May Day is a holiday created  to honor the Hawaiian custom of making and wearing leis. In 1928, a writer, Gracie Tower Warren, proposed the idea be a holiday on May 1st, in conjunction with May Day.  It was fellow writer Grace Tower Warren who came up with the idea of a holiday on May 1st in conjunction with May Day.

On May 1, 1928, The first Lei Day was held and Honolulu residents and visitors were encouraged to wear leis. Events were held in Honolulu with music, hula, lei making and contests.

In 1929, Lei Day was made an official holiday, and continues today. On Oahu, Lei Day events are featured in Queen Kapiolani Park in Waikiki.

Many celebrations are also held at local schools thorugh out the islands. Elementary schools hold celebrations crowning Lei Day kings, queens and princesses of each island, such as occurred in 2008 at Heeia Elementary School. Dances are performed by students and the appointed royal family. Students vote for the May Day court paricipants.

Each of the major Hawaiian Islands has a flower that represents its uniqueness.

Hawaii – Lehua. It’s blossoms come from the ohia lehua tree which grow on the Big Island’s slopes of the volcano. It is commonly red and is sacred to the Volcano Goddess, Pele.

Kauai – Mokihana. It is a purple berry found only on Kauai. It is a fruit that is strung as beads to make a lei.

Kahoolawe – Hinahina. It is a gray plant found on the Kahoolawe beaches and they are braided to make leis.

Lanai – Kaunaoa. It is a light orange vine that is twisted together to make a lei.

Maui – Lokelani. Means “rose of heaven” and is the color pink with a sweet smell.

Molokai – Kukui. Green or brown nuts from the Kukui tree that are strung with ribbon to create leis.

Niihau – Pupu. White shells found on the shoreline and are strung together to form a lei.

O’ahu – Ilima. It is a yellow/orange flower that is strung to create a lei. The high chiefs were once the only ones allowed to wear these leis.

If you happen to be in Hawaii on May Day, feel free to join in the celebration and give some you admire a lei. It is a custom that expresses how much you care for someone.

The City of Honolulu will be celebrating Earth Day by honoring our Mother Earth during the month of April and beyond.  A full calendar of various events are planned.  Honolulu is holding a Reduce Electrical Use Contest.  Contestants are asked to design a switch plate cover with a “reduce electrical” theme.  Entries must be postmarked no later than midnight April 30th.  The winning design will be used to replace switch covers in City Hall.  Cash prizes will be awarded to first, second and third place winners.
 
On Saturday (April 11), an educational event, the 2nd Annual Mauka to Makai Environmental Expo, is being held at the Waikiki Aquarium from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Various agencies (federal, state and city) will be on hand to educate the public on what is being done to protect and preserve the Hawaiian environment.  The event will feature family-oriented displays, crafts and activities.  A special treat will be the release of hatchery-raised Moi (Pacific threadfin fish) into the water. T his event is FREE, so be sure to attend.
 
On April 18, it is lights out!  You will be able to see the beautiful, star-studded sky much more clearly between the hours of 8 p.m. and 9 p.m., when Honolulu will celebrate Earth Day by turning out its lights.
 
Be sure to check out the debut of Honolulu’s first Green Market on Fort Street Mall on April 22 at 10 a.m.
 
The youth of Honolulu will be holding a summit meeting at Ala Wai Golf Course Club House in the Diamond Head Ballroom on April 26.  The 21st Century Ahupua’a Youth Ambassadors will be discussing and planning ways to shape the future of Honolulu.
 
Honolulu will continue to honor Mother Earth throughout the year when the Curbside Recycling program is expanded on May 4th.  In addition, Lights Out will become an official monthly event for the City of Honolulu.  The city will turn off its lights every third Saturday of the month, beginning on April 18.
 
In keeping with the Earth Day theme, I thought I would also let you know that the Lyon Arboretum at the UH Manoa campus (Blaisdell Hall) will be holding a plant sale this Saturday (April 11) from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Exotic trees, foliage, succulents and flowers will be available for purchase.  Plant doctors will also be on hand to answer questions that you may have.  Hui Hana Hawaii volunteers will be selling fresh jams, jellies, haku lei and craft items.  Door prizes will be given away and there will be special fun activities for all of the keiki (children).  Admission is $2, with proceeds going to the arboretum in Manoa Valley.  Need more info?  Call 988-0456 or visit http://www.hawaii.edu/lyonarboretum.
 
Let’s all celebrate Mother Earth!  Remember to Reuse, Recycle, Conserve and Plant beautiful greenery everywhere!
 
Aloha,
Robin McCann, Robin McCann Realty

The Oahu community of Kailua will be celebrating Earth Day at the Kawai Nui Neighborhood Park on Saturday, April 4, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Various organizations and environmental agencies will be participating in the event to bring environmental awareness to the residents of our beautiful island of Oahu.  The event will include a tour of Queen Lili’uoklani’s retreat.  Those who wish to take part in the tour must be checked in at the information booth by 10:30 a.m.  Educational exhibits will offering interactive activities for children.  Exhibits will also present information on the work currently being done to on the island of Oahu.  The importance of Oahu’s Kawai Nui Marsh, Hawaii’s largest wetland, will be a featured topic of the day.  Opportunities to be a vital part of the Earth Day celebration will be available.  Volunteers will be allowed to work at several sites around the Kawai Nui marsh.  There will also be a raffle for volunteers and for those who come by bike or walk to the event.

Celebrate Earth Day while learning the importance of our unique environment and how to preserve it.  Demonstrate the Aloha Spirit by participating in the various volunteer opportunities that will be available.

Aloha,

Robin McCann, Robin McCann Realty, LLC

There is stimulating news for the Oahu real estate market.  Interest rates are down, loan limits are up and a tax-credit for first-time home buyers is available.  The federal government has implemented its plan to acquire Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac mortgage-backed securities, which has had a positive effect on both Wall Street and mortgage loans.  The announcement is stimulating the mortgage market.  Mortgage loan applications are up (nationally) and mortgage loans are seeing lower interest rates.
 
The week of January 15th saw an interest rate of 4.96%, an all-time low.  Since then, the interest rate has been hovering at the 5.1% level.  The Mortgage Bankers Association is reporting that, according to its most recent survey, mortgage loans are available at an astounding 4.89% for a 30-year fixed loan and 4.5% rates for 15-year mortgage loans.  I checked their website today; today’s 30-year rate is 4.98% and the 15-year rate is 4.61%.
 
The conforming loan limits were restored to $729,750 when the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 was passed.  The higher loan limits offer a wider selection of home mortgages available to home buyers.  Home owners can also take advantage of the lower interest rates and higher loan limits with refinacing options.  It is a great time to lower your house payment.
 
First-time home buyers (anyone who has not owned a home in the last three years) are eligible for a tax credit up to $8,000.  The actual credit is 10% of the sales price.  The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 tax credit does not need to be repaid and is refundable.  The 2008 tax credit required repayment, whereas the 2009 credit does not, making the 2009 tax credit more advantageous to home buyers.  The tax credit is also refundable, which means that, if you pay less than the tax credit, the difference will be refunded to the taxpayer.
 
The tax credit does have an income cap of $75,000 for singles and $150,000 for married couples.  The income cap also has a phase-out program, which means those making more than $150,000 may possibly qualify for the tax credit depending on their adjusted income.  If your income is more than the income cap, you will need to check with your financial/tax adviser to see if you qualify.  The tax credit may be applied to your 2009 taxes or your 2008 taxes by filing an amendment.  You will need to check with your financial/tax advisor to determine which year is the best one for you to apply the tax credit.
 
Oahu home prices are more affordable than a year ago, with an 18% downward adjustment in pricing.  Interest rates are down almost a full percent (5.87%) from the same time last year.  A tax credit is available for first-time buyers.  These stimulating factors may make taking advantage of the current market and economic times a wise decision for you.
 
Aloha,
Robin McCann, Robin McCann Realty, LLC

Rubber duckie…Oh, what fond memories:, bathtub splashing, water sloshing, rubber duckie bobbing. (sigh)  Well, if you think playing with your rubber duckie was fun, then you are sure to enjoy The Great Hawaiian Rubber Duckie Race being held this Saturday, March 21st, behind the Hawaii Convention Center at the Ala Wai Canal.  Rubber duckies will be dropped from the Kalakaua Avenue Bridge into the canal at precisely 1:22 p.m. to take full advantage of the tides.  However, you will want to arrive early to enjoy all the pre-race fun at the McCully Shopping Center.  Activities will include entertainment, games and a Duckie store.  Pre-game festivities will be held from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  20,000 duckies have been made available for adoption.  The first 50 duckies to finish the race will win prizes for their owners.
 
The Great Hawaiian Rubber Duckie Race is another demonstration of the .  The Great Hawaiian Rubber Duckie Race benefits the The United Cerebral Palsy Association.  The United Cerebral Palsy Association provides services to assist those affected by cerebral palsy or others with severe disabilities.  2009 marks the 22nd year for the Great Hawaiian Rubber Duckie Race.  Honolulu holds the distinct honor of being home to the first Rubber Duckie Race in the nation.
 
Be sure to come out and have a quackin’ good time at the Great Hawaiian Rubber Duckie Race.  To adopt your very own rubber duckie, go to the United Cerebral Palsy website (www.ucpahi.org).
 
Aloha,
Robin McCann, Robin McCann Realty, LLC
 
Related Info:

Great Rubber Duckie Race 2008 Honolulu, HI (YouTube)

The wetland area of Honolulu’s Pearl Harbor bike path received a makeover with the help of Aiea Intermediate students as well as Pearl Harbor sailors in conjunction with the City and County of Honolulu.  The clean up and replanting of native plant life, such as the Hawaiian Morning Glory, was part of the Adopt-a-Block and Adopt-a-Stream program.  The project is a three-year plan (which began in October 2008) to reduce trash and invasive plant life by 80%.
 
Sailors worked side-by-side with students to remove invasive plant life, replacing the vegetation with native species.  Native wetland plants were reintroduced to the area.  The native plants help to filter out pollutants before they reach the ocean harbor.  Honolulu city workers gave botany lessons to Aiea Intermediate School’s eighth-grade science class, increasing their knowledge of their carbon footprint and its affects on the environment.
 
Thank you Aiea Intermediate and U.S. Navy for another demonstration of the Aloha Spirit and for protecting the environment while adding beauty to our already beautiful Island of Oahu.
 
Aloha,
Robin McCann, Robin McCann Realty, LLC

Whether you are an islander or a visitor to Hawaii, please take the time to honor the Nisei veterans by visiting the Nisei Fighting Men Exhibit.  The exhibit will remain until the end of the year.  The exhibit is on display at the main branch of Central Pacific Bank (2024 North King Street, Honolulu).
 
Nisei soldiers were second-generation Japanese-Americans who fought during World War II for their country, although that country neither trusted nor respected them.  Several thousand Japanese-Americans who volunteered to serve were from the Islands of Hawaii; the remaining Nisei soldiers volunteered from the relocation camps on the mainland.  A total of 17,600 Nisei men served in the armed forces.  Every unit in which they served became known for its bravery under fire.
 
The Nisei men of Hawaii’s 100th Infantry Battalion were the first allowed to serve in the armed forces.  The battalion proved immediately that they were true soldiers, ready to defend and honor their country.  Due to their outstanding performance, the government reversed its decision to prohibit Japanese-Americans from serving in the armed forces.
 
The Nisei fighting men served in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, 1399th Engineer Construction Battalion, Military Intelligence Service and Hawaii’s famed Japanese-American unit of the 100th Infantry Battalion.  The fighting motto of the Nisei soldier was “Go For Broke”.
 
The 442nd Regimental Combat Team became the most highly decorated unit in United States’ history.  More than 18,000 individuals received citations.  Eight of these Nisei soldiers units were awarded Presidential Unit Citations.  More than 700 men gave their lives and over 9,500 were wounded and awarded the Purple Heart.  The battalion earned the name the “Purple Heart Battalion”.
 
The exhibit is quite moving, with pictures and memorabilia.  You will find pictures of Senator Daniel K. Inouye, who earned the Medal of Honor, Elton Skamoto, Sakae Takahashi, Sueo Sakamoto, a McKinley High School graduate, and his brother, Ulichi Sakamoto.  Ulichi Sakamoto was one of the 700 Nisei soliders who were killed in combat. 

Related Websites:
Nisei Veterans Memorial Center (Maui)
Go For Broke National Education Newsletter
Go For Broke – The movie (still available on VHS and DVD)
The Spirit of Go For Broke – Hickam Air Force Base

Robin McCann, Robin McCann Realty, LLC

Honolulu’s low-income housing will benefit from up to $3.8 million from federal stimulus funds.  A total of $9.7 million in funds will be made available to the State of Hawaii for low-income housing.  Kukui Gardens and other low-income affordable housing will receive funds from the Stimulus Package signed into law by President Obama.  These stimulus funds will allow housing developers to purchase and begin construction of low-income apartments.  The funds will help to replace state housing tax credits, which faded with the the economic meltdown.  It is expected that 100-160 constructions jobs will be created by the projects created from the funds.  Hiring for the jobs created will begin as soon as the federal funds are received.
 
Aloha,
Robin

Ladies, get your bling on and, gentlemen, dig out your ties because, on Sunday evening (February 22), you can party like a movie star at the Oscar Night America Party being held at Waikiki’s renown Royal Hawaiian Hotel.  The Royal Hawaiian Hotel will roll out the “red carpet” for all guests.  The party will begin with cocktails being served at 4 p.m. in the Monarch Ballroom.  Guests will receive an official Academy Awards program.  Dinner will follow the cocktail party while watching a special advanced broadcast of the 81st Academy Awards.  The party-goers will be the first in Hawaii to know who the winners are, as the broadcast will begin a full hour and a half (5:00 p.m.) before the publicly scheduled broadcast at 6:30 p.m.
 
Academy Award commemorative posters will also be available for purchase.  There will be an auction held at the event which will include items such as the cane used by “House” star Hugh Laurie and an autographed copy of the “The Queen” signed by Helen Mirren, who received the Oscar for her performance in the movie.  Guests will also be treated to a private guided tour of the newly redecorated Royal Hawaiian Hotel.
 
The Oscar Night America Party is hosted by the Hawaii International Film Festival’s (HIFF) and is one of 46 being held nationwide to benefit local charities.  Oscar Night America is in its 16th year and has raised $23.7 since its inception.  To purchase tickets, please contact the HIFF officials at 528-3456, ext. 113, or send an -mail to oscar@hiff.org.
 
Aloha, Robin

The Hawaii Medical Service Association (HMSA) is offering an Online Care Service to island residents.  You do not need to be an HMSA member to use the Online Care Service and registration is free to everyone.  HMSA members are pre-registered as part of their membership.  The goal of Online Care is to provide fast and easy access to health care.  Doctors will speak to you in person via phone, secure chat or videoconferencing.  In addition, doctors are able to write prescriptions online.  Online Care also offers you a choice of health providers.  You may choose your doctor by zip code, hospital affiliation, specialty, language or gender.  Online Care offers Hawaii residents the benefit of a consultation of a doctor without having to leave their home.  Immediate help is available and no appointment is necessary.  For more information, please visit the Hawaii Medical Service Association website: http://consumersonline.hmsa.com/overview.