The saga of the Hawaii Superferry continues. The latest chapter was written when a Mauijudge ruled that the Superferry cannot operate until an Environmental Impact Study is complete. The study could take up to 8 months.

Environmentalists cheered. They had in effect stopped The Superferry from sailing.
(Protesters have taken their cause to the web with their site: Boycott the Superferry)

The Superferry was to operate between the islands of Oahu, Maui and Kauai with the Big Islandto be added later.

These plans have gone up in smoke with the latest court ruling. Looks like the only thing that can save this project is a special legislative session.

 The Superferry was proposed about 3 years ago. The owners of the company had secured Federal Government funds, and the State of Hawaii added millions to the project. The state also revamped two state piers in anticipation of the Superferry.

When the idea for an Environmental Impact Study came up, the State said, “No need.”

Now it seems the judge has ruled: you need one. It’s the law, he said.

The state passed the law about Environmental Impact Studies. Then they told the Superferry owners, you don’t need one.

The judge in the case said, sorry: you already passed the law that you need an Environmental Impact study. You cannot say you don’t need one, you made this a law.

The Superferry owners say, they may go elsewhere. They cannot keep the Superferry in limbo. The may have to layoff 310 workers.

Now the state is considering having a Special Legislative session to change the law! Seems to me that if someone had decided to follow the law to begin with, we would not need a Special Legislative session.

The state made the law. The state passed the law. The judge enforced the law. Now the state wants to change the law…

Oh well…more on this story as it develops.

Aloha.

>Law of Reciprocity
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Remember Porky? He was a pet pig murdered by dogs and stabbed by a “hunter” in his own driveway.

Now granted, Porky, was a feral pig. He was born in the wild, but he was adopted by a family. He was extremely tame. He came when he was called. He would eat fruit out of your hand. He was part of the family.

He also had a budding film career. He starred in numerous local commercials, here in Hawaii. He also had a recurring role on Lost the TV series. Porky was an up and comer. He was some pig! A rising star, whose life was ended all to briefly and tragically.

The hunter was charged with killing livestock. He testified he was not there. He claimed he was with his pregnant girlfriend. A friend of his even testified, at the trial, that he was actually the guilty party. The friend, another hunter,  stated in open Court that he stabbed Porky. He was not charged.

The Defendant testified, he could not have killed the Pig. He had never been to Mililani. In fact, he continued. He did not even know where Mililani was located.

(Albert’s side bar: We are talking about Oahu, here. A small island. I find this hard to believe. The guy didn’t know where Mililani is? C’mon!)

Anyway the verdict was: No verdict. It was a hung jury. Out of 12 jurors, 9 wanted to convict, 2 were undecided and 1 voted not guilty.

A new trail has been set for December. And still, this poor pig, a family pet gets no justice.

Where is the justice for Porky?

Read the story here.

Stay well,

Albert Grande’s Personal Blog
Law of Reciprocity
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True story:

Hunting pigs in Hawaii is legal. No one has any problem with that. Hunting a pig who is a family pet, now that’s a different story. Especially when you chase the pig into a carport and stab him multiple times and then sic your dogs on him. This is a recipe for disaster.  

Porky was a famous pig. He tipped the scales at over 300 pounds. His parents were native feral pigs. He was raised since he was a piglet, by humans, who treated him as a member of the family.

Despite his huge girth, Porky was a gentle giant who was tame enough to eat fruit right out of your hand. Not only that, but Porky had star quality.  He apeared in the famous TV show Lost. He was featured in several Hawaii television commercials.

 With the number of televison shows and movies filmed here in Hawaii, it was just a matter of time before Porky would get the call to move up to the big leagues. He could have been a Hollywood pig. There is no doubt, his star was rising.

The dreams of greatness, all came to a crashing end last October, when he was brutally murdered in his own carport, by a hunter. The hunter was clearly on private property.

Porky’s owner, was startled to hear screams of terror outside of his house. The screams came from Porky, who had been stabbed repeatedly. He had also been cornered by a pack of hunting dogs.

The owner screamed at the hunter to stop stabbing Porky. “He’s a family pet” he yelled. “Call off your dogs”, he pleaded.

It was to late for poor Porky, he was dead. The hunter tried to drag Porky’s body out of the carport. The homeowner called the police. The hunter fled.

The hunter is now on trial. He has pleaded not guilty. He claims he was with his pregnant girl friend at the time. During the trial, the hunter tried to repeatedly fire his attourney. The judge overruled his objections.

During the trial, another hunter took the stand and admitted, he was the one who killed Porky.  If convicted the hunter faces up tp five years in prison, and a huge fine.

You can read the latest by clicking here.

The family continues to grieve for poor Porky. Porky, may you rest in peace. That’s all for now…

Aloha,

albert

http://lawofreciprocity.info
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This is one of those only in Hawaii stories. This story comes from the Honolulu Advertiser (9/13/07).

Here’s what happened:

Three Oahu pick-up trucks got a ride from Oahu to Maui on the Superferry. The driver’s drove their trucks to a Maui stream bed and filled up the trucks with 900 large rocks. The rock thieves, then drove back to the dock hoping to catch a ride back home on the Superferry.

Unfortunately for them, the Superferry has been banned from continuing service due to a court injunction. So the rock laden pick-up trucks have been sitting at the dock for more than a week.

In Hawaii, disturbing the environment in any way is a no-no. The rocks may have been intended for use in an imu (underground cooking pit). But who knows, maybe they intended to build a small wall.

The Division of Land and Natural Resources will allow the gathering of a small quantity of rock for personal use. The limit is one gallon of rocks per person per day.

These guys obviously went overboard. The tale adds fuel to the fight to ban the Superferry from going Inter-Island. Many of the local activists feared that people from Oahu would desecrate the land and natural resources.

The bozos in the pick-up trucks are trying to dismantle Maui, one rock at a time. These cockroaches may just claim the rocks fell out of their heads…

For now the rocks and the pick-up trucks are still on the docks awaiting passage back to Oahu. 

Noted Maui resident, Paul “Ka’huane” Lu’uwai was quoted as saying: “These guys know the rules and they come over here thinking they can get away with something.”

Hopefully these people who stole these rocks will face stiff fines, and lose their trucks. Although the maximum fine is $500. However, they may be charged with other crimes as well.

You can read the entire story here.

I would very much appreciate your comments on this story.

Aloha,

albert

http://lawofreciprocity.info
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From Espo’s Notebook on a recent visit to The Big Island (Hawaii):

 Smoking hot Volcanoes and lava flowing right under your feet. Really hot, I mean what can you say, AWESOME!

It was a two hour hike over the lava fields to get to the active vent where the hot lava flowed into the sea. It is new land, rugged lava fields and black sand beaches. The expanding magma hitting the water expands and even floats steaming on the surface of the water, Amazing!

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Aloha,

albert

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Protests and court challenges have prevented the Hawaii Superferry from making any more Interisland trips. The Superferry had hoped to make daily commuter trips between Oahu, Maui and Kauai. Eventually, trips to and from the Big Island would be added.

Honestly, I am surprised. The Superferry, to me seems like a good idea. After all, when you live on an island, you don’t have lots of choices to go from here to there. Sure, you can easily hop on a plane to travel to the outer islands, but even then you are somewhat limited.

Here is Hawaii, there is no easy way to go by boat to the other islands. There is a cruise liner, that costs big bucks to ride, but it looks like they are losing so much money, they will be leaving soon.

I thought everyone would be in favor of an alternative method of transportation. But what do I know? Not much.

Much of the protests revolve around the fact that an environmental impact study was not conducted.

 The Superferry was met by surfing protesters. The protesters paddled out to block the Superferry’sappraoch to the harbor. The Coast Guard was called out to help. The protesting surfers splashed the Coast Guardsmen (and Coastguardswomen) when they got to close. The Coast Guard even arrested someone on a surf board.

There were a number of sign wavers on land, as well, protesting the arrival of the Superferry. It was a big protest.

Think about it: no environmental imapct study was done on the what effect the Supeferry would have on Hawaii.

The owners of the Superferry spent tens of millions of dollars to start their business. They took out loans, they lined up investors, they even got the federal government to pitch in money. They must have had an army of support personnel,  lawyers and consultants. And consultants of consultants.

Millions upon millions was spent. Millions.

And not one guy, or gal, had the thought that maybe we need to do an environmental impact study?

Honestly, I’m amazed. Not one lawyer, clerk, waiter, ship captain or CEO, thought to do an environmental impact study?

Well, as of now, The Superferry is going nowhere. The case is now in the courts and will be decided.

You can read a story about it click here.

I’d love to hear your comments…

 Aloha,

albert

http://lawofreciprocity.info
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P.S. Go to:

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Residents of Oahu and Maui are salivating about the new Superferry slated to begin service Sunday, August 26, 2007. According to the Honlolulu, Advertiser (Sunday 9/26/07), the Superferry will take passengers from Honolulu Harbor Pier 19 to Kahului, Maui. Departure will be at 6:30 AM arriving at 9:30 AM.

The Superferry may be derailed by a Court Order due to the lack of an environmental impact study for the Kahului Harbor facilities. Environmentalists are concerned about harbor traffic, possible intrusion on humback whales as well as the possibility of the introduction of invasive species.

Taking the possible delay in stride, owners of The Superferry decided to introduce a special $5.00 fare for one way trips per passenger as well as $5.00 per car. The super-deal will be in effect for the first 11 days of operation. The results of the court challenge may decide the ultimate fate of The Superferry. President and Chief Excutive, John Garibaldi, is taking the delay in stride and stated “we’ve been chomping at the bit to get our service started as early as we can.”

The Superferry, named the Alakai, is able to accomodate 866 passengers and 286 sub-compact vehicles. It is big enough to accomodate buses and large trucks as well.

The passenger deck contains three separate seating zones each with dining facilities. It also has 34 LCD flat panel dispaly which will be used for movies and live sporting events. For an extra $20.. you can upgrade to the Hahalua lounge, which will give you drink specials, free pupus and oversized leather seating.

Fares will range between $52-$62 depending on weekday or weekend travel. You can save even more igf you book your reservations in advance. The price of a car is $59-$69. A pickup truck and van  will set you back from $94-$104. All of the fares are subject to a 30% furel surcharge which will be variable based on fuel costs.

Departure from Honolulu to Maui will be 6:30 AM daily. The Superferry will depart from Kahului, Maui at 11:00 AM. A one way trip will take about 3 hours. Other routes are scheduled to be added including Kauai and The Big Island.

Initial reports of those who have traveled on The Superferry indicate a wonderful experience although some passengers were viscitms of sea-sickness. You can find more information and book your own voyage a the website: http://www.hawaiisuperferry.com/

My entire family is excited about the prospect of taking a trip on the Superferry. I wish them happy trails. Sail on.

Aloha,

albert

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We were townbound on the H1, Saturday morning,when we first noticed something unusual. My daughter has music and ballet lessons on Saturdays, so we have traveled this route many times.

In the opposite lane of the H1, headed toward Waianae, we noticed semi trucks with their lights on. No trailers, just the cabs. All of the trucks were spruced up and were shiny clean. We saw ten trucks and then twenty. Then more and more. They seemed to be in some sort of convoy. Then more trucks. And more trucks…

The longer we drove, the more truck we saw. We were puzzled, why there would be so many trucks on a Saturday morning, heading toward Waianae.

Then I saw the picture in the paper today (Honolulu Star-Bulletin 8/5/07, p A17). Waimanalo Truckers Coalition and Bad Boy’s Trucking Company, had organized a Memorial Ceremony at Keehi Lagoon Park, in honor of ” Bruddah Iz“.

Once the ceremony was completed, all of the truckers hopped in their rigs and headed out to the West Side, ending up in Waianae. 

Since his death over ten years ago, Israel Kamakawiwoole, still touches the people of Hawaii. He was an amazing man with a sweet voice and a big, big heart.

I was talking the other day with one of the teachers I work with and he said he had fond memories of Iz. They went to grade school and Intermediate together in Kaimuki. He said Iz was a rascal back then and was aways getting in trouble in school. I have no doubt. That’s who he was.

I was personally lucky enough to see Iz, play live with the Makaha Sons of Ni’ihau. The first time I saw them was in a small bar in Kaimiki, called Hank’s, I think. Iz was incredible and had an amazing presence on stage. His brother Skippy, who was also in the band, was sick that night and was unable to perform.

Skippy like Iz, passed on all to soon.

Thanks, Iz. Hawaii and the World, cherish the wonderful music you have left for us. We have all been touched by your heart. We have been touched by your soul…

Aloha,
Albert Grande

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A Hawaii visitor is counting his blessings today. Harvey Miller, an attorney from Ohio, was snorkeling about 150 feet off shore when he felt something grab his leg.

He did the only thing you can do, when a shark’s got your leg. He punched it twice to the body, hoping it would let go. He was right, the shark released him. But as the shark swam away but he soon realized he did not have the use of his lower body. “I remember saying, ‘Oh God, not like this” he recounted, to an AP reporter.

He began calling for help and his pleas were answered by a man named “Ray“. “Ray” immediately swam out and assisted Miler to shore. “Ray” risked his own life to save someone else.

“He’s my hero.  I would not have made it out of the water without his assistance,” Harvey said.  “I owe my life to that man.”

Miler will recover, but it will be a long process. The shark bite ripped muscle tissue as well as nerve from his leg. The bite narrowly missed his femoral attery which could have been fatal.

 Miller may not walk for 2-3 months as he will require time to heal and rehabilitate.

While they occasionally happen, shark attacks are rare in Hawaii. Some ways to avoid sharks is to not swim at dusk, or murky water, and don’t wear bright sparking jewelry.

You can read more news stories about sharks in Hawaii, at this link: Click me.

If you interested in sharks, please check out the book, Sharks:

Aloha,
Albert Grande

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Go to:http://hawaiisecret.com

She came to Hawaii to get married. Her friends and family had given her money to make her dream of a Hawaii Wedding a reality. She decided to go to the beach for a swim. She left her bag with camera, identification, and money on the beach. She could keep an eye on it as she was in the water, she thought. Big mistake.

“I was coming out of the water, when he grabbed my bag” she explained. “I started srcreaming…and he ran right by the police staion and nobody did anything,”The Honolulu Star-Bulletin reported on 7/14/07.

In the bag was her identification, clothing, her cell phone and $350 in cash. The money was to pay for a surprise outer Island trip to Kauai.

This cockroach crook, took everything.

Luckily the aloha spirit is alive and well. She was referred to the Visitor Society of Hawaii, who will help out with some of her hotel expenses. Someone else gave the couple a $20.00 donation. She was indeed touched by the outpouring of help. Hopefully her wedding will not be ruined.

The police call it a “crime of opportunity.” If a would be thief sees an unattended item on the beach, he will strike.

The lesson here is clear: never, ever leave anything of value on the beach, unattended. Even for a minute. This victim was less than 20 feet from her belongings. It made no difference.  

You need to be careful. Do not ever take anything of value to the beach Never,  leave your valuables unattended. We need to let everyone we know, to take care.  Be aware and watch your back.

Leave your stuff in a hotel safe. Tell your hotel clerk to keep it for you. Don’t be another victim. Let’s take care of each other. 

 I’m tired of hearing about tourists getting ripped off. We need to let them know about the people out there who will steal from them if given the opportunity. So if you know someone who is coming to Hawaii, please give them a heads up. Don’t give these cockroaches of Hawaii (theives) another opportunity. Let’s not let a couple of crooks taint the good positive image of the Aloha state.

Be careful out there…

Aloha,

Albert Grande

http://bimwah.net
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http://grandepublishing.com
http://pastatherapy.com

Go to:http://hawaiisecret.com

It happened again.  According to The Honolulu Advertiser (7/10/07) a hiker fell off a cliff while hiking, here in Hawaii. The headline says it all: Fall Victim Wasn’t On Designated Trail. 

Here is what happened. A sixteen year old, was hiking with some friends when he decided to waunder off the trail. He ended up falling off a cliff. He fell 25 feet and landed on some rocks. Luckily, a doctor who had been hiking nearby, was able to assist him until help arrived.

I have hiked dozens of trails on Oahu. I am not an expert by any meands, but I do know the trails. Here are two bits of advice for anyone hiking in Hawaii: 1) Make sure you bring plenty of water and 2) Stay on the trail. This is essential advice if you are going to hike in Hawaii.

I can’t emphasize  enough the importance of staying on the trail while you hike in the islands. For one, the foliage can make it seem you can safely step off the trial, but do not be fooled. You could be stepping into outer space. Be careful.

The victim in the story was hiking at the Makapuu Lighthouse. This hike is very atypical from most Hawaiian hikes. Most Oahu trails, are on dirt. The Makapuu trail is on rocky cliffs. The trail may be marked by guides painted on the rock. This is one hike where you do not want to take chances. The cliffs are high and steep.

The lighthouse itsef is worth a look. You will see sweeping visitas of the entire windward coast. You can also get a clean view of Rabbit Island off the caost of Waimanalo. On a clear day you can see Molokai and Maui. If you hapen to be hiking between November and April, you may be lucky enough to see Whales blowing and breaching right off the coast.   

 NPS photo by James P. Delgado, 1989

 Past the lighthouse you will find an access road. Follow this road and look for a hidden fishing spot below you on the ocean. Follow the trail down to the ocean and you will be rewarded by an amazing sight. In addition to the views, you will be able to experience what few tourists ever experience. You will be able to see an incredible lava tube which forms a blow hole. Be careful and don’t get to close. Remember to be careful as you hike.

If you hike on Hawaii, always remember: take plenty of water, stay on the trail and always have fun! Happy, trails!

Aloha,
Albert Grande

http://bimwah.net
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Go to:http://hawaiisecret.com

  This is an open message for everyone who plans on visiting the Islands. This information is extremly important.

Some Hawaii Visitor professionals do not want you to know this.  I think you need to know the truth. This is vital for your own safety and protection.

 I live in Hawaii. I love Hawaii. I love the people, the food, the mountains and the sea. That said, I want to share with you my number one tip about Hawaii.

This information is sometimes mentioned, but I feel it is to often, swept under the carpet.

This is the most important lesson you can learn from me.

I will be totally honest with you and not hold anything back. Believe me, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

You need to be careful out there!

Most of the people in Hawaii are full of the Aloha spirit. You will meet incredible people of all different cultures. Enjoy them. They are, to me, what makes Hawaii, Hawaii. This is a very special place. Most of the people here are special people.

Understand this:

There is a small, active, number of people who want to ruin your vacation. They are watching you. They are hiding in the shadows. They see you even if you don’t see them. They are what I refer to as, the cockroaches of Hawaii.

These are the Bad Men. Their full time job is stealing from others. This means, these low-lifes, rip off other people for their own selfish gains.

You need to be careful. Common sense is the name of the game. Yes, you are on vacation on one of the most beautiful places on the planet. Yes, you want to have a great time. Yes most of the people you meet are great.

Here are  the key words: most but not all.

But be aware. Do not let your guard down. Do not give them a chance to rip you off. Know your surroundings. Do not leave anything of value in your rental car.

Theses cockroaches know the rental cars you drive. Your rental car to them is a magnet. They see an unprotected rental car and they think they are going shopping. Your valuables are what they are shopping for.

Let me say it again: Do Not Ever Leave valuables in your rental car.

Never, ever, never. Do not leave your money, credit cards, camera, wallet, purse, pictures or any other valuables in your car. Don’t leave anything in your car that you care about.

These cockroaches are slick. You will be watching a beautiful ocean scene or mountain view. You will take a few steps away from your car. You will be enjoying the wonderful scenery.

This is their crime of opportunity. These cockroaches are watching you. Be aware. Be careful. Do not give them any opportunity to ruin your vacation.

Remember, your rental car is a beacon, to the cockroaches. Your rental car sends out this signal: Please steal from this car.

I am not kidding about this. This is important.

This includes your luggage, gifts or anything else you value.

Over the years, I have heard countless horror stories of people having items stolen from their rental cars. I still hear them.  You cannot let your guard down for an instant!

Locals also can be victims, but it seems to me, these cockroaches, target rental cars. They know what the rental cars look like. They know how to break in.

(And of course, this awareness for safety includes restaurants, your hotel room and any time you are out in public. as well. If you have something of value, keep it with you. Do not leave it in your rental car.)

OK, I hope I made my point. If this tip saves one person from being a victim of a crime, I have done a good job.

 Please be careful. Take care. Use common sense and you will be OK.

 As I said most people in Hawaii are wonderful. We need to take care of each other and not be victims of these losers.

Please share this information with everyone you know who will be coming to visit Hawaii. Thank you for your consideration.

Aloha,
Albert Grande

http://bimwah.net
http://pizzatherapy.com
http://grandepublishing.com
http://pastatherapy.com

Go to:http://hawaiisecret.com