UP|Hawaii, Alaska & US Territories

Honolulu & Surroundings

Louisiana Thunder — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 06:56:46 +0000

Oahu's North Shore | Laniloa, The Mo'o

Honolulu & Surroundings

Louisiana Thunder — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 06:31:01 +0000

kahana bay beach
tucked away & not visited by many tourist, water is normally sea green, but the waves kicked at the sand = olive colored water

Honolulu & Surroundings

Louisiana Thunder — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 10:50:33 +0000

@ Hanauma Bay

before visiting this park I loved coral reefs, after my traumatizing experience with snorkeling, never again....NEVER!!!!!!

Honolulu & Surroundings

Louisiana Thunder — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 07:37:09 +0000

Honolulu & Surroundings

Louisiana Thunder — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 08:37:48 +0000

some random photos chinatown to waikiki

Honolulu & Surroundings

richyb83 — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 02:21:33 +0000

Fantastic pics LT Wow! Looks like you got it all covered; great variety on Oahu!! From water as smooth as glass; to the pounding surf!! Cool looking grotto! Impressive high-rises too...

Honolulu & Surroundings

Louisiana Thunder — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 23:32:47 +0000

Diamond Head

Honolulu & Surroundings

Louisiana Thunder — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 07:24:57 +0000

Major Airports in the Region

Neo — Tue, 26 May 2009 20:40:51 +0000

Chicago's O'Hare (ORD) has a new website with terminal maps, arrival/departure info, etc.

http://www.ohare-airport.org/

I wish all airports had this information available that easy.

Islam Day draws heat for isles

urbanguy — Fri, 15 May 2009 19:42:05 +0000

Islam Day draws heat for isles

A resolution marking the religion also has Hawaii praised for its tolerant views

I think it's cool and not that big of a deal since the State recognizes other religions but of course there are always those that see it differently especially if it is of this particular religion.

Source: Honolulu Star Bulletin

By Susan Essoyan

Hawaii already designates April 8 as Buddha Day and March 21 as Baha'i New Year's Day. Good Friday is even enshrined as an official state holiday, with public offices closed.

So state Rep. Lyla Berg thought that marking Sept. 24 as Islam Day would not be out of line in Hawaii, with its multicultural fabric. But her seemingly innocuous resolution has attracted worldwide attention -- and a flurry of phone calls and e-mails, including threats to boycott Hawaii.

Passed unanimously by the state House and overwhelmingly in the Senate on May 6, the resolution (House Concurrent Resolution 100, House Draft 1) recognizes the "rich religious, scientific, cultural and artistic contributions" of Islam and the Islamic world. It does not have the force of law. Congress passed a similar resolution on Oct. 15, 1979, honoring the 14th centennial of Islam.

But in the post-Sept. 11, 2001, era, Hawaii's move has touched some nerves. While Berg's office has received many positive calls and e-mails, she said, her staff has also been berated by an equal number, mostly from out of state.

"By acknowledging Islam, there's an assumption that means we support terrorists," said Berg (D, Hahaione Valley-Aina Haina), who introduced the resolution with Rep. Faye Hanohano (D, Pahoa-Kalapana). "I was hopeful we would have an opportunity to become more informed on what the religion is about and the people who are connected with it, so that we don't make the broad generalizations that are happening now."

Gov. Linda Lingle told a radio interviewer that her office had received "a lot of angry calls from the mainland saying, 'We're not coming to a place that's having an Islam Day.'"

"Here we are, in a very difficult economy, and it was just unnecessary," said Lingle, who had no authority over the resolution. "It didn't make any sense. You know it's going to get this kind of attention."

As of yesterday the Hawaii Tourism Authority had received 14 e-mails and one phone call protesting the resolution. "Hawaii has always been known to be a tolerant and respectful place," said Mike McCartney, HTA president, adding that his agency has no position on the resolution.

Sen. Josh Green (D, Milolii-Waimea), one of just three senators to oppose the resolution, said it violated the separation of church and state, a view shared by the American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii.

Many articles making the rounds on the Internet decry legislators for singling out Islam alone for praise, but a review reveals that at least 10 days with religious overtones have been recognized by the Legislature.

Confucius Day and Islam Day were marked with resolutions, which do not become part of state law or recur annually. Others, such as Buddha Day, Hawaiian Makahiki Commemoration Day and Father Damien De Veuster Day, were recognized in bills that became law, although they are not state holidays. Christmas and Good Friday are official state holidays.

Muslims are a tiny minority in Hawaii, roughly 4,000 residents, but they feel welcome here, said Hakim Ouansafi, chairman of the Muslim Association of Hawaii, who asked Berg to introduce the resolution.

"Fortunately for us, we're inundated with calls of support and encouragement, not just now, but after 9/11," he said. "This is the Aloha State. We live together, respect each other, love each other. We know that no people should be judged based on the actions of a few."

The terrorists behind the 9/11 attacks have continued bombing campaigns in Muslim countries, he noted. "It's a common enemy, and it's killing more Muslims than non-Muslims," Ouansafi said. "The Pakistan army is in full war against the terrorists on behalf of the world."

He said the Hawaii Legislature's move is helping build a bridge to Muslims, generating positive comments about America from viewers and readers of Al Jazeera and Al Arabiya, major Arabic-language news organizations.

"It's reaching the far, far corners of the world in a positive manner," he said. "The legislators have done in one resolution more to plant seeds of understanding than anyone could dream."

But Sen. Fred Hemmings (R, Lanikai-Waimanalo) said the resolution went too far. He did not realize other religions had been similarly recognized by the Legislature, but he believes Islam should not be included.

"None of those other religions have a good portion of their followers supporting and perpetrating worldwide terrorism," Hemmings said. "This is a war against civilization in the name of one religion."

"In World War II a great number of German nationals were opposed to what the Nazis were doing," he added. "Nevertheless, the Nazis were doing it in the name of Germany, and they were held accountable."

The initial version of the Hawaii resolution designated Nov. 21 as Islam Day, like the congressional resolution. But it conflicted with Makahiki celebrations, Berg said. So Ouansafi suggested Sept. 24, A.D. 644, the date the prophet Mohammad reached Quba, marking the birth of Islam. A few bloggers claim it was a clandestine effort to mark Sept. 11 on the old Julian calendar, but Ouansafi dismissed such conspiracy theories, saying he had never heard of the Julian calendar until now.

Religious days

The state Legislature has recognized various days with religious connections:

Asian Lunar New Year Commemoration Week

Bodhi Day

Buddha Day

Baha'i New Year's Day

Christmas*

Confucius Day**

Father Damien De Veuster Day

Good Friday*

Islam Day**

Makahiki Commemoration Day

* Official state holidays

** Recognized by resolution, not in Hawaii law

2008 Population Estimates

urbanguy — Fri, 15 May 2009 19:34:27 +0000

Here are some of the latest demographic changes and racial components as of July 2008. Sorry that the State figures include California, Oregon and Washington but I got too lazy to cut them out when I created it and posted it elsewhere.

Honolulu Metro Construction Projects Rundown

urbanguy — Wed, 13 May 2009 20:59:45 +0000

It was bound to happen but it looks like the Kapolei Pacific Center, once one of the largest commercial buildings planned for Oahu's second city, has become the latest casualty of the strained financial market. There are also a couple of other stalled projects as well so who knows what other proposals will be canned soon.

2008 Population Estimates

urbanguy — Wed, 13 May 2009 20:56:37 +0000

^That's why it is kind of messed up because Puerto Rican's are American citizens at birth and it is an important place well at least IMO yet it's almost always forgotten (well until something bad happens).

how good is University of Hawaii (Manoa)'s Urban Planning program?

urbanguy — Wed, 13 May 2009 20:54:46 +0000

monkeydluffy, on Apr 23 2009, 01:43 AM, said:

thinking about regional transportation stuff and tourism development related studies. how does UH fare?

Unfortunately, I have no idea how they rank in transportation related stuff but their tourism related studies/management are usually rated very high.

how good is University of Hawaii (Manoa)'s Urban Planning program?

monkeydluffy — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 06:43:16 +0000

thinking about regional transportation stuff and tourism development related studies. how does UH fare?

2008 Population Estimates

Jaykar — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 23:45:13 +0000

urbanguy, on Mar 19 2009, 02:13 AM, said:

*San Juan is quite the major city yet it does not get the attention that it deserves nationally IMO.

That's because Puerto Rico is not a state. For some things we are treated like one but for most things the government, companies and people forget about Puerto Rico and treat us like a another country with no ties with the states, even though we are American Citizens (from birth) just like the rest of the American people.

2008 Population Estimates

urbanguy — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 06:13:42 +0000

Here are the latest estimates for Metropolitan Areas and counties in the region:

San Juan-Caguas-Fajardo, PR: 2,723,347
Honolulu, HI: 905,034
Ponce-Yauco-Coamo, PR: 450,250
Anchorage, AK: 364,701
Mayag�ez-San Germ�n-Cabo Rojo, PR: 257,886

*San Juan is quite the major city yet it does not get the attention that it deserves nationally IMO.

Small metros, micropolitan areas and counties:

Fairbanks, AK: 97,970
Juneau, AK: 30,988

Hilo, HI: 175,784
Kahului-Wailuku, HI: 143,574
Kapaa, HI: 63,689

Honolulu Metro Construction Projects Rundown

urbanguy — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 22:11:29 +0000

Here's a huge project that look's likely to be built. It is another one of those liefstyle malls but the plan does include 4 towers around 120 ft. two of which will be hotels and the other two--office towers.

Sources: Honolulu Star Bulletin and Debartolo Development

A few facts:

� Developer: DeBartolo Development LLC of Tampa, Fla.
� Mall: Ka Makana Ali'i
� Cost: $500 million
� Size: 1.5 million square feet including mall (including 1 million square feet of retail), two office towers (measuring about 200,000 square feet) and two hotels (300 to 500 rooms).
� Parking stalls: About 4,000
� Location: Kapolei Parkway and North-South Road
� Groundbreaking: 2010
� Ultimate buildout: 2013

Puerto Rico| News and Articles

urbanguy — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 05:02:51 +0000

Thanks a lot for the updates! BTW do you have any pics of some of the different neighborhoods or cities around PR? I haven't seen any in a while.

Puerto Rico| News and Articles

Jaykar — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 04:14:48 +0000

Sephora to open before year-end
By : FRANCES RYAN
frances@caribbeanbusinesspr.com
Edition: March 5, 2009 | Volume: 37 | No: 9

Construction of first Sephora location underway at Plaza Las Am�ricas; P.R. store part of chain�s multimillion-dollar expansion

European giant retail beauty chain Sephora, which has revolutionized the U.S. cosmetic market since 1998, is finally coming to Puerto Rico, CARIBBEAN BUSINESS learned. Sephora representatives, who in the past have shown no interest in the local market, have been in conversations with Plaza Las Am�ricas� leasing management for a while. The Puerto Rico store is part of the chain�s multimillion-dollar 2009 expansion plan.

In 2001, there was an initial approach from the Plaza Las Am�ricas� team to Sephora, but to no avail; it was still too early in Sephora�s mainland expansion plan. Earlier last year, during the annual ICSC (International Council on Shopping Centers) convention, CARIBBEAN BUSINESS confirmed Sephora had in fact accepted an invitation from Plaza Las Am�ricas to explore a scenario whereby the company might come to Puerto Rico. Still, Plaza officials have kept a tight lid on the matter.

The wait is over. Construction of the first Sephora store is already underway in the lower level at Plaza Las Am�ricas, near Radio Shack and west elm. To accommodate the beauty retailer, Plaza Las Am�ricas had to relocate the former fast-food corridor in that area to make room for the new store.

The arrival of Sephora on the island, a brand already known by many Puerto Rican customers who frequently travel to the U.S. mainland, will certainly shake up the cosmetic and fragrance business category on the island, which is estimated to generate $100 million in annual sales.

Sephora is the leading chain of perfumes and cosmetics in France and the second largest in Europe. Its sales methods include inviting customers to touch, feel and smell all products and fragrances and seek all types of assistance. Clients can browse at their leisure on their own or seek detailed advice from employees.

The concept is similar to the perfume department at Macy�s in Plaza Las Am�ricas, where consumers are free to glance through the merchandise instead of having to depend on behind-the-counter help.

As a means of expediting its U.S. mainland expansion, last year Sephora partnered with JCPenney to develop Sephora as a �store within a store.� The local Sephora store, however, will be part of the company�s multimillion-dollar expansion plan for 2009-2010.

Sephora has more than 200 stores in France, Luxembourg, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Poland, Germany, the United Kingdom and Japan. The retail concept arrived in the U.S. in mid-1998 in New York and expanded to Miami and other cities. It is a division of Mo�t Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH), one of the largest luxury-product companies worldwide. LVMH�s divisions are wine and spirits, fashion, perfumes and cosmetics and retailing.

http://caribbeanbusinesspr.com/news02.php?...039&ct_id=0

Puerto Rico to receive close to $70 million in transportation funds
By : JOHN MARINO
marino@caribbeanbusinesspr.com

President Barack Obama and top administration officials announced Thursday the release of $68.97 million in public transportation funds for Puerto Rico.

The funding is part of the $8.4 billion made available to repair and build America�s public transportation infrastructure under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the federal stimulus package aimed at jolting the United States out of recession.

�All over the country, resources are being put to work not only creating jobs now, but also investing in the future; a future that strengthens our transit system, makes us more energy efficient and increases safety,� said Vice President Joe Biden. �With this recovery package, we will be creating jobs, saving jobs, and putting money in people�s pockets. And with these resources, we�ll not only be rebuilding roads and bridges and schools, we�ll be rebuilding America.�

�Investments in public transportation put people to work, but they also get people to work in a way that moves us towards our long term goals of energy security and a better quality of life,� U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood added. �That is why transit funding was included in the ARRA and why we think it is a key part of America�s transportation future.�

The U.S. Department of Transportation has already committed $540 million in federally financed loans, about one-third of the total cost, for the intermodal center, which is proceeding on time and on budget.

In all, Puerto Rico expects to get some $5 billion over the next two years in extra funds from the federal stimulus package.

Resident Commissioner Pedro Pierluisi said millions of dollars more are available to Puerto Rico in competitive grants, and that the administration would try to get as much of this funding as possible to increase the impact of the federal stimulus plan.

Gov. Luis Fortu�o has formed an inter-agency working group to channel the implantation of the federal economic stimulus plan and ensure that Puerto Rico gets all the funding available to it.

A large portion of the money will be given directly to taxpayers in the form of checks emitted by the local Treasury Department. There are also millions for infrastructure projects and increases for beneficiaries of federal programs like the Nutritional Assistance Program, the Temporary Help for Needy Families program and Social Security, among others.

�The working group will expedite the disbursement of the federal funds to stimulate our economy as quickly as possible,� the governor said. It includes the heads of the Treasury, Education, Housing, Transportation and Public Works agencies, as well as the head of the Government Development Bank, the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority, the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority, the Infrastructure Finance Authority, the Environmental Quality Board, the Energy Affairs Office and the governor's advisors on legal and legislative affairs.

http://caribbeanbusinesspr.com/news03.php?...1&ct_name=1