The Mayor's Office of Culture and Arts aka MOCA was founded in 1971 after the passage of the 1967…read morePercent for Art law that established the Art in City Buildings Program. Its original location was in Honolulu Hale but has moved to this site, the 1820 Mission Memorial Building on the 2nd floor. "The mission of MOCA is to promote the value of arts and culture throughout communities in the City and County of Honolulu. MOCA's objectives are to attain per-eminence in culture and the arts; to perpetuate the artistic and cultural heritages of its entire people; to promote a community environment, which provides equal and abundant opportunity for exposure to culture and the arts in all its forms; and to encourage and provide equal opportunity for the development of culture and the artistic talents of the people of Honolulu." The program has attained, over the years, many examples or forms of art that promote the value of the artistic and cultural heritages of our communities. MOCA has encouraged the artistic talents and cultural development/awareness of Honolulu's people. Examples can be found throughout Honolulu Hale, the Frank Fasi Civic Center, Kapolei Hale and other City Government buildings. Bravo to MOCA for bringing the best artistic expressions and culturally significant pieces to Honolulu.

Review is based only on early voting…read more Staff is very helpful and organized. Get out and vote!!!!!! https://s3-media1.ak.yelpcdn.com/photo/8P968OR86YHfz_HdHGL53g/l.jpg

I love the Dillingham Transportation Building. It's so wonderful to see all the artistic features…read morethat the newer building lacks. I'm so glad my dentist moved into this building, though it's a longer walk from my workplace. Guess it's a way of getting in some kind of exercise once or twice a year.

Built in 1929, The Dillingham Transportation Building is one of the few historic and recognizable…read morebusiness buildings left in downtown Honolulu. While most of Honolulu's former well-known business buildings have been replaced by modern high-rises of glass and steel, the DTB's architecture gives one time to admire its beauty of a time gone by. Originally built for Hawai'i Industrialist, Walter F. Dillingham, and his family's businesses, it was dedicated to his father Benjamin Franklin Dillingham, founder of O'ahu Railway and Land Company. The O'ahu Railway and Land Company was responsible for creating commercial development in Central O'ahu. But, before this building was built, Walter Dillingham's construction company was involved with draining the wetlands of Waikīkī and creating the Ala Wai Canal. This project developed Waikīkī into the tourist and resort destination it is today. This building's architect, Lincoln Rogers, also designed the former Armed Forces YMCA, now the Hawaii State Art Museum in the same Italian Renaissance Revival style. However, it is the DTB's lobby design which prominently features Art Deco elements that differs from its Florentine façade. Art Deco's strong geometric, precise lines and strong colors which was popular at that time are evident. The expansive lobby has polished earth-toned marble flooring and stunning bronze motifs (check out the inlaid bronze tile liners and elevator fixtures). Fast forwarding to the 70's and 80's, The Dillingham Transportation Building became a hot spot for the rebirth of traditional Hawaiian slack-key guitar artists and cabaret of upcoming comedians at its Territorial Tavern. We remember coming in to listen to performances by the Sons of Makaha and the Beamer Brothers or cracking up with laughter during comedic acts by Booga Booga. Today, this beautiful and historic building is home to law offices, advertising agencies, dentists and other professionals. Its ground floor arcade features Honolulu Café, Mama-Ya (modern Japanese bento and café) Restaurant and Ferguson's Irish Pub. This building is managed by and is part of the Pacific Guardian Center.

I work in this bldg, and it's meh. Not great, but not terrible either. The new updates are hit…read moreand miss. The plants in the courtyard and the new ones along the inner parking rails are nice. The new black paint on most of the walls and the weird external, blocky column things are pretty terrible though. I mean really, what's up with the weirdo columns sitting on top of the sixth or seventh floor and traveling up to attach to the top of the tenth? Overall Pros: 1. Great View 2. Friendly, responsive bldg. manager 3. Nice Security Guards 4. Sleek new Lobby 5. Great Kaka'ako location Overall Cons: 1. PARKING!!!! The parking lot is the WORST; there's no grace period and its expensive- especially now that they got rid of the early bird special. Seriously ABM, no grace period? That's just greedy. On the other hand, they seem to have gotten rid of the mean old guy who used to work in the booth some afternoons and the remaining attendants are pretty pleasant. 2. No ventilation in several of the bathrooms. Gross, and it feels like it must be some kind of code violation. 3. Apparently no one knows how to work the security gate that the parking attendants lower before they leave for the day; and its old as all get out, so even though its supposed to open for you if you're working late and leaving after hours, it sometimes just stubbornly stays down and traps you in the bldg. Took my boss like two hours to get out the other night. 4. The elevators are ancient and faulty. Ever been trapped in one? I hadn't til I worked here. Not only is it mildly terrifying, its deathly hot, since there is no AC in the things.

Aloha Towers is a historic lighthouse that stands near Pier 9 on the Honolulu Harbor. The structure…read morewas designed by Arthur Reynolds and construction was completed in 1926. The style of this unusual lighthouse is Gothic Revival with a strong Art Deco influence. This iconic structure once housed the harbor navigation master, responsible for directing ships into and out of the Harbor. A massive Howard clock tells accurate time on the lighthouse. I took an early morning walk around the lighthouse with my daughter. The structure appears to be undergoing some rehab as the entrance was boarded up. A large plaque tells the building's history with several interesting photos. In the past, visitors could ascend to a 10th floor observation deck and view the harbor. Today, the building is closed to visitors, but is a central focal point of the Marketplace. The Marketplace houses restaurants and shops which were not open during my visit. The lighthouse was a fun discovery for me, but would have been more impactful if the observation deck was still open to visitors. We found parking about two blacks away in a metered lot. There is no charge to walk around the base of the tower.

Towering landmark…read more.. At 99 and going close to 100 years old it's still shows proudly the Aloha Spirit going strong as to this day mom remembers vividly seeing this tower greet her as she arrived with dad to Hawai'i and to this day is one of the prominent structure easily viewed in many directions though in the past the observation deck gave you the stunning views the Oahu shoreline provides it now is closed and is just majestically stands there to welcome all with Aloha. You can find the tower easily right besides some shops and currently Old Spaghetti Factory and even Aloha Tower Luau "Ka Moana Luau" which offers a buffet dinner provided by Chart House along with a beautiful undisturbed view of the waterfront and evening sunset. Thank you!

Notably, the Frank C. Atherton House, which was constructed in 1902, played a vital role in the…read moredevelopment of the College Hills property in Manoa Valley during the early 20th century. The Atherton House, among the first significant homes to be built in the region, was instrumental in launching a trend that ultimately resulted in the transformation of an area that had previously been comprised of taro and dairy farms into a posh residential neighborhood. The first people to call this house their own were Frank Cooke Atherton, his wife Eleanore, and their four children. In many respects, the Athertons were symbolic of a Caucasian elite that controlled Hawaii's economic and political life until the state was officially established. The Athertons were involved in both commercial and civic matters. This social and ethnic group's ascent to power in the Hawaiian Islands during the early 20th century is documented in the form of a home located on College Hill. Lastly, the Atherton Home is notable because it is an example of a bigger shingle-covered, wood-frame house in Hawaii. It shows influences from the late Victorian Queen Anne and Midwestern Prairie Styles. It is an example of a private residence adapted to the tropical climate of Hawaii and maintains a significant amount of its original and historical character.

Landmark in Kalihi Honolulu, Hawaii…read more.. I saw a news article on 4-3-24 from KHON2 about the Berlin Wall Freedom Monument... and I had to go and see it! Located on the campus of Honolulu Community College, look for Building 2 and walk down the pathway to the end. It's past the little playground of Building 11. You will see the 911 Memorial next to it. Simple History: The Berlin Wall "fell" on 11-9-89. It kind of symbolized the end of The Cold War. The Wall was like "The Iron Curtain" - the division between the West and the East - or the USA and Russia. Many years ago, some students (Olin Lagon, Evan Tector, and their friend, Warren) at Honolulu Community College, together with their professors (Dr. Rick Ziegler and Professor Ron Pine), contacted the German Embassy and asked for a piece of The Wall. At the time, only 3 sections were being given away. Through many negotiations, they had the 3.2 ton section of The Wall Shipped to Honolulu via Matson. It is now encased and displayed in public for everyone to visit! Thanks to Fletcher Pacific Construction Company and Architects Hawaii, LTD. for designing and erecting the 12 foot high structure. Thanks also to U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye for participating in the dedication ceremony on 11-9-92! The students and staff appreciated your presence!

Downtown Honolulu has so many Hawaiian landmark or historical gems. Many pass by without taking…read morethe time to see what may behind stone walls or fences. We have been amazed by past and recent "finds". Of course, when we roam about our neighborhood, we are respectful to the properties that we enter. That being said, over the years that we have come to the Kawaihao Church Annual Bazaars, we'd pass through its entrance gate and this masoleum without stopping to recognize its historical significance. The masoleum is and its surrounding garden is well-maintained. Democratic Process: THE PEOPLE'S CHOICE AND LEGISLATURE'S CHOICE. High Chief William Lunalilo was born with the Kamehameha lineage and was rightful heir to the throne of the Kingdom of Hawai'i succeeding King Kamehameha V. But, because King Kamehameha V had passed away in December 1872 without naming a successor and even though Lunalilo could've claimed his birthright to be King, Lunalilo chose to hold a special election. His challenger in this democratic process was High Chief David Kalākaua who was not of the bloodline. In 1873, William Lunalilo was elected by the people of Hawai'i and was crowned King. He was the first King of Hawai'i to have been unanimously voted in to reign by both the people and Legislature. Unfortunately, King Lunalilo's reign was cut short due to his early death at age 39. He reigned for only a little more than a year and did not name his successor. But, he changed the succession way of Hawai'i's Monarchs... they would be CHOSEN through democratic process. His last wishes was to buried on the grounds of Kawaihao Church where he felt closest to the common people who elected him to the throne. Apparently, he wanted to return the love to the people and be amongst them at Kawaiaha'o Church. All other Royals were interned at the Royal Masoleum at Nuuanu. The next time you're in the area, stop by to take in a bit of Hawaiian history along with the beauty of our island.

What a peaceful place this is. Although it seems to me that he had a sad life, he was loved and he…read moretruly stood up for what he believed. A man who definitely represented his people and it is very sad that his life and reign was cut short. How history could have changed if he had lived longer... William Charles Lunalilo was the sixth monarch and very popular during his reign. King Kamehameha V had preceded Lunalilo and had died without naming a successor. Lunalilo was appointed by a vote of the people over his opponent, David Kalakaua. He took the throne in January 1873 and his inauguration was held at Kawaiaha'o Church. He only ruled a little over one year when he passed away on 3 Feb. 1874 at 39 years old. His last wish was to be laid to rest near his people, and this is why his tomb stands on the grounds of Kawaiaha'o Church and not at the Royal Mausoleum. More history: - Lunalilo is the grandson of Kamehameha I's half-brother and is related to Kinau (one of Kamehameha's daughters) through his mother. His father Kanaina was a lower chief. - Once he had been engaged to Victoria Kamamalu, but the match was opposed by Kamehameha IV, so Lunalilo remained a bachelor. It is said that he died of tuberculosis and alcoholism. A twist on his resting place (rumor or truth?): slighted by the Kamehameha family over the final resting place of his mother's remains, Lunalilo insisted that he be buried in a tomb separate from the Royal Mausoleum; his resting place still stands inside the grounds of Kawaiaha`o Church. He left his property to create the Lunalilo Home, a place for the poor, elderly, and ailing Hawaiian people. - He amended the Constitution of 1864 and abolished property requirements for voting. - Lunalili unsuccessfully pursued a reciprocity treaty with the United States and withdrew a proposal to lease out Pearl Harbor when faced with public opposition. - Kamehameha IV sponsored a contest in 1860 for new national anthem. He wanted the lyrics to match the tune of "God Save the King." Lunalilo wrote the winning entry and was awarded 10 dollars. His song became the kingdom's new anthem. I found this and its pretty good info: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lunalilo

As a member of the world class Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, I wanted to write a thorough review…read moreabout my great experience being a member. It's unfortunate that the only 1 review here submitted was written by a non Chamber of Commerce member who had a bad experience at the annual luncheon, so I wanted to give a more comprehensive review from a Chamber member's perspective! As the "Voice of Business in Hawaii," the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii is a statewide non-profit organization whose mission is to serve the 2,000+ members to advance the state's economy and help businesses thrive locally, nationally, and globally. The COCH gives members a multitude of resources such as: -Legislative advocacy -Workplace Development trainings to keep your business competitive -Small business and entrepreneurs advocacy -Networking events, seminars, and annual luncheons featuring top-tiered guest speakers -Neighbor island Chamber partnerships -Military Affairs Council -Groups for tourism, manufacturing, human resources, and education -Young Professionals Network for chamber members under 40 -Marketing & PR team that promotes member businesses -Annual COCH membership book that lists all of the member businesses -Weekly newsletters and updates for members -And many more resources I probably forgetting! The really cool thing about joining the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii is that they have a partnership with the National US Chamber of Commerce, so you automatically get access to resources and membership of the National US Chamber of Commerce. Although I am still a newer member, I have been impressed by this world class Chamber of Commerce: their caring and engaging staff, their helpful resources for business owners, and their awesome events! My favorite events so far have been the annual Chamber of Commerce Hawaii Luncheon that featured guest speaker Kristi Yamaguchi, a childhood hero of mine; and the Young Professionals Network Golf Clinic at Ko Olina Golf Club. I can't wait to attend more COCH events! I am most grateful for their caring and engaging staff members. Glen Higa, VP of Membership has gone above and beyond in welcoming and accommodating my business. And Christina Grimmer the VP of Chamber Events and Executive Director of the Young Professionals Program has also gone above and beyond accommodating me in their many events. Although I haven't met her yet, Natasha Inouye has been extremely helpful providing resources for Workforce Development programs. If you are a business owner, professional working for a company whose business is a part of the COCH, or a young professional looking for more ways to become involved and network in the Hawaii business community, I can't recommend the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii enough! They truly are a world class and outstanding organization that will help you drive your business forward and provide you resources that will help you meet your business needs.

Was invited to the annual luncheon as a guest at the Hilton Hawaiian Village and was very…read moredisappointed with the organization of the event. It was bad enough that there was a lot of construction and congestion at the HHV because of the chosen time and day (Friday lunchtime) and all the tourists. Then it went downhill from there. Here are some of the lowlights: - no signs setup for finding your way in parking, - no signs along the concourse to find your walking route to the Tapa Tower ballroom, - no guide hosts (like Douglas Trade Shows always has at their events), - you register, and they don't give you a name tag (until people ask you where your name tag is, and then you have to go back to the registration desk and ask for it, while they flip thru pages of lists trying to find you, and then point you to someone else at another table, and then they send you back to the other table you were at). - when the luncheon starts, and there is like 100 tables, and you try and sit down and then people tell you that it is assigned tables, and you have to go back to the registration desk, and then they give you a card with your table number on it. All they had to do was print your table number on your name tag, or give you the table card when you first showed up, instead of going back to the registration desk line 3 different times?! - Food was horrible, Hawaiian food that wasn't really... Hard lumpy white rice. Served in microwaved ceramic bowls too hot to hold, and the server doesn't say anything and just puts it down on the lazy susan and leaves. But I guess that is more the HHV hotel's issue?! So I'll review that on their page. - parking for just a few hours is $24! I thought downtown was bad. - Later in the day I found out that the registration desk had parking validation. Nobody said anything or asked me if I needed validation but then again, I never got my name tag and pretty much everything else. Who knows what else I'm missing? - Blaring music during the President's talk, I swear that it was a mistake, but then it kept playing, and they kept doing it for other awards, so I guess that is how they do it. They should have faded in and out to be more professional, and so we can hear what the people on the stage are saying. - To top it all off, after paying 1/4th of a century bill for parking, the departure traffic jam in the structure, just to leave, was over 25 minutes of exhaust fumes, and wasted time and gas. But again, that is the hotel, so I will review that there. Highlight: The only good part, was the networking, but that happens at any event, anywhere. Probably gave out 20 business cards. We'll see if any of that pans out. I even called and left voicemail, and even emailed them at their cochawaii.org web site to try and give them feedback, no response so far. They need to hire someone really good, like Douglas Trade Shows, who knows how to organize and put on a event. I have been impressed by their events 100% so far. Reminds me of all the conventions and shows I attend in Vegas, San Jose, San Francisco, San Diego, Philadelphia, New York. Very professional.