City and County of Honolulu News

You are here:  Main / Customer Services / Public Communications Division / 2012 / 'Write-A-Thon' Builds New Citizen-Centric City Website

'WRITE-A-THON' BUILDS NEW CITIZEN-CENTRIC CITY WEBSITE   (July 28, 2012)—Mayor Peter Carlisle today joined City information technology professionals and citizen participants for a unique "Write-a-thon" to create content for the new Honolulu Answers website that provides easy-to-find information about the City and County of Honolulu.   The new site is at http://answers.honolulu.gov .   "Our new Honolulu Answers site is designed to be simple, resident-focused and easy to use," Carlisle said. "Some great people have pitched in to help formulate clear, helpful answers to common questions."   Today's event, sponsored by the City and nonprofit Code for America, brought participants together at The Greenhouse Innovation Hub in Kakaako to examine topics that people frequently seek information about when they call the City or search the City's main website, such as driver license renewals, camping permits, and garbage collection.   The result is a comprehensive citizen-focused website that provides straightforward, non-technical answers like those a person would expect to receive from a friend or neighbor. Users can browse a variety of topics and type in questions or key words to receive answers.   "My Code for America colleagues and I hope that Honolulu Answers helps build a stronger relationship between the community and City Hall," said Sheba Najmi, a 2012 Code for America fellow who has been working with the City since January. "Working in such a forward-thinking city with such passionate and innovative public servants is truly inspiring."     The new site will be continually expanded and updated, and will be linked to additional sources of information. The sites will also soon be accessible on smart phones.   "We have a wonderful community here in Hawaii that is always eager to help out when called upon," said City Information Technology Deputy Director Forest Frizzell. "Couple that with great co-working places in Kakaako and it creates a mechanism for civic engagement and government innovation."   Carlisle has continually emphasized the use of new technology to make City government more transparent, responsive and efficient. Honolulu was a first-place winner in the 10th anniversary Digital Cities Survey conducted last year by the Center for Digital Government and its Digital Communities Program.   -30-   Media contacts: Dept. of Information Technology Deputy Director Forest Frizzell, 768-7806; Lauren Reid, Code for America, 415-200-9468.

City and County of Honolulu News

You are here:  Main / Customer Services / Public Communications Division / 2012 / 07/27/12 Traffic Advisory: Lane Closures for Archaelogical Survey Work in Urban Honolulu

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 27, 2012 TRAFFIC ADVISORY: LANE CLOSURES FOR ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEYWORK IN URBAN HONOLULU The Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) wants to inform drivers that archaeological survey work continues next week in the urban Honolulu area for the rail transit project. Motorists are advised of lane closures related to the survey work being conducted in the Pearl Harbor, Airport and Kaka¡¥ako areas.Work will require lane closures during non-peak traffic hours. For the safety of both the work crews and motorists, the public is advised to proceed with caution through these areas. Drivers should anticipate possible traffic delays or use alternate routes during work hours, and provide a safe distance between themselves and the construction workers and equipment. Work for the week of Sunday, July 29, through Saturday, August 4, will take place at the following locations between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.: „h Kamehameha Highway between Salt Lake Boulevard and Aolele Street „h Queen/Waimanu Street between Kamakee Street and Pensacola Street „h Kona Street between Kamakee Street and Piikoi Street The City is conducting the archaeological survey work along the urban Honolulu section of the Honolulu rail transit route to identify potential archaeological, historical and cultural resources. The archaeological work will aid rail project staff in their design of the elevated rail guideway. Contractors Cultural Surveys Hawaii Inc. and Royal Contracting Co. are conducting the fieldwork. (MORE) The survey work will be completed before rail construction begins in the urban Honolulu area, as specified under the rail project¡¦s programmatic agreement relating to cultural and historic resources. For updates on construction work days and times, visit the project website at www.honolulutransit.org or contact our hotline at 566-2299. # # # Media Contact: Scott Ishikawa, (808) 768-6172, cell: (808) 227-2350.

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You are here:  Main / Customer Services / Public Communications Division / 2012 / 07/27/12 Honolulu City Lights Display Deadline August 31

HONOLULU CITY LIGHTS DISPLAY DEADLINE AUGUST 31   (Fri., July 27, 2012)— Non-profit organizations interested in creating a display on the Fasi Civic Center grounds during the annual Honolulu City Lights exhibition are invited to submit applications to the Department of Customer Services by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, August 31, 2012, at 550 South King Street, Honolulu, HI 96813.   Permits will be issued for five display sites by a lottery scheduled for Monday, September 10, 2012.  The lottery will be held at 10 a.m. in the Mission Memorial Hearings Conference Room, 1st Floor, 550 South King Street.  Applicants are welcome to attend the lottery, but need not be present to be selected.   The annual lottery was started several years ago in response to requests from private groups interested in erecting displays which will be on view during Honolulu City Lights. Each organization that receives a permit will be responsible for the set-up, maintenance, and take-down of its display.   Applicants must be non-profit organizations under HRS Chapter 414D or a charitable organization formed pursuant to HRS Chapter 467B or under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.  Proof of this designation must be submitted with the application by 4:30 p.m., August 31, 2012, to be eligible for the lottery.   Interested groups should contact the Department of Customer Services at 768-4304 to request a copy of the application and obtain rules governing use of the grounds during Honolulu City Lights. -30-   Media Contact: Ken Nakamura, Executive Assistant, Department of Customer Services, 768-4304

City and County of Honolulu News

You are here:  Main / Customer Services / Public Communications Division / 2012 / 07/26/12 Traffic Advisory: Sewer Work July 30 - August 3

TRAFFIC ADVISORY:  SEWER WORK IN HONOLULU NEXT WEEK   (Thur., July 26, 2012) – The City's Department of Environmental Services said traffic will be affected next week as construction crews rehabilitate wastewater pipes in Honolulu.            City contractors will be installing wastewater pipe lining or repair on the following dates and locations:   July 30 – Aug 3         7:30am-3:30pm           Hanalewa St / Ala Moana Blvd (Hobron & Kalia Rd)      July 31- Aug 3          7:30am-3:30pm           Ala Moana Blvd / Kapiolani (Date St & Kaaha St)     -30-     Contact:  Markus Owens, ENV Public Communications Officer, 768-3454

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You are here:  Main / Customer Services / Public Communications Division / 2012 / 07/26/12 2012 Dragon Boat Festival At Ala Moana Beach Park

2012 DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL AT ALA MOANA BEACH PARK   (Thurs., July 26, 2012)—Mayor Peter Carlisle today announced that the dragons will wake from their slumber this Saturday and Sunday, July 28 and 29, for the annual Dragon Boat Festival at Ala Moana Beach Park.   "Dragon boat races are an ancient Chinese tradition designed to ward off evil spirits, and we have merged this exciting competition with free family activities," Carlisle said. "This is also the Year of the Dragon, so the festival should be extra fun."   Paddlers from around the Pacific will compete fiercely in traditional dragon boat races, which this year will include visiting teams from Canada, Australia and New Zealand.   Each dragon boat team consists of 16 paddlers, a drummer, flag catcher and steersman.  There are two race categories: the open race; and division, which consists of teams competing for an industry trophy.   The festival features two days of family fun with live local entertainment and futsal (a type of soccer) and grass volleyball tournaments.   Saturday, July 28 ·       8 am – 4 pm: Divisional Dragon Boat Races, with more than 40 teams competing. ·       10 am – 6 pm: Entertainment, beach volleyball and futsal tournaments.               Sunday, July 29 ·       9am to 3 pm: Open Dragon Boat Races, with more than 20 teams competing. ·       10 am to 6 pm: Entertainment, beach volleyball and futsal tournaments.   -30-   Media contact: Alenka Remec, Mayor's Office, 768-4249 or aremec@honolulu.gov

City and County of Honolulu News

You are here:  Main / Customer Services / Public Communications Division / 2012 / 07/26/12 Zoo Warthog Naming Contest

ZOO WARTHOG NAMING CONTEST   (Thur., July 26, 2012) – The Honolulu Zoo's three warthogs need names. The two females and one male, born May 8, are thriving in their exhibit. The Zoo is now asking for your help in choosing a name for each of them.             Throughout the summer, zoo visitors are encouraged to see our newest keiki and choose a name that matches each one. Contest applications may be picked up and completed at the Zoo's main snack bar. The winning names will be chosen by a committee of Zoo Mammal Keepers and will be announced on Monday, September 3, on the Zoo's Facebook site.             The Honolulu Zoo is open seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and the warthogs are available for viewing at their enclosure until 3 p.m. daily. Be advised, like most keiki, they nap a lot, especially when it's hot. If you time your zoo visit during the cooler parts of the day—early morning and later in the afternoon—you will have a better chance to see them at their "frisky-est"               Honolulu Zoo, Service Systems Associates (zoo concession) and Honolulu Zoo Society employees and their families are not eligible to participate in this contest.   -30-   Contact:  Randy Leong, Deputy Director of Enterprise Services, 768-5415

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You are here:  Main / Customer Services / Public Communications Division / 2012 / 07/25/2012 Mayor Carlisle Vetoes Bill 11

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                              July 25, 2012   MAYOR CARLISLE VETOES BILL 11   (July 25, 2012)—Mayor Peter Carlisle today vetoed Bill 11, which would extend the weekend ban on commercial activities at Kailua and Kalama beach parks to weekdays.   "Regardless of how much a total ban at Kailua and Kalama beach parks might make good sense, I am concerned that allowing this bill to become law will make it harder to refuse other neighborhoods wishing to do the same down the road," Carlisle said. "The better approach is to work on rules island-wide and the Department of Parks and Recreation is doing this now."   The City Council approved Bill 11 on July 11 by a vote of seven to two, and based on that margin, Carlisle said the Council will likely override his veto.   "I understand and in fact concur with some of the reasons Council members had for passing this bill and some of the reasons why they may not be changing their votes now," he said. "I am concerned, however, that this may be one of those 'be careful what you wish for' situations where efforts to circumvent a total ban might intensify rather than resolve the problem."   Even if the Council overrides the mayor's veto, the administration will follow the law, Carlisle said, pledging to involve the Corporation Counsel, the Police Department, the Prosecutor's Office, and the Department of Parks and Recreation in resolving enforcement issues that arise.   -30-   Media contact: Louise Kim McCoy, Mayor's Office, 768-7798.

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You are here:  Main / Customer Services / Public Communications Division / 2012 / 07/23/2012 72nd Annual Na Hula Festival

72nd ANNUAL NÂ HULA FESTIVAL   (Mon., July 23, 2012) – The City and County of Honolulu, Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) along with the Friends of Honolulu Parks and Recreation, presents the 72nd annual Nâ Hula Festival on Saturday, August 4, and Sunday, August 5, 2012, at the Waikîkî Shell.  Due to construction at the Queen Kapi'olani Park Bandstand, the event will be held this year at the Waikîkî Shell.               The Nâ Hula Festival has celebrated the artistry and grace of Hawai'i's premiere dance form since its creation in 1941 to provide a venue for DPR's kumu hula (hula instructors) to hô'ike (present) their haumâna (students).  Currently, some of the kumu who participate in Hawai'i's longest-running annual non-competitive hula event also teach in community parks.               This free event will feature the Puanani Alama and Leilani Alama Hula Studios.  Aunty Puanani and Aunty Leilani have both actively participated in the festival since its inception, first as haumâna (students), and now as kumu hula (hula instructors).               The 2012 Lei Queen and Court will also make an appearance at the festival on both days.  The schedule of performances is as follows (times and performers subject to change):   SATURDAY, AUGUST 4, 2012 10:00 - 10:50 a.m. Hâlau Hula 'O Nâwahine 11:00 - 11:50 a.m. Nâ Wahine o ka Hula Mai Ka Pu'uwai 11:50 - Noon 2012 Lei Queen & Court Noon - 12:50 p.m. Hula Hui O Kapunahala 1:00 - 1:50 p.m. Ka Hale I 'O Kahala   SUNDAY, AUGUST 5, 2012 10:00 - 10:50 a.m. Royal Hawaiian Band 11:00 - 11:50 a.m. Puanani Alama Hula Studio Noon - 12:50 p.m. Leilani Alama Hula Studio 12:50 - 1:00 p.m. 2012 Lei Queen & Court 1:00 - 1:50 p.m. Hâlau Hula 'O Pua 'A'ala Hone 2:00 - 2:50 p.m. Hâlau Hula 'O Hôkûlani                The public is invited to bring their friends and family, and enjoy a beautiful, relaxing day of hula at the Waikîkî Shell.  Admission is free.               For more information, contact Kaiulani Kauahi, Culture and Arts Coordinator at (808) 768-3041 or email rkauahi@honolulu.gov.          -30-

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You are here:  Main / Customer Services / Public Communications Division / 2012 / 07/23/12 Traffic Advisory: Storm Drain Cleaning At Kalia and Saratoga Road to Resume

TRAFFIC ADVISORY: STORM DRAIN CLEANING AT KALIA AND SARATOGA ROAD TO RESUME   (Mon., July 23, 2012) − Department of Facility Maintenance Road Maintenance crews will resume cleaning storm drains in Waikiki along Kalia Road and at the intersection of Kalia Road and Saratoga Road from July 30 through August 3. Work will begin with the drain box on the makai side of the Kalia Road/Saratoga Road intersection, near the walkway leading to the ocean, and progress eastward along Kalia Road toward Lewers Street.   The cleaning work will require lane closures between 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The makai, diamond head-bound traffic lane will be closed between Beach Walk and Lewers. HPD special duty officers will provide traffic control to direct traffic around the work sites. The drain in the area on the diamond head side of Beach Walk near Kalia Road intersection will also be cleared. Motorists are advised to use alternate routes and to anticipate traffic delays in the area.   - 30 -   Contact: Tyler Sugihara, Department of Facility Maintenance at 768-3600.

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You are here:  Main / Customer Services / Public Communications Division / 2012 / 07/23/12 Junior Lifeguard Championships at Ala Moana Beach This Saturday

JUNIOR LIFEGUARD CHAMPIONSHIPS AT ALA MOANA BEACH THIS SATURDAY   (Mon., July 23, 2012) − The 2012 State of Hawaii Junior Lifeguard Championships will be held on Saturday, July 28, from 9 a.m., at the Ewa end of Ala Moana Beach Park.   The event marks the culmination of this summer's Junior Lifeguard Program that involved more than 400 youngsters across the State in the skill-building program.  Teams from Kauai, Maui, and Hawaii will compete with four Oahu teams at events that include a 1,000 meter beach run, 250 meter swim, 400 meter board paddle, 100 meter run swim run, and beach flags.   Individual and team champions will be awarded in the following age divisions: 13-14 Girls, 13-14 Boys, 15-18 Girls, and 15-18 Boys.  Kauai's Junior Lifeguards have won the team championship for the past 8 years and will be defending their title against strong teams from Oahu's North Shore and South Shore districts.   "The 2012 Championships will showcase skills that the kids learned this summer," said Oahu Coordinator Jimmy Barros "Junior Lifeguards in Hawaii are some of the best young ocean athletes anywhere."  Plans are being made to send a Hawaii team to Los Angeles next year to compete in the 2013 United States Lifeguard Association's National Lifeguard Championships.   The 2012 Junior Lifeguard Championships are presented by the City and County of Honolulu and the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association, with generous support from Olukai Premium Footwear, the Annenberg Foundation, Hurley, DaKine, and Intova.   - 30 -     Media Contact:  Jimmy Barros, Junior Lifeguard Program Coordinator at 589-2251.

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You are here:  Main / Customer Services / Public Communications Division / 2012 / 07/23/12 Carlisle Honored With 'Making A Difference' Award

CARLISLE HONORED WITH 'MAKING A DIFFERENCE' AWARD   (Mon., July 23, 2012)—Mayor Peter Carlisle was honored today by Esri (Environmental Systems Research Institute) for his administration's use of geographic analysis to make the world a better place.               Carlisle was awarded one of Esri's annual Making a Difference Award for the ground-breaking use of geographic information systems (GIS) in the City's urban planning efforts. Esri is a leading GIS software company known around the world.               The awards were presented during Esri's International User Conference in San Diego, in front of approximately 15,000 GIS professionals from around the globe. Mayor Carlisle attended the conference as a guest speaker.               "On behalf of the City and County of Honolulu, I want to thank Esri for this award and for recognizing how our City team has utilized GIS technology," said Carlisle. "The goal has always been to use technology to make government more efficient to better service our public."               Esri commended Carlisle and the City for having the foresight to invest in a state-of-the-art rail system and for using GIS, which will help plan for transit oriented development along the rail line.                "By demonstrating such forward thinking in the area of geodesign, it is our pleasure to present this award to Mayor Carlisle and his administration, said Esri President Jack Dangermond. "Mayor Carlisle's support of GIS technology will help the City and County of Honolulu improve its public transit system, alleviate congestion and improve the quality of life for its residents and visitors."               The Esri Making a Difference award honors people or organizations who have used GIS to make meaningful change in the world. Recipients use GIS as a framework to understand problems and successfully meet important challenges. They are leaders who value collaboration and have a sense of shared responsibility for society and the environment.     -30-   Media contact: Louise Kim McCoy, Mayor's Office, 768-7798.     Mayor Carlisle with Esri President Jack Dangermond