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From sashimi to retail therapy, there are many ways islanders ring in the New Year

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From sashimi to retail therapy,  there are many ways islanders ring in the New Year


HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – 2024 started off with a bang with the traditional fireworks show over Waikiki. There are many reasons why so many cultures make it a point to ring in the new year with such loud noises, but the primary reason? To chase away evil spirits.

Another tradition, and certainly not as loud, helped many individuals put their “best foot forward” first thing this morning at the Ka’iwi State Scenic Shoreline for Hawai’is observance of the national First Day Hike.

“This one is one of the largest ones in the nation, maybe because the weather is nice compared to hiking like in South Dakota this morning,” said Curt Cottrell, Director of State Park.

As dawn breaks, the morning was greeted with the blowing of a conch shell followed by a sunrise prayer in O’lelo Hawai’i. Then, to wrap up the morning greeting, drumming courtesy of the Taiko Center of the Pacific,

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Retail therapy is also a New Year’s tradition here in Hawaii, and an example of this is found at the ABC Stores, where you will find Fukubukuro bags.

“Fukubukuro, lucky bag means if you purchase this one, you will get the luck, you will get the happiness,” said Noriko Mishima with ABC Stores. There’s also a bit of mystery with this purchase because you won’t know exactly what is in the bag.

One thing is for sure: you will get a great discount on quality items. The Fukubukuro bags, valued at $165, will sell for $55. It will only be available at ABC on Jan. 1 and 2nd.

Of course, we can’t forget traditional New Year’s cuisine to welcome 2024, from pounding mochi to a delectable sashimi tray. Another dish that many Japanese or Nihonjin eat is Ozoni, which is made up of a clear warm broth, fish cake, mochi or rice cake, and vegetables.

“People eat ozoni for good luck for the new year; it’s more of like a Thanksgiving, thanks for a good harvest, thanks for a healthy family,” said Yasushi Takanashi with Robata Jinya Hawaii restaurant.

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Ozoni will be served on New Year’s Day at Robata Jinya Hawaii in Kakaako, as well as in many homes throughout the state on this first day of 2024.

“Robata Jinya Hawaii, ozoni katchi kara, dozo irashaimasu,” said Takanashi, which translates to Come and enjoy your ozoni and Happy New Year!

Good advice and an excellent way to start 2024.



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Hawaii Island asks for the public’s assistance finding elderly woman, Jacquelyn Glenn

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Hawaii Island asks for the public’s assistance finding elderly woman, Jacquelyn Glenn


HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Hawaii Island police are renewing their request for the public’s assistance in locating 82-year-old Jacquelyn Glenn of Kailua-Kona, who was reported missing by her family.

Police said she is considered endangered due to her age.

Glenn was last seen on Friday, Dec. 5, around 6:37 a.m., on the 75-200 block of Nani Kailua Dr. in Kailua-Kona.

She was wearing a peach-colored shirt, blue denim jeans, and black tennis shoes. She reportedly mentioned going to Hilo with friends, but did not say when she planned to return.

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She is described as 5′6″, 125 Ibs, with curly grey hair and brown eyes.

Police ask anyone with information on the whereabouts of Jacquelyn Glenn to call the Hawaii Police Department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311.



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Hawaii gets nearly $190 million for rural health care | Honolulu Star-Advertiser

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Hawaii gets nearly 0 million for rural health care | Honolulu Star-Advertiser




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Hawaiian announces $600 million airport, wide-body upgrades | Honolulu Star-Advertiser

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Hawaiian announces 0 million airport, wide-body upgrades | Honolulu Star-Advertiser


COURTESY HAWAIIAN AIRLINES

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Hawaiian Airlines today announced an investment of more than $600 million over five years to improve airport passenger areas across the state and interior upgrades to widebody aircraft.

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Hawaiian Airlines CEO Diana Birkett Rakow told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser ahead of today’s announcement at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport that other improvements will include better apps, a better website that will make it easier for passengers to change flights, among other things that also include better integration with Alaska Airlines, which acquired Hawaiian in 2024, making it a subsidiary of Alaska Air Group.

“We have pushed a lot of change through the system for the last couple of months,” Rakow said. “We’re working on integrating our ticketing systems because right now we’re on two separate ticketing systems that don’t talk to each other.”

After late April, she said, booking on the shared Alaska Air and Hawaiian Air ticketing system “will be much more seamless.”

In announcing the renovations and changes, Hawaiian pledged “a significantly smoother guest experience … once Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines share the same passenger service system and Hawaiian Airlines joins the oneworld alliance, both scheduled for late April.”

Right now, Rakow acknowledged, “unfortunately there is some friction.”

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“There’s been so many changes and all of that friction is really painful,” she said. “We are committed to making sure we are addressing the issues. … We are certainly not perfect, but we are committed to working together. … Really, after April, it is going to improve significantly.”

Each island airport also will see renovated lobbies and gates designed to increase comfort, provide better seating and amenities such as improved power charging.

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Daniel K. Inouye International also will get a new 10,600-square-foot lounge at the entrance of the Mauka Concourse in Terminal 1.

And starting in 2028, Hawaiian’s wide-body Airbus A330s will get new seats, carpets, lighting, business class suites, a Bluetooth-enabled in-flight entertainment system with high-definition screens and free Starlink Wi-Fi.

Gov. Josh Green said in a statement ahead of today’s announcement that, “Hawaiian Airlines’ investment is exactly the kind of long-term commitment Hawaiʻi needs. Modern, welcoming airports improve the experience for residents and visitors alike, strengthen our economy and keep Hawaiʻi competitive as a global destination. We appreciate Hawaiian Airlines’ partnership in advancing workforce development, regenerative tourism, clean energy, and community programs that reflect the values of our islands.”

The New Year began with a .75% increase in Hawaii’s Transient Accommodations Tax that will help the state fight climate change.

Rakow said that Hawaiian is working to better inform inbound passengers about how to respect Hawaii’s culture and environment.

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Hawaiian said it will continue to support “programs promoting regenerative tourism, culture and conservation.”

The airline also said it will fund grants to nonprofit organizations “promoting cultural programs, environmental preservation, and perpetuation of native Hawaiian art and language through the Alaska Airlines | Hawaiian Airlines Foundation.”




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