Happy 80th Anniversary

Not only is November 11th known for Veteran's Day, it's also Hawaiian Air's anniversary day. 80 years ago today, Hawaiian Airlines (began business back then as Inter-Island Airways) started its inter-island flight operations.

Today's photo shows Inter-Island Airways' first aircraft, NC251M, a Bellanca CH-300 "Pacemaker". This 80 year-old aircraft purchased by Hawaiian Airlines, and was restored in Washington, before being shipped to Hawai‘i. The CH-300 is airworthy, and will be used by Hawaiian Air for promotional purposes.

Hau‘oli la hanau Hawaiian Airlines!

To all the veterans ... thank you for serving our country!

CSI: Waikele

Last week, officers from Honolulu Police Department's Crime Reduction Unit were tipped off of a stolen car on the road. They had tracked the car to this KFC restaurant in Waikele, where the officers tried to stop the vehicle, and the incident ended in the shooting of the alleged car thief as he tried to ram his way out to avoid arrest.

In the photo, investigators gather to analyze the crime scene (in the drive-thru lane, left), while a news crew from local ABC affiliate KITV prepare for a live broadcast (far left).

Opening

One of my orchids in bloom ...

Communion

During New Hope Leeward's Worship Night service, Communion is served ... while photographing the first Sunday evening service, I took this quick shot after the elements were passed out.

Of course, Communion is served on the third weekend of each month during its regular worship service.

Photo Op

Guy was gracious to pose with fans during a quick break between scenes, and we took advantage of this photo op ...

Cooling Off

Guy takes a break to cool off from the heat of the lights before interviewing Poke Stop customers.

Poke Stop

Guy Fieri wraps his walking intro shot for the Poke Stop segment.

Take 10 ...

Guy does another take of his intro for Poke Stop, in fact he did over ten, because it required one complete camera move.

Intro Shot

To introduce the eatery Guy Fieri is featuring on an episode of "Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives", he usually does a walking shot talking about the eatery. Guy is seen above with his camera guy and production assistant as they walk along the sidewalk fronting Poke Stop.

Interview

"Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives" host Guy Fieri interviews Poke Stop owner and chef Elmer Guzman for the segment about the Mililani Mauka based restaurant.

Disclaimer ...

November's theme week is "Diners, Drive-ins, & Dives".

The Food Network series "Diners, Drive-ins, & Dives" taped segments on O‘ahu a couple of weeks ago. Host and Chef Guy Fieri, along with two camera crews, shot at several eateries around town, some of which are personal favorites. We were told that the Hawai‘i segments will air in the spring of 2010.

On October 12th, "Diners, Drive-ins, & Dives" shot at Poke Stop (pronounced poh-kay) in Mililani Mauka. Kathy had heard about it a few days prior, and we both ended work early that day, we took a chance to go to Poke Stop. When we got there, the eatery was closed due to taping, and a crowd of about 20 waited outside to meet Guy Fieri, and to buy food, as well as appear on the show.

Today's photo shows the disclaimer sign outside the restaurant. Kathy & I was part of the group that was inside Poke Stop while the video crew taped customers buying food ... yes, we bought some snacks and desserts. We also signed releases if we happen to show up on the segment.

Happy Halloween!

The Sanrio store in Kahala Mall had a Halloween display with Hello Kitty figures in Halloween costumes.

Thunderbird 1

Thunderbird 1 taxies out to Runway 26R, with the other five F-16Cs following for their take-off over the thousands that gathered to see them perform at Hickam AFB.

Long High Cloud

A cirrus cloud streaks across the sky, above Dillingham Airfield in Mokule‘ia.

Anthurium Bud

One of my Chinese Anthurium buds from a plant that I had ...

Old Chicken Coops

This old chicken coop is part of Peterson's Upland Farm in Wahiawa. It's probably the last few places to farm fresh eggs on O‘ahu. These old coops are used for storage.

Bagasse Bin

Bagasse is a process that sugar mills use to separate the sugar cane juice from the plant after harvesting. The Wai‘alua Sugar Mill was converted to shops and small businesses after its closure in 1996. It's main tenants are the Wai‘alua Coffee and the North Shore Soap Factory.

The North Shore Soap Factory is located in the bagasse bin of the Wai‘alua Sugar Mill, and this is a shot of the inside of the cone-shaped ceiling.

Teacher's Appreciation

Kathy got a bunch of flower arrangements at the end of the school year from the parents of the pre-school children she teaches. Today's photo is part of one of those arrangements.

Watch Dog

This dog sits guard while his owner catches some rays on the beach.

Мрия Under Rainbow

The Antonov An225 "Мрия (Mriya)" is the largest aircraft in the world. It was originally designed to transport the Soviet/Russian version of their Space Shuttle. It is now used as a commercial transport to ferry large items around the world by Antonov Airlines. It is also the only model ever built, and is based at Gostemel Airport, Kiev, Ukraine.

Last Monday (the 12th) ,the Mriya was transitting through HNL on its was to Pago Pago, American Sāmoa to bring ten electrical generators to the earthquake and tsunami ravaged US Territory. Sāmoa and the Republic of Tonga were also affected by the earthquake.

I had the opportunity to see the An225 up close and personal, thanks to friends at HNL. The big bird was in the process of being re-fueled when we got there, and the flight manager allowed us into the Mriya and check out the interior. I posted more photos of the An225 on my HNL RareBirds blog. We were certainly blessed to have a rainbow grace the background, as we took our last photos of the Ukranian big bird.