http://www.hawaiinews.com/ en-us releases@hawaiinews.com Copyright 2008 2008-11-16T21:33:17-10:00 hourly 1 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00 http://www.hawaiinews.com/archives/music/000467.shtml Popular Hawaiian slack-key guitarist John Cruz will join students from the A+ After School Program... 467@http://www.hawaiinews.com/ John Cruz will join students from the A+ After School Program at 'Ele'ele Elementary School on Kauai on Monday as they receive a gift of 20 Tangi ukuleles from the Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation and Sprint Hawaii.

As part of a program to promote Hawaiian music education in public elementary schools, Sprint Hawaii arranged for the donation of 20 premium ukuleles. Kupuna Janet Kahalekomo, who oversees the Hawaiian Studies program at the school, will be accepting the donation on behalf of the school.

This program is part of a larger community relations initiative launched in May 2008 by Sprint Hawaii and Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation to donate instruments to music education programs in Hawaii. A portion of the profit from every new Sprint activation and phone upgrade of a qualified music phone will be donated to the Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation in support of the Hawaiian music initiative.

Also, when customers download music from the Mountain Apple catalogue - available on Sprint phones and featuring tracks from Israel Kamakawiwo'ole (Braddah Iz) and The Brothers Cazimero -- a portion of the profit will be donated to the music education program.]]> Music 2008-11-16T21:33:17-10:00 http://www.hawaiinews.com/archives/people/000466.shtml Chief Justice Ronald Moon honored Hawaii island District Court Judge Joseph Florendo as "Jurist of... 466@http://www.hawaiinews.com/
"Judge Florendo has earned a reputation of being hard-working, fair-minded, compassionate, and not only knowledgeable in the law, but a good student of the law," said Chief Justice Moon. "His rulings are thoughtful, grounded in the law, and tempered with compassion."

In addition to his judicial competence, Judge Florendo was recognized for his achievements as Deputy Chief Judge of the District Court of the Third Circuit, a position he has held since March 2007. Judge Florendo's leadership and collaborative management style helped his staff adapt to major changes in the processing of traffic cases and become proficient with a new computer system.]]> People 2008-11-03T15:30:58-10:00 http://www.hawaiinews.com/archives/books/000465.shtml Governor Linda Lingle has released $500,000 to design and construct the expansion of Mililani Public... 465@http://www.hawaiinews.com/ Mililani Public Library's parking lot, improve the safety of its vehicle entrance and exit onto Makaimoimo Street and perform related site improvements.

In the nearly 25 years since the Mililani Public Library was built, the Mililani area has grown considerably, with a sizeable increase in housing and the addition of a major shopping center, theaters and a bus transit center. This has led to an increase in use of the library and made the current number of parking stalls inadequate.

"Public libraries are important learning centers within our state. They offer families access to valuable reading and multimedia resources and also enhance our sense of community," said Governor Lingle. "This project will expand and improve the Mililani Public Library to accommodate the increase in use that has occurred over the past two decades."

Design is scheduled to begin in October 2008 and be completed in April 2009. Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2009 and be completed in April 2010. ]]> Books 2008-10-28T16:46:27-10:00 http://www.hawaiinews.com/archives/movies/000464.shtml The 28th annual Louis Vuitton Hawaii International Film Festival (HIFF) presented its 2008 awards today... 464@http://www.hawaiinews.com/ HIFF) presented its 2008 awards today during a luncheon at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel and Resort. They are:

• The Halekulani Golden Orchid Award for Narrative Feature was awarded to "Cape No. 7," directed by Wei Te-Sheng.
• The Halekulani Golde Orched Award for Documentary Feature was presented to "Noho Hewa: The Wrongful Occupation of Hawaii," directed by Anne Keala Kelly.
• The Film In Hawaii award, presented by the State of Hawaii, went to Joan Lander and Puhipau for their significant contributions to promoting the local film industry.
• The Honolulu Magazine Award for Best Short Film was awarded to "Coffee and Allah," directed by Sima Urale, for its excellence in short film cinema. Honorable mention went to "Texas Girl," directed by Hyung Hyup Kim.
• The NETPAC Award was awarded to "Brutus - The Adventure," directed by Tara Illenberger, which was a participant in LVHIFF's Green Screen showcase. Honorable mention for NETPAC went to "The Little Heart," directed by Thanh Van Nguyen.
• The Video-On-Demand Viewers Choice Award, presented by Oceanic Time Warner Cable, went to "The Hollow," A University of Hawaii, Academy For Creative Media submission from director Dana Ledoux Miller.

At the end of the festival this year the Audience Choice Award will be given to the film that audience members voted as their favorite film. Ballots have been distributed for the first screening in Honolulu of every eligible film during the festival.

Three more awards will be handed out on Saturday, October 18, at the festival's closing day press conference at 10 a.m. at the Halekulani in Waikiki. Jung Woo-sung, star of "The Good, The Bad, The Weird," will receive HIFF's Achievement in Acting Award and the film's director, Kim Jee-woon, will be given the Maverick Award.

Mayor Mufi Hannemann will also be on-hand to present the 'City and County of Honolulu Vision in Film' Award to the Vice President of the Shanghai Media and Entertainment Group (SMEG) Yang Qixiang.

HIFF film jurors this year represented various careers and talent within the film industry. Jurors for the narrative competition were: executive director of The VILCEK Foundation Rick Kinsel; producer Roy Lee ("The Ring," "The Departed"); and chief officer for Creative Industries Division, Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism, Georja Skinner.

Jurors for the documentary competition were: actor Cliff Curtis ("Whale Rider, "Sunshine," "Die Hard"); director Don King ("Beautiful Son"); and KGMB 9 Morning News anchor Grace Lee. Jurors in the shorts competition were: director Gerard Elmore ("All For Melissa"); Honolulu Advertiser Features Editor Elizabeth Kieszkowski; and SMART Magazine publisher Molly Watanabe.

Established in 1981, the Hawaii International Film Festival is dedicated to the advancement of understanding and cultural exchange among the peoples of Asia, the Pacific and North America through the medium of film. HIFF is the premier international film event in the Pacific and has won the praise of governments, filmmakers, scholars, educators, programmers and film industry leaders throughout the world. For the discovery and exhibition of Asian and Pacific features, documentaries and short films in the nation, it is a primary source.

The festival has premiered such movies as "Once Were Warriors," "The Piano," "Shine," "Shall We Dance," "Y Tu Mama Tambien," and "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon."]]> Movies 2008-10-14T15:51:31-10:00 http://www.hawaiinews.com/archives/transportation/000463.shtml Hawaiian Airlines today announced a range of exclusively priced air-hotel vacation packages for travel to... 463@http://www.hawaiinews.com/ Hawaiian Airlines today announced a range of exclusively priced air-hotel vacation packages for travel to Hawaii from seven of its gateway cities on the mainland. The special prices include roundtrip airfare from the city of origin to Honolulu and a three-night stay in the three-star Aqua Palms hotel in Waikiki.

• Portland to Honolulu $544
• Phoenix to Honolulu $570
• Seattle to Honolulu $580
• Oakland to Honolulu $625
• San Jose to Honolulu$640
• San Francisco to Honolulu $700
• Sacramento to Honolulu $720

"Fall is a beautiful season to vacation in Hawaii and these are our best deals of the year," said Glenn Taniguchi, Hawaiian's senior vice president of marketing and sales.

Prices are per person and based on double occupancy. Packages including the newly renovated Aqua Waikiki Wave and Aqua Bamboo hotels are slightly higher. Additional exclusively priced packages with a variety of other properties are also available.

Hawaiian's exclusive fall Hawaii vacation packages are available for purchase on the airline's website through October 31, 2008 for travel through December 12, 2008. Prices include all taxes and fees except for any applicable baggage fees.]]> Transportation 2008-10-07T12:23:12-10:00 http://www.hawaiinews.com/archives/family/000462.shtml The Friends of Hawaii Kai Public Library will conduct a Booksale at the Hawaii Kai... 462@http://www.hawaiinews.com/ Hawaii Kai Public Library from Saturday - Sunday, Oct. 11 - 12, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on both days in the Meeting Room. A large variety of used books, CDs, DVDs, videos and audiobooks will be on sale, with most items selling for under $2.00. Come early for the best selection.

Proceeds from this booksale will help fund library programs, and purchase equipment and informational materials.

Hawaii Kai Public Library is located at 249 Lunalilo Home Road. For more information, call the library at 397-5833.]]> Family 2008-10-07T12:19:34-10:00 http://www.hawaiinews.com/archives/environment/000461.shtml The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently fined Vector Tobacco Inc. $65,040 for allegedly misusing pesticides... 461@http://www.hawaiinews.com/
"Employers of agricultural workers must ensure their employees are provided with information and protections that minimize the risk of potential exposure to pesticides," said Katherine Taylor, Associate Director of the EPA's Communities and Ecosystems Division for the Pacific Southwest region. "Failure to provide these necessary safeguards is considered a serious violation."

The six pesticides were Terramaster 4EC, Nemacur 3, Lorsban 4E, Prowl 3.3EC, Devrinol 50DF, and Ridomil Gold EC.

During the pesticide applications in 2005 and 2006, Vector Tobacco failed to provide its workers and pesticide handlers with required protective equipment, pesticide information, decontamination supplies, safety training, and notification that pesticides had been applied. These safeguards are required by the federal Worker Protection Standard, which aims to reduce the risk of pesticide injuries to agricultural workers.

Vector Tobacco also failed to prevent workers from entering areas where pesticides had recently been applied, and subsequently denied them prompt transportation to a medical facility after these workers reported averse health effects due to the pesticide exposure.

The Hawaii Department of Agriculture discovered the violations during inspections performed in March and June of 2006. Worker complaints triggered the initial investigation. Since the inspections, Vector Tobacco has shut down the Kekaha facility.

Before selling or distributing any pesticide in the United States, companies must register the pesticide with the EPA and include on the pesticide labeling directions for use and other information necessary to protect human health and the environment. Federal law requires that agricultural employers comply with these labeling directions during pesticide applications to protect their workers from occupational exposure.

For more information on pesticide enforcement and the Worker Protection Standard, please visit the EPA's Web sites:

• http://www.epa.gov/compliance/civil/fifra/index.html
• http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/health/worker.htm

]]> Environment 2008-09-29T09:16:24-10:00 http://www.hawaiinews.com/archives/music/000460.shtml The University of Hawaii at Manoa Music Department and Outreach College present A Night with... 460@http://www.hawaiinews.com/ The University of Hawaii at Manoa Music Department and Outreach College present A Night with the Korean Zither Musicians' Association on Saturday, October 4 at 7:30pm in the UH-Manoa Orvis Auditorium. The program is sponsored in part by the Korean Arts Council.

Often described as expressive, subtle, with a tone like the human voice, the kayagum (or gayageum) is the national instrument of Korea. A 12-stringed zither which is played on the floor, the kayagum is related to the Chinese zheng, Japanese koto, Mongolian yatga, and Vietnamese dan tranh, but distinct from other zithers in the region because of a separate piece of hardwood at the base shaped like ram`s horns. This performance by masters of the Korean zither showcases the range and beauty of the instrument in traditional and new compositions.

The Korean Zither Musicians' Association is comprised of 50 performers (20 will be coming to Hawai'i) who are teaching at major Korean universities -- Seoul National University, Hanyang University, Busan National University, and others. The group was established in 1993 to promote Korean zither music and to foster exchange with zither artists from other Asian traditions, such as the Chinese zheng and chin, Japanese koto, Mongolian yatak, and Vietnamese dan tranh. The Association holds an annual concert in Seoul and has toured widely, from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival to Ulan Bator, Mongolia, and to cities in the UK, US, Canada, China, and Southeast Asia.

Tickets are $5 to $15 in advance, $10 to $20 at-the-door. To purchase, visit www.etickethawaii.com, call 483-7123 to charge by phone (Aloha Stadium box office, M-F 9am-5pm), or visit any UH Ticket outlet (Rainbowtique stores, Stan Sheriff Center, UH Manoa Campus Center ticket office, Windward Community College OCET office); service charges apply. Advance sales end 4 hours and 30 minutes before the performance. At the door, sales begin 1 hour and 15 minutes prior to the performance. For more information call 956-8246 or visit:

http://www.outreach.hawaii.edu/community]]> Music 2008-09-22T16:14:42-10:00 http://www.hawaiinews.com/archives/business/000459.shtml 459@http://www.hawaiinews.com/ Noni Biotech International (dba Noni Maui®) this week announced the opening of a 3,600-square-foot headquarters and biotech laboratory in Haiku, Maui. The company says the lab is one of the most sophisticated high tech labs in the state, designed to analyze and manufacture organic anti cancer compounds recently discovered in Hawaiian Noni Juice at Louisiana State University’s Medical Research Center.

Paul Nordone has joined the company as Director of Research and Development and brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience as a Senior Associate Scientist at Amgen in the Department of Toxicology. Nordone’s arrival is a major milestone for the progress and growth of analyzing and identifying existing and newly discovered plant compounds.

In addition to his research, Dr. Brian Issell, Oncology Director of the University of Hawaii Cancer Research Center, has been using Noni Maui® capsules for his federally approved and NIH funded human Noni research.

Noni Maui® is recognized by the state as an official QHTB (Qualified High Tech Business) in Haiku. Other primary members of the team include President David Backstrom and Marie-Laure Ankaoua, Chief Operating Officer & VP.]]> Business 2008-09-16T09:54:50-10:00 http://www.hawaiinews.com/archives/environment/000458.shtml HONOLULU - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently announced a settlement with Syngenta Seeds, Inc.,... 458@http://www.hawaiinews.com/
The settlement is part of three separate administrative complaints totaling $284,050 in civil penalties with Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc., and Syngenta Seeds, Inc., for violations of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act. EPA Region 4 in Atlanta consolidated the violations throughout the United States to emphasize the need for quality control in all aspects of pesticide production and distribution.

The EPA found alleged pesticide worker protection violations by Syngenta Seeds, Inc., in Kekaha, Kauai. These violations include failing to store all personal protective equipment separately from clothing and apart from pesticide-contaminated areas, and failing to post the spraying of the pesticide Liberty at its Central Notification Site.

Syngenta Seeds, Inc. also settled alleged violations including use of a pesticide contrary to a provision of an Experimental Use Permit (EUP) issued by EPA. EPA alleged that the company had not obtained a State permit or license from the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico prior to the shipment and/or use of a corn that was the subject of the EUP.

The other settlements include:

• Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc. agreed to pay a penalty of $196,300 for alleged violations involving two products. The settlement agreement resolved alleged violation of distributing Mesotrione Wet Paste with ingredients that differed in composition from the formula submitted to the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency. Mesotrione Wet Paste is produced in Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc’s Bucks, AL facility. The settlement agreement also resolved alleged advertising violations of the pesticide Lumax Selective Herbicide because television commercials aired in the Midwest did not include the classification that it was a restricted-use pesticide.
• Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc. self-disclosed additional violations under EPA’s Audit Policy regarding written advertisements for restricted use pesticides and paid a penalty of $70,200.

FIFRA regulates the sale, distribution, and use of pesticides within the United States. Importers, distributors, and retailers, are required by federal law to ensure that any pesticides they distribute have been registered with EPA and comply with FIFRA.

For more information on pesticide regulation and enforcement, please visit: http://epa.gov/compliance/civil/fifra.]]> Environment 2008-09-09T09:28:15-10:00 http://www.hawaiinews.com/archives/weather/000457.shtml As the nation prepares for Hurricanes Gustav and Hanna to make landfall in the Gulf... 457@http://www.hawaiinews.com/
"As our fellow Americans prepare for Hurricanes Gustav and Hanna in the Gulf Coast, we are reminded of the real threat that hurricanes pose to Hawaii," said Governor Lingle. "Now is the time for all of us in Hawaii to prepare for a potential hurricane. The most important actions every family can take now include developing a family disaster plan, learning where your nearest shelters are located, preparing an emergency supply kit with provisions for at least seven days, and staying aware of current weather conditions. Hurricane preparedness is a responsibility we all share. By being prepared, you will ensure your family is safe when a hurricane hits Hawaii."

An emergency supply kit should include food, water, medicine, clothing, blankets, batteries, flashlights, radio, and other necessities your family will need. If you have pets, remember to include emergency supplies for them as well.

Governor Lingle and Lt. Governor James R. "Duke" Aiona, Jr., who are in St. Paul, Minnesota for the Republican National Convention, are closely monitoring the paths of the Gulf Coast hurricanes. Governor Lingle has been in close contact with Hawaii Adjutant General Robert Lee, director of State Civil Defense, on any potential relief effort role Hawaii might provide should the need arise.

"Our prayers are for the safety of our fellow Americans in the Gulf Coast states as they prepare for Hurricanes Gustav and Hanna, and our condolences go out to those who have lost family and friends, as well as their homes in island nations in the Caribbean from the devastation of Gustav," said Governor Lingle.

Hurricane season began in June and runs through November. Additional information about hurricane and emergency preparedness is available on the Governor’s Web site and the State Civil Defense Web site. ]]> Weather 2008-09-02T11:32:28-10:00 http://www.hawaiinews.com/archives/environment/000455.shtml At a ceremony today at the Kona Outdoor Circle Education Center, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency... 455@http://www.hawaiinews.com/ Environment 2008-08-25T23:50:44-10:00 http://www.hawaiinews.com/archives/entertainment/000454.shtml The Sixth Annual Waikiki "Spam Jam" is set for the first Saturday in May; May... 454@http://www.hawaiinews.com/ Spam Jam" is set for the first Saturday in May; May 3, 2008, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki. Creative and enhanced recipes prepared by some of Hawaii's most innovative chefs, will be available at this year's Waikiki "Spam Jam". Dishes like Spam katsu, Spam won ton, and SPAM lau lau.]]> Entertainment 2008-04-10T11:06:05-10:00 http://www.hawaiinews.com/archives/transportation/000453.shtml Hawaiian Airlines today announced that it has signed a "definitive purchase agreement" with aircraft manufacturer... 453@http://www.hawaiinews.com/
Two weeks ago, Hawaiian Airlines said it may have to cancel the Airbus deal due to protracted negotiations with the unions.

“I want to thank and commend the leadership of our unions for demonstrating a shared vision and commitment to building a successful and profitable future for Hawaiian that serves the interests of our customers and employees, maximizes shareholder value and contributes even more to the growth of Hawaii's tourism economy,” said President and CEO Mark Dunkerley in a statement.

The airline currently has 18 Boeing 767-300 airplanes in its fleet, and previously planned to replace at least four of them before 2010. Under the Airbus deal, Hawaiian is acquiring six wide-body A330-200 aircraft and six A350XWB-800 (Extra Wide-Body) aircraft, plus purchase rights for six more of each.

According to Hawaiian Airlines, the A330-200 seats 305 passengers in a twin-aisle, two-class configuration, and has an operating range of 5,500 nautical miles. It can therefore fly significantly farther than Hawaiian's current fleet and will provide the ability to serve all of North America and points in eastern Asia nonstop from Hawaii. In addition, it carries 45 more passengers and is more fuel-efficient than Hawaiian's current fleet.

The extra-wide-body A350XWB-800 seats 322 passengers in a two-class configuration and has a range of 8,300 nautical miles, which will give Hawaiian the capability to fly nonstop between Hawaii and Asia, Australasia, the Americas and Europe. The airline says the A350 carries 24 percent more passengers and is 20 percent more fuel-efficient per seat mile than its current fleet.]]> Transportation 2008-02-04T09:15:27-10:00 http://www.hawaiinews.com/archives/volcano_watch/000452.shtml Royal Gardens subdivision was back in the news again this past week as a lava... 452@http://www.hawaiinews.com/ Volcano Watch 2008-01-19T08:55:23-10:00