Kyra, the beagles, & I at Manana Trail June hike

Every last Saturday of the month the Hawaiian Humane Society’s Paws on the Path hiking club meets and explores Oahu’s pet friendly hiking trails.  The hikes generally average three miles long and can take about two hours to complete.  All dogs must remain on a leash throughout the hike.  Hikers are advised to bring along poop bags, water, and snacks for people and dogs.  This club is great for dog lovers and their dogs to exercise, socialize, and enjoy the beautiful trails of Oahu.

Meeting times are 8:30 am and the hike starts at 8:45 am.  Here is the list of their monthly hikes:

January - Makapu’u Light House

February – Old Pali Road

March – Maunawili Gulch Trail

April – Waimano Valley

May – Kaunala

June – Manana Trail

July – Maunawili Golf Trail

August – Likeke Trail

September – Aiea Loop Trail

October – Waimano Ridge

November – Maunawili Ditch

December – Peacock Flats

For more information call 808.356.2217 or visit www.HawaiianHumane.org .

Fireworks start at 8:30 p.m. on July 4th with the grand finale going off around 9 p.m. The fireworks are visible all throughout Honolulu and if you live on a rise with a great lanai can be sublime. The entertainment in the park will be all day but scheduled performers start at 5 p.m.

Although usually we would suggest floating out in the water to catch the show from a surfboard or a kayak (or really any other floating device), the south swell that has been pounding the shores of waikiki may make things a little tough. Staying on shore looks to be the smarter idea.

Expect huge crowds as KGMB9 is reporting more the 50,000 people are expected to be loitering (ok having fun) on magic island alone! Although I haven’t been down ala moana I can imagine that people will be staking their claim early, as they usually do. Plus, the cops are all out trying to catch people with the cell phone ban in effect so who knows, you may be able to get a great spot even with the park closed (not suggested.)

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Those of you visiting the Big Island will find many Hilo restaurants surprisingly inexpensive compared to those on the Kona/Kohala side. New Chaing Mai is one of those surprises. The recipes are traditional Thai, not heavy and greasy, made with fresh local ingredients. Brown rice is always available in addition to the jasmine and white rice.  The menu is varied enough for any Thai food critic and there is a small assortment of wine and beer selections.

After eating here at least a half dozen times, I can honestly say I have never had a dish that I didn’t enjoy.  Nine of us, each ordering something different, were all completely satisfied recently and with the generous portions we all took a bit home for the next day.

The atmosphere is light and pleasant. There is a hostel of some sort next door and a few questionable characters may be lingering outside making it appear that there is a wait for a table.  Pay no attention; these folks have always been polite and friendly as we make our way by them into the restaurant.  Seat yourself and a pleasant, low-key waitress will be over soon to help you order.  If you have never eaten Thai food, this is a good place to start.

You can safely order “hot” if you like things spicy, you will not get the volcanic hot that many Thai restaurants serve when you ask for it spicy. And finally be sure to order the fresh summer rolls and you will be very happy.

New Chiang Mai Thai Restaurant  ~  110 Kalakaua,  ~  Hilo, HI 96720  ~  Phone: (808) 969-3777

A the general excise tax on gas is back July 1st which caused prices to rise as much at least 10 cents a gallon and in some places even more due to the day to day fluctuations. A gallon a regular gas which was just over $3 on June 30th now is tough to find for less than $3.15!

In 2006 state legislature put a moratorium on the gas general excise tax while gas prices were heading higher and higher which was to be reevaluated in June 2009. But that time has come and past and with the state having a tough time balancing the budget (aka running out of money) we can most likely say goodbye to the help and hello to high prices.

And here I thought the cost of a barrel of oil was going down? Why has my gas bill been going up up up?

The Black Eyed Peas appearance at BAYFEST cements the festivals reputation as a World Class event one that will from here on out begin to draw visitors from around The World. More about BAYFEST in a future article but here & now The Black Eyed Peas are in the house.

Founded in 1995, there have been a few changes in the composition of the band but two names remain stable.  will i. am & apl. de.ap, while a third, Fergie, have become synonymous with phunky-pop.  The newest member, Taboo has equally earned a place in the hearts of a growing legion of fans. Though once ‘tagged’ as a hip-hop group The Black Eyed Peas have moved beyond easy labels and have become true musical pioneers. Their shows are lively & entertaining transcending the usual concert experience.

Tickets for The Black Eyed Peas are available through TICKETMASTER “Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com, and at all Ticketmaster outlets including Macy’s and Blaisdell Box Office. To charge tickets by phone, call (800) 745-3000.” One can also scope out http://www.bayfesthawaii.com/tickets.htm for both admission to BAYFEST and concert tickets which show an advanced price of $45 and a gate price of $55 for what promises to be one of the most entertaining shows Summer 2009.

(For those who are not into music, check out http://www.foodreference.com/html/a-black-eyed-0408.html)

“Koa the Mauser in collaboration with the Arts District Merchants Association and Hawaii Pet Magazine Invites ALL PETS to be part of the Pets on Parade July 18 2009 at 4PM at the beautiful Hidden Chinatown Courtyard, 1126,” next to Ramsey’s Gallery. All Pets means that Dogs must have their humans on a leash, and dogs must wear a collar with current ID. Cats are welcome, though they must be in a carrier or (a word I dislike) a cage, along with other pets, thus birds, iguanas, crickets, rats, etc are more than welcome.

What is even better is that dogs or cats or rats or etc and their humans are encouraged to make a pledge of $$$ for each block that you walk. The Parade route is 10/ten blocks through the historic heart of Honolulu, the Chinatown Arts District, and funds raised will help ‘The Hepatitis Support Network of Hawaii.’ A weaselly $1 per block times 10 will raise $10, a Pekinese $2 will net $20, a Siamese sized $5 snags $50, while a pit-bullish $10 per block will generate a $100 donation. These are suggested guidelines, though, no one is suggesting that you cannot pledge a polar bearish $1,000 per block!

Before and after Parading through Historic Honolulu with your Cherished Human, pets are encouraged to visit the Hidden Courtyard where they will find Entertainment, Treats for Pets, Refreshments for Humans, and booths exhibiting animal care tips, pet supplies, and more!

Those pets wishing a blessing will be pleased to note that the Reverend Moki Hino of St Andrews Cathedral will provide “a spiritual celebration to honor our loyal companions who love us unconditionally.”

Much of the fun will be exposing your pet to the works of art at various galleries, all of which encourage everyone to drop in more often, one reason they stay late and keep their doors open on occasions such as this, and first Fridays, to share their love for art, something pets truly appreciate (my Puma Cat’s favorite book was a collection of Cat Paintings from the New York Museum of Art).

Sign up early, contact Jackie Walden via 585-7200 or Melanie Yang via 524-1160. For mo’ info go to http://www.hawaiipetnetwork.com/events/pets-on-parade and http://artsdistricthonolulu.com/artsdistrictevents1.html …

Though a truly easy method for electing new board members was put in place for 2009, either via phone or internet with voters alerted by forms mailed out by the Neighborhood Board Commission, far too many people did not vote, many dismissing an official looking envelope with the City & County of Honolulu as a return address as ‘junk mail,’ thus they failed to participate in what was and will continue to be an easy process. Those that feel that they did not get this official notice are encouraged to call (768-3710) or to go to the NCO web site to assure that their names & addresses for future mailings are updated! There are even a few boards that have vacancies and thus the option is there to join your fellow citizens in what is an important volunteer job for your community.

However, even if you do not wish to volunteer to be a board member, you should put the Neighborhood Commission Office to use because it is there to serve you, to hear your concerns, to alert you to important meetings concerning developments in your neighborhood, issues impacting the places where you live and work. Do yourself a huge favor and go to the website http://www.honolulu.gov/NCO/boards.htm and find your district, check out the web pages set up for your neighborhood board, find the names & contacts, and when there are issues important to you, your family, your community, speak up.

Mayor Mufi Hannemann said, “Honolulu is a Grass Roots Democracy,” your Neighborhood Board is a vital step toward letting Mayor Mufi Hannemann, the City Council and appointed officials know what concerns you.

This reporter took the plunge in Spring 2009. registered as a candidate, alerted neighbors and friends and through their generous support was elected to serve as a Neighborhood Board Member. On Saturday June 20 2009 I was Installed as a board member along with approximately 360 others, attending the Installation Ceremony along with forty or fifty elected & appointed City & County of Honolulu officials and selected guests and family. A natural cynic I was surprised at how moving the ceremony was especially all that it entailed, taking an important step, serving a community I have grown to love. The Installation Ceremony began early, people trickling it at 7:30 AM, attending orientation lectures until 11AM.

Joan Manke Executive Secretary of the Neighborhood Commissions Office greeted new & returning board members with sincere appreciation. Mistress of Ceremonies Sandra Sagisi kept the proceedings moving along at a comfortable though steady clip. Wahiawa Board member Dean Harvest opened the ceremony with a moving Oli chant. There were speeches by various officials the highlight being his honor Mayor Mufi Hannemann whose appreciation was clear in word & gesture. Then returning and new board members were sworn in.

Then at the end of the ceremony a truly magical moment; four hundred people stood in the Honolulu Civic Auditorium and joined hands. Four hundred people of all ages and ethnicities. Four hundred people representing every profession; architects, bakers, bankers, clerks, drivers, educators, farmers, doctors, lawyers, the marginally employed, retirees, business people of every sort, every occupation imaginable, four hundred people joined hands and then they sang/hummed “Hawaii Aloha.”

Four hundred voices raised for one purpose, four hundred people pledged to serve the City & County of Honolulu, their community, their neighbors. A truly incredible moment.

Are you wondering where the Oscar Meyer Wienermobile will be while it’s traveling around Oahu, Hawaii over the next few weeks?  Well we have some info that can tip you off to it’s whereabouts!

June 28 – 2 – 6 p.m. –  Foodland Beretania
July 1     – 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Times Super Market in Kahala
July 1     – 1 – 4 p.m. – Times Super Market Beretania
July 2     – 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Pearl Harbor Commissary
July 2     – 2 – 6 p.m. – Times Super Market Kunia
July 3     – 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Foodland Waipio
July 3     – 1 – 5 p.m. – Schofield Commissary
July 4     – 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Waimalu 7-11
July 4     – 2 – 6 p.m. – Times Super Market Waimalu
July 5     – 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Times Super Market Koolau
July 5     – 2 – 6 p.m. – Times Super Market Kailua
July 8     – 9 a.m. –  1 p.m. –  Safeway Kaneohe
July 8     – 2 – 6 p.m. – Safeway Kailua
July 9     – 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Foodland Hawaii Kai
July 9     – 2 – 6 p.m. – Don Quijote Kaheka
July 10   – 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. –  Don Quijote Waipahu
July 10   – 2 – 6 p.m. – Foodland Pearl City
July 11    - 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Hickam Commissary
July 11    - 3 – 6 p.m. – Safeway Kapolei
July 12    - 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Foodland Kaneohe
July 12    - 2 – 6 p.m. – Foodland Kailua
July 15     – 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Foodland Mililani
July 15     – 2 – 6 p.m. – Safeway Pali
July 16     – 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Tamura Superette
July 16     – 2 – 5 p.m. – Sack and Save Nanakuli
July 18     – 2 – 6 p.m. – Tamura Wahiawa
July 19     – 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Safeway Hawaii Kai
July 19     – 2 – 6 p.m. – Safeway Kapahulu

Hope you can get out and enjoy some time with the Oscar Meyer Wienermobile as it travels around Oahu!

So, after a quick shower, off we went to the Poipu Shopping Center to try out a Puka Dog. When we got there it was packed. A small little hole in the wall, they serve veggie or polish dogs in a very non-traditional way. Puka in Hawaiian means hole. And these hot dogs are literally pushed into a hole in small loaf of bread (the bun.) Top that off with some interesting fixings that aren’t what you’d normally find on

a hot dog (only mustard if you’re traditional) and you have yourself a puka dog.

The ordering process is pretty simple. You first choose polish or veggie, then choose what type of Garlic Lemon Secret Sauce you want, and finally you choose the type(s) of tropical or traditional relish that you want your puka dog bathing in. Hand them your $6.25, and you’re on your way to enjoying a uniquely Hawaii hot dog.

The Garlic Lemon Secret Sauce comes in original, spicy and hot. I went the spicy and although it was quite tasty it didn’t give it the spice I was looking for. Next time I’m going with the hot. Now the truly unique and interesting fixins come with the relish choices you have, the tropical ones. These come in mango, pineapple, papaya, coconut, banana, and star fruit. All of which don’t sound appetizing on a hot dog but I had to try them out. Besides, whats a puka dog without a taste of the islands? So I went with the mango and it did not disappoint!

The lemon garlic, mixed with the mango, and hot dog wrapped in a bun turned out to be a great treat. I’ll definitely be heading down into Waikiki to try it out.

Finally, I washed it all down with fresh squeezed lemonade. The girl at the counter was squeezing it right in front of us, mixing it up with sugar, water, and ice, and serving it up with a smile. It was delicious. And it fit in with my tropical relish flavored hot dog quite nicely.

The staff was fun, seeming to have a good time. The service was fast. The atmosphere was like a Jamba Juice made out of left over Hawaii Tiki attire and crowd kept on coming. It was a perfect lunch spot on our Kauai weekend getaway.

People all over the world have been remembering Michael Jackson and his amazing musical career.  From The Jackson 5, “Thriller, “Beat it,”  ”Black or White,” and “Scream” Jackson leaves decades of music to reminisce.  Jackson was a talented individual that some may call eccentric, but in the end his contributions to music is what millions of fans will cherish.

Yesterday and today there were gatherings all over the world to honor and mourn the late pop star.  Fans gathered last night and into the morning in front of the Jackson family compound in Encino, California to bring flowers, signs, and show their support for the family.  Other gatherings were held in different cities across the nation and the world, including one here on Oahu.  A candle light vidual was held last night at Magic Island to honor Michael Jackson.

Here on Oahu, radio stations also celebrated Jackson’s music.  Radio station Hot 93.9 played Michael Jackson songs all afternoon and evening.  They took Jackson song requests and listener comments on air to remember and celebrate the pop icon.

There aren’t many people in this world that don’t know who Michael Jackson is.  His music has touched us all and influenced musicians and performers and will continue to in the future.  Not only his songs, but Jackon’s performances and music videos are imprinted in fans’ memories.  From his dance moves to his forward outfits and costumes that he wore, the world copied and revere Michael Jackson’s unique style.

Despite Jackson’s age and rumors of retirement, he was still performing.  Jackson was scheduled this July to start his one year performance of 50 sold out concerts to more than 1 million people at Londons’ O2 Arena.

We are all saddened by the recent death of this musical legend that will never be replaced.  I feel lucky to have experienced Michael Jackson’s music in my lifetime and will continue to enjoy his music and honor his legacy.