Feature

Youth Making a Difference in Hawaii

2010-06-26T16:51:00-10:00

Kupu, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that administers the HYCC programs, partners with various organizations statewide in order to provide youth with a hands on learning experience in the field of conservation. This year Kupu saw nearly 900 applications for the 150 available positions for the summer program. Each week teams of 10-12 work with different organizations at different locations, working to help restore and preserve Hawaii’s natural resources. Participants apply for one of two types of positions, members and team leaders, and typically range in age from 15-24 years old. The 2010 Summer Program has 15 teams statewide working alongside and learning from conservation managers, including the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Forestry and Wildlife, Kaho`olawe Island Reserve Commission, and other agencies.

“Before I started HYCC I wanted to leave Hawaii. I thought there was nothing here for me. I now know my place is here working to make Hawaii better than it was and to save our native forests for our future generations,” said Michael Sarsfield, 2009 member and current participant in HYCC’s Hana Hou Summer Program.

HYCC participants work with different organizations at sites that are not always accessible to the general public, including a trip to Kaho’olawe. They work on various projects including invasive species removal and management, native outplanting, wetland restoration and trail maintenance. Participants also gain cultural knowledge and a greater appreciation for Hawaii and its natural resources. HYCC’s programs teach youth the importance of conservation, while helping them to develop vital life skills, and become the next generation of natural resource managers.

“HYCC is an important program in the community. It encourages our youth to get involved in shaping the communities that they are a part of. It helps these students find a depth of knowledge through more dimensions than a book can lend. Hands-on experience with culturally-significant areas and things bring about change through education and responsibility.” Lisa Schattenburg-Raymond, Maui Nui Botanical Gardens.

HYCC teams will be working throughout the state until July 23rd, 2010. For specific information on where the teams are working on each island please contact Brittney Orton at Brittney.orton@kupuhawaii.org, or 735-1221 ext. 1012. For more information about Kupu, visit: http://www.kupuhawaii.org.

Top 3 Summer Vacation in Hawaii Ideas

2010-06-26T16:43:00-10:00

However, if you are thoughtful and take the commitment to do some planning, it should make your summer vacation exciting and one of those “family stories” that you will treasure forever. The most frequent mistake people experience is first selecting a “destination.” The best vacations begin when you first choose “what you want to do”! Do you want to go camping, surfing on a beach, playing and relaxing at a pool, or touring cultural or historical locations? By choosing “what you want to do” to start with, you are off to the best start of choosing that perfect family tourism destination!

Since you know “what you want to do” – you can sort through the various tourism destination areas and discover those appealing attractions that you want to go see or do. By taking a short time planning, you can also choose those destinations that include a variety of attractions that are of interest to both you and your inclusive family. Online travel guides are invaluable that can help you choose comprehensive information about activities that are more comprehensive than a simple attraction name and address. Once you know “what” you want to do and “where” you want to go, a legitimate high quality online attraction guide will provide you a comprehensive article describing each attraction to help you make an educated decision about what you want to do and where you want to go.

Here are three vacation ideas that you might want to consider:

Idea #1: The U.S. Army Museum in Honolulu Offers up History Galore. The U.S. Army Museum is located on Honolulu in Hawaii and has a number of very interesting exhibits to offer visitors. Today, the museum houses the history of military power in Hawaii, from the first people all the way to the Vietnam War. Those who visit Hawaii will have a great time learning and checking out all the exhibits at the museum.

Idea #2: Learn about the Island of Kauai at the Kauai Museum. The island of Kauai is a beautiful place to visit, with great wilderness to explore, from the forests to the beaches. Swimming, snorkeling, and surfing are all great fun for vacationers. However, those who want to learn more about Kauai and its history as well as enjoy all of the scenery, the best place to visit it the Kauai Museum, established in 1960.

Idea #3: Keahiakawelo, the Garden of the Gods, on the island of Lanai, is also known as the Garden of the Gods. When you enter this area you will be astounded by the lack of vegetation until you learn to appreciate the beauty of the rock formations formed by centuries of erosion. Here the setting sun casts a warm orange glow on the rock sculptures turning them into brilliant reds and purples.

As you can see, you have a significant variety of options available to your family when it comes to selecting that perfect family vacation getaway. Enjoy your time to plan carefully what you want to do and where you want to go. Use a professional travel guide to help you on that perfect Hawaii vacations. And you will find that you will experience a family vacation with a lifetime of stories.
Penelope SanMateo is a travel writer that covers Hawaii. She writes travel articles that may help you discover the perfect vacation in Hawaii. Explore your Hawaii vacation alternatives on Hawaii – known as the “Big Island.”

Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_816928_29.html

Scuba Dive Oahu Beach Entries and Exits

2010-06-25T23:35:00-10:00

Prior to talking about the dives, it’s significant to clearly converse a few basic equipment issues. This is mainly imperative if you don’t have the chance to dive here in Oahu on a standard basis.

The Scuba Diving Oahu, Hawaii seashore can be equally attractive and rugged. Many of our reefs are on peak of and bounded by limestone. Dive boots with solid soles and open heel fins are a “must have” for coastline diving in Oahu.Water socks, bare feet and full foot fins will not only make your dive an uncomfortable practice, they can be unsafe when walking across the limestone. Now that you have the precise equipment, let’s talk about getting in and out.

With some essential arrangement and techniques you can pass up some of the most general blunder when diving from the shoreline. I’ll break these down into three segments for you. Pre- Scuba Dive Planning, Entrances and Exits.

Pre-Dive Planning:

Perhaps the most hidden part of diving, particularly here or anywhere in there world where citizens are lucky to be able to dive year around.

1.Get your gear set the night before. This will make sure you don’t overlook something. There’s a checklist given in your Open Water Diver Manual. (I think some of you didn’t even know that.

2.Someone should (a non-diver) know where you’re going diving and roughly what time you should be return.

3.Ensure the surf details. Why drive all the way to a dive site, to have it wash down and then have to drive to a different dive spot.

4.Carry just what you require to the beach with you. Quit your valuables at residence. Regrettably, car break-ins may take place at any destination where divers liable to meet.

5.When you reach at the dive site, analyze the environment before you even put together your gear. You’ll want to select a vantage point where you can obviously see your entry and exit place (sometimes they’re different places).

6.Observe the surf zone, if you don’t feel comfy that you are arranged both physically and spiritually for the situation, don’t go away. The ocean isn’t leaving anywhere. Look for any large rocks or drop offs that could become problematic. Once you’ve determined the situations are favorable, get your gear prepared with your dive partner.

7.While putting your gear mutually, it’s a good time to review your dive plan with your playmate and also to talk about hand signals and what to do in case of an emergency. Remember, plan your dive and dive your plan.

Enthusiast and pro Scuba Diver Jack Leon converse about Oahu Scuba Dive, Scuba Diving Oahu and Scuba Dive in Hawaii. Ocean Concepts offers wide range of diving equipments.

Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_967924_15.html

Indulge Your Travel Bug Without Catching Bugs

2010-06-24T22:52:01-10:00

Many people believe that planes' closed environments help germs spread, but in actuality, a normal airplane cabin circulates air more often than the average office building. And patients shouldn't worry about germs on blankets or pillows, either. Such items are carefully cleaned between flights, making contamination unlikely.

But airplanes do help germs spread in other ways. While the air in the cabin isn't stale, it is dry. On long flights, this desert-like air dries out passengers' mucus membranes, making them more susceptible to infection. Travelers can reduce their risk by staying hydrated, preferably with bottled water.

Passengers can also take steps to kill any germs that do land in their nose, mouth or eyes. An alcohol-free germ-protection spray, such as MyClyns, can be sprayed into the eyes, mouth, nose or minor cuts and abrasions, where it kills germs before they cause infection. Long used by first responders and health care professionals, MyClyns germ protection spray steps in where sanitizers may fail.

"The skin is an amazing organ and does a wonderful job protecting us," says Dr. Donald Locasto, Medical Director of the Cincinnati Fire Department and professor of emergency medicine at the University of Cincinnati. "But germs are given a fast track to enter when we touch our eyes, nose, mouth or an open wound. You can't spray hand sanitizer into your eyes -- its active ingredient is essentially alcohol."

That said, hand sanitizer is a must-have for air travelers. Passengers should wash their hands frequently, but on a plane, there's no guarantee that the water is not contaminated. For this reason, travelers should wash their hands with soap and water, then follow-up with hand sanitizer.

Air travelers can also reduce their risk by requesting a new seat when they're placed by obviously sick passengers, limiting caffeine and alcohol, and making sure that they are healthy and well-rested before flights.

As Dr. Locasto asserts, with precautions, "the only malady this year's savvy travelers will be afflicted by is a longing for a bit more time off."

For more information, visit http://www.mygermspray.com.

Top Seven Hawaii Dinner Cruise Tips

2010-06-24T03:08:00-10:00

1. Get the recommendation of the concierge or activities desk at your hotel. These professionals will be able to tell you what Hawaii dinner cruises are available and which ones are the most enjoyable. Inquire as to the type of boats available, their distance from your hotel, transportation options and (most importantly) the quality and type of food served on each available cruise. More often than not, the concierge and activity desk staff will have personally gone on the dinner cruises that they recommend. Also note that the also often receive a commission for their referrals.

2. Don't go with the cheapest dinner cruise that you can find. Some dinner cruise operators in Hawaii offer incredibly cheap cruises, but you end up getting what you pay for. The super cheap dinner cruise will often be aboard a dirty, rusty tub of a boat with food generally served at institutional cafeterias. If you spend a least a little more, you'll be glad you did.

3. Book your dinner cruise well in advance. By their nature, dinner cruise boats in Hawaii have limited capacities. Once you have decided on the dinner cruise that is right for you, make your reservation right away. If possible, check the local weather forecast to ensure that you will have clear weather on the desired evening of your cruise.

4. If you are traveling with a large group, book a private dinner cruise. Group travel and destination weddings in Hawaii have become more and more common the past few years. If you are planning such an event, it is best to book a private dinner cruise on an appropriately sized boat. This will give you the benefit of having a shared experience for your group away from the maddening crowds of tourists. Research and book private dinner cruises in Hawaii as far in advance as possible. A deposit of one half of the total cost is standard to reserve a private cruise.

5. Take precautions prior to your dinner cruise if you are prone to sea sickness. If you have ever gotten sea sick or experienced any other type of motion sickness, you know it can be a miserable experience. The vast majority of people who go on cruises in Hawaii never have any problem with sea sickness. However, if you are prone to motion related sickness, you should take steps to prevent sea sickness before the dinner cruise starts. Pills and patches are available to help prevent sea sickness, but need to be used well in advance of your cruise. If you feel you are susceptible to motion sickness, check with a medical professional for a recommendation on how to best avoid sea sickness during your cruise.

6. Bring a light jacket with you. Sure, Hawaii is a warm, tropical paradise. But after the sun goes down conditions out on the ocean can be a little chilly. Plan ahead and bring a light jacket.

7. Tip the captain and crew. It is customary to tip the staff at the end of your dinner cruise. As with restaurant dining, you should tip fifteen percent of your dinner cruise total if the service was reasonably good. Of course, if the service was truly outstanding you can tip even more.

A Hawaii sunset dinner cruise can be the highlight of your vacation to the Islands of Aloha. Just remember to plan ahead, don't go too cheap and have a wonderful time in paradise.

Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_213036_29.html

About the Author: Eric Petersen is the owner of Hawaii Yacht Charters which is based in Honolulu on the island of Oahu. He specializes in private Hawaii dinner cruises and destination weddings in Hawaii.

http://www.yachtchartershawaii.com

Saint Andrew’s Noontime Concerts

2010-06-23T02:51:00-10:00

WHO: The Cathedral of St. Andrew

WHAT: Wednesdays at Saint Andrew’s includes an 11:45 am Holy Eucharist in Parke Chapel, 12:15 pm Noontime Concerts in the Cathedral, and 5:30 pm Taizé Evensong in the Cathedral.

Noontime Concerts feature guest artists and the Cathedral’s own musicians in performances of chamber and choral music, and recitals, on the acclaimed Aeolian Skinner pipe organ—Hawai`i’s largest! On June 30, Noontime Concerts welcomes the Northwest Girlchoir of Seattle, Washington. The choir’s Vivace group features middle school girls and will perform a half-hour concert as a part of Wednesdays at St. Andrew’s. All are welcome to bring lunch and dine in the pews to the sounds of beautiful music in a beautiful space, and to come and go as time permits. The concert is free; donations are welcome. Free parking is available on the front lawn, weather permitting.

Holy Eucharist is a worship service that includes a short sermon and Holy Communion.

Taizé Evensong is a contemplative, half-hour service: the perfect way to unwind at the end of the workday and avoid rush-hour traffic!

WHEN: Wednesday, June 30, 2010

WHERE: The Cathedral of St. Andrew

229 Queen Emma Square (corner of Beretania and Alakea/Queen Emma Streets), Honolulu

COST: Free; calabash offerings welcome.

INFO: 524-2822, x217

Home Prices in Honolulu Increase

2010-06-22T19:23:00-10:00

CoreLogic (NYSE: CLGX), a leading provider of information, analytics and business services, today released its Home Price Index (HPI) which shows that home prices in the U.S. increased in April, the second consecutive monthly increase.

According to the CoreLogic HPI, national home prices, including distressed sales, increased by 2.6 percent in April 2010 compared to April 2009. This was an improvement over March's year-over-year price increase of 2.3 percent.* Excluding distressed sales, year-over-year prices increased in April by 2.2 percent; an improvement over the March non-distressed HPI which increased by 1.0 percent** year-over-year.

On a month-over-month basis, the national average home price index increased by 0.8 percent in April 2010 compared to March 2010, which was stronger than the previous one-month increase of 0.1 percent from February 2010 to March 2010.

Home Prices in Honolulu Increase

In Honolulu, home prices, including distressed sales, increased by 19.38 percent in April 2010 compared to April 2009. This compares to March's year-over-year HPI, which was 12.33 percent. Excluding distressed transactions, year-over-year HPI for April is 21.55 percent, compared to March which was 13.08 percent.

National Highlights as of April 2010

Including distressed transactions, the peak-to-current change in the national HPI (from April 2006 to April 2010) is -29.5 percent. Excluding distressed properties, the peak-to-current change in the HPI is -21.1 percent.

Including distressed sales, 60 of the top 100 Core Based Statistical Areas (CBSAs) increased on a year-over-year basis in April. The number of CBSAs with increasing HPI has been improving steadily since April 2009 when all of the top 100 CBSAs had falling year-over-year HPI.
The five best states for year-over-year price appreciation excluding distressed sales are Virginia (+3.6 percent), New York (+3.7 percent), North Dakota (+6.0 percent), California (+8.4 percent), and Hawaii (+10.6 percent).

When distressed sales were included, Idaho (-7.2 percent) remained in first place as the top-ranked state for annual price depreciation in April, followed by Illinois (-5.8 percent), Nevada (-4.6 percent), Maryland (-4.3 percent) and Washington (-3.7 percent). Month-over-month appreciation was positive between March and April for all of these states.

Excluding distressed sales, the worst five states for year-over-year price declines changes slightly. Nevada (-5.6 percent) was the top decliner, followed by Michigan (-4.1 percent), Arizona (-3.4 percent), Florida (-3.4 percent) and Washington (-3.1 percent).

"The monthly increase in the HPI shows the lingering effects of the homebuyer tax credit," said Mark Fleming, chief economist for CoreLogic. "We expect that we will see home prices remain strong through early summer, but in the second half of the year we expect price growth to soften and possibly decline moderately."

Full-month April 2010 national, state-level and top CBSA-level data can be found at http://www.corelogic.com/About-Us/ResearchTrends/Home-Price-Index-Report---April-2010.aspx.

Hawaii Plastic Surgeons: Beautifully Heightening the Bridge of the Nose

2010-06-22T02:09:00-10:00

Patients of all ethnicities often look towards rhinoplasty as a beautiful way to enhance the appearance of their nose. In particular, patients of Asian heritage may want to redefine their nose to achieve a higher bridge. If you are looking to raise the profile of your nose, choose Hawaii plastic surgeons that specialize in the Rizzo dorsal implant.

Redefining Asian Noses with Hawaii Plastic Surgeons

Many patients from the mainland, Japan, and Korea travel to undergo procedures with Hawaii plastic surgeons because of their targeted experience. Keep in mind that Asian patients have different features and skin characteristics than other ethnicities which can influence the outcome of the surgery.

For example, the skin of a person of Asian origin is generally thicker and less elastic than that of a Caucasian individual. As well, the bones tend to be smaller, and the cartilage is typically thinner and softer. The very qualified Hawaii plastic surgeons know how to work with these specific characteristics to create the most beautiful results possible for their patients.

Many patients of Asian heritage have noses that have a wider tip, combined with a smaller bone structure that is disproportionate. If you want to enjoy a nose that has a higher bridge, with better proportions to the rest of your nose, then Hawaii plastic surgeons can build both the upper and middle areas of the nose, while simultaneously decreasing the lower area of the nose, which includes the tips and alae.

Hawaii Plastic Surgeons and the Rizzo Dorsal Implant

One of the most effective ways to alter the shape of the Asian nose, creating a strong nasal profile, is to utilize Silastic implants. When an Asian individual opts for a nose job that is geared towards heightening the bridge of the nose, this is known in the world of Hawaii plastic surgeons as a Rizzo dorsal implant.

The implants of this procedure can be large or small, depending upon the existing structure and what the patient hopes to achieve. Many patients of Asian heritage want a narrow alae that looks natural. The fact that Asian skin tends to be thick bodes well for the nose implants. The implants are better protected and hidden thanks to this fact of nature.

Hawaii Plastic Surgeon’s Procedure for a Nose Implant

It does not take a lengthy period of time to place a nose implant for the Hawaii plastic surgeons. To begin the surgery, the Hawaii plastic surgeons inject lidocaine featuring epinephrine into the tip of the nose, as well as the dorsum and the gingival-labial areas.

After approximately 10 minutes has passed, the Hawaii plastic surgeons make an incision in the gingival-labial area. Using blunt and sharp dissection, the Hawaii plastic surgeons work their way to the columella. Once they reach this area, a periosteal elevator and scissors are then used on the nose’s skin in order to create the implant’s pocket.

Some Hawaii plastic surgeons will use an L-shaped Silastic implant that is preformed. It is also possible to shape the unformed Silastic before the surgery is performed. Different surgeons prefer different methods. Discuss this with the Hawaii plastic surgeons before you schedule the appointment for your surgery.

Regardless of your ethnic descent, Hawaii plastic surgeons can create a heighted nose bridge that gives you greater definition. The end result will achieve a stronger nose profile, with a higher bridge and greater aesthetic proportions.

Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_650064_17.html

VOLCANO/EARTHQUAKE/TSUNAMI NEWS & UPDATE LINKS

2007-04-30T23:33:01-10:00

Earthquake/Volcano/Tsunami Update Links Aloha and welcome to our out-of-state readers. Find Volcano/Earthquake/Tsunami News at the following links: Honolulu Advertiser (http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com) Honolulu Star-Bulletin (http://www.starbulletin.com) TV – NBC Ch. 8 KHNL (http://www.khnl.com) Big Island Media West Hawaii Today Daily Newspaper—Kailua-Kona, Island of Hawaii (http://www.westhawaiitoday.com) Hawaii Herald Daily Newspaper—Hilo (http://www.hawaiitribune-herald.com/) Government/Other Kilauea Volcano Update USGS Hawaii Volcano Observatory (http://hvo.wr.usgs.gov/kilauea/update) U.S. Geological Survey (http://www.usgs.gov/) Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (http://www.prh.noaa.gov/ptwc/) Steve and Sophia’s House from Makakilo, Hawaii in West Oahu. (RECOMMENDED) (http://www.hawaiiss.com/weather/earthquake.htm)

"WALLY AMOS"

2006-12-04T09:46:00-10:00

Mindy was married for 28 years when without any notice, her husband left her. She was devastated, to say the least! However, she wasted no time feeling sorry for herself. She began flying again one year after her husband left her. She had two angioplasty surgeries plus a stent and went back to work full-time three months after surgery! She said her hardest hurdle was to relocate twice in different cities but with God’s help she made the most of circumstances. Mindy is a great example of our ability to get on top of circumstances. It’s not just in Mindy; it’s in every one of us.

I have just finished reading, Touch The Top of The World: A Blind Man’s Journey to Climb Farther Then The Eye Can See, by Erik Weihenmayer. Erik had problems with his sight as a very young child. However, Erik never accepted the limitations of being blind, nor did his parents. He insisted on living his life by his rules, not the limitations of others. True there were several times when Erik’s stubbornness nearly cost him his life, however, he learned from each experience and made the necessary adjustments in his attitude as he progressed.

Because of Erik’s determination to climb farther than the eye can see, he succeeded in climbing the seven tallest mountains in the world and in the process became a reminder to us all that limitations only exist in our minds.

What limiting thoughts are you allowing to prevent you from living life to the fullest? If Mindy and Erik can go beyond their fears and doubts so can you. Remember these words by Leonardo da Vinci as you expand your vision and climb the mountains in your life, “Obstacles cannot crush me; every obstacle yields to stern resolve.”

Wally Amos lives in Lanikai. Amos is best known as the creator of the “Famous Amos” brand of chocolate chip cookie. In Kailua, Wally and Christine Amos have opened a retail store at 609 Kailua Road in Kailua for “Chip & Cookie,” the literacy dolls, home-made cookies and family reading programs they created.

Visit http://www.chipandcookie.com.