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Top 30 Pictures of Lānaʻi, Hawaii (2022)

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Island of Lānaʻi

A pristine, remote island across the channel from Maui, Hawaii, you will find the gorgeous island of Lānaʻi. The island of Lānaʻi was once home to the largest pineapple plantation in the world. The island transitioned into a tourist destination in the early 1990s, visited by thousands annually today. In 2012, Oracle tech billionaire Larry Ellison purchased 98% of the island from former owner David H. Murdock. Since the land purchase, Larry Ellison has renovated both Four Seasons Lānaʻi hotel properties, started construction of his 5-estate compound, and bought the island’s only gas station. Check out the below aerial photographs of this magnificent island.

Lānaʻi City

The small town of Lānaʻi City sits at an elevation of 1,700 feet. It has a population of only 3,332 people, according to the 2020 Census. Plantation homes throughout the town serve as a reminder of what conditions were like during the pineapple days.

Getting to Lānaʻi on Expeditions Passenger Ferry

Expeditions Ferry is navigating the coast of Lānaʻi, Hawaii, heading for Manele Small Boat Harbor. This ferry service has been a lifeline for the people who live, work, and visit the island for over 30 years.

A mother humpback whale and her calf off the coast of Lānaʻi, Hawaii.

As you travel through the Auʻau channel, donʻt forget to look out for the whales that travel to Hawaii during the winter months.

­Manele Small Boat Harbor

When arriving on the island of Lānaʻi by passenger ferry, you will come through Manele Small Boat Harbor. Hulopoʻe Bay is located just a short walk away.

Lānaʻi Cat Sanctuary

Today, the Lānaʻi Cat Sanctuary is home to over 650 cats, all from the island of Lānaʻi.


People from all around the world visit Lānaʻi just to see the cats.

Our famous Norfolk and Cook Island Pine Trees

Planted on the island of Lānaʻi in 1878, the Cook Island pines stand tall and mightly for as far as the eye can see. George Munro, who worked and managed the cattle ranch for Lanai Company, saw the benefits of how the trees absorbed the fog and clouds, producing consistent drips of water onto the soil. Today, you can see the result of George Munroʻs courage and desire for conservation as the trees still collect much-needed moisture from the mystic clouds that pass through them on Lānaʻiʻs hale.

Pālāwai Basin

The Cook Island pine trees planted along the highway in the Pālāwai Basin.

As the island was formed, weaknesses developed along the slopes, creating rift zones running northwest, southwest, and south.

These rift zones met at the island’s center, creating a collapsed caldera (large crater), which is now known as the “Pālāwai Basin.”

Driving through will be met with hundreds of Cook Island pine trees planted along the roadside. Four Seasons Lānaʻi Resort uses plush Mercedes Sprinter Vans for airport, harbor, and resort transfers. 

The ancient Hawaiians found that the rich soil in the Lānaʻiʻs Pālāwai basin could sustain their crops. The land was home to many unique Hawaiian species of plants and birds, some of them endemic—only found on Lāna’i. Most of the little valleys on the mountainside were host to freshwater springs fed by the fog and cloud drip captured by the once rich forest watershed.

Pineapple on Lānaʻi.

Gridded fields of where pineapple used to grow.

Lānaʻi used to be the number one exporter of pineapple globally, sending off 65,000 tons of it annually by 1930. The industry was started after James Drummond Dole purchased the island of Lānaʻi in 1922 for $1.1 million.

Kaumalapau Highway

Pineapple production dwindled away as competition elsewhere ate away at profits as the years went on. It ended in 1992 after the island was acquired by David Murdock. Today, you will find brittle plastic buried within the former agricultural fields.

 

The Lodge at Kōʻele isnʻt the same.

Built-in the 1990s, you were greeted by a large pineapple mural as you drove up the main drive. The lodge featured a beautiful orchid greenhouse garden, reflecting pond, and stunning fireplace within the main lobby. In January 2015, the resort closed for extensive renovations. It reopened on November 1, 2019, as Sensei Lānaʻi, a health and wellness resort featuring 92 rooms and 4 suites. This Four Seasons Resort is exclusively for adults only.

YOGN-42

Sunrise at the YOGN-42 Shipwreck.

On the North-East side of Lānaʻi, you will discover a ship a shipwreck of the YOGN-42 Navy Ship. Built-in December of 1942, the United States Navy put the vessel into service on May 23, 1943, assigning it to the Asiatic-Pacific Theater.

The YOGN-42 has taken a beating on the coast of Lānaʻi, rusting away into the pacific ocean

Polihua Beach

Polihua Beach on the island of Lānaʻi

This secluded beach features stunning views of Moloka’i island and is only accessible by a 4-wheel drive vehicle. Though beautiful, the ocean currents at Polihua are strong and deadly. It is encouraged to stay out of the water.

Dole Park and around the square.

Within the heart of Lānaʻi City, Dole Park was established in the 1920s during the start of the Pineapple era. Towering Cook Island pine trees in case the park, along with an open grassy area that has been home to many festivals and celebrations; Pineapple Festival, charity walks, and 5th Friday, to name a few.

The Four Seasons Beach Resort

Just above the pristine beach of Hulopoʻe Bay, The Four Seasons Lānaʻi Resort features stellar accommodations.

 

Soon after the purchase of Lānaʻi by billionaire Larry Ellison, the resort underwent a massive $450 million renovation, reopening in 2016.

Larry Ellisonʻs compound is under construction.

Larry Ellison’s Five Estate Compound being constructed.

Located along the coast near Hulopoʻe Bay, the construction of Larry Ellisonʻs compound has finally started to take shape. This five-building estate goes below grade, digging deep into the terrain. During the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic, Larry Ellison announced he was now a full-time resident of Lānaʻi.

Lānaʻi Airport

Lānaʻi Airport



Located just over 3 miles from Lānaʻi City, Hawaii, Lānaʻi Airport is served by only one commercial airline. Mokulele Airlines, which operates single-engine Cessna Grand Caravans, services the island daily, moving passengers between Honolulu and Kahului.

Societies elite routinely flock to the airport on their private jets from the U.S. mainland.

Civilian, commercial, and military aircraft frequent the airport for flight training.



Barge day at Kaumalapau boat harbor on Lānaʻi, Hawaii

Located west of Lānaʻi Airport, the island receives most freight through this port. Young Brothers Hawaii services the island, providing transport of much-needed products, including perishables, dry cargo, automobiles, etc.

Today, the Kaumalapau harbor break wall features 819 white 35-ton jack concrete blocks protecting the port installed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 2007.



Hulopoʻe Bay

Rated the best beach in Hawaii by USA Today in 2015, this beautiful bay never ceases to amaze.

Hulopoʻe Bay is a Marine Sanctuary and is often visited by dolphins who enter the area for rest. If you see them, keep your distance, as disturbing them is illegal.

The pristine reef requires oversight, as many sunscreens contain reef bleaching agents and harm our environment. It is asked you use reef-safe sunscreens when visiting Hawaii.

Hulopoʻe Beach Park

Owned and managed by Larry Ellisonʻs company, Lānaʻi Resorts, LLC, this private beach park hosts picnic tables, grills, restrooms, and showers. Be sure to pick up after yourself when you leave.



Puu Pehe or Sweetheart Rock

Located just a short walk away from Hulopoʻe Bay, you will find this magnificent rock called “Puupehe” or “Sweetheart Rock.”

Shaped like a heart, this iconic landmark is home to thousands of proposals from people worldwide.

Conclusion

The island of Lānaʻi is truly one of the most beautiful places in the world. If you enjoyed this, please like, share, and comment below.

Mahalo!

Best Drones of 2022

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If you’re looking for the best drones of 2022, look no further. There’s no doubt you’ve been a bit overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices on the market. I put together this guide to help you make the most informed decision possible of the DJI Mavic Mini 3 Pro, DJI Mavic 3, and DJI Mini SE. From beginner to enterprise, check out my top picks so far for 2022.

 

Best Bang for your money!

DJI Mini 3 Pro , Releasing June 29, 2022

The DJI Mini 3 Pro drone has an improved battery life, intelligent features, video transmission, and a fully upgraded imaging system. Specifically: It has a 1/1.3-inch image sensor that supports native HDR. It supports three-directional obstacle sensing and the newly upgraded APAS 4.0 (Advanced Pilot Assistance Systems). The optional Intelligent Flight Battery Plus has an extended life of 47 minutes, whereas the included battery is 34 minutes. It supports DJI O3 FHD digital video transmission at distances of up to 12 km or 7.5 miles. It also supports intelligent features like FocusTrack, True Vertical Shooting, Timelapse, MasterShots, and High-Speed QuickTransfer.

Ideal for you aerial photographers, this drone comes packed and capable of 48MP pictures!

Pre-order today to get your hands on it early!

 

DJI Mavic 3

 

 

 

DJI’s latest flagship consumer drone is the Mavic 3. It has a Hasselblad camera and a new 24mm equivalent tele camera, which can record videos at 5.1K/50fps and 4K/120fps. It supports Apple ProRes 422 HQ, Apple ProRes 422, and Apple ProRes 422 LT encoding, producing higher-quality footage. The flight time has been extended to 46 minutes on the up, while the O3+ version of this drone offers a maximum range of 15 km or 9.3 miles in video transmission. Obstacle sensing has been developed into an omnidirectional system with APAS 5.0 and Advanced RTH capabilities that give users more peace of mind when in flight.

This DJI Mavic 3 is fantastic for any photographer or videographer needing excellent content for their platforms.

Most Affordable Drone goes to:

DJI Mini SE for $299

You may be flying your drone illegally.

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Whether it’s for personal enjoyment or taking a video of your family for memories to remember, having a drone to make those moments is rewarding. Consumer drones over the years have improved tremendously, implementing safety features like collision avoidance and geo-fencing; drones have never been safer. The camera options available on today’s drones provide superb image quality, capturing incredible crisp detail not once possible on such a small platform. Drones are here to stay, and if you are in the United States, you must abide by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) laws, which are responsible for regulating all matters in aviation. 

What do I need to fly my consumer drone legally within the United States?

People often aren’t aware of the legal implications of flying a drone, such as needing a license or checking certain airspaces restrictions. Like needing a driver’s license, the FAA requires anyone operating a drone weighing more than 0.55 pounds (lbs.) to pass The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST) or Part 107 aeronautical knowledge and safety test. Both will comply with the law and boost your confidence in flying abilities.

Knowing the difference between Recreational Flyers and Part 107 remote pilot certificate holders is essential.

Hulopoʻe Bay Sunrise, Lānaʻi

A friend of yours asked if they could use your pictures in an advertisement for promoting their business. You passed the FAAs Recreational UAS. Safety Test and won’t be accepting compensation. You provided him with a picture you took from your drone on a tropical Hawaii vacation. Doing so may violate the law because the image’s intent is for commercial purposes or personal gain. A Part 107 Remote Pilot certificate from the FAA would allow for its use, whereas a Recreational Flyer certificate holder can only fly as a hobbyist, nothing more.

You are training to boost your self-confidence.

The Inspire 2, a remarkable aircraft by DJI.

Are you fresh into the drone industry or just looking to brush up on new skills? I recommend looking in your local area first to see what companies or schools provide in-person training.

In Hawaii, Drone Services Hawaii may be able to help with their fantastic in-person Part 107 Remote Pilot training sessions, teaching you the skills needed to master the craft. They are a Veteran, native Hawaiian, and female-owned business. With the latest technology hitting the market, they quickly adapt and provide the highest level of knowledge and training to offer.

Pilot Institute is another excellent option, offering exceptional online video tutorials that are self-paced on the FAA’s rules and regulations. They offer an informative course that will help you become an expert on all things relating to flying drones commercially in the United States. Check out my affiliate link to learn more about them.

Where can I obtain a drone license in 2022?

Obtaining your license has never been easier! Flying your remote aircraft for personal enjoyment requires you to complete the FAAs Recreational Flyers TRUST course, available online for free at Pilot Institute.

Those seeking a license for commercial use will need to complete the Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG) aeronautical knowledge test. First, you will need to obtain an FAA Tracking Number (FTN) by creating an Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) profile.

Safety first in the skies above us.

In the skies over our heads, thousands of flights travel the United States daily, and we as drone operators must remain vigilant of our airspace surroundings. Always make way for human-crewed aircraft because the pilots can’t see you. If you like this article, please share it with your friends.

Flying within active airspace, with a permit and safety plan of course.

Top 3 Cameras for Beginners

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There’s no better time than the present to get into photography. Cameras have never been more affordable or user-friendly, there are hundreds of different digital cameras to choose from, and you can share your work with the world just by dropping in a memory card. These days, digital cameras come in all shapes and sizes and do everything from shooting video to taking HDR photos. Here are three great choices for those new to photography:

Nikon D3500

The Nikon D3500 DSLR camera is an entry-level DSLR camera that makes it easy for anyone to capture professional images and videos. The 24.2 MP CMOS sensor and EXPEED 4 image processor allow you to capture images up to 25600 ISO and 60p Full HD video recording at 1080p resolution (1920 x 1080). The combination of these two components helps make images sharp and clear with rich tonal range regardless of the shooting environment. You can also view what you’re filming from any angle with the 3″ 921k-dot LCD screen that tilts 180 degrees or use the ultra-quiet electronic shutter to wash out the sound of your camera operation.

Canon EOS 90D

The Canon EOS 90D Digital SLR Camera is a powerful camera that’s perfect for beginning and intermediate photographers. It has an APS-C CMOS sensor with 32.5 megapixels, which helps you to capture images that are more detailed and lifelike than ever before.

The DIGIC 8 Image Processor gives you high-speed processing capabilities so you can shoot continuously at up to 10 fps for up to 100 frames. The 45-point cross-type AF system has 27 points that are compatible with f/8 lenses, which makes it easier for you to shoot subjects like sports or wildlife. You’ll also get high-quality video recording capabilities with 4K UHD 30p & Full HD 120p.

Canon EOS REBEL SL3

The EOS Rebel SL3 DSLR camera is an easy-to-use, versatile DSLR that shoots both photos and videos. With 24.1 Megapixels, it can capture images in sharp detail and the DIGIC 8 Image Processor helps to create stunning photo quality.

The SL3 has a vari-angle LCD screen that flips out 180° so you can shoot selfies and creative angles. The touchscreen interface is simple to use and lets you get right to shooting without having to worry about complicated menus.

With 4K movie recording capability, this camera is ready for your next big project. You can easily connect the EOS Rebel SL3 to your compatible smartphone with the Canon Camera Connect App and wirelessly transfer images using NFC technology. In addition, the Canon Log Gamma (Cinema Gamut) provides a more cinematic color space for video recording.

Conclusion

If you’re serious about photography, it’s never too soon to start. There are many different styles and types of digital cameras available today, but you don’t have to spend a fortune to get one. Our top picks run the gamut, but they all have one thing in common: they’ll help you get your feet wet in this beautiful world.

Know your camera

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Whether you’re just getting started with photography or have been shooting for years, you should never lose sight of the basic three factors that determine exposure. These are aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Understanding how they work is the key to producing quality images in any condition.

Shutter speed

Stationary propellers as result of fast Exposure time of 1/3200 sec.

Shutter speed is the length of time that your camera’s shutter remains open. It’s measured in seconds or fractions of a second, such as 1/30th of a second. A slow shutter speed (1/30th of a second) allows more light to reach the sensor and produces images with softer, more blurred backgrounds. A faster shutter speed (1/1000th of a second) prevents so much light from reaching the sensor that it can produce images that appear sharp even when photographed with moving subjects like cars driving by or waterfalls tumbling down hillsides.

A slow Exposure time of 5 seconds.

Aperture

The aperture is the size of the hole that lets light into your camera. The smaller the hole, the more light comes through. The larger the hole, the less light comes through.

A large aperture of f/1.8 blurs your background, highlighting the subject.

The f-stop number is how we measure the size of apertures in our cameras: A lower f-stop number means a larger aperture or opening; a higher f-stop number means a smaller aperture or opening. You can use these numbers to calculate the depth of field (how much is in focus and how much isn’t) and exposure (how bright or dark your image will be).

ISO

ISO, or ISO rating, is a digital camera’s sensitivity to light. In other words, it’s the setting that can be changed to make your camera more sensitive to light (resulting in brighter photos) or less sensitive (for darker images). This is equivalent to film speed on traditional cameras—that is, it’s one of three factors that determine exposure.

ISO-1600

When you change your ISO setting, what you’re really doing is forcing your camera to use more or less of its sensor’s ability to record light. In this way, an increased ISO setting allows for faster shutter speeds and smaller aperture sizes—and vice versa! It also affects how much noise there is in an image when shot at high ISOs (and thusly impacts image quality).

Aperture, shutter speed, and ISO are the three factors that determine exposure.

Aperture, shutter speed, and ISO are the three factors that determine exposure.

Aperture: The size of your lens’s iris (or aperture) determines how much light passes through it.

Shutter speed: The length of time your camera’s shutter remains open is called its shutter speed. Shutter speeds are typically measured in fractions of a second.

ISO sensitivity: The final element in exposure is ISO sensitivity—the light sensitivity level assigned to each ISO setting on your camera.

Conclusion

The creative possibilities are endless in photography, but your creative vision will fall flat without knowing how to manipulate the three factors that determine exposure. Once you’re comfortable using your camera, take it out and start practicing. You can even download a free app for your phone that simulates manual exposure settings and shows the effect of changing each one independently of the others. These are basic fundamentals every photographer should know—so get out there and take some pictures!

Drone Photography Tips

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Introduction

Drones offer photographers a new way to take photos and videos that were previously impossible. Whether you want to take overhead shots of landscapes, document protests, or capture your friend’s wedding, drones can be a great tool! They’re also fun. But like any powerful technology, drones come with their own set of rules and limitations. Here are some things you should consider before piloting your drone for the first time:

Get the right insurance.

In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires drone pilots to register their aircraft with them. You can do this online. It’s free and shouldn’t take more than 5 minutes.

This is a good first step toward protecting yourself from any accidents or incidents that may occur while flying your drone. But you still need to make sure that you’re covered by an insurance policy for drones as well!

Drone insurance can be found on sites like http://www.droneinsurance.com/ or Skywatch.ai/ And remember: although it might seem expensive upfront, if something were ever to happen while using your drone then having an insurance plan would be worth its weight in gold!

Make sure it’s legal in your area.

When you’re ready to fly your drone, make sure it’s legal in your area. You can check the rules for your state, county, and city by looking up their regulations on websites like the FAA’s B4UFLY app or AirMap’s Drone Zone.

Those laws will tell you what kind of drone you need to register with the FAA (it depends on weight), how high you can fly (usually 400 feet) and whether or not there are any special areas where flying is prohibited. You should also check any national parks or other federal lands that may apply to your trip; they may have additional restrictions related to drones that could affect where and when they can be flown. Also, be aware of any military bases near where you’ll be flying—they tend to have strict rules regarding drone activity in their airspace!

Try not to fly above people.

If you’re thinking about flying your drone above people, there are a few things to consider. Drones are not toys, and they can be dangerous if used irresponsibly. While drones are generally safe for recreational use, it’s important to know that some careless or malicious operators have used them in ways that put others at risk. In addition to causing property damage and violating privacy rights, drones have been used to harass individuals and even injure them physically by dropping objects from above.

To ensure that your drone photography doesn’t harm others—or yourself—follow these simple guidelines:

Learn the rules of aerial photography.

There are certain rules you should follow when flying your drone.

  • Don’t fly over people
  • Don’t fly over crowds
  • Don’t fly over stadiums
  • Don’t fly over prisons
  • Don’t fly over airports

Take less, but better images at a time.

Taking more time to shoot is one of the most important things you can do to improve your photography. It’s tempting to keep moving, but if you want amazing photos, it’s better to get the shot right before moving on than rushing through and missing something important.

You may need several attempts at capturing each drone photo—sometimes it takes a lot of practice before you get something really special! Take as much time as needed for each shot; there are no prizes for taking them all quickly! Remember that this isn’t about getting bored; it’s about being able to take great shots without having any regrets later on when viewing them in-flight or back home on your computer screen.

If the weather conditions aren’t ideal (too cloudy), take a break until they improve rather than forcing yourself into taking shots from above that won’t end up being worth posting online later down the road due solely because they were taken under less than optimal conditions!

Don’t forget the basics of framing an image before you fly that drone.

If you’re just getting started with drone photography, it’s important to keep in mind the fundamentals of framing an image. Use these tips as a guide and remember that your composition will change depending on where you fly.

  • Get close to your subject: If you want to get details, get closer! You can also use an aerial perspective from above to enhance the sense of scale or grandeur.
  • Get high for wide views: A bird’s eye view can be useful when trying to show a feel for how big something is (like a city) or when looking at something from far away so it feels like it’s coming into focus.
  • Get low for close-ups: You can capture detail and texture, but be careful not to disturb anything by flying too low over subjects such as people or plants! Also, try switching between high and low angles during one flight so that different perspectives are captured throughout the same trip—this will make editing easier later on since there’ll be more options available at once while editing pictures together into one composite image.”

Respect the privacy of others.

Respect the privacy of others.

  • The drone should not be used to spy on others. The drone should not be used to take pictures of people without their permission.
  • Do not use a drone to invade someone’s private space or cause harm, damage, or injury to any person or property that is not yours.

Limit your photos if you’re flying near wildlife or livestock.

As a drone pilot, you must be aware of your surroundings at all times. While it is possible to fly a drone safely and responsibly, there are many instances where you should not fly at all. The following information will help keep you and others safe while operating drones:

  • Do not fly near buildings, power lines, or other obstacles that may cause damage to the aircraft or injury to people on the ground.
  • Do not use first-person view (FPV) goggles while operating your drone unless a visual observer is present or with written permission from FAA.
  • Do not operate drones over 400 feet above ground level (AGL). Pilot-in-command/operator must maintain a visual line of sight (VLOS) with UAS at all times!

Drones can be a great way to take photos and videos, as long as you do it responsibly and safely

It’s important to follow the rules and regulations set by the FAA. And if you’re in a big city like New York or Los Angeles, there are even more rules from your local government that you’ll need to be aware of.

Conclusion

Drones can be a great way to take photos and videos if you do it responsibly and safely. Make sure you know the rules and regulations before you fly, then just enjoy your new aerial photography hobby!

Chartering A Private Jet From The Club to Hawaii

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On a quiet Friday night, I was awoken by a phone call about a client arriving on the island of Lānaʻi in the morning from Los Angeles, California. This client was flying in on a Gulfstream G-450, a private jet charter averaging $11,000 per hour. The charter operator had zero accommodation info for its passengers, but the crew was booked down at the luxurious beach resort. I set my alarm for 4:30 A.M. and went back to sleep. The following day, I arrived to my job at Lānaʻi Airport in the early morning hours. I was a supervisor for a Fixed Base Operator as a Private Aviation Handler, overseeing the handling of thousands of planes during my time there. With all the bizarre requests within the private aviation industry, this flight certainly threw everyone a curveball.

Gulfstream Aircraft on Lānaʻi

Upon landing at Lānaʻi Airport after 6:00 A.M., I marshaled the plane onto our ramp, through the wheel chocks and carpet down, then waited for the crew to open the door. Once the Captain proceeded down the stairs, he asked where the passengers’ transportation was. They often pull up plane side to pick up the passengers by this point. I informed the Captain that no one expected these people on Lānaʻi. After talking with the Captain further, he mentioned the client booked this while in a club in Los Angeles, and his flight crew had little time to prepare. It became clear what was going on when these young adults exited the plane intoxicated, half-naked, and banishing liquor bottles. They had no idea where they had landed…

As the group of women posed in pictures with their sugar daddy, this tall Hawaiian-looking man who was the bodyguard came over and started talking to me. I found out he was from Big Island and asked why they chose to come to Lānaʻi. He couldn’t give me a straight answer other than they booked the charter spontaneously in the club while drunk. While the passengers thought of how they wanted to go ahead, I told the crew not to get too comfortable because their clients wouldn’t last long here, as this island is a place for relaxation, not partying. The way they behave will probably get them kicked out of the resort.

After an hour, the crew informed me they were proceeding over to Maui after the client wired the charter company $7,500 for the short hop to Kahului airport. The plane departed within about twenty minutes and became someone else’s problem. This is one of many bizarre stories of the happenings within the private jet industry.

Want to hear about more stories? Comment below and let me know!

Obstructing Access to Hulopoʻe Bay

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Nestled away on the southernmost part of Lānaʻi, you will find a pristine beach that has been enjoyed by locals for generations. The bay has feed families from its abundance of fish, canoe paddling in the early mornings, surfing during epic swells, and so much more. This beach is called Hulopoʻe Bay and is accessible to the public, or, so we thought?

Over the years, there has been increased attention to Hulopoʻe Bay on public access, and not long ago, the major landowner fronting Hulopoʻe Bay installed a gate 1,300 feet from the water’s edge. During the pandemic, Lānaʻi Resorts, LLC, which is the landowner, obstructed access to Hulopoʻe Bay. How did we come to this? 

“HRS § “115- Duty to maintain access within beach transit corridors. (a) The Department of Land and Natural Resources shall maintain access within beach transit corridors under this chapter and chapter 183C, by requiring private property owners to ensure that beach transit corridors abutting their lands shall be kept passable and free from the landowner’s human-induced, enhanced, or un-maintained vegetation that interferes or encroaches in the beach transit corridors.”

The boulders and gate placed within and around the transit corridor are human-induced and should be kept clear and open. 

Mayor Victorino of Maui County had an abundance of emergency orders during the covid pandemic, with all “county” parks being open from 7 A.M. to 7 P.M. Lānaʻi Resorts, LLC joined suit during this period; yet, they violated our rights to unobstructed access to our shoreline once the gate was installed. This gate was installed within the shoreline access corridor to Hulopoʻe Bay and was closed after hours.

In a recent Hulopoʻe Beach Park meeting, the council has been working on ways to limit access to Hulopoʻe Beach Park. One of those ideas is charging day guests a fee who walks in; such as passengers disembarking Expeditions Ferry. Those fees would go to the management and maintenance of the park. The council comes with good intentions, but we circle back to obstructing access to Hulopoʻe Bay once a human element is positioned within the shoreline access corridor collecting a fee. How do we go ahead? One idea is to introduce regulations at our harbor level that would deter prospective operators from even stepping foot on Lānaʻi. The likelihood of this happening remains to be seen.

Our shoreline access to Hulopo’e Bay or any other beach in Hawai’i is our right, not a privilege. In doing so, we must stay vigilant as coastal landowners try to obstruct our access. Report violators to the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources. As of right now, the gate installed within the Hulopo’e Bay beach transit corridor remains open at all hours.

 

You must submit public testimony to the Hulopoʻe Beach Park Council by June 16, 2022. Email the Hulopoʻe Beach Park Council today: hulopoebpc@gmail.com

 

What are your thoughts? Comment below! 

 

Homeownership Dwindles Away Under the Cover of Ellison

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On the secluded island of Lānaʻi, Hawaii, there lies an issue that drives locals who were raised here to move away. That issue now rests in the hands of tech billionaire Larry Ellison who acquired 98% of the island back in 2012 from David Murdock. You may be wondering, the issue is affordable real estate that locals can buy.

Years ago during a community meeting held by Lānaʻi Resorts, LLC, a land management company owned by Larry Ellison, the company proposed a housing project with all homes being available for sale. A percentage of the homes would be priced at “affordable” rates while the others go for the market rate. In meetings held by the company following, this has since changed to workforce housing rentals. We wonder what changed the minds of those calling the shots from withdrawing the idea of American homeownership. Does Larry Ellison care about what the people of Lānaʻi want, or is he going to do whatever he so pleases?

Lānaʻi City

In the years following the acquisition of Lānaʻi, Ellison continued to buy up real estate as it came available on the island, often paying above market value. Ellison artificially inflated home values throughout Lānaʻi City, and in doing so, caused rental prices to soar. Over the past decade, those market values have since doubled. How is this fair for the residents of Lānaʻi, to the struggling working-class families stacked up like sardines in small plantation homes with nowhere to go? As Ellison continues to construct his projects throughout the island of Lānaʻi, Lānaʻi Resorts, LLC has been renting homes on the island, often paying 2 to 3 times more than the current market rate for rentals. The company created this crisis, plain and simple.

Lānaʻi Resorts, LLC has a history of holding public meetings and informing the community of current and upcoming projects they intend to do; yet, they do not always stick to their word and often mislead the public of their true intentions. In one meeting the company held, they planned to build executive homes for managers. Little did we know, Larry Ellison would be moving into them once completed, and has been residing there off and on this year. Did Ellison forget about his home formerly owned by George Lopez on the southernmost part of Lānaʻi at Manele Bay or the fact that he is building a multi-million dollar compound meters away from the oceanʻs edge? Why the need for another home on our small island?

Ellisonʻs compound under construction.

Larry Ellison Contracts Dubious Air Carrier to Transport Construction Workers to Lānaʻi

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In the early morning hours of July 2, 2021, Transair flight 810 departed Honolulu International Airport bound for Kahului, Maui, and crashed just off the coast of Oahu following a dual engine failure. Thankfully, both pilots survived the incident but not without injury. They were both brought to Queen’s Medical Center for treatment.

Months following the crash, the Federal Aviation Authority determined that Rhoades Aviation which was operating under the trade name of Transair, was to have flown hundreds of flights through the skies of Hawaii illegally. Transair is being accused by the FAA of improper maintenance and failing to document work correctly on numerous aircraft.

For a few years now, Lānaʻi Resorts, LLC, a land management company owned by Larry Ellison, has been using this operator to transport construction workers into Lānaʻi using a 33-year-old aircraft under registration N351TA and in addition, a Boeing 737-200 passenger variant under registration N413JG. Would you fly on this air carrier?