Hawaii Real Estate | Hawaii Relocations | Hawaii Home Buying & Selling

DID YOU KNOW?   The Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle, The HONU (pronounced ho new) is the "Ancient of the Ocean" and survived even the Ice Age. 

Hawaiian legends tell a tale of Kau'i'la (cow ih la) who is a mystical sea turtle and a daughter born to two supernatural sea turtles in Hawaii. Kauila watched over the children playing on Punalu'u Beach (her home) on the Big Island (the island of Hawaii). She would sometimes turn herself into a little girl so she could play with the other children on the Black sandy beach. She would frolick in the fresh water pond and blow bubbles to the children's delight, but mainly would be there to watch over the children.

Our Honu is on the endangered species list because 90% of the Honu have a the virus "Fibropapillomatosis' and it causes fibroid tumors in the neck, throat, eyes, mouth and eventually eat the Honu from the inside out.

Please be aware that there are laws here that are enforced to protect our Honu:

• No Harassing
• No Harming
• No Killing
• No keeping sea turtles in captivity without a permit (educational or research)
• Divers are NOT to ride turtles. It is ILLEGAL because it puts the animals under stress

For more info on Endangered Species of Hawaii and Organizations that Protect them:

Honu Project

Hawaii's Endangered Species

National Wildlife

Earthtrust

A gorgeous courtyard picture and amongst the beauty of a well manicured landscape I paused. You know, we can stop dead in our tracks when we view something that catches our eye and immediate thoughts begin to arise. A story to tell from a still picture captured with those first impressions that were implanted in our memory bank to store for later when viewing the picture shot at that moments notice.

I could see a garden tea party with women wearing long frilly dresses and bonnets with a parasol to protect them from the morning sun. A couple sitting on the bench beneath the shade of the trees and enjoying a quiet moment together. A gardener clipping and standing back to admire his work of the tropical garden and thinking....that someone will stop to take a snapshot of the beauty.

It's actually a view from the second floor of Schofield Barracks clinic.

Enjoy!

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Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs  she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocating to Hawaii, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents. Website: www.hawaiihomesmarket.com

Have you ever wondered what makes a good blog to gain readership?  In the beginning I just thought that it would be great to get a bunch of members reading my post. It was a lot of fun and darn if I didn't get a bunch of featured posts. I made friends and boy did we have a lot of fun!

Eventually my writing took a turn and I took everything I wrote to a higher level. I started to think about all the leads I was getting from my ActiveRain blog and what the topics were that they were contacting me about.  The consumer /lead wanted to not only get information about real estate but my local area.

I then turned my focus to a variety of topics to write about because after all- Isn't Real Estate about everything and anything in our local community if we're to be classified as local experts?

Gearing toward specifics related to Real Estate to write about lead me to delve into writing about:

• Businesses in my community:   I wrote about the restaurants I had dined, the material warehouse where I got TLW some material for scarves and even down to the Aloha Stadium and Kam Swap Meets and Pearlridge Mall.
• Local Celebrities:  Ron Artis (he passed away yesterday) who painted murals all over buildings here, Eddie Aikau the famous surfer, Braddah Iz (Israel Kamakawiwoʻole) a wonderful musician and more.
• Hawaiian Historical Sites and Info:  I wrote about the Night Marchers and the Menehune's and historical landmarks and sites to see such as the Hawaiian Heiau's (Ancient Hawaiian Temples), Burial Sites and Laws and the Bishop Museum.
• Hawaiian History of:  I researched and found out where Aloha Hawaiian Print Material started, about Hula, King Kamehameha,The History of Father Damien in the Land of the Exiled, the History of Homes and so forth.
• Real Estate:  Hawaii Real Estate Contracts and Laws (every state is different.....) Condo Associations, Open Houses,  the volcanoes and vog, zoning information, VA Loan Transactions in Hawaii and Relocating to Hawaii. ADD ON:  Even about my growing up in the Mililani Community Mililani Town Homes| Mililani Mauka Homes| Growing Up with the Mililani Community!
• Scenery and Visuals:  I love taking my camera around the island and snapping shots of anything and everything. Being a great photographer can lead to a visual grasp of the reader for your post. You can always use the photo and build a story on it.

Remember, writing about everything and anything in your community will give you that extra advantage when your client asks you about businesses, history, real estate and your neighborhood.

Be that local expert.

You can make it fun and......

Being prepared with information past your real estate knowledge.

Ask this real estate agent about her local area, the businesses and history and you'll get an earful.

You see, Real Estate is not just about my knowledge of real estate. It includes my local area knowledge and everything you need to know about your relocation to Hawaii in order for me to be the "local community expert' in MY COMMUNITY.  This includes information about Honolulu County (the island of Oahu- pronounced oh ah hoo), the surrounding Hawaii Military Bases, a bit of history, neighborhoods and communities, businesses and more.

You may even be a local Oahu resident but wanting to move to Central Oahu and need someone who has the expertise a specific neighborhood. How about directing you to the nearest schools in the area?  Local restaurants and shopping malls is another factor for your moving to Central Oahu and you need to know these important factors.

An experienced Real Estate agent is a seasoned professional AND also knows their local area.

ALL THINGS REAL ESTATE.  Knowledge, experience and listening to your needs are your top priorities for choosing your real estate agent. Knowledge, experience and knowing the local area has to be another.

A real estate agent is an expert in all areas...including knowledge of the local area you are buying or selling your home.

This is what it means...

To know....ALL THINGS REAL ESTATE.

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"Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate® with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocating to Hawaii, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents.

Sea Life Park is located on coastline on the east side of the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and they're open dailiy from 10:30am-5pm.  From the Dolphin Cove Show to the adorable 11 Penguin Habitat Trainer Talk and the Hawaiian Ocean Theater, this park is bound to leave a lasting impression on all who attend.  You can also enjoy the Sea Lion Show, the Pirates Lagoon, the Seabird Sactuary, the Sea Turtle Feeding and other events as well.

But...there's more!    Halloween Week at Sea Life Park!  Wow! You'd think that it would be a treat to just have the sea life events and programs at Sea Life Park on Oahu to entertain you.  For this coming week there  are extra programs to kick off the Halloween festivities are a bonus!

• Halloween Arts and Crafts: From Monday, October 25^th to Friday October 29^th you can go to the Adventure Center in Sea Life Park to enjoy crafts and lectures from 10:00am to 11:15am  and again from 11:30am to 12:15.  Fun for the whole family and people of all ages!
• Halloween Splash:  Held on Saturday, October 30^th from 2-5pm there will be a keiki (children) costume contest. Sign up for a chance to win a Dolphin Encounter (a $99 value)  The keiki's (kay kee) will receive all sorts of treats.   Admission $2.00 (have to be in costume)

A Special Offer for Kama'aina's (local residents- and pronounced ka ma aye na) Only:  Dolphin Encounters for just $59.00!  From October 5, 2010 through November 30, 2010. Valid ID required and some restrictions may apply. Does not include tax.

Come join us at:

Sea Life Park:  41-202 Kalanianaole Hwy #7, Waimanalo, Hawaii 96795.  Phone:  (808) 259-2500

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Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs she serves all Hawaii Home Buyers and Sellers on the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) including all Hawaii Military Relocating to Hawaii, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents.

Website: www.hawaiihomesmarket.com

Shopping at Pearlridge Center has been one of my favorite places to go shopping.  With an array of shops, restaurants, theaters and more they always have some kind of educational exhibit going on for the children.

Well, when I went to Pearlridge to do a bit of shopping this past week, lo an behold....there were the Dinosaurs at Phase II of Pearlridge Center.  I was amazed how the two little toddlers were hanging out by the fence surrounding the display and they were't afraid of the roaring and moving dinosaurs!

Dinosaurs  is an educational program (FREE!) and started on June 18th and running through August 15th. Held during normal store hours: Monday through Saturday form 10am to 9pm and Sunday from 10am to 6pm with large robotic displays as well as hands on activities.

For more information on stores, shops and calendar events go to Pearlridge Center

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Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs  she serves all Hawaii Home Buyers and Sellers on the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) including all Hawaii Military Relocating to Hawaii, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents.

Website: www.hawaiihomesmarket.com

I appreciate the history surrounding Oahu and if one is relocating to Hawaii or just coming to visit, I strongly encourage to seek out the historic sites. There is more to an area besides the stores and malls and the history of an area will provide insight into the past to present.

The Waianae Range spreads the length of the West Coast of Oahu (Nanakuli, Maili, Lualualei, Waiane and Makaha are a few of the communities along the way) and separates it from the rest of the island. To get to the West Coast of Oahu you can just go down Farrington Hwy around the mountain range.  The Waianae Coast was named after the mullet that was once farmed in the area.  To break down the word, Wai (pronounced why) means water and enae (eh na ee) means large mullet.  This community was known for it's agriculture, sugar mill, fishing and religion.

As any other state in the nation transportation evolved from saddle to wheeled carriage and eventually to steamer that left each Friday from Honolulu to Waianae (West Coast of Oahu) and Waialua (North Shore).   By 1888 the service increased  to twice a week.

By 1889 the construction of Oahu Railroad started and by November 16, 1889 was open to Aiea and on January 1, 1890 it reached Pearl City and serviced the vicinity of Ewa and Honouliuli.  During the 1890's the railroad service extended to the West Coast through Kaena Point to Waialua and Kahuku.

To this day fishing is a huge part of every day life for many residents on the West Coast of Oahu and most recently I had the opportunity to meet a commercial fisherman who turned out to be a wonderful client.  Life on the West Coast is not for all but for him it's just a simple but hard working way of life.  If he's not out fishing he's taking care of his one acre lot home he bought last November.

Needless to say, the Waianae Coastline is breathtaking with clear blue oceans to lush valleys.  Truly, the West Coast of Oahu is a local area with living the simple life with many beach parks filled with family and friends having beach parties for the baby's first birthday luau or just to get together. Definitely a place minus the hustle and bustle of city life.  (a few of the stops to consider along the coastline are Kahe Beach Park, Tracks Beach Park, Nanakuli Community Park, Maili Beach Park, Waianae State Park, Lualualei Beach Park, Pokai Bay Beach Park, US Army Recreational Center Waianae, Maunalahilahi Botanical Garden)

A couple of other posts to see what's happening on the West Coast of Oahu.

Preservation & Conservation: Military Land Use on Oahu Hawaii's West Coast (Waianae) which is about  the history and current land use on the West Coast with regards to the military.

The Legend of Makua Cave: Northwest Coast of Oahu, Hawaii is only a smidgen of the history surrounding the islands.  This cave is known as "the cave of man". Read about the legend.....

Bottom lines, every part of Oahu (Honolulu County) has history and many points of interest ....

.....and the Waianae Coast is just one of them.

The stone image of "Makapu'u " the supernatural woman and another one of Malei are no longer visible but it is said that Makapu'u (bulging eye) was in the form of a black rock. She was a female kapua (flower, blossom, child) who came to to Oahu (Honolulu County) with a famaous voyaging priest.  

Malei, another female kapua was a stone set up to attract Uhu (Parrotfish) to the area. They made offerings of Lipoa (a type of seaweed) and also said to be a rock relative of Pele (the fire goddess)

But the Makapu'u Lighthouse is still standing and located on the East side of Oahu high above on the cliffs overlooking Makapuu beach. The lighhouse was established and first lit in 1909 and the light is still operational (as depicted in the picture).

The current use for the Makapu'u lighhouse  is for "Active Aid to Navigation.

The owner is the U.S. Coastguard.

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Yup! I'm all for the Bill passing and starting on Wednesday, July 01!  It's going to stop all this text messaging, game playing and so forth while driving (and weaving all over the road).  I've used hands free technology (Bluetooth earset) for years just for the fact it was safer with answering so many phone calls during my drive to and from each destination.

With all the accidents and even instances with public bus drivers playing games while driving (that's scarey) it's about time we had this bill passed. I think back to when I used to smoke and talk on the phone at the same time. .....  <groan>

There is NO grace period allowed...in case you are wondering. More from the Honolulu Police Department website here>>>>>  http://www.honolulupd.org/traffic/electronic_devices.htm

19 days and counting :)

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Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs  she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocating to Hawaii, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents. Website: www.hawaiihomesmarket.com

In my younger years...uh, wayyyyy back in the 70's and 80's I loved to work in restaurants as a waitress (now they call them food servers) serving cocktails and dinner. I loved running around and doing my best with a smile on my face and in the end receive a nice gratuity (tip) for my hard work and effort to make sure they have a wonderful dining experience.

I even got to wait on Steve Martin and Bernadette Peters wayyyyy back when at the Honolulu International Airport Dining Room. Yup...those were the days. Gratuities (tips) were included with delayed flights (on the coupons they gave their customers) and a lunch shift would bring $120 to $150 on those delayed flight days.

Now a days, anyone receiving tips has to claim a for sure 10% off total sales of each night for taxes and I've seen restaurants take it right off the total sales of each waitress (food server) and claim it for them.... lest they get in trouble for their employees not claiming the cash they receive.

What burns me up is when I go to a restaurant and the next table has a bottle of wine, steak and lobster and dessert...and you just know that bill topped over a hundred bucks and you see them leave 2...yes TWO BUCKS on the table.

You know what I say? 

Stay home and cook and have your husband/wife/son/daughter wait on you!

Then you don't have to shell out any money for the person waiting on you hand and foot.

Keep in mind:

• Standard gratuity is between 15-20% and at the VERY least 10%.  Just know that they are getting 10% taken out of the total sales slip you and your party of 20 just drank and ate. On top of all that you folks treated the food server as a second class citizen and threw food at her/him.
• Sometimes the food is late because the cook is busy with 100 other orders, the waitress/waiter is just having an off day, bad hair day, just got word that the spouse is fooling around or just a new employee learning.
You take your dog to the groomer and love the fact that the groomer is the ONLY one who can cut your vicious dog's hair and nails. The bill is $65 for shampoo, hair dry, hair cut, nail trim and a toy for being 'good'.  $9 @ 10%. This is a true story....and I tip our groomer $15.
You jump in a cab while your screaming girlfriend is weiling a knife outside. The cab driver takes care of you and zooms off and takes you to your other girlfriends house. They get taxed on tips too.....if you give them one.
It's time for that pedicure!  You do a manicure too and the bill is $38. And the tip?  I give them $10 for handling stinky caloused feet. At the VERY least...their 10% is what is due at cashing out time.
You go to Subway and there's a tip jar at the cash register. You figure you stood in line and got your own food and put a quarter in there. Heck, at least you put something in there. Your son gets his first job at Subway and you try to put a quarter in there and your son reprimands you....in front of the whole lunch line.
• That Gift Card you received is part of the total sales slip. The gift card may have been $25 but your balance was $25. And you think you only tip on the $25 balance? Oh..you think it's a standard $2 tip no matter where you go? GASP!  Put yourself in their shoes.
• It's coupon day and you have a buy one steak dinner and get one free. It's a beautiful restaurant and they are giving this special to boost business just for the week days. The steak dinners are $25 dollars each and you have a party of four with two coupons. The total bill was $100 (and everyone drank water) and the balance was $50.00. Not bad for a party of four. So you tip $2 on the $50????? GO HOME AND BBQ with your friends!!!  The tip should be $10 at the least....I tip $20 or stay home.

I had to get this off my chest. I remember those days ...wayyyy back when. 20 cents for an $11 dollar meal. I ran up to the people before they left and handed it to them. I think they needed it more than I did.  I was 17 and it was my first waitress job at Woolworth's Restaurant in Waikiki.

I'm reminded that it still happens.

My daughter puts herself through school......as a waitress ...and tells me some meannnn stories.

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Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs  she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocating to Hawaii, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents. Website: www.hawaiihomesmarket.com

My daughter Dori attends the University of Hawaii West Oahu Campus for a couple of classes.  At present the West Oahu Campus is located in separate 29 portable classrooms on the Leeward Community College Campus.  Hopefully, the West Oahu Campus will come to life for all who have planned so hard for the Kapolei (Second City) Makai and Mauka Campuses on Oahu.

Councilmember Charles Djou represents the 4^th Council District (Waikiki to Hawaii Kai).  His father was born in Shanghai, China and raised in Hong Kong and his mother was raised in Bangkok, Thailand. Charles was raised here in Hawaii. Read more on how he got the name DJOU ....HERE. You can read about his many ACHIEVEMENTS and read his RESUME and quite frankly I say that all of his accomplishments, achievements and his resume are quite impressive.

Usually, I don't get into talking politics although at times I do express my views when someone has made an impact on me in some way.

 Generally speaking, my views about Politics in Hawaii were with the mindset that the ‘good old boys' ran every department there is in Honolulu County. And who can fight City Hall if there are just the ‘good old boys' representing our districts? 

Along came Charles Djou. 

I didn't pay attention to much of our local political news until I started hearing Councilmember Djou speak about certain issues on the news. He stands up for what he believes is right and he darn sure spoke up when something was just not right.  Now, that would be a matter of opinion when it comes to what's right and wrong although I started listening to this young man who spoke up with a mind of his own and did not chime in with the good ole boy syndrome regarding any issue at large.

I've listened and I've watched this young man grow in the Honolulu County City Council. I've watched and listened to this young man progress with his ideas and his love for Hawaii and the things that NEED to get done. Throughout his campaign running for Congress I'll hopefully see him win too. Watch Charles Djou's Video...running for Congress HERE

And what does this have to do with my daughter DoriAnne?

Dori has changed her mind about her majors for as long as she'd been going to college. She was so interested in Forensic Science (like the CSI shows) and started taking classes like Anthropology and Criminal Law and anything related. We were talking about one of her classes and she mentioned that her teacher is  Charles Djou.

The whole conversation turned to Charles Djou and I told her how I felt about this young man. He stands up and speaks his mind is what I said. She said that he did the same teaching class and that she highly respected him for that too. 

What's so ironic is that my daughter is a heck of a lot like........ Charles Djou.

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 The crab in the picture had a little too much sun and got cooked right there on the rock!

Sharks Cove is a giant reef located on the North Shore of the island of Oahu and a great place for snorkeling & scuba diving. The crystal clear water depicts the awesome views of marine life in their natural environment that you are bound to see under the surface of the ocean.

With Spring already here and Summer approaching, this is the best time to snorkel as the waters are calm. (unlike during the winter when the waves go up and over the rocks) At the end of the reef the ocean drops off to about 25 feet.

Tip:  Wear shoes!  The rock and coral formations are definitley hard on the tootsies! Watch out for the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles (endangered species) and White Tipped Reef Sharks.

 Picture above was taken in November of 2007 at Sharks Cove. (Kathy McGraw came to visit :) What a difference between Winter Swells and Spring Calm waters :)

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Have you ever heard of a survey for the happiest state? Hawaii is usually left out of a lot of surveys and somehow gets left out as a state quite often.  We're only across the Pacific Ocean and spread out among islands.  Geez. Well, we were not left out this time.....HAWAII is the SECOND HAPPIEST STATE.  Utah came in First.

Well, after hearing this story on our local news two nights ago.... I was....PROUD.

We are the Aloha State (and now the second happiest lol) and our Aloha Spirit is infectious to say the least. We throw leis over the necks of incoming visitors, at birthday parties, celebrations and so forth with a hug and a kiss.  

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 I love hugs and everyone likes to get lei'd, no?

The survey was conducted by Gallup Organization and America's Health Insurance Plans. Does that mean it is  a good survey?  Who knows...polls and surveys cover only a certain percentage of our people. 

The Well-Being Index  is based on the World Health Organization definition of health as "not only the absence of weakness and disease, but also a state of physical, mental, and social well-being." (40+  questions were asked for an overall Composite metric based on six individual and interrelated Domains and Indices of Well Being: Life Evaluation, Emotional Health, Physical Health, Healthy Behavior, Work Environment, and Basic Access. Following are short breakdowns of each:

• The Basic Access Index (thirteen items measuring resident's access to food, shelter, and healthcare, and a safe and satisfying place to live):  Satisfied with local area, Area getting better as a place to live, Clean water, Medicine, Safe place to exercise, Affordable fruits and vegetables, Feel safe walking alone at night, Enough money for food, shelter, healthcare, dentist recently, doctor & Have health insurance?  WE GOT IT ALL!
• Work Environment- Are you happy with the place that you are employed? Your co-workers, your job, your employer?  I LOVE THE "FAMILY" I WORK WITH!
• Emotional Health-  Ones state of mind for any given situation and circumstance? Smiling/Laughter, treated with respect, happiness, Worry, Sadness, Anger, Stress, Learning/Doing something cool.  Having a healthy mind and healthy self esteem....loving self from the inside out is the biggest contributor to SLEEPING WELL AT NIGHT!
• Physical Health/Healthy Behavior- Eating and Exercise Habits; outdoor activities?  Uh....I am borderline for all of these. Smoking?  I quit over two years ago, healthy diet....uh...not always...I love my sweets. OOPS.
• Life Evaluation Index combines present life situation with anticipated life situation 5 years from now. They asked Americans to evaluate their lives from 0 to 10, where "0" represents the worst possible life and "10" represents the best possible life. I HAVE A GOOD LIFE, I HAVE A GOOD WIFE....is what my husband recites to me often. I say, ME TOO.

These are areas we all (nationwide) have to work on and it's imperative that we do so in these ‘changing times'.  No matter what's going on around us we make the best of what we do have....not gloat over what we do not have. That is the sheer essence of getting off our tushes and doing something about our current situations and any circumstance we come across. We learn, we grow and we sleep well at night. 

Stay tuned........we all have a story to tell.

The Kahuku Sugar Mill was built in 1890 on the North Shore of Oahu in a town called Kahuku. The portuguese, Japanese and Filipino immigrants came to work this plantation for eight decades. Being the victim of decay and the costly cleanup of polluted land was the reason for tearing down much of what was left of the mill in 2004.

Everyone in this tiny little town grew up around this mill and everyone seemed to have a connection to it. The Mormons settled there in the mid 1800's and they are the ones who began cultivation of sugar and the sugar mill itself closed in 1971 after 81 years in operation.To this day the majority of people here had relatives who once labored in the fields or worked in the mill. They even tried to save this center of the community with a variety of shops, restaurants and of course the Hawaii history they hoped would bring tourists and prosperity.

But alas, it was not meant to continue to be. Only a few markers are left to commemorate the mill's importance to the community and ....history was made there. Long after the mill closed the old sugar workers and their families still lived in the plantation housing.

Surrounding lush lands and beautiful countryside and close to the ocean make this quaint town one of the last non booming towns on Oahu. If you like country living this is it!

If you are just visiting and desire resort living on the North Shore:

• Turtle Bay Resort
• Turtle Bay Golf

And other activities on the North Shore of Oahu!

• Kualoa Ranch  Recreation, horseback riding and more!
• The Polynesian Cultural Center  Authentic luau (Hawaiian feast), 7 native villages with shows galore from other South Pacific cultures!
• Helicopter Tours  right from Turtle Bay Resort! Many flight paths to choose from and 2 way radios to speak to other guests and the pilot. Cool! 
• The Original Glider Rides from Dillingham field at Mokuleia. Skydiving too! You'll definitely be singing "I believe I can fly" when up over the clouds!
• Historic Haleiwa Town  Haleiwa (Home of the Iwa bird) was a sugar plantation town for over 100 years until 1996 Wailua Sugar (Oahu's last sugar plantation) shut down. Haleiwa remained "country" and in 1984 Haleiwa was designated a Historic, Cultural and Scenic District.
• Dole Plantation  Pineapple Express, the Plantation Garden Tour, the Pineapple Garden Maze and the Guinness Book of World Records 2001 World's Largest Maze
• Waimea Valley  Gardens, Waihi Falls, legends and heiau's (temples)  A glimpse into the beauty of Waimea Bay, the Valley and the falls with it's rich history too.
  

 © 2009 Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman's Hawaii Real Estate and Relocation Blog.

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Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs  she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocating to Hawaii, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents. Website: www.hawaiihomesmarket.com

This is a view of Waikiki Beach on February 8, 2009 at approximately 11:00am. Everyone was either at the Pro Bowl or headed to the last Pro Bowl game at the Aloha Stadium. Yet, with all reports on tourism and visitors numbers going down it sure took on a different life this past Sunday.

Maybe everyone on the beach didn't come for the Pro Bowl? Maybe they just came to soak in the sun? Maybe take advantage of great air fare rates? Hotel rates? Just came to get away from the cold?

Whatever the case may be it was a nice scene. Business at the beach was booming :)

© 2009 Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman  

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Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs  she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocating to Hawaii, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents. Website: www.hawaiihomesmarket.com

Okay, so  I am one to create my own positivity about any circumstance or situation but doing so NOW is especially important as our national economic woes affect EVERYONE.  Our residents in our tropical island paradise (our chain of Hawaiian Islands)  are breaking down barriers and continuously moving forward to overcome obstacles that we have been facing.   I truly believe that the Aloha Spirit thrives in all of us and gives us our determination to continue living out our dreams in our Home of Aloha.

In Honolulu County (the island of Oahu) we are the catch all for everything happening nationwide and worldwide. We are the center stop point of the trade world in the Pacific and international  stop for foreigners heading to the continental United States (aka ‘mainland') and  ‘mainlanders' heading to Asia and beyond. 

Take a look at my positive outlook to each situation for our state, county, city and neighborhood:

• Our tourism industry has fallen in % of visitors from the mainland although we are still getting visitors from other parts of the world. Some businesses have closed but it doesn't stop the rest of them and they barrel through and survive until it gets ‘better'.  I read about a Cold Stone Ice Cream Parlor in Waikiki whose owner is serving the ice cream herself to keep it going. The Ripple Effect From Our Hawaii Tourism Industry
• Our Honolulu County housing market has slowed down and the number of sales fallen although we are still selling homes. Certain neighborhoods like Ewa and Ocean Pointe are experiencing a decline in sales prices but their sales numbers have risen. Ewa Gentry Communities - Affordability in Paradise  Royal Kunia, Waikele and Mililani have had a few short sales and if priced right they are still moving.  A few tips for Hawaii Home Sellers Barriers & Bridges VS Selling Your Hawaii Home  and a few tips for Hawaii Home Buyers Killer Negotiating & Losing the Hawaii Home You Love! (and more about our local banks that INTENTIONALLY stayed away from subprime loans)
• The military continuously relocate in and out of Honolulu County and they are continuing to utilize their Hawaii VA guaranteed home loan in lieu of renting.  Ah, the bliss of home ownership still within their reach.  They also bring in business to our local economy and have kept many businesses running.  I personally thank them for their service and support the troops and they have supported us in Honolulu County. Hawaii VA Loan Process: BE PREPARED!
• Local Businesses are struggling but many are pulling through. Super Bowl Sunday showed just how much our local residents pull together to enjoy a ‘get together' and buy locally for pupu's (pronounced poo poo and means appetizers).  One thing is for certain is that we will always need to buy from stores and markets and it's the strong that are surviving.  Sizzler Restaurants Hawaii - Surpasses Expectations! (LOCALISM FEATURED)
• Unemployment levels are up to 4.9% although a recent job fair attracted 6,000 potential hires and 120 employers offered career choices ranging from fast food to the military. One of the most popular booths was the FBI and it was looking for 850 special agents and more than 2,000 other professionals nationwide.

I look at everything from a positive perspective because  I would rather have hope and determination to strive  for a brighter future; rather than give up and die in spirit.   

Aloha From The Aloha State!

Many a time we drove around our island and passed this property and I was one to concoct all kinds of morbid thoughts and tales in my head when I saw a spooky kind of structure. This was one of them. After researching I found that there is nothing spooky about it but a worn down building on the property.

Right off Kamehameha Highway the old gutted building (to the right) still stands with what is left of the state home for wayward boys. On June 18, 2002 a fire destroyed all but concrete walls of the structure that was vacant for some time, so no one got hurt or injured.

What this property really is ...is Crawford's Convalescent (nursing) Home, located on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii. It has been in existence since 1954 and licensed with 55 beds and serving the Medicare population as well as Intermediate care patients.

James Crawford worked at the State Hospital and decided to take over this site in 1954 and open a nursing home and he started out with just a couple of residents. The current owners built additional structures in 1968 and have since been certified, monitored & licensed through the State and Federal governments. They take the residents on outings as well; such as a recent venture to Waimea Falls Autobon Center.

Now that I know more about this property I can get those notions out of my head...from way back in "kid time".

For more information on Crawford's Convalescent Home:  Phone 808 638-8514, Fax 808 638-8516; Address: 58-130 Kamehameha Highway, Haleiwa, HI  96712-9714 USA

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Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs  she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocating to Hawaii, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents. Website: www.hawaiihomesmarket.com

Our friend, Clinton "Clint" M.S. Goo, Managing Partner of Goko Restaurant Enterprises, LLC introduced us to the NEW and IMPROVED Sizzler when he and his partner bought the last four of the Sizzler Restaurants. After Sizzlers Restaurants changed over to the new owners my husband and I started going to Sizzler Restaurants once again. Their food tickled our taste buds with new menu items and a better quality of food.

With a nenewed outlook on the restaurant, Sizzler IS one of our favorite restaurants for breakfast, lunch or dinner. With a wide variety of menu items to choose from and a cordial smiling staff we always feel welcome from the time we set foot in the door.

We had mom's 80th birthday party at the Sizzler -Pearlridge location last year and it was a blast. With balloons and the staff singing 'Happy Birthday' my mom was proud that day!

They also have a nice party/conference room if you have a large party or conference. Call ahead to reserve!

We stopped by the Executive Offices of Goko Restaurant Enterprises, LLC on Saturday to visit Clinton Goo and then we headed out to the Sizzler Restaurant at the Pearlridge location to have breakfast.

Gary always orders the 'Big Breakfast'. Funny, he never can finish the dish because it has 2 pieces of Sweet Bread French Toast sprinkled with powdered sugar, 2 Giant Hotcakes, 3 eggs, 2 crispy pieces of bacon and 2 pieces of Portugese Sausage. YUM!

Needless to say we had brunch and didn't eat until dinner. You definitely won't walk out of this restaurant hungry!

One of Sizzler popular items on the menu is the Steak & Lobster Combo (left) and the Local Value Meal

Can't beat having an endless salad bar, drink and your choice of Teriaki Stak, Hibachi Chicken Breast or Shrimp Scampi!

Well, you get the picture. If you're in good company and the food is delicious and topped off with a wonderful atmosphere you definitely are in Sizzler Restaurant!  

Sizzler Restaurant Locations:

• Dillingham Plaza: 1461 Dillingham Blvd, Honolulu, HI - (808) 832-4665
• Pearlridge Shopping Center: 98-1059 Moanalua Rd, Aiea, HI - (808) 483-3565
• Waipahu Town Center: 94-030 Farrington Hwy, Waipahu, HI - (808) 671-7433
• Aikahi Park Shopping Center: 25 Kaneohe Bay Drive, Kailua, HI- (808) 254-3727

Note:  I would like to commend "Romeo" our favorite food server at Sizzler Restaurant in Pearlridge. He is a professional dedicated to service with a LARGE smile and we always have a pleasant dining experience with him. He does not skip a beat with delivering our dishes hot and takes care of us from beginning to end. Thanks Romeo!

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© 2009 Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman, Hawaii Real Estate & Relocations

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Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs  she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocating to Hawaii, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents. Website: www.hawaiihomesmarket.com

Pu'owaina Crater (Punchbowl) was formed some 75,000 to 100,000 years ago. Pu'owaina is defined as "The Hill of Sacrifice" and relates to the history of the crater when it was used as an altar for human sacrifice.

Early in the 1880's the slopes of the crater were opened for settlement on "leasehold" land. This area is commonly known as Punchbowl and Makiki neighborhoods. Papakolea is on the northern side extending into the valley. In the 1890's they wanted to turn it into a cemetary for the growing population of Honolulu residents but it was rejected. Why? They didn't want a city of dead overlooking the city of the living.

Fifty years later Congress approved that a portion be donated for the National Cemetary to be approved by the War Department.  Currently, there are over 33,000 veterans buried at the National Memorial Cemetary of the Pacific and on Veterans Day it is a site to behold with flags flying high from ground to sky.

Much Mahalo to the men and women of the United States Armed Forces for all you have and will sacrifice for our country.

Yesterday we decided to head over to Ala Moana Shopping Center and eat lunch at Tanaka of Tokyo -Japanese Steak & Seafood House. With a wide variety of steak and seafood dishes on the menu to choose from each dish is prepared by a skilled Master Teppan-Yaki (teppan meaning iron griddle and yaki meaning fried or broiled) chef.

The seating is situated around the iron griddle with the chef in the middle preparing the food with an entertaining show of flying spatulas and knives. With the chef cracking us up with jokes and flinging shrimp tails into his hat and pocket it was a very pleasurable meal.

The chef first started off with a shrimp appetizer and then afterwards flavored grilled beansprouts while the waitress brought us miso soup and pickled vegetables. Then he made our calamari steak appetizer (we ordered extra) and then the fried rice (steamed rice is usual but we chose fried rice) and our main course of filet mignon grilled to perfection with a slight sause cooked in for extra flavor. (others chose teriaki chicken or lobster or shrimp with steak combos).

Eating in little courses like this allowed us to digest before moving on to the next course. In the end we felt full but not overstuffed and we topped it off with Japanese green hot tea.

Tanaka of Tokyo is one fabulous restaurant!

For a peek at Tanaka of Tokyo's menu click here >>>>> Tanaka of Tokyo's menu 

Ala Moana Center, Hookipa Terrace, Fourth Floor, 1450 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu, HI 96814;

TEL(808)945-3443

Business Hours Lunch- 11:00AM ～ 2:00PM (Open Daily) Dinner- 5:00PM ～ (Open Nightly)

© 2008 Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman, All rights reserved 

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Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs  she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocating to Hawaii, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents. Website: www.hawaiihomesmarket.com