Hawaii Travel News 02/06/2011

Hawaii News Now's resident "explainer," Howard Dicus, posted a blog in response to some of the proposed legislation legalizing gambling in Hawaii.

Perhaps due to the recent increase of magma pressures beneath the Kilauea Caldera, which are leveling off now, a resurgence of surface lava has occurred along the more western lobes of coastal lava flows from the December advancement.

Lawmakers in the Senate heard two bills relating to marijuana Friday. One bill would de-criminalize possession of less than an ounce of marijuana, and a second would set up a system to dispense medical marijuana.

This is a cool new program… surfing is really a fun sport for all ages, backgrounds, and a way to find common ground.

Once again, it's time for the Punahou Carnival this weekend. Traditionally, people always expect it to rain whenever the carnival is on (it just works out that way!) but this year it looks like the weather has been beautiful. Get those malasadas while they're hot!

Are 13.4 million viewers worth a $4 million investment?Officials from the Hawaii Tourism Authority believe so and they're looking forward to 2012.  The ratings are in and tourism officials couldn't be more pleased.

Wow! This one is sure to cause a riot. International guests coming from countries where gratuity is not customary are often known for not tipping when they visit Hawaii but this seems a bit harsh.

Yes, Hawaiians love their SPAM! But a case of SPAM to the winner? Come on, that'll last a month. Haha!

There's been a lot of opposition to the plan to build a wind farm on Lanai to send electricity to Oahu via undersea cables. Hawaii is working towards alternative and renewable energy sources to reduce our dependence on imported oil. 

Will the Big Island become the next county to ban plastic bags? Bans have started on Maui and Kauai this year.

If I wasn't working that day, I would definitely been there to participate in this! You've all heard of wherethehellismatt.com right??