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.

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.

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