We’ve been waiting for so long.  Side Street Inn On Da Strip is finally here, Sunday, July 25th, 2010.  It’s going to be casual dinner-only dining spot with a bar. If you can’t wait to visit it in person soon, check out the news clip from KHON  for a glimse of the interior. 

Prudential Location still taking in school supply donation for the homeless keiki until tomorrow July 9th.

More information: Midweek

DDJ Antique has cleared the space at Kilohana Square and transplant back to Chinatown.  I guess there is just not enough people looking for Chinese antique when they can do it at multiple stores in Chinatown.  The former DDJ Antique space actually has great street exposure.  Plenty of parking in the rear. Any new business start up should consider this spot.  I’m still waiting for a used bookstore on the Avenue.

Looks like Side Street Inn is coming pretty soon.  Signs are posted by the sidewalks and on the window. It was said to open on Fall, 2009, but Summer, 2010 is fine too. What is the delay? I can’t wait. Pork Chop, anyone?

http://sidestreetinn.com/locations/side-street-inn-on-da-strip

July 10, 2010, Saturday 10am – 9pm at Kapiolani Park & Bandstand

Come join the fun at the Korean Festival.  Korean song singing and  kimchee eating contest?  See you there. Come see the Korean dances, taekwondo and cooking demonstration, cultural food and displays, and picture taking with traditional hanbok.  For the keikis, have a try at traditional games, arts & crafts.

More info at http://www.koreanfestivalhi.com/

94th Annual King Kamehameha Celebration Floral Parade won’t be coming to the Kapiolani Park end this year.  Kapahulu and Diamond Head residents have to plan ahead to head a little further into Waikiki to witness the colorful floral floats, glamorous Pa`u riders and outstanding marching bands this year.

In commemoration of Hawai`i’s bicentennial, the parade will return to its historic route.  Parade will begin at 9 am on Saturday, June 12th, at Fort DeRussy on Kalakaua Avenue, left onto Ala Moana Blouvard, proceed to Punchbowl Street, then head up mauka direction before making a final left on King Street and end at `Iolani Palace.

More Info: http://hawaii.gov/dags/king_kamehameha_commission

Pan-Pacific Parade on Kalakaua Avenue from Fort DeRussy to Kapi‘olani Park, 5 – 7pm.  Come and join the fun.

More info at http://www.pan-pacific-festival.com/common/images/Schedule.pdf 

One Stop Grooming
1016 Kapahulu Avenue
195 Kilohana Square

Looks like very good customer service and the dogs love her too.

“So far this is my favorite dog groomer (and I have tried a lot of places). I trust that they will take good care of my dog and my dog always comes out looking so adorable! Definetly try this place out!” insiderpages.com

“I LOVE JUNKO! She is amazing with dogs. She is patient and always makes my dog look like a show dog!  I’m very picky on how I like my dogs hair cut and she always does what I ask.” yelp.com

“Great place to take your pet for his or her grooming needs. The staff was very friendly and seemed to really be interested in taking care of my pet. I would recommend them to my friends” insiderpages.com

Iyou are down by Waikiki, make sure you walk to higher ground or a concrete building’s 6th floor at around 9am.  See map to see if you are in the evacuation zone.  The same map can be found in your local phone book.

http://www.pdc.org/DisasterInfo/Shelters/CDmaps/Oahu/Oahu-map01.html

http://www.pdc.org/DisasterInfo/Shelters/CDmaps/Oahu/Oahu-map02.html

1. You don’t have to wait until you sell the house to do a kitchen and bath upgrade.  Do it early, so you can enjoy the upgrade and retain the value of the upgrade at the same time.

2. Bundle your fix list.

2. Get a fixed price.  Avoid per hour charge.

3. Background check.  Call the number on the business card, or reference. Call the contractor’s office and make sure the person is employed and authorized the use of license number.

4. Get the work description and payment details in writing.

5. Compare prices with three or more contractors.  Try a couple licensed and a couple unlicensed ones.  If the difference is less than 15% go with the licensed handyman or contractor.  The extra cost is like buying insurance and get a protection and guarantees that the work will be done. Did you know that a licensed contractor needs to have money in the bank so the protect consumer from a take (your money) and run.

6. Retain the locations of plumbing and electrical fixtures.  Focus on replacing worn and old vanities, mirrors, tile sinks, faucets and cabinets.

Links

http://hawaii.gov/dcca/areas/rico/licensedcontractor

http://www.hurricaneprotect.com/

http://fixitfridays.com/

 Listen to Gerry Peters’ (HPS) Fix-it Friday show on KHVH 830 AM, Fridays 3 to 4 pm