This question will no longer be asked on Maui, once the new ordinance goes into effect banning the use of plastic bags at checkouts throughout Maui County.  Maui County includes the islands of Maui, Lanai and Molokai.

The new county ordinance is scheduled to take effect January 11, 2011, once Mayor Tavares signs off on it.  However, apparently, Mayor Tavares will not be in office on the 11th.

Once the mayor does sign off on the ordinance, it will be submitted to the County Clerk for recording and will  take effect 10 days later.

The intent of the bill is to encourage the use of re-usable shopping bags and to eliminate waste and environmental hazards to fish and wildlife of improperly disposed of plastic bags.

Violators of this new ordinance will face a civil fine of $500, which may be assessed for each day the ordinance is ignored.  For repeat offenders or those who chose to ignore the new ordinance, fines increase to $1000 daily starting on the 31st day of such violation.

Do you part in helping the environment and bring your own reusable bags when you go shopping.  It may take a while to remember, but eventually, you’ll get in the habit.

Did you know that the average American uses 300 to 700 plastic bags annually?  In the US alone, we use over 30 Million plastic grocery bags a year.

Two recent bills under consideration are aimed at leveling the playing field between timeshares and traditional room rentals.  The current formula used to calculate the value of a timeshare when used by its owner appears to undervalue the market value of that unit and therefore the occupancy tax paid by the owner.

HB 809 and HB1163 are intended to correct that situation.  The result of HB1163 would be to triple the tax basis for timeshare units and HB809 temporarily (for 4-years) increases the transient occupancy tax for timeshare owners using their units from 7.25% to 9.25%.

According to the terms of the bill (HB 1163) that has just passed out of the House Tourism Committee on 1/31/2011 and will now be reviewed by the House Finance Committee (expected later this month).

The purpose of this latest legislation is to bring parity in taxes paid by someone renting an equal value hotel/condo who pays the state’s transient occupancy tax.  The basis of the time-share was based on 50% of the units maintenance costs, which when compared to comparable hotel/condo rental rates was a third of the true market value (although that is a questionable value that can be arrived at thru multiple equations). At any rate, this bill is aimed at bringing the tax basis of a timeshare closer to the true market value.

HB 809 will raise the transient occupancy tax rate from the current 7.25% to 9.25% temporarily from July 1, 2011, to June 30, 2015 on time share units used by the owners. (HB809 HD1) This bill passed out of the Tourism Committee on Feb 9th and is headed to the Finance Committee, too.

The danger with HB809 lies in the fact that what starts out as a “temporary” situation often becomes a permanent one.  And, while the timeshare owners may see this as unfairly singling them out, the fact is that they have had the benefit of having their timeshare usage undervalued for years and this is a fair adjustment making things more equitable.

You can go to the American Resort Development Association website for more information.   They are, of course, opposed to these changes.
http://dev.arda.org/arda/government-affa…

You can also go to the State of Hawaii legislature website:
For HB809:
http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session201…
For HB1092
http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session201…

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Hawaiian Airlines Inter-island Fee Raises to $17 for 1st Bag

Starting September 1, 2011, passengers flying Hawaiian Airlines between the islands will face a higher checked baggage fee for the first bag checked.  The current $10 inter-island bag fee will rise to $17.  The charge for a second piece of checked baggage will remain the same as the current fee of $17.  A spokesperson for Hawaiian Airlines said that this was the first increase since 2009.

This announcement accompanies Hawaiian Airlines 2nd quarter earnings report, also released today, showing a  loss of $50 Million.

The exemption for the first two-pieces of luggage for First Class, Gold and Platinum members will continue.  So, here is what your checked baggage fees will be starting September 1st:

Restaurants in Waimea on the Big Island

Failed attempts have been made as far back as King David Kalakaua to rename this community to “Kamuela”.  The residents of this up-country community, however, prefer Waimea and refuse to change.  Some map makers have addressed this issue by labeling its location with both Waimea (Kamuela), just in case you go searching for one versus the other.  Hawaiian Airlines, on its free map series, has chosen to go with the locals and simply labels it Waimea.  The US Postal Service, in an effort to reduce confusion between Waimea (96796) on Kauai, uses Kamuela (96743).

But, whatever you call it, it is located about a half hour’s drive from Kailua-Kona (more confusion ensues with Kailua, Oahu, which is why it is most often called Kailua-Kona…Kona being the name of the District).   Mention Waimea to a local and they will usually associate it with the home of the paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) and Parker Ranch, even though there are several large ranches in the area.  Parker Ranch is the largest contiguous ranch in the US, so its understandable people think of it first.

Over the course of the last 20-years or so, Waimea has come a long way from its cowboy roots and is now a very appealing community with more and more professionals taking up residency.  A side benefit of this growth is the addition of some great eateries.  The article below is one of the better write-ups I have seen for the current state of restaurant choices and I thought I would share it with you.

Big-Island-Restaurants-in-Waimea

Unfortunately, most visitors to the Big Island who are staying in Kailua, only see whatever is visible through the windshield of their rental cars as they make their way to the Kohala Coast to visit WaipioValley or on to Hilo.  If you have the time, a drive up Hwy 250, which runs northward from Waimea to Hawi along the Kohala Mountains is a beautiful drive.  When you cross the crest, on a clear day, you can see Maui on the horizon.

For those who find themselves enjoying the beaches at Kapaa Beach Park, Mahukona Beach Park, or the Koai’ e Cove State Underwater Park along the northwest shores, you may want to continue your drive north and return via Hwy 250, then make a left into Waimea when you hit Hwy 19 and enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants reviewed in the article.

You may want to keep in mind that the Hawaiian Style Cafe tends to close early…when the food runs out or they just feel like calling it a day.  Their name says it all, its run “Hawaiian Style”.  But, if you get there early enough, come hungry because their portions are renown for being excessive, just the way the locals love it, and you won’t leave hungry. Its just one of the restaurants you’ll find in the town of Waimea…or Kamuela, whichever you prefer.

Koloa Plantation Days

If you’re headed to Kauai, you’re in luck, especially if you’re into rodeo activities.  Koloa Plantation Days is a mix of culture, plantation history, sports, recreation, live entertainment, food and fun for the entire family.

Kick off is Friday, July 22nd, with the Plantation Days Rodeo – preliminary roping & American west barrel racing at CIM stables,  from noon till 5:30 pm.   Following the rodeo events, stick around for a Paniolo Cookout and Slack Key music, from 5:30 to 8:00 pm.  (Call 808-742-6096.)

If tennis is more your game, Saturday starts off at 8:00 am with the Charity Tennis Tournament for United Way at Poipu Kai.   You’ll have to be a spectator, since the deadline for registering was July 15th.  Call 808-634-6050.   There is also a historic Hapa Trail Walk & Lunch leaving from St. Raphael’s Church at 9:00 am.  (808)652-2063

And, back at CIM Stables, the roping event kicks off at noon and runs till 5:00 pm.

Sunday, the 24th, the Charity Tennis Tournament for United Way continues at 8:00 am till 4:30 pm.  There is also a Miniature Golf Tournament for kids 13 and younger at the Lawai Beach Resort, starting at 10:00 am, call (808)240-5179.   And, from 11:30 am – 3:30 pm, the 12th Annual Plantation Days Rodeo, pre-rodeo entertainment helps to raise funds for the YMCA.  ($2/adults, children free with $1/adult going to the YMCA.)  Yes, its back at the CIM Stables, (808)742-6096

Monday morning, you can join in the Makawehi Sand Dune Walk, leaving from the Grand Hyatt Kauai, Seaview Terrace at 9:00 am (808)742-1234.  The Kukuiula Village is the site for a Historic Film Night Exhibit from 6:00 – 7:30 pm.  (808)742-9545

Koloa Plantation Days Craft Fair at The Point at Poipu, runs from 9:00 am till 1:00 pm, Tuesday, July 26th.  (808)742-1888   A Mixed plate-Live Music event is scheduled from 3:00 pm till 7:00 pm at the Old Koloa Town Courtyard. (808)742-7238   Eat early and make a quick run to the Poipu Shopping Village and you can catch the Polynesian Review & Fire Dance, 7:30-8:30 pm. (808)742-2831

Wednesday, July 27th, the Mahaulepu Coastal Hike by Malama Mahaulepu, 9:00 – 11:30 am.  (808)742-2024   Traditional Hawaiian Games at the Outrigger Kiahuna Plantation, 10 am – noon.  (808)742-6411  Plantation Treats at Kauai Culinary Market, Kukuiula Village, 4 – 6 pm.  (808)742-9545

Look back through the Sugar Era on Thursday at the Old Koloa Mill by Grove Farm, 9 – 11 am. (808)245-3678 ext. 222   Plantation Days Putting Contest at the Poipu Bay Resort Golf Club, 2:00 – 4:00 pm.  (808)742-8711   And, the Grand Hyatt Kauai is the location of the Luau Buffet Dinner & Show, 6:00 pm.  (Book via the Hyatt for a discount: 808-240-6456)

Friday, July 29th, Mahaulepu Watercolor Class by Malama Mahaulepu.  There is a fee for supplies or you can bring your own.  (808)742-2024   Talk Story – Sweet Memories of Old Koloa at the Koloa Union Church, 4:30 pm (808)332-0303.  Old Koloa Historical Walk leaves the Koloa School at 5:30 pm. (808)332-5201

Saturday, July 30th – Annual Parade & Park Celebration

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Historic Parade – 10:00 am, Koloa Town   Floats, marching units, riders, classic cars, and the Pacific Fleet Band.

Park Celebration – 11 am – 5:00 pm, Anne Knudsen (Koloa) Park   Food, crafts, live entertainment featuring Henry Kapona & Band, Frank DeLima, Augie T, and more!  $2 admission  (808)652-3217

Things wrap up on Sunday with the Paddle Fest at Poipu Beach Park, by Kukuiula Canoe Club.  10 am – 2 pm.  (808)635-0165

Well, as you can see, its a busy week in Koloa, Kauai!  Love the way they’ve scheduled activities so that you can attend the majority of them without missing out on something else that might be going on.  So, if your plans put you on Kauai between the 22nd and 31st of July, you should have a great time in store with all the activities surround the Koloa Plantation Days!

For more details and videos, visit www.koloaplantationdays.com.

Honolulu:  The current fine for using a handheld mobile device while driving is $97.  Effective July 1st, that fine increases to $147.

The two-year old law has seen almost 17,000 drivers cited and over $1.5 Million in fines collected.  (All fines go towards the General Fund, so I guess you can say its helping to balance the budget.)

The easiest way to avoid this fine is to simply stop using your mobile device while driving.  Short of that, you can get a corded headset/ear-piece or wireless bluetooth so you can use your phone hands-free.

There are many states that have various levels of laws against using cellphones and/or texting while driving.  A few states even go as far as to ban any use of cellphones, even hands-free use.

Those who are planning on visiting and renting a car while in Hawaii should take note of this law and consider yourself warned.

Are you a lover of  Japanese-style foods?  If so, you will love what Shirokiya has done with their 2nd floor.  Gone are the rice cookers, the crackers, and decorative furnishings that once filled the space.  The entire 2nd floor has been transformed into purely Japanese fare with ample seating in the center.

Shirokiya New Food Court

You may have picked up from the narration of this short video, that this is the last remaining Shirokiya in the world!  Personally, I was very surprised to hear that, but that just makes it all the more special.

When you think of double-decker buses, you usually have images of London and New York City.  Gray Line has just finished adding a fleet of colorful, open-top, double-decker buses to their Honolulu offerings.  The AlohaBus currently run two of three-lines on an unlimited, on-off basis.

You get unlimited use of the Waikiki – Honolulu Day loop, Pearl Harbor Express, and their night loop for dining and entertainment. (Pearl Harbor Express is operated on a Coach Bus and not the AlohaBus).

You purchase a 24-hour, 48-hour or 72-hour pass and set your own schedule as you get on and off any of their stops at your leisure.  Tickets cost $39, $49, and $59 respectively for adults and $14, $19, and $24 for children.

They currently offer a web special of $10 off adult tickets plus you can get one free child ticket for each adult ticket purchased! That brings prices down where the double-decker AlohaBus becomes a very reasonable alternative to renting a car, fighting traffic, looking for parking, and paying parking fees.

To get these special prices, simply log into their website and purchase your tickets, print out your confirmation email, and redeem them on any AlohaBus.  Or, if you don’t have a printer, simply make note of your reservation number and along with a proper id, you can pick up your tickets at their service center in Waikiki.

There are no seats on the lower-level of the AlohaBus, but fortunately, it doesn’t rain that often in Honolulu.  But, in the event of rain, they do offer ponchos.

One of the features of the new double-decker AlohaBus is that each seat is fitted with GPS-activated narration provided in English, Japanese, Chinese (Mandarin), Korean and Spanish, featuring fun and unique stories and facts

If nothing else, children will love the added fun of taking in the sights of Waikiki and Honolulu from the unique vantage point of an open-air, roof-level seat of a colorful, double-decker AlohaBus!