Big Island:
Big Island is a part of Americas 50th state and one of the Hawaiian Islands hidden wonderlands. Just 50 minutes from the hustle and bustle of Oahu, Big Island gives a new meaning to paradise with its tranquilly and closeness with the environment.
While Oahu broils in the baking heat and swarms of tourists, a quick flight over the Pacific Ocean will have you on the shores of Hawaii. Anna Skoghagen has recently gone to the Island during her spring break and said, “To properly discover the Island you should hire a hire a car.”
To begin your journey, take a drive along the Hawaii Belt Highway and allow yourself to get lost along the main road. Skoghagen reflected on her journey along the road, “... it circles the rainy east coast and its huge, intimidating cliff tops.”
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Big lookout:
Be sure to continue to the most Northern point of the Island and you will come across the picturesque perch, Polulu Lookout. Skoghagen said, “the morning is the best time to visit. Polulu overlooks a stretch of sea cliffs and the rain tends to fog the view in the afternoon.” Pololu Valley is located at the end of Highway 270 in North Kohala.
HPU student Anna Skoghagen stopped on her way in the quaint town of Hawi. “It is such a beautiful town, with so much character. The locals are all so friendly and the home made fudge is a must.”
Skoghagen added “it is also important to visit the beautiful black sand beaches at the bottom of the Valley. It is a bit eerie because of the black rocks and sand but it is like no other beach. It is really spectacular.” Big Island is known for its colourful beaches, black, green and white sand beaches scatter the shore line.
Big coffee in the Kona District:
Continue down Highway 270 and enjoy a coffee in the famous region of Kona. “You can see the coffee farms along the highway,” said Skoghagen. The Kona district is generally more popular due to its consistent weather and means it can be significantly pricier. Another reason is “the spectacular sunsets. You can see them from the,” Skoghagen added “they are a truly spectacular sight.”
Be sure to continue to the most Northern point of the Island and you will come across the picturesque perch, Polulu Lookout. Skoghagen said, “the morning is the best time to visit. Polulu overlooks a stretch of sea cliffs and the rain tends to fog the view in the afternoon.” Pololu Valley is located at the end of Highway 270 in North Kohala.
HPU student Anna Skoghagen stopped on her way in the quaint town of Hawi. “It is such a beautiful town, with so much character. The locals are all so friendly and the home made fudge is a must.”
Skoghagen added “it is also important to visit the beautiful black sand beaches at the bottom of the Valley. It is a bit eerie because of the black rocks and sand but it is like no other beach. It is really spectacular.” Big Island is known for its colourful beaches, black, green and white sand beaches scatter the shore line.
Big coffee in the Kona District:
Continue down Highway 270 and enjoy a coffee in the famous region of Kona. “You can see the coffee farms along the highway,” said Skoghagen. The Kona district is generally more popular due to its consistent weather and means it can be significantly pricier. Another reason is “the spectacular sunsets. You can see them from the,” Skoghagen added “they are a truly spectacular sight.”
Big National Park:
For a bit of History local brothers Eric and Pete recommend going to Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park. This place of refuge is 180 acre compound that offers authentic look at Native Hawaii temple ruins, royal grounds, fish ponds, sacred burial spots and petroglyphs from before western contact.
“We come here all the time... often it is just you and the ocean.” Pete added, “A lot of people don’t take the time to walk up the paths so you don’t find tourist groups here.” Eric spoke of the cliffs in the place of refuge, “They are nice to go to and meditate” as he laughs at his brother, “But we like to come and jump off them.”
Big Statue:
In the same region is Honaunau bay, where Captain Cooks Monument still stands. German writer, Thomas Young has lived in the area for the last six years and said, “This bay is glorious, we see dolphins in here all the time and it’s a nice place to take out a kayak and go to a little bit of Britain’s land.”
In reference to the land that surrounds Captains Cooks monument is also a popular area for snorkelling as the main access is by Kayak or boat. Young said his reason for moving to the Big Island is its spiritual connection. “I needed a place that was peaceful and serene... I came here on a holiday and after swimming in the bay with the dolphins I felt a connection with the place. An incredible sense of freedom and then I couldn’t stop writing.”
Six years later Young is still here, still swimming with the dolphins in Honaunau Bay and recommends Coffee Prefecture for a delicious home cooked treat. “People come all the way from Hilo for one of the delicious pastries.”
For a bit of History local brothers Eric and Pete recommend going to Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park. This place of refuge is 180 acre compound that offers authentic look at Native Hawaii temple ruins, royal grounds, fish ponds, sacred burial spots and petroglyphs from before western contact.
“We come here all the time... often it is just you and the ocean.” Pete added, “A lot of people don’t take the time to walk up the paths so you don’t find tourist groups here.” Eric spoke of the cliffs in the place of refuge, “They are nice to go to and meditate” as he laughs at his brother, “But we like to come and jump off them.”
Big Statue:
In the same region is Honaunau bay, where Captain Cooks Monument still stands. German writer, Thomas Young has lived in the area for the last six years and said, “This bay is glorious, we see dolphins in here all the time and it’s a nice place to take out a kayak and go to a little bit of Britain’s land.”
In reference to the land that surrounds Captains Cooks monument is also a popular area for snorkelling as the main access is by Kayak or boat. Young said his reason for moving to the Big Island is its spiritual connection. “I needed a place that was peaceful and serene... I came here on a holiday and after swimming in the bay with the dolphins I felt a connection with the place. An incredible sense of freedom and then I couldn’t stop writing.”
Six years later Young is still here, still swimming with the dolphins in Honaunau Bay and recommends Coffee Prefecture for a delicious home cooked treat. “People come all the way from Hilo for one of the delicious pastries.”
Big History:
Hawaii’s Big Island has preserved its history and Hawaii culture, and this can be explored at its many national parks and museums. Take a minute to chat with the locals, with Big Island colourful history; many residents have a story to tell.
Local resident Uncle Frankie told the story of an ancient Hawaiian god Pele. “She is the volcano goddess that lives in Kilauea Volcano.”
Big Volcanoes:
Pele continues to display her power today, keeping Kilauea in a constant state of eruption since 1983. “You can fly over and see her in action,” Frankie adds, “in January you can see the red lava seeping into the ocean. That’s pretty amazing to see.”
All this information about active spots can be received at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Tourist Information Centre.
With its myriad activities and attractions, Big Island has become a major lure for tourists to the Hawaiian Islands. With its peacefulness, beauty and isolation, it’s also become a getaway for spiritualists and hippies alike. Local boys Pete and Eric said, “Let’s hope Big Island’s stays this way... Then we can all enjoy it for longer.”
Hawaii’s Big Island has preserved its history and Hawaii culture, and this can be explored at its many national parks and museums. Take a minute to chat with the locals, with Big Island colourful history; many residents have a story to tell.
Local resident Uncle Frankie told the story of an ancient Hawaiian god Pele. “She is the volcano goddess that lives in Kilauea Volcano.”
Big Volcanoes:
Pele continues to display her power today, keeping Kilauea in a constant state of eruption since 1983. “You can fly over and see her in action,” Frankie adds, “in January you can see the red lava seeping into the ocean. That’s pretty amazing to see.”
All this information about active spots can be received at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Tourist Information Centre.
With its myriad activities and attractions, Big Island has become a major lure for tourists to the Hawaiian Islands. With its peacefulness, beauty and isolation, it’s also become a getaway for spiritualists and hippies alike. Local boys Pete and Eric said, “Let’s hope Big Island’s stays this way... Then we can all enjoy it for longer.”
HPU Zora Vlckoea ranked No. 9 in the Nation
The young, petite Chec Republican sits in the corner of the university café with her backpack full of tennis rackets and books, and a huge smile plastered on her. This image could summaries Zora Vlckova who has been juggling her tennis career with schooling most of her life, “I started playing when I was 10 years old. My parents didn’t push me into tennis, I just started.” Now ranked nine in the Nation, Vlckeoa is starting the peak of her career, moving up three positions from last year.
“Now we are playing the most important matches of the season.” Next week the teams travel to Phoenix to play in the PacWest tournament, Vlckova said, “We have been working really hard so we should make it to the finals and then we’ll see.” A modest Vlckeoa added, “We won most of our matches. We lost only to the best team in the nation. We are doing really well.”
The tennis superstar has gone from strength to strength, “previously I played international tournaments and got great rankings.” Vlckova is in the middle of the most difficult part of the season, “… March we have a tough schedule. We play almost everyday.” Vlckeoa added, “I think we have done a great job and worked really hard. I hope we keep it up for the rest of the season.”
The humble player said that taking loses aren’t that difficult, “It makes me work harder and motivates me.” It may also be because Vlckova doesn’t loose very often. The most recent was to Sona Norakova in Las Vegas, “We’ve known each other all our lives. I’ve played her many times.”
Vlckova made a good decision taking up this competitive sport, holding a strong position as the Nations 9th singles position. “Tennis is getting very famous and competition is getting tougher and tougher.” Some of Vlckova’s success can be dedicated to her Coaches, “Coach Stefan and the assistant Coaches are great. They keep good attitude in the team.” Vlckova has learnt a lot since starting at HPU, “I chose to play tennis because it is an individual sport… Since playing at HPU I’ve learnt to play with a team and motivate people,” Vlckova said.
After moving to Hawaii two years ago, Vlckova received a tennis scholarship and began her degree in International Business and Finance. Her 21st birthday is on the horizon and a look into Vlckova’s future goals, “when I graduate in 2 years I’m not sure what I will do. I think I will always play tennis. It will always be apart of my life.”
“Now we are playing the most important matches of the season.” Next week the teams travel to Phoenix to play in the PacWest tournament, Vlckova said, “We have been working really hard so we should make it to the finals and then we’ll see.” A modest Vlckeoa added, “We won most of our matches. We lost only to the best team in the nation. We are doing really well.”
The tennis superstar has gone from strength to strength, “previously I played international tournaments and got great rankings.” Vlckova is in the middle of the most difficult part of the season, “… March we have a tough schedule. We play almost everyday.” Vlckeoa added, “I think we have done a great job and worked really hard. I hope we keep it up for the rest of the season.”
The humble player said that taking loses aren’t that difficult, “It makes me work harder and motivates me.” It may also be because Vlckova doesn’t loose very often. The most recent was to Sona Norakova in Las Vegas, “We’ve known each other all our lives. I’ve played her many times.”
Vlckova made a good decision taking up this competitive sport, holding a strong position as the Nations 9th singles position. “Tennis is getting very famous and competition is getting tougher and tougher.” Some of Vlckova’s success can be dedicated to her Coaches, “Coach Stefan and the assistant Coaches are great. They keep good attitude in the team.” Vlckova has learnt a lot since starting at HPU, “I chose to play tennis because it is an individual sport… Since playing at HPU I’ve learnt to play with a team and motivate people,” Vlckova said.
After moving to Hawaii two years ago, Vlckova received a tennis scholarship and began her degree in International Business and Finance. Her 21st birthday is on the horizon and a look into Vlckova’s future goals, “when I graduate in 2 years I’m not sure what I will do. I think I will always play tennis. It will always be apart of my life.”
Chief Kealoha: “you must do things that you think you cannot do”
Chief of Honolulu Police Department, Louis Kealoha, also known as ‘Louie’ says his new role is “challenging at times.” Kealoha jumped ranks from Captain to Honolulu Police Chief in November, “Coming from captain and being appointed Chief is literally night and day for what you have to learn. I literally jumped form the bottom to the top overnight.” This achievement was last done over 19 years ago.
Curtis Lom Police reporter for the Advertiser “The cops I’ve been speaking to seem to be happy with him and like the choice. The union supported him in the selection process.” Lom added, “he came in on a positive note, he didn’t have to prove himself. The union opposed the previous Chief and I don’t think he ever got over that.”
Chief Kealoha has a five-year plan to change the management and to lift morale in department. He plans to do this with an open door, and be friendly and approachable. “That is the direction that this administration wants to take. We want to strengthen the bonds between the people and the police,” said Kealoha. “I was appointed Chief and the next day the deputy chiefs announced their retirement.” Kealoha added, “one of the keys is to surround yourself with good people.”
Until now, Kealoha was Captain of the Juvenile Services Division. He's from Kalihi, and is a Damien Memorial School grad. He was not an exceptional student at Damien although he went on to earn a doctorate at USC. He said, “learning how to handle adversity is often more important than success itself.”
“I wasn’t a good student and I was looking for a new path to success, I tried sports and I wasn’t good at that.” He was on the Damien football team for two seasons although spent a lot of his time on the bench. Kealoha said the climb to the top was a difficult one, “Everybody wants to talk to me now. But no one wanted to talk to me when I was sitting on the bench at football.” Which could give insight into his new book, “Lessons from the bench.”
Kealoha places a lot of emphasis on further learning with an accomplished education he believes, “…[for the officers] to move ahead in the department and in their careers they will need higher education.” Although it wasn’t always smooth studying for Kealoha, “I was a horrible student. In high school I was at the bottom of my graduating class.”
When asked who supported him to get to where he is now, “I cannot tell you how blessed I am to have my wife Cathy.” Kealoha added, “Eleanor Roosevelt also inspired me to go back to school and do the doctoral and apply as Chief. She said ‘you must do the things that you think you cannot do.’”
Monday, April 26, 2010
Spit or Swallow?
Spitting is the act of forcibly ejecting saliva or other substances from the mouth. Let’s let this image linger for a minute...Spitting. It is a disgusting habit. It seems to be much more common in America than where I come from in Australia. If my friends, family or a bystander every saw me spit, I would be looked at as if I had just handed them tuberculosis. Because that is what spitting can do, it can rapidly spread disease and infections.
Spitting is seen in many parts of the world as a disrespectful action. It is considered taboo as it transmits disease and illness. Julian Neabauer is a Brazilian exchange student and has seen many people spitting on the streets of Honolulu. Neubauer said, “Spitting is poor behaviour and a poor way of treating the society. I think it is also shows yourself as a person that doesn’t have any manners,” the exchange student added, “It is uncivilised behaviour.”
Another international student Mimi Tian from Denmark believes, “it is literally dirty.” Social attitudes towards spitting has changed extraordinarily since the middle ages. It was once a part of everyday life and was seen as rude to swallow your saliva, although no longer societies believe this in our current day and age. The early 1700’s started the revolution; it was seen as something that need to be hidden, concealed and not for public display. American local, Rei Champion said “I think it is unnecessary and disrespectful.”
During the 1850’s it had developed into one of the most disrespectful actions, spitting on the floor or street had become a habit seen as vulgar. Australian student Ashleigh Hussein was threaten by teachers that she would receive severe consequences if caught spitting. As a child, Hussein’s schooling prohibited the act. “When I see someone spitting, I feel like making them like lick it up,” said Hussein.
Apart from the disrespect and cultural conflict views of the action, spitting is a fast way to spread infections. Through the spread of respiratory droplets people can rapidly transmit illness, such as tuberculosis, influenza and the common cold. Australian tourist Jason Rijnbeek was shocked to see the amount of people walking the streets and spitting, He thinks it is a disgusting habit. “Why not swallow,” said Rijnbeek.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
