Archive for February, 2008
Another Pro Bowl goes down in the books. Sunday’s game had some high scores and luckily sunshine! As the event operations people start the breakdown of the stadium and the mainland visitors board their flights home, the people of Oahu will still have the presence of the NFL.
Last Thursday the NFL and Boys & Girls Clubs of Hawaii broke ground in Nanakuli for a new youth center. In their long tradition of charity and community building, the NFL’s Youth Education Town initiative is committed to educational and recreational centers for children in at-risk. Typically they select neighborhoods in Super Bowl host cities, however Honolulu was chosen since it has hosted the Pro Bowl for over twenty years.
The 10,000-square-foot center is expected to open in 2009. It will target Hawaii kids ages 7 to 17 on Oahu and Kauai. It will include an outdoor amphitheater, Native Hawaiian garden, multimedia studio, teen center, community room and a learning center. As stated in the Pacific Business News, the center received a $1 million donation from the NFL and will be funded through private and public contributions from the state, city and corporations. We look forward to the opening of the facility as well as next year’s Pro Bowl right here in Hawaii. (Posted by CM - photo courtesy HNA)
February 11th, 2008
When you think of famous Hawaii beverages, most would think of a "Mai Tai" featured at the Royal Hawaiian and Moan Surfrider Hotels back in 1953. Or an authentic "Blue Hawaii" introduced in 1957 at the Hilton Hawaiian Village and later showcased in Elvis’ movie of the same name. Now in 2008 there is a new award winning Hawaii brew called "CoCoNut Porter". Launched by the Maui Brewing Company, the local business is hoping to create three unusual signature beers that are 100% brewed and canned in Hawaii. Headed by brewmaster Tom Kerns, Garrett Marrero and wife Melanie Oxley, the Maui Brewing Co, microbrewery and restaurant was created just north of Ka’anapali, in Maui. The trio created three signature beers and began distributing them throughout the island. They increased production, and within two years, Marrero saw the need to expand his seven-barrel brew pub.
As Marrero, stated in the Honolulu Advertiser, when the opportunity came up to own a microbrewery on Maui, the former investment consultant jumped at the chance. In December 2004, he and Oxley packed up their belongings and moved from Sacramento to the Valley Isle to take over the former Fish and Game Brewing Co. & Rotisserie in Kahana. Last February, Marrero opened a larger, 25-barrel production and canning facility in Lahaina and distributed his first cases a month later. "We’re on track to do over $1 million in business this year," he said. "If we include the brew pub, we’re on track to do over $3.5 million."
Maui Brewing makes three main brews: Bikini Blonde, a light German-style lager; Big Swell IPA, a pale ale; and CoCoNut Porter, made with toasted coconut. The Advertiser noted that the CoCoNut Porter was awarded a gold medal at the 2006 World Beer Cup, and honors also were given to Maui Brewing at the Great American Beer Festival and other events. The brewery also makes 25 different styles of beer throughout the year. The company hopes to expand distribution to Japan and California. So if you are in Maui, stop by and experience an authentic local Maui brew.
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February 10th, 2008
Delta and Northwest Airlines are close to completing a deal that would create the nation’s largest carrier. Will this merger lend to creating an industry that will increase pricing and stifle the competitive options for travelers?
As stated in the Honolulu Advertiser, one of the biggest factors driving renewed talk of consolidation has been the sharp increase in fuel prices, among the industry’s biggest costs. Jet fuel costs have surged along with the price of oil. The higher costs have made exploring other fuel options more immediate. Virgin Atlantic announced today it will be using a biofuel blend in a test flight this month from London to Amsterdam.
So what could this mean to the Hawaii travel market? Delta holds a direct flight from it’s Atlanta hub to Honolulu, with Northwest also offering a direct flight from their Minneapolis hub to Honolulu. If the merger is approved, will both popular flights still be offered to Hawaii visitors?
Other challenges in the merger still to be negotiated, are which CEO would run the merged airline and where would they consolidate their headquarters? Delta is home to the world’s busiest airport with it’s strong hub in Atlanta. The Minnesota Gov. stated in the paper “that Northwest made financial commitments to keep it’s headquarters and hub in Minnesota. Northwest would have to give up $215 million in financial incentives between now and 2020 if it moves its headquarters out of Minnesota.”
There is growing speculation that United and Continental Airlines could join forces as possible partners if the Delta-Northwest merger is approved. (Posted by CM)
February 8th, 2008
As a non-smoker, there is nothing worse then enjoying a nice day at the beach, until a group of smokers set up camp right next to you. So when I read in the Honolulu Advertiser, that the Big Island may expand the smoking ban on all public beaches and recreation areas I was ecstatic.
Passed last year, the ban resulted from the action of a group of middle school students wanting to protect marine life from cigarette butts. The students had collected more than 2,000 butts from the Kahalu’u beach in just 30 minutes as part of a science project. As cited in the Advertiser, “Cigarette butts are the top polluters of Hawai’i’s beaches”, Deborah Zysman, executive director of the Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawaii. Trash and cigarettes are major factors in keeping Hawaii’s beaches clean. As a tourist economy, keeping Hawaii’s beaches and waters clean needs to be a top state priority.
Kau Councilman, Bob Jacobson told the paper “the council received nearly 70 letters and messages supporting the ban, with only one opposing it”. If the bill is passed, it will be interesting to see if other islands follow. The bill would place fines at $100. The council is expected to take up the bill for a full-council vote on Feb. 21st.
February 7th, 2008
After a much needed renovation, Hotel Molokai is open and ready for business. If you have been to Molokai, you know there is not a huge array of lodging options. So it is great news that the 57-room hotel is up and running. Located on Kamioloa Beach, the property is in a lovely spot.
Resort operations manager George Joosten stated in the Honolulu Advertiser that,
“much of the hotel infrastructure has been replaced - every surface from tile to paint and furnishings has been freshly updated and upgraded.”
The 40-year-old Hotel Molokai, which celebrated its reopening Jan. 22nd, has even upgraded their poolside Hula Shores restaurant and hired “Top Chef” competitor Mia Gaines-Alt. Chef Mia originally from Oakdale, CA, stated to the paper that, “the barbecue and soul food of her childhood bear a lot of resemblance to local-style cooking.” Sounds like another good reason to head over and check out Hotel Molokai.
February 7th, 2008
On paper, the idea of the super ferry is great, but is it really a viable option for Hawaii residents and tourists? That’s a question many are asking after eight straight days of canceled voyages due to bad weather, vessel repairs and other setbacks the company has suffered since its Dec. 13 re-launch. Since then, it has been operating with only a third of its anticipated passenger load, and rough seas and other problems have led it to cancel its daily round-trip between Honolulu and Maui a total of 14 days.
If you are a tourist in Honolulu on a 10-day holiday that you have planned for over two years, do you really want to take the risk of booking the ferry and then have it cancel on you? Or if you are a resident, can you afford to take the ferry to visit a friend in Maui over the weekend with your car and then Sunday night have the return voyage to Oahu canceled? How do you explain that to your boss on Monday? Maybe get lucky and get a flight back to Oahu, but what about your car? You get back to Oahu but you still have to wait for your car to return from Maui. Super Ferry representative John stated that, "They are not responsible for any additional expenses incurred due to a voyage cancellation, such as hotel, airfare or car rental. The Super Ferry will offer complimentary voyages for the passenger and vehicle". (Posted by CM)
February 6th, 2008
In recent years, Pro Bowl practices have been at Ihilani Resort out at Ko’Olina. But with the new Disney resort under construction, the NFL was forced to find a new venue. So the NFL contacted Kapolei High School. The school is happy to host the players and is enjoying watching them practice. As Kapolei football coach Darren Hernandez stated in the Honolulu Advertiser, "This is a tremendous treat for our students, and me. I feel like a kid out here too!"
One of the best things about this partnership is that the NFL has made improvements to the field and purchased a $40,000 riding mower that they are going to leave with the school. It is great to see a huge organization like the NFL making connections with local organizations here in Oahu and continuing their long tradition of giving back to the community. The Pro Bowl has had a strong connection with Hawaii for 28 years, and we hope to see it continue. Today starts a week of "kick-off" events here on Honolulu leading up to game day this Sunday at Aloha Stadium.
February 6th, 2008
As if traveling isn’t challenging enough. United Airlines announced yesterday that starting May 5, 2008, it would be charging $25 each way on domestic passengers who are checking a second bag. United, who carries more people between Hawai’i and the Mainland than any other airline, cited the “extraordinary cost of jet fuel” as the reason behind the new policy. As we know luggage is heavy, and extra weight requires more fuel to transport. The Honolulu Advertiser cited that, “in the October-December quarter, fuel cost United $1.4 billion, 26% more than a year earlier. Fuel is airlines’ largest expense.”
But let me clear one thing up, they are not charging everyone. Only domestic passengers who buy the cheapest tickets and check two suitcases. If you are a Premier Member of United’s Mileage Plus frequent-flier program (flying 25,000 miles in 12 months), or you book nonrefundable economy-class tickets (higher class and higher fare), you will not be charged for that second bag. What this means is that United is passing the higher fuel costs to the occasional traveler buying the cheaper tickets and the wholesalers that provide affordable packages to Hawaii.
I visited United Airlines’ website to review their new domestic checked baggage policy. They are running a promotion for eight people to win a free trip to the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. I wonder if they will have to pay for that second bag on their domestic flights en-route to Beijing?” (Posted by CM)
February 5th, 2008
Today we devote the podcast to answering a couple of podcast listener questions. The first one is from Megan who is noticing high airfares for a short hop from Kauai to Maui and wants to know where all the cheap airfares are. We answer her question and discuss traveling between the islands and the cost involved. Amanda wants to know the best time to come to Hawaii for her wedding and which Island we recommend if she is bringing in 15 to 20 people with her to paradise.
February 1st, 2008
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