August 30, 2009

Emmanuel’s Pre-School in Kailua

Emmanuel’s Pre-School in Kailua has recently changed curriculum and other items around at the school in hopes to make better learning environment for it’s students. Of course there are going to be some opposed to change, but it is natural for people to not feel comfortable when things change.

Here is a little about what the school:

Emmanuel’s Pre-School offers high quality child care to children ages 3 to 5 years old. The school has recently adopted an academic curriculum as well as integrated a weekly “Chapel Day” into the program. Teachers and staff provide a safe and nurturing environment, where children blossom through song, play and discovery. The school is open year round from 6:45 am to 6:00 pm. Spaces are available!! To learn more about the school, visit their website: www.emmanuelkailuapreschool.com

We recommend that anyone considering any school to do their own due diligence and research to make sure it is a fit for their child and family.

July 18, 2009

Trump Tower Waikiki Lawsuit

About two and a half years ago, Irongate Developers had a lot to brag about. The 464 units of the Trump International Hotel and Tower Waikiki Beach, the flagship project of Irongate, sold out in one day for prices ranging from $500,000 to $4,500,000 for the most expensive penthouse. This extraordinary development set a record for the Hawaii real estate sales as the total topped $700,000,000. At the time, Irongate released a statement claiming that the sale was a world record for a one-day sale. Fast-forward thirty months from the economically very different times of November 2006, and the promised 38-story skyscraper is nearing completion, starting to make its own impression on the legendary Honolulu skyline. All is not well however – driven partially by the devastating economic depression that began in the year 2008, two groups have filed suit in District Court and Circuit Court, claiming that Irongate misrepresented the involvement of the internationally recognized real estate tycoon. The lawsuit is especially important because of the possibility of a plaintiff-friendly verdict setting a precedent for future, similar lawsuits. According to Robert Hastings, president of a local real estate appraisal firm, “These suits are a function of the times, and there will be other litigation like this.”

The plaintiffs consist of two separate groups, one of which chose to air their grievances in the state circuit court, and the other of which chose to file suit in Honolulu federal court. Combined, the trial groups include about twenty dissatisfied buyers, representing investors from the mainland, Japan, and Hawaii itself. The claims of both lawsuits are essentially the same – that Irongate incorrectly listed Donald Trump as a “co-developer” in its 2006 promotional brochure, when in reality Trump simply licensed his name to be used with the project. The lawsuit alleges that Trump had the option to terminate the contract at any point in time, since the real estate mogul did not have any material investment in the tower. The plaintiffs claim that their decision to invest in the development was based heavily on the brand name of Trump, which grants an inherent value to the complex. They are concerned that if Trump exercises the option to withdraw his name, the Trump Waikiki will plummet in value.

The suit was filed by former Hawaii Attorney General Warren Price, and seeks to recover the initial deposits of the plaintiffs. Price stated that “Our clients intended to invest in an exclusive, one-of-a-kind Trump project in Waikiki. They were making an investment in a Rolls-Royce. They weren’t told there’s a license and it can be terminated, at which time the Rolls-Royce turns into a GM type of car.” Irongate was quick to respond to the lawsuit, saying that “A small group of individuals filed suit today. We believe that all of the claims are without merit and we intend to vigorously defend ourselves. Furthermore, we intend to pursue all of our own claims against these individuals. The vast majority of buyers are moving towards closing and are looking forward to their first visit to Trump Tower Waikiki Beach Walk later this year.”

December 29, 2008

Obamas Second Coming to Lanikai Kailua Hawaii

Way too much excitement for our little beachside community, Obama came back to Lanikai to golf Mid Pacific Country club again. He said” Needed to come back and redeem himself after how he shot last time he was here”. Maybe it was the red hat he was wearing or he is just feeling a little more comfortable in our town.

Obama greeting crowd

Obama knows how to work a crowd, that is for sure. Pretty nice guy

Todays Photos:

Justin gets a second hand shake with President Obama

Justins first Hand shake on Christmas Eve

Justin mentioned by local paper

Obama enjoying all the aloha

Grandma Ann got to shake his hand this time and also took the photos

December 25, 2008

Obama’s Christmas Eve Golf Vacation in Kailua

Everybody in our small town has been so excited with the news that president elect Obama and his family chose to spend their Christmas vacation here in Kailua.

Obama Approaching Gallery at Mid Pacific Country Club

On Christmas Eve our nanny Nina was bringing our kids home from the park and was overwhelmed by a motor cade transporting President elect Obama to nearby Mid Pacific Country Club.

Obama Wishing Local Lanikai Crowd a Merry Christmas

April 15, 2007

Don Ho Dies at 76

The Hawaii lengend Don Ho dies at 76 years of age.  He had suffered heart problems a couple years ago and had to have a pace maker inplanted.

Ho entertained some Hollywood’s biggest stars and 1000’s of tourists for four decades. For Many people a trip to Hawaii was incomplete without seeing his Waikiki show.

Many people will sure miss this great entertainer.  Hawaii has lost a great son.