Saturday, February 14, 2004
Kauai Garden Island News: World surfing champion Andy Irons is honored
World pro surfing champion Andy Irons, right, receives a proclamation from Mayor Bryan Baptiste on Friday afternoon at a celebration to mark the Hanalei surfer's second straight world title.
By TGI STAFF
KALAPAKI � For the second year in a row Association of Surfing Professionals world champion Andy Irons of Hanalei was honored by MayorBryan Baptiste and a restaurant full of well-wishers gathered at Duke's.
In December, Irons won his second consecutive world surfing title with a decisive win in the Pipeline Masters contest over six-time world surfing champion Kelly Slater.
Baptiste declared Friday as Irons' day on Kaua�i, and noted that he and Irons are alumni of Kapa�a High School.
Graham Stapleburg, a representative of Billabong surfwear, Irons' main sponsor, called his victory in December 'the greatest achievement' in the history of pro surfing."
World pro surfing champion Andy Irons, right, receives a proclamation from Mayor Bryan Baptiste on Friday afternoon at a celebration to mark the Hanalei surfer's second straight world title.
By TGI STAFF
KALAPAKI � For the second year in a row Association of Surfing Professionals world champion Andy Irons of Hanalei was honored by MayorBryan Baptiste and a restaurant full of well-wishers gathered at Duke's.
In December, Irons won his second consecutive world surfing title with a decisive win in the Pipeline Masters contest over six-time world surfing champion Kelly Slater.
Baptiste declared Friday as Irons' day on Kaua�i, and noted that he and Irons are alumni of Kapa�a High School.
Graham Stapleburg, a representative of Billabong surfwear, Irons' main sponsor, called his victory in December 'the greatest achievement' in the history of pro surfing."
MSNBC - Hula-la�handsome Hawaii airfares turn heads:REUTERS
Hula-la—handsome Hawaii airfares turn heads
Great deals from the western US to Honolulu, Maui and more have sun-seekers scrambling for seats
Chanelle Kanani Kukona, 23, of Mililani, ends the day and week with a daily meditation at Queens Surf Beach near Waikiki in Honolulu, Hawaii
By Adrien Glover
Updated: 4:12 p.m. ET Feb. 14, 2004We’ve been giving the Transatlantic airfare wars a lot of attention lately, but there also appears to be a battle brewing between carriers that specialize in flights to Hawaii. This is good news for those of you on the hunt for a good excuse to jet away from the winter doldrums to the lush mountainsides of Kona or the warm beaches of Waikiki, where surfing outshines just about every other beach activity.
Hawaii carriers duke it out, you get deals
Aloha and Hawaii airlines are often locked in a neck-and-neck race to deliver the cheapest airfares from cities in the western US and now is no exception; both carriers are offering superb roundtrip deals and there’s only a negligible difference in cost.
Here’s how the sales are shaping up: Aloha's online sale, which delivers a 10 percent discount for booking online, is good for flights from Burbank, Las Vegas, Oakland, Phoenix, Reno, Orange County or Sacramento to Honolulu, Maui, Kauai, Hilo or Kona for $250 (this price tag factors in the online discount). This price does not include tax and is for Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday departures only. And if you were thinking of taking off on the weekend or Mondays, flights are just $20 more. All good things must come to an end, and this adage also hold true for Aloha’s sale—all tickets must be purchased by Feb. 17 for travel through June 15. A three-day minimum stay is required, but we’re guessing that’s not a problem. To book a seat on one of Aloha’s eligible upcoming flights to Hawaii, go to: www.alohaairlines.com.
For less than $20 more than Aloha’s asking price, Hawaiian Airlines has round-trip airfares from Los Angeles, Ontario and San Francisco to Honolulu for just $269. Ten bucks more buys departures from San Diego and Sacramento to Honolulu. Of all Hawaiian Airline’s offers, these are the fares that come the closest to Aloha’s. Also, your hands are tied; you can only jet into the island of Honolulu and all travel must take place before Mar. 12, 2004. To ensure these low rates from Hawaii Airlines, the carrier also requests that you register for its frequent flyer program. You can do this and book your tickets online at: www.hawaiianair.com.
$99 each way from Oakland
OK, we’re narrowing the field here by only telling you about departures from Oakland, CA offered by charter Sun Trips (www.suntrips.com). Take note, that this is just across the Bay from all you San Franciscans. The good news is that its $99 each-way airfares, at the moment, cannot be beat. (So, if you were thinking of going with Aloha's deal from Oakland, this choice will save you even more money.)
Also, will Sun Trips' deal you have your pick of flying into Oahu or Maui, and this special is good while supplies last. Ninety-nine percent of all charters have set departure and return dates, and Sun Trips is not deviating from the norm. Dates are as follows for each Hawaiian island:
Oakland to Honolulu
Depart: Feb 20, 22, 27, or 29
Return: Feb 29, March 5, or March 7
Oakland to Maui
Depart: Feb 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, or 29
Return: Feb 14, 28, 29; March 5, 6, or 7
To jump on this special, call Sun Trips (www.suntrips.com) immediately at 800/786-8747.
Hawaii from far away
We don’t mean to leave the rest of the country out in the cold when it comes to deals on Hawaii airfares. Those leaving from the central or eastern part of the United States surely have farther to go to dig their toes into Hawaii sand, which is why there’s typically a premium on distance. We randomly selected some dates in early March (Mar. 2-9) and plugged in a smattering of gateways. These are the best results for each city mentioned:
$598—Boston (Delta)
$529—Chicago (ATA)
$435—New York City (ATA)
$379—Seattle (ATA)
$557—New Orleans (Continental)
$522—Houston (Continental)
$576—Kansas City (Continental)
Hula-la—handsome Hawaii airfares turn heads
Great deals from the western US to Honolulu, Maui and more have sun-seekers scrambling for seats
Chanelle Kanani Kukona, 23, of Mililani, ends the day and week with a daily meditation at Queens Surf Beach near Waikiki in Honolulu, Hawaii
By Adrien Glover
Updated: 4:12 p.m. ET Feb. 14, 2004We’ve been giving the Transatlantic airfare wars a lot of attention lately, but there also appears to be a battle brewing between carriers that specialize in flights to Hawaii. This is good news for those of you on the hunt for a good excuse to jet away from the winter doldrums to the lush mountainsides of Kona or the warm beaches of Waikiki, where surfing outshines just about every other beach activity.
Hawaii carriers duke it out, you get deals
Aloha and Hawaii airlines are often locked in a neck-and-neck race to deliver the cheapest airfares from cities in the western US and now is no exception; both carriers are offering superb roundtrip deals and there’s only a negligible difference in cost.
Here’s how the sales are shaping up: Aloha's online sale, which delivers a 10 percent discount for booking online, is good for flights from Burbank, Las Vegas, Oakland, Phoenix, Reno, Orange County or Sacramento to Honolulu, Maui, Kauai, Hilo or Kona for $250 (this price tag factors in the online discount). This price does not include tax and is for Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday departures only. And if you were thinking of taking off on the weekend or Mondays, flights are just $20 more. All good things must come to an end, and this adage also hold true for Aloha’s sale—all tickets must be purchased by Feb. 17 for travel through June 15. A three-day minimum stay is required, but we’re guessing that’s not a problem. To book a seat on one of Aloha’s eligible upcoming flights to Hawaii, go to: www.alohaairlines.com.
For less than $20 more than Aloha’s asking price, Hawaiian Airlines has round-trip airfares from Los Angeles, Ontario and San Francisco to Honolulu for just $269. Ten bucks more buys departures from San Diego and Sacramento to Honolulu. Of all Hawaiian Airline’s offers, these are the fares that come the closest to Aloha’s. Also, your hands are tied; you can only jet into the island of Honolulu and all travel must take place before Mar. 12, 2004. To ensure these low rates from Hawaii Airlines, the carrier also requests that you register for its frequent flyer program. You can do this and book your tickets online at: www.hawaiianair.com.
$99 each way from Oakland
OK, we’re narrowing the field here by only telling you about departures from Oakland, CA offered by charter Sun Trips (www.suntrips.com). Take note, that this is just across the Bay from all you San Franciscans. The good news is that its $99 each-way airfares, at the moment, cannot be beat. (So, if you were thinking of going with Aloha's deal from Oakland, this choice will save you even more money.)
Also, will Sun Trips' deal you have your pick of flying into Oahu or Maui, and this special is good while supplies last. Ninety-nine percent of all charters have set departure and return dates, and Sun Trips is not deviating from the norm. Dates are as follows for each Hawaiian island:
Oakland to Honolulu
Depart: Feb 20, 22, 27, or 29
Return: Feb 29, March 5, or March 7
Oakland to Maui
Depart: Feb 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, or 29
Return: Feb 14, 28, 29; March 5, 6, or 7
To jump on this special, call Sun Trips (www.suntrips.com) immediately at 800/786-8747.
Hawaii from far away
We don’t mean to leave the rest of the country out in the cold when it comes to deals on Hawaii airfares. Those leaving from the central or eastern part of the United States surely have farther to go to dig their toes into Hawaii sand, which is why there’s typically a premium on distance. We randomly selected some dates in early March (Mar. 2-9) and plugged in a smattering of gateways. These are the best results for each city mentioned:
$598—Boston (Delta)
$529—Chicago (ATA)
$435—New York City (ATA)
$379—Seattle (ATA)
$557—New Orleans (Continental)
$522—Houston (Continental)
$576—Kansas City (Continental)
Puu Poa Condo 102: Kauai Vacation Rentals in Princeville.
Gregory and Linda Sommer's beautiful 2 bedroom condo at Pu'u Poa in Princeville, Kauai is now available for vacation rentals. This elegant clifftop condo with breathtaking ocean views on Kauai's renowned North Shore offers you an unforgettable Hawaiian experience. There are 2 bedrooms, 2 full baths and a sleeper sofa to accomodate 6 people in comfortable luxury. Discover the aloha ambience of this premier condo complex, providing an elegant retreat and perfect setting to enjoy your tropical getaway
Gregory and Linda Sommer's beautiful 2 bedroom condo at Pu'u Poa in Princeville, Kauai is now available for vacation rentals. This elegant clifftop condo with breathtaking ocean views on Kauai's renowned North Shore offers you an unforgettable Hawaiian experience. There are 2 bedrooms, 2 full baths and a sleeper sofa to accomodate 6 people in comfortable luxury. Discover the aloha ambience of this premier condo complex, providing an elegant retreat and perfect setting to enjoy your tropical getaway
Friday, February 13, 2004
Kauai Garden Island News
By BARRY GRAHAM - TGI Business Editor
A Kaua‘i association started by retired attorney Walter Lewis of Princeville has attained 75 percent of the signatures needed to place a county charter amendment on this fall's election ballot to roll back and cap property taxes.
Lewis began the effort in October of 2003 in order to "protect resident homeowners from the soaring property taxation that many of them have recently experienced; and encourage the Kaua‘i County government to limit the rapidly expanding costs of government," he said.
"Our organization, ‘Ohana Kaua‘i, has adopted a proposed charter amendment that would restore property taxes of resident homeowners to the amount paid for 1998, and place a cap on future increases to not more than 2 percent per year," Lewis said.
"Believing that a cap on Kaua‘i's real property taxes is justifiable is tantamount to proposing there be no increase to the quality and availability of vital services on the island," said James Pycha, principal broker of RE/MAX Kauai. "This is certainly not practical.
"Kaua‘i property owners make an investment in the county when they pay their real property taxes," Pycha said.
"Every dollar is returned to the island in the form of vital services, including police and fire protection, street maintenance and recreational facilities and activities."
The charter amendment proposal requires 5 percent of the signatures of registered Kaua‘i voters to get on the November general-election ballot, and adoption by a majority of the voters to become law.
The deadline for the required signatures is May.
"We are finding that a great majority of persons who sign the petition support what we are seeking," said Lewis.
According to data provided by Lewis, in the years since 1998, government costs and property taxes have both climbed approximately 50 percent.
"Because of this, the average taxpayer's taxes have increased about 50 percent, but in many cases the increase has been much greater," he said.
"A number of taxpayers have seen their tax bills rise more than several hundred percent. It is expected that in the current year government costs will rise 21 percent, and such an increase will doubtless be passed on to taxpayers," said Lewis.
If the ‘Ohana Kaua‘i proposal is adopted, it is estimated that it will cause a reduction of revenues from the homeowners affected by about $1 million to $2 million per year.
"This is only 1 to 2 percent of total government revenues," said Lewis. "If necessary, the government could obtain this amount from other sources, including a modest increase in the ratio of assessment to market value of taxed properties, or putting vacation-rental properties into the commercial classification."
According to Lewis, homes owned for the 1998-99 tax year would have "property taxes fixed at the amount for that year," while homes purchased after the 1998-99 tax year will have their property taxes "frozen at the amount paid in the first year."
While many people see the value in Lewis' cause, some believe there are other alternatives.
"While it is important to generate capital to run the county and its infrastructure and facilities, it is important to keep property taxes affordable for residents," said Carol Cummings of Kauai Realty.
"Rather than implementing an across-the-board ‘cap' on taxes or assessments, we should explore other options," she said.
According to Cummings, one alternative is taxing property on its actual use, rather than its zoning.
Business Editor Barry Graham may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 251) or mailto:bgraham@pulitzer.net.
By BARRY GRAHAM - TGI Business Editor
A Kaua‘i association started by retired attorney Walter Lewis of Princeville has attained 75 percent of the signatures needed to place a county charter amendment on this fall's election ballot to roll back and cap property taxes.
Lewis began the effort in October of 2003 in order to "protect resident homeowners from the soaring property taxation that many of them have recently experienced; and encourage the Kaua‘i County government to limit the rapidly expanding costs of government," he said.
"Our organization, ‘Ohana Kaua‘i, has adopted a proposed charter amendment that would restore property taxes of resident homeowners to the amount paid for 1998, and place a cap on future increases to not more than 2 percent per year," Lewis said.
"Believing that a cap on Kaua‘i's real property taxes is justifiable is tantamount to proposing there be no increase to the quality and availability of vital services on the island," said James Pycha, principal broker of RE/MAX Kauai. "This is certainly not practical.
"Kaua‘i property owners make an investment in the county when they pay their real property taxes," Pycha said.
"Every dollar is returned to the island in the form of vital services, including police and fire protection, street maintenance and recreational facilities and activities."
The charter amendment proposal requires 5 percent of the signatures of registered Kaua‘i voters to get on the November general-election ballot, and adoption by a majority of the voters to become law.
The deadline for the required signatures is May.
"We are finding that a great majority of persons who sign the petition support what we are seeking," said Lewis.
According to data provided by Lewis, in the years since 1998, government costs and property taxes have both climbed approximately 50 percent.
"Because of this, the average taxpayer's taxes have increased about 50 percent, but in many cases the increase has been much greater," he said.
"A number of taxpayers have seen their tax bills rise more than several hundred percent. It is expected that in the current year government costs will rise 21 percent, and such an increase will doubtless be passed on to taxpayers," said Lewis.
If the ‘Ohana Kaua‘i proposal is adopted, it is estimated that it will cause a reduction of revenues from the homeowners affected by about $1 million to $2 million per year.
"This is only 1 to 2 percent of total government revenues," said Lewis. "If necessary, the government could obtain this amount from other sources, including a modest increase in the ratio of assessment to market value of taxed properties, or putting vacation-rental properties into the commercial classification."
According to Lewis, homes owned for the 1998-99 tax year would have "property taxes fixed at the amount for that year," while homes purchased after the 1998-99 tax year will have their property taxes "frozen at the amount paid in the first year."
While many people see the value in Lewis' cause, some believe there are other alternatives.
"While it is important to generate capital to run the county and its infrastructure and facilities, it is important to keep property taxes affordable for residents," said Carol Cummings of Kauai Realty.
"Rather than implementing an across-the-board ‘cap' on taxes or assessments, we should explore other options," she said.
According to Cummings, one alternative is taxing property on its actual use, rather than its zoning.
Business Editor Barry Graham may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 251) or mailto:bgraham@pulitzer.net.
Kauai Garden Island News
By TOM FINNEGAN - TGI Staff Writer
There have now been as many traffic fatalities in less than two months this year than in all of 2002.
Amy Tamura, 78, of Lihu‘e, died at Wilcox Memorial Hospital Wednesday after an 8:49 a.m. two-car accident at the entrance to the Kauai Community Correctional Center.
Her 72-year-old female passenger was critically injured in the Kuhio Highway crash, and remained in critical condition last night.
Tamura is the fourth Kaua‘i resident killed in traffic-related accidents since the beginning of the year. There were five Kaua‘i traffic fatalities in 2003, and four in 2002.
According to county officials, Tamura was making a left turn from the northbound lane of Kuhio Highway into KCCC in a 1990 Dodge two-door station wagon.
The vehicle was hit by a 1992 Jeep multi-purpose vehicle traveling in the opposite direction, driven by a 32-year-old woman from Kapa‘a. The driver and three occupants were treated at Wilcox and later released.
An autopsy will be performed to determine Tamura's exact cause of death, said Ozaki.
In another accident, Thursday morning, a 74-year-old Lawa‘i woman was hit by a car while crossing Kaumuali‘i Highway in a crosswalk in front of the Lawa‘i post office, leaving her in critical condition.
She was crossing the highway at 7:40 a.m. when she was hit by a westbound 2002 Jeep four-door SUV driven by a 50-year-old Koloa woman.
The pedestrian was transported to Wilcox in critical condition, and was later flown by air ambulance to The Queen's Medical Center on O‘ahu.
The driver of the vehicle was not injured, Ozaki said. The driver has not been cited for any traffic violation, although an investigation is ongoing, Ozaki said.
It is unclear whether speed played a factor in either of the crashes, said Ozaki.
As for the unusual number of fatal crashes so far in 2002 (including one involving a pedestrian), Ozaki said people need to pay attention to the road, conditions and other drivers while behind the wheel.
"The Kaua‘i Police Department urges the driving public to drive attentively, observe all traffic laws, and always wear your seat belt."
Staff Writer Tom Finnegan may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 252) or mailto:finnegan@pulitzer.net.
By TOM FINNEGAN - TGI Staff Writer
There have now been as many traffic fatalities in less than two months this year than in all of 2002.
Amy Tamura, 78, of Lihu‘e, died at Wilcox Memorial Hospital Wednesday after an 8:49 a.m. two-car accident at the entrance to the Kauai Community Correctional Center.
Her 72-year-old female passenger was critically injured in the Kuhio Highway crash, and remained in critical condition last night.
Tamura is the fourth Kaua‘i resident killed in traffic-related accidents since the beginning of the year. There were five Kaua‘i traffic fatalities in 2003, and four in 2002.
According to county officials, Tamura was making a left turn from the northbound lane of Kuhio Highway into KCCC in a 1990 Dodge two-door station wagon.
The vehicle was hit by a 1992 Jeep multi-purpose vehicle traveling in the opposite direction, driven by a 32-year-old woman from Kapa‘a. The driver and three occupants were treated at Wilcox and later released.
An autopsy will be performed to determine Tamura's exact cause of death, said Ozaki.
In another accident, Thursday morning, a 74-year-old Lawa‘i woman was hit by a car while crossing Kaumuali‘i Highway in a crosswalk in front of the Lawa‘i post office, leaving her in critical condition.
She was crossing the highway at 7:40 a.m. when she was hit by a westbound 2002 Jeep four-door SUV driven by a 50-year-old Koloa woman.
The pedestrian was transported to Wilcox in critical condition, and was later flown by air ambulance to The Queen's Medical Center on O‘ahu.
The driver of the vehicle was not injured, Ozaki said. The driver has not been cited for any traffic violation, although an investigation is ongoing, Ozaki said.
It is unclear whether speed played a factor in either of the crashes, said Ozaki.
As for the unusual number of fatal crashes so far in 2002 (including one involving a pedestrian), Ozaki said people need to pay attention to the road, conditions and other drivers while behind the wheel.
"The Kaua‘i Police Department urges the driving public to drive attentively, observe all traffic laws, and always wear your seat belt."
Staff Writer Tom Finnegan may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 252) or mailto:finnegan@pulitzer.net.
MSNBC - Lawsuit puts hitch in big bank merger
By Jennifer Hamilton
The Business Journals
Updated: 7:00 p.m. ET Feb. 15, 2004Several bank marriages are under discussion this year, including the possible union of Central Pacific Bank with City Bank. But it's not this backyard merger that's attracted opposition from the Hawaii Fair Lending Coalition.
advertisement
Instead, the coalition is among a group of Native Hawaiians aiming to block the multibillion-dollar merger between FleetBoston Financial Corp. and Bank of America until $150 million in lending commitments are met.
They've filed a lawsuit naming Federal Reserve Board Chairman Alan Greenspan and other board members as defendants. A request for a preliminary injunction against the merger will be heard Feb. 18 in U.S. District Court.
The suit, filed by Hawaii attorney Eric Seitz, claims that Bank of America has failed to uphold loan commitments designed to aid homeownership by Native Hawaiians. It asks the Federal Reserve to compel BofA to offer the loans, which were part of a program setup in the mid-1990s after BofA was accused of discriminating against ethnic Hawaiians in mortgage lending.
Bank of America entered the Hawaii market in 1992. It later merged with Liberty Bank and was ordered to provide $30 million for affordable housing on Kauai. Four years later, Bank of America and NationsBank came together and a condition of the deal's approval was $150 million in loans for Hawaiian homelands.
"If they had done it from the beginning we wouldn't be talking story now," said Bumpy Kanahele, a Hawaiian activist who lives in Waimanalo on homestead land.
None of these commitments has been met, said Ian Chan Hodges of the Hawaii Fair Lending Coalition.
"These commitments are more than five years past due," he said. "Any American who was this far behind on a mortgage owed to Bank of America would have been looking for a new place to live years ago."
Bank of America rejects the lawsuit's claims.
"It is without merit and we do not expect it to impact the merger," spokeswoman Eloise Hale said.
She described Bank of America's commitment to community lending. Last month it pledged $750 billion over the next 10 years to such lending and investment. But Hale declined to comment on Native Hawaiian programs, citing the pending lawsuit.
FleetBoston and Bank of America expect to close the $47 billion deal April 2. If successful, it will create the third-largest bank with 5,700 branches and $966 billion in assets.
Native Hawaiian's concerns are among fears by hundreds of community groups that the merger will close rural banks, lead to predatory lending and threaten customized lending for affordable housing.
In Hawaii, mortgages on homelands are unique in that foreclosure is not possible since the 200,000 acres making up the Hawaiian Home Lands is a trust. When big banks merge, "cookie cutter" deals replace adaptive programs that accommodate special circumstances, Hodges said.
"You have to have somebody there to adjust and tweak them. The question is will somebody senior be nearby to sign off on that," he said.
Kenneth Conklin, a frequent critic of the Hawaiian sovereignty movement, said Bank of America is not alone in its denial of loans for Hawaiian Home Lands. Because foreclosure is not an option, banks are hesitant to assume the risk.
He called the lawsuit an attempt to "extort money out of Bank of America."
Kanahele "is jumping on the bandwagon of people with grievances who want to get money out of the system one way or another," Conklin said.
He likened the Native Hawaiian lawsuit to efforts by some African-Americans seeking slavery reparations from FleetBoston. Those lawsuits also remain unresolved but the merger is creating a sense of urgency to reach an agreement.
By Jennifer Hamilton
The Business Journals
Updated: 7:00 p.m. ET Feb. 15, 2004Several bank marriages are under discussion this year, including the possible union of Central Pacific Bank with City Bank. But it's not this backyard merger that's attracted opposition from the Hawaii Fair Lending Coalition.
advertisement
Instead, the coalition is among a group of Native Hawaiians aiming to block the multibillion-dollar merger between FleetBoston Financial Corp. and Bank of America until $150 million in lending commitments are met.
They've filed a lawsuit naming Federal Reserve Board Chairman Alan Greenspan and other board members as defendants. A request for a preliminary injunction against the merger will be heard Feb. 18 in U.S. District Court.
The suit, filed by Hawaii attorney Eric Seitz, claims that Bank of America has failed to uphold loan commitments designed to aid homeownership by Native Hawaiians. It asks the Federal Reserve to compel BofA to offer the loans, which were part of a program setup in the mid-1990s after BofA was accused of discriminating against ethnic Hawaiians in mortgage lending.
Bank of America entered the Hawaii market in 1992. It later merged with Liberty Bank and was ordered to provide $30 million for affordable housing on Kauai. Four years later, Bank of America and NationsBank came together and a condition of the deal's approval was $150 million in loans for Hawaiian homelands.
"If they had done it from the beginning we wouldn't be talking story now," said Bumpy Kanahele, a Hawaiian activist who lives in Waimanalo on homestead land.
None of these commitments has been met, said Ian Chan Hodges of the Hawaii Fair Lending Coalition.
"These commitments are more than five years past due," he said. "Any American who was this far behind on a mortgage owed to Bank of America would have been looking for a new place to live years ago."
Bank of America rejects the lawsuit's claims.
"It is without merit and we do not expect it to impact the merger," spokeswoman Eloise Hale said.
She described Bank of America's commitment to community lending. Last month it pledged $750 billion over the next 10 years to such lending and investment. But Hale declined to comment on Native Hawaiian programs, citing the pending lawsuit.
FleetBoston and Bank of America expect to close the $47 billion deal April 2. If successful, it will create the third-largest bank with 5,700 branches and $966 billion in assets.
Native Hawaiian's concerns are among fears by hundreds of community groups that the merger will close rural banks, lead to predatory lending and threaten customized lending for affordable housing.
In Hawaii, mortgages on homelands are unique in that foreclosure is not possible since the 200,000 acres making up the Hawaiian Home Lands is a trust. When big banks merge, "cookie cutter" deals replace adaptive programs that accommodate special circumstances, Hodges said.
"You have to have somebody there to adjust and tweak them. The question is will somebody senior be nearby to sign off on that," he said.
Kenneth Conklin, a frequent critic of the Hawaiian sovereignty movement, said Bank of America is not alone in its denial of loans for Hawaiian Home Lands. Because foreclosure is not an option, banks are hesitant to assume the risk.
He called the lawsuit an attempt to "extort money out of Bank of America."
Kanahele "is jumping on the bandwagon of people with grievances who want to get money out of the system one way or another," Conklin said.
He likened the Native Hawaiian lawsuit to efforts by some African-Americans seeking slavery reparations from FleetBoston. Those lawsuits also remain unresolved but the merger is creating a sense of urgency to reach an agreement.
Thursday, February 12, 2004
Honolulu Star-Bulletin News
Proposal limits Kauai
property tax hikes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By Anthony Sommer
tsommer@starbulletin.com
LIHUE >> In an effort to slam the brakes on Kauai property tax increases, a county-appointed committee will propose rewriting the county's tax laws today.
Under the proposal, total property tax bill increases would be limited to 6 percent a year, and property values would be based on a rolling three-year average.
At the same time, a tougher tax reduction plan from a citizens group appears almost certain to be on the ballot this fall. It calls for a rollback to 1998 property values and limits annual tax increases to the Consumer Price Index, or about 2 percent annually.
"The County Council has been driven by its ability to set rates to give itself however much money it wants to spend," said Walter Lewis, head of Ohana Kauai, which is spearheading the initiative. "They have made no real effort to limit spending by the mayor and the executive branch. This will place some limits on how much they can increase the budget every year."
With three months left to collect signatures, Ohana Kauai's proposal already has three-fourths of the 2,000 signatures needed to make this fall's ballot. If it does, it will be the first initiative to appear on a Kauai ballot since 1984.
Kauai was the first county to be hit by the current surge in the Hawaii real estate market, which started in 1998 on the Garden Island. An increase in demand coupled with a shortage of properties for sale sent land prices spiraling.
As property values have skyrocketed, the corresponding taxes on the land also jumped.
Property tax collections on Kauai increased 8 percent in 2001. In 2002 they increased 9 percent. In 2003 the county collected an additional 18 percent, and this year, property tax revenues are projected to jump 24 percent, according to county records.
The county added a circuit-breaker provision last year that offers refunds to taxpayers whose tax bill exceeded 3 percent of their gross income, but only 62 homeowners qualified for the tax break.
This year, the county also adopted a tax cut for owner-occupied property if the owners promised to live there for a number of years.
On average, taxes for homeowners have jumped 50 percent in the past four years, according to Lewis. But for some, tax bills have quadrupled.
Hit hard are longtime residents in areas that suddenly became attractive for retirement or second homes for the rich and famous. Most are on the North Shore -- Princeville, Anini, Haena, Moloaa. But even the arid West Shore is not immune. Kekaha, not long ago a remote and dusty sugar camp, is suddenly a boomtown for real-estate sales.
Residents' inability to pay the unexpected tax increases is forcing some to consider selling their homes.
Last spring, Kauai Mayor Bryan Baptiste and the Council appointed the nine-member Property Tax Task Force to come up with a solution. Its recommendation reduces the number of tax classifications to four from the present 16. Two of the four are residential. Owner- occupied and rental homes with leases of a year or more will be considered the same.
Short-term rentals, specifically vacation rentals that have been blamed for much of Kauai's housing shortage, would pay taxes twice as high as owner-occupied and long-term rentals.
Property assessments will still be based on market values, but the value will be a three-year average to ease the impact of rapid land price increases.
Baptiste was given a draft of the proposal almost two weeks ago and did not respond to a query this week asking his opinion of it.
Proposal limits Kauai
property tax hikes
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By Anthony Sommer
tsommer@starbulletin.com
LIHUE >> In an effort to slam the brakes on Kauai property tax increases, a county-appointed committee will propose rewriting the county's tax laws today.
Under the proposal, total property tax bill increases would be limited to 6 percent a year, and property values would be based on a rolling three-year average.
At the same time, a tougher tax reduction plan from a citizens group appears almost certain to be on the ballot this fall. It calls for a rollback to 1998 property values and limits annual tax increases to the Consumer Price Index, or about 2 percent annually.
"The County Council has been driven by its ability to set rates to give itself however much money it wants to spend," said Walter Lewis, head of Ohana Kauai, which is spearheading the initiative. "They have made no real effort to limit spending by the mayor and the executive branch. This will place some limits on how much they can increase the budget every year."
With three months left to collect signatures, Ohana Kauai's proposal already has three-fourths of the 2,000 signatures needed to make this fall's ballot. If it does, it will be the first initiative to appear on a Kauai ballot since 1984.
Kauai was the first county to be hit by the current surge in the Hawaii real estate market, which started in 1998 on the Garden Island. An increase in demand coupled with a shortage of properties for sale sent land prices spiraling.
As property values have skyrocketed, the corresponding taxes on the land also jumped.
Property tax collections on Kauai increased 8 percent in 2001. In 2002 they increased 9 percent. In 2003 the county collected an additional 18 percent, and this year, property tax revenues are projected to jump 24 percent, according to county records.
The county added a circuit-breaker provision last year that offers refunds to taxpayers whose tax bill exceeded 3 percent of their gross income, but only 62 homeowners qualified for the tax break.
This year, the county also adopted a tax cut for owner-occupied property if the owners promised to live there for a number of years.
On average, taxes for homeowners have jumped 50 percent in the past four years, according to Lewis. But for some, tax bills have quadrupled.
Hit hard are longtime residents in areas that suddenly became attractive for retirement or second homes for the rich and famous. Most are on the North Shore -- Princeville, Anini, Haena, Moloaa. But even the arid West Shore is not immune. Kekaha, not long ago a remote and dusty sugar camp, is suddenly a boomtown for real-estate sales.
Residents' inability to pay the unexpected tax increases is forcing some to consider selling their homes.
Last spring, Kauai Mayor Bryan Baptiste and the Council appointed the nine-member Property Tax Task Force to come up with a solution. Its recommendation reduces the number of tax classifications to four from the present 16. Two of the four are residential. Owner- occupied and rental homes with leases of a year or more will be considered the same.
Short-term rentals, specifically vacation rentals that have been blamed for much of Kauai's housing shortage, would pay taxes twice as high as owner-occupied and long-term rentals.
Property assessments will still be based on market values, but the value will be a three-year average to ease the impact of rapid land price increases.
Baptiste was given a draft of the proposal almost two weeks ago and did not respond to a query this week asking his opinion of it.
Aloha!
Delta Air Lines Invites Customers to Exchange Hubbub for the Hula with Low Fares to/from Hawaii: "Delta Air Lines Invites Customers to Exchange Hubbub for the Hula with Low Fares to/from Hawaii
Wednesday February 11, 9:17 am ET
ATLANTA, Feb. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL - News) is inviting customers to exchange the hubbub of daily life for the relaxation of the hula with low sale fares to Hawaii. These low fares also are available for Hawaiian residents who want to travel to the mainland.
From now until Feb. 20, customers may purchase discounted fares for travel between most cities in the continental U.S. and Honolulu or Maui, Hawaii. All travel must be completed by April 30, 2004. Fares require a roundtrip, seven- day advance purchase and a Saturday night stay. Some blackout dates apply. See below for details and other important restrictions.
SAMPLE ONE-WAY SALE FARES
(BASED ON A ROUNDTRIP PURCHASE)
Between One-Way Sale Fare
(based on roundtrip purchase)
Atlanta and Honolulu $279
Atlanta and Maui $319
Boston and Honolulu $304
Cincinnati and Honolulu $304
Dallas and Honolulu $299
Honolulu and Los Angeles $194
Honolulu and New York City $324
Honolulu and Salt Lake City $214
Honolulu and San Francisco $194
Los Angeles and Maui $244
Additional taxes/fees/restrictions"
Wednesday February 11, 9:17 am ET
ATLANTA, Feb. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL - News) is inviting customers to exchange the hubbub of daily life for the relaxation of the hula with low sale fares to Hawaii. These low fares also are available for Hawaiian residents who want to travel to the mainland.
From now until Feb. 20, customers may purchase discounted fares for travel between most cities in the continental U.S. and Honolulu or Maui, Hawaii. All travel must be completed by April 30, 2004. Fares require a roundtrip, seven- day advance purchase and a Saturday night stay. Some blackout dates apply. See below for details and other important restrictions.
SAMPLE ONE-WAY SALE FARES
(BASED ON A ROUNDTRIP PURCHASE)
Between One-Way Sale Fare
(based on roundtrip purchase)
Atlanta and Honolulu $279
Atlanta and Maui $319
Boston and Honolulu $304
Cincinnati and Honolulu $304
Dallas and Honolulu $299
Honolulu and Los Angeles $194
Honolulu and New York City $324
Honolulu and Salt Lake City $214
Honolulu and San Francisco $194
Los Angeles and Maui $244
Additional taxes/fees/restrictions"
Hawaii gains Japanese market share - 2004-02-11 - Pacific Business News (Honolulu): "Hawaii gains Japanese market share
Howard Dicus
Hawaii now gets 10 percent of all Japanese international travelers. That market share, covering the full year 2003, is a full percentage point greater than in 2002, the state Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism reports.
Japanese arrivals, which make up most international arrivals, have rarely risen to last year's level. But if traffic has been down, it has been down less than in other destinations, hence the growth in Hawaii's market share.
Worldwide, Japanese international trips fell 19.5 percent in 2003. Japanese travel to the U.S. mainland (excluding Hawaii and Guam) was down 13.7 percent January-November, while Japanese travel to Hawaii, during the same period, was down 11.1 percent.
The most recent detailed monthly report, covering November, actually did show a net increase in international arrivals to Hawaii, year-to-year. The Japanese took 13,297,234 international trips last year, of which 1,323,820 were to Hawaii.
More recently, Hawaii welcomed 11,772 international visitors (excluding visitors from Canada) this past weekend, compared to 12,660 on the same weekend last year. "
Howard Dicus
Hawaii now gets 10 percent of all Japanese international travelers. That market share, covering the full year 2003, is a full percentage point greater than in 2002, the state Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism reports.
Japanese arrivals, which make up most international arrivals, have rarely risen to last year's level. But if traffic has been down, it has been down less than in other destinations, hence the growth in Hawaii's market share.
Worldwide, Japanese international trips fell 19.5 percent in 2003. Japanese travel to the U.S. mainland (excluding Hawaii and Guam) was down 13.7 percent January-November, while Japanese travel to Hawaii, during the same period, was down 11.1 percent.
The most recent detailed monthly report, covering November, actually did show a net increase in international arrivals to Hawaii, year-to-year. The Japanese took 13,297,234 international trips last year, of which 1,323,820 were to Hawaii.
More recently, Hawaii welcomed 11,772 international visitors (excluding visitors from Canada) this past weekend, compared to 12,660 on the same weekend last year. "
Aloha!
Wednesday, February 11, 2004
Nene goose death an accident, state officials say
Special to WHT
State officials have concluded that the Sept. 7 death of a nene goose, at Leleiwi Beach Park in East Hawaii, was an accident.
"After careful review of all the evidence associated with this case, including eyewitness statements from those closest to the incident, we have closed our investigation," said DLNR Chairperson Peter Young.
The Hawaii County prosecutor, the Office of the state Attorney General and the local office of law enforcement for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service agreed with the state's findings, Young said, and no action will be taken against the child or his family.
"While skipping small - sized coconuts over the water a single coconut hit the nene, causing the injury that resulted in its death," Young said.
"Upon veterinary examination, a single injury near the bottom of the bird's skull was identified as the cause of death. This injury was consistent with witness statements and the boy's account of events. The minor who threw the coconut, along with his family, have been very cooperative with our investigation," Young said.
Once nearly extinct, the endemic nene, or Hawaiian goose, has been rescued from extinction through concerted efforts of the state and private enterprise. The nene (Branta sandvicensis) designated the state bird of Hawaii is a medium - sized goose that is closely related to the Canada goose. It is the only remaining native resident goose in the Hawaiian Islands.
Fossil evidence indicates that before and during Polynesian colonization (around 1,600 years ago), nene occurred on all of the main Hawaiian Islands, with the exceptions of Oahu and possibly Niihau.
At present, conservation efforts have succeeded in establishing populations of nene on the islands of Hawaii, Kauai, and Maui, with an estimated statewide population of 1,200.
Human activity has impacted nene since settlers first landed on the Hawaiian Islands. Currently, the primary threats to nene are predation by introduced predators, lack of lowland habitats, and degraded habitat.
State and federal laws protect the nene and anyone found to violate these laws is subject to jail, fines or both; in addition they may be required to pay restitution and lose of all of their gear to forfeiture.
Anyone witnessing a natural resource related violation is urged to call the Conservation Enforcement Hotline at (808) 587 - 0077. Neighbor island callers may call toll - free by asking the operator for Enterprise 5469.
Nene goose In Princeville Kauai
Special to WHT
State officials have concluded that the Sept. 7 death of a nene goose, at Leleiwi Beach Park in East Hawaii, was an accident.
"After careful review of all the evidence associated with this case, including eyewitness statements from those closest to the incident, we have closed our investigation," said DLNR Chairperson Peter Young.
The Hawaii County prosecutor, the Office of the state Attorney General and the local office of law enforcement for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service agreed with the state's findings, Young said, and no action will be taken against the child or his family.
"While skipping small - sized coconuts over the water a single coconut hit the nene, causing the injury that resulted in its death," Young said.
"Upon veterinary examination, a single injury near the bottom of the bird's skull was identified as the cause of death. This injury was consistent with witness statements and the boy's account of events. The minor who threw the coconut, along with his family, have been very cooperative with our investigation," Young said.
Once nearly extinct, the endemic nene, or Hawaiian goose, has been rescued from extinction through concerted efforts of the state and private enterprise. The nene (Branta sandvicensis) designated the state bird of Hawaii is a medium - sized goose that is closely related to the Canada goose. It is the only remaining native resident goose in the Hawaiian Islands.
Fossil evidence indicates that before and during Polynesian colonization (around 1,600 years ago), nene occurred on all of the main Hawaiian Islands, with the exceptions of Oahu and possibly Niihau.
At present, conservation efforts have succeeded in establishing populations of nene on the islands of Hawaii, Kauai, and Maui, with an estimated statewide population of 1,200.
Human activity has impacted nene since settlers first landed on the Hawaiian Islands. Currently, the primary threats to nene are predation by introduced predators, lack of lowland habitats, and degraded habitat.
State and federal laws protect the nene and anyone found to violate these laws is subject to jail, fines or both; in addition they may be required to pay restitution and lose of all of their gear to forfeiture.
Anyone witnessing a natural resource related violation is urged to call the Conservation Enforcement Hotline at (808) 587 - 0077. Neighbor island callers may call toll - free by asking the operator for Enterprise 5469.
Nene goose In Princeville Kauai
Visitors spend more on Maui, Kauai - 2004-02-11 - Pacific Business News (Honolulu)
Visitors spend more on Maui, Kauai
Visitors spent more on the neighbor islands in 2003, according to a recent survey released by the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism on Wednesday. The data is from visitors who arrived on the islands by air and not on cruise ships.
Daily spending by visitors on Maui rose from $161 in 2002 to $173 per person in 2003, on Kauai from $143 to $147, and on the Big Island and Molokai remained stable at $141 and $83, respectively.
"Maui's continued emphasis on the upscale market has resulted in a substantial increase in visitor spending," said Marsha Wienert, the state tourism liaison. "Maui has been successful in establishing a brand and image that attract higher-spending visitors."
More than half of the respondents on Maui and Molokai and over 42 percent of the visitors surveyed on Lanai, Kauai and the Big Island were from the West Coast, while visitors from the East Coast made up about 30 percent of the visitors.
Respondents who stayed on Maui spent more on daily lodging -- $77 per person --and $58 per person on Kauai, $55 on the Big Island and $38 per person on Molokai. A visitor spent $35 on food and beverages on Maui, $31 on Kauai, $29 on the Big Island and $17 on Molokai.
Visitors stayed the longest on Molokai -- for 9.67 days -- and Maui 8.93 days, the Big Island 8.13 days, Kauai 7.44 days and Lanai 5.05 days.
© 2004 American City Business Journals Inc.
Visitors spend more on Maui, Kauai
Visitors spent more on the neighbor islands in 2003, according to a recent survey released by the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism on Wednesday. The data is from visitors who arrived on the islands by air and not on cruise ships.
Daily spending by visitors on Maui rose from $161 in 2002 to $173 per person in 2003, on Kauai from $143 to $147, and on the Big Island and Molokai remained stable at $141 and $83, respectively.
"Maui's continued emphasis on the upscale market has resulted in a substantial increase in visitor spending," said Marsha Wienert, the state tourism liaison. "Maui has been successful in establishing a brand and image that attract higher-spending visitors."
More than half of the respondents on Maui and Molokai and over 42 percent of the visitors surveyed on Lanai, Kauai and the Big Island were from the West Coast, while visitors from the East Coast made up about 30 percent of the visitors.
Respondents who stayed on Maui spent more on daily lodging -- $77 per person --and $58 per person on Kauai, $55 on the Big Island and $38 per person on Molokai. A visitor spent $35 on food and beverages on Maui, $31 on Kauai, $29 on the Big Island and $17 on Molokai.
Visitors stayed the longest on Molokai -- for 9.67 days -- and Maui 8.93 days, the Big Island 8.13 days, Kauai 7.44 days and Lanai 5.05 days.
© 2004 American City Business Journals Inc.
KAUAI News
Traffic safety, drugs, cleaner parks, vacation rentals on residents' minds
By LESTER CHANG - TGI Staff Writer
Restricting vacation rentals on the North Shore, improving public facilities in Anahola, ensuring pedestrian safety in Kapa‘a and Kapahi, improving parking in busy Lihu‘e, disposing of green waste on the South Shore and adopting parks in West Kaua‘i are on the minds of Kauaians.
Residents emphasized those concerns during the first round of meetings of Mayor Bryan J. Baptiste's Ka Leo O Kaua‘i program for the new year in January.
The program is a joint effort between county officials and residents to prioritize issues and find solutions that will improve life on the island.
Cyndi Mei Ozaki, county public information officer, said these key concerns were raised at the January meetings:
People at a meeting for Hanalei and Ha‘ena discussed pending legislation involving vacation rentals, and looked at land maps in Ha‘ena they contend show vacation rentals that may be in violation of zoning laws for single-family homes;
Those at meeting in the Princeville area decided to prioritize new issues during this month's meeting;
Those attending a meeting for Kilauea talked about the donation of land near Kahili Beach to the Kauai Public Land Trust, and ensuring access to the beach;
Those at a meeting in Anahola talked about improving public facilities in Anahola, and reported a Ho‘olokahi grant is in the works to acquire materials to build picnic tables for the community;
People attending a meeting for Kapa‘a and Kapahi talked about bike-path plans and letters of support for such plans;
Those at a meeting for Wailua Houselots talked about traffic concerns, the possibility of putting speed bumps on Lanakila Road, and improvements at Wailua Houselots Park;
People at a meeting for Wailua Homesteads talked about islandwide issues;
Those attending a meeting for Hanama‘ulu talked about collecting signatures for a petition asking for speed bumps in the community, and reported the proposal has general support in the community;
County Department of Public Works official Russell Sugano met with Lihu‘e residents to talk about county recommendations to deal with parking on Rice Street. Residents presented their own ideas;
People attending a meeting for Puhi thanked Neil Thompson's art-class students and other young volunteers from Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School who painted Puhi Park, a pavilion, dugouts and a restroom in the Puhi area. Someone recommended installation of a directional sign to Puhi Park along Kaumuali‘i Highway to encourage park use, which might discourage vandalism;
People at a meeting for Po‘ipu, Koloa and ‘Oma‘o talked about disposal of green waste and parking in Koloa town;
Those at a meeting for Kalaheo and Lawa‘i said they will take a second look at the prioritizing process for issues at the February meeting;
People at a meeting for ‘Ele‘ele, Hanapepe, Kaumakani and Pakala focused their attention on "adopt-a-park" programs, and talked about a second "Park Day" cleanup in Hanapepe;
Those at a meeting for Waimea said they were concerned about reading student letters in The Garden Island about drug use, and suggested Baptiste and anti-drug coordinator Roy Nishida visit schools to talk with students about their concerns;
People attending a meeting for Kekaha and Mana came together for the first time last month. A small-group meeting with Capt. Robert J. Connelly, commanding officer of the U.S. Navy's Pacific Missile Range Facility, with attendees was fruitful and positive, attendees said.
This year, communities which resolved old issues are moving forward to tackle new ones, while other communities that haven't had results to their satisfaction will "pick up where they were last year," Ozaki said.
Bev Pang, who is the Ka Leo program coordinator for communities from Wailua Homesteads through ‘Oma‘o, said Puhi residents want something to be done about car-racing in their community.
Kaua‘i Police Department Lt. Scott Yagihara of the traffic safety section plans to address that issue at a meeting scheduled to start at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17 at the cafeteria of Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School.
"Scott will tell community (members) how we can help ourselves. The police has its role, but the community can help," Pang said. "So if people are interested in helping to solve the speeding problem, people should come."
In Hanama‘ulu, people this year want the beautification of Peter Rayno Sr. Park; Hanama‘ulu Beach Park, Wiliko Park and Laukona Park, Pang said.
"Mel Nishihara (head of the county DPW parks division) will come and guide the community in what they can do in the park to make it a better place," Pang said.
The meetings are more than just about solving problems, Ozaki said. They also are about bringing people together, possibly strangers, to brainstorm and work together on issues of common interest, Ozaki said.
"Last month, when I attended a Kalaheo meeting, they (people attending the meeting) were friendly, they got to know each other," Ozaki. "There is laughter in the room. It is definitely building communities."
Ozaki said the mayor's program, started last year, has produced results.
North Shore residents voiced safety concerns about Queen's Bath at Princeville, a popular natural coastal swimming hole for visitors and residents, Ozaki said.
People injured themselves diving into the shoreline "bath," and shoreline rocks become slippery and roads become muddy during heavy storms, opening the way for falls that could lead to serious injuries or deaths, community members said.
In response, residents have worked with lawyers from the county attorney's office to draft letters to be sent to publishers of travel guidebooks, asking officials of those companies to note the "potential safety hazards" that exist at Queen's Bath, Ozaki said.
The draft letter is to be formalized and will be sent to tourist-related guidebook companies in the future, Ozaki said.
In Kalaheo, county workers trimmed trees and bushes on Puuwai Road that were safety concerns for drivers including those operating school buses, as a result of input received at Ka Leo meetings, Ozaki said.
Meetings are set today, Wednesday, Feb. 11 at the Anahola Clubhouse for Anahola; and King Kaumuali‘i Elementary School Library for Hanama‘ulu;
Tuesday, Feb. 17 at St. Catherine's Church for Kapa‘a and Kapahi; Chiefess Kamakahelei School for Puhi; and Waimea Neighborhood Center for Waimea;
Wednesday, Feb. 18 at the Prince Club for Princeville; the Koloa Neighborhood Center for Po‘ipu, Koloa and ‘Oma‘o;
Tuesday, Feb. 24 at the Kekaha Neighborhood Center for Kekaha.
All meetings start at 7 p.m., although the dates are subject to change, Ozaki said.
In addition to Pang, Baptiste's Ka Leo O Kaua‘i program has two other coordinators, Theresa Koki (Westside) and Tim Bynum (North Shore).
For more information about the program, please call Pang at 241-6392; Koki at 241-6246; or Bynum at 241-6398. People also can e-mail officials at communityresponse@kauaigov.com, or see the official county Web site, www.kauai.hawaii.gov/kaleo.
Staff Writer Lester Chang may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 225) or lchang@pulitzer.net.
Traffic safety, drugs, cleaner parks, vacation rentals on residents' minds
By LESTER CHANG - TGI Staff Writer
Restricting vacation rentals on the North Shore, improving public facilities in Anahola, ensuring pedestrian safety in Kapa‘a and Kapahi, improving parking in busy Lihu‘e, disposing of green waste on the South Shore and adopting parks in West Kaua‘i are on the minds of Kauaians.
Residents emphasized those concerns during the first round of meetings of Mayor Bryan J. Baptiste's Ka Leo O Kaua‘i program for the new year in January.
The program is a joint effort between county officials and residents to prioritize issues and find solutions that will improve life on the island.
Cyndi Mei Ozaki, county public information officer, said these key concerns were raised at the January meetings:
People at a meeting for Hanalei and Ha‘ena discussed pending legislation involving vacation rentals, and looked at land maps in Ha‘ena they contend show vacation rentals that may be in violation of zoning laws for single-family homes;
Those at meeting in the Princeville area decided to prioritize new issues during this month's meeting;
Those attending a meeting for Kilauea talked about the donation of land near Kahili Beach to the Kauai Public Land Trust, and ensuring access to the beach;
Those at a meeting in Anahola talked about improving public facilities in Anahola, and reported a Ho‘olokahi grant is in the works to acquire materials to build picnic tables for the community;
People attending a meeting for Kapa‘a and Kapahi talked about bike-path plans and letters of support for such plans;
Those at a meeting for Wailua Houselots talked about traffic concerns, the possibility of putting speed bumps on Lanakila Road, and improvements at Wailua Houselots Park;
People at a meeting for Wailua Homesteads talked about islandwide issues;
Those attending a meeting for Hanama‘ulu talked about collecting signatures for a petition asking for speed bumps in the community, and reported the proposal has general support in the community;
County Department of Public Works official Russell Sugano met with Lihu‘e residents to talk about county recommendations to deal with parking on Rice Street. Residents presented their own ideas;
People attending a meeting for Puhi thanked Neil Thompson's art-class students and other young volunteers from Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School who painted Puhi Park, a pavilion, dugouts and a restroom in the Puhi area. Someone recommended installation of a directional sign to Puhi Park along Kaumuali‘i Highway to encourage park use, which might discourage vandalism;
People at a meeting for Po‘ipu, Koloa and ‘Oma‘o talked about disposal of green waste and parking in Koloa town;
Those at a meeting for Kalaheo and Lawa‘i said they will take a second look at the prioritizing process for issues at the February meeting;
People at a meeting for ‘Ele‘ele, Hanapepe, Kaumakani and Pakala focused their attention on "adopt-a-park" programs, and talked about a second "Park Day" cleanup in Hanapepe;
Those at a meeting for Waimea said they were concerned about reading student letters in The Garden Island about drug use, and suggested Baptiste and anti-drug coordinator Roy Nishida visit schools to talk with students about their concerns;
People attending a meeting for Kekaha and Mana came together for the first time last month. A small-group meeting with Capt. Robert J. Connelly, commanding officer of the U.S. Navy's Pacific Missile Range Facility, with attendees was fruitful and positive, attendees said.
This year, communities which resolved old issues are moving forward to tackle new ones, while other communities that haven't had results to their satisfaction will "pick up where they were last year," Ozaki said.
Bev Pang, who is the Ka Leo program coordinator for communities from Wailua Homesteads through ‘Oma‘o, said Puhi residents want something to be done about car-racing in their community.
Kaua‘i Police Department Lt. Scott Yagihara of the traffic safety section plans to address that issue at a meeting scheduled to start at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17 at the cafeteria of Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School.
"Scott will tell community (members) how we can help ourselves. The police has its role, but the community can help," Pang said. "So if people are interested in helping to solve the speeding problem, people should come."
In Hanama‘ulu, people this year want the beautification of Peter Rayno Sr. Park; Hanama‘ulu Beach Park, Wiliko Park and Laukona Park, Pang said.
"Mel Nishihara (head of the county DPW parks division) will come and guide the community in what they can do in the park to make it a better place," Pang said.
The meetings are more than just about solving problems, Ozaki said. They also are about bringing people together, possibly strangers, to brainstorm and work together on issues of common interest, Ozaki said.
"Last month, when I attended a Kalaheo meeting, they (people attending the meeting) were friendly, they got to know each other," Ozaki. "There is laughter in the room. It is definitely building communities."
Ozaki said the mayor's program, started last year, has produced results.
North Shore residents voiced safety concerns about Queen's Bath at Princeville, a popular natural coastal swimming hole for visitors and residents, Ozaki said.
People injured themselves diving into the shoreline "bath," and shoreline rocks become slippery and roads become muddy during heavy storms, opening the way for falls that could lead to serious injuries or deaths, community members said.
In response, residents have worked with lawyers from the county attorney's office to draft letters to be sent to publishers of travel guidebooks, asking officials of those companies to note the "potential safety hazards" that exist at Queen's Bath, Ozaki said.
The draft letter is to be formalized and will be sent to tourist-related guidebook companies in the future, Ozaki said.
In Kalaheo, county workers trimmed trees and bushes on Puuwai Road that were safety concerns for drivers including those operating school buses, as a result of input received at Ka Leo meetings, Ozaki said.
Meetings are set today, Wednesday, Feb. 11 at the Anahola Clubhouse for Anahola; and King Kaumuali‘i Elementary School Library for Hanama‘ulu;
Tuesday, Feb. 17 at St. Catherine's Church for Kapa‘a and Kapahi; Chiefess Kamakahelei School for Puhi; and Waimea Neighborhood Center for Waimea;
Wednesday, Feb. 18 at the Prince Club for Princeville; the Koloa Neighborhood Center for Po‘ipu, Koloa and ‘Oma‘o;
Tuesday, Feb. 24 at the Kekaha Neighborhood Center for Kekaha.
All meetings start at 7 p.m., although the dates are subject to change, Ozaki said.
In addition to Pang, Baptiste's Ka Leo O Kaua‘i program has two other coordinators, Theresa Koki (Westside) and Tim Bynum (North Shore).
For more information about the program, please call Pang at 241-6392; Koki at 241-6246; or Bynum at 241-6398. People also can e-mail officials at communityresponse@kauaigov.com, or see the official county Web site, www.kauai.hawaii.gov/kaleo.
Staff Writer Lester Chang may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 225) or lchang@pulitzer.net.
Tuesday, February 10, 2004
United Airlines adds Honolulu - Tokyo flight
HONOLULU (AP) - United Airlines will add a second daily flight between Tokyo and Honolulu in June, the carrier announced Monday.
"This expansion is in response to a steady rise in customer demand," said Graham Atkinson, a senior vice president of Chicago - based United.
Along with the airline's daily Osaka - Honolulu service, United operates three flights a day between Japan and the islands.
Tickets on the added flight, set to begin June 11, will be available for booking beginning today, the airline said.
United has flown to Hawaii since 1947 and serves Kauai, Maui, Oahu and the Big Island. United also serves Lanai through a code share with Aloha Airlines.
HONOLULU (AP) - United Airlines will add a second daily flight between Tokyo and Honolulu in June, the carrier announced Monday.
"This expansion is in response to a steady rise in customer demand," said Graham Atkinson, a senior vice president of Chicago - based United.
Along with the airline's daily Osaka - Honolulu service, United operates three flights a day between Japan and the islands.
Tickets on the added flight, set to begin June 11, will be available for booking beginning today, the airline said.
United has flown to Hawaii since 1947 and serves Kauai, Maui, Oahu and the Big Island. United also serves Lanai through a code share with Aloha Airlines.
Boater collides with whale calf off Maui
WAILUKU (AP) - State and federal authorities on Monday were investigating a reported collision at sea involving a boat and a young whale, which had not been spotted since the weekend incident.
A speeding boat apparently struck and injured a young whale Sunday evening about 200 to 300 yards off Puamana Beach Park, said Maui police Sgt. Wendell Loo.
"Evidently, this guy was out there cruising, speeding along in his little boat when it hit the baby whale," he said.
The whale bled severely, attracting sharks. However, another whale protected the calf, he said.
"The mama whale was trying to protect it," he said. "The last I heard, the mama took the baby out to sea."
The 18 - to 22 - foot boat, containing two men and two women, returned to Maalaea Small Boat Harbor. They were not injured, the Coast Guard said.
The collision, witnessed by a kayaker, is being investigated by the state, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Coast Guard.
NOAA officials on Monday said the reports of the whale injuries were unconfirmed and there was insufficient information to begin a search for the marine mammal.
NOAA said it is urging all boaters and ocean users to be cautious during whale season.
The humpback whale season in Hawaii generally runs from December through May. The whales migrate from summer feeding grounds off Alaska, spending their winters mating and calving in the island chain's warm, shallow coastal waters.
An estimated 7,000 whales, or about two - thirds of the North Pacific stock of humpback whales, make the trip annually.
- - -
Editors note: To report a whale collision, call NOAA's 24 - hour marine mammal emergency hot line at 1 - 800 - 853 - 1964 or 1 - 888 - 256 - 9840.
WAILUKU (AP) - State and federal authorities on Monday were investigating a reported collision at sea involving a boat and a young whale, which had not been spotted since the weekend incident.
A speeding boat apparently struck and injured a young whale Sunday evening about 200 to 300 yards off Puamana Beach Park, said Maui police Sgt. Wendell Loo.
"Evidently, this guy was out there cruising, speeding along in his little boat when it hit the baby whale," he said.
The whale bled severely, attracting sharks. However, another whale protected the calf, he said.
"The mama whale was trying to protect it," he said. "The last I heard, the mama took the baby out to sea."
The 18 - to 22 - foot boat, containing two men and two women, returned to Maalaea Small Boat Harbor. They were not injured, the Coast Guard said.
The collision, witnessed by a kayaker, is being investigated by the state, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Coast Guard.
NOAA officials on Monday said the reports of the whale injuries were unconfirmed and there was insufficient information to begin a search for the marine mammal.
NOAA said it is urging all boaters and ocean users to be cautious during whale season.
The humpback whale season in Hawaii generally runs from December through May. The whales migrate from summer feeding grounds off Alaska, spending their winters mating and calving in the island chain's warm, shallow coastal waters.
An estimated 7,000 whales, or about two - thirds of the North Pacific stock of humpback whales, make the trip annually.
- - -
Editors note: To report a whale collision, call NOAA's 24 - hour marine mammal emergency hot line at 1 - 800 - 853 - 1964 or 1 - 888 - 256 - 9840.
Learning to scuba dive opens up new worlds
Greg Shamus, SHAMU IN THE BLUE
PUBLISHED: February 11, 2004
Like Jules Verne once imagined when he penned "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea,'' the ocean is as wondrous and mysterious as his words suggest.
My wife and I stumbled upon the beauty of the sea while scuba diving two years ago during our honeymoon on the Hawaiian island of Maui.
We stayed at a hotel that offered a crash course in the basics of diving, and then took participants on a shallow dive about 30 feet off the shore.
After a single dive, we were hooked.
Once I strapped on all the gear -- a buoyancy control vest, air tank, regulators for breathing, gauges to check air supply and depth, a weight belt, fins and goggles -- I felt as if I was schlepping the weight of the world across the sand and into the sea.
It wasn't easy.
But as soon as my body hit the water, all the weight seemingly disappeared, and I was floating weightless beneath the waves, breathing effortlessly through the regulator mouthpiece.
Fish in vibrant colors as varied as a box of Crayola crayons and creatures of every shape and size wiggled, squirmed and drifted by with the ocean's surge.
Then we saw them.
A group of massive sea turtles, gentle and calm, resting atop a bed of coral. Their faces seemed to say, "We're older than you, wiser than you. Now leave us alone.''
One by one, the turtles began to leave the resting place and swim toward the surface, brushing past us as they rose. They were nothing less than majestic.
When our fleeting encounter with the turtles and other sea creatures was over, we were eager to dive again.
But we knew that to truly get a glimpse at what's hidden under the rolling ocean waves, we'd have to get scuba certified. So back to Michigan we came.
Lincoln Park's Scuba Centers of Michigan gave us the chance to learn how to properly use dive equipment. Our instructor, Julie Huff, with her infinite patience, showed us how to communicate under water. She taught us what to do in case of emergency and how to safely ascend and descend.
We took our newfound skills back to Hawaii in December. This time, we visited Kauai, and got our certification through a company called Ocean Quest in the city of Koloa.
Our four certification dives -- done over two days -- were from the shore at Koloa Landing. We walked into the surf with all our gear, swimming out to a place where we could follow a line to the bottom of the ocean.
We demonstrated the skills required for certification on each of the four dives, then went to explore the marine life around us.
Swimming through schools of fish, we were startled at the sight of a sea turtle that had been injured by a boat propeller. There were starfish and crabs, an octopus and sea anemones.
We loved it so much, we signed up for a boat dive.
The boat captain took us out to Sheraton Caverns and Three Fingers, where we rolled off the side of the boat and followed the anchor line 75 feet to the bottom to explore. The visibility wasn't as good as we'd hoped, but we still got to practice our skills and see some of the creatures that live so deep below the ocean surface.
To my wife's relief, we didn't encounter any sharks on our dives, but most veteran divers say they're amazing creatures to see.
Maybe next time.
Greg Shamus is a freelance writer and photographer for The News-Herald.
Greg Shamus, SHAMU IN THE BLUE
PUBLISHED: February 11, 2004
Like Jules Verne once imagined when he penned "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea,'' the ocean is as wondrous and mysterious as his words suggest.
My wife and I stumbled upon the beauty of the sea while scuba diving two years ago during our honeymoon on the Hawaiian island of Maui.
We stayed at a hotel that offered a crash course in the basics of diving, and then took participants on a shallow dive about 30 feet off the shore.
After a single dive, we were hooked.
Once I strapped on all the gear -- a buoyancy control vest, air tank, regulators for breathing, gauges to check air supply and depth, a weight belt, fins and goggles -- I felt as if I was schlepping the weight of the world across the sand and into the sea.
It wasn't easy.
But as soon as my body hit the water, all the weight seemingly disappeared, and I was floating weightless beneath the waves, breathing effortlessly through the regulator mouthpiece.
Fish in vibrant colors as varied as a box of Crayola crayons and creatures of every shape and size wiggled, squirmed and drifted by with the ocean's surge.
Then we saw them.
A group of massive sea turtles, gentle and calm, resting atop a bed of coral. Their faces seemed to say, "We're older than you, wiser than you. Now leave us alone.''
One by one, the turtles began to leave the resting place and swim toward the surface, brushing past us as they rose. They were nothing less than majestic.
When our fleeting encounter with the turtles and other sea creatures was over, we were eager to dive again.
But we knew that to truly get a glimpse at what's hidden under the rolling ocean waves, we'd have to get scuba certified. So back to Michigan we came.
Lincoln Park's Scuba Centers of Michigan gave us the chance to learn how to properly use dive equipment. Our instructor, Julie Huff, with her infinite patience, showed us how to communicate under water. She taught us what to do in case of emergency and how to safely ascend and descend.
We took our newfound skills back to Hawaii in December. This time, we visited Kauai, and got our certification through a company called Ocean Quest in the city of Koloa.
Our four certification dives -- done over two days -- were from the shore at Koloa Landing. We walked into the surf with all our gear, swimming out to a place where we could follow a line to the bottom of the ocean.
We demonstrated the skills required for certification on each of the four dives, then went to explore the marine life around us.
Swimming through schools of fish, we were startled at the sight of a sea turtle that had been injured by a boat propeller. There were starfish and crabs, an octopus and sea anemones.
We loved it so much, we signed up for a boat dive.
The boat captain took us out to Sheraton Caverns and Three Fingers, where we rolled off the side of the boat and followed the anchor line 75 feet to the bottom to explore. The visibility wasn't as good as we'd hoped, but we still got to practice our skills and see some of the creatures that live so deep below the ocean surface.
To my wife's relief, we didn't encounter any sharks on our dives, but most veteran divers say they're amazing creatures to see.
Maybe next time.
Greg Shamus is a freelance writer and photographer for The News-Herald.
KAUAI News
Ueunten wins award for Okinawan leadership
Gary Ueunten
By LESTER CHANG - TGI Staff Writer
LIHU‘E -- Over the years, Kauaian Gary Ueunten has urged hundreds of Hui Alu Okinawa Club of Kaua‘i members to perpetuate the Okinawan culture by participating in fundraisers, parades and the Kaua‘i County Gateway beautification project by the Lihu‘e Airport.
Ueunten, an environmental specialist with the state Department of Health office on Kaua‘i, was selected as recipient of the 2003 Uchinanchu of the Year Award.
Partly because of his achievements and efforts, Ueunten, as president of the club, was recognized by the Kaua‘i County Council at its meeting at the historic County Building last week.
The 2003 Uchinanchu of the Year Award was presented by leaders of the Hawaii United Okinawa Association at its 54th installation banquet held on O‘ahu.
The award was given to a club member from each of the 36 Hawai‘i Okinawan clubs who have contributed to the success of their respective clubs and statewide organization.
Ueunten has served as president of the Kaua‘i club, which now numbers 280 members, for the past three years.
As "Paranku" leaders, Ueunten and his wife, Glenna, and their two children, Amy and Lyle, have performed as Paranku dancers and as Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko drummers.
The Kaua‘i club Ueunten heads will sponsor the annual Kaua‘i Okinawan Dance Festival scheduled for Friday and Saturday, May 21 and 22, at the Kukui Grove park and pavilion.
It is one of the island's largest cultural events.
Councilman Joe Munechika said Ueunten is a quiet person who advocates conservation. Ueunten, who is also a farmer from Lawa‘i, has been recognized by government agencies for setting up a water-catchment system on his land.
The fruits he and his wife grow are sold at county sunshine markets, Munechika said.
Munechika said he lived on Okinawa during six years he was in the Army. He said he joined the Kauai Okinawa Club because he enjoys the customs and traditions of Okinawans.
Staff Writer Lester Chang may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 225) or mailto:lchang@pulitzer.net.
Ueunten wins award for Okinawan leadership
Gary Ueunten
By LESTER CHANG - TGI Staff Writer
LIHU‘E -- Over the years, Kauaian Gary Ueunten has urged hundreds of Hui Alu Okinawa Club of Kaua‘i members to perpetuate the Okinawan culture by participating in fundraisers, parades and the Kaua‘i County Gateway beautification project by the Lihu‘e Airport.
Ueunten, an environmental specialist with the state Department of Health office on Kaua‘i, was selected as recipient of the 2003 Uchinanchu of the Year Award.
Partly because of his achievements and efforts, Ueunten, as president of the club, was recognized by the Kaua‘i County Council at its meeting at the historic County Building last week.
The 2003 Uchinanchu of the Year Award was presented by leaders of the Hawaii United Okinawa Association at its 54th installation banquet held on O‘ahu.
The award was given to a club member from each of the 36 Hawai‘i Okinawan clubs who have contributed to the success of their respective clubs and statewide organization.
Ueunten has served as president of the Kaua‘i club, which now numbers 280 members, for the past three years.
As "Paranku" leaders, Ueunten and his wife, Glenna, and their two children, Amy and Lyle, have performed as Paranku dancers and as Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko drummers.
The Kaua‘i club Ueunten heads will sponsor the annual Kaua‘i Okinawan Dance Festival scheduled for Friday and Saturday, May 21 and 22, at the Kukui Grove park and pavilion.
It is one of the island's largest cultural events.
Councilman Joe Munechika said Ueunten is a quiet person who advocates conservation. Ueunten, who is also a farmer from Lawa‘i, has been recognized by government agencies for setting up a water-catchment system on his land.
The fruits he and his wife grow are sold at county sunshine markets, Munechika said.
Munechika said he lived on Okinawa during six years he was in the Army. He said he joined the Kauai Okinawa Club because he enjoys the customs and traditions of Okinawans.
Staff Writer Lester Chang may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 225) or mailto:lchang@pulitzer.net.
Starbucks, Jamba Juice to give away drinks
Patrons already can't get enough Jamba Juice at Kukui Grove Center.
By BARRY GRAHAM - TGI Business Editor
Posted: Wednesday, Feb 04, 2004 - 04:45:08 am HST
LIHU‘E -- To say there was pent-up demand is understatement.
Record-breaking first weeks were the rule for both Jamba Juice and Starbucks Coffee at Kukui Grove Center, representatives said.
"We had the best opening weekend (in terms of sales) of any Jamba Juice store ever," said Matt Talarico, assistant manager of the Lihu‘e Jamba Juice. "We haven't finished the first month of business yet, but the projections have been very good."
Starbucks' District Manager Joann Kapolulu added, "Our opening was the most successful since our first store in Hawai‘i opened in 1996."
Starbucks opened its first store on Kaua‘i in December, while Jamba Juice, located next to the coffee shop, opened in January. The opening of both stores was part of the center's renovation and expansion.
This Saturday, Feb. 7, Starbucks and Jamba Juice will hold combined grand-opening celebrations at the center as a way to thank the island community for their robust early business, representatives said.
"We are very fortunate to have received great support from the people here," said Kapolulu. "We are very excited to be able to give back to the community."
The grand-opening celebrations are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and both locations will be giving away free samples of products and portions of proceeds of the day's sales to local community-service organizations.
"Our grand-opening celebration is an opportunity for both Starbucks and Jamba Juice to say ‘mahalo' to the community for their warm welcome, and give back to local charities," said Christy Roberts, Coffee Partners Hawaii public relations manager.
"It's also an opportunity to create excitement, and introduce new customers to the Starbucks and Jamba Juice experience."
The festivities include live entertainment by Miss Hawai‘i Kanoelani Gibson, her sister Maila Gibson, Rohotu and Revival.
There will also be prize giveaways from Starbucks and Jamba Juice every 30 minutes. Starbucks will be passing out free "Frappuccino" samples, and Jamba will be passing out free "Mango-a-go-go" smoothie samples during the event.
"We expect a few hundred people for this," said Talarico. "It should be a mixture of regulars and new customers. This event is for the community and our employees," he said. "It should be a lot of fun."
A portion of proceeds from the day's sales will benefit Kauai Special Olympics and Malama Pono-Kauai AIDS Project.
"It is a tradition to support a local charity at every Starbucks and Jamba Juice grand opening," said Roberts.
"In Hawai‘i, Starbucks supports four charitable pillars, including AIDS research, the environment, literacy and culture and the arts. Malama Pono fits into the AIDS pillar," said Roberts.
"At Jamba, our efforts generally focus on health, fitness and nutrition, and our Jamba team selected the Kauai Special Olympics as the grand-opening recipient," she said.
"Both stores plan on creating long-term relationships with these organizations to help make a difference in the Lihu‘e community."
Since entering the Hawai‘i market in December 1996, Coffee Partners Hawaii, an authorized licensee of Starbucks Coffee International, has opened 41 Starbucks Coffee stores in Hawai‘i, creating over 800 jobs.
Starbucks Coffee stores are located on O‘ahu (29), Maui (six), Big Island (five), in addition to Kaua‘i. The Kaua‘i Jamba Juice is the 18th in the state. There are 23 island residents employed at Jamba Juice, and 26 at Starbucks.
Business Editor Barry Graham may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 251) or mailto:bgraham@pulitzer.net
Patrons already can't get enough Jamba Juice at Kukui Grove Center.
By BARRY GRAHAM - TGI Business Editor
Posted: Wednesday, Feb 04, 2004 - 04:45:08 am HST
LIHU‘E -- To say there was pent-up demand is understatement.
Record-breaking first weeks were the rule for both Jamba Juice and Starbucks Coffee at Kukui Grove Center, representatives said.
"We had the best opening weekend (in terms of sales) of any Jamba Juice store ever," said Matt Talarico, assistant manager of the Lihu‘e Jamba Juice. "We haven't finished the first month of business yet, but the projections have been very good."
Starbucks' District Manager Joann Kapolulu added, "Our opening was the most successful since our first store in Hawai‘i opened in 1996."
Starbucks opened its first store on Kaua‘i in December, while Jamba Juice, located next to the coffee shop, opened in January. The opening of both stores was part of the center's renovation and expansion.
This Saturday, Feb. 7, Starbucks and Jamba Juice will hold combined grand-opening celebrations at the center as a way to thank the island community for their robust early business, representatives said.
"We are very fortunate to have received great support from the people here," said Kapolulu. "We are very excited to be able to give back to the community."
The grand-opening celebrations are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and both locations will be giving away free samples of products and portions of proceeds of the day's sales to local community-service organizations.
"Our grand-opening celebration is an opportunity for both Starbucks and Jamba Juice to say ‘mahalo' to the community for their warm welcome, and give back to local charities," said Christy Roberts, Coffee Partners Hawaii public relations manager.
"It's also an opportunity to create excitement, and introduce new customers to the Starbucks and Jamba Juice experience."
The festivities include live entertainment by Miss Hawai‘i Kanoelani Gibson, her sister Maila Gibson, Rohotu and Revival.
There will also be prize giveaways from Starbucks and Jamba Juice every 30 minutes. Starbucks will be passing out free "Frappuccino" samples, and Jamba will be passing out free "Mango-a-go-go" smoothie samples during the event.
"We expect a few hundred people for this," said Talarico. "It should be a mixture of regulars and new customers. This event is for the community and our employees," he said. "It should be a lot of fun."
A portion of proceeds from the day's sales will benefit Kauai Special Olympics and Malama Pono-Kauai AIDS Project.
"It is a tradition to support a local charity at every Starbucks and Jamba Juice grand opening," said Roberts.
"In Hawai‘i, Starbucks supports four charitable pillars, including AIDS research, the environment, literacy and culture and the arts. Malama Pono fits into the AIDS pillar," said Roberts.
"At Jamba, our efforts generally focus on health, fitness and nutrition, and our Jamba team selected the Kauai Special Olympics as the grand-opening recipient," she said.
"Both stores plan on creating long-term relationships with these organizations to help make a difference in the Lihu‘e community."
Since entering the Hawai‘i market in December 1996, Coffee Partners Hawaii, an authorized licensee of Starbucks Coffee International, has opened 41 Starbucks Coffee stores in Hawai‘i, creating over 800 jobs.
Starbucks Coffee stores are located on O‘ahu (29), Maui (six), Big Island (five), in addition to Kaua‘i. The Kaua‘i Jamba Juice is the 18th in the state. There are 23 island residents employed at Jamba Juice, and 26 at Starbucks.
Business Editor Barry Graham may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 251) or mailto:bgraham@pulitzer.net
By Lyn Danninger
ldanninger@starbulletin.com
The number of single-family home sales on the Big Island showed a 20 percent increase last month from January 2003, but the sales pace slowed for Big Isle condominiums as well as for Kauai homes and condos.
There were 168 single-family home sales on the Big Island, up from 140 homes sold during same period in 2003. Condominium sales dropped by almost 16 percent from last year to finish with 70 sales for the month.
On Kauai, 48 single-family homes sold during the month, an 8 percent decrease from January 2003 sales, while condominiums sales dropped by 9 percent to 39 sales for the month.
However, median sales prices increased in all categories, with Kauai condominiums showing the biggest jump to $362,000, a 57 percent increase from the previous January. Big Island condominium prices were not far behind in growth, rising 55 percent to $261,200.
Single-family home prices on the Big Island increased by 20 percent to $235,000, while the median price for a single-family home on Kauai grew by just more than 8 percent to $384,450.
Local Realtors said continuing home price increases mostly reflected declining inventory. Also, some newer, more expensive homes are coming on the market.
"There have been a lot of closings in the Waikoloa area, at Fairway Villas and Waikoloa Colony; those condominiums are in the upper $400,000 range," said Dave Lucas, Realtor with C&H Sales Inc.
Lucas said prices for Kona condominiums have risen substantially because of the increased demand in the last couple years.
"If they have an ocean view, like the Kona Kai studio condominiums, those were $28,000 to $30,000 two years ago, but I heard of two the other day that were $160,000."
Lucas said studios in Kona, even without an ocean view, are now going for close to $100,000.
But demand on the Big Island is not limited to the West side. According to Lucas, it is now becoming difficult to find any property on the ocean side of Hilo for less than $500,000.
"Even at Hawaiian Beaches, I saw one go into escrow at $495,000," he said.
Over on Kauai, rising condominium prices, now approaching single-family home prices, are largely the result of the shortage in single-family homes, said Ken Kubiak, broker-in-charge at the Kilauea office of Century 21 realty.
"It doesn't surprise me that condominium prices are running almost the same," he said.
Kubiak said demand for more affordable housing is so great on the Garden Isle that the roster of would-be buyers for a 104-unit condominium complex in Lihue he is listing is about triple the number of units that will be available.
"We haven't started construction yet. Prices for those units start at about $235,000, with the highest price being about $300,000," he said. "We could do another 300 units on the island easily in the same price range and not have a problem finding people for them."
January home and condo sales data for Maui was not yet available.
ldanninger@starbulletin.com
The number of single-family home sales on the Big Island showed a 20 percent increase last month from January 2003, but the sales pace slowed for Big Isle condominiums as well as for Kauai homes and condos.
There were 168 single-family home sales on the Big Island, up from 140 homes sold during same period in 2003. Condominium sales dropped by almost 16 percent from last year to finish with 70 sales for the month.
On Kauai, 48 single-family homes sold during the month, an 8 percent decrease from January 2003 sales, while condominiums sales dropped by 9 percent to 39 sales for the month.
However, median sales prices increased in all categories, with Kauai condominiums showing the biggest jump to $362,000, a 57 percent increase from the previous January. Big Island condominium prices were not far behind in growth, rising 55 percent to $261,200.
Single-family home prices on the Big Island increased by 20 percent to $235,000, while the median price for a single-family home on Kauai grew by just more than 8 percent to $384,450.
Local Realtors said continuing home price increases mostly reflected declining inventory. Also, some newer, more expensive homes are coming on the market.
"There have been a lot of closings in the Waikoloa area, at Fairway Villas and Waikoloa Colony; those condominiums are in the upper $400,000 range," said Dave Lucas, Realtor with C&H Sales Inc.
Lucas said prices for Kona condominiums have risen substantially because of the increased demand in the last couple years.
"If they have an ocean view, like the Kona Kai studio condominiums, those were $28,000 to $30,000 two years ago, but I heard of two the other day that were $160,000."
Lucas said studios in Kona, even without an ocean view, are now going for close to $100,000.
But demand on the Big Island is not limited to the West side. According to Lucas, it is now becoming difficult to find any property on the ocean side of Hilo for less than $500,000.
"Even at Hawaiian Beaches, I saw one go into escrow at $495,000," he said.
Over on Kauai, rising condominium prices, now approaching single-family home prices, are largely the result of the shortage in single-family homes, said Ken Kubiak, broker-in-charge at the Kilauea office of Century 21 realty.
"It doesn't surprise me that condominium prices are running almost the same," he said.
Kubiak said demand for more affordable housing is so great on the Garden Isle that the roster of would-be buyers for a 104-unit condominium complex in Lihue he is listing is about triple the number of units that will be available.
"We haven't started construction yet. Prices for those units start at about $235,000, with the highest price being about $300,000," he said. "We could do another 300 units on the island easily in the same price range and not have a problem finding people for them."
January home and condo sales data for Maui was not yet available.
$1 billion in hotels up for grabs across Hawaii
By Jennifer Hamilton
The Business Journals
Updated: 7:00 p.m. ET Feb. 08, 2004Hawaii hotels are changing hands at a rapid clip, with new investors aiming to capture profits in an exploding time-share market.
advertisement
Equally enticing is the lack of new hotel development on the horizon.
"There's little supply risk," said Joseph Toy of Hospitality Advisors LLC. "Because of that there's a lot more protection for investors."
In the last half of 2003, a mix of mainland investors and global chains spent $478 million to purchase six hotels in Hawaii, representing 2,000 rooms. Another dozen or so properties are actively up for sale now, with 6,800 rooms in the balance, Toy said.
"What's on the market right now in terms of hotel sales, you're looking at $1 billion," he added.
Among them are the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, the Grand Wailea Resort & Spa and Wailea Marriott on Maui and the Big Island's Waikoloa Beach Marriott. There's speculation that Maui's Kapalua Bay Hotel and the Ala Moana Hotel on Oahu also are on the auction block.
At this pace, Hawaii hotel sales in 2004 could rival peaks in 1999 when eight hotels sold for $964.5 million and in 2001 when 12 hotels went for $546.6 million, according to data from Hospitality Advisors.
New owners plan renovations
Cash-rich investors are expected to renovate their new purchases, thereby starting a trickle-down effect for furniture sales and building contracts.
"Previous owners were just kind of hanging on," Bank of Hawaii economist Paul Brewbaker said. "Almost invariably the new owners are much better capitalized companies."
Marriott did just that three years ago when it bought the Hawaiian Regent Hotel, renamed it the Waikiki Beach Marriott and pumped $60 million into renovations. A new open-air entrance was created and meeting space was added to the 1,310-room hotel.
"They totally changed the character of the property," Brewbaker said.
The hotel's former owners, Otaka Inc., had refurbished hundreds of rooms prior to the sale but suffered financial problems throughout the 1990s. Otaka sold the hotel to Marriott for $125.5 million in 2000, far less than $220 million it paid for the property in 1986.
While the Marriott purchase was indicative of distress sales throughout the 1990s following the burst of the Japanese bubble, they are in contrast to today's sales.
Brewbaker says global brands, such as Marriott and Starwood, are buying properties in a move to reposition themselves in the Hawaii market. Both companies are converting hundreds of hotel rooms into time shares or operating hybrid hotel/time-share facilities.
"Brands are strategically acquiring a presence in markets or submarkets in which they did not previously operate," he said.
The Hilton Hawaiian Village is an example of a hybrid where the Kalia Tower offers both hotels and condos.
Lucrative time-share business
The much-talked about time-share development by Outrigger Hotels & Resorts is under way. The company is selling the Wailea Marriott on Maui and the Waikoloa Beach Marriott on the Big Island in part to secure capital for its $350 million Waikiki Beachwalk project, which will include time-share and condo towers. The project will include a 193-room time-share tower in which Fairfield Resorts will have a stake, two vacation rental/condo towers and an 890-room hotel tower for which Outrigger has hired an investment adviser.
Brewbaker said the time-share model has proved successful. While hotel occupancy rates hover in the 80th percentile, time-share units often translate into greater than 95 percent occupancy.
"You're selling forward your inventory and making your money in a period of three or four years as opposed to renting it over next 10 years to recoup," he said. "There's no question it's the way of the future."
Last year, more than 1.1 million visitors to Hawaii planned to stay in a condo, an increase of 8 percent over 2002.
© 2004 The Business Journals
By Jennifer Hamilton
The Business Journals
Updated: 7:00 p.m. ET Feb. 08, 2004Hawaii hotels are changing hands at a rapid clip, with new investors aiming to capture profits in an exploding time-share market.
advertisement
Equally enticing is the lack of new hotel development on the horizon.
"There's little supply risk," said Joseph Toy of Hospitality Advisors LLC. "Because of that there's a lot more protection for investors."
In the last half of 2003, a mix of mainland investors and global chains spent $478 million to purchase six hotels in Hawaii, representing 2,000 rooms. Another dozen or so properties are actively up for sale now, with 6,800 rooms in the balance, Toy said.
"What's on the market right now in terms of hotel sales, you're looking at $1 billion," he added.
Among them are the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, the Grand Wailea Resort & Spa and Wailea Marriott on Maui and the Big Island's Waikoloa Beach Marriott. There's speculation that Maui's Kapalua Bay Hotel and the Ala Moana Hotel on Oahu also are on the auction block.
At this pace, Hawaii hotel sales in 2004 could rival peaks in 1999 when eight hotels sold for $964.5 million and in 2001 when 12 hotels went for $546.6 million, according to data from Hospitality Advisors.
New owners plan renovations
Cash-rich investors are expected to renovate their new purchases, thereby starting a trickle-down effect for furniture sales and building contracts.
"Previous owners were just kind of hanging on," Bank of Hawaii economist Paul Brewbaker said. "Almost invariably the new owners are much better capitalized companies."
Marriott did just that three years ago when it bought the Hawaiian Regent Hotel, renamed it the Waikiki Beach Marriott and pumped $60 million into renovations. A new open-air entrance was created and meeting space was added to the 1,310-room hotel.
"They totally changed the character of the property," Brewbaker said.
The hotel's former owners, Otaka Inc., had refurbished hundreds of rooms prior to the sale but suffered financial problems throughout the 1990s. Otaka sold the hotel to Marriott for $125.5 million in 2000, far less than $220 million it paid for the property in 1986.
While the Marriott purchase was indicative of distress sales throughout the 1990s following the burst of the Japanese bubble, they are in contrast to today's sales.
Brewbaker says global brands, such as Marriott and Starwood, are buying properties in a move to reposition themselves in the Hawaii market. Both companies are converting hundreds of hotel rooms into time shares or operating hybrid hotel/time-share facilities.
"Brands are strategically acquiring a presence in markets or submarkets in which they did not previously operate," he said.
The Hilton Hawaiian Village is an example of a hybrid where the Kalia Tower offers both hotels and condos.
Lucrative time-share business
The much-talked about time-share development by Outrigger Hotels & Resorts is under way. The company is selling the Wailea Marriott on Maui and the Waikoloa Beach Marriott on the Big Island in part to secure capital for its $350 million Waikiki Beachwalk project, which will include time-share and condo towers. The project will include a 193-room time-share tower in which Fairfield Resorts will have a stake, two vacation rental/condo towers and an 890-room hotel tower for which Outrigger has hired an investment adviser.
Brewbaker said the time-share model has proved successful. While hotel occupancy rates hover in the 80th percentile, time-share units often translate into greater than 95 percent occupancy.
"You're selling forward your inventory and making your money in a period of three or four years as opposed to renting it over next 10 years to recoup," he said. "There's no question it's the way of the future."
Last year, more than 1.1 million visitors to Hawaii planned to stay in a condo, an increase of 8 percent over 2002.
© 2004 The Business Journals
Timeshare conversions tighten Kauai hotel market
Howard Dicus
Kauai hotel inventory has declined more than 15 percent in the past three years as timeshare conversions take rooms off the market. That's why Garden Isle hotel occupancy reports have been consistently good even during slow weeks for the rest of the state.
That's what happened in last Friday's weekly report from Hospitality Advisors LLC, which found statewide hotel occupancy down about two and a half points from the previous week and about nine points from the previous year, but Kauai occupancy was up 25.2 percent year-to-year.
Hospitality Advisors President Joe Toy explains that timeshare sales have removed hundreds of rooms from use by hotels on Kauai. "Previously, if a timeshare unit was not yet sold, it was rented as a hotel unit and counted as such in my survey until it was sold, e.g. a timeshare property has 300 units, 200 of which were sold as timeshare, 100 still to be sold but rented as a hotel room in the meantime," Toy says. "These units were then finally sold, and removed from rentable hotel inventory once all the week intervals were sold."
In the past two to three years, this process has intensified until timeshare units now make up 25 percent of all visitor accommodations on Kauai and are sold out. "Kauai saw improved hotel performance during that time due in part to the shrinkage of rentable hotel rooms," he said.
The effect has not yet been noticeable on other islands to anything like the same degree as on Kauai. Maui timeshare conversions hotels, for example, are still selling a lot of their inventory as hotel rooms, Toy said.
Howard Dicus
Kauai hotel inventory has declined more than 15 percent in the past three years as timeshare conversions take rooms off the market. That's why Garden Isle hotel occupancy reports have been consistently good even during slow weeks for the rest of the state.
That's what happened in last Friday's weekly report from Hospitality Advisors LLC, which found statewide hotel occupancy down about two and a half points from the previous week and about nine points from the previous year, but Kauai occupancy was up 25.2 percent year-to-year.
Hospitality Advisors President Joe Toy explains that timeshare sales have removed hundreds of rooms from use by hotels on Kauai. "Previously, if a timeshare unit was not yet sold, it was rented as a hotel unit and counted as such in my survey until it was sold, e.g. a timeshare property has 300 units, 200 of which were sold as timeshare, 100 still to be sold but rented as a hotel room in the meantime," Toy says. "These units were then finally sold, and removed from rentable hotel inventory once all the week intervals were sold."
In the past two to three years, this process has intensified until timeshare units now make up 25 percent of all visitor accommodations on Kauai and are sold out. "Kauai saw improved hotel performance during that time due in part to the shrinkage of rentable hotel rooms," he said.
The effect has not yet been noticeable on other islands to anything like the same degree as on Kauai. Maui timeshare conversions hotels, for example, are still selling a lot of their inventory as hotel rooms, Toy said.
