iNEENZ

Update: From the Star Bulletin: "Asked what the ILWU would do if Hannemann didn't run, Isaac started to answer but Hannemann jumped in and said, "They won't have to answer that question."" Is he even listening to the people of Hawaii?

I share the same concerns as gubernatorial candidate, Neil Abercrombie, regarding the fate of the Honolulu rail system should Mayor Mufi Hannemann resign to also run for Governor of Hawaii. I voted for Hannemann as Mayor of Honolulu, to make a plan and see the project through, if he resigns -- the entire project is at risk.

In a press conference later today, Abercrombie is expected to cover the following topics:

• Abercrombie will be reiterating his support for rail transit for Honolulu. And he will say that, when elected governor, he plans to continue to partner with the Mayor of Honolulu to see the project through. But he will also make clear that Honolulu's rail transit project is a project of the City & County of Honolulu led by whoever is the mayor. It is not a project that will be implemented by the next Governor of the state.
• The timetable for rail to continues to move into the future and there is much uncertainty that now appears unlikely to be resolved before Mayor Hannemann has to resign if he wants to run for Governor. Abercrombie will say that if Mayor Hannemann resigns as Mayor to run for Governor while the future of rail hangs in the balance, the rail project will be put at risk.
• Abercrombie will ask the people of Hawaii to consider the following as residents and taxpayers: this transit project is by far the most significant and expensive project in the history of Hawaii—costing well over $5 billion to build and millions annually to operate; should Mayor Hannemann resign from office, there will be a special election to elect a new mayor who may not have the ability or desire to see this project through (there will also be four new members elected to the Honolulu City Council in 2010); and rail will alter the landscape of Oahu and the economy of this state for many generations to come.
• Even if the rail project clears the EIS hurdle, it will still take time for the City and County of Honolulu to get rail project off to a successful start. Abercrombie and many other rail supporters in the community—including the IBEW—believe that it is in the public’s best interest for the Mayor to stay in his current office to get this critical project off to a proper start.

Let's remind Mayor Hannemann to see the rail project through and not run from it.

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via Press Release from Neil Abercrombie:

Neil Abercrombie will be speaking at 1pm at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). Locals 1186, 1260 and 1357 announced their endorsement of Abercrombie as a candidate for governor on Monday.

Full story on KPUA.net

Pledge your vote for Neil Abercrombie today!

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Sopogy and Energy Industries will be hosting a Furlough Friday Workshop on March 12th, presented by the Chaminade Hogan Entrepreneurial Program, to provide high school students with an alternative day of learning and activities in renewable energy, efficiency, sustainability and technology.

The workshop is FREE and open to high school students. Please spread the word!

EVENT
Students will take a tour of the facilities and learn firsthand about Sopogy’s award-winning MicroCSP technology,as well as find out how Energy Industries uses proven technologies to innovatively lower electricity demand.

Students will also have a chance to chat with CEO and founder of Sopogy and Energy Industries Darren Kimura and special guests HISciTech CEO Keiki-Pua Dancil and Kanu Hawaii Executive Director James Koshiba.

Lunch will be provided thanks to Round Table Pizza Kailua, Waialua Soda Works and Styrophobia.

To top off the day, we'll be baking smores by engaging students in an experimental CSP project.

RESERVATIONS
As space is limited interested students should respond as soon as
possible to reserve a spot and come prepared with an open mind and a
passion to learn something new.

CONTACT
jtrankin@gmail.com
rechung.fujihira@gmail.com

NOTE: All Sopogy employees will be participating in “Fossil Fuel Free Friday” so all participants are encouraged to attend using an efficient alternative mode of transportation such as walking, bike, bus, or carpool.

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Pound for Pound Challenge

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Come to the Big Island and Explore Hawai'i's Island of Adventure

Hawai'i's Big Island (Mar.1, 2010) - The Big Island Visitors Bureau thanks everyone who sent their sincere wishes to Hawai'i as we braced for the tsunami generated by the Chilean earthquake on Feb. 27. Luckily, there was just a small surge across Hawai'i, and there were no reports of major damage or injuries. We salute the excellent coordination of our local government, disaster officials, mariners, and hospitality industry in working together safely and efficiently. We are happy to report business as usual!

Wishing for summer already? Hawai'i's Big Island will melt the iciest conditions with its beautiful weather, incredible deals and 4,028 square miles of adventure!

ADVENTURES, ACTIVITIES & EVENTS

New Rules for Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park - In order to protect one of Hawai'i's most historically and culturally significant shorelines and coral reef ecosystems, the Dept. of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) now requires a permit to land kayaks, canoes and other vessels near the Capt. Cook Monument, located within the Park. What does that mean for visitors? If you want to paddle over to explore the monument and land your vessel on shore, you'll have to arrange for a permit well in advance, Download permit application or opt for a guided kayak excursion with the two permitted outfitters, Hawaii Pack and Paddle or Adventures in Paradise (see below). Another option? Stay afloat! Those without permits can still snorkel and kayak within Kealakekua Bay on their own (see Kona Boys below). Another fun-filled option is to book a snorkel charter aboard Fair Wind Cruises, which ties up to an eco-friendly permanent mooring in the bay in order to share the rich history and natural beauty of Kealakekua with their passengers (see below.) Kealakekua is where the first extensive contact between Hawaiians and Westerners occurred, with the arrival of Capt. James Cook in 1779, and it's also one of the most treasured marine life conservation districts in Hawai'i, where sea turtles, spinner dolphins, coral and colorful Hawaiian fish can be observed. For more information, visit Kealakekua State Historical Park.

Hawaii Pack and Paddle, one of two newly permitted companies offering guided kayak tours of Kealakekua Bay and the Capt. Cook Monument, is offering new reduced rates for a very scenic, fun and memorable kayak/snorkel tour, from $89/person. The tour includes easy paddling, snorkeling, history and cultural information, lunch, and ends at the historic Kona Pacific Farmer's Cooperative coffee mill. Groups of four to 12, call (808) 328-8911 or visit www.hawaiipackandpaddle.com

Adventures in Paradise is the other guided kayak and snorkel tour company permitted by DLNR to land near the Capt. Cook Monument. An early launch time of 7:30 a.m. in the calm and protected bay ensures that their small groups are usually the first explorers to land. Prices start from $69.95 per person, and the tour ends at noon. They also offer kayak rentals for ocean enthusiasts. Visit www.bigislandkayak.com or call (808) 323-3005.

Need a Good Paddling? Kayak enthusiasts can rent a kayak and all its gear from Kona Boys off Hwy. 11 in Kealakekua to explore Kealakekua Bay - the largest sheltered natural bay on the Big Island - after self-launching from the Nāpō'opo'o Launch. Opt to kayak and snorkel this vast marine life preserve on your own, after absorbing the preservation message that Kona Boys share with guests at their shop. Don't land at the Monument if you don't have a permit though, there are penalties. Rates from $67 for 24-hour kayak rental. Ask about other hot coastal spots for Hawaiian-style water fun, like stand up paddle boarding, surfing, diving and more. www.konaboys.com or call (808) 328-1234.

Fair Wind Big Island Ocean Guides offers daily morning and afternoon snorkel excursions of Kealakekua Bay, and Spring Break specials galore! Book a second cruise, and receive 30 percent off a Fair Wind II Afternoon Snack Cruise, or a Hula Kai Morning Deluxe Cruise. Call, or look online for more specials including the Hula Kai Evening Manta Adventure. Visit www.fair-wind.com or call (800) 677-9461.

Ocean Sports opened its new Hawaiian Humpback Whale Center in the heart of Kawaihae. The Center features photographs and video of humpback whales taken by renowned nature photographers and videographers in Hawaiian and Alaskan waters. The Center will host guest speakers, including eminent marine naturalists, public policy makers, nature photographers and others. FREE, open daily, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. www.hawaiioceansports.com.

Go to Your Vroom! The Big Island's first Classic Car Museum is now open in The Studio at Queens' MarketPlace. Waikoloa Beach Resort and the Hawaii Classic Cruiser Club have teamed up to bring classic car fans a collection of immaculately restored vintage automobiles, and future plans include celebrity cars like the custom Rolls Royce once owned by martial arts legend Bruce Lee. Open daily 11:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. Admission $4 adults, children 12 and under free with a paid adult. (808) 886-8822, http://www.queensmarketplace.net

Join Photo Safari Hawaii for a private Photo Ecotour of the Big Island while exploring your creative spirit through the lens of a camera. While touring the island's most scenic locations, guides offer insights into the world of photography with inspiring photo exercises, a safari for light and the expressive elements of the fine art photograph. Find out more at www.photosafarihawaii.com or call (808) 495-0213.

Looking for more to do? Click www.bigisland.org/calendar for detailed information about additional Hawai'i Island happenings in 2010, and be sure not to miss this:

Ka'u Coffee Festival (May 1 & 2) - Ka'u coffee has earned international acclaim, and this Festival celebrates Ka'u's top crop. Featuring a Miss Ka'u Coffee pageant, ho'olaule'a, coffee tasting, recipe contest, music and entertainment, farm tours, and more, at the Pahala Community Center. Most events are free. www.kaucoffeefestival.com or email info@kaucoffeefestival.com

ACCOMMODATIONS

If we got you thinking about Kealakekua Bay, check out Hale Ho'ola B&B, located close to the bay, Pu'uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, Painted Church, Kona coffee farms, and other Kona District "musts." Three suites, with private bath and lanai, start from $110/night with a two-night minimum. Visit www.hale-hoola.com or call (877) 628-9117.

Lights! Camera! Action! The Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa recently welcomed crew filming a pilot travel adventure show for The Travel Channel as well as crew from Public Television's popular series, America's Heartland. Guests and production companies alike find the backdrop of black lava and blue ocean framed by bursts of colorful tropical flora to be picturesque beyond expectation. You can enjoy the views with the resort's Endless Escape rate beginning at just $159 per night. www.SheratonKeauhou.com

You Go, Girls. Hawaii Island Retreat offers an all-inclusive retreat package for Mothers and Daughters, May 11- 16. The six-night/seven-day package includes a welcoming bonfire with champagne, all meals, spa services, cooking classes, Hawaiian lore and artistry, adventure outings, shopping, and more. The package is $2,100 per person and promises to be a bonding experience that Mom and Daughter will cherish forever. Contact info@hawaiiislandretreat.com or (808) 889-6336 for more information, and visit www.hawaiiislandretreat.com

Prince Resorts Hawaii has amazing deals for family travel, with two rooms for the price of one at both Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel and Mauna Kea Beach Hotel combined with Kid's Eat Free & Golf Free. You can't afford not to bring the family to Hawai'i! Purchase the first room at special room rate and receive the second room complimentary for travel Apr. 1 - Sept. 30, 2010. Call (866) PRINCE.6 or visit www.PrinceResortsHawaii.com for details.

Four Seasons Resort Hualālai was awarded the Five-Star rating from Forbes Travel Guide, as well as the prestigious AAA Five Diamond Award for the 12th consecutive year. In celebration, earn a $1,000 Resort Credit for every six nights booked through June 20. Apply this credit to an array of traditional Hawaiian resort experiences from oceanfront dining, to championship golf and indulgent treatments in the resort's newly expanded spa. www.fourseasons.com/hualalai

Can't Make it Before the Humpbacks Leave? That's OK, because Hilton Waikoloa Village is offering its popular Whale's Tail Room Package again next whale season, for this season's price! Starting at just $279 per room/night for two adults, you'll receive one Ocean Sports Whale Watch voucher per adult booked/paid for on reservation. Three-night minimum stay required, three-day minimum advance booking required. Valid dates Dec. 15, 2010 - Apr. 14, 2011. (Package Code P4). Subject to availability, terms and conditions. Call (808) 886-1234, (800) HILTONS, or visit www.HiltonWaikoloaVillage.com.

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Via an email from Neil Abercrombie to his supporters:

Aloha Everyone,

Today, on my first day after formally leaving Congress, I filed my nomination papers for Governor.

In my 19 years in the U.S. Congress, I put my entire focus on representing the people of Hawaii. I worked hard to get along with my colleagues, no matter their party affiliation or viewpoint, because I knew these relationships would help my constituents at home.

Now, I am focusing my four decades of experience in public service into becoming the people's Governor. I am more energized, more determined and more committed than ever.

The single biggest issue of our campaign is restoring people's trust in government. In my conversations with people across the state, it is clear that we are losing confidence in our ability to tackle the long-term economic, social, and environmental challenges that face our islands. We're going to turn this around.

Our campaign is going to listen to people and their concerns, respect everyone's opinions, including those with different views, and bring in new voices and talent to change the status quo.

Please join me this Saturday, March 6, at 11 a.m., for the grand opening of our campaign headquarters at Ward Warehouse. The opening was originally planned for this past Saturday, but was postponed due to the tsunami warning. Please RSVP by emailing info@neilabercrombie.com or calling 589-2237. [learn more].  I hope to meet you soon.

Imua Hawaii,

NEIL ABERCROMBIE

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Click here to download:

News advisory filing 022610.pdf (252 KB)

Watch via live stream on http://neilabercrombie.com on Monday, March 1, 2010 at 10:00 a.m.

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