Magic and power have long captivated the human imagination. Throughout history, various cultures and civilizations have sought to harness the mystical forces of the universe to gain power and control over their surroundings. In legends and folklore, magical beings such as sorcerers, witches, and wizards possess extraordinary abilities that can shape reality itself. They can cast spells, potion brew, and summon supernatural forces to bend luck, heal ailments, or even manipulate time and space. The concept of magic is deeply intertwined with the belief in unseen forces and energies that connect all things. Magic can tap into these energies to bring about desired outcomes or manifest the impossible.
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Parking for beach users will continue to be available at the County s Kīpapa Park area directly mauka of Aliʻi Drive from the beach park and as allowed on the shoulders of Aliʻi Drive. The sandy beach portion of the park will remain open for the project, and Water Safety Officers of the Hawaiʻi Fire Department will continue their oversight of ocean activities there.
Magic can tap into these energies to bring about desired outcomes or manifest the impossible. It is often associated with ritualistic practices, incantations, or the use of specific tools or ingredients to channel and direct these powers. While magic can be depicted as something mystical and awe-inspiring, it has also been used as a symbol of power and control.
Magic Sands bathroom, ramp 90% finished; La’aloa project behind schedule
At Magic Sands Beach Park along Aliʻi Drive in Kailua-Kona, the accessibility improvements project that includes a new ramp and comfort station with showers and toilets is about 90% completed.
After the comfort station gets its final inspection, the temporary showers and toilets will be removed from the park and the remaining section of walkway and related grading work will be completed, said James Komata, park planner with the Hawai’i County Department of Parks and Recreation.
No date has been set for when the ramp and comfort station will be open to the public. In the meantime, crews also are installing signs, painting and striping, and working on landscape and maintenance, Komata said.
Throughout the project that began in October, Magic Sandsʻ white sand beach — which is heavily used by tourists, body surfers and body boarders — has remained open
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW AD ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ADThe construction has gone smoothly, although bones were discovered during the excavation. An investigation by archaeologists determined the bones were not human and the project continued, Komata said.
The new comfort station near Magic Sands and La’aloa Parks in Kona. Officials say the project is 90% complete. May 2023. (Megan Moseley/Big Island Now)
May 2023. (Megan Moseley/Big Island Now)New signs will be going up in the La’aloa Park. Officials say the project is slightly behind schedule. May 2023. (Megan Moseley/Big Island Now)
Officials say La’aloa Park will remain closed as the project is behind schedule. May 2023. (Megan Moseley/Big Island Now)
Officials say La’aloa Park will remain closed as the project is slightly behind schedule. May 2023. (Megan Moseley/Big Island Now)
The recently constructed accessibility ramp by Magic Sands Beach Park in Kona. May 2023. (Megan Moseley/Big Island Now)
The project was slightly over budget, with an additional $69,487 needed to complete it (4.8% of the original $1.44 million contract), Komata said.
The La’aloa portion of the beach park, located to the left of the dry stack? wall, has been closed during its separate $706,824 preservation improvements project. It includes preserving sacred heiaus (ancient Hawaiian temples) with a buffer of native plants, adding interpretive signs and a new parking lot with 11 stalls.
This project is running slightly behind schedule, but Komata did not provide why.
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ADThe common driveway that serves both parts of the park, and the parking lots, are still closed.
In the current design, exiting Magic Sands’ accessible parking stall relies on the completion of the La‘aloa parking lot and exit driveway due to the intended one-way flow of traffic, Komata said.
Both projects started in October after being on hold for five years to deal with the demands of the State Historic Preservation Division, other groups and community members about the protection of sacred heiaus and other historical sites at the adjacent beach parks.
According to a 2007 preservation plan, there are several historical sites at Magic Sands Beach Park, including the Haukālua Heiau, a habitation platform, historic wall remnant, furo (spring), location of former Kūʻula (fishing shrine), location of canoe landing, papamū and poho palu (bait mortars).
ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW ADIsemoto Contracting Company is overseeing both projects.
Damon Soderlund, an island resident since 1997, was visiting the beach Thursday with his wife and said he was surprised the new bathroom ended up being so small, but thinks the wheelchair ramp “will be nice for some people.”
He said he used to come to Magic Sands all the time as a kid but doesn’t come much anymore because of all the activity and the homeless problem.
Roman De-Leon, a regular body boarder at the beach, said: “We’re happy they decided to improve our park and are thankful to all of those who contributed and are looking forward to it to being a beacon of memories for years to come.
Capt. Ricky Alvarez with the Hawaiʻi Fire Department Ocean Safety Division said ocean safety has been at that park for around 37 years.
“To see what it is today is very cool,” he said. “It builds up the community and brings people back to the park and gives a place for families to use restrooms and to shower off.
“It looks clean and nice and I am thankful for the people who put their time and energy into it. They did it where it compliments the land and the ocean and tried to keep it original as possible. We appreciate that.”
White Sands / Magic Sands Beach Location and Map
77-648177 Alii Dr
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
In ancient times, rulers and leaders sought the services of sorcerers and priests to gain an edge over their enemies or consolidate their authority. Magic was seen as a tool to manipulate and shape reality in favor of those who possessed it. Similarly, in contemporary popular culture, magic is often portrayed as a means of gaining power and dominance. Characters in books, movies, and video games embark on quests to acquire magical artifacts or knowledge, believing that these will grant them unmatched abilities and control over their destinies. However, the pursuit of power through magic is not without consequences. Many cautionary tales warn of the dangers of wielding magic recklessly or greedily. It is believed that the desire for power and control can corrupt even the most noble of intentions, leading to disastrous outcomes and unforeseen consequences. In reality, magic is often seen as mere illusion or trickery. Stage magicians entertain audiences with their sleight of hand and misdirection, creating the illusion of supernatural powers. In these cases, magic serves as a form of entertainment rather than a genuine source of power. Regardless of one's belief in the real-life existence of magic, the allure and fascination it holds in human culture are undeniable. Magic provides an escape from the ordinary, offering a glimpse into a world where the impossible becomes possible. It taps into our innate desire for control, transformation, and the unknown, allowing us to explore the limits of our imaginations..
Reviews for "The Magic Mirror: Using Divination in Bruja Practices"
1. Sarah - 1 star
I was really disappointed with "Bruias the magic and power". The story was very slow and confusing, and I struggled to connect with any of the characters. The writing style was also quite dull and lacked any sort of excitement or suspense. Overall, I found the book to be a complete letdown and wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for a captivating fantasy read.
2. David - 2 stars
I found "Bruias the magic and power" to be quite mediocre. The plot had potential, but it was poorly executed. The pacing was off, with long stretches of nothing happening followed by random bursts of action. Additionally, the character development was weak, and I didn't feel invested in their journeys or struggles. The book had some interesting ideas, but they were overshadowed by the overall lackluster execution.
3. Amanda - 2 stars
I had high expectations for "Bruias the magic and power", but unfortunately, it didn't live up to the hype for me. The world-building was confusing and inconsistent, making it difficult to fully immerse myself in the story. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, and the writing lacked depth and nuance. Overall, I found the book to be underwhelming and struggled to stay engaged throughout. I wouldn't recommend it to fans of the fantasy genre.
4. Michael - 2.5 stars
"Bruias the magic and power" had a promising premise, but it didn't deliver on its potential. The pacing was uneven, and there were parts of the story that dragged on unnecessarily. The characters were one-dimensional, and their motivations were poorly explained. The magic system was also poorly developed and lacked consistency. While there were a few interesting moments, they weren't enough to salvage the overall disappointment of the book.