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Starting in January Waikiki-Diamond Head Shoreline to be Closed to Fishing
East Oahu Sun | Posted on December 29, 2008 The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) will close the Waikiki-Diamond Head Shoreline Fisheries Management Area (FMA), O‘ahu, to fishing for one year, beginning January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2009.
“The shoreline and near-shore waters between the Natatorium and the Diamond Head Lighthouse are very popular with residents, visitors and fishers,” said Laura H. Thielen, DLNR chairperson. “Every odd-numbered year we close this area to fishing to allow near-shore marine life populations to replenish.”
The fisheries management area encompasses the near-shore waters between the ‘Ewa wall of the Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium and the Diamond Head Lighthouse, and from the high-water mark on shore to a minimum seaward distance of 500 yards, or to the edge of the fringing reef if one occurs beyond 500 yards.
Rockfall Cleanup Continues as Diamond Head Road is Closed Again Today
East Oahu Sun | Posted on December 21, 2008 Diamond Head Road near the middle lookout will be closed again today to allow the Department of Land and Natural Resources to complete work to remove rockfall material that fell onto the road yesterday. The road was closed at 8 a.m. today to through traffic and will reopen as soon as the work is completed, which is expected later today. Exact time of that completion is not yet known.
Holy Trinity School’s Annual Christmas Program to be Held
East Oahu Sun | Posted on December 10, 2008 Updated on December 12, 2008 by
East Oahu Sun
Due to inclement weather the Holy Trinity Christmas program will be rescheduled to Monday, December 15, at 7:00 P.M.
12th Annual Festival of Lights Boat Parade Features Free Amy Hanaiali’i Concert at Hawaii Kai Towne Center
East Oahu Sun | Posted on December 10, 2008 
Hawaii Kai Towne Center is proud to host the judging for the 12th Annual Festival of Lights Boat Parade on Saturday, December 20, 2008, from 4:30 P.M. - 8:30 P.M. The festivities will begin with a hula performance by Ka Hale I o Kahala Halau Hula at 4:30 P.M., followed by a free concert featuring Amy Hanaiali’i at 5 P.M. At dusk, the public will enjoy a front-row view of the spectacular display as over 30 decorated boats parade by the judges’ table in front of the Waterfront Stage.
Singer, songwriter and composer Amy Hanaiali’i is one of Hawaii’s most respected and loved performers. She continues to be the top-selling female vocalist in Hawaii. Amy’s style of ha’i (falsetto) singing has captivated audiences worldwide. Her latest CD, ‘Aumakua, released August 2008, features four original compositions, seven songs in the Hawaiian language and a collection of classics. ‘Aumakua and other CDs will be available for purchase and Amy will be available to personalize purchased CDs after her performance.
For more information, contact Hawaii Kai Towne Center at (808) 396-0766.
Aina Haina Library Gets Early Christmas Gift From Aina Haina 76
East Oahu Sun | Posted on December 10, 2008 Mid Pac Petroleum To Donate $1,025 To Friends Of Aina Haina Library
The Aina Haina community has been a strong supporter of the family-operated Aina Haina 76 gas and service station, and of its operators, Chad and Jen Willing. As a mahalo to the community for supporting its neighborhood gas and service station, Mid Pac Petroleum donated five cents per each gallon of gas sold at the Aina Haina 76 station during the week of October 13, 2008 to the Friends of Aina Haina Library, resulting in the $1,025 check that will be presented by Mid Pac Petroleum and Jen Willing. The check will be presented at Aina Haina Library, 5246 Kalanianole Hwy, at 2:30 PM on Wednesday, December 10th.
DLNR to Close Waikiki-Diamond Head Area to Fishing in 2009
East Oahu Sun | Posted on December 9, 2008 The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) will close the Waikiki-Diamond Head Shoreline Fisheries Management Area (FMA), O‘ahu, to fishing for one year, beginning January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2009.
Aina Haina Shopping Center Plans Move Forward
Lori Arizumi | Posted on December 1, 2008 Talks have been taking place between tenants and the new owners of Aina Haina Shopping Center, resulting in some tenants renewing their leases with a slight increase in rent. Plans are to be made available when ACE owners approve the drawings, and will be put on the Aina Haina Community Association website at that time. Another community meeting is scheduled for January 14, 2009.
Fred M. Noa, Senior Vice President of CB Richard Ellis, stated in an email, "We are significantly further along since we met last at the Aina Haina School Cafeteria. We have signed a few leases with some of our tenants, and we are very close with [signing] a large number of others.
"We have also met with all of the tenants in a merchants meeting to share the preliminary drawings that are subject to a cost analysis. Unfortunately, the drawings have not been completely cost out and we are in the process of doing that. When we have definitive plans, we'll share them with the Neighborhood Board and the constituents of Aina Haina."
Beach Rights-Of-Way Marked
Lori Arizumi | Posted on December 1, 2008 
An ongoing problem in East Oahu has been the clarification of official beach access sites, those pathways designated as public rights-of-way through private areas to the beach and ocean.
Official yellow "Emergency Response Location" and blue "Public Right of Way to Beach" signs should be at each right of way, clearly visible and legible. Unfortunately, some signs were stolen or defaced. Honolulu Parks and Recreation Department followed up on the Hawaii Kai Neighborhood Board complaints, and has now replaced most of the missing and defaced signs. Rights-of-way and their locator numbers so far, are: Niu Valley, 128A; Lumahai, 119A; Paiki, 127A; Koko Kai, 120A; Kokee, 121A; Hanapepe, 120B.
Kaiser High School's Annual Christmas Tree and Poinsettia Sale Fundraiser
East Oahu Sun | Posted on December 1, 2008 The Christmas magic starts at the tree lot, where Kaiser High School will be holding its annual Christmas Tree Sale on Saturday, December 6, from 8AM to 2PM. Six foot, 7 foot, and 8 to 9 foot Sheared Douglas Firs flown in fresh from Oregon will be on sale at special discounted prices of only $65, $80 and $100. Proceeds support Kaiser PTSA and Project Grad. Fifteen-inch Poinsettias will also be on sale for $10. Call Skip Hill at (808) 284-1691 for details. Catch the magic!
Local Health Food Stores Challenged to Find Niche Against Mainland Chain
Chelsey Kobatake Flanagan | Posted on December 1, 2008 
In the past five years, East Oahu has not only welcomed three natural food stores but has championed the cause towards supporting local agriculture and products through farmers markets. The trend continues to grow as stores like Kale's Natural Foods and Umeke Market expand their square footage to accommodate various product lines and increasing consumer demand.
The newest of the three, Whole Foods Market has created mixed concerns within the community and has forced a different type of competition for local business: competition with "big-box" chains. Kale Gibb, owner of Kale's Natural Foods in Hawaii Kai Shopping Center says, "Once we became aware that Whole Foods would be entering the market, we planned accordingly. Our expansion was planned with the knowledge of its entrance."
Sony Open Launches a Multi-Year Commitment to "Go Green"
East Oahu Sun | Posted on December 1, 2008 Tournament will Unveil the Greenside Lanai – the First Sustainability-focused, Air-conditioned Hospitality Complex on the PGA TOUR
The Sony Open in Hawaii has launched a multi-year commitment to "Go Green" at its annual PGA TOUR tournament scheduled January 12 - 18, 2009 at Waialae Country Club.Highlights from Maunalua.net — The History of East O'ahu Kanewai Fishpond
Lori Arizumi | Posted on December 1, 2008 The Sacred Waters of Kanewai, Kuli'ou'ou
Kanewai Fishpond is the last functioning shoreline fishpond in Honolulu, with the exception of Mokauea Island. The fishpond was assessed to have the historic properties meriting a listing on the State Historic Register and satisfied the National Historic Register criteria.
Ceremony to Protect Fishermen and All Those in the Ocean
Lori Arizumi | Posted on December 1, 2008 
Jizo, one of the most beloved of Japanese deities, is the guardian of children, women, and travelers. In coastal areas, fishermen and swimmers also look to him for protection. He is portrayed as fearless and is a powerful image of hope and solace. A ceremony was held recently to bless the shrine on Kalanianaole Highway, between Hanauma Bay and Sandy Beach.
Hawaii Kai Lions and Koko Marina Center to Host Annual Christmas Parade
East Oahu Sun | Posted on November 26, 2008 
Koko Marina Center and the Hawaii Kai Lions Club will host its annual Keiki Kalikimaka Parade on Saturday, November 29, 2008, starting at 10:00 am. Supporting Toys for Tots, the procession will begin at the intersection of Hawaii Kai Drive and Lunalilo Home Road as it travels down a one and a half mile stretch on Lunalilo Home Road to Koko Marina Center.
Parade Grand Marshal Grace Lee, host of the Sunrise Morning Show on KGMB, will lead a parade filled with local high school marching bands, local dignitaries, beauty queens and much more. Santa Claus will cruise in the parade before he makes a grand entrance via speedboat arriving at Koko Marina Center’s docks to greet children and take FREE holiday photos.
Annual Tree Lighting Celebration at Hawaii Kai Towne Center
East Oahu Sun | Posted on November 25, 2008 
Hawaii Kai Towne Center will hold their annual Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration on Friday, November 28, 2008, from 5pm to 7:30pm. The entire family will love watching the giant Hawaii Kai Towne Center Christmas Tree come to life in a breathtaking display of lights. Space is limited, so arrive early for seating. For the comfort and safety of all guests, no outside beverages, coolers, or pets allowed.
Kids can enjoy a fun-filled evening featuring a stage performance by Chris da Clown, get their faces painted by Aloha Clowns and visit Santa and tell him what they want most for Christmas. Keiki can also take a free train ride on Santa Express train, traveling on a designated route at the Hawaii Kai Towne Center. The first 250 keiki to ride the train will receive a free Santa Hat.
Market City to Give Away 60 Turkeys for Thanksgiving
East Oahu Sun | Posted on November 19, 2008 Market City Shopping Center is wrapping up its 60th anniversary year by giving away 60 free turkeys for Thanksgiving.
Diamond Head to Temporarily Close
East Oahu Sun | Posted on November 16, 2008 The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) will close the historic Diamond Head State Monument from Monday, November 17 through Thursday, November 20 to complete rock scaling of potential rockfall hazards above the Kahala entrance tunnel to the crater.
East Oahu Faces Economic Uncertainty
Michele Van Hessen | Posted on November 1, 2008 
Community Leaders Weigh In On Slowing Economy
Hawaii's tourist-dependent economy has created many problems. The environment has been ravaged by rampant over-development.
Healthy Alternatives for Thanksgiving
Jenn Anderson | Posted on November 1, 2008 
From Turkey to Beer, Savvy Ideas for a Bountiful Feast
As the holidays approach, our schedules are becoming busier by the day. Filled with all sorts of activities and events, it is easy to start fast tracking life.