Hawaii Travel News 01/28/2011

"Furlough Fridays" became a regular cost-cutting measure for much of the State and County government during the recession. Mayor Carvalho and the Kauai County Council have ended them for Kauai, at least.

Taxes are a hot-button issue of the new Abercrombie administration in Hawaii, and doubling the vehicle weight tax is just another proposed increase. I may have to start using the bus!

Ummm… the headline says it all! Haha!

The Oceanarium's huge fish tank lost almost half of its marine life due to a faulty ozone mechanism this week. Such a shame!

There was an "Erin Brokovich" scare last month when a study declared that Honolulu had high levels of chromium-6 in it's tap water. New tests refute the studies findings.

Grumbling over the plastic bag ban has started at Kauai's Sunshine Markets. I don't get why someone doesn't just sell reusable totes there? Especially living on an island, we need to take care of the environment and this ban is a good thing.

Governor Abercrombie's first State of the State address was this week, with many suggestions for ways to end the deficit and move the State forward. Not all reaction has been positive, but I think the dialogue it has started is great.

The Pro Bowl is in town, and you can check out the official trophy at Wolfgang's Steakhouse in Waikiki.

Wow, only one Hawaii restaurant in the Top 40 for the U.S.? Better than nothing, I guess. Chef Mavro is a great choice, one of the founders of Hawaii Regional Cuisine.

My version of a foodie's guide to Oahu eats!

Many locals and visitors alike have been taking advantage of companies like Groupon, PlayHawaii, Living Social, and more. It's a great way to save on businesses you like or to try new ones.