Pearl monument strives to honor WWII sacrifices

Those who think of Hawaii as merely a place of sun, surf and play should remember that the most popular destination in the islands is a war memorial.

Indeed, today’s official dedication of the new $56 million Pearl Harbor Visitor Center testifies to the enduring power of history. After all, it was overwhelming demand — 1.5 million visitors to the Arizona Memorial alone each year — that necessitated the expansion. It’s a heartening reminder that those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice will live on, in the hearts and minds of generations to come.

Somewhere over the rainbow, Iz is smiling

Judy Garland’s classic version of "Over the Rainbow" continues to play second fiddle to the rendering by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, which remains the most requested version, according to the EMI music publishing house.

Nearly 14 years after his death from respiratory failure at age 38, Bruddah Iz’s departure from the original lyrics and melody while strumming his ukulele is "heard so often on TV and in the movies, a younger generation may only know Israel’s version," reports National Public Radio’s Renee Montagne. His musical ingenuity will remain forever in the heart of Hawaii.