Honua Kai receives four AAA diamonds
KAANAPALI - Honua Kai Resort & Spa has received the American Automobile Association's Four Diamond Award for 2012.
The award means the North Beach resort ranks in the top 4.5 percent of the 31,000 lodgings approved by AAA, according to a news release.
The Four Diamond Award is given to establishments that "are upscale in all areas," according to AAA. "Accommodations are more refined and stylish. The physical attributes reflect an obvious enhanced level of quality throughout. The fundamental hallmarks at this level include an extensive array of amenities combined with a high degree of hospitality, service, and attention to detail."
Steven Rose, Honua Kai's general manager, said, "We are both thrilled and honored with this great news and that AAA has recognized that Honua Kai is an extraordinary property, providing services and amenities that are among the best on Maui and in Hawaii."
One of Maui's newest resorts, the Honua Kai opened two years ago.
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Gas prices rise; isles reach record
HONOLULU - Hawaii continues to have the highest gasoline prices in the nation and recently hit a statewide record.
AAA Hawaii said the statewide average Wednesday was a record high of $4.618. Thursday's statewide average was $4.615, a penny higher than a week ago, 18 cents more than last month and 16 cents more than a year ago.
Honolulu's average price remained constant over the past week at $4.47 a gallon, a penny shy of the record set in 2008.
Hilo's average price is $4.74, one cent less than last week, 14 cents more than last month and 29 cents higher than this time last year. Wailuku is $4.86, eight cents more than last week, 31 cents more than last month and 10 cents higher than last year.
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Haleiwa Farmers Market must close
HALEIWA, Oahu - A popular farmers market on Oahu's North Shore has been deemed illegal because of a state law prohibiting selling from public highways.
Since 2009, the Haleiwa Farmers Market has been operating on Sundays on a parcel of land that's zoned for agricultural use and not business. The state Department of Transportation issued a cease and desist order after officials were told by the attorney general's office that vending is prohibited on the site.
Organizers say more than 2,000 people visit the market weekly. A rally is planned for Sunday and organizers are expected to meet with lawmakers and transportation officials.
The closure of the market has left farmers shocked. LuAnn Casey of Tin Roof Ranch says it's the best venue for small farmers on the North Shore.
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Canadian busted in sweepstakes scam
HONOLULU - FBI agents in Honolulu have arrested a naturalized Canadian citizen from Nigeria who is accused in a lottery scam.
Williams Eronini Njoku was arrested Wednesday on mail and wire fraud charges when he landed at Honolulu International Airport on a WestJet Airlines flight from Canada.
The FBI says it appears he traveled to Hawaii as a tourist. The FBI had information that he would be on the flight.
According to a federal grand jury indictment, he and others allegedly targeted California victims on the phone by telling them they won a lottery or sweepstakes but the winnings would only be released if money was wired to Canada for fees and other charges.
The 35-year-old was being transported to court Thursday and couldn't be reached for comment.
- From The Maui News and its news services
