Friday, August 1, 2014

Invitation to meet Charles Djou, at the Hawaii Tourism Wholesalers Association

HONOLULU: AUGUST 1, 2014  -- Charles Djou, the Republican Candidate for Hawaii’s 1st Congressional District will keynote the monthly meeting of the Hawaii Tourism Wholesalers Association (HTWA) on Wed Aug 13, 2014, 5 - 7 pm at the HASR Bistro, 31 N. Pauahi St, Honolulu. 

The public is invited but seating is limited to 30. Please contact Gail Glushenko for 
reservations.

Gail Glushenko
(808) 223-1181

ABOUT CHARLES DJOU

Charles Djou represented Hawai’i’s First Congressional District from 2010 to 2011. The First Congressional District comprises the urban core of Honolulu from the eastern shores of Oahu to the western areas of Ewa and Kapolei, and includes Mililani, Waikiki and Downtown. He was a member of the House Budget Committee and the House Armed Services Committee. Before entering the U.S. House, Charles served on the Honolulu City Council and in the Hawaii State House of Representatives, where he was Minority Floor Leader. Charles is a Major in the U.S. Army Reserve. He is a combat veteran who served with the U.S. Army in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan during the “surge” of coalition forces in 2011-2012. Charles deployed with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Infantry Division at Forward Operating Base Pasab in Kandahar Province. Charles’ military decorations include the Combat Action Badge and the Army Commendation Medal. MORE at  http://hkchcc.org/htwa.htm


The Hawaii Tourism Wholesalers Association was established to connect Hawaii Tourism Wholesalers, Business Executives in the Visitors and Related Industries in the Public and Private Sectors both Domestic and Foreign.  HTWA meets monthly (2nd Wednesday) from 5:00 - 7:00 pm at the HASR Bistro, 31 N. Pauahi St, Honolulu, Hawaii.


The Hawaii Tourism Wholesalers Association
Officers and Directors - 2013 - 2014
Johnson Choi, President/Director  
Tom Matthews, Immediate Past President/Director
Tom Coyne, Vice President/Director  
Gail Glushenko, Secretary/Treasurer/Director 

Bobby Chang, Director 

Friday, May 30, 2014

Chinese Tourism - It is NOT COVERED IN Hawaii

eTN Received correspondence  from Johnson W K Choi ,President & CEO  Hong Kong Hawaii Chamber of Commerce, China Hawaii Chamber of Commerce & Asia Pacific California Chamber of Commerce.

eTN is a founder of the International Coalition of Tourism Partners (ICTP) www.ictp.travel  . ICTP is a Hawaii based organization with 126 tourism boards as members, including many stakeholders, associations in the international travel and tourism scene.

ICTP is part of the eTN network of 1.3 million travelers, 230,000+ travel industry professionals and 17,000 publications and journalists interested in travel and tourism worldwide, including this Kamaainas blog.

Among ICTP members are  Visit California, Brand USA, the Chinese National Tourism Organization ,but NOT the Hawaii Tourism Authority or any other tourism organization in Hawaii.  Invitations had been ignored, even though ICTP is based here in our State, and membership was offered free of charge.

When Air China started service from Beijing to Honolulu in January, HTA instructed it's PR agency not to invite eTN, not to send a photo or any other information to eTurboNews. Our eTN reporter was told not to ask for "favors" when requesting a photo. eTN turned to Air China directly to get the information. Click here for the eTN article.

Outreach to  Chinese Outbound Tourism has been a successful project for ICTP for some time with results for many tourism boards around the globe.

Here is the letter from Johnson WK Choi voicing his frustration with current policies and missed opportunities.

A 7,000 tour group from China just left Southern CA each spent a minimum of US$10,000 - you do the math. Unofficially $ spent much higher. They love CA so much that they are coming back.

cTrip in China sold out a US$200,000 group luxury tour package in 17 seconds.

If you look at CA from North to South, you will be amazed the number of people knew what it takes to bring it large groups with infrastructure support that Hawaii is seriously lacking.

The head of the tourism of all the cities involved are very good sales person. They travel extensively, our heads of tourism ask someone to do it for us and stay home.

The number of Mayors that are Chinese and know what it takes to bring in large tour group help (such as Mayor of SF and Anaheim).

None of our leaders from Governor to mayor to DBEDT have an idea what it take to bring in tour group from Asia besides the Japanese.

On the infrastructure side we are weak, our convention center too small, lack of hotels to handle large groups, lack of venue and theme parks and the long list goes on.

Many of my friends who visited Hawaii before found Saipan more attractive and we are competing with a long list of destinations.

We have a lot of work to do.

Johnson W K Choi, MBA, RFC
President & CEO 行政總裁

Hong Kong Hawaii Chamber of Commerce, China Hawaii Chamber of Commerce & Asia Pacific California Chamber of Commerce

Hawaii tourism continues to dwindle

HONOLULU, HI - Nearly 640,000 tourists traveled to Hawaii in April, 2014, roughly the same number that visited Aloha State in April of 2013, but they spent 2.2 percent less than last year.

Mike McCartney, President and CEO of Hawaii Tourism Authority, issued the following statement today:

"During the first four months of 2014, both spending (-2.9% to $4.9 billion) and arrivals (-2.6% to 2,720,760) have softened compared to the record growth Hawaii's tourism economy experienced in 2013. The Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) anticipates a continued slowdown through the second quarter of 2014, a traditionally slower travel period for the state.

Declines in arrivals have been affected by a decrease in Hawaii's cruise business (-18.9%), as the HTA continues to work with the state Department of Transportation (DOT) and Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) to improve access at Hawaii's harbors. We recently issued a request for proposals for maritime vessel scheduling software, which will help to establish an integrated system that will ease vessel scheduling to optimize the use of dock space to accommodate more cruise ships throughout the Hawaiian Islands.

Other factors affecting visitor arrivals include growing competition, the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against international currencies and other economic conditions.

As a result, the HTA continues focusing on diversifying our international markets by increasing destination awareness and interest in markets like Australia, New Zealand, China, Korea, Taiwan and Latin America. The HTA recently contracted a general sales agent (GSA) for Latin America and is planning to issue RFPs for representation in Hong Kong and Southeast Asia. Developing these newer markets creates opportunities for attracting first-time, higher spending visitors to Hawaii.  

Strengthening our core markets like the U.S. and Japan also remain a priority for the HTA. Seasonal direct service from the West Coast to Kona and Lihue this summer will help to boost visitor arrivals from the region, and increase distribution across the state. The HTA is also working with the Hawaii Tourism Japan on promoting an Oahu concert with the popular J-Pop group, Arashi, which is expected to attract 15,000 visitors from Japan in September.

Visitor arrivals and expenditures will continue to plateau in 2014, in comparison to the past two record-breaking years. Through the strategic and collective efforts of our industry, marketing and other stakeholder partners, we will continue to work together to balance and strengthen Hawaii's tourism economy."

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Aloha doesn’t live in Hainan

Hainan Island


Flower Lei in Hainan

Aloha Shirt made in Hainan
Aloha Shirt in Hainan
Aloha made in Hainan
Hawaii Style Resort in Hainan
Hainan Skyline
Hula Dancers in Hainan
It is usually the case that when an high-end product is replicated, it is because of price value.  Those who cannot afford an “original” would buy a “knock-off.”  China is a haven for mass production of both, for very obvious reasons.  But, on a recent trip to China has got be bewildered and puzzled, as I witnessed a destination piggybacking on another destination’s marketing schemes so blatantly obvious that is almost embarrassing to see.   The island of Hainan is shamelessly touting itself as “China’s Hawaii.”

<strong>Aloha shirts</strong>
The first hint of Hainan ripping off Hawaii’s image is when I walked into the venue for Sanya Tourism reception and Dinner during the recently-held 2014 Global Summit by the World Travel & Tourism Council.  As I made my way towards the venue, an open space area at the Double Tree Resort, I felt very much like walking into a Hawaii-themed event.  Majority of the attendees were decked up in colorful shirts that had mostly floral prints on them.  I was confused.  That confusion ultimately made me feel awkward, which made it impossible for me to “talk” with anyone.  I felt immersed in a bad Twilight Zone episode that ultimately led me to walk out of the dinner function.  It just did not feel right to be there.

<strong>Logo</strong>
Another obvious rip by Hainan of Hawaii is the marketing logo.  One look at Hainan logo and I instantaneously thought of Hawaii’s logo.  The colors and the fonts are almost identical.  Whoever designed Hainan’s logo should be fired immediately because it’s degrading for a destination to do such a thing.  It has enough going for itself that it need not stoop to that level.  Hainan, as I will point out later on, has a unique identity that is far from Hawaii and can stand as a world class destination on its own merit.  

The rip on Hawaii’s logo by Hainan struck me as something silly and inconceivable. For what its worth it is a clear indication of lack of creativity, let alone authenticity.  Whoever masterminded the design did some minor tweaks, but the similarity is palpable.  Take both logos and edit them using a black and white filter and it is hard to tell the two apart.  See  what I’m talking about:  





<strong>Nuances</strong>
The word “aloha” is unique to Hawaii, so Hainan obviously cannot use it.  But, a trip to Yanoda Cultural Tourism Zone revealed that Hainan has a version - “yanoda.”  Yanoda Cultural Tourism Zone is a rainforest park that has manmade tourism features such as zip-lining, designated picture-taking areas with accompanying sounds effects, shops, etc.  Everywhere we were greeted by park employees with a smile and the word “yagona” to which visitors were instructed in the electronic mobile guide to respond to with by also saying “yagona.”  That same electronic guide first few sentences as soon as I turned it on said something to the effect of “When you visit Hawaii, you will find often that people are saying aloha, here we say yanoda.” I was floored.

In Hawaii, when people say “aloha,” it normally comes with a hand gesture called hang loose sign.  Lo and behold, Hainan’s “yanoda” does come with one, too.  It is identical to what most people refer to as the peace sign.  

<strong>“Leis”</strong>
In every hotel I checked into post-WTTC summit, I was greeted with some kind of a necklace.  I’m using the term loosely because in Hawaii, it is widely known that visitors are greeted with a floral necklace known as “leis.”  In Hainan, I found that they did the same thing, but each property took the liberty of creating a “necklace” of their own.  Each property was different.  The most ineffective of all during my visit was Narada Hot-spring Resort’s three-betel nut necklace.  Whoever thought that greeting guests with a necklace made of three betel nuts tied by a string should really consider one thing:  comfort.  Nobody in their right mind wants three miniature coconuts hanging on their neck.  They’re heavy and odd-looking.

Hainan should cease and desist all of its references to Hawaii immediately because it is causing them more harm than good.  Why would an island that will soon have a 7-star hotel would want to degrade itself when it need not to?  There’s ample reasons why Hainan should stand proud of itself as a tourism destination.  While it may be the case that they truly are trying to be “China’s Hawaii” that is catering mostly to domestic tourists and expats, it has so much to offer that it is ready to receive the world.  Hainan’s true identity, as I see it, will be the topic of part two of this series.  Hint: it is not the sandy beaches, not the tropical rain forests and most certainly not anything related to shirts, logos and hand gestures.

by Nelson Alcantara, eTN editor-in-chief

Monday, May 26, 2014

Air Canada rouge expands to Hawaii

Air Canada today announced that its leisure carrier subsidiary, Air Canada rougeTM, is expanding service to Hawaii with the introduction of new year-round non-stop flights between Toronto and Honolulu. The new route, offering the only non-stop service between Toronto and Hawaii, will begin November 26, 2014. Flights will be operated using Air Canada rouge Boeing 767-300 ER aircraft offering a choice of two cabins with three choices of service, personal space and comfort. To promote the new route, Air Canada rouge is offering savings of 20 per cent on bookings made by June 10, 2014 for travel until April 30, 2015 using the promotion code "aloharouge." Flights and optional Air Canada Vacations packages are available for purchase at aircanada.com.
"Hawaii has long been a very popular vacation destination for Canadians from coast to coast," said Benjamin Smith, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Air Canada. "With the expansion of Air Canada rouge to Hawaii, we are delighted to introduce the only non-stop flights between Toronto and Hawaii. Flights are timed to provide convenient connections at our main Toronto hub for flights serving destinations throughout Air Canada's extensive network. In combination with Air Canada Vacations, we are pleased to offer Canadians even more holiday choices."
In addition, Air Canada announced that existing year-round non-stop service from Vancouver to Honolulu and Maui, currently operated by Air Canada, will be converted to daily Air Canada rouge Boeing 767-300 ER service effective November 21 and December 1, 2014, respectively.
As part of its Air Canada rouge winter schedule to Caribbean destinations, twice-weekly seasonal service from Toronto to St. Maarten, previously operated by Air Canada, will be converted to Air Canada rouge Boeing 767-300ER service effective December 20.
"Air Canada rouge is best suited to compete more cost effectively in markets where there is both a high leisure travel demand and low-cost competition. The expansion of our leisure carrier to Hawaii, in tandem with Air Canada's mainline fleet renewal, is a key element of our strategy for sustainable, profitable growth at both airlines," concluded Mr. Smith.
Air Canada will continue to evaluate future market opportunities as new aircraft are introduced into its mainline fleet and existing aircraft are released for operation by Air Canada rouge as market demand warrants. Since the launch in July 2013 of Air Canada rouge, Air Canada has deployed its leisure carrier to a growing number of Caribbean, European and select sun destinations in the United States.
New Air Canada rouge Toronto-Honolulu year-round service:
Flight Departs Arrives Day of week
ZX1823 Toronto 16:10 Honolulu 21:20 Wednesday, Sunday
ZX1822 Honolulu 22:55 Toronto 13:00 +1 Wednesday, Sunday
Air Canada rouge Vancouver-Honolulu and Vancouver-Maui year round service:
Flight Departs Arrives Day of week
ZX1831 Vancouver 17:35 Honolulu 21:40 Daily in Winter
ZX1830 Honolulu 22:55 Vancouver 06:35 +1 Daily in Winter
Flight Departs Arrives Day of week
ZX1827 Vancouver 17:45 Maui 21:50 Daily in Winter
ZX1828 Maui 23:05 Vancouver 06:35 +1 Daily in Winter
Customers who have already booked travel to Hawaii directly through Air Canada on these routes converted to Air Canada rouge will be notified by email that their flight has been converted to Air Canada rouge. To mark the expansion of Air Canada rouge to Hawaii, the email includes a promotion code for 20 per cent off future travel on Air Canada and Air Canada rouge in North America including Hawaii and the Caribbean. The email also provides further information on Air Canada rouge, as well as the option to contact Air Canada Reservations at (844) 268-7290 for a full refund if the customer prefers to make a different travel choice to Hawaii. Customers who have booked through their travel agent would be notified by their travel agent who is also available to provide further information and options available to them.
With the addition of the Hawaii and St. Maarten routes, together with its previously announced summer 2014 schedule to Europe, the Caribbean and the United States, Air Canada rouge plans to operate a total of 58 routes by next winter, including service this summer to Barcelona, Dublin, Lisbon, Manchester, Nice and Rome.

Thursday, April 17, 2014

We’re not just the “phone company” anymore.”

How Hawaiian Telcom is Emerging as an Innovative Home Entertainment Company
Sales & Marketing Executives Honolulu Presents an Evening with Nick Dinsmoor, Executive Director – Consumer Marketing and IPTV of Hawaiian Telcom

Honolulu, HI, April 17, 2014 – The Honolulu Chapter of Sales & Marketing Executives International presents Nick Dinsmoor, Executive Director – Consumer Marketing and IPTV of Hawaiian Telcom, for a dinner meeting that begins at 5:30p.m. on Tuesday, April 29th, at The Pacific Club. For reservations and more information visit www.smeihonolulu.com.

Join Honolulu Sales and Marketing Executives as Mr. Dinsmoor shares some insight into how this 130-year-old company found its way from plain old telephone service, to becoming Hawaii’s leading provider of integrated communications, technology and entertainment solutions. Where does IPTV fit into the Hawaii market? What consumer trends are changing with technology? How will subscriber-based TV service providers survive among the competitive likes of Amazon’s Prime Instant Video, Google TV, Netflix and other over-the-top technologies?

As Executive Director – Consumer Marketing and IPTV, Mr. Dinsmoor’s responsibilities include leadership and oversight for Hawaiian Telcom’s TV line of business and P&L, content management and partner relationships, application product management, pricing, packaging, offers and promotions for all consumer products as well as overall corporate research and data management functions.
Dinsmoor has over 18 years in marketing and sales experience, joining Hawaiian Telcom in 2006 as the Director of Business Marketing when the company was sold from Verizon and became an independent entity. Over the last eight years he has held several leadership roles across the business with increased levels of responsibility.
Prior to coming to Hawaii, Dinsmoor worked at AT&T for 10 years in various leadership roles across sales, marketing, product development, wholesale services, and wireless. He is a graduate of Bowling Green State University with a bachelor’s degree in communications, and master's in technology management from Mercer University in Atlanta, GA.


The event begins at 5:30p.m. Tuesday, April 29. For reservations and more information, visit www.smeihonolulu.org. Online ticket prices are available at $65 for SMEI members, $75 for non-members. Dinner meeting sponsorships are available. Call (808) 942-7000 or e-mail laura@smeihonolulu.com with questions.

Sales & Marketing Executives International would like to thank its trade sponsors: Hawaiian Airlines, Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Ameriprise Financial - Dave Livingston, Financial Advisor, and Pacific Edge Magazine.

Since its inception in 1948, SMEI, Honolulu Chapter, has been hosting learning and networking opportunities for sales and marketing executives. Sales & Marketing Executives International is the worldwide organization dedicated to ethical standards, continuing professional development, knowledge sharing, mentoring students and advancing free enterprise. To learn more about SMEI’s dinner meeting or make a reservation, please visit www.smeihonolulu.com

Turtle Bay Resort Collaborates on Historic Conservation Easement to Preserve 665.8 Acres of North Shore Open Space in Perpetuity

Officials of Turtle Bay Resort are pleased that a conservation easement to preserve in perpetuity 665.8 acres of scenic open space on the North Shore, including Kawela Bay, has been secured with the State of Hawaii.

This landmark agreement, which covers nearly 79% of the open space land owned by Turtle Bay Resort makai of Kamehameha Highway, was announced today by Governor Neil Abercrombie at the Hawaii State Capitol. 

Added together with the 469 acres of open space land that Turtle Bay Resort owns mauka of Kamehameha Highway and is protecting with a separate conservation easement, and this brings the total amount of North Shore open space being preserved in perpetuity to 1,134.8 acres. 
Drew Stotesbury, CEO of Turtle Bay Resort, commented, “It is a great privilege to be a steward of Turtle Bay. Our tenure began four years ago and, from the start, we sought opportunities to understand and balance community interests. This led to scaling back the resort’s expansion plan by more than 60% and increasing oceanfront setbacks by 50% to 300%. 

“We also opened the door to working with partners on additional land conservation and are delighted the State accepted this invitation. This agreement is proof that private-public partnerships can achieve conservation of treasured natural resources. These spectacular stretches of shoreline and large tracts of land will be preserved forever as open space for all to appreciate.”

Stotesbury added, “Securing this conservation easement was a complex process that involved extensive collaboration from government, nonprofits and community members. We are appreciative of Governor Abercrombie and his administration’s leadership and efforts in working through the negotiations on an agreement that is acceptable to both the State of Hawaii and Turtle Bay Resort. We are also grateful for Senator Clayton Hee’s contribution to these negotiations, and for the support of Mayor Kirk Caldwell and the Honolulu City Council in making this agreement possible.”

The conservation easement was secured for $48.5 million, of which $40 million is being provided by the State of Hawaii, $5 million by the City and County of Honolulu, and $3.5 million by The Trust for Public Land. It ensures that 665.8 acres of prime open space owned by the resort that is presently zoned for resort development will remain undeveloped forever. These areas are popular sites for hiking, fishing, and ocean sports activities. 

Turtle Bay Resort will continue to maintain these areas and looks forward to enhancing them in partnership with the State of Hawaii, City and County of Honolulu, and community through responsible stewardship and management of the natural and cultural resources. 

The conservation easement announced today complements a similar agreement Turtle Bay Resort has secured to protect 469 acres of agricultural-zoned open space land located mauka of Kamehameha Highway. The resort is working with the City, State, Federal Government, North Shore Community Land Trust, and The Trust for Public Land to finalize this conservation easement in the next couple of months.

Turtle Bay Resort retains rights to develop two new hotel sites near the existing hotel and one resort residential site on the Kahuku side of its property. The two hotels would generate an estimated 3,500 jobs during construction and, once completed, an estimated 700-plus permanent new jobs on the resort grounds and an additional 750 permanent indirect jobs within the community. 

HTA Announces selection of partner to manage Hawaiian Music Concert Series

HONOLULU - The Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA), the state's tourism agency, has selected The Kalaimoku Group (TKG) to manage and facilitate monthly concerts as part of the new Hawaiian Music Concert Series and May Day event.

The Kalaimoku Group will be responsible for the organization of the events including promotions, ticket sales, revenue generation, contracting musical artists and facilities.

"Creating a year-round Hawaiian music concert series will highlight an important aspect of what makes the Hawaiian Islands a one-of-a-kind destination for both visitors and residents to enjoy," said Mike McCartney, president and CEO of the HTA. "This inaugural concert series offers an opportunity to showcase Hawaiian music and create a venue for local artists to perform at home in Hawaii. The HTA continues to support events like these, which help to bridge our host culture, the community and visitor industry."

Consistent with HTA's Hawaiian Cultural Initiative, the goal of the Hawaiian Music Festival Concert Series and May Day event aims to highlight the talent and traditions of local musicians and dancers, elevate Lei Day festivities, and boost tourism. The new Hawaiian Music Festival Concert Series will showcase artists year round at the Hawaii Convention Center and other venues across the state.

"We are honored to work with HTA on this landmark project that will perpetuate Hawaiian music, support local musicians and benefit the hospitality industry," said John Aeto, president of The Kalaimoku Group. "Through this process we have come to appreciate the HTA's commitment to the host and multi-cultures found in the Hawaiian Islands."

The contract will commence in April 2014, as TKG prepares for the first scheduled event on Thursday, May 1, 2014 on Waikiki Beach fronting The Royal Hawaiian Hotel.

­About the Hawaii Tourism Authority
Established in 1998, the Hawaii Tourism Authority, the state's tourism agency, is responsible for strategically managing tourism to optimize benefits for Hawaii that integrates the interest of visitors, the community and visitor industry. Tourism is our state's leading economic driver and largest employer and the HTA continually works to ensure its sustainability well into the future. For more information on the HTA, please visit www.hawaiitourismauthority.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter (@HawaiiHTA).

About The Kalaimoku Group

The Kalaimoku Group is a Native Hawaiian owned integrated marketing and communications firm founded in 2011 and located in Honolulu, Hawaii. The Kalaimoku Group serves for-profit and non-profit companies with professional services including Development, Marketing, Communications, Government Relations, Social Media and Event Coordination. For more information visit www.kalaimoku.com.

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Is Hawaiian Airlines really safe?

All flights from and to Hawaii are long haul and have no place to land often for several hours. A lost engine can be a disaster and should be of the highest priority by any airline flying to this US Island State.

For eight years, one of the most recognized airlines in the United States, Hawaiian Airlines may serve the best Island food on its planes, but is safety really a priority? Mr. Hui Vo, media relations spokesperson of the airline told eTN today - it it. Vo declined to comment however on allegation made by the US authority in charge of airline safety.He told eTN: "This  is a pending investigation, we won't comment. We are confirming Hawaiian Airlines requested an informal meeting with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to discuss this issue."

Critics say: "There is nothing private about the consequences of airlines ignoring their obligations to the safety rules and Hawaiian ought to seek a public hearing, so that it’s position can be better understood and its fitness to fly better assessed by members of the public before they find themselves inside its airliners."

Relaxed or non compliance of jet engine safety regulations may now cost Hawaiian Airlines a $548,000 fine. This is a small civil penalty compared to the loss of life and a most likely criminal consequences in case of an accident.

The Federal Aviation Administration says Hawaiian Airlines went eight years without properly inspecting certain components of one of its planes used for commercial flights.

The FAA said Monday it is suggesting a fine of nearly $548,000 for the Honolulu-based airline. Airline and FAA officials say the company asked for an informal meeting to discuss the matter.

The agency says Hawaiian didn’t comply with a 2000 directive that established inspections of specific engine thrust reverser components. FAA officials say Hawaiian operated a Boeing 767-300 on more than 5,000 flights without complying with the directive.

The agency says a 2012 inspection found Hawaiian records wrongly said the directive didn’t apply to the aircraft.


This is the exact wording of the FAA Media Statement:
he U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is proposing a $547,500 Civil Penalty against Hawaiian Airlines, Inc. for operating a Boeing 767-300 that was not in compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations.

The FAA alleges Hawaiian operated the aircraft thousands of times when it was not in compliance with a July 2000 Airworthiness Directive (AD) that required inspections of certain engine thrust reverser components. The purpose of the AD was to prevent a portion of the thrust reverser from coming off in flight, which could cause a rapid decompression of the aircraft.

The AD required initial and repetitive inspections of the components to detect damage and wear, and corrective actions if necessary. It required replacement of the components with new and improved parts within four years of the AD taking effect.

During a July 2012 inspection, the FAA discovered that some of Hawaiian’s records erroneously showed the AD did not apply to one of its Boeing 767 aircraft. The FAA alleges Hawaiian operated the aircraft more than 5,000 times – mostly on passenger carrying flights – between July 2004 and July 2012 when it was out of compliance with the AD. The FAA further alleges Hawaiian operated the aircraft on 14 passenger flights after the agency alerted the carrier that some of its records erroneously indicated that the AD did not apply to the aircraft.

Additionally, the FAA alleges Hawaiian failed to keep required records of the status of the AD for the aircraft in question.

First Hawaiian Airlines non stop service Honolulu-Beijing just hours away

Hawaiian Airlines is starting its non stop Honolulu- Beijing service as the second major airline flying this route after Air China. The first flight is scheduled to leave Honolulu International Airport one minute after midnight tonight (Wednesday morning) 

Honolulu to Beijing

Beginning April 16, 2014,Hawaiian Airlines Flight HA 897 will depart Honolulu International Airport at 12:01 a.m. every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, cross the international dateline, and land at Beijing Capital International Airport at 5:55 a.m. the following day.

Beijing to Honolulu

Beginning April 18, 2014, Flight HA 898 will depart Beijing at 1:05 a.m. every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, cross the international dateline, and arrive in Honolulu at 4:40 p.m. the previous day (Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday).

Outrigger Enterprises Group Drives 86% More Mobile Bookings with Website Optimized by Mobify

Customers ready to book their next stay in paradise will find decision-making and booking easier than ever by using the new Outrigger Hotels and Resorts smartphone-optimized website powered by Mobify. The mobile website provides up-to-date property information, packages and special offers for 35 Outrigger properties across Asia-Pacific, Oceania and the Indian Ocean, and allows Outrigger's mobile customers, who represent nearly 30 percent of total website viewers, the ability to make hotel reservations with ease.

"As people spend more time on their mobile devices, we recognized the need to give our customers a more convenient way to browse our properties and make reservations on the go," said Dan Wacksman, senior vice president of global distribution at Outrigger Enterprises Group. "The launch of our new mobile website marks another step taken in our strategy to provide a truly seamless vacation experience for our guests."

The new Outrigger mobile website is a highly-visual, interactive tool designed to improve the path to conversion for its mobile visitors. It allows customers to find and book the perfect property by swiping their way through photos, videos, amenities and services. Travelers can plan their trip all in one place with a few simple taps.

This month, the mobile-optimized website converted 86% more reservations compared to last year when Outrigger's desktop website was served on smartphone devices.
"Mobile growth in the hospitality industry continues to accelerate," said Igor Faletski, Chief Executive Officer at Mobify. "Outrigger's incremental approach to mobile web optimization allows them to scale and be flexible as landscape and customer behavior shift. We are honored Outrigger selected Mobify as their mobile web experience partner."


As Outrigger expands its portfolio across the globe, its mobile website will reinforce Outrigger's commitment to being highly accessible to its guests regardless of device, location or language. The site can be accessed by entering www.Outrigger.com in the Internet browser of any compatible mobile device.

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

Tsunami advisory message by USGS

The USGS posted the following Tsunami Advisory message for the State of Hawaii this evening:


TSUNAMI MESSAGE NUMBER   8
NWS PACIFIC TSUNAMI WARNING CENTER EWA BEACH HI
748 PM HST TUE APR 01 2014

TO - CIVIL DEFENSE IN THE STATE OF HAWAII

SUBJECT - TSUNAMI ADVISORY SUPPLEMENT

A TSUNAMI ADVISORY CONTINUES IN EFFECT FOR THE STATE OF HAWAII.

AN EARTHQUAKE HAS OCCURRED WITH THESE PRELIMINARY PARAMETERS

   ORIGIN TIME - 0147 PM HST 01 APR 2014
   COORDINATES - 19.8 SOUTH   70.8 WEST
   LOCATION    - OFF THE COAST OF NORTHERN CHILE
   MAGNITUDE   - 8.2  MOMENT

MEASUREMENTS OR REPORTS OF TSUNAMI WAVE ACTIVITY

 GAUGE LOCATION        LAT   LON    TIME        AMPL         PER
 -------------------  ----- ------  -----  ---------------  -----
 BALTRA GALAPAGS EC    0.4S  90.3W  0446Z   0.03M /  0.1FT  18MIN
 SANTACRUZ GALAPAGOS   0.7S  90.3W  0443Z   0.31M /  1.0FT  16MIN
 JUAN FERNANDEZ       33.6S  78.8W  0215Z   0.16M /  0.5FT  36MIN
 SAN FELIX CL         26.3S  80.1W  0137Z   0.68M /  2.2FT  06MIN
 COQUIMBO CL          30.0S  71.3W  0138Z   0.15M /  0.5FT  34MIN
 CALDERA CL           27.1S  70.8W  0102Z   0.11M /  0.4FT  30MIN
 CHANARAL CL          26.4S  70.6W  0133Z   0.24M /  0.8FT  28MIN
 CALLAO LA-PUNTA PE   12.1S  77.2W  0158Z   0.12M /  0.4FT  38MIN
 ARICA CL             18.5S  70.3W  0116Z   1.83M /  6.0FT  18MIN
 MATARANI PE          17.0S  72.1W  0127Z   0.58M /  1.9FT  08MIN
 PAPOSO CL            25.0S  70.5W  0125Z   0.26M /  0.9FT  22MIN
 PISAGUA CL           19.6S  70.2W  0055Z   2.01M /  6.6FT  12MIN
 MEJILLONES CL        23.1S  70.5W  0103Z   0.86M /  2.8FT  34MIN
 TOCOPILLA CL         22.1S  70.2W  0109Z   0.42M /  1.4FT  10MIN
 DART 32402           26.7S  74.0W  0044Z   0.05M /  0.2FT  44MIN
 ANTOFAGASTA CL       23.7S  70.4W  0034Z   0.25M /  0.8FT  18MIN
 PATACHE CL           20.8S  70.2W  0015Z   1.51M /  5.0FT  10MIN
 IQUIQUE CL           20.2S  70.1W  0005Z   2.11M /  6.9FT  12MIN

 LAT  - LATITUDE (N-NORTH, S-SOUTH)
 LON  - LONGITUDE (E-EAST, W-WEST)
 TIME - TIME OF THE MEASUREMENT (Z IS UTC IS GREENWICH TIME)
 AMPL - TSUNAMI AMPLITUDE MEASURED RELATIVE TO NORMAL SEA LEVEL.
        IT IS ...NOT... CREST-TO-TROUGH WAVE HEIGHT.
        VALUES ARE GIVEN IN BOTH METERS(M) AND FEET(FT).
 PER  - PERIOD OF TIME IN MINUTES(MIN) FROM ONE WAVE TO THE NEXT.

 NOTE - DART MEASUREMENTS ARE FROM THE DEEP OCEAN AND THEY
        ARE GENERALLY MUCH SMALLER THAN WOULD BE COASTAL
         MEASUREMENTS AT SIMILAR LOCATIONS.

EVALUATION

 BASED ON ALL AVAILABLE DATA A MAJOR TSUNAMI IS NOT EXPECTED TO
 STRIKE THE STATE OF HAWAII. HOWEVER...SEA LEVEL CHANGES AND
 STRONG CURRENTS MAY OCCUR ALONG ALL COASTS THAT COULD BE A HAZARD
 TO SWIMMERS AND BOATERS AS WELL AS TO PERSONS NEAR THE SHORE AT
 BEACHES AND IN HARBORS AND MARINAS.  THE THREAT MAY CONTINUE FOR
 SEVERAL HOURS AFTER THE INITIAL WAVE ARRIVAL.

 THE ESTIMATED TIME OF ARRIVAL OF THE INITIAL WAVE IS

                     0324 AM HST WED 02 APR 2014

FURTHER MESSAGES WILL BE ISSUED HOURLY OR SOONER AS CONDITIONS
WARRANT UNTIL THE THREAT TO HAWAII HAS PASSED.

Rules for protests at Hawaii State Capitol challenged

A federal lawsuit against the State Department of Accounting and General Services (“DAGS”) charges that outdated rules restricting public use of State property (including the Hawaii State Capitol rotunda and grounds) violate the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Plaintiffs for the lawsuit are the American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii (“ACLU”) and Pamela G. Lichty, President of the Drug Policy Action Groupand ACLU board member. They are represented by Daniel M.Gluck, Senior Staff Attorney for the ACLU and Alexandra Rosenblatt of Chun Kerr, LLLC.

The lawsuit asks the court to require DAGS to remove burdensome requirements for obtaining a permit – including requirements that small groups have to get the government’s permission before holding a protest; that individuals have to agree to indemnify the State for any injuries arising from their protest (even if the injuries are caused by the protesters’ opponents); and that individuals or groups apply for a permit weeks in advance (with no exception for spontaneous demonstrations in response to sudden events or news).
The ACLU informed DAGS of these problems over three and a half years ago (more than a year before the 2011 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting). The ACLU continued to inform the State of these problems through 2011, 2012, and 2013, but the State has neither changed its rules nor issued any new policies to correct these problems.
The ACLU has assisted several groups in navigating the unlawful permit process, but does not know how many other individuals or groups have been deterred from holding a demonstration because of DAGS’ unconstitutional rules. Honolulu now plans to host Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel and defense ministers of the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations April 1-2, and the ACLU hopes that this lawsuit will ensure that any individuals or groups that want to demonstrate on State property during the ASEAN Conference (or any other matter) are able to do so.
Daniel M. Gluck said: “After three years of being rebuffed by DAGS and the Attorney Generalʻs office to resolve these issues administratively, it’s clear that the State won’t take any action without being sued. We need to ensure that the free speech rights of all people are respected and protected, particularly on state grounds such as the Capitol, to show that our government is open, transparent, and participatory.”
Alexandra Rosenblatt said: “Current permitting practices could prevent people from gathering around a legislative measure or breaking community crisis. The State requires a fourteen day lead time for permits, yet legislative hearings only have a 2-3 day lead time. The State also requires that permit holders waive all claims against the state as a condition of exercising their first amendment rights. DAGS has made exceptions, but the absence of consistent, objective standards raises a concern that groups could be treated differently based on the content of their speech. When it comes to our government and state capitol there is no room for opaque rules that hinder community voices from being heard.“
The ACLUʻs First Amendment Toolkit is a free guide for those considering demonstrations at the Hawaii State Capitol, or at parks, beaches, sidewalks and more statewide.

Read the complaint: Complaint3.27.14

Hawaii Symphony Orchestra features highly-rated violin in Prokofiev and Strauss concert

The Hawaii Symphony Orchestra (HSO) will feature guest violinist Anne Akiko Meyers and acclaimed Japanese conductor Junichi Hirokami this Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 4 p.m., April 5 and 6, at the Neal Blaisdell Center. This highly anticipated Prokofiev and Strauss concert, the second of the Spring 2014 Halekulani Masterworks Series, has Meyers performing on her priceless 1741 “Vieuxtemps” Guarneri del Gesu.

A California native, Meyers is one of the world’s premier concert violinists. She is widely praised for her elegance and technical mastery of the instrument, showcasing her passion for classical music. Meyers is a top-selling recording artist with close to 30 albums to her credit, including her 2014 No. 1 classical bestseller, “The Four Seasons: The Vivaldi Album.”

In this rare Hawaii appearance, Meyers will perform on the “Vieuxtemps” Guarneri violin, which has been given to her on lifetime loan. Built by Italian violin maker Giuseppi Guarneri in 1741, the instrument acquired its name from a previous owner, 19th-century Belgian composer and violinist Henri Vieutemps. Flawless in sound and light in weight and color, it has also been played by such renowned violinists as Yehudi Menuhin, Itzhak Perlman, Pinchas Zukerman and Joshua Bell.

“Concertgoers are in for a real treat with Anne and Junichi,” said HSO executive director Jonathan Parrish. “We are excited to bring to Hawaii top artists to perform with the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra.”

This weekend’s programs open with the Masquerade Suite by Khachaturian. Then, Meyers joins Hirokami and the HSO in a performance of Prokofiev’s Violin Concerto No. 2. The concerts close with two much-loved works by Richard Strauss, Till Eulenspiegel’s Merry Pranks and the Rosenkavalier Suite.

The remaining concerts in the Spring 2014 Halekulani Masterworks Series:


Saturday, April 26, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, April 27, at 4 p.m.

Gershwin & Beethoven
Maximiano Valdes                 Conductor
Sara Davis Buechner           Piano

- Ravel                                 Alborada del Gracioso
- Gershwin                               Piano Concerto in F
- Beethoven                             Symphony No. 3, “Eroica”


Sunday, May 11, at 4 p.m.

Iggy Plays Paganini
Gerard Schwarz                    Conductor
Ignace “Iggy” Jang               Violin

- Mozart                                  Symphony No. 39
- Mozart                                   Adagio for Violin and Orchestra
- Paganini                               “La Campanella”
- Elgar                                     Enigma Variations


Saturday, May 17, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, May 18, at 4 p.m.

Concerto for Koto
Naoto Otomo                         Conductor
Yumi Kurosawa                     Koto

- Akutagawa                            Musica per Orchestra Sinfonica
- Daren Hagan                        Genji, Concerto for Koto and Orchestra (World Premiere)
- Tchaikovsky                          Symphony No. 4


Sunday, June 1, at 4 p.m.

Grieg & Berlioz
Naoto Otomo                         Conductor
Conrad Tao                            Piano

- Sibelius                                Finlandia
- Grieg                                     Piano Concerto
- Berlioz                                  Symphonie Fantastique


About the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra
The Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, one of the oldest orchestras west of the Rocky Mountains, has won the enthusiastic praise of the nationally and internationally renowned soloists and guest conductors who have performed with it.

For more information or to make a donation, please visit www.HawaiiSymphonyOrchestra.org.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/HawaiiSymphony

Monday, March 17, 2014

Get ready for skyrocketing airfares in between Hawaiian islands

Get ready for skyrocket airfares for inter island flights in Hawaii when Mesa Air Group will shut down the inter-island airline go! effective April 1, 2014
GO Airlines operated by the Mesa Air Group announced today the closure of Go as of April 1

Competitor Hawaiian Airlines will have close to a monopoly on the Hawaiian market and airfares may increase rapidly. When GO Airways started Hawaii residents and visitors enjoyed airfares of $19.00 each way in between islands. Families and friends on different islands could meet for a weekend or for lunch. Today airfares are well over $100.00 each way topping sometimes $250.00, and once go Airlines is gone there is no limit of what Hawaiian Airlines can do to separate the Aloha State even more. Air service is essential for the State of Hawaii, since a ferry service is no longer available.

For about a year Hawaii enjoyed the Superferry at peak times with two passenger frequencies between Oahu and Maui.

Many thought Hawaiian Islands may have been behind helping environmental groups to sue the ferry company and eventually succeeded. Hawaii's only passenger service had to close operation giving airlines 10 plane loads of passengers back every day.

Rumor said Hawaiian Airlines had a quiet role in pushing competitor Aloha Airlines out of the market and into bankruptcy.

Mesa Airlines released this statement today:
Mesa Air Group, Inc. (“Mesa” or "Company") announced today that it will cease its Hawai’i operations effective April 1, 2014. Since June 2006, go! has served its nearly five million passengers with safe, reliable and low fare service.

The decision to cease operations in Hawaii follows significant growth in the Company’s flight operations on the mainland and was a strategic decision to focus the organization on maximizing its growth in the capacity purchase “codeshare” operations which comprise over 98 percent of the Company’s business

“While this was an extremely difficult decision to reach, we believe it is in the best interest of Mesa’s long term strategic objectives, particularly given the Company’s ongoing expansion of aircraft in service with United Airlines and US Airways. Mesa will be placing into service 30 EMB 175 aircraft with United beginning in June 2014, and is adding 4 CRJ-900 aircraft with US Airways in 2014, having added 9 CRJ-900s in 2013,” said Jonathan Ornstein, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “With the significant expansion opportunities in flying large regional jets in contracted service, we are re-deploying the go! aircraft to support our existing mainland operations. An additional factor that we accounted for was the long term increase in the cost of fuel, which has more than doubled since go! began service and has caused sustained profitability to be elusive” continued Ornstein.

Under the terms of an agreement with Hawaiian Airlines, go! will be able to re-book passengers ticketed through go! for travel scheduled between April 1, 2014 and June 30, 2014 in specified fare classes on Hawaiian’s Interisland network. go! will refund tickets for passengers who cannot be accommodated on Hawaiian Airlines, or for passengers holding tickets for travel after June 30, 2014. All ticket holders will be contacted by go! reservations representatives regarding the re-accommodations. Customers and travel agents needing additional information may call 1-888-435-9462 or visit the website at .

"go! will continue to provide its passengers with safe and reliable transportation through its last day of service, and will work with our passengers and Hawaiian Airlines to minimize the impact that this announcement will have on our passengers,” noted Chris Pappaioanou, President of go!.

“On behalf of Mesa Air Group, I would like to thank all of our many loyal passengers and the continued hard work and dedication of our employees – all of whom will be given an opportunity to continue their employment with Mesa Airlines. While we say goodbye to our many passengers in Hawaii, we look forward to serving you on the mainland through our significant codeshare operations,” continued Ornstein.

Mesa currently operates 71 aircraft with approximately 407 daily system departures to 85 cities, 36 states, the District of Columbia, Canada and Mexico. Mesa operates as US Airways Express and United Express under contractual agreements with US Airways and United Airlines, respectively. The Company was founded by Larry and Janie Risley in New Mexico in 1982.

Mesa makes its living primarily by flying small aircraft on regional feeder flights for larger carriers like United Airlines and US Airways.

Hawaii News summarized the go history in a report published today.The report reads:  Mesa Air came forward as a potential buyer during the bankruptcies of both Hawaiian Airlines and Aloha Airlines, signing agreements not to disclose or use any proprietary information it saw about those airlines' business plans or costs. But rather than buy either carrier, Mesa founded go!, launching service on June 9, 2006 from Honolulu to Hilo, Kona, Kahului and Lihue.

Both Hawaiian and Aloha would eventually sue, and Hawaiian won, then settled out of court for a large enough sum to cover its jet fuel expenses during a run-up in oil prices.

When Aloha, facing similar fuel bills, shut down at the end of March 2008, the bankruptcy court found that one of its most valuable remaining assets was its lawsuit. The Yucapia Cos., which had provided funding to Aloha, acquired the suit and sold it to Mesa, effectively ending the litigation.

Both Hawaiian and Aloha had accused Mesa of predatory pricing, which is illegal, and the Hawaiian lawsuit produced a smoking gun memo, but Mesa claimed the memo, despite charts and graphs showing how it could outlast Aloha in a price war, was a joke, and the Justice Department never pursued it.

Aloha Airlines did a cost analysis which found that Mesa's fares meant not only that it was operating at a loss, but that it needed more money per passenger than either Aloha or Hawaiian to break even because of the small size of its aircraft. Eventually go! fares rose to much higher levels.

When Aloha left the interisland business, however, passengers flocked to Hawaiian instead of go!, and go! was further rocked by Mokulele Airlines briefly flying jets on the same four main interisland routes. Mokulele didn't last long as a jet-flying carrier but go! didn't get to grab Aloha's former market share, either. In recent months it was down to flying two jets.

Tourists are still visiting Hawaii but spending less

The Hawaii Tourism Authority has reported its fifth consecutive month of year-on-year declines in visitor spend. Total visitor expenditure fell to -4.7% to $1.37 billion in January, despite welcoming 682,364 visitors – similar to 2013 levels.

Growth in international visitors by air in January compensated for losses in arrivals from the USA. Japanese visitor arrivals climbed by +7% to 126,330 visitors in January 2014. But daily spend from Japanese tourists dropped by -11.9% to $295 per person, resulting in a -7.3% decline in expenditure to $212 million.

Daily spending by Japanese visitors has declined in 12 of the past 13 months. In January daily spending on shopping fell -16.8% (to $78 per person). Spending on lodging (-12.8% to $119), food & beverage (-3.3% to $51), and transportation (-12.8% to $12) also saw a decrease compared to January 2013.

Australian passenger arrivals increased by +12.5% to 28,229 visitors in January 2014 and arrivals from New Zealand nearly doubled to 4,889 visitors. Arrivals from Korea increased +33.5% to 16,637 visitors in January 2014.

Chinese passenger arrivals rose +5.5% to 10,887 visitors and there were three times more visitors from Taiwan in January 2014 (4,025 compared to 1,345 a year ago).

Growth in Canadian arrivals (+4.2% to 70,167 visitors) was also offset by lower daily spending (-14.9% to $147 per person), resulting in a -8.7% drop in Canadian visitor expenditures to US$153.6 million in January 2014.

Arrivals from all other regions were up +9% to 90,396 visitors, with significantly more visitors from Other Asia (+29.3%) and Oceania (+20%). Combined expenditures from All Other visitors of US$219 million was similar to January 2013.

Cruise ships passenger arrivals decreased by -3.1% to 17,680 visitors.

USA West visitor expenditure fell -6.1% to $393.8 million in January 2014 as a result of fewer arrivals (-4.6% to 231,871 visitors) and lower daily visitor spending (-2.5% to $154 per person). USA West visitor expenditure and arrivals have been in decline since August 2013.

USA East arrivals decreased by -4.1% to 146,190 and daily spending fell by -0.9% to $204 per person, leading to a -3.1% drop in visitor expenditure to US$381.8 million. This was the fourth consecutive month of year-on-year decline in USA East visitor expenditures and arrivals.

Total number of seats to Hawaii grew to 946,549 in January 2014, up by +3.4% compared to January 2013. Scheduled seats from Asia (+21.5%) and Oceania (+20.1%) rose significantly and scheduled seats from Japan (+10.2%) and Canada (+9.1%) also increased. Growth in scheduled seats from USA West (-0.7%) and East (+0.6%) was flat compared to January 2013.

Families and providers rally at the capitol for quality and improved access to early learning

 As part of National Education Week 2014, children, families and community-based early learning providers gathered today at the State Capitol to rally for quality and improved access to early learning programs.

Executive Office on Early Learning Director GG Weisenfeld, who was joined by state legislators, preschoolers, community groups and business representatives, welcomed the crowd to the rally. The rally included a children’s concert as well as information and hands-on activities for adults that demonstrate the level of quality that is infused in prekindergarten classes.

Representatives from the Department of Human Services’ Preschool Open Doors program were on hand to distribute applications and answer questions. The program, which provides subsidies to eligible low- and moderate-income families that send their children to community-based prekindergarten programs to prepare them for kindergarten, was established by the Legislature last year as a vehicle for the state’s school readiness program.

“We need people to know that this is not just daycare. This is quality early learning experiences for our children so they can be ready to succeed,” said Christina Cox, president of KCAA Preschools of Hawaii. “Community-based preschools support working parents' need for full-day care for their children and are uniquely suited to provide both quality education and care in a nurturing and stimulating environment.”

At the start of the rally, Director Weisenfeld read a special message from Gov. Neil Abercrombie, who was unable to attend. It stated, “Any vision for early learning for all four year olds in Hawaii must include you, educators who are already here – who have long been working with children in the classroom to find what works best for the keiki in your community. Your teaching is not just daycare – you provide some of the first and most crucial skills and learning experiences that make these children ready to succeed.”

There are 17,000 four-year-old children in Hawaii. To prepare as many four year olds for kindergarten as possible, it is important to use and expand the already-existing, mixed-delivery system in our state.

Community-based early learning providers are an integral part of this mixed-delivery system.  These providers have been the dominant delivery method for serving our four year olds.

This November, there will be a question on the ballot that will ask voters whether the state constitution should be changed to permit public monies to be used to fund private, community-based preschools. If voters approve, the state will be allowed to contract with private, community-based preschools, supporting existing services and even expanding them to meet the public need.

Gov. Abercrombie’s proposal to increase the number of four-year-old children who can have prekindergarten experiences also includes funding for preschools on some Department of Education campuses and family-child interaction learning programs.

The Executive Office on Early Learning (EOEL) was established by Act 178 (passed as Senate Bill 2545) and signed into law by Gov. Abercrombie in June 2012. The creation of EOEL provides government-wide authority to guide the development of a comprehensive and integrated statewide early childhood development and learning system.


For more information, visit earlylearning.hawaii.gov

HTA releases visitor statistics report for January 2014

The Hawaii Tourism Authority has revised select sections of the visitor statistics report for January 2014 that was originally distributed on February 27, 2014.  Updates were made to the "per person per day spending on each island" which subsequently changed "per person per trip spending by island" and "total expenditures for each island" on pages 1, 4 and 5. 

The monthly news release reports highlights of preliminary visitor characteristics, expenditures, and airseats at the statewide level and for the top four major marketing areas (U.S. West, U.S. East, Japan and Canada).

Friday, March 14, 2014

Popular “MAUIWatch” facebook page founder files federal lawsuit against Maui County for unlawful attempts to silence speech

The ACLU of Hawaii Foundation (“ACLU”) announced today that a lawsuit and request for a temporary restraining order (“TRO”) have been filed against Maui County based on the County’s efforts to restrict what Neldon Mamuad may say on his prominent “MAUIWatch” Facebook feed. The lawsuit asks for a court order declaring the County’s actions to be unconstitutional as well as expungement of any record of disciplinary action from Mamuad’s employment records. The TRO asks that the County immediately stop threatening Mr. Mamuad for his speech and conduct outside of work. Cooperating attorneys Marcus Landsberg IV and Maui-based attorneys Phillip Lowenthal and Samuel MacRoberts are assisting with the case.

Neldon Mamuad is both an employee of Maui County and a volunteer Liquor Commissioner - newly appointed Liquor Commission Chairman. Outside work, he is well known for enjoying vigorous debate on the actions of local police and other public figures, first via his radio show “TAGUMAWatch” – dedicated to personal stories from both supporters and detractors of a high- profile Maui police officer – and Maui law enforcement. In 2013, Mr. Mamuad took the discussion online, to a Facebook page later renamed “MAUIWatch,” where it carries on its work crowdsourcing Maui news and traffic in real time. MAUIWatch, with nearly 26,000 Facebook followers, is one of the most-cited Maui-based news sources, utilized by national networks and local newsgathering organizations across the State.

Cooperating attorney Marcus Landsberg IV said: “Like many people who work by day and blog by night, Mr. Mamuad never uses County computers or time for his personal hobby, which is protected free speech. If Mr. Mamuad weren’t a County officer, the County wouldn’t be able to touch him at all – his speech is completely protected by the First Amendment. But because he also serves as a volunteer Liquor Commission Chairman, the County believes it has the right to control everything he does and everything he says in his free time. This is contrary to well- settled federal law – public employees don’t give up their free speech rights merely because they work for the government.”
Plaintiff Neldon Mamuad said: “I am a Part-Time County employee and volunteer Liquor Commissioner. Government officers & employees have First Amendment rights, and I just want the County to respect mine. If I was none of those, we would never be here.”


Cooperating attorney Phillip Lowenthal added: “Mr. Mamuad’s Facebook page is protected speech. The County just doesn’t like the attention, and it is using its governmental position and power as his employer to silence him. It’s flat-out wrong. The people of Maui and the State of Hawaii deserve better.”

Cooperating attorney Samuel MacRoberts said: "The County is trying to muzzle our client to silence criticism – a clear violation of the Constitution which all County officials are sworn to protect. The County is saying that if any County employee criticizes anyone else in County government, the County will come after you. It's called a "chilling effect" on free speech. We're challenging this in court because our Constitution, specifically the First Amendment, is designed to prevent this kind of intimidation by government."

Daniel M. Gluck, Senior Staff Attorney for the ACLU of Hawaii Foundation concluded: “This is the third federal lawsuit charging clear and harmful First Amendment violations by Maui County in less than a year. This apparent lack of regard for free speech rights is regrettable, as the County continues to infringe people’s rights while ultimately placing the costs for these avoidable actions onto the taxpayer.” In February 2014, the ACLU and the law firm of Davis Levin Livingston filed a lawsuit over police threats toward Pastor Strat Goodhue and his wife for handing out religious flyers on a public sidewalk near the Maui Fair. In September 2013, the ACLU and the County settled a case (filed in June of that year) involving unconstitutional County rules that prohibited holding signs along public roadways. As part of the settlement, Maui County agreed to revise its rules and practices.

The American Civil Liberties Union (“ACLU”) is our nation’s guardian of liberty, working daily in courts, legislatures and communities to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties that the Constitution and laws of the United States guarantee everyone in this country. 

Governor releases $36.6 million for environmental, facility and infrastructure improvements

 Gov. Neil Abercrombie today announced the release of more than $36.6 million for various capital improvement projects (CIP), administered by the Departments of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) and Accounting and General Services (DAGS).

“These priority projects represent significant investments not only in our state facilities and natural assets, but our local economy as well,” Gov. Abercrombie said. “In addition to creating jobs and economic growth, these CIPs will enhance protection and preservation of Hawaii’s fragile environment and improve aging infrastructure for the people of Hawaii.”
                                                                                                                                               
Allotment of funds for the following projects, identified by state legislators, has been approved by the Governor:

DLNR

$7,500,000 – Lump Sum Improvements at State Parks, statewide – This project will include planning, design and construction for a wide range of repair and improvement projects, including those to parks, historical facilities and monuments on Oahu, Hawaii Island, Kauai, Maui and Molokai.

$600,000 – Aiea Bay Pumphouse Property Environmental Remediation, Oahu (for Department of Defense) – Environmental remediation and other work related to the site cleanup.

$500,000 – Mana Drag Strip, Kauai – This will complete the current construction phase to repair the facilities on the site and remove and resurface the pavement.

$250,000 – Geothermal Well Plugging and Abandonment, Hawaii Island – This project will seal geothermal wells under state jurisdiction and restore the well sites to preexisting conditions. The wells are located in the Wao Kele O Puna rainforest.

$150,000 – Royal Hawaiian Groin Replacement, Oahu – This project will construct a new groin next to the existing Royal Hawaiian groin. The new groin is a terminal structure that captures/traps sand and allows the central portion of the beach in Waikiki to remain stable. Private contribution funds for this project total $150,000.

DAGS


$27,695,000 – Kamamalu Building Renovation, Oahu – Construction funds to renovate the building for state agencies relocating from leased office spaces. The renovation (75,000 gross square feet/61,000 net square feet) will provide more efficient use of the building, instead of tearing it down and constructing a new one. Due to the parcel’s small size and prevailing zoning restrictions, new construction would yield only about a 14,900-square-foot facility.

USS Arizona Memorial commemorated on stamp

The U.S. Postal Service today honored the tranquil shrine that pays tribute to the 1,177 sailors aboard the USS Arizona who lost their lives Dec. 7, 1941, with the dedication of a Priority Mail Express $19.99 stamp.
"Today, nearly 100 years to the day that the Navy laid the keel to begin construction of the Arizona, we gather to pay tribute to its final resting spot," said U.S. Postal Service Information Technology Vice President John Edgar in dedicating the stamp. "Not everyone will have an opportunity to visit Hawaii and see this memorial in person. But with this stamp, they'll be able to see what it looks like and be reminded of what it stands for. "
The stamp artwork features an illustration of the white concrete memorial on the Hawaiian island of Oahu rising above the sunken ship in the shape of a bridge. Depicted under a sunny sky and bright clouds with an American flag fluttering overhead, the memorial is mirrored by its own reflection on the water below. Designed by art director Phil Jordan of Falls Church, VA, the stamp showcases the work of illustrator Dan Cosgrove of Chicago, IL.

The USS Arizona Memorial Priority Mail Express stamp is available in sheets of 10 and also may be purchased individually. Customers may purchase the stamps at usps.com/stamps, at 800-STAMP24 (800-782-6724), at Post Offices nationwide or at ebay.com/stamps.

"Let this stamp serve as a small reminder of the sacrifices made by the brave sailors who gave their lives here," added Edgar. "Let this stamp achieve the same goal as the memorial it depicts — to always remember the Arizona."

Scheduled to join Edgar in dedicating the stamp were U.S. Sen. (ret.) Daniel K. Akaka; U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Richard Williams, USN; Hawaii State Rep. K. Mark Takai; World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument Superintendent Paul DePrey; and U.S. Postal Service Honolulu District Manager Greg Wolny.

"The USS Arizona Memorial stamp will help Americans remember the toll of war, the sacrifice of our service members and the end of conflict," said DePrey. "The memorial is an iconic structure symbolizing both loss and contemplation. By dedicating this stamp, we are continuing to bear witness to history."
Dec. 7, 1941:  'A Date Which Will Live in Infamy'
Nearly half the Americans killed aboard the Arizona died when a bomb striking an ammunitions store caused it to detonate. The Arizona's remains and those entombed in her now rest in Pearl Harbor. The Arizona memorial rises above the ship itself, surrounded by the rainbow-streaked oil that continues to leak from the ship's hull. Ultimately, the memorial marks not only the end of more than a thousand lives, but the entry of the United States into World War II.
According to Daniel A. Martinez, chief historian at World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument at Pearl Harbor, tensions between the two nations were running high when, at 6 a.m. Sun., Dec. 7, six Japanese aircraft carriers launched the first wave of 183 planes. A total of 350 planes were used in the surprise attack on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. Among their targets was the USS Arizona, a battleship anchored in Pearl Harbor. The ship was built at the New York Navy Yard in Brooklyn and commissioned in October 1916.
The Attack
At 7 a.m., two radar operators spotted a wave of incoming planes but were told not to worry about it. The officer on duty at the information center at Fort Shafter believed they were American planes scheduled to arrive at Hickam Field on Oahu. An hour later, as sailors on the Arizona prepared to raise the flag, a Japanese fighter flew low overhead and strafed the ship with gunfire. The attack had begun. As dive bombers, torpedo bombers, and fighters filled the sky, an armor-piercing bomb penetrated the Arizona's deck and detonated inside an ammunition storage area, causing hundreds of thousands of pounds of explosives to ignite at once. The ship collapsed on itself and began to sink. Of the nearly 1,500 men assigned to the Arizona, fewer than 350 survived — and only because some of the sailors were on shore at the time.
The Arizona was still burning when President Franklin D. Roosevelt addressed Congress the following day and asked for a declaration of war, saying, "Yesterday, December 7, 1941 — a date that will live in infamy — the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan." The nation's shock and grief were transformed into a commitment to fight the war.
The First Memorial
After World War II ended, the idea of creating a memorial to the Arizona gradually gained momentum. The first permanent memorial at Pearl Harbor was dedicated Dec. 7, 1955. A 10-foot high basalt stone placed on Ford Island by the Navy Club, it was erected near the submerged wreckage of the Arizona and honored all American servicemen killed Dec. 7, 1941. But some people, particularly in the Navy, wanted more. In a letter sent to the Secretary of the Navy, Charles Thomas pointed out, "Whether or not the Navy has done its best to preserve the dignity of the USS Arizona's remains, it is still blamed because this burial place for 1,102 men is a rusted mass of junk…an appropriate memorial should be constructed to honor the many valiant men who went down with her and now lie entombed within her hull."
Fund Raising to Create Today's Memorial
Over the next three years, private individuals and the military pushed for a memorial. Organizers launched a national campaign to raise $500,000. In 1958, the Ralph Edwards program "This is Your Life" featured the Arizona's senior surviving officer, Rear Admiral Samuel Fuqua on national television. At the end of the program, Edwards asked viewers to send in contributions and eventually raised $95,000.
Elvis Contributes to the Fund Raising
By 1961, the fund-raising campaign was beginning to lose steam. An unconventional rock-and-roll icon stepped in to help by giving a benefit concert at Pearl Harbor March 25, 1961. The star wore his famous gold lame jacket and performed to the screams and cries of several thousand fans. Elvis Presley raised more than $50,000. Later that year, Congress and the state of Hawaii appropriated the funds needed to finish building the memorial.
The Memorial's Design
The design and construction of the USS Arizona Memorial were well under way before the fundraising was completed. The Navy's original specifications called for a bridge-like structure that spanned the sunken battleship, and architect Alfred Preis was chosen to create the design.
According to Preis, the building's concave shape, which dips in the middle, symbolized the nation's initial defeat at Pearl Harbor and ultimate return to peace. Preis designed an open-assembly deck to create a serene and non-coercive atmosphere for contemplation. A separate room was set aside to enshrine the names of the Arizona's dead. There, visitors may witness and reflect upon a giant wall of marble bearing the names of the 1,177 men who died aboard the Arizona. The shrine room also contains the open windows that Preis designed depicting the Tree of Life, which has come to be known as a symbol of peace and harmony.
The USS Arizona Memorial was dedicated Memorial Day, 1962. In 1980, the National Park Service took over memorial operations. A presidential proclamation in 2008 declared the site part of the new World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument. A new visitor center was built in 2010 to provide a museum, theater facilities and visitor services. More than 1.5 million people visit the memorial annually.
Ordering First-Day-of-Issue Postmarks
Customers have 60 days to obtain the first-day-of-issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at local Post Offices, at usps.com/stamps or by calling 800-STAMP-24. They should affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes to themselves or others and place them in larger envelopes addressed to:
USS Arizona Memorial Cancellations
Marketing Department
3600 Aolele Street
Honolulu, HI  96820-9661

After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark up to a quantity of 50. For more than 50, there is a 5-cent charge per postmark. All orders must be postmarked by May 13, 2014.