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The Hawai’i Superferry is no longer in operation. In theory the concept seemed appropriate because it provided a low-cost solution for inter-island transportation. While some folks are “upset” about its departure from the Islands, many locals are excited. My personal stance rests with locals who are much more attuned to the inter-island ferry’s affects upon vehicle traffic patterns, drug movement and the movement of wildlife from one Island to another.
However, the Superferry created a myriad of problems with one standout – whales were sliced open as massive keels cut through the ocean at 14’ depths. During winter whale migration season, ferry operations (with no use of radar), traveled at high speed (37 knots—about 43 mph) in the open Pacific basically churning any wildlife in its path. The Superferry hit several whales and their calves killing them in the process. Along with increased traffic on roads already crowded, the Superferry had very few locals cheering them toward success.
I believe the correct phrase for their departure is “Aloha.”
Ok then – I rode my bike on my favorite stretch of road today: the Foothills Parkway. Few cars were moving, but I was passed by a couple of hundred (yes more than 200) motorcycles. I experienced only one close call – a racer-bike (go figure).
Mid-way up the first climb an ambulance passed me with sirens blaring loudly. A few minutes later a Tennessee State Trooper passed me. I suspect it was a racer-bike doing something stupid on the Dragon.
The Dragon has many corners and most of them are shaded by large trees. Those trees tend to create damp, slick corners and it’s very easy to get sideways along the way. One suggestion for all those motorcyclists who want to go fast: rent the track at Virginia International Raceway – or better yet, sign up for a track day and “prove” your worth. It’s so easy to brag about racing down the Dragon, but few of those riders have the balls to attempt to race on a real track. Why? Because they aren’t fast. Period. They tend to learn a few corners and the lines and that’s it. They also seem to forget it’s a public road meant for TWO-WAY travel. Ergo, when you cross the yellow line and smack a vehicle head on – it’s going to hurt. Nuf said.
The photo for today was taken on Hwy 129 near the entrance to the Foothills Parkway. Njoy.
My Kona Fire Rock beer supply is now down to two bottles. “Baby go wauggghhh.” Hopefully the friendly beer-dude at Kro-ger has replenished the store’s supply so I can obtain some more Pale-aleth.
Although, upon my last visit I did find Kona Long Board (the other variety) in ‘full stock’ – so either way my Kona-fix will be readied for weekend enjoyment.
Remember: Drink responsibly. Don’t drink and drive. Buzzed driving is drunk driving. Etc. Etc.
Just when I thought I needed to travel super-far in order to snag some Fire Rock Pale Ale, it landed at the Kroger in Alcoa, Tennessee. Go figure. All I can say is – alohaaahhhh. Fire Rock is produced by Kona Brewing Company, a Big Island brewery who is committed to producing tasty handcrafted beers. I for one would like to work with their team of motivated individuals. I too am passionate about quality. It will be consumed responsibly of course.
“Therefore, men of Polynesia and Boston and China and Mount Fuji and the barrios of the Philippines, do not come to these islands empty-handed, or craven of spirit, or afraid to starve. There is no food here. In these islands there is no certainty. Bring your own food, your own gods, your own flowers, and fruits and concepts. For if you come without resources to these islands you will perish.” James A. Michener, Hawai’i.
After a search of the internet (brief search), I found the online version of “Hawaii’s Story” which I recently read while visiting Hawai’i. If you’ve not had the opportunity to read the book then click the link. You’ll find the book somewhat difficult to follow at first, but once you understand the gate of Queen Lili’uokalani’s writing style, it flows nicely. She talks about her childhood, her schooling, her travels, her marriage, the deaths of Ali’i and so much more. After reading her story, you’ll know why and how America took Hawai’i away from its people. And when you see the Hawaiian flag upside down, you’ll know why Hawai’i is in distress. Aloha.
What a wonderful location for a restaurant – and not just any restaurant, one of the best on the Island. Having eaten at Jameson’s by the Sea, North Shore (O’ahu), I anticipated great food and a cozy spot to relax while doing so. Jameson’s by the Sea, Hawai’i, is even better than the North Shore version. I’m not sure if it’s the location (it was two minutes from our condo) or the location next to White Sands beach, or the location of where we were seated for dinner. In combination with tasty Ahi, this made for a wonderful evening. It capped an adventurous day at South Point (images coming soon). Aloha.
Two roads go around Mauna Kea, the lower Mana Road goes from the 6,500 foot level and comes out in Waimea. The higher Kahinahina Road starts at the 9,000 foot level and goes 37 miles, all the way around Mauna Kea and back out on Saddle road at mile marker 43. The upper road is a diverse drive that ranges from 7,200 ft all the way to 10,000 ft. Since the tree line is at about 8,000 to 9,000 ft this drive takes you in and out of a variety of ecosystems interspersed with spectacular Mauna Kea vistas you can not see any other way.
We selected the upper road because it’s shorter. Having driven the entire 37 miles and now knowing what I know – I suggest that you start near the Welcome Center at the base of Mauna Kea and travel R-1 all the way until you reach the large lava bomb at the “triangle” path in the road. It cannot be missed. The lone bomb is large and near the point of the left side of the triangle.
If you continue on R-1 at that point you’re asking for serious trouble unless you know how to handle a 4×4 in tough conditions. I’m referring to slopes in excess of 25% and the ability to three-wheel your vehicle across lava rocks. Or back up while on a gradient of 25%!
If it’s raining (and it began to rain late in our trip) I highly advise NOT to attempt completing the last 18 miles unless you’ve got some stubby tires for extra grip. Trust me, the rental car company Jeeps are prepped with road tires and have little traction in truly wet, muddy conditions. I am thankful we completed 30 miles of the journey before we met rain and fog (cousins who live at the base of Mauna Kea!).
The entire trip can take 7 hours if you hike and explore along the way. We stopped three times to explore the surroundings and that was nicely balanced with photo stops to capture the adventure. Afterward we circled back on Saddle Road toward Mauna Kea and took the road to the top – 13,796 feet to be exact. And yes, there was snow on top of the mountain. In fact (see my hand reaching in the snow bank), the height of the tallest bank was over 6′. On one cinder cone we notice snowboard tracks!
After visiting the sites atop Mauna Kea, we traveled toward the Pacific and rested at Kua Bay for an hour – dipping into the ocean to wash off the dust and dirt from our journey. Atop Mauna Kea it was in the low 40’s and about 58 degrees all the way around the upper road. At Kua Bay it was 83 and breezy. What a kick ass day.
Aloha.
Queen Liliuokalani was deposed by the advocates of a Republic for Hawaii in 1893. Lili’uokalani married a ha’ole, John Owen Dominis on September 16, 1862. Dominis would eventually serve the monarchy as the Governor of O’ahu and Maui. They had no children and according to her private papers and diaries, the marriage was not fulfilling. Dominis died shortly after she assumed the throne, and the queen never remarried.
Upon the death of her brother, King Kalakauam Lili’uokalani ascended the throne of Hawaii in January 1891. One of her first acts was to recommend a new Hawaii constitution, as the “Bayonet Constitution” of 1887 limited the power of the monarch and political power of native Hawaiians. In 1890, the McKinley Tariff began to cause a recession in the islands by withdrew the safeguards ensuring a mainland market for Hawaiian sugar. American interests in Hawaii began to consider annexation for Hawaii to re-establish an economic competitive position for sugar. In 1893, Queen Liliuokalani sought to empower herself and Hawaiians through a new constitution which she herself had drawn up and now desired to promulgate as the new law of the land. It was Queen Lili’uokalani’s right as a sovereign to issue a new constitution through an edict from the throne. A group led by Sanford B. Dole sought to overthrow the institution of the monarchy. The American minister in Hawaii, John L. Stevens, called for troops to take control of Iolani Palace and various other governmental buildings. In 1894, the Queen, was deposed, the monarchy abrogated, and a provisional government was established which later became the Republic of Hawaii.
In 1893, James H. Blount, newly appointed American minister to Hawaii, arrived representing President Grover Cleveland. Blount listened to both sides, annexationists and restorationists, and concluded the Hawaiian people aligned with the Queen. Blount and Cleveland agreed the Queen should be restored. Blount’s final report implicated the American minister Stevens in the illegal overthrow of Liliuokalani. Albert S. Willis, Cleveland’s next American minister offered the crown back to the Queen on the condition she pardon and grant general amnesty to those who had dethroned her. She initially refused but soon she changed her mind and offered clemency. This delay compromised her political position and President Cleveland had released the entire issue of the Hawaiian revolution to Congress for debate. The annexationists promptly lobbied Congress against restoration of the monarchy. On July 4, 1894, the Republic of Hawaii with Sanford B. Dole as president was proclaimed. It was recognized immediately by the United States government.
In 1895, Lili’uokalani was arrested and forced to reside in Iolani Palace after a cache of weapons was found in the gardens of her home in Washington Place. She denied knowing of the existence of this cache and was reportedly unaware of others’ efforts to restore the royalty. In 1896, she was released and returned to her home at Washington Place where she lived for the next two decades. Hawaii was annexed to the United States through a joint resolution of the U. S. Congress in 1898. The “ex-”queen died due to complications from a stroke in 1917. A statue of her was erected on the grounds of the State Capital in Honolulu.
The Kanaka Maoli—or “native Hawaiian”—flag (right) is said to have been Kamehameha’s personal flag long before the modern Hawaiian flag. British navy Captain Lord George Paulet destroyed it when he took control of Hawaii for five months in 1843. Go figure – “Paulet” sucked! What an ass. I might add – “WTF!”
At the flag’s center is a green shield bearing a coat of arms, which include a kahili, the original Hawaiian royal standard, and two paddles, meant to represent the voyaging tradition of the Native Hawaiians.
The flag’s color scheme is red, yellow and green, meant to represent different groups within Hawaiian society. The yellow is symbolic of the alii, the powerful royal class. Red represents the konohiki, the landed caste that served the ali’i. Green signifies the makaainana, or commoners.
I noticed the Kanaka Maoli flag on a recent trip to the Big Island. It’s become popular in the community in recent years and can be found on everything from t-shirts to bumper stickers. I’ll be looking for one on my next trip – as I’ll be there Friday. This week. Aloha.
