Wailea Substation Upgrade Supports Smart Grid Project

By Wendy Osher
Article From: Mauinow.com

The Maui Smart Grid Project will demonstrate and evaluate new technologies that will help residents better manage and reduce energy consumption during periods of high demand. It will also assist Maui Electric Company (MECO) operate the electricity grid more efficiently.

An advanced energy storage system will be installed at the Maui Electric Company substation in Wailea as part of the Maui Smart Grid Project.

Led by MECO and the Hawaii Natural Energy Institute, the Maui Smart Grid Project is designed to demonstrate and evaluate new technologies for operating the electric grid more efficiently.

The Grid Battery System is being provided by A123 Systems, a developer and manufacturer of advanced lithium ion batteries and systems. It is designed to deliver one megawatt of power for a full hour, reducing the peak energy load on the substation’s transformers.

“We look forward to working with MECO to illustrate the value of our technology within the framework of the next-generation electric grid,” said Robert Johnson, vice president of the Energy Solutions Group at A123.

“A123′s advanced energy storage system has demonstrated the ability to shift peak energy loads when demand is high to provide the consistent delivery of quality power, which is an extremely valuable service that supports MECO’s ongoing effort to increase the reliability of the grid and maximize the generation resources we have in place,” said MECO president, Ed Reinhardt.

“The Maui Smart Grid Project will enable us to evaluate new technologies for enhancing our operations,” said Reinhardt. He said the versatility of A123′s storage system will not only allow the utility to meet peak load shifting requirements, but also perform additional services.

Specific objectives include minimizing emissions, enabling greater utilization of renewable energy sources and improving grid stability.

Aloha Kick-Off to 2012 Hyundai Tournament of Champions

By Wendy Osher
Article from: http://www.mauinow.com

Golfers and spectators will be treated to a special opening ceremony for the 2012 Hyundai Tournament of Champions on Friday, January 6, on Maui.

The Aloha Kick-Off will commence with a Hawaiian blessing by Clifford Naeole, cultural advisor for the Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua. He will be joined by famed Hawaii musician, Henry Kapono.

There will also be a special presentation by the Polynesian Cultural Center, featuring highlights from their latest production, “Ha-Breath of Life.”

This spectacular show is an ancient, yet universal tale of a boy, Mana, born in a distant paradise and nourished by a village. He learns the ways of his people, finds love, and defends everything with heart-stopping bravery.

The Polynesian Cultural Center is located on the island of O’ahu. The special appearance of performers from the PCC at the opening ceremonies of the 2012 Hyundai Tournament of Champions was organized in part by the Hawai’i Tourism Authority and the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau.

The opening ceremony events are scheduled to take place 45 minutes prior to the first tee time at the Plantation Course in Kapalua.

For more information call (808) 665-9160.

Many clients ask what happened to the Renaissance Hotel? Or for those of us who are on island and see the bustling construction near Mokapu Beach and across from the Wailea Fairway Estates and Wailea Blue Golf Course: What will the new hotel be like? Will there be units for sale?

For regular updates on these questions please call us directly at (808)280-2764 or 1-800-291-5535. In the meantime here are some interesting articles:

Click here for the Hyatt press release:http://www.hyattpressroom.com/content/hyatt/en/news_releases0/2010/Hyatt-and-Starwood-Capital-Announce-Joint-Venture-to-Create-Andaz-Wailea-Resort.html

Click here for yesterday’s article in the Maui News:http://www.mauinews.com/page/content.detail/id/556472.html

As work on the project has gained momentum and with our South Maui market showing strong activity, particularly in luxury property sales, reports are that there will now be multiple ocean front villas available for sale. The prices and specs of these have not yet been made public, but please check with us for updates. The Hansens represented the buyer and seller of the record sale in the Wailea Beach Villas and are always available to discuss your Maui real estate goals.

Paia Town Party Melds With ‘Paia Gives’

By Madeline Ziecker
Article from: Mauinow.com

This month’s Paia Friday Town Party on December 23 will also function as the fifth annual “Paia Gives” charity fundraiser.

Each year, “Paia Gives” raises thousands of dollars for local charities while providing entertainment and shopping deals for visitors.

Starting at 6 p.m., many Paia businesses will donate their proceeds from special sales to non-profit organizations across Maui.

Some participating Paia business owners anticipate this year’s fundraiser to be especially popular. The two events will come together as one during the official Paia Fourth Friday event.

Participating Paia businesses and the organizations they will serve include:

■Maui Hands – Paia Youth And Cultural Center
■By The Bay – Maui Humane Society. With surfboard art and a jewelry trunk show.
■Grace Beauty – Morgan Malkovich, a Maui girl in Boston’s ICU for surgery.
■Biasa Rose – Maui Humane Society
■Hemp House – Maui Food Bank
■Imrie – Maui Humane Society
■Lilikoi – Maui Humane Society
■Lotus Heart Gifts – Women Helping Women. There will be a %20 off sale and vegan ice-cream samples.
■Mahina – Women Helping Women
■Nuage Bleu – A Keiki’s Dream
■Oceania – Paia Youth And Cultural Center Skate Park. With champagne and a %25 off sale.
■Paia Trading Company – Maui Shrine Club Transportation Fund
■Pakaloha Bikini’s – HASA Sponsorship Program
■Tamara Catz Boutique – Alexander Academy
■North Shore Pilates – Haiku Boys & Girls Club
■Wine Corner – Paia Youth & Cultural Center. PYCC will have a table set up to sell baked goods and hot drinks. There will also be a $5 raffle for a new skateboard.
■Wings – Paia Youth & Cultural Center
■Indigo Paia – RadiOpio KOPO 88.9 Wine and a special prize drawing.
■Pearl – Women Helping Women
In addition to shopping and donations, there will also be plenty of food, music, and live entertainment around town.

For any additional questions, visit mauifridays.com.

Considering a trip to Maui that stops in or is from the Bay Area or Los Angeles this January? Be sure to check out this great One Day Special Fare Sale from Hawaiian Airlines. If you’re considering purchasing a condo, home or investment property during your visit ~ give us a call at 1-800-291-5535 or (808)280-2764.

Mahalo From Hawaiian Airlines

To show their appreciation, Hawaiian Airlines are offering a one-day only special fare –$298 round trip to/from the Bay Area, or Los Angeles and Hawaii.

In appreciation of patronage during the past year, they want to give something back. Enjoy the gift of travel this Holiday Season from all of us at Hawaiian Airlines.

Click here:http://www.hawaiianair.com/Specialoffers/Pages/holiday-special-fare.aspx

Mele Kalikimaka!

Booking Period Today Only
12/20/2011 only

Travel Period
1/5/2012-1/31/2012