Jamie Winpenny

Honolulu Editor

Singing about struggles, and rising above them

At about six feet tall and built like a bear, Nine Pound Hammer’s Ronnie “Velveeta” Walzer is exactly the kind of character you’d expect to be behind the bar at Anna O’Brien’s, a venue that has been home to all manner of misfits for more than 40 years: bikers, hippies, eccentric academics, and professional musicians. Read More »

March 11, 2013 02:32 PM Hawaii Polo Club to hold food and toy drive November 13, 2012 09:09 AM Slip-and-fall verdict largest ever in Hawaii August 01, 2012 04:41 PM Home sales down, prices up

Despite rising prices, now may be the time for buyers to buy. Read More »

May 23, 2012 03:37 PM

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Environmental exemptions opponents gather at the Capitol

Community activist Choon James said of providing exemptions to urban developers, “Sweetheart exemptions should only be between sweethearts.”

April 09, 2012 02:01 PM

Donna Wong, Hawaii's Thousand Friends

Photo by Ikaika Hussey

All sides agree Bill 54 does little for Honolulu’s ‘homeless’ problem December 08, 2011 09:47 AM

Opponents of Council Bill 54 commiserate after its passage Tuesday. Photo by Jamie Winpenny

Christopher Deedy pleads not guilty in fatal shooting of Kollin Elderts November 21, 2011 11:23 AM

A mugshot of federal agent Christopher Deedy, on trial for murder while in Hawaii for the APEC conference.

Mojo Barber Shop brings back the shave and haircut November 16, 2011 12:39 PM

A shave and a haircut at Mojo Barber Shop make men happy.

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APEC traffic woes can be avoided November 10, 2011 04:41 PM

APEC motorcades will snarl Oahu traffic at times through the weekend.

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Protestors march for justice for shooting victim, against APEC November 08, 2011 05:53 PM

Protestors demand justice for shooting victim Kollin Elderts. The march to the Hawaii Convention Center begins at Old Stadium Park.

Oahu Fringe Festival comes to Chinatown this weekend November 08, 2011 02:09 PM

The improvised musical comedy of Oil in the Alley will be among the many featured acts at Oahu Fringe.

Photo courtesy

Blog: Don’t DUI-it yourself November 01, 2011 12:55 PM

Honolulu Police officers blend in with costumed police officers during the Hallowbaloo Music and Arts Festival in Chinatown this past Saturday. Photo by Anna Carriveau

Consensus comes to City rail workshop in Kalihi October 27, 2011 12:07 PM

Dozens gathered at Farrington High School Tuesday for a Transit Oriented Development workshop. Photo by Jamie Winpenny

Chinatown business owners tackle growing concerns over First Fridays, street closures October 20, 2011 12:07 PM

The Hallowbaloo Music and Arts Festival attracts thousands to Chinatown. Photo by Kardan Photography

Blog: Expect some witty insight at Doris Duke’s ‘Brazil’ screening October 12, 2011 03:44 PM

Jonathan Pryce in the 1985 classic Brazil. Doris Duke Theatre will be screening the film's director's cut.

Seminal 90’s punk band Ira Hayes reunites in Honolulu October 06, 2011 03:14 PM

Ira Hayes frontman Russell Roper.

Photo courtesy 808photovault.com.

Blog: A stranger in Las Vegas October 04, 2011 05:33 PM

Journalist and musician Jamie Winpenny spent a week in Las Vegas performing with his band Doolin Rakes.

Big Island diver faces charges after reporting reef damage September 23, 2011 04:11 PM

Aquarium reef diving can damage Hawaii reefs.

Photo by Brooke Landt

Lawsuit challenges property tax exemptions for native Hawaiians September 20, 2011 12:49 PM Panos Prevedouros doubts solar at Kalaeloa September 13, 2011 03:58 PM

A concentrated solar panel power generating facility is planned at Kalaeloa.

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APEC surveillance: Do we care? September 07, 2011 01:30 PM

Public eyes, they're watching you.

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Public Land Development Corporation faces long road September 01, 2011 09:48 AM

Public lands like those at Kaena Point on Oahu could be targeted for development by the Public Land Development Corporation.

While reasons for homeschooling vary, concern for our children’s future remains constant August 25, 2011 10:13 AM

Above: A homeschool project shared by Homeschool Creations. Below: The Armstrong family homeschools its school-aged children. Courtesy Photo

Bluegrass star Rhonda Vincent comes to Honolulu August 11, 2011 12:20 PM

Rhonda Vincent and her mandolin. Photo by Amy Miller

Community efforts bring KAUPA mural, Kalihi spirit to life August 04, 2011 01:00 PM

The mural at Kalihi Waena Elementary along Kalihi Stream captures the history and hearts of the surrounding community. Courtesy Photos

Solar energy initiatives spur industry growth in Hawaii July 22, 2011 11:38 AM

A 236kW PV system installed atop the Kalanimoku State Building. In photovoltaic (PV) systems, solar cells convert the sun's energy directly into electricity. A common example of PV is a solar cell on a solar-powered calculator. Photo by State of Hawaii

Monumental mural honors Hawaiian legacy of water stewardship July 08, 2011 01:57 PM

A mural unveiled at Honolulu Community College sends a global message of water use.

Murphy’s Bar & Grill supports ‘Scotch, Stogies, and Slippahs’ July 07, 2011 01:41 PM

40-year-old Kumu Kahua Theatre on Merchant Street. Courtesy Photo

Honolulu Surf Film Fest at Honolulu Academy of Arts celebrates Hawaii’s gift to the world July 06, 2011 12:32 PM

Hawaii surfer and women's world rankings leader Carissa Moore.

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Land Use Commission keeps Ho‘opili development plans alive June 30, 2011 02:35 PM

Supporters of preserving Hawaii's ag land packed a Land Use Commission meeting on Thursday, June 30. Photo by The Hawaii Independent Staff

City Council overrides Mayor Carlisle vetoes June 27, 2011 01:57 PM Venus Vibe Trap features local songwriters at Bar 35 June 21, 2011 01:42 PM

ORGANIX is the house band for Venus Vibe Trap at Bar 35.

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Blog: Confessions of a non-foodie June 20, 2011 01:24 PM

A humble herb garden of rosemary, chilis, dill, and basil is plenty to flavor meals at home.

Photo by Jamie Winpenny

Local greens on the menu need water from Oahu’s streams June 17, 2011 04:12 PM

The crystal clear waters of Waianu Stream, a tributary of Waiahole Stream, are decorated by pink impatiens, yellow kukui leaves, and green swordtail and hoio ferns. Photo from HawaiianForest.com

Black Square celebrates release of fourth album June 16, 2011 10:24 AM

Black Square is back.

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Hallowbaloo Music Showcase returns to The Arts at Mark’s Garage Friday June 13, 2011 01:09 PM

Mike Love will perform at the Hallowbaloo Music Showcase Friday

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John Ferguson, beloved Irish publican, is mourned by friends and family June 06, 2011 04:26 PM

John "Fergie" Ferguson.

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City Council to convene Friday for third reading of key bills June 01, 2011 04:26 PM

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Council Zoning Committee to meet on divisive Laie development May 30, 2011 10:20 AM

Construction could become a fixture in Laie.

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Singer-songwriter James McCarthy to present the music of John Denver at The Venue Friday May 27, 2011 12:14 PM

James McCarthy performing

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Donation may preserve last specimen of endangered wild gardenia May 25, 2011 03:19 PM

Above: Hawaiian gardenia Below: Hawaiian Springs Chairman & CEO Rick Hadley (left) and Regional Manager Clarence Sakamoto (right), present a check to Mililani residents Susan Ching, Oahu PEP Coordinator, and Yumi Miyata, Waianae Mountains Watershed Partnership Representative.

Courtesy Photos

Complaint aims to stall City rail plans May 13, 2011 10:40 AM

Above: An image of what the proposed Honolulu Rail Transit project would look like at King Street and University Avenue. Courtesy Photo Below: Plaintiffs at Thursday's press conference. Photo by Jamie Winpenny

E Malama I Ke Kai Ocean Festival returns to Kapiolani Park Saturday May 12, 2011 12:37 PM

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Hawaii Book and Music Festival celebrates story, song May 12, 2011 10:57 AM

The Hawaii Book and Music Festival at the Honolulu municipal grounds (between Honolulu Hale and the Frank F. Fasi Building) in 2007.

KAUPA, Kokua Kalihi Valley partner to restore Kalihi Stream at nature park May 10, 2011 03:29 PM

KAUPA volunteers clean Kalihi Stream

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City Council committee to meet Thursday, May 12 on rail budget, funding May 10, 2011 02:00 PM

An artists rendering of the proposed rail system in Downtown Honolulu

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City transit funding bills meet resistance May 02, 2011 01:42 PM

A projected look of rail in Downtown.

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Busy week for indie music in Honolulu April 25, 2011 02:33 PM

Ska journeyman Chris Murray

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Mayor’s Office of Culture and the Arts faces budget slash April 19, 2011 11:55 AM Slack key master Stephen Inglis at Ward’s Rafters Saturday April 14, 2011 11:59 AM

Stephen Inglis in the recording studio. Courtesy Photo

Laughtrack Theater Company graduates a new generation of Hawaii improv April 14, 2011 08:39 AM

Laughtrack Theater Company's Children's Program teaches students not just the secrets to comedy, but also positivity, critical thinking, and self-confidence. Courtesy Photos

NextDoor’s ‘Broadcast 420’ to feature Black Square, Pimpbot on April 20 April 13, 2011 04:15 PM

Black Square

Photo courtesy

L.A. indie pop group CiTY CiTY to perform at SoHo April 29 April 13, 2011 12:06 PM

City City from Los Angeles

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Cost of living set to rise at City budget meeting Wednesday April 08, 2011 10:42 PM Willie Nelson, Jack Johnson added to ‘Kokua for Japan’ concert billing April 08, 2011 09:53 AM

Willie Nelson at a rally for then-gubernatorial candidate Neil Abercrombie in August. Photo from StillisStillMoving.com

Council Budget Committee to act on budget, taxes April 07, 2011 12:01 PM Hundreds rally in union solidarity for MLK’s memory at Hawaii’s Capitol April 04, 2011 05:54 PM

Hundreds gathered at the Hawaii AFl-CIO solidarity rally around the State Capitol rotunda on the afternoon of Monday, April 4. Photo by Margot Seeto

JUMP! bounds into Hawaii Theatre with family-style martial arts comedy April 04, 2011 02:24 PM Jason Tabosa’s Venus Vibe Trap ushers in open mic innovation at Bar 35 March 24, 2011 12:27 PM

Jazz and world music guru Jason Tabosa and friends re-imagine the open-mic setting. Courtesy Photo

Council Committee on Executive Matters likely to refuse Council salary hike March 24, 2011 12:22 PM Secular liturgy at the City Council March 16, 2011 06:28 PM

The front doors of Honolulu Hale. Photo by Joel Bradshaw

Speak out on Honolulu City and County budget, fees, and taxes March 15, 2011 10:52 AM

A view of Honolulu Hale in Downtown. Photo by Joel Bradshaw

Kalihi nonprofit faces dissolution in funding crunch March 10, 2011 10:56 AM

Above: Volunteers from Kanu Hawaii lend hands at a KAUPA stream cleanup last year. Below: Local artists are collaborating with Kalihi's youth to paint murals along Kalihi stream. Courtesy Photos

City Council to consider property tax relief, North Shore Sustainable Communities Plan March 09, 2011 09:05 AM

An aerial view of Honolulu and the International Airport. The large green area to the left of the H-1 is the Navy-Marine Golf Course.

Mardis Gras Street Festival to flood Chinatown with song, samba, and style March 08, 2011 03:00 PM

The streets of Chinatown were filled with people getting down at last year's Mardis Gras Street Festival. Kardan Photography

My de-pantsing as a professional musician March 07, 2011 02:19 PM Hawaii Professional Football League brings blue collar dedication to the field March 04, 2011 06:31 AM

Above: Try-outs for the Hawaii Professional Football League. The real deal kicks off Friday at Aloha Stadium. Photo by HPFL Below: Co-owners Danny Dolan, right, and Jay Niebuhr, left, celebrate their grand opening two years ago with family and friends.

Kanu Hawaii to examine State budget at the Capitol Thursday March 03, 2011 09:44 AM Rail debate causes conflict in key City appointment February 24, 2011 03:34 PM

Members of the Honolulu City Council debate rail at Wednesday's hearing at Honolulu Hale.

Ska legend English Beat to play SoHo Mixed Media Bar with Go Jimmy Go February 24, 2011 09:03 AM

Dave Wakeling's American version of The English Beat, live at Club Nokia, LA Live. Los Angeles, California. 31 July 2009. Photo by Mykal Burns

DJ Mark Farina to spin ‘Mushroom Jazz’ at Nextdoor Friday February 17, 2011 02:18 PM Anti-sex trafficking bill clears House Human Services Committee February 17, 2011 01:15 PM

Supporters of anti-sex trafficking legislation mobilized at the State Capitol on opening day of the 2011 Legislative Session. Photos by Rachel Ballard

Hawaiian Humane Society to begin teen outreach in Kalihi February 16, 2011 03:19 PM New York Times features upswing in tourism arrivals to Hawaii February 16, 2011 09:58 AM Makiki Neighborhood Board proposes decorative bus stops to deter graffiti February 15, 2011 01:14 PM Kumu Kahua Theater to feature ‘The Holiday of Rain’ in March February 11, 2011 04:54 PM Liliha Nuuanu Candlelight Tour embarks across historic sites February 11, 2011 02:18 PM Nuuanu Neighborhood Board talks firecrackers, Chromium VI contamination February 10, 2011 04:57 PM Comment: Bill allowing smoking permits for bars stomped, business rights trampled February 10, 2011 08:40 AM

Several bars throughout Hawaii leave ashtrays in their establishments for people who wish to smoke indoors, despite the smoking ban. Photo by Stefan-Xp

Kalihi Valley Neighborhood Board discusses roads, rubbish, rail February 03, 2011 05:34 PM The Deadbeats headline free First Friday concert at Nextdoor February 03, 2011 05:24 PM

The Deadbeats formed midway through 2007 and are pretty much true to their name. They drink and jam and beg for change. With a charismatic, neighborly optimistic approach on life combined with Jazzy-hip-hopy-funky-rocky-super-dopetronical beats and charmingly lucid lyrics the Deadbeats will be the last to take themselves seriously, but seriously take you. Courtesy Photo

Go Jimmy Go to make things hot at the Mercury Bar February 01, 2011 12:32 PM

Ska legends Go Jimmy Go are still keeping Hawaii skanking after all these years. Courtesy Photo

Former Hawaii Gov. Ben Cayetano blasts rail plans February 01, 2011 10:14 AM

Former Gov. Ben Cayetano leads a press conference at Honolulu Hale against heavy elevated rail transit. Photo by Jamie Winpenny

Art After Dark shows the bunny January 28, 2011 07:54 AM ‘Irish Times’ gives Oahu tourism a glowing review January 26, 2011 06:57 PM Ladysmith Black Mambazo brings historic melodies to Hawaii Theatre January 26, 2011 11:49 AM

Ladysmith Black Mambazo in concert at Ravinia in 2006. Photo by Stephen Neilson

Commission defers action on petition to dissolve Koolauloa Neighborhood Board January 25, 2011 01:17 PM

The members of Koolauloa's Neighborhood Board No. 28. Courtesy Photo

Downbeat lights the way for Downtown’s daytime clock-punchers and night owl industry folks January 21, 2011 09:37 AM

Downbeat Diner & Lounge is a welcome point of light for Downtown's busiest workers. Photos by Jamie Winpenny

Pacific Alliance to Stop Slavery rallies strong, ready to see anti-trafficking laws pass January 20, 2011 12:41 PM

On Opening Day, the Pacific Alliance to Stop Slavery (PASS) organized a show of support for anti trafficking legislation in the 2011 Legislative Session. Courtesy Photos, Gallery Photos by Rachel Ballard

Blues legend B.B. King to perform at Blaisdell Arena January 18, 2011 01:46 PM

B.B. King in concert in France in 1989.

Photo by Roland Godefroy

Laughtrack Theater hosts monthly open mic, brings a supportive audience January 18, 2011 01:42 PM Oahu makes New York Times list of places to see in 2011 January 18, 2011 01:37 PM Egyptologist Lanney Bell to speak at Doris Duke Theater January 13, 2011 06:09 AM Downtown’s Not Just Desserts opens with fresh, locally sourced meals and desserts January 13, 2011 05:02 AM

Not Just Desserts delicious lemon poppy cake.

Photo by Jamie Winpenny

Chinatown gears up for Chinese New Year celebrations January 12, 2011 09:35 AM Country and folk legends to perform at Hawaiian Brian’s to benefit junior lifeguards January 11, 2011 03:08 PM Cherry Blossom Cabaret brings its ‘Academy of Tease’ to The Arts at Marks Garage January 10, 2011 02:58 PM

CherryBlossom Cabaret has been strutting their stuff while coordinating closely with Honolulu's small businesses since 2006.

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Friends of Saint Patrick to welcome Irish Consul General to Honolulu January 06, 2011 12:57 PM Hale Kakoo Alzheimer’s Respite Center still awaiting permitting January 06, 2011 12:53 PM Downtown Neighborhood Board discusses crime, rail, member eligibility January 05, 2011 03:55 PM