Kimo Stowell - Real Estate Merchandiser

Robbing Peter to pay Paul: The State of Hawaii's crusade to sell land it doesn't own.

There has been much concern recently on the outcome of the Hawaii Supreme Court Ruling that prohibits the State of Hawaii from selling confiscated land that belonged to the Hawaiian Kingdom. Governor Linda Lingle and Attorney General Mark Bennett has appealed this decision to the US Supreme court which will review the case in 2009.

As a native Hawaiian these lands represent more than just valuable land assets and potential state revenue. I believe these lands should not be left to the machinations of state government so that they can fill their coffers at the expense of her native peoples. Selling these lands would be no different than fencing stolen priceless works of art and should be treated as such. These lands are apart of our cultural heritage and rightfully belong to the Hawaiian people not the State of Hawaii. The Hawaiian Renaissance is a mere 30 years old, before that the state institutions worked actively and unjustly to suppress and degrade the Hawaiian language, customs, and culture. The Hawaiian peoples have struggled against great odds to preserve and maintain their cultural identity and existence, pitted against an aggressive and politicized state sanctioned subjugation. This case will indeed be a watershed moment in Hawaiian history. Please read the following letter from the R.P. Danner President of the Counsel for Native Hawaiian Advancement.

Lawsuits and Legislation By Robin Puanani Danner, CNHA President & CEO

If you haven't taken notice of the Hawaii Supreme Court Ruling earlier this year that prohibits the state of Hawaii from selling or transferring ceded lands until the interest of Native Hawaiians in these lands is addressed -- you should. Regardless of whether you are a community leader, work at a nonprofit or own a small business, this ruling is a terrific milestone that has everything to do with our reality as Hawaiians as we and those before us have lived it, and those that will come after in the coming decades!

This Hawaii Supreme court ruling is one your children will study in school, no matter the outcome - and certainly one that adds to our collective history and experience as indigenous peoples. This court ruling is one that will be referenced over and over as the never-ending journey continues to take responsibility for our future, our way of life, our culture, indeed the well-being of all of Hawaii.

If you wince at the words lawsuit - don't. They aren't always about spilling hot coffee in a fast food restaurant. Sometimes, a lawsuit is about an issue so big, so inclusive of an entire community, that the result decides a trajectory for generations of our children, and in my opinion, in this case, the very future of Hawaii. This case -- is one of those.

In fact, on the subject of lawsuits - the very existence of Native peoples in our country has always been defined by either lawsuits or legislation. Legislation by governments about our assets and resources, or our status, and lawsuits sometimes are the only means to settle disputes in either interpretation of legislation, the lack of legislation, or the ignoring of it.

A core issue of the lawsuit on ceded land sales and transfers, is the question of what right to these lands, do the indigenous people have? Definitely, not about hot coffee -- Definitely a significant issue for Hawaiians today, and our children tomorrow.

The answer given by the Hawaii Supreme Court earlier this year freezes land transactions involving ceded lands in order to answer the question. Governor Lingle and Attorney General Mark Bennett have appealed this decision to the United States Supreme Court. Not surprising, yet still disappointing. On October 1, 2008, the Lingle/Bennett request was granted, and the case is moving forward to our nation's highest court in 2009.

This case is not about us versus them, Hawaiian versus non-Hawaiian. This case is about acknowledging our indigenous community in Hawaii's future, and it's about our rightful stake in the ceded lands - what has been accomplished over the last 30 years to revitalize our culture, language and traditions which benefit all in our state, has been an uphill climb without access to our resources and lands. As history has shown, over and over in other parts of our great nation, when Native peoples are at the table and controlling even a small portion of their aboriginal lands, the results are rewarding for all.

There are some that might say "the state can't accept this ruling, we must have full control of the ceded lands, it's an infringement on the state's sovereignty, it would be a disaster to states if the ruling stands". I would say the sky is not falling, that other Native land claim settlements have not destroyed a single state in our great union called the United States. In fact, the results have been excellent, the prosperity of the land, the recovery of Native peoples beginning, and an economic prosperity for all, are pretty well proven. We need not wring our hands about what ifs, we need only consider the what is and what has been - there is plenty of fodder to see a great future for the state and for Hawaiians in following the wisdom of the Hawaii Supreme Court justices.

Community leaders at the recent 7th Annual Native Hawaiian Convention have called upon the State Legislature to file an amicus brief in support of the Hawaii Supreme Court ruling, and further, to pass legislation to freeze the sale or transfer of ceded lands. Let's not waste anymore time. Let's do something remarkable and truly bold for Hawaii. Let's get started on these two efforts, and embark on a journey to engage our community to craft a land claims settlement we can all be proud of.

Robin Puanani Danner is the founding CEO of the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, a nonprofit dedicated to Native Hawaiian community development. CNHA administers the Native Hawaiian Policy Center and delivers training and capacity building to community organizations serving Hawaiian populations.

The FIABCI Regional Congress of the Americas and Asia Pacific will be held from Thursday, 23 October to Saturday 25 2008 in Honolulu, Hawaii. The venue of the congress will be the Sheraton Waikiki.

FIABCI in an unprecedented move, will combine the Americas and Asia-Pacific regions, into a single Regional Congress. East will meet West as members from around the Pacific Rim and the world, will assemble in beautiful Hawaii.

FIABCI Hawaii Events Calender

Thursday, 23 October 2008

Event: Business Contact Lunch
Time: 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Location: Kauai Room
Reconnect with colleagues and meet new ones at FIABCI's expo kick-off celebration luncheon. Feast on fabulous food and bring plenty of business cards for networking.

Event: FIABCI Expo & Networking Center
Time: 12:00 p.m.
Join the World President and the World President-Elect at our FIABCI Hawaii Expo Grand Opening.
Event: Welcome Reception
Time: 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Location: Poolside
Grab your best Hawaiian shirt and join us at our FIABCI Aloha Welcome Party! Let your palate enjoy sumptuous island cuisine while the balmy tropical breezes tickle your face. As the warm waves of the Pacific lap against their pristine white sand, you'll listen to the beats of traditional Hawaiian rhythms. It is one of those perfect evenings that only happens in Paradise!

Friday, 24 October 2008

Event: Forum Luncheon
Time: 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Location: Maui/Molokai Room

Event: First Lady's Luncheon
Time: 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Location: Hawaii Yacht Club
Join the First Lady, Martha Fernandez de Correa, at the Hawaii Yacht Club for a casually elegant luncheon. Chef Sakaguchi will prepare the fresh Catch of the Day.

Event: Gala Dinner
Time: Transportation departs from Sheraton Waikiki Bus Depot at 6:45 p.m.
Dinner: 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Return to Hotel: 10:15 p.m.
Location: Hale Koa Luau Garden
In the Hawaiian language, "Ho‘olaule‘a" means "to celebrate" in the spirit of friendship and goodwill. Here, we offer you the chance to take part in this time-honored island tradition, first-hand. This Hawaiian celebration showcases all the wonderful food, festivities, arts and crafts that can only be found in Hawaii. Come join us at our Gala Dinner!

Saturday, 25 October 2008

Event: Golf Tournament at Luana Hills Country Club
Luana Hills brings together unparalleled natural beauty with a world-class golfing experience. This course is proving to be one of the most demanding in Hawaii. Carved from a tropical rainforest in the heart of lush Maunawili Valley, the course offers magnificent views of Mount Olomana and the Koolau Mountains from every hole. Luana Hills is characterized by an abundance of forced carries off the tee, narrow landing areas and undulating fairways. Its yardage may only be 6,549 from the tournament tees, but the course requires supreme accuracy.


Event: Star of Honolulu Sunset Dinner & Show Cruise
Time: Transportation departs from Sheraton Waikiki Bus Depot: 4:30 p.m.
Cruise Time: 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Return to Hotel: 8:00 p.m.
The Star Sunset Dinner & Show Cruise is a full evening of fun! From a pier-side welcome hula, to a savory Mahimahi fish dinner, tropical cocktails, and vistas from atop our 60' high observation. Enjoy continuous live entertainment and the magical "My Hawaii - Lei of Memories" performed by the largest cast on island waters. All aboard the award-winning, largest and newest Star of Honolulu.


Event: Young Professionals Outing
Time: 10:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.
Join the FIABCI Young Professionals at OCEANFRONT at RumFire in the Sheraton Waikiki including VIP entry and escort to our private fire pits and torch lit seating area that sits on the ocean at Waikiki. Special guest mash-up DJs and complimentary Grey Goose. Check out RumFire at http://www.rumfirewaikiki.com.

Visit us at www.RealEstateDesignOnLine.com

Photos by Kimo Stowell

Copyright ©2008

Vol II. And then there's Mod!

Not everyone enjoys or appreciates the Modern Movement, but these revolutionaries of design helped to define modernity as we know it. You will no doubt notice that almost all of these furniture designers were architects and their furniture is intended to showcase not only the modern aesthetics of clean lines and organic forms but also the architecture in which they are framed. When it comes to staging a modern or mid century property keep these designers in mind, to help sell the architectural elements of the home while staying true to the movement. All of these modern classic designs are widely reproduced today and can be purchased easily on line (ebay and retail sites).

The Modernist Movement began to emerge in the late 19th century and took shape under the influence of the Bauhaus school (1919-1933) and Frank Lloyd Wright's principles of organic architecture which is the foundation of what we refer to today as Mid-Century Modernism (1933-1965). Technological advances in laminates, latex foam, molded plywood, and fiberglass allowed designers an unusual selection of materials to express their modern design aesthetics where form follows function.

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe 1886-1969 German born Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe worked in the family stone-carving business before becoming an architect and is widely regarded as one of the pioneering masters of modern architecture. Utilizing advanced structural techniques and Prussian Classicism; Mies van der Rohe furniture is noted for combining graceful form and functionalism. His designs, such as the Barcelona Chair, are considered among the most enduring of the modern era.

Le Corbusier 1887 - 1965 Swiss born Charles Edouard Jeanneret, was a watch engraver before he became the renowned architect and designer whom we know as 'Le Corbusier'. Le Corbusier furniture stands out for it's classic elegance and clean straight lines. The LC3 collection designed in 1928 as a modernist response to the traditional club chair reverses the standard structures of sofas and chairs by having frames that are externalized.

Classic Bauhaus, inspired by Le Corbusier

Eileen Gray 1878-1976 Originally a lacquer artist of Irish descent turned furniture designer/architect; was one of the pioneers who helped define the modern movement during the 1920s and 1930s. Her tubular steel furniture was unheard of in its day, prominent in her famous Bibendum Chair, which is accepted as a modern classic today.

Marcel Lajos Breuer 1902-1981 Hungarian born architect/designer; Breuer is considered one of the masters of Modernism, modular construction and simple forms. The Wassily Chair designed by Marcel Breuer makes use of continuous lines of bent structural steel, revolutionary for it's time time. The original chair was the first design to introduce seamless steel tubing to home furnishings, the chair was named after fellow Bauhaus teacher and modernist, Wassily Kandinsky who greatly admired the design.

Charles and Ray Eames 1907-1978 Charles Ormand Eames, Jr and his second wife Ray are regarded as two of the most important American designers of the 20th century. This dynamic duo are most recognized for their molded plywood designs and pioneering innovative technologies, such as fiberglass and plastic resin. The Eames Chair is known for it's unconventional, functional and sophisticated design.

Eero Saarinen 1910-1961 was a Finnish born American architect and product designer; famous for his sweeping, arching structural curves, and machine-like rationalism. In the late 30s Saarinen joined his father's architectural practice and soon met and began collaborating on furniture design with Charles and Ray Eames. His most spectacular piece the stainless steel Gateway Arch in St. Louis, MO, (1965), is the world's tallest monument. Saarinen's Iconic Tulip Chair reflects modern elements such as molded reinforced fiberglass.

Harry Bertoia 1915-1978 Italian born American sculptor and furniture designer, Bertoia emigrated to the United States in 1933 and joined famed furniture maker Knoll International (1950). Known for his sculptural works the Diamond Arm Chair combines comfort with a steel mesh.

Gateway Arch in St. Louis, MO

JDS Consulting- Staging Hawaii nei! Providing Real Estate Merchandising services including: Home Staging, Interior Decor, Turn Key, Landscaping, Remodeling, & Open House Hosting. Visit our Blog: Questions for Kimo: Decor Design & More- www.RealEstateDesignOnLine.com tel.+1.808.344.1264 Kimo Stowell Copyright ©2008

Vol I. The British Invasion

I love auctions and nothing gets my adrenaline pumping like bidding and obtaining antiques at auction; especially when I'm getting a good deal on a quality piece of furniture. Not everything sold at auction is an antique but it's usually the antiques that get the biggest buzz when placed before the gavel. Not only are most antiques of better quality and construction, they are often less expensive than their contemporary counterparts. And what better way to help the environment then buying previously owned furniture.

Obviously, antiques work in certain design styles and not in others. If you have a traditional, transitional, colonial, Georgian, neo-classical or an eclectic style, American made antiques and reproductions can help define and refine your home or property for sale.

Whether you're buying the real deal or a reproduction it's not always easy to recognize one style from another. Below I have created a pictorial catalog describing design styles from the pinnacle of British furniture making during the 18th and early 19th centuries. All of these design styles were widely reproduced in America and furniture makers continue to reproduce these styles today. From a practical stand point these chairs would be used for dining or occasional uses and can be stained, painted and upholstered to taste.

Queen Anne-style is based on design trends during the reign of Queen Anne 1702-1714. Chairs in this style are recognizable by the curvilinear crest rail, urn-shape splats, (center back support) and cabriolet legs(an S shaped leg).

Windsor-style is an English style that originated in the Windsor area of Great Briton in the early part of the 18th century and is characterized by turned stick legs and a spindled back rest attached to the seat. Variations include bow, comb, and sack back (shown here) .

Chippendale-style is based on the designs and works of Thomas Chippendale. He was one of three English Designers known as 'the big three'. His works command hefty price tags today at auction and are exquisite examples of English furniture. The chairs are noted for elaborate splats, and may also include cabriolet legs and ball-and-claw feet. His most famous works are his padded wing back chairs

Original Chippendale Illustrations

Hepplewhite-style is based on and adapted from the published designs and illustrated work of George Hepplewhite a contemporary of Chippendale. No known works of his exist today as his popularity as a designer was posthumous. Hepplewhite designs are most recognizable of all the English design styles by it's iconic shield back, tapered fluted legs and spaded feet.

Sheraton-style is based on an 18th-century British design originating from the published illustrated works of Thomas Sheraton and the design is noted for it's square backs, classical inspiration, and motifs. Like Hepplewhite no known pieces of his work exist today but his neo-classical style is often reproduced.

Regency or Empire-style is also known as Duncan Phyfe. This early 19th-century style features a scroll back, squared top, and saber legs. The lyre back is an example of a classical motif. This chair style was widely reproduced in the 20th century and is very popular today.

The Red Room of the White House designed in the Empire Style

JDS Consulting- Staging Hawaii nei! Providing Real Estate Merchandising services including: Home Staging, Interior Decor, Turn Key, Landscaping, Remodeling, & Open House Hosting. Visit our Blog: Questions for Kimo: Decor Design & More- www.RealEstateDesignOnLine.com tel.+1.808.344.1264 Kimo Stowell Copyright ©2008

Pillow Talk: the artful placement of pillows...

Pillows, like people, come in many shapes, sizes, colors, and textures. Some are firm and supportive, others just want to be seen and fawned upon; affirming that even the outrageous and impractical have a place in the world of design.

Pillows not only provide comfort, support, and a soft place to rest ones weary head, but these ubiquitous creatures give company to us in our most private spaces; laying about most exotically while expounding punches of color about the room. Sometimes these beasts are beaded and bear sequins, impossible fringe and tassels, that can strike fear in the hearts of men and passion in the minds of women.

When selecting pillows for a room, choose colors from the present interior to give depth and draw the eye through the space. Use a variety of materials, colors, textures, and sizes. I like to use at least five colors in my designs however, if you want a more subdued tranquil environment go with five shades of the same color. Pillows are relatively easy to make and offer and endless array of color combinations.

Baubles, bangles, and black shiny beads...

When placing pillows, place larger ones in the back and graduate the sizes forward and save your detailed and beaded pillows for the front. As a personal guide line, I like to cover no more than 25% of anything with pillows. When arranging pillows on a sofa or bed, asymmetry is preferred by most designers and often times an odd number is used. Personally, I find symmetrical patterning to work fine as long as it's not predictable. I like to use an odd number of high detail pieces that rest upon textural and complementary colored pillows.

Don't be too forward with your fashion...

Remember to stick to the design style of the decor. If it's modern use geometric pattern, solid color, materials that reflect the modern movement. Fringe is not a modern device, however, it all depends on the dynamics of the design. Traditional and transitional styles feature brocade, embroidery, fringe, and an endless variety of tassels and adornments. Natural fibers such as silk, flax, sea grass, and bamboo are known for their texture and are popular in Asian, Pac Rim, and Eco Friendly design.

Remember whose head will be resting...

Some designers say you can never have too many pillows and I say sure, if your decorating a harem. Too much of anything can be problematic not only when it comes to taste level, but practically and aesthetically speaking, as well.

Taking off and putting pillows back on a bed should be easy and simple; having to disassemble a mosaic before bed does not encourage peaceful sleep at night nor consistent bed making in the morning. If you have an occupied stage, nothing annoys sellers more than making them recreate your pillow palladium every morning before work. Keep it simple. Fringe, to many men is a golf term and for the most part they would like to keep it that way so go easy on the tassels, bells, and whistles when staging.

Keep eye an out for Pillow Talk: the artful placement of pillows vol II. piling practicum

JDS Consulting- Staging Hawaii nei! Providing Real Estate Merchandising services including: Home Staging, Interior Decor, Turn Key, Landscaping, Remodeling, & Open House Hosting. Visit our Blog: Questions for Kimo: Decor Design & More- www.RealEstateDesignOnLine.com tel.+1.808.344.1264 Kimo Stowell Copyright ©2009