General Hawaii News: August 2007 Archives

It's been anything but smooth sailing for the Hawaii Superferry, now idle and stuck at Pier 19 in Honolulu because of protests and legal challenges.

Protesters and legal issues force the interisland vessel to scuttle voyages for the time being

The interisland ferry canceled scheduled service indefinitely yesterday, pending a court decision on Maui this afternoon and the resolution of safety concerns caused by a blockade of Nawiliwili Harbor by protesters on surfboards and canoes.

Stranded passengers are being reimbursed for hotel costs, cab fare and airfare back to their home island.

Protesters are concerned about the impact of the Superferry on the neighbor island traffic and the environment. They also object to the possible use of the Superferry by the military.

John Garibaldi, Superferry's president and chief executive, said operations will not resume until safety is assured by the Coast Guard.

Aloha Week, which happens in August every year, is a fantastic way to get to know Hawaii's music, dance, and history.

Aloha Festivals officials have adopted the term “playground” to represent the special places that Hawaii’s ancient alii (royalty) went to rejuvenate their bodies, hearts and minds. Some headed down to the sea or up to the mountains, while others sought solace through outdoor sports and amusement.

Waikiki has long stood as a playground with particular power. From 800-1200 AD, Polynesian settlers discovered that Waikiki’s rich wetlands were perfect for farming and agriculture. In 1350, when Mailikukahi became king of Oahu, he established the seat of government in Waikiki. For generations, the monarchy coveted Waikiki as a place for recreation and retreat, as appealing for watersports as it was for entertaining.

Among the many Aloha Festival events that are scheduled throughout all of the Hawaiian Islands, here are a few events that are scheduled for Waikiki on Oahu: Sept. 15: Aloha Festivals is partnering with the U.S. Air Force as it celebrates its 60th anniversary. At 2:30 p.m., residents and visitors will be treated to a performance by the Thunderbirds as they soar over Waikiki, part of a week of festivities honoring the Air Force’s birthday.

Sept. 21: This year marks the 55th anniversary of Aloha Festivals’ Waikiki Hoolaulea, Hawaii’s largest block party. Thousands of revelers take to the streets for a night of dancing and entertainment. Adding to the fun are hula performances, local food, international cuisine and Hawaiian arts and crafts. The event runs from 7-10:30 p.m. on Kalakaua Ave., which is closed to vehicular traffic from Lewers St. to Kapahulu Ave.

Sept. 22: Hip-swaying dancers from all over the world gather on Waikiki Beach at 3 p.m. for what they hope will be the longest hula in history. The Guinness World Record of 3,500 dancers was set there in 1996.

For a complete list of Aloha Festival events, go to Travel-Hawaii.com.

The National Weather Service's Central Pacific Hurricane Center in Honolulu has issued a tropical storm warning and a hurricane watch for the Big Island as Hurricane Flossie continues on a path south of the island.

The latest report by the CPHC has Flossie, a Category 2 storm with sustained winds of 110 mph, located about 200 miles south-southeast of Hilo and 390 miles southeast of Honolulu. The center predicts some further weakening as the day goes on.

According to the report, strong winds, around 40 mph to 50 mph, with stronger gusts, are likely to reach the Big Island by mid-morning (Hawaiian Standard Time), as the storm passes the island. However, "any shift in the forecast track towards the north, closer to the Big Island, will result in higher winds," the CPHC said.

The storm's current projected path will keep it south of the Hawaiian Islands and it is expected to further decrease in strength to a tropical storm later in the week, after it passes Oahu and Kauai.

The center is project to pass about 80 miles south of the Big Island by mid-afternoon.

The Hilton Waikaloa Village has completed most phases of a $90 million upgrade, with updated rooms, enhanced service options and property-wide improvements. The room upgrades included new carpeting, wall art, renovated bathrooms and the installation of Hilton Serenity beds. All pools were resurfaced and retiled. Technology improvements include high-speed wireless Internet access.

Book your room at the Hilton Waikaloa Village at Travel-Hawaii.