Larry Ellison brings big changes to Lanai

Ellison plans new Lanai hotel, runway

Desalination plant, improved access to UH-MC also detailed

January 26, 2013

By MELISSA TANJI - Staff Writer (mtanji@mauinews.com) , The Maui News

A bungalow-style hotel, a desalination plant and a new airport runway are part of billionaire and new Lanai owner Larry Ellison's vision for the island, Lanai residents said Friday.

The computer technology guru also reportedly would like to see one of the island's luxury hotels, possibly Four Seasons Resort Lana'i at Manele Bay, go "off the grid," as well as expand University of Hawaii Maui College's outreach to the island, residents added.

At a Lanai Community Plan Advisory Committee meeting Thursday night, committee members said that Kurt Matsumoto, the chief operating officer of Ellison's Lanai Resorts LLC, presented a vision statement for the island but set no timeline and stressed that the proposals were just a vision.

A message left for Matsumoto at his office Friday afternoon was not immediately returned.

Although committee members did note there were many proposals, that could take years to develop, they reported the vision was "positive" because proposals also included improvements to health care, education, housing and conservation on the island.

"It's exciting times," said committee member Caron Green, who has noticed beautification projects popping up in the small town after Ellison bought the island.

"This island was suffering tremendously the last few years, there's a lot more positive energy right now," he said.

Longtime outspoken Lanai resident Ron McOmber described the plans as "positive," but he added he also had some concerns about some of the visionary goals.

"My God, the stuff he talked about was millions and millions of dollars and probably years and years away," he said.

McOmber said that the plans "scared me a little bit" because he worried about how much control Ellison may have over the people of Lanai.

"I'm concerned. It will have a direct effect on us in many ways. I'm lucky. I'm retired. I own my own property. I'm in good shape. I don't know what's going to happen."

State Rep. Mele Carroll, whose district includes Lanai, said in a statement that is was impossible to put into words the surprise she felt when she read a story about Ellison possibly building a third hotel on Lanai.

She said she has not been informed of any plans by Ellison or his representatives, so can neither confirm nor deny what she read.

"If the story is true, I really do welcome the economic benefits that development will bring to the island," Carroll said. "However, how that development will actually impact the island's natural beauty and cultural diversity is essential to consider. In order to determine that impact, I believe he must communicate with the community and the state about his longer plans and goals. As I previously stated, I would really like to keep open the lines of communication between him and the representatives of the state," Carroll said.

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Regent Eiendomsmegling AS Celebrates its Affiliation with Christie’s International Real Estate with a Charity Auction Event in Oslo.

Regent Eiendomsmegling AS Celebrates its Affiliation with Christie’s International Real Estate with a Charity Auction Event in Oslo.

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Oslo, Norway –On Friday 11 January, Regent Eiendomsmegling AS, held a Charity Auction to support Oslo’s main cancer hospital for children – Radiumhospitalet. The event was held to mark their recent Affiliation with Christie’s International Real Estate, the world’s only real estate network owned by an art auction house.

Øyvind Olstad  Managing Director at Regent Eiendomsmegling AS, together with Joachim Wrang-Widén, DHS, Regional Director Europe, Middle East, Africa, hosted the Charity Auction at the prestigious Onda Restaurant in the harbor of Aker Brygge in Oslo, a large number of clients of Regent Eiendomsmegling AS attended together with friends and distinguished members of Oslo’s elite. Norway's leading distribution channel for high end lifestyle - luxury products, Lifestyle Norway  assisted Regent Eiendomsmegling with the event's planning, invitations and sourcing the valuable goods for the worthy cause.

During the dinner event, Joachim Wrang-Widén did a splendid job as celebrity Auctioneer raising a total of 40.000 Euros from various items, from jewelry, art and spirits to evening-wear and luxury-end yacht cruises. “We are delighted to be affiliated with Regent Eiendomsmegling AS in Norway. The event was a big success and we got very good feedback because of its purpose to support such a noble cause, the nature of the event also marks the overlay of fine art and luxury real estate.”

Øyvind Olstad  Managing Director at Regent Eiendomsmegling AS  says, “This is the first time we organized a charity auction. We did it because we wanted to highlight our connection to the world’s only real estate network owned by an art auction house. Since this launch event has proved to be so successful and popular among our community we are planning to make this an annual event.”

Regent Eiendomsmegling AS, specializes in high-end real estate in Norway, including Oslo, Bærum, Bergen, and Stavanger with a highly selective range of properties, in  some of the most sought-after places of the regions. With a professional track-record of nearly twenty years, Øyvind has been providing expert advisory service and has achieved optimum transactions through high-value residential real estate. 

Christie's International Real Estate Presents Melody Ridge, Replete with Amenities and Exceptional Craftsmanship

Represented by Neumann Real Estate, Melody Ridge Offers Bucolic Locale One Hour from Manhattan

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Ridgefield, Connecticut — Beautifully sited on nearly 8.5 secluded acres in the quaint village of Ridgefield,Connecticut, the remarkable Melody Ridge estate reflects a timeless sense of refinement with all the sensibility of modern conveniences. Custom-designed for a prominent music executive and his family, this technologically advanced house encompasses state-of-the-art electronics including a private home recording studio, and is listed with Neumann Real Estate at US$3,895,000.

Melody Ridge offers numerous cutting-edge amenities and exceptional detail. A breathtaking main-level master suite is one of five en suite bedrooms. The 15,000 square feet of living space is equipped with a professionally designed and aesthetically engaging lighting system. The chef-inspired gourmet kitchen and climate-controlled wine cellar speaks to the homeowner’s palate. A mahogany library with a coffered ceiling and fireplace produces an executive ambience, while entertainment can be savored in the luxurious theater and adjoining lobby which features a bird’s-eye maple bar. Just down the hallway, music emanates from the recording studio and sound room.

Outdoors, relaxation can be enjoyed on the terraces by the pool. The fully equipped kitchen in the poolhouse is adjoined by an artisan-built stone pizza oven. A pond, putting green, and courtyard affording stunning nature views are also found on the professionally landscaped, private grounds.

“The scope of the estate located so close to the global business center of Manhattan, at this price point makes Melody Ridge an unparalleled value proposition to international buyers,” says Kathleen Coumou, Senior Vice President of Christie’s International Real Estate.

Conveniently located an hour’s drive from Manhattan, Melody Ridge is nestled in the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains in the 300-year-old town of Ridgefield, Connecticut. A picturesque New England community, Ridgefield boasts world-class restaurants, boutique shops, and an architecturally significant historic district among its many assets. The town’s schools are among the best in the country—Ridgefield’s public school system is one of only 36 members of the Tri-State Consortium, a highly regarded learning organization, which includes the highest performing school systems in Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey.

Paint ball returns to Maui

Olowalu facility welcoming first customers today; grand opening planned for Feb. 2

January 13, 2013
By CHRIS SUGIDONO - Staff Writer (csugidono@mauinews.com) , The Maui News

After an absence of nearly eight years, paint ball will triumphantly return to the Valley Isle this weekend.

Seasoned paint ballers and curious adventure seekers above the age of 10 can head over to Maui Paintball at 11 a.m. today. It is located between the Olowalu Refuse and Recycle Transfer Station and Olowalu General Store.

"Honestly it's a shock," said Maui Paintball founder and owner Clint Hansen. "I didn't expect it to take this long, so it's amazing."

Kapalua Adventures staff and family played the first match at the Maui Paintball facility in Olowalu last week.

The Maui News / CHRIS SUGIDONO photo

The 31-year-old Hansen said bringing paint ball back to the island has been a long and arduous task, but one he was adamant about. When the Kula-based Darren and Donald Paintball (D&D) closed in 2005, players no longer had access to formal fields or games.

Hansen said he was disappointed, considering that he was introduced to the sport at the Kula paint-ball field on his 13th birthday.

"I loved it," he said. "Because D&D shut down here, there was nothing for kids to do. I took the time and effort to find a field, and that took about five years."

Hansen, a real estate agent, said it took several years to find a suitable location and receive approval on a special use permit from various governing bodies.

"You have to talk to multiple government, federal, state, county, environmental and cultural (groups)," he said. "I mean, there's dozens and dozens of studies that took an immense amount of time and effort . . . about two years."

It took another year for the permitting process, which included a fencing permit and a grading permit for the parking lot, Hansen said. He also needed letters of authorization for onsite storage buildings that also will serve as office space.

The 10-acre facility is complete with 4,500 square feet of tree forts, which required multiple letters from the county to allow construction. Hansen attended one of the county's permitting open houses and showed representatives the design of his tree forts.

"I don't have anything under the roof. I don't have any electricity in it, and I don't have any plumbing. So it's basically a walkway," he said. "I'm fortunate enough to be exempt from (standard building codes) because it's a play structure."

Aside from the tree forts, an old double-decker sugar cane bus serves as a strategic point within one of the three designated playing fields. The bus was abandoned in Kihei and transported to the facility, eventually being hauled into position with Hansen's tractor. Read more...

Hawaiian aims to expand fleet and boost its service

January 8, 2013
By AUDREY McAVOY , The Associated Press


HONOLULU - Hawaiian Airlines said Monday that it plans to buy more than a dozen new Airbus planes to help it meet demand for travel between the West Coast and the islands.

Mock up of what Hawaiian Airlines Airbus A321neo will look like. Aircraft image from Airbus.

The airline signed an agreement with the Toulouse, France-based airplane manufacturer to buy 16 new A321neo jets, each seating about 190 passengers in first and economy class.

The planes - to be delivered four to seven years from now - will allow Hawaiian to open new markets and boost service to cities it already flies to, the airline said. The Honolulu-based airline plans to add 1,000 jobs as part of the expansion.

"It's an exciting new chapter for our business. It underscores the confidence we have in our company and the market in which we operate," Hawaiian CEO Mark Dunkerley said in a telephone interview.

The move also ensures that Hawaiian remains the "most competitive carrier in the marketplace," Dunkerley said.

The single-aisle plane will carry fewer passengers than the 294-seat Airbus A330 and 264-seat Boeing 767 jets Hawaiian currently flies between Hawaii and the West Coast.

But it will carry more than the 123-seat Boeing 717 the airline uses on interisland routes. The aircraft is not intended for flights between the islands.

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Chatham Jewel in Massachusetts is a One of a Kind Beachfront Property Ideal for Outdoor Enthusiasts

This charming estate is offered for sale by Pine Acres Realty with international marketing services offered by Christie's International Real Estate

Chatham, Massachusetts - Perched atop Chatham’s shoreline, this classic estate enjoys a unique location with uninterrupted views to the Atlantic Ocean and a private path leading directly to the beach which is less than 50 meters away. Designed by Nicholaeff Architecture, the property is set on 1.9 acres and spans 10,974 square feet following a unique design of round and rectangular surfaces.

Chatham Jewel is accessed by a grand circular drive which embraces the round one bedroom carriage house which stands proudly in front of the entrance of the main property. Both interior and exterior areas of the estate are simply breathtaking. Multiple decks and a dining terrace with a stone fireplace are ideal for private parties and entertaining guests with the sea's backdrop. Manicured grounds and a glorious pool pavilion next to the infinity pool further complement the recreational areas outside. 

Beautiful sea views are available from almost all living areas at this beachfront property which features five bedrooms, five full bathrooms, and four half bathrooms in the main house. The master bedroom is ensuite with a spa-like bathroom as well as his and her walk-in closets.

The centermost portion of the monumental structure has a circular design and is where the great room, a chef’s kitchen, a banquet-sized dining room, and the formal living room are all located. In addition an intimate 11-seat cinema and an opulent wine cave fitted with 409 redwood bottle slots are also available guaranteeing a superior luxury lifestyle.

The property was designed using distinct technology throughout, for ultimate safety Crestron smart home system security has been installed which controls with the touch of a button multiple functions around the estate including access to the estate’s gate, lighting, audio, video, drapery, the pool and even driveway heat.

Located in the town of Chatham, a charming seaside village situated 90 miles from Boston, Chatham Jewel is offered for sale by Pine Acres Realty with international marketing services provided by Christie's International Real Estate.

Enchanting Modern Fairy-tale Chateau Amid a Beautiful Private Lake Offered at US$10.9 million

Chateau Artisan in Miami, Florida, is offered for sale by Esslinger-Wooten-Maxwell Realtors

Chateau Artisan is one-of-a-kind castle positioned in beautiful settings, in the middle of a private lake surrounded by regal gardens which create utter seclusion. The chateau follows the archetypal of medieval castles, accessed via wrought iron gates with huge bronze Griffins anchored on either side; a long tree-lined gravel drive winds past the glorious views of the surrounding landscape and leads to a striking obelisk in the center of the driveway. Set on 14 acres in Miami, Florida, the residence enjoys a dramatic setting, appearing as if it is afloat on the surrounding lake. A coral stone labyrinth with rose garden further complement the fairy-tale like surroundings of this remarkable estate.

“Chateau Artisan is incredibly unique in that the property rivals the finest chateaux in France, yet is situated just minutes from the excitement of Miami” says Rick Moser, Senior Vice President of Christie’s International Real Estate. "The estate's unique architecture together with its numerous recreational amenities will attract those who are looking for exceptional premises ideal for entertaining guests."

Built using only the highest quality materials and furnishings available, Chateau Artisan offers impressive interiors matching the palatial surroundings outside. The interior is split in three levels offering eight bedrooms, five bathrooms and five powder rooms. High vaulted ceilings, arched doorways, and white marble-tiled floors create a decadent impression upon entry to the foyer. Further down a spacious kitchen, well equipped with cherry wood cabinetry is adjacent to an expansive wine cellar featuring stone floors, built-in wine racks, and a wet bar. 

The property’s focal point is the great room with its forty-foot ceilings decorated with iron chandeliers and white marble flooring. Gorgeous tapestries, draperies, a fireplace, and formal yet comfortable furnishings soften the mood in this enormous room, which opens to a large terrace through mahogany French doors. A state-of-the-art movie theater and a game room with a built-in wet bar provide numerous in-house entertainment options for guests, both rooms are richly appointed with stone floors and timber-framed doors.

"The Chateau Artisan is so perfectly unique, such an artful vision. All of it, from the big picture to every last detail has been designed and carefully chosen for its fit of shape, color, size, material. I am honored to know the architect and to represent this exceptional, one-of-a-kind property," says listing agent Judy Zeder of Esslinger-Wooten-Maxwell, Inc., Realtors.

The estate’s delightful outdoor amenities include a black granite-tiled swimming pool, a covered black-tiled Jacuzzi, a barbecue and a dining gazebo while a mountain has been created to resemble the ruins of ancient times complete with multiple levels ascending to the summit with a huge fire pit.