Showing posts with label Hawaiis. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hawaiis. Show all posts

Monday, December 20, 2010

What To Do in Waikiki, Hawaii's Trendiest Haunt

Mark Twain once called Hawaii "the loveliest fleet of islands that lies anchored in any ocean". There aren't many people that would disagree: Hawaii's distinct natural beauty has been memorably captured in many a film, from 'South Pacific' to Disney's 'Lilo and Stitch'. What's more, tourists in Hawaii have long found much to admire in the island, and this is nowhere more evident than in Waikiki - Honolulu's most popular tourist neighborhood.

Waikiki Beach - one of the best known beaches in the world - was firmly placed on the cultural map when it became popular with surfing enthusiasts from all corners of the globe since the 1950s. However, Waikiki has been a fashionable retreat for much longer than this and was very popular with Hawaiian royalty during the 1800s. Today, Waikiki Beach is the trendiest place to be seen in Hawaii and, though much of its natural beauty has been commercialized, its sandy shores are the ideal place to spend your Hawaiian vacation.

Contrary to popular opinion, there's more to do in Waikiki than simply while away the hours taking in the sunshine. If you're an enthusiastic hiker, for instance, don't miss Diamond Head State Monument, the crater of an extinct volcano. Even those who aren't experienced walkers are sure to enjoy the 45-minute hike up to the 761-foot summit, from which you'll be treated to an unrivalled 360-degree view of O'ahu island. For a stress-free climb, make sure you wear a sturdy pair of shoes and take a bottle of sunscreen with you for continual application.

What's more, if you'd like to take in some of Waikiki's more historical sights, head down to Saint Augustine Church, a magnificent building that really stands out amidst Waikiki's legion of skyscrapers. Built In 1854 by original settlers in Hawaii, Saint Augustine Church is sure to dazzle visitors with its awe-inspiring stained glass windows and tiered ceiling ornament.

Of course, if you're traveling with your family, Waikiki is also home to wholesome attractions that are sure to please kids and adults alike. The Waikiki Aquarium, for instance, is just a few minutes walk from Waikiki Beach and offers the chance to see over 400 different underwater species, including sharks and sea turtles. And if land animals are more to your liking, the Honolulu Zoo is sure to please. This 42-acre zoo in Waikiki houses rare wildlife in fertile park surroundings; expect to see llamas and Galapagos tortoises amongst other animals.

With so much to do in Waikiki, it goes without saying that there are a great deal of hotels and guest suites that vacationers can choose from in the area. And, of all the hotels in Hawaii, the hotels in Waikiki are the largest and most diverse in their offerings. So whether you're on a romantic trip for two or you've got kids with you on your Hawaiian vacation, Waikiki is sure to offer you memories to treasure for a lifetime.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Hawaii Limited Liability Company - How an Operating Agreement Can Avoid Hawaii's Statutory Rules

Under Hawaii's Uniform Limited Liability Company Act, there are default rules that become applicable should your Hawaii limited liability company fail to have a Hawaii operating agreement in effect. Some of those default rules may prevent the company from taking significant action due to strict unanimity requirements, especially if the company has a large membership. This is why it is important to have an operating agreement that will have rules tailored to your needs rather than be subject to Hawaii's default rules.

For example, Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 428-404(c) specifically provides that certain matters of a limited liability company's business require the consent of all the members. Some of those matters include the following:

(1) amendments to the operating agreement;
(2) amendments to the articles of organization;
(3) admission of a new member;
(4) making interim distributions;
(5) use of the company's property to redeem an interest subject to a charging order;
(6) compromising among members, an obligation of a member to make a contribution or return money or other property paid or distributed in violation of this chapter;
(7) merging the company with another entity;
(8) consent to dissolve the company; and
(9) selling, leasing, exchanging, or otherwise disposing of all, or substantially all, of the company's property with or without goodwill.

An operating agreement can be used to override such default rules so that only a majority of the members' consent is required for the aforementioned matters rather than unanimity. If you have three or more members, you probably need an agreement because obtaining unanimity is easier said than done. Furthermore, each Hawaii limited liability company's situation may be different, so the agreement should be carefully crafted to each circumstance.

Finally, it should be noted that despite the flexibility that an operating agreement can provide for your company, Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 428-103(b) places some limitations on what the agreement can do. An operating agreement may not:

(1) unreasonably restrict a right to information or access to records;
(2) eliminate the duty of loyalty;
(3) unreasonably reduce the duty of care; and
(4) eliminate the obligation of good faith and fair dealing, but the operating agreement may determine the standards by which the performance of the obligation is to be measured, if the standards are not manifestly unreasonable.

However, even with respect to the aforementioned provisions, the agreement can set limitations and standards.

Therefore, you should seek consultation with a Hawaii attorney experienced in corporate law so that you can obtain an operating agreement that is structured for your company's needs.