of Urban and The Ocean SafetyA reminder and Lifeguard from Services Division Regional Planning from the University would like ourto remind City’s beachgoers: lifeguards of Hawai‘i at Manoa, and received Bachelor of Art degrees in 1. Always swim at a beach with a lifeguard. environmental studies and geography 2. Consult with a lifeguard regarding ocean from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She conditions before entering the water. is a member of the American Planning Association’s 3. Heed all warning signs – they are there for a Hawai‘i Chapter and the Hawai‘i Geographic Information Coordinating Council. Hochart’s project reason. experience includes the University of Hawai‘i at Manoa 4. Never swim alone. Long Range Development Plan, Kapalama Strategic 5. If you see someone in distress call for a Implementation Plan, and the Pelekane Bay lifeguard or dial 9-1-1. Watershed Study. 6. Know your limits - IF IN DOUBT, DON'T GO OUT! Enid Honda brings 20 years of valuable design and construction For public information regarding ocean conditions, experience to Group 70 and is well advisories, and warnings, the Ocean Safety and versed in national Computer-Aided Lifeguard Services Division provides a pre-recorded Design (CAD) standards. Honda report which can be accessed 24 hours a day; at 922- received her Bachelor of Science in 3888 x 51 or visit: www.hawaiibeachsafety.org architecture from the University of Wisconsin. For the past five years,
Page 6 Page 6 Waikīkī Wiki Wiki Wire
Aqua Hotels announces management appointments
Aqua Hotels & Resorts announced recent Vince Mauldin was named Guest promotions and appointments at several of their Services Manager for Aqua Coconut Waikiki hotels. Plaza. During the hotel’s major renovation process, Mauldin is working Kahealani Doss was promoted to Hotel in various capacities at the hotel as Manager for the 262-room Aqua Palms well as on special projects for Aqua’s & Spa. Doss is responsible for the day home office. He resumes his regular to day operations of this AAA 3- duties on June 1 when the hotel Diamond hotel which consistently reopens as Aqua Coconut Waikiki. Most recently, ranks in TripAdvisor’s top ten Waikiki Mauldin was Director of Operations for KeyPoint hotels. Previously, Doss worked with Credit Union in California. He received his Aqua Hotels helping to build the status BSBA/BSBM from the University of Phoenix in San of the Aqua Bamboo & Spa before taking a position at the luxury Kahala Resort. With Jose. added experience, she returned to Aqua in November Keola Willing was promoted to Guest 2006 and was named Assistant General Manager for Services Manager for the Aqua Palms & the Aqua Palms & Spa. Spa. His hospitality experience includes positions with Hawaiian Kristie Kim was appointed Assistant Airlines and Double Tree Alana where General Manager for the 740-room he was night supervisor and night Aqua Island Colony where she auditor. Prior to his move to the Aqua supports General Manager Patty Palms & Spa, Willing was a guest Maher in the daily operations of the service agent at Aqua Waikiki Wave the past two hotel and guest relations. Kim has 15 years of experience in the hospitality years. industry. She was Front Office Visit www.aquaresorts.com for more information Supervisor for the Sheraton Moana and most recently about the company and individual hotels. For Guest Service Manager for both the Sheraton Waikiki reservations, see your preferred travel agent or call and Royal Hawaiian Hotels. Aqua toll free at 1-866-406-2782. Guest Services Managers were also named for Aqua Coconut Plaza and Aqua Palms & Spa. Guest
Services Managers insure that the highest standard of quality service is provided to guests staying at their respective hotel. They also oversee Guest Services Agents as well as the Bell staff.
Honolulu Zoo Society offers twilight tours
What's Wild in Waikiki? Take a stroll to the Honolulu Zoo and learn the sort of monkey business that goes on after hours. Learn about the lives of the Zoo's remarkable citizens. Tours are held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. every Saturday evening! It's a fun evening of education never experienced by day visitors. Special arrangements can be made for large groups. Families are welcome. The tours are appropriate for all ages 5 to 105! Please purchase tickets in advance from the Honolulu Zoo Society (HZS) by calling 971-7195. Walk-ups are welcome if space is available - meet at the Front Entrance at 5:15pm. See www.honzoosoc.org for info.
Page 7 Page 7 Waikīkī Wiki Wiki Wire
Waikīkī Hula Show at the Kūhiō Beach Hula Mound
Authentic Hawaiian music and hula shows are Saturday, March 29: NO SHOW performed nightly except Mondays, 6:30PM – Sunday, March 30: Momi Cruz-Losano & Halau Hula 7:30PM, by Hawaii's finest hula hālau (troupes) and Namakahonuakapiliwale Hawaiian performers at the Kūhiō Beach Hula Mound, near Duke Kahanamoku statue, beachside Uluniu & Friday, April 4: Kale Pawai and Halau Na Pua Mai Ka Kalakaua Ave. in Waikiki. Lani These are outdoor performances with seating on Saturday, April 5: Coleen Aiu and Halau Hula O the grass or on beach chairs or beach mats. Cameras Maiki are welcome. Sunday, April 6: Colsen Kanei and Halau Presented by the City’s Office of Economic Kawaianuhealehua Development (843-8002) and the Hawaii Tourism Friday, April 11: Kale Pawai and Halau Na Pua Mai Authority. FREE. Schedule subject to change without Ka Lani notice. Saturday, April 12: Coleen Aiu and Halau Hula O Maiki For the months of March and April: Sunday, April 13: Leimomi Ho and Mondays: No show Keali'ika'apunihonua Ke'ena A'o Hula Tuesdays and Thursdays: Joan "Aunty Pudgie" Friday, April 18: Michael & James Dela Cruz and Young and Puamelia Hula Halau O Na 'Opio Me Na Kupuna O Ko'olau Wednesdays: Ainsley Halemanu and Hula Halau Ka Saturday, April 19: Lilinoe Lindsey and Ka Pa Nani O Liko Ka Palai Lilinoe Friday, March 21: Kale Pawai and Halau Na Pua Mai Sunday, April 20: Kapi'olani Ha'o and Halau Ke Kia'i Ka Lani A O Hula Saturday, March 22: Shirley Recca and Halau Hula O Namakahulali Friday, April 25: Moana Chang and the Aloha Boat Sunday, March 23: NO SHOW – Easter Days Show Wednesday, March 26: NO SHOW – Salute to Youth Saturday, April 26: Shirley Recca and Halau Hula O Parades Namakahulali Friday, March 28: Kale Pawai and Halau Na Pua Mai Sunday, April 27: Momi Cruz-Losano & Halau Hula Ka Lani Namakahonuakapiliwale
Page 8 Page 8 Waikīkī Wiki Wiki Wire
Waikiki Beach Clean-up!
April 12, 2008 (Earth Day)
Waikiki Ohana Workforce Please join the Waikiki Ohana Workforce of the Waikiki Improvement Association for a Waikiki Beach Clean-up on Saturday, April 12, 2008 , from 7:00AM to 9:00AM.
7:00 am: Meet at the Duke Kahanamoku Statue in Kuhio Beach Park for a briefing. (Transportation will be provided to other clean-up areas.)
9:00 am: Ends back at Kuhio Beach Park.
• Wear a company t-shirt and have a photo taken! • All are welcome! • RSVP 923-1094 ext. 6.
Our valuable sponsors: ABC Stores, C&C Lifeguards, Crazy Shirts, DFS Hawaii, E Noa Corporation, HPD-D6, Halekulani, Hawaiian Building Maintenance, Hilton Hawaiian Village, Hyatt Regency Waikiki, International Market Place, LVMH Fashion Group Hawaii, Pacific Beach Hotel, Roberts Hawaii, Sheraton Princess Ka‘iulani, Superstar Transportation, Tiffany & Co., Waikiki Beach Activities Inc., Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort, Waikiki Trade Center.
Waikiki Improvement Association Phone: 808-923-1094 2255 Kuhio Avenue, Suite 760 Fax: 808-923-2622 Honolulu, HI 96815 E-mail: [email protected] Waikīkī parade watch (courtesy of the City)
March 29, 2008 Saturday PRINCE KŪHIŌ COMMEMORATION PARADE sponsored by Association of 4:00PM Starts Hawaiian Civic Clubs. The event is expected to have 800 marchers, 50 6:00PM Ends vehicles, 2 floats, & 4 bands. It will start at Kalakaua Ave. at Saratoga Rd., kkhd on Kalakaua Ave., to end at Waikiki Shell parking lot, Queen Kapiolani Park. Contact: Leimomi Khan 372-0630
April 20, 2008 Sunday HONOLULU AIDS WALK FOR LIFE sponsored by Life Foundation. The event 8:00AM Starts is expected to have 2,000 participants. It will start at Kapiolani Park Band 10:00AM Ends Stand, to Kalakaua Ave., to jogging path and cross to the mauka side., to Paki Ave. jogging/bike path, to Kapahulu Ave., to Kalakaua Ave., to end at Honolulu Marathon Finish line. Contact: Kandice Johns 521-2437, Ext. 250 Fax: 521-1279, E-mail: [email protected] For more info, visit their website: http://www.honoluluaidswalk.org/
April 26, 2008 Saturday WALKAMERICA sponsored by March of Dimes Hawaii. The event is expected 7:30AM Starts to have 1,000 runners/walkers. It will start at Queen Kapiolani Park 12Noon Ends Bandstand, to Kalakaua Ave., to Ala Moana Blvd., to Atkinson entrance, Ala Moana Park, to Ala Moana Park Beach Rd., to circle Magic Island, to Ala Moana Beach Rd., to Atkinson entrance, Ala Moana Park, to Ala Moana Blvd., to Kalakaua Ave., to end at Queen Kapiolani Park Bandstand. One (1) lane will be closed: 1) makai side, Ala Moana Blvd., from Atkinson to Kalakaua Ave., 2) Kalakaua Ave., makai side, Ala Moana Blvd. to Monsarrat Ave. Contact: Al Streck 973-2155, Email: [email protected] For more info, check out their website: www.marchofdimes.com/hawaii
The above is based on the most current information available from the event organizers as of the date of this publication. For more information, call the Department of Transportation Services, 808-527-6009.
If you would like to share news with other Waikīkī Improvement Association members of WIA, please send your info to [email protected] or fax to 923-2622. 2255 Kuhio Avenue, Suite 760 Honolulu, HI 96815 Check out our website at: Phone: 808-923-1094 Fax: 808-923-2622 www.waikikiimprovement.com
Page 10 Waikīkī Wiki Wiki Wire