Tag Archives: united states

Census 2010 data shows double-digit population growth in Hawaii

Census data released today reveals that key trends in Hawaii’s population growth tracks closely with other states along the West Coast, including California, Oregon, Washington and Alaska.

Population Growth

Hawaii’s population grew 12.3% between 2000 and 2010 to a total of 1,380,301 people. The other West Coast states grew at similar low double-digit rates: California 10%, Oregon 12%, Washington 14.1% and Alaska 13.3%.

Population Density

With very limited land area, it follows that Hawaii’s population density, defined as number of people per square mile, also grew. Hawaii now ranks as the #15 most dense state. By comparison, California ranks at #13 for density. The other West Coast states remain much less dense, with Washington ranking #27, Oregon #41 and Alaska #52.

Despite growth in population and density, there was no change in Hawaii’s number of congressional representatives. We retain two senators and two representatives.

Current Trends

The housing bubble tracks closely with population growth. Hoards of people moved out West and to coastal areas during the past decade, buying houses they couldn’t afford with subprime loans. Now that the bubble has burst, an important question to ask is how does the foreclosure rate impact population numbers in real time. But for that answer, we will have to wait for the next census in 2020.

Hawaii General Election results 2010

If you’d like to see how the general election races turned out, results are posted on the state’s website: http://hawaii.gov/elections/results/2010/general/

Here’s a brief rundown of the winners:

Senator – Dan Inouye (no surprise there)

Rep Dist 1 – Colleen Hanabusa

Rep Dist 2 – Maize Hirono

Gov/Lt Gov – Abercrombie/Schatz

Kauai Mayor – Bernard Carvalho

Maui Mayor – Alan Arakawa

Overall voter turnout = 55.7%

Best Places to Eat in Honolulu

What are the best places to eat in Honolulu?

Lucky you, Honolulu is such a fun food town with multiple ethnic influences melting into one tasty bowl. Here is a list of my favorite places to eat in Honolulu:

Traditional Japanese
Akasaka — Across from the convention center; great for lunch; They serve raw and cooked food. The broiled misoyaki butterfish and spicy tuna hand rolls are favorites; Review at http://www.yelp.com/biz/akasaka-honolulu . Make a reservation.

Modern Japanese
Doraku Sushi — Royal Hawaii Shopping Center (if there’s a wait, do NOT eat at the super overpriced place across the hall); Great for dinner with a group; Hip vibe with a creative menu; http://www.dorakusushi.com/ . Make a res.

Brunch/Lunch/Dinner
Mariposa — Neiman Marcus at Ala Moana Shopping Center; Ask to sit on the lanai; Killer ocean views; Also good for a nice lunch or dinner with a group; Website at http://www.neimanmarcushawaii.com/restaurant.aspx . Make a res.

Lunch
Siam Garden Cafe — It’s the best Thai food you’ll eat outside of Thailand. I almost cried when I thought they’d closed in August, but they were just cleaning the place; Great for lunch and groups; Kid friendly; Website at http://www.siamgardencafe.com/ . No need res.

There is also a dizzying variety of quick, inexpensive places to eat within walking distance of the Hawaii convention center located in the food court of the Ala Moana Shopping Center (Street level) –http://www.alamoanacenter.com/diningdirec.htm . I like the Korean and Japanese grills, but you’ll find it all there fast.

Whatever you decide,  you can always get take out and then eat it across the street at Ala Moana Beach Park while taking in sunset.

Dinner
Duc’s Bistro — Chinatown; great for a group, food is served family style; Lamb chops are not to be missed; French Vietnamese; http://www.ducsbistro.com/ducbistro/MENU.html . No need res, unless it’s a group of 6 or more.

Super fancy dinners to impress (or seal the deal, in order of my preference)
Halekulani La Mer — http://www.halekulani.com/dining/la_mer/
Alan Wong’s on King St — http://www.alanwongs.com/
Chef Mavro’s — http://www.chefmavro.com/
Michelle’s — http://www.yelp.com/biz/michels-at-the-colony-surf-honolulu
Happy eating!!!