Maui Named Best Island in the World by the Readers of Conde Nast Traveler Magazine for an Unprecedented 17th Time

Maui is No Ka Oi For 17th Time By Wendy Osher Article from: Mauinow.com For an unprecedented 17th time, Maui has been named Best Island in the World by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler  magazine.With a score of 92.1, Maui was also voted Best US Island for the 21st consecutive year in the magazine’s 24th  Annual Readers’ Choice Awards.  The award was presented to Maui Visitors and Convention Bureau executive director Terryl Vencl by veteran actor Chris Noth (Law & Order, Sex in the City and The Good Wife) in an awards ceremony held  last night in New York City. During the presentation, Noth shared his love for Maui saying he visits the island regularly. His mother, a former CBS  television reporter, has also made Maui her home.“Maui continues to capture the hearts, minds and imaginations of  visitors the world over,” said Vencl. “Recent branding studies reveal our visitors seek variety, choice and adventure, planned or spontaneous. They want to know lots of options are available, but want to have the freedom to be as active or relaxed as they choose. I believe this  coveted award speaks to that,” said Vencl. Maui County Mayor Alan Arakawa added, “Maui has so much to offer. It is an island of incredible beauty featuring unparalleled service, top-notch activities, excellent restaurants, a wide variety of  accommodations and the friendliest folks anywhere.” “This is a proud moment for the visitor industry and our people of Maui,” said Arakawa. The island of Kaua’i placed second this year with a total of 90 points, followed by Kiawah in South Carolina, which earned  third place with 86.6 points. The Big Island of Hawai’i (now being re-branded as “Hawaii Island”) earned fourth place  honors with 85.8 points. Maui’s sister island of Lana’i rounded out the top six with a score of 84.6. Other top island destinations worldwide include winners in the following geographical categories: Asia (Maldives, 87.5),  Caribbean/Atlantic (Bermuda, 87.4), Asia/Indian Ocean (Bora Bora, 87.0), Europe (Bozcaada and The Turkish Aegean  Islands, 84.2) and Canada (Vancouver Island, 81.5). Maui and Lana’i also fared well in the Top Hawai’i Resorts category, capturing top honors for various properties. Topping the list was Travassa Hana (95.0) followed by Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea (93.9). Oahu’s Trump  International Hotel Waikiki Beach Walk (93.7) placed third and Hawaii Island’s Four Seasons Resort Hualalai (93.4) ranked fourth. The island of Lanai captured fifth and sixth place respectively as Four Seasons Lanai at Manele Bay scored 93.4 and  Four Seasons Lanai, The Lodge at Koele finished with 93.1. Other Maui resorts making the Top 20 included 11th place Grand Wailea (89.3), 12th ranked Fairmont Kea Lani (89.0.) and 13th place Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa (87.8). The Ritz Carlton, Kapalua (86.9), captured the 14th spot. *** Supporting information courtesy Maui Visitors Bureau.

Happy Canadian Thanksgiving From Our Ohana To Yours

Happy Thanksgiving to all of our Valued Friends, Family and Clients Why do Canadians and Americans celebrate Thanksgiving on different days? One reason for Canadian Thanksgiving arriving earlier than its American counterpart is that Canada is geographically further  north than the United States, causing the Canadian harvest season to arrive earlier than the American harvest season. And  since Thanksgiving for Canadians is more about giving thanks for the harvest season than the arrival of pilgrims, it makes  sense to celebrate the holiday in October. So what are the differences between Canadian and American Thanksgiving, other  than the date? Not much! Both Canadians and Americans celebrate Thanksgiving with parades, family gatherings, pumpkin pie and a whole lot of turkey! What will you be doing to celebrate Thanksgiving this year? We’re looking forward to a great dinner with our family visiting from Vancouver and are very grateful for our valued friends, family and clients. Article excerpt from: http://www.kidzworld.com

Early First Whale Sighting in Maui Waters on Thursday

First Whale Sighting in Maui Waters By Wendy Osher Article from: Mauinow.com The first humpback whale sighting in Maui County waters this season was reported yesterday morning  off the eastern coast of Lana’i. According to the Pacific Whale Foundation, a pair of humpbacks was sighted at 8:35 a.m. on Thursday, October 6, about 2 miles off the coast by the raft, Great White.  The sighting was confirmed by the nearby Ocean Discovery vessel, operated by the Pacific Whale Foundation. Captain Bryson Oliveira confirmed the pod included one adult whale and one smaller whale that appeared to  be a yearling. The Maui sighting comes a week-and-a-half after the National Oceanic and Atmospheric  Association reported the first state sighting of the season near Honaunau Bay, Hawaii Island on September 26. “We were jumping up and down when we heard the news,” said Merrill Kaufman, Chief Operations Officer at  Pacific Whale Foundation. “It is always a cause for excitement when we discover the whales are back.” For the past two years, the first sighting off of Maui was reported on October 20. Humpback whales return to Hawai’i each year as part of their winter migration to give birth and care for their  young. An estimated 12,000 humpback whales are believed to make the journey, according to the Pacific  Whale Foundation. The agency celebrates the start of whalewatch season on Saturday, November 26, when whale sightings  are guaranteed through mid-May. *** Supporting information courtesy, Pacific Whale Foundation.

Casino Night Fundraiser for the J. Walter Cameron Center on Saturday October 15th

Casino Night: Gamble and Win Big for A Cause

By Kristin Hashimoto
Article from: Mauinow.com

Do your fingers itch for the gambling tables and die of Las Vegas? From 5 p.m., on Saturday October 15 at the King Kamehameha Clubhouse, legal gambling tables such as: black jack, roulette, craps, bingo, and poker tables will set the scene for a night of fundraising fun for the J. Walter Cameron Center.

Anyone with an affinity for architecture might want to check out the clubhouse, as it is a design from the renowned American architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. From 5:30 p.m., a no-host cocktail bar and auction will open. Pupus will be served and door prizes and live entertainment will keep the energy up throughout the night.

Tickets are $125 each and will go to a worthy community cause. The Cameron Center is home to 20 of Maui’s profit and non-profit health education, rehabilitation, day care, and human service agencies. This benefit will help the center in their continued provision of meeting spaces for hundreds of Maui’s community groups, clubs, social services and local businesses for nominal fees, throughout the year.

For more information on the J. Cameron Center and their casino night fundraiser, visit www.jwcameroncenter.org, or call 244-5546. The King Kamehameha Clubhouse is located at the King Kamehameha golf course at 2500 Honoapiilani Highway in Wailuku.

Front Street in Lahaina, Maui Named to Top 10 Great Streets for 2011 by the American Planning Association

Maui’s Front Street Named to Top 10 Great Streets for 2011

By Wendy Osher
Article From: www.Mauinow.com

Maui’s Front Street has been named to a national list of the 10 Great Streets for 2011. The selection was made by the American Planning Association (APA), under the organization’s Great Places in America program.

The recognition comes just weeks before a Halloween event returns to Front Street in full capacity on October 31st. The Halloween festivities have drawn tens of thousands of people to the street in its heyday.

The extended closure of the street was denied in recent years amid controversy over cultural sensitivity, skimpy costumes and lewd behavior. This year, county officials say concerns have been addressed, and are hoping the return will generate an economic boost for business.

The Great Streets award recognizes places that exemplify exceptional character and highlight the role planners and planning play in creating communities of lasting value.

APA selected Front Street for its history, amenities, revitalization efforts, and continuous use by multiple generations for a variety of purposes. The picturesque views and mild climate were also considered as contributing factors.

“The planning success of Front Street is due to years of effective partnerships between non-profit organizations, government leaders and countless community members. With everyone striving to balance Front Street’s historical, cultural and commercial needs we will ensure that this special seaside treasure lives on,” said Maui County Council Member Elle Cochran.

Through the Great Places in America program, APA recognizes unique and exemplary streets, neighborhoods, and public spaces. These authentic places showcase diverse architectural styles, promote community involvement and accessibility, and foster economic opportunity.

Since APA began Great Places in America in 2007, 50 neighborhoods, 50 streets and 40 public spaces have been designated in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

“Nearly five decades of preservation and revitalization efforts have uncovered and saved more than 1,300 years of culture and heritage,” said APA Chief Executive Officer Paul Farmer, FAICP.

Front Street’s architecture and sidewalks reflect Lahaina’s chronological history starting with the Moku’ula archaeological site to buildings from the 1830s and later.

Moku’ula, located at the intersection of Front and Shaw Streets, is a sacred island that was was once home to high chiefs from the 16th to 19th centuries. The island was buried years ago and filled for a county park. Efforts are currently underway to restore the site to its former grandeur.

Lahaina also served as the capital for the Hawaiian Kingdom from 1802-1842 before government activities were moved to Honolulu.

“From its start as the home of Native Hawaiian royalty to its days as a whaling outpost and missionary stronghold, and later a plantation town, to its current status as a tourist attraction, Front Street has embraced its history while accommodating more contemporary uses,” said Farmer.

Royal tombs located in Wainee, just off Front Street, are a reminder of Lahaina’s royal past. Photo by Wendy Osher.
Front Street is characterized by wooden storefronts, second-story balconies, parks, art galleries, eateries, residential quarters, and views of the West Maui Mountains, Lahaina Harbor and the island of Lanai.

In 1965, Lahaina was listed on the National Register and, three years later, was the focus of an architectural style book designed to protect plantation-era vernacular architecture.

Front Street underwent a major $11 million facelift in 1997 that included widening sidewalks and burying most electric utility lines. Other planning efforts have addressed density and commercial development issues, and established sign guidelines.

The nine other Great Streets selected by the APA for 2011 include: Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA; U Street N.W., Washington, DC; Main Street, Galena, IL; Main Street, Nantucket, MA; Washington Avenue, St. Louis, MO; Market Street and Market Square, Portsmouth, NH; Downtown Woodstock Streetscape, Woodstock, VT; King Street, Alexandria, VA; and Davis Street, Culpeper, VA.

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The Buzz~Compliments of Old Republic Title & Escrow of Hawaii

THE BUZZ
Compliments of Anne Diola
Old Republic Title & Escrow of Hawaii

There’s good news in real estate to report as we enter the fall season. In August, sales of existing homes rose 8.5 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.47 million in August. What’s important to note is that this rate is 20.2 percent above the 3.72 million pace of August 2010. Also, U.S. home prices were up for the fourth month in a row, according to the latest Standard & Poor’s/Case-Shiller Home Price Indices.
Existing home sales increased from July to August in all regions:
Northeast – increased 2.7 percent
Midwest – increased 3.8 percent
South – increased 5.4 percent
West – increased 18.3 percent
Ron Phipps, President of the National Association of Realtors, reports that currently we are experiencing the best housing affordability conditions in a generation. Clearly, buyers are enjoying the benefits of today’s market and historically low interest rates.

JUST ASK
Q: I’m hearing about something called a “conforming loan limit” and how it’s changing. Can you tell me more about this?

A: The conforming loan limit determines the maximum size of a mortgage that the U.S. – specifically, the Federal Housing Administration, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac – will guarantee. Before the housing bust in 2008, the government-insured loan limit was $417,000. This limit still applies across most of the country. But in areas with high home values — 250 counties, in all — the government increased those limits to bolster the confidence of cautious lenders.

Since 2008 the limit in affected counties has been $729,750. But as of October 1, the new limit has been reduced to $625,500. Home buyers in these counties can obtain non-conforming home loans (known as “Jumbo” loans), but the interest rates are typically higher and require a larger down payment. In a nutshell, the lowering of the loan limit can mean fewer loan options for buyers in affected counties.

MY TOWN
As the nights grow longer and days a bit cooler, you probably find yourself shifting from thoughts of barbeques and swimming pools to pumpkins, harvest festivals and trick-or-treating. As you get ready for October festivities, consider turning your pumpkin carving tradition into a family activity. Whether you’re 2, 22, or 102, carving pumpkins lets you express your creative self.
Disney’s FamilyFun.com site has lots of tips on pumpkin carving and buying (Hint: Visit your local pumpkin patch!). Check out their slide show of creative pumpkin carving and decorating ideas too for some inspiration. Kraft.com includes pumpkin carving stencils you can print and loads of Halloween-themed recipes. About.com is also a good source for carving tips and recipes. Did you know, for example, that you can use your Jack O’ Lantern as an air freshener? Just sprinkle some cinnamon, nutmeg or cloves on the bottom of the lid.
Spread out your newspapers, get a carving knife and pumpkin, and get ready to have some fun celebrating fall. Happy carving!

FYI
On October 15th, from 5:00pm to 9:00pm, drop by the Shops at Wailea for an amazing charity event called: “Sharing, Shopping, and Symphony”. This is sponsored by the Windermere Foundation and all funds raised will stay on Maui! There will be Live Entertainment, Silent Auction, Fashion Show, and more. Looking forward to seeing you all there!

Anne Diola’s Contact Info:
Anne Diola
Account Executive
Old Republic Title & Escrow of Hawaii
33 Lono Ave, Ste 195
Kahului, HI 96732
W: (808) 281-8430
M: (808) 281-8430
adiola@ortc.com

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Kihei Community Association Meeting~Community Explores Maui Island Plan

Community Explores Maui Island Plan

Public discusses important policy document under review by Maui County Council.

Written By:Tom Blackburn-Rodriguez
Article from: The MauiWeekly

The Kīhei Community Association (KCA) meeting held on Tuesday, Sept. 20, was billed as a review of smart planning for South Maui.
The meeting began with an announcement by state Rep. George Fontaine, who said he was meeting with Maui Electric Company (MECO) President Ed Reinhardt to try and stop the utility’s plan to install 70-foot power poles along the mauka side of Pi‘ilani Highway as part of an effort to increase the supply of electricity for growth planned in South Maui.

Subsequently, the Maui Weekly recently learned that Rep. Fontaine appears to have been successful, stating that the MECO plan will be modified.

Rep. Fontaine disclosed additional information in a Thursday, Sept. 22, Facebook posting: “After meeting with MECO and hearing my suggestion of moving the lines further mauka above any view-plane and development, they agreed.”

“The route will now go from some midway point on Mokulele Highway, across A&B and ranch lands,” he added. “They need to work [out] what the new cost will be and easements. Once they complete it, they will present the new plan to the community. The president [Reinhart] also apologized to the community on how this was initially handled.”

Following Fontaine, the group discussed the potential impact of the proposed Maui Island Plan currently under review by the Maui County Council.

Among the guest speakers for the evening were environmental activist and former General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) member Lucienne de Naie and Kathleen Kern from the county Planning Department’s Long Range Planning Division.

De Naie said that much is at stake for South Maui, depending on the final form of the Maui Island Plan that is approved by the council.

She said the important issues affecting the area include: Hawaiian cultural heritage; shorelines, oceans and reefs; watersheds and wild lands; livable, walkable communities; housing opportunities; food and energy self-sufficiency; economic diversity; and adaptation to climate change.

De Naie is concerned that the council is engaged in softening the language of the proposed plan by removing words like “shall” and “must,” and replacing them with words such as “may” and “encourage” in areas relating to environmental and building practices, to name a few.

She also criticized the council for removing or placing in the index section maps tied to policy statements regarding topics such as preservation of the shorelines and hazard areas.

“Good maps equal good plans,” de Naie said. “We need to advocate that our maps connect to our Maui Island Plan.”

A panel moderated by KCA President John Miller brought de Naie together with Kern.

Miller reiterated his concerns to Kern. “The community has spoken about what we want and don’t want in South Maui, and what we want our community to look like. But, after all that, why do we get these monster plans that are so shocking, instead of what the community vision is asking for. What mechanism are we going to put in place to get the community we want?”

Kern replied that the Maui Island Plan is a policy document that is open to interpretation. “There is a difference between a policy plan and regulation such as zoning, etc.,” she said. “Ultimately, what governs things are the regulations.”

She recommended that as the community moves forward from the Maui Island Plan to the development of community plans that will put policy recommendation into effect, they correctly identify the zoning they want with specific design guidelines.

Kern, an architect who has previously worked on planning issues in Seattle, Wash., suggested that Maui might want to look at the Seattle planning model.

“In Seattle, after doing neighborhood plans, they began to develop neighborhood design guidelines,” said Kern. “Any large project has to go to the community design review board.”

Next month’s KCA meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 18, will examine commercial development in North Kīhei. KCA meetings are held the third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Kīhei Charter Middle School Campus, 41 E. Līpoa St. For information, call 879-5390 or visit www.gokihei.org.