A new policy would change that. The Helping Heroes Fly Act would allow severely disabled service members and veterans to undergo "sensitive screening" at airports, according to a release. The measure would improve a current Transportation Security Administration (TSA) program called the Wounded Warrior Screening Program and require all screeners to be trained on correct procedures.

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, who is from Hawai‘i, introduced the bill. She says in the release that the act "is a strong step toward ensuring they (wounded service members and veterans) do not face unnecessary hardships after having served our country with courage and dignity."

Gabbard is currently a Military Policy Company Commander with the Hawaii Army National Guard and has twice been deployed to the Middle East. The act is supported by many stakeholders in the veterans community and the airline industry, including American Legion, Paralyzed Veterans of America, American Federation of Government Employees and the Air Line Pilots Association.

Posted by Alyssa S. Navares Follow me on Twitter @Uamalie87 

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Simply put, this is the healthiest pizza will ever get – which sets it apart from other take-out and deliveries. Plus, ZPizza offers gluten-free and vegan options. We all know that eating healthy usually means you'll pay more, which is why the menu is a bit on the pricier side. Whole pies cost anywhere from $12.95 to $25.95, while slices start at $3.25.

But if you're willing to splurge on good food, then it's worth the price for a pricer pie. We got the Thai pizza, which is loaded with peanut sauce, mozzarella, red onions, cilantro, carrots, bean sprouts and spicy chicken. It was incredible but what convinced me to go for a second slice was that the pizza was also really healthy. Go figure. ZPizza also offers tasty sandwiches and salads.

The pizzeria opened in Ward several years ago and seems to be doing really well. It's a small shop sandwiched between two surf stores, a perfect fit for its Laguna Beach origins. Seating is a bit limited, though, so take-out might be a better option. You could walk across the street to Ala Moana Beach Park instead.

ZPIZZA / Ward Centre 1200 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu, HI 96814 (Map) / Opens Mon-Thurs, Sun 10am-930pm, Fri-Sat 10am-10pm / 808-596-0066 

Posted by Alyssa S. Navares Follow me on Twitter @Uamalie87 

Most likely not because the natural phenomenon is a pretty rare sight to come by; even seeing just one is unusual, but a Hawai‘i Island photographer managed to capture seven vortices in a photo he took several years ago. Check out this amazing shot:

The photo, titled "Volcanic Vortices," will be displayed at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History's annual exhibition this summer. Photographer Bruce Omori received the Windland Smith Rice International Award after his lava photo was selected out of almost 20,000 submissions.

“On an early morning shoot at the Waikupanaha ocean entry, lava from the Kilauea volcano poured into the sea. This created a huge escape of steam, and as it rose, multiple vortices began spinning off of the huge plume,” Omori described in his photo submission description. “My fumbling with the lenses turned into a panicked rush to switch my telephoto to wide angle lens to capture this awesome scene of seven vortices in a row.”

Those in the photography community know Bruce as a photographer who lives on the edge and goes to extreme measures in order to get the perfect shot. He and fellow Hawai‘i Island photographer Tom Kuali‘i own Extreme Exposure Fine Art Gallery in Hilo and offer exclusive private photography tours and workshops on the island.

I have been following Bruce's work for some time now and am not surprised by his recent recognition. He always captures his lava subject from a unique perspective, utilizing slower shutter speeds and specific apertures to get the winning shot each time. While it's tempting to go out and get our own winning shot, we have to remember that Bruce and Tom are professionals, who have been doing this for years. So lets leave it to them to bring back the shots, while we sit back and enjoy the show!

Photo Courtesy: Extreme Exposures, Bruce Omori

Posted by Alyssa S. Navares Follow me on Twitter @Uamalie87

Lights, camera, action! A Hollywood extravaganza graced the beaches of Waikiki this past Sunday, as the cast and crew of NBC’s TODAY Show broadcasted live from the sand. With an array of sets, from sitting poolside to standing alongside Tahitian dancers to overlooking Diamond Head and the West Side, the backdrop for stop number 1 of 5 on The Great American Adventure was spectacular. While hosts like Matt Lauer, Savannah Guthrie, Natalie Morales and Willie Geist awed over the scenery, fans awed over them, and I awed over the entirety of the event.

Staged with enough lights to power a neighborhood, the production behind this event was simply fantastic. Happening between 1:00am and 4:00am Hawaii time, the natural lighting was obviously pitch black, however judging by the amount of artificial luminosity, you would have thought it was broad day. Then there was the Hawaiiana décor. And I’ve got to say, NBC’s team did a terrific job representing the island in the best way possible. Really capturing the aspects of Hawaii that make it unique and enticing to visitors, TODAY Show viewers most likely got the feel that Hawaii had come right to their living rooms.

The famous Royal Hawaiian hotel partnered with NBC’s TODAY Show to highlight Oahu and Waikiki as a great travel destination. Part of the series, The Great American Adventure, Waikiki kicked things off with some culture and festivity. Over 75 people were flown to the island to aid in the production of this event, and it showed in the impressiveness of it all.

A huge mahalo to Associate Producer Megan Kopf and Social Media Coordinator Anthony Quintano, who shepherded us around to the various sets. Part of an intimate group of press only, I felt well taken care of and the night seemed to run very smooth. Everyone from NBC was so gracious and nice, which really helped make the experience that much more enjoyable. With full access to all the behind-the-scene happenings, this live broadcast was quite the creation. You can tell someone really did their homework because everything, down to the flower leis the hosts were all wearing, was very well thought out for the accurate representation of Hawaii.

At about 11:30pm, fans and guests arrived to witness the production. Standing behind metal bars, there were hundreds of people holding up signs, taking pictures, and yelling out to their favorite NBC host. The best part about it was the kindness Matt Lauer showed all these people. He took time to specifically reach out to the fans on the beach; chatting with them, posing for photos, and just enjoying the company of these Oahu residents.

Speaking of Matt Lauer, I nabbed a stand-up interview with him and Savannah Guthrie, which transpired effortlessly. Matt mentioned he was impressed by the aloha spirit so far on Oahu and that he really didn’t quite know what to expect. But when sitting down on the beach with a friend who lives onisland, he really understood the magic of the islands. “Is it like this here everyday?” He asked his friend, gesturing to the warm, blue skies and beautiful ocean. And his friend said laughing, “yes!” How lucky we are that we live here, on this island in Hawaii. Savannah made a comment about how everyone seems so happy here, and I guess no one can really complain. After all, Hawaii did get ranked as the happiest US State! But Hawaii is known for a certain hospitality that traces back to tradition, roots, and culture.

The one thing that Matt did anticipate while staying in Waikiki was calm, gentle waves. But when a fifteen-foot swell pushes through the south side, you can only describe the ocean conditions one way, gnarly. And this is exactly how Matt said they were. Doesn’t sound like he got much swimming done in Waikiki. His only “complaint” about Oahu was the traffic. “You guys have a serious traffic problem!” Matt laughed. It was so neat to see the true demeanor of this guy, despite all the negative hype he gets from the media. Matt was gracious, humble, good-natured and effortlessly polite.

Other highlights of the event included Clark Little (North Shore big wave photographer), CJ Kale and Nick Selway (the Big Island lava chasers), and activities like outrigger canoe rides and poi pounding. The collaborative efforts during this night really made for a fantastic press party. I’m so pleased with the interviews and the turnout, as I’m sure NBC is too. What better way to share Hawaii with the world than to present it in its best light; with aloha spirit, happy people, and beautiful backdrops. Well done NBC, now it’s off to your next great American adventure, Yellowstone National Park!

The new law includes children and adults; previously, adults didn't have to wear seat belts when sitting in the back of a vehicle. I always thought that was a no brainer. Sitting in the back seat doesn't necessarily mean you're protected during motor vehicle accidents. Yet, there are still people who choose not don't buckle up. I guess it's with the mentality that there'll be no legal reprecutions. But accidental death? Think again.

This coincides with the annual "Click it or Ticket" campaign encouraging drivers and passengers to buckle up when on the road. Those caught not wearing their seat belt face a $92 fine. In that case, drivers will be the ones cited. 

The next driving safety campaign needs to target texting while driving. Too often, I see drivers with their eyes off the road because they're too busy texting. I also see drivers talking on their phones, which in Hawai‘i, is also illegal. The hands-free law just hasn't really been enforced like it should. That needs to change.

The state could possibly model a campaign after the many national ones already taking place. I'm sure most of you have seen those commercials showing how one texted word could kill or seriously injure a driver. To be honest, those commercials changed my mind about texting and driving. I made a pact to myself never to do it again and have been encouraging my family and friends to follow suit.

No matter where you're driving – whether in Hawai‘i or at home – please drive with safety and aloha. 

Posted by Alyssa S. Navares Follow me on Twitter @Uamalie87 

You can just feel the mana, or power, when driving by Makua Valley. Even though it's inaccessible to the public today, the valley is still very much a visible part of O‘ahu's northwestern shore. It's also still very much alive with Hawaiian culture and history.

Hawaiians believed it to be the site where man was first created; hence, the name makua, meaning "parent" in Hawaiian.They also considered the valley as a place where spirits entered the afterworld. If you look up along the rocky cliffs, you'll see a handful of memorials made in honor of those who have passed.

But perhaps one of Makua's most significant roles in Hawaiian history was as a rest stop for travelers. Visitors on their way to Ka‘ena Point would land their canoes on the sandy beach directly in front of the valley, where they'd spend the night. Spanning more than 4,000 acres across the coast, Makua had plenty of room to spare. 

Today, it is home to more than 40 endangered species of plants and animals and sites sacred to Native Hawaiians. These include a fishing shrine and the Kamuakuopi‘o Heiau, which is now just a raised sand platform and two piles of large stones. 

There used to be many more archaeological sites, but like Kamuakuopi‘o heiau, have been damaged or destroyed completely. From the 1930s to 2004, part of the valley had been used by the U.S. military for live-fire training exercises. Needless to say, this drew much controversy by the community, who fought to save Makua Valley. 

In 2004, environmentalists, Hawaiians and community members did, in fact, save the valley. A lawsuit against the U.S. government spared the valley from artillery. Today, however, the question remains: How do we manage Hawai‘i's precious resources for the greatest public good?

In the meantime, take time to experience the valley for yourself – even if it's from the roadside or beach. You, too, will feel the deep spiritual essence and mana it possesses. 

MAKUA VALLEY / Wai‘anae, HI 96791 (Map)  

Posted by Alyssa S. Navares Follow me on Twitter @Uamalie87 

Only one resort adorns Oahu’s fabled north shore and it’s Turtle Bay. Situated on it’s own point along the north coastline, Turtle Bay consists of 375 luxury guest rooms, 26 suites, 42 beach cottages and luxury ocean villas with scenic views of the Pacific Ocean. Surrounded by beautiful beachscapes, Turtle Bay offers guests privacy, seclusion, and the incredible sights of Oahu’s country counter parts.

In the midst of renovation, this resort is undergoing some major upgrades set to complete this October. However, the first wing of new rooms will be available to guests beginning June 2nd, boasting new interior décor, amenities, and renovations – just in time for summer. The guest room redesign includes all-new fixtures, furnishings, bedding as well as completely remodeled bathrooms with new tile, vanities, and walk-in showers. Managed by award-winning Honolulu-based architecture firm WCIT, so far the renovations have been a success. It’s easy to see if you take a peek at the property!

“The guest rooms will be redesigned to have a contemporary, beach-house feel, authentic to the North Shore," said interior designer Lisa-Maria Priester of WCIT Architecture. “Typically, a Hawaiian home is light and airy, done in a neutral palette because with scenery like we have here, especially on the North Shore, the accents are the views. As with our design of the recent lobby renovation, the new guest rooms will inspire a casual, hip sophistication with subtle accents of island and Hawaiian motifs custom designed exclusively for Turtle Bay Resort."

Turtle Bay is also adding a new spa called Nalu Kinetic, a reinvented spa, fitness and wellness center. One of the new features of this retreat is a “Wave Motion” table, (only one of three in North America!) that gently rocks clients as though they are floating in water. 11,000 square feet, this wellness spa is now open for business! Experience Zumba, hot hula and yoga classes or relax in the expanded beauty salon and outdoor area, or with couples’ treatment and lounging in one of three open-air massage cabanas.

The Palm Terrace has also undergone a complete rebrand and is now the North Shore Kula Grille. Named after the kula (midland) lands where agriculture thrives, this new grille serves up fresh, seasonal produce straight from local farms, and fresh twists have been added to classic island flavors. Enjoy the signature dish of the Grilled Kauai Shrimp, served with Hawaiian chili pepper, alae (salt) marinade, hearts of palm, baby spinach, crispy shimeji mushroom, Kahuku corn, red peppers, and jasmine rice. The restaurant’s interior décor is sleek and modern, offering guests a view of the ocean and gorgeous outdoor landscaping.

Two new shopping experiences will also be added, The Oakley Store and The North Shore WaterShed. The Oakley Store offers the largest variety of technical eyewear outside of Honolulu, for both men and women. The store also offers Oakley logo surfwear and lifestyle apparel, including an exclusive resort line of t-shirts created exclusively for Turtle Bay. The WaterShed is a boutique offering a new retail experience featuring brands and products that highlight a casual active waterman(woman) lifestyle, for residents and tourists alike!

Coming soon is the restaurant named Pa’aki (formerly 21 Degrees North), highlighting Hawaii’s abundant array of fresh seafood plus a customizable menu including various cooking styles, mix-n-match dipping sauces, and side dishes. The restaurant has also undergone interior renovation featuring an ocean theme with wood accents and new furnishings.

Known for top-notch service, unique amenities and stunning natural surroundings, Turtle Bay is a truly unique resort of Hawaii. Offering the only luxury property on Oahu’s north shore, this destination is a slice of paradise within the quiet countrysides of a busting island. Escape from a busier lifestyle, slow down and take in the beauty of the islands via Turtle Bay

The Fourth of July event at the Marine Corps Base has been happening for more than 20 years. And every year, it attracted 25,000 people for carnival rides, fireworks and music concerts. Growing up, I remember watching Train and Fergie from Black Eyed Peas perform at BayFest. My family and I would always watch the fireworks show from the nearby vista overlooking Kane‘ohe Bay.

This definitely comes as sad news for the community. We grew up going to BayFest; it became the summer norm for local and visiting families as well. But I understand the need to scale back on events such as this, especially in these tough economic times. 

Perhaps this would be the time for corporate sponsors to step in. We could sure use their help (and funding) to keep the festival alive. Even if it was just a music concert or just a fireworks show, that'd be fine. But of course, all of that costs money; monies that we don't have. Just down the road in Kailua, an organization is also struggling to keep a fizzled-out Fourth of July tradition going. They need to raise at least $70,000 to have the famous fireworks show.

Posted by Alyssa S. Navares Follow me on Twitter @Uamalie87 

While Hawai‘i may be a top travel destination, it's also among the most expensive places in the U.S. And for the budget-conscious tourist, that can be an intimidating thought. Don't get discouraged, though; there are still lots of affordable (and free) things to do. It just takes a little bit of research and flexibility. 

Here's a list to start with; how you can experience O‘ahu with under $10.

1- Hike Diamond Head / $1 admission 

The 300,000-year-old crater is among the most iconic sites on the island. You can see it from almost anywhere on O‘ahu's south shore. The trail itself was used by the military, but today, hundreds of hikers from all over the world enjoy climbing to the top every day of the year. Lets be honest, though, pretty much any other hike you come across will be free, so consider those as well.

2- Slurp Up Shave Ice / $4 to $6

You can bet that this flavored ice treat won't cost more than $10. If it does, then you're probably getting ripped off, or it's one huge cone of shave ice. Sample some on the North Shore or even closer to Waikīkī. Waiola Shave Ice has some of the softest and tastiest shave ice there is.

3- Explore Dole Plantation / $5 adults, $4.25 children

Whether you go here for the pineapple ice cream or the world's largest maze, you definitely won't spend more than $10 at Dole. The plantation is a huge tourist attraction that honors a favorite tropical fruit, the pineapple, and lets visitors enjoy it for cheap. 

4- Treasure Hunt at the Swap Meet / $1 parking fee

For trinkets and treasures of the island, go to Aloha Stadium's swap meet. It happens every weekend and on Wednesdays; just be sure to get there in the morning for the best parking and best stuff. Most of the local snacks and coconut drinks will be less than $10, so make sure to get some before they run out.

5- Dive into the Waikiki Aquarium / $9 general admission; $6 military/students/seniors/Kama‘aina; $2 junior admission (5-12); FREE children under 4

There's always something fun (and usually free) going on at the aquarium. They seem to have public events every other weekend. Located just minutes from Waikīkī, the aquarium is home to unique underwater species. Kids can also get hands on with some ocean critters or get up close to the turtles.

Photo Credit: Bruce Fisher

Posted by Alyssa S. Navares Follow me on Twitter @Uamalie87 

No trip to the North Shore could be complete without a stop at the Macadamia Nut Farm outlet. For the last 10 years visitors have been treated to everything Macadamia at this fun store near Kualoa Ranch on Kameameaha Hughway.  Everything you can imagine and more made with Macadamia can be found here and all of the items are grown locally on Ohau.

One of my favorites is the macadamia nut Kona Coffee . The aroma from this brew fills the farm and you can get free samples to try.  Other favorites I enjoy are the various  Macadamia nut butters and chocolates which are really totally addictive!

If you have some time  be sure to check out the fresh Macadamia nuts from the tree located in the back of the store. You can crack them open and sample the taste of fresh mac nuts right fomr the tree. Be careful though, when you break them open the local roosters may ge to the nuts before you do!! That happened to me (see the video).

Hours of operation are:
9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. seven days a week
49-227A Kamehameha Hwy
Ka'a'awa HI 96744