Tails of Hawaii

Here’s something to wag about: a new happening place for furry friends to spend the day snoozin’, chasin’, lickin’ and scratchin’.

It’s a doggy daycare called Tails of Hawaii that offers pet lodging, grooming and even a pet taxi. You’ll find more than 120 dogs of all sizes here – from the loyal Lassie to the Chalupa-lovin’ Chihuahua.  But a lot went on behind all those empty bottles of flea wash and trays of freshly baked gourmet treats. Owner Heather Manuel got her paws dirty when starting the business four years ago with little experience and even less funding.

She recalls that it was tough at first and that she and her family had “sacrificed a lot to make the business happen.” The dogs not only spent the night, but her family did as well.

“My babies grew up in the doggy daycare,” she said, almost in tears.

Today her tears have turned into pure joy. “Every Time is Play Time” at Tails of Hawaii where she, her ohana, and her staff have created special schedules for each four-legged pal. Doggie days at the Waipahu or Mapunapuna locations are divvied into playing, sleeping and snack times.

“People think their dogs want to be running around (and) playing all day,” she said. “We’ve learned that it’s important for the dogs to have a balanced day.”

Heather attributes her success to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. She applied for OHA’s Malama Loan and received consultation from the loan officers at the very start of her business.

“The guidance they gave me… was something that was undeniable. They pushed me... they helped me make it through.” she said and of her business and life after a career in the airline service industry,  “It was my path. It was something I had to do.”

For more video, visit the NEWS Channel at http://news.pacificnetwork.tv/ and PET Channel at http://pets.pacificnetwork.tv/.

Alyssa S. Navares, PacificNetwork.tv

HCRA State Championships 2010

The usually quiet waters of Ke‘ehi Lagoon came to life last week when thousands gathered in support of an ancient Hawaiian sport: Paddles up! Wa‘a ready! And a hui of water athletes prepared for an incredible race!

The Hawaii Canoe Racing Association (HCRA) held its state championships at this south shore lagoon where all 54 canoe clubs and more than 3,000 paddlers from throughout the state competed.

It came down to a one-point difference for the top two teams going for the state title. Both representing the Windward side of O‘ahu, Lanikai and Kailua charged neck and neck throughout the state regatta. But in the day’s final race Lanikai’s men’s 40 team placed fourth, followed by Kailua five seconds later. This meant a second state championship for Lanikai in the past three years.

Congrats to all water athletes who participated in such a successful race! Now it’s back to more training in and out of the water to make for another memorable season.  Thanks to Jamey Steiner, great waterman as well as camera work.

For more video, visit the Sports Channel at http://sports.pacificnetwork.tv/HotPicks/.

Alyssa S. Navares, PacificNetwork.tv

Tails of Hawaii

Here’s something to wag about: a new happening place for furry friends to spend the day snoozin’, chasin’, lickin’ and scratchin’.

It’s a doggy daycare called Tails of Hawaii that offers pet lodging, grooming and even a pet taxi. You’ll find more than 120 dogs of all sizes here – from the loyal Lassie to the Chalupa-lovin’ Chihuahua.  But a lot went on behind all those empty bottles of flea wash and trays of freshly baked gourmet treats. Owner Heather Manuel got her paws dirty when starting the business four years ago with little experience and even less funding.

She recalls that it was tough at first and that she and her family had “sacrificed a lot to make the business happen.” The dogs not only spent the night, but her family did as well.

“My babies grew up in the doggy daycare,” she said, almost in tears.

Today her tears have turned into pure joy. “Every Time is Play Time” at Tails of Hawaii where she, her ohana, and her staff have created special schedules for each four-legged pal. Doggie days at the Waipahu or Mapunapuna locations are divvied into playing, sleeping and snack times.

“People think their dogs want to be running around (and) playing all day,” she said. “We’ve learned that it’s important for the dogs to have a balanced day.”

Heather attributes her success to the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. She applied for OHA’s Malama Loan and received consultation from the loan officers at the very start of her business.

“The guidance they gave me… was something that was undeniable. They pushed me... they helped me make it through.” she said and of her business and life after a career in the airline service industry,  “It was my path. It was something I had to do.”

For more video, visit the NEWS Channel at http://news.pacificnetwork.tv/ and PET Channel at http://pets.pacificnetwork.tv/.

Alyssa S. Navares, PacificNetwork.tv

The Mokes - The Twins

Just off shore of Lanikai, Na Mokulua or more commonly known as “The Mokes” has become a precious gem on the East side of Oahu. Hundreds of birds make these Twin Islands their home and they share this beautiful site with the seafarers who visit daily.

On a northwest swell with Kona winds, surfers, kayakers and paddlers take advantage of the reef break. Like many other surfers, twins Mike and Peter Miller grew up near this spot and they enjoyed the unique experience away from the crowds and concrete buildings often encountered in Town.

Sadly Peter passed away in 2006 after a tragic plane crash. His twin brother Mike (born 27 minutes after him) created a company in Peter’s honor. He started Twin Islands Clothing and the company has been successful. Mike's goal has been to represent this Lanikai landmark while paying tribute to waveriders through his original designs and quality clothing.

Big mahalo to Jamey Steiner, cameraman.  For more visit the Sports Channel at http://sports.pacificnetwork.tv/ or the Arts channel at http://arts.pacificnetwork.tv/

Alyssa S. Navares, PacificNetwork.tv

"Aloha Served Daily" - Fitted Hawaii

Customers keep coming to this Honolulu store where its hats color the walls and its “Aloha Served Daily” mantra adds to the ambivalent ambiance it hopes to portray.

Fitted Hawaii specializes in exclusive hats, t-shirts and other accessories that highlight particular aspects of Hawaii’s multicultural society. Owner ,Keola Rapozo, wants to encourage locals and visitors to think beyond the Islands’ stereotypical image of hula dancers, surfers and luau festivities and to include other ingredients that make Hawaii the cultural mixing pot that it is.

Keola does this through his designs and themes that are cultural and historical:  the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy to a crown logo on the back of most t-shirts, he says, “symbolizes our rich heritage (and) that we were from royalty".

His company has even reached out to other cultures by creating a cap in tribute of Puerto Rican baseball legend Roberto Clemente. The cap sold for $225 and was the most expensive sale to date.

“(It’s) more important to have product that’s pono … because there’s not a lot of Hawaiians out there,” says Keola, who began his business in 2004 after graduating from fashion school and applying for a "Malama Loan".  This loan is offered by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs to eligible Native Hawaiian consumers, can be used for home improvement, educational purposes, and business.

“My viewpoint towards business…has changed drastically,” he said. “My passion lies within the process of it, not the end or beginning.”

For more video, visit PacificNetwork.tv  - News Channel at http://news.pacificnetwork.tv/.

Alyssa S. Navares, PacificNetwork.tv