Hawaii Political Platter - New Lt. Governor Tsutsui

Hawaii State Senate President Shan Tsutsui was appointed as Hawaii's newest Lt. Governor on December 27 after the office became vacant with the appointment of former Lt. Governor Brian Schatz to fill the vacant seat for Hawaii in the U.S. Senate after the death of U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye.

Top Photo: Before a more formal photograph was taken, the new Lieutenant Governor gathers with his former Senate colleagues including Senators Kalani English, Brickwood Galuteria, Donna Mercado Kim, Clarence Nishihara, Jill Tokuda, Michelle Kidani, Sam Slom and Ronald Kouchi. With the departure of Sen. Tsutsui from the Senate Presidency, the position was quickly filled when the majority party agreed to elect Senator Kim as the next Senate President.



The new Lt. Governor and Governor Neil Abercrombie at the Dec. 27 press conference announcing the appointment of Shan Tsutsui.

Photos were taken at the Hawaii State Capitol, Governor's Ceremonial Office, 12-27-2012 Canon 600D.

Hawaii Political Platter: December 18, 2012.

The Passing of U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye

The big news for Hawaii this week is the passing away of U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye (1924 - 2012). The news broke for me at a press conference in Governor Abercrombie's office at the State Capitol where the subject was supposed to be the $6.1 billion 2013 State Budget. Instead, in a somber voice and tone, the Governor informed us that Senator Inouye had passed away shortly after noon Hawaii time.

Accolades for the late Senator have been widely reported in Hawaii, the nation and around the world since his death yesterday.

I've heard and seen the Senator mostly on TV or at a distance, though I did manage to get at least one photo of him when he attended the opening day of the State Legislature in 2011 (above, shown with State Senator Donna Kim).

May the late Senator and war hero now rest in peace. Condolences to his family and friends. Aloha.

Price Conflict at Walmart

What's Up With This?

The sign says Low Price @ $5.74, but the label on the frame says $5.00. I hate when stuff like this happens. The consumer certainly feels like the merchant is trying to rip them off! Taken December 5, 2012 with Sony Cybershot U30 camera.



Walmart Sam's Club Keeaumoku Street signage. Photos by Mel.

Christmas Holiday Pictures

Tis the season for Christmas lights, Christmas giving, the Holiday Spirit, the renewal of friendships, the gathering of shoppers and most importantly, the gathering of families. Welcome to Christmas 2012.

Here in Hawaii our Christmases are far from white, as we get no snow in all of the major populated areas. While there is no snow, we will occasionally have some rain and once in a while it will be heavy. So far this season, no major rain.

Good weather keeps the retailers happy as the shoppers come out in droves to catch holiday sales and bargains. Over the next few weeks keep checking the slideshow post below for new and updated photos of this, the Christmas season for 2012.

Happy Holidays to you all!









Best time to catch the Christmas lights in Downtown Honolulu and not get the crowds in your photo? Try going between the hours of 2:00 am and 5:30 am in the morning. Security guards at the Honolulu City Lights display tell me the crowds drastically thin out after 1:00 a.m. When I showed up at 5:00 a.m. hardly anyone was there and I pretty much had the run of the place to take pictures of all the main outdoor displays without getting in the way of the people.



Photos taken by Melvin Ah Ching.