Weekend visitor arrivals: 50,000, but fewer from Japan

Weekend visitor arrivals: 50,000, but fewer from Japan
- 2004-07-20 - Pacific Business News (Honolulu)
Howard Dicus

More than 50,000 people flew to Hawaii over the weekend, about 2,000 more than the same Saturday and Sunday last year, but it wasn't because of resurgent international visitor traffic. The Japanese arrivals actually went down.

After weeks of getting 4,000 to 5,000 Japanese visitors daily, well above year-ago levels, the count fell to 2,927 Sunday and, though it isn't counted in this weekend's roundup, 2,637 on Monday. Last year the daily count from Japan never fell below 3,000 during the first 19 days of July.

Overall arrivals improved in spite of this because all four major counties got more mainland visitors than they did last year. Maui and Kauai were up by a few hundred visitors but the Big Island almost doubled its visitor traffic and Oahu by itself got 2,000 more visitors.

Mainland arrivals (last year's numbers in parentheses):

To Honolulu: 25,662 (23,642).
To Maui: 9,837 (9,484).
To Big Island: 2,976 (1,506).
To Kauai: 2,581 (2,169).
Total: 41,056 (37,801).
International arrivals:

From Japan: 7,670 (8,845).
From other nations: 1,688 (1,677).
Total: 9,358 (10,522).
For the seven days through Sunday, Hawaii welcomed 175,849 visitors by air, compared to 163,392 on the commensurate days last year, based on airport arrival figures posted by the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, which in turn bases the numbers on data supplied by the state airports division.

A separate seven-day measurement reported Tuesday morning by the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, and covering the week through July 18, concluded that domestic arrivals were at 107 percent of year-ago levels and Japanese arrivals at 104 percent.

Reach Howard Dicus at hdicus@bizjournals.com.

Kauai wildlife refuge slated to double in size

Kauai wildlife refuge slated to double in size
- 2004-07-20 - Pacific Business News (Honolulu)

A bill to more than double the size of Kauai's Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge has cleared the U.S. House of Representatives and goes to the Senate.

The Kilauea refuge is one of the 10 most popular visitor attractions in the state with 300,000 visitors annually. Its steep cliffs, cool forests and windswept moors that make up habitat for several species of seabirds and the Hawaiian state bird the nene.

"This bill is a vital component of one of my principal goals in Congress: to ensure that federal and/or state or private protection is extended to as many of Hawaii's threatened and irreplaceable areas as possible, both to ensure the survival and recovery of Hawaii's unique endangered and threatened species and to preserve the remaining unspoiled natural treasures of our beautiful islands for future generations," said Rep. Ed Case, who sponsored the bill.

The bill authorizes the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to acquire 234 acres adjacent to the current refuge to provide habitat for endangered Hawaiian waterbirds and to expand habitat for threatened and endangered seabirds and the nene.

The proposed expansion area also contains Kîlauea Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in the state.

The owners of two of the five parcels comprising the 234 acres are likely to simply donate their land. Three parcels have been on the market for some time, although the owners are willing to convey those properties to the refuge.

Passage of the bill does not automatically make these areas a part of the Refuge. "I am hopeful that once the bill passes the Senate that the Fish and Wildlife Service will move rapidly to accept these incredibly generous donations," said Case. "I will also seek appropriations to acquire the other lands and will look at other options, such as grants and land exchanges to make this expansion a reality."

INAUGURAL CRUISE OF U.S.-FLAGGED SHIP SMOOTHS OUT AFTER A FEW BUMPS IN SERVICE

All-American Aloha
INAUGURAL CRUISE OF U.S.-FLAGGED SHIP SMOOTHS OUT AFTER A FEW BUMPS IN SERVICE

Michael Martinez

Mercury News


ABOARD THE PRIDE OF ALOHA, Hawaii - The view was irresistible: a panorama of palm trees, beaches and mountains stretching into the morning clouds. From the upper deck of our cruise ship, several passengers had already gathered along the railing by the time I found a spot to soak up the brilliant Hawaiian landscape.

It was too inspiring to let pass quietly. I turned toward the woman beside me, said something about the beautiful scene and listened as she agreed. But when I asked if she was enjoying herself, she frowned.

The service, she said, was far below the standard she had experienced on other cruises. Waiters were rude; other crew members didn't seem to care about customer service. We were barely halfway into our seven-day cruise of the Hawaiian Islands, but Mary Pupo of New York was already disappointed.

She knew this was no ordinary sailing. Like almost everyone else on board, she had planned her trip for months to join family and friends for the inaugural cruise of the Pride of Aloha. This ship is the first under Norwegian Cruise Line's newly branded NCL America name to cruise the Hawaiian Islands under a U.S. flag. That meant no detoured stop at a foreign port (such as the tiny Micronesian nation of Kiribati), as all foreign-flagged ships are required to do.

When I wondered if this cruise was vastly different from others she had taken, Pupo, 71, asked if this was my first time on a cruise ship. No, I answered, but I clearly wasn't the cruising expert she was.

``Well,'' she said, ``if you've ever cruised before, you'd know the difference.''

Other passengers expressed similar dissatisfaction about poor service, cold food, long lines and room-service snafus. For every picture-postcard beach or wondrous sunset, it seemed there were an equal number of bad experiences.

A miserable week in paradise? For some, maybe. But given the circumstances of the inaugural sailing of the Pride of Aloha, missteps weren't unexpected.

``I always tell people, `If you want a seamless cruise, go on one that's older than one year and younger than 10,' '' said James Deering, the ship's hotel director. Best to sail on a ship, he said, ``that's worked out the kinks.''

Eventually, this one did. Although my wife and I witnessed only rare lapses in service, we noted that things ran more smoothly every day. When coffee arrived long after she had eaten her dessert on our last night, it was a forgivable lapse. At least our waiter was still smiling and eager to please.

And any memories we're likely to keep will have less to do with mistakes and more to do with unforgettable sights we witnessed: a glowing nighttime lava flow as we sailed past Kilauea, or spotting reef sharks on a snorkeling adventure to Molokini crater off the Maui coast.

Even if you're the sort who prefers sprawling on a beach towel for a week, there's a lot to like about cruising to Oahu, Kauai, the Big Island and Maui. The Pride of Aloha -- the first of three U.S.-flagged NCL America ships that will cruise Hawaiian waters by 2006 -- is like a floating, all-inclusive hotel. Passengers visit four islands in seven days without having to pack and unpack their bags or rush to the airport.

The ship, in fact, never sails more than a few miles from shore and does most of its cruising at night, leaving daytime for shore excursions.

Who's cruising

Colin Veitch, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Group, said about 60 percent of Aloha's passengers were visiting the islands for the first time. ``But a large number of those are cruisers,'' he said. ``They're the people who go to the islands in the Caribbean for the first time but don't know where to go -- so they sample all of them and see which ones they'd like to come back and visit.''

At each port, cruisers can disembark and try any number of day trips -- scuba dive in Maui, tour the 13,796-foot Mauna Kea summit on the Big Island of Hawaii, surf in Kauai, play golf -- or stay on board and spend a lazy day poolside or in the spa, as many did.



The Pride of Aloha is a 2,000-passenger vessel that was originally scheduled to be the second ship in NCL America's Hawaiian fleet. But it was pushed into early service when the first scheduled liner, the Pride of America, sank up to its third deck in January while under construction in Germany. The Pride of Aloha -- formerly Norwegian Sky -- was pulled from its Alaska itinerary and underwent extensive renovations at the Port of San Francisco in time to make the July 4 sailing.

For many cruisers, being on board an inaugural sailing is an event in itself. There's a pristine feel to everything from silverware to deck chairs, and many passengers revel in the newness of the ship. The Pride of Aloha was refurbished almost top to bottom, with colorful new carpets and furniture, Hawaiian artwork on the hull and pool-deck walls and a large lobby atrium with glass-enclosed elevators at either end. The Kumu Cultural Center, a large walk-through display of Hawaiian art and artifacts, was a popular spot for visitors.

But as a U.S.-flagged ship, it also meant a new crew of U.S. workers with little or no experience on cruise ships who had to be trained as waiters, room stewards or desk personnel. (Foreign-flagged ships typically hire foreign-born workers.) The result was often slow service in restaurants or in-room service delivery and a lack of response to complaints. I heard of one passenger who ordered a meal at 10 p.m. only to have it delivered at 2 a.m.

No table assignments

Another problem: NCL America uses freestyle cruising, which has no required seat assignments or dining times. But that frequently meant long lines in the early evening, when many passengers opted to eat. When my wife and I arrived at 8 one night for dinner, our server told us that we had narrowly avoided a hectic rush of diners.

Deering acknowledged that about 10 crew members quit during the trip -- a result of long hours and seven-day work weeks. More workers will be hired to fill in gaps.

``Three months from now, there won't be any long lines in restaurants,'' he said. ``Ninety days from now, 80 to 90 percent of our passengers will say they had a blast and can't wait to do it again.''

He could be right. The Pride of Aloha is fully booked through September and is 75 percent booked through the end of the year. Veitch said he expects to have almost 500,000 passengers cruising the islands every year by 2007.

Mary Pupo probably won't be one of them, but when my wife and I encountered her in the ship's lobby on our final morning, she seemed reasonably content.

Any concerns she had -- a small cabin, a disagreeable roommate and less-than-adequate service -- disappeared as the week went along. As we exchanged goodbyes, she was smiling.

So were we. We had surfed in Kauai, stood above the clouds at Mauna Kea, shopped in Lahaina and snorkeled in Kona and Molokini. We made new friends, got plenty of time in the sun, shopped and ate some exceptional meals.

We had no complaints.

Andy knocks Holmes out with near-perfect J-bay ride

Andy knocks Holmes out with near-perfect J-bay ride
Surfers village news



Andy Irons : photo ASPWorldtour/Tostee

Billabong Pro

ASP World Championship Tour event 5/12
Jeffreys Bay-South Africa
13 - 23 July 2004

Andy Knocks Holmes Out With Near-Perfect Ride

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, Saturday, July 17, 2004 (Jeffreys Bay, South Africa) Reigning two-time world champion Andy Irons (Kauai, HAW) today solidified his surfing supremacy by eliminating the one person who has haunted his past two Billabong Pro campaigns. All 16 third round heats in the Foster’s Men’s ASP World Championship Tournament (WCT) were completed in great waves.

Clean 4-5 ft (1.5m) lines remained throughout the day, though frustratingly inconsistent at times. A massive beach crowd converged to watch the world’s best tear apart the long walls on the warm African day.

The day’s most anticipated rematch between Irons and his wildcard nemesis of the past two Billabong Pro’s, Sean Holmes (Wilderness, ZAF), commenced at a snail’s pace. When the lineup transformed with growing swell lines however, so too did the vocal support as Holmes paddled for the first set using priority. While he executed a series of big maneuvers, the Kauaian took off on the wave behind and also carved a couple of strong top turns, before pulling into a speeding barrel and somehow managed to emerge to the sound of even more applause. His score proved the best of the tournament with a near-perfect 9.93 and offloaded pressure firmly onto his opponent.



Conditions for THE heat : photo ASPWorldtour/Karen

Needing a 7.61 for the final seven minutes, Holmes’ patience was eventually rewarded with another set towards conclusion and he utilized all it offered. Unfortunately judges deemed the ride less than required, awarding just 7-points.

“Finally,” began Irons, surrounded by media. “I’ve got to say it was a huge monkey on my back the last couple of years. Sean’s an awesome competitor, and he knows how to sit and wait for the good waves. I want to take my hat off to him. Hopefully he retires this year so I don’t have to deal with him next year (laughs).

“I knew I was going to have to put something good together, as the crowd was going nuts for him,” he recalled, of the critical exchange. "I did a couple of good hacks and then free fell into the barrel, which just ran. I adjusted on my board and luckily it opened up toward the end and I sneaked through.

“I went bungee jumping yesterday just to get the edge off, but it didn’t really work as I was still pretty nervous,” he continued. “It’s really hard to go against the wildcards for me, and I’m really glad it’s over. I was freaking when he caught his last wave, as it sounded like he was getting a 10 from the crowd. I knew it would be pretty close. When I heard the score it was the biggest relief.”



Sean Holmes : photo ASPWorldtour/Tostee

Australia’s Richie Lovett will challenge Irons next, after clawing his way back this morning with an inspired 9.5 ride against fellow countryman Phil MacDonald.

Six-time world and defending Billabong Pro champion Kelly Slater (FL, USA) then put on a show against the sole remaining VZ wildcard, Bede Durbidge (Gold Coast, AUS). The Floridian was on his game, laying down huge carves and long floaters for a strong lead, and while Durbidge also entertained the crowd with some big aerial maneuvers, he ultimately needed another score with 7.78-points.

“I think he was hoping to land a big air and then link the wave all the way through,” reasoned Slater, of his opponent’s strategy. “It didn’t happen for him, but he’s a really good aerialist and he could have gotten a big score if he had.

“It’s early in the contest and I have to make it through my heats, so I don’t want to focus much on what Andy’s doing,” he added, of the ratings leader. “I basically have the same board design as I rode last year, and it feels solid under my feet. I’ve still four heats left in this contest I want to try and win, so I’ll focus on that for now.”



Kelly Slater : photo ASPWorldtour/Tostee

Slater meets Peterson Rosa in round four, after the Brazilian accounted for Tom Whitaker (Bronte, AUS) today. Rosa is competing with an ankle injury, but credited his love for surfing Jeffreys with his determination.

“Last month in Brazil I twisted my ankle doing an aerial,” said Rosa. “It’s very hard for me to surf, but I love this wave at Jeffreys Bay, so I told my Doctor I was going. Now I’m here and have made two rounds, so I think God is on my side. I chose the right waves, and surfed well. My next heat is going to be hard against Kelly Slater.”

1999 Billabong Pro winner Joel Parkinson (Gold Coast, AUS) again illustrated his absence during the previous two WCT’s - while daughter Evie was born – hasn’t hindered anything. Against fellow countryman Chris Davidson, ‘Parko’ unleashed his fluid style from the outset, posting a 9.4 and then another 8.33 the following ride. His combined 17.73 tally is the best of the tournament so far.

“Davo is never an easy competitor, especially since he’s been out (injured) for awhile and is really hungry,’ said Parkinson. “I really tried to put on a good heat and not make any mistakes. I hadn’t ridden a wave for a couple of days, so my first maneuver I felt a little shaky, but I’ve got a good board and it worked really well. I’m pretty much just a stoked grommet being back here in these waves.”



Lee Winkler : photo ASPWorldtour/Tostee

South Africa’s sole remaining contestant in the Billabong Pro, Greg Emslie (East London) gave his nation something to get excited about this afternoon by eliminating former world #2 Taj Burrow (West AUS). ‘Bigfoot’ began strongly with an 8.17, and despite losing the lead midway through, was able to lock in another 7.5 to gain control in the dying minutes. Burrow was able to catch another set, but fell toward the end of the ride on a critical maneuver, losing hope of the 7.17 he chased.

“It was a tough heat and I think anyone on tour would be stoked to beat Taj,” said Emslie. “In my opinion he’s the most dynamic surfer on the pro tour. I just stuck to my game plan and got the sets, and surfed like I normally would at J-Bay on a free surf session. I gave it my all, so am stoked it went my way. It’s pretty awesome surfing with all this crowd support.”

1999 world champion Mark Occhilupo (Gold Coast, AUS) – who won the event an incredible 20-years ago, continued his campaign past Shane Beschen (CA, USA). The Californian got off to a quick start, but Occy’s patience paid off with one of the larger set waves he completely worked over for a 9.17 score. The 38-year-old will now face fellow Australian Lee Winkler, who surfed a commanding round three heat to eliminate an equally inform Cory Lopez (FL, USA).

“I was patient and waited for the nine,” explained Occhilupo. “But it was a scary heat, since it was so inconsistent. I’ve been competing against Shane for so long and he’s a real tough competitor. He’s just come back from injury and is surfing really well already, so I knew it would be a hard one.”



Mark Occhilupo : photo ASPWorldtour/Karen

Hawaiian heavyweight and 2000 world champion Sunny Garcia stamped his authority against Brazil’s Marcelo Nunes. The 34-year-old collected two eight plus scores for trademark power snaps, advancing to face Shane Powell (Avoca, AUS) in round four, after the Australia won a great battle against 2001 world champ and current ratings runner-up CJ Hobgood (FL, USA).

“After watching Andy and Kelly, and all the boys surfing great today, I really wanted to go out there and get two of my own waves,” said Garcia. “That’s all it takes, and fortunately I was able to do it.”

Luke Hitchings (Bronte, AUS) eliminated current ratings #5 Damien Hobgood (FL, USA) for an early upset this morning. The Floridian not only won the previous event in Fiji, but also placed runner-up in the 2003 Billabong Pro. Unfazed, Hitchings locked in a great 9-point ride for advantage and then sealed a narrow victory to face two-time event champion Jake Paterson (West AUS) in round four. Having replaced 2002 Billabong Pro winner Mick Fanning in the draw following the Australia’s recent hamstring injury, ‘Hitcho’ is always a major threat at Jeffreys with his powerful style.

“I’m really happy to win that,” said Hitchings. “I’ve just been trying to enjoy my heats, and be more aggressive with my surfing. I might fall off a bit more, but probably make the most of my opportunities when they do come.”



Peterson Rosa : photo ASPWorldtour/Tostee

Another decision will be made tomorrow morning by 7:30am (local time).

Billabong Pro Round Three Heats (1st>Rnd4; 2nd=17th receives US$4,225)
H1: Luke Hitchings (AUS) 13.0 def. Damien Hobgood (USA) 12.1
H2: Jake Paterson (AUS) 12.47 def. Kalani Robb (HAW) 11.83
H3: Lee Winkler (AUS) 16.0 def. Cory Lopez (USA) 15.17
H4: Mark Occhilupo (AUS) 14.84 def. Shane Beschen (USA) 12.67
H5: Michael Lowe (AUS) 13.16 def. Raoni Monteiro (BRA) 9.57
H6: Dean Morrison (AUS) 11.34 def. Nathan Webster (AUS) 10.77
H7: Richie Lovett (AUS) 16.07 def. Phil MacDonald (AUS) 14.93
H8: Andy Irons (HAW) 16.1 def. Sean Holmes (ZAF) 15.5
H9: Kelly Slater (USA) 15.6 def. Bede Durbidge (AUS) 12.83
H10: Peterson Rosa (BRA) 14.0 def. Tom Whitaker (AUS) 13.16
H11: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 17.73 def. Chris Davidson (AUS) 14.06
H12: Nathan Hedge (AUS) 15.1 def. Troy Brooks (AUS) 14.0
H13: Shane Powell (AUS) 15.5 def. CJ Hobgood (USA) 15.5
H14: Sunny Garcia (HAW) 16.4 def. Marcelo Nunes (BRA) 13.5
H15: Greg Emslie (ZAF) 15.67 def. Taj Burrow (AUS) 15.0
H16: Toby Martin (AUS) 12.33 def. Daniel Wills (AUS) 11.5

Kauai course names new director of golf

Kauai course names new director of golf
- 2004-07-16 - Pacific Business News (Honolulu

One of Kauai's newest golf courses has appointed a new director after opening about a year ago.

Paul Ito has been named director of golf at Puakea Golf Course in Lihue.
He replaces Kellie Pleas, who oversaw the expansion to 18 holes in July 2003.
Ito will be in charge of all golf operations at Puakea.
A professional since 1996, he is the former head golf professional at Fairwood Golf & Country Club in Renton, Wash. Ito also used to be the golf shop manager/tournament coordinator at the Rookery at Marco in Naples, Fla., and assistant golf professional at Ko Olina Golf Club on Oahu.
A PGA member since March 2002, Ito holds a degree in economics from the University of Washington. "

Star-Bulletin eliminates neighbor island delivery

Star-Bulletin eliminates neighbor island delivery
- 2004-07-16 - Pacific Business News (Honolulu)
Clynton Namuo

The Honolulu Star-Bulletin has decided to cut all delivery to the neighbor islands effective Aug. 1, Publisher Dennis Francis confirmed Thursday.

"The distribution costs and the freight costs are just way out of line for the return that we get," Francis said.

Total neighbor island circulation for the Star-Bulletin is currently 1,600 newspapers. Francis said he expects the daily papers on each of the islands to fill the circulation gap created by the Star-Bulletin's exit.

Despite leaving the neighbor island markets, Francis said the Star-Bulletin will continue to operate bureaus on Maui and Kauai and in Kona on the Big Island.

As of Aug. 1, The Honolulu Advertiser will be the only daily newspaper distributed statewide. Its neighbor island circulation is approximately 15,000.



© 2004 American City Business Journals Inc.

Hawaii hotel occupancy 84.2%

Hawaii hotel occupancy 84.2%
- 2004-07-16 - Pacific Business News (Honolulu)
Howard Dicus

Hawaii hotels remained 84.2 percent for a second week as Oahu and Kauai packed them in even tighter while Maui and Big Island emptied out a few rooms, Hospitality Advisors LLC reported.

That occupancy for July 4-10 was 9.4 percentage points better than the same period last year. Room rates were up by the same percentage amount.

Maui and Big Island hotels were roughly two percentage points less full than the week before while Oahu and Kauai were fractionally fuller. All other comparisons are to the commensurate week during July 2003.

Around the islands:

Oahu: 86.5 percent, up 16.3 percentage points from last year.
Room rates were up 9.1 percent to more than $131 a night.

Maui: 80.3 percent, down 3.6 percentage points from last year.
Room rates were up 16.5 percent to more than $228 a night.

Kauai: 85.3 percent, up 8.8 percentage points from last year.
Room rates were up 9.5 percent to $197.74 a night.

Big Island: 73.7 percent, up 7.9 percentage points from last year.
Room rates were up 1.5 percent to $145.53 a night.

Nationwide hotel occupancy for the same July 4-10 period was 65.7 percent, lower than last year at the same time, Smith Travel Research LLC reported, while room rates were up 3.8 percent.

Los Angeles occupancy fell slightly from year-before levels to 72.9 percent while Orlando hotels filled up a little, to 73 percent occupancy. In both cities, room rates were more than 5 percent above year-before levels.

Reach Howard Dicus at hdicus@bizjournals.com.

Brush Fire Temporarily Shuts Down Airport Access

Brush Fire Temporarily Shuts Down Airport Access
khnl.com

The Kauai fire department's helicopter went down hard Thursday afternoon fighting a fire at a transfer station fire in Lihue.
The pilot of that helicopter was not hurt.
He was able to walk away from the chopper and News 8 is told is was going to try and go back up in the chopper to continue dropping water on flames in the area.
Around noon on Thursday a fire broke out at a transfer station.
The flames then spread to nearby brush and spread.
Thick black smoke filled the sky, and people who live in homes in the area were asked to leave.
As of Thursday evening, firefighters were still on the scene putting out hotspots. "

Sale of Kauai resort renews growth discussion

Sale of Kauai resort renews growth discussion
Honolulu Star-Bulletin Business:

Jeff Stone has agreed to buy the 9,000-acre Princeville Resort

By Allison Schaefers
aschaefers@starbulletin.com



QUICK FACTS
What the resort sale includes:
>> Name: Princeville Resort
>> Size: 9,000 acres
>> Amenities: hotel, health club and spa, shopping center and two golf courses

Garden Isle residents had mixed reactions to the news yesterday that Ko Olina developer Jeff Stone has agreed to buy Princeville Corp.'s 9,000-acre Princeville Resort on Kauai for an undisclosed amount.

Stone, who is most well-known for revving up Ko Olina, turned the struggling Oahu property into a growing resort that has generated nearly 2,000 jobs and yielded $1 billion in investments in the past six months.

Because of Stone's reputation for using Ko Olina to kick-start the economy on Oahu's Leeward Coast, some Kauai residents, such as Kauai Chamber of Commerce President Mamo Cummings, are optimistic that the transaction could benefit Kauai's economy.

"Kauai is doing really well and we are pleased to see some closure on that particular transaction," said Cummings, who is also running for the state House. "This is an opportunity for balanced growth and it might help alleviate our problems with affordable housing on the North Shore."

The acquisition, which includes the 252-room Princeville Hotel, two golf courses, the Princeville Tennis Club and Pro Shop, Princeville Health Club and Spa, Princeville Shopping Center and other land holdings on Kauai's North Shore, is expected to close by the end of the year.

But if the Princeville project's success means rapid growth in the area, other Kauai residents have said that they could do without it, said Beryl Blaich, who has lived in Kilauea since 1979 when the current owner, Princeville Corp., first entered the Kauai market.

"Slow growth is exactly what we like around here," Blaich said, adding residents haven't exactly been disappointed that the underperforming Princeville Resort has made little progress on its master plan, which calls for a school, timeshares and residential housing.

Stone formed Princeville Associates LLC, a joint venture between Honolulu-based Hawaii Land Development Corp. and the Morgan Stanley Real Estate Funds, to buy the resort from Princeville Corp. All 600 resort employees are expected to be offered employment as part of the sale agreement, Stone said.

With the new purchase, Stone expects to make substantial improvements -- build housing units for employees, increase jobs and provide a strong base of work for the construction industry, he said.

"In short, our goal is to play a pivotal role in supporting Kauai's economy," Stone said, adding that the Princeville Resort's undeveloped master plan was an attractive part of the deal. Development of that master plan will be a topic at upcoming community meetings, he said.

Blaich said she hopes that she and other residents who attend the meetings are able to convey to Stone the importance of preserving the rural integrity of Kauai's North Shore.

"I don't have any quarrels with any of the past owners or preconceptions with Mr. Stone, but planning mistakes have already been made and I would truly hate to see them compounded," Blaich said. "Quality development is a matter of taking time and not a land grab."

Kauai residents want development, but they want it to be responsible and respectful, said Barbara Robeson, a former member of the Kauai Planning Commission who has lived in Wainiha for the past 28 years.

"If development occurs, one of the top priorities is ensuring that affordable housing is part of it," Robeson said. "I'd hope the new developer would be mindful of that and of Princeville Resort's other commitments to the community."

Also any kind of development plan needs to address its potential impact on North Shore beaches and parks, she said.

"Traffic and solid waste are already problems," Robeson said. "Any developer who doesn't take those issues into account now will be forced to address them later."

Holmes secures rematch with Irons at Billabong Pro Jbay

Holmes secures rematch with Irons at Billabong Pro Jbay
www.surfersvillage.com


Taj Burrow : photo ASPWorldtour/Karen

Billabong Pro

ASP World Championship Tour event 5/12
Jeffreys Bay-South Africa
13 - 23 July 2004

Holmes Secures Rematch With Irons

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, Wednesday, July 14, 2004 (Jeffreys Bay, South Africa) Wildcards made their presence felt today in round two of the Billabong Pro. The Foster’s men’s ASP World Championship Tour (WCT) ran through 11 heats in good conditions, before onshore winds settled in and prompted organizers to postpone any further competition.

Offshore northwest winds created a classic J-Bay morning, however, with 4-5 ft (1.5m) lines running the length of the long point break. Hollow barrels were again on offer, with the world’s best weaving their boards perfectly through critical sections.

Von Zipper Trialist and South African giant killer Sean Holmes (Wilderness) once again led the wildcard charge in the Billabong Pro, eliminating Taylor Knox (CA, USA) in today’s opening heat. Despite difficult low tide conditions, he got off to a good start and then created a strong lead with a clean barrel ride, while his opponent struggled to find anything special. Advancing to round three, Holmes will now face reigning two-time world champion Andy Irons (Kauai, HAW) for the third consecutive year at Jeffreys. Although losing their three-man non-elimination heat yesterday, on both previous head-to-head clashes the local has prevailed, and anticipation is brewing for what is sure to be an epic grudge match.



Sean Holmes : photo ASPWorldtour/Karen

“I don’t know if I really took him out, or if it was just a question of him not catching any waves,” offered a humble Holmes of this morning’s win. “I think I was lucky, but my next heat against Andy is going to be exciting and I’m definitely going to pick up my game a hell of a lot.

“He’s probably the most confident surfer on tour at the moment,” he continued, of Irons. “He’s got the results and he’s winning contests, so I don’t think he feels much pressure at all. I’m just hoping to pick up my game and surf better.”

Australian Bede Durbidge continued the wildcard carnage, accounting for fellow Gold Coaster and former world #2 Luke Egan in another major upset. Durbidge opened his account with a near-perfect 9.5 for three incredible tube rides on the one wave – the best single score so far, and while Egan answered back with an amazing backhand barrel of his own for 9-points, the young VZ Trialist took back the lead and ultimately progressed. He’ll next meet six-time world champion Kelly Slater (FL, USA) in another third round focal point.



Bede Durbidge : photo ASPWorldtour/Karen

“I’m really happy about that win,” said Durbidge. “I was having a free surf up at ‘Boneyards’ and then ended up getting that wave all the way, so it worked out perfect. I wasn’t even sure if our heat had started, but I was going to catch it either way, it was so good. I ended up getting a 9.5 and was so stoked.

“The pressure’s not on me, as I’m the wildcard,” he continued, of facing Slater next. “I can’t wait to surf against him as he’s my favorite surfer.”

West Australian Taj Burrow made sure he wasn’t another wildcard casualty, leaving South African Ricky Basnett (Durban) a combination of rides behind. The former world #2 has suffered a slump the past two events, but declared his intentions to make amends from here onwards this year.

“I was stoked to get that heat out of the way, especially when you’ve got a wildcard like Ricky, who surfs really good and obviously knows the wave well,” said Burrow. “It was a little bit scary, but the waves were really fun.



Taj Burrow : photo ASPWorldtour/Karen

“I’ve been pretty bummed with my last couple results, but I’m hoping I can put together a strong leg in the next few ‘CT’s,” he added. “I’m hungry for heats.”

2000 world champion Sunny Garcia showed his experience by surfing a patient, yet commanding heat against fellow Hawaiian Bruce Irons (Kauai). His younger opponent enjoyed a strong start and initially led, but Garcia stamped his authority with an 8.6 and additional 6.47 ride to nail it at the end.

“Bruce is like a brother to me and I’ve been encouraging him to get on tour for a long time, so to surf against him when he’s had a poor start to the year, is hard,” reasoned Garcia. “I want to win, but I want him to do well too. He’s a great surfer and I’m sure he’ll do a lot of great things. He’s one of the world’s best surfers right now, so it definitely boosted my confidence.”



Sunny Garcia : photo ASPWorldtour/Karen

WCT newcomer Raoni Monteiro secured one of Brazil’s only round three berths by eliminating Californian Pat O’Connell. On a day which witnessed four of his fellow countrymen lose, he collected a couple of 7.33 scores to keep the flag flying.

“I’m really happy,” began Monteiro. “Everyone knows Pat is a really good surfer and a great professional, so it was a big heat for me. I feel like I’m stepping up, as this is my first year on the WCT and I’m still learning. The last two contests I didn’t do well, as it was my first time in Tahiti and Fiji, but this is my third time to J-Bay and it’s happening. My wife is here with me, and she’s 7-months pregnant, so everything is perfect in my life.”

Former world #2 Shane Beschen (USA) made a triumphant return to competition this morning, having missed the previous three WCT events following the knee injury he suffered on Australia’s Gold Coast in March. The 32-year-old faced Brazilian Guilherme Herdy, but controlled the lead with a great tube and early 8.17 score.



Shane Beschen : photo ASPWorldtour/Karen

“It definitely feels good to get through a heat,” began Beschen. “I’ve basically been giving my knee time to heal and rehabilitate (the past three months). It’s hard to explain how frustrating it was. When I hurt my knee I was just balling for hours, and it wasn’t because it hurt, but cause I knew I wouldn’t be able to surf for a while. That’s life though. You can’t take anything for granted, no matter what, and you have to give every moment your full attention.”

South Africa’s only full-time representative on the WCT, Greg Emslie (East London), furthered his event campaign by eliminating Brazilian Paulo Moura. The natural footer currently leads the World Qualifying Series (WQS), but with his best ‘CT result being a 5th at J-Bay in 2000, both he and Holmes are definitely out to claim this year’s title for their great surfing nation.

“I was pretty relaxed in that heat,” acknowledged Emslie. “Paulo’s a tough competitor, so I just tried to surf J-Bay like it was a free surf and it worked out. It’s just great to be surfing at home and the crowd definitely fires you up.”



Danny Wills : photo ASPWorldtour/Karen

Another decision will be made tomorrow morning by 7:30am (local time).

Billabong Pro Round Two Heats (1st>Rnd3; 2nd=33rd receives US$3,400)
H1: Sean Holmes (ZAF) 13.17 def. Taylor Knox (USA) 6.17
H2: Taj Burrow (AUS) 15.66 def. Ricky Basnett (ZAF) 8.73
H3: Bede Durbidge (AUS) 14.5 def. Luke Egan (AUS) 13.67
H4: Daniel Wills (AUS) 15.17 def. Armando Daltro (BRA) 10.34
H5: Shane Beschen (USA) 14.34 def. Guilherme Herdy (BRA) 7.9
H6: Greg Emslie (ZAF) 13.83 def. Paulo Moura (BRA) 12.0
H7: Lee Winkler (AUS) 10.73 def. Eric Rebiere (FRA) 6.44
H8: Chris Davidson (AUS) 12.5 def. Victor Ribas (BRA) 11.83
H9: Raoni Monteiro (BRA) 14.66 def. Pat O’Connell (USA) 12.6
H10: Sunny Garcia (HAW) 15.43 def. Bruce Irons (HAW) 13.33
H11: Peterson Rosa (BRA) 12.97 def. Darren O’Rafferty (AUS) 11.1

Remaining Round Two Heats (1st>Rnd3; 2nd=33rd receives US$3,400)
H12: Richard Lovett (AUS) vs. Beau Emerton (AUS)
H13: Tim Curran (USA) vs. Kalani Robb (HAW)
H14: Neco Padaratz (BRA) vs. Cory Lopez (USA)
H15: Michael Campbell (AUS) vs. Marcelo Nunes (BRA)
H16: Tom Whitaker (AUS) vs. Trent Munro (AUS)

http://www.billabongpro.com

Sydney voted world's best travel destination

Sydney voted world's best travel destination

MENAFN - Middle East North Africa . Financial Network
- 14/07/2004

(MENAFN) Sydney has been voted the world's best city destination for the third year in a row in Travel and Leisure World magazine's annual readers' survey, which also selected Bali as the top island, Xinhuanet News Agency reported.

The Australian city beat out a strong challenge from Rome that overtook Bangkok and Florence to take second place in this year's poll. Cape Town was voted the fifth best city.

It was also a third successive triumph for Bali, which remained the top island destination despite sharp rises up the table by the Hawaiian Islands of Kauai, Maui and Hawaii.

The Asia-Pacific region dominated the best international airline category, taking eight of the top 10 places with Singapore Airlines in the number one slot.

The top hotel in the world was the Singita Private Game Reserve, in Sabi Sands South Africa, followed by the Kichwa Tembo, in Masai Mara, Kenya. "

Navy Tests New Rapid Response Surgical System During RIMPAC 2004

Navy Tests New Rapid Response Surgical System During RIMPAC 2004

Story Number: NNS040713-21
Release Date: 7/13/2004 11:56:00 PM

By Journalist Seaman David Perea, USS Tarawa Public Affairs

ABOARD USS TARAWA (NNS) -- A new Navy rapid-response surgical system, which will provide critical medical care for Sailors and Marines who are injured during maritime interdiction operations, made its first appearance on a foreign ship July 10 during the 2004 Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercises.

The six-member team of Navy surgeons and hospital corpsman from Shipboard Surgical Team (SST) 9, embarked on USS Tarawa (LHA 1), practiced a rapid-response drill with the Chilean frigate Lynch, while both ships operated off the coast of the Hawaiian island Kauai.

The team, along with approximately 600 pieces of medical equipment, which included an ultra sonic imaging device, monitors, surgical instrument sets, and intensive care equipment, were flown from Tarawa to Lynch aboard two helicopters. Two additional team members served as interpreters fluent in Chile’s native language, Spanish.

Once aboard Lynch, the team set up their equipment quickly inside the ship’s mess decks.

“It took us about 45 minutes to set up yesterday, but we’re getting faster,” said SST-9 team leader and trauma surgeon Lt. Cmdr. George Linville. “The limiting factor is that we arrive on two helicopters. By the time that our second ‘bird’ with all our ICU [intensive care unit] equipment gets there, we’re already set up in surgery and anesthesia.”

According to Linville, the rapid-response surgical team is still in its infancy and is the only one of its kind in the Navy. He said that it’s critical to the Navy in the Pacific, where great distances from full surgical facilities inhibit care for Sailors injured during maritime interdiction operations.

“The smaller ships that conduct maritime interdiction operations have a very limited medical capability and have no capabilities for surgery,” said Linville. “This new surgical system allows us to extend forward the surgical capability that’s generally reserved for large deck amphibious ships and medical treatment facilities.”

The Naval Health Research Center developed the concept of a shipboard surgical team in January after Rear Adm. (sel.) Christine Hunter, U.S. Pacific Fleet surgeon, realized that Sailors and Marines aboard smaller ships were going to be taking casualties during maritime interdictions, shipboard seizures and other operations. The new rapid response surgical system was unveiled during an open house July 1 aboard Tarawa during a RIMPAC port visit to the Naval Station Pearl Harbor.

The July 10 drill not only proved the Navy’s ability to provide a rapid-response surgical team to a foreign ship, it also helped build a new bridge with U.S. allies in the Pacific Rim region.

“I think the international flavor of this practice run is significant, because it demonstrates the flexibility in the system to adapt to almost any allied surface combatant,” said Linville.

Aboard Lynch, the shipboard surgical system also received positive reviews.

“This allows our ship to care for severely injured Chilean and American sailors who are injured in maritime interdiction operations in the wars on terrorism and drug runners,” said Chilean Cmdr. Juan Pablo Otto San Martin, the ship surgeon aboard Lynch. “This kind of mutual cooperation for the mutual benefit of Chilean and American Sailors and Marines builds bonds, which strengthen our ability to combat a common foe.”

“The exercise only enhances the interoperability and strengthening of the coalition, which is part of the RIMPAC objective,” said Tarawa Commanding Officer Capt. John Riley. “I think the medical community has really come up with a great idea of how we can operate better. It will transform how we operate.”

RIMPAC 2004 is a major international maritime exercise, conducted this year June 29 through July 27 off the coast of Hawaii. In addition to Chile and the United States, the participating countries include: Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan and the Republic of Korea.

RIMPAC 2004 is part of the U.S. Navy's Summer Pulse '04 exercise. Summer Pulse '04 is the simultaneous deployment of seven aircraft carrier strike groups (CSGs), demonstrating the ability of the Navy to provide credible combat power across the globe, in five theaters, with other U.S., allied, and coalition military forces. Summer Pulse is the Navy's first deployment under its new Fleet Response Plan (FRP).

Hawaii gets another week of perfect crop weather

Hawaii gets another week of perfect crop weather
- 2004-07-13 - Pacific Business News (Honolulu)

It's been perfect crop weather for another week in Hawaii, with plenty of sunshine and strong trade winds, which, by blowing air against the mountains, generate the rain that crops need.

The Hawaii Agricultural Statistics Service gave details Monday on a clean sweep of good crop conditions, marred only by the well-known pests or blights that some crops always face:

Bananas: Orchards in the eastern half of Hawaii island were in good to fair condition. Although rainfall was lacking during the week, most orchards had sufficient soil moisture and made steady progress. Spraying and other field activities were active during the week. On Oahu, Windward orchards remained in mostly fair condition due to disease infections and the adverse effects of the past wet and windy weather. Bunchy top disease continued to infect Windward and Central Oahu fields, forcing growers to destroy trees and spray for aphids. Kauai's orchards were in fair-to-good condition. Warm temperatures and light-to-moderate showers were favorable for tree growth, fruit development and ripening.
Papaya: Young orchards in Opihikao, Kalapana and Kapoho on the Big Island made good progress during the week. Harvesting and other field activities were active. Spraying minimized insect and disease damage. Surveillance and culling of papaya trees infected with ringspot continued in Opihikao and Kapoho fields. Trees on Oahu were still recovering from past months' rains. New plantings were in mostly good condition. Increased spraying was necessary to control diseases and insects. Orchards on Kauai made fair progress. Spraying for insect infestation and disease control were back on schedule.
Chinese cabbage: The Big Island's Waimea crop made good growth. Hot, dry weather required heavy irrigation. Spraying was minimizing insect and disease damage. Light blight damage was noticed in some isolated mature fields. The quick settlement of the tugboat worker's strike caused only a short delay in shipments. During the strike, a few shipments were sent by air cargo.
Head cabbage: Crop quality and yields were good in the Waimea area of Hawaii island. Heavy irrigation was required for normal crop progress. Overall, the crop was in good-to-fair condition. Weeds continued to be a problem in most fields. New plantings made steady progress. On Maui, warm temperatures, sunny mornings and afternoon cloud cover allowed plantings to maintain good growth and development. Increased irrigation was needed for lower elevation fields. Insect activity was elevated this week, but damage from insects continued to be minimal with close monitoring and timely spraying. New fields on Oahu were in fair to good condition.
Cucumbers: Crop conditions ranged from fair to good on Hawaii island. Hot, dry weather slowed crop progress. Most of the harvesting activity will be in from fields in windward areas. Windward Oahu fields were in mostly fair-to-good condition. Disease continued to affect both young and old plantings. Young plantings were in mostly fair-to-good condition despite humid conditions. Planting and harvesting activities remained steady in the central areas of Oahu. New fields were in good condition.
Sweet corn: Younger fields in the Pepeekeo area of the Big Island made good progress. Soil moisture was adequate. Active harvesting continued in the Wainaku area. Yields were average, and pest damage was generally light. Crop conditions were mostly fair to good for fields in Windward Oahu as weather continues to warm up and day length increases. New plantings were in mostly fair-to-good condition due to excess soil moisture in some fields. Harvesting was nearly back to normal levels. On Kauai, planting made good progress. Harvesting activities anticipated to be light to moderate due to an earlier gap in planting.
Dry onion: Weather conditions benefited all phases of the growth and development on Maui. Average bulb size also increased and contributed to the gradually increasing yields. There were no detrimental field conditions reported.
Ginger root: Big Island plantings for harvest during the 2004-05 season made fair-to-good growth. Hot, dry weather was reducing soil moisture levels. Insect and disease damage was light.


© 2004 American City Business Journals Inc.

Kauai best in Hawaii, 2nd in world

Kauai best in Hawaii, 2nd in world
- 2004-07-12 - Pacific Business News (Honolulu)

Kauai has been named the best Hawaiian island for the second year in a row by Travel Leisure magazine readers.

Kauai also was ranked second best island in the world, with a score of 87, moving up from its fifth place ranking last year.
Travel Leisure readers rated the Four Seasons Hualalai on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island as the best hotel in Hawaii.
The World's Best Awards are given out each year by Travel Leisure magazine based upon reader questionnaires. "

HVCB sets date for annual luncheon

- 2004-07-12 - Pacific Business News (Honolulu)
HVCB sets date for annual luncheon

The Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau has set the date of Thursday, Sept. 2, for its annual luncheon, an event that typically includes a presentation of current thinking on how to market Hawaii to the world as a visitor destination.

This year's event will be held in the combined Kauai, Maui and Molokai rooms of the Sheraton Waikiki, from 11:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. HVCB did not immediately announce any other details, promising more information later.

Last year's luncheon focused on an anniversary of the organization and looked back at the history of tourism marketing in the islands. This year's will mark a year on the job by John Monahan, the former Liberty House executive who was brought in after the resignation of Tony Vericella last summer over personal expenditures mixed up with business expenses and questionable practices in awarding contracts for overseas tourism promotion.

Sydney named best destination

NEWS.com.au |
Sydney named best destination (July 13, 2004)
From correspondents in New York
July 13, 2004

SYDNEY has been voted the world's best city destination for the third year in a row in Travel and Leisure World magazine's annual readers' survey, which also selected Bali as the top island.

The Australian city beat out a strong challenge from Rome which leapfrogged Bangkok and Florence to take second place in this year's poll. Cape Town was voted the fifth best city.

It was also a third successive triumph for Bali, which remained the top island destination despite sharp rises up the table by the Hawaiian Islands of Kauai, Maui and Hawaii.

The Asia-Pacific region dominated the best international airline category, taking eight of the top 10 places with Singapore Airlines in the number one slot.

In a major shift from the 2003 results, six of the 10 highest-rated hotels in the survey were in Africa, four of them newcomers to the list.

The top hotel in the world was the Singita Private Game Reserve, in Sabi Sands, South Africa, followed by the Kichwa Tembo, in Masai Mara, Kenya.

Last year's winner, The Peninsula in Bangkok, dropped down to third place.

Nancy Novogrod, editor-in-chief of Travel and Leisure World magazine, said the emergence of the African hotels reflected "an enormous shift in interest toward that continent".

Agence France-Presse

Irons wins Mr Price Pro

sport.iafrica.com | today
Irons wins Mr Price Pro

SURFING
Irons wins Mr Price Pro
Sun, 11 Jul 2004

Reigning two-time world champion Andy Irons from Kauai, Hawaii, put on a consummate display of contest surfing to power his way to victory in the R775 000 Mr Price Pro, a six star rated ASP World Qualifying Series event held in one to 1.5 metre waves at North Beach in Durban on Sunday.

Irons needed just two good waves in the 30 minute final, racking up 8.50 points out of a possible 10 on the first and a near perfect 9.5 on the second, that he completed with an innovative reverse 360 degree turn as the wave closed out, to leave his three opponents needing a combination of scores in order to overtake him for the victory.

"I'm stoked to win this event and thanks to Roy, Greg and Damien for making it an exciting final," exclaimed the champion from the podium.

"Thanks to you all for coming out," he added as he threw his contest vest to the screaming fans, "And lets get ready to party."

Roy Powers, 23, from Andy's home town of Hanalei Bay on the north shore of the island of Kauai made it a one-two for the Hawaiians by coming from 40th seed to finish second while Red Surf team member Greg Emslie from East London, who was the first South African to reach the final of this event since 2000, placed third with current world number five Damien Hobgood (Florida, US) taking fourth.

Irons picked a R90 000 pay cheque for his two-day's work, along with 2500 points while Emslie's haul of 1825 rocketed him from third to the top of the WQS ratings ahead of Neco Padaratz (Brazil), virtually assuring the unassuming South African of requalification for the 2005 ASP World Championship Tour.

On Saturday Serena Brooke clinched her second successive victory in the four star rated R125 000 Mr Price Pro women's event, finishing ahead of Rebecca Woods, Trudy Todd and Claire Bevilacqua in an all-Australian line-up.

The men's final was held in the best surf for many years with solid overhead waves pouring into North Beach and peeling from pier to pier.

The surf enabled the quality field to produce outstanding performances with Irons at the forefront, racking up the highest combined two wave heat total of 19.37 (from a possible 20) in his quarterfinal victory, which included a 9.70 and a 9.67 — the two highest scoring waves of the entire event.

The men's final did not feature an Australian or a Brazilian for the first time in many years with Aussies Bede Durbidge and Luke Stedman finishing third in their semis for equal fifth place overall and Bernardo Pigmeu (Brazil) and Luke Munro (Aus) taking fourth in their respective semis and equal seventh in the event.

Durbanite David Weare was the second highest placed local, winning his round of 32 heat to reach the quarterfinals where he placed fourth behind Irons, Emslie and Australian Troy Brooks, collecting $1 900 and 1 125 points that boosted him from 43rd to 28th on WQS ratings.

Crash closes two Kauai businesses

Crash closes two Kauai businesses
- 2004-07-11 - Pacific Business News (Honolulu)

A motorist driving north through Kapaa left Kuhio Highway on Friday morning and his vehicle crashed through a building on the mauka side, wreaking havoc in two shops, the Garden Isle newspaper reported in its Friday edition.

William and Zimmer Furniture Store and the adajcent Orchid Alley shop will be closed until repairs can be made to an exterior wall of the building and a wall separating the two establishment.
Building owner Neill Sams told the Garden Isle he didn't know how long it would take because it appeared the repairs needed would be major."

Kauai median home price now $528,000

Kauai median home price now $528,000
- 2004-07-08 - Pacific Business News (Honolulu)

More than half the single family homes sold last month on Kauai went for more than half a million dollars, the Hawaii Information Service reported Wednesday.

In June, 71 Kauai homes sold for a median price of $528,000, up nearly 41 percent from the same month last year, while 53 condos sold for a median price of $420,000, up about 21 percent.

The comparatively small difference in price between homes and condos, which will be striking to readers on Oahu where the gap is greater, reflects a lack of inventory other than of luxury condos, which actually come close to single family home prices on Oahu, too. On Kauai, 18 of last month's 53 condo sales, came in Koloa, where their median price was $552,450, while 21 came in Hanalei, where the median was the same as the islandwide number.

For single family homes, Hanalei was by far the most expensive of Kauai's five real estate districts, with 11 homes selling for a median price of $830,000. Koloa was second, with 22 homes selling for a median of $567,500. In Waimea, where only eight homes sold, prices were well below $400,000.

Housing inventory of any type has grown so scarce on Kauai that the median price of vacant lots has more than doubled in a year, more than tripling in Kawaihau, and the median price for 29 empty lots sold islandwide in June was $391,250.



© 2004 American City Business Journals Inc.

Melon-head whales depart Hanalei Bay thanks to reverse hukilau

Kauai Garden Island News
Melon-head whales depart Hanalei Bay thanks to reverse hukilau
By Dennis Fujimoto - The Garden Island
Posted: Monday, Jul 05, 2004 - 04:16:48 am HST


Gretchen Johnson, a volunteer with the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, uses a whale identification chart to give Kaua‘i Police Department officer Venneman information on the type of whale that made up the pod that came into Hanalei Bay Saturday.

HANALEI — The sight of a red lifeguard pickup creeping slowly along the sand at Hanalei Beach Park would seem normal, but on Saturday, it took on a special significance as the water safety officer corps had the added task of keeping people at a safe distance from a pod of melon-head whales that had come into the bay of the popular beach.

Following a day with begrudging beach-goers who did not fully understand the situation, the water safety officers were finally joined by four Kaua‘i Police Department officers who stayed with the lifeguards until the arrival of NOAA Fisheries personnel from O‘ahu who did a hasty assessment of the situation in the waning light of evening.

"You should take a picture of the police walking up and down the beach," one beach-goer said. "That's something you don't see every day."

Gretchen Johnson, a volunteer with the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary spent her day at the beach, and came prepared to even spend part, if not all, of the night at the beach in order to help keep people at a safe distance as well as observe and record the behavior of the pod that was estimated to contain between 100-150 whales.

The popular beach was lined with spectators, many of whom had seen the pod out of the corner of their eye and stayed to find out more about why and how the whales had come to visit the bay.

According to the lifeguards, the pod arrived about 7 in the morning, and with all of the activity centered around Black Pot Beach and the pier, had spent the day drifting around the vicinity of Pine Trees near the Wai‘oli Stream mouth.

While awaiting the arrival of the NOAA team from O‘ahu, one of the spectators explained that they came in a single file and clustered after coming in past the numerous boats that were anchored in the bay.

There was minimal activity from the pod which seemed to cluster around itself, the only kind of movement being an occasional flurry of activity as the whales moved back into position after the ocean currents moved them closer to the ongoing Tahiti Fete activities.

One of the policemen noted that during the course of the day, the pod did break up into several smaller groups before rejoining itself to a singular pod that appeared as a black "island" against the backdrop of the blue waters of Hanalei Bay.

Johnson said she got a call about 9:30 a.m., and armed with her binoculars, whale literature, including a whale identification chart, and notes, had spent most of the day observing the pod, her task made harder by having to field the numerous questions posed by curious spectators.

These beach-goers had a tendency to confuse the whales for dolphins, porpoises, and even sharks.

Theories as to why the pod had come inside the bay also varied with the most popular being that the RIMPAC exercises involved some highly secretive things that the military didn't want the public to know about, one spectator noting that you could hear a buzzing in the water every 15 seconds, and whenever the buzzing occurred, the pod would stir itself into activity.

Johnson, however, said that despite the pod being quite inactive, you could hear the whale sounds from the shoreline, an aspect that a young girl quickly acknowledged.

As the afternoon turned to evening, the pod began to migrate from its Pine Trees location to a spot just mauka of the Hanalei Pavilion at about 5 p.m. where spectators lined the grassy lawn to get a view of the pod as well as the promise of a beautiful sunset.

This migration created some anxiety for Johnson who "fidgeted" each time some of the pod's members would come uncomfortably close to the shoreline.

She was concerned about the pod beaching itself, along with other spectators who tried to anticipate what would happen should the pod try to beach itself.

Activity within the pod also stepped up at this point with several of the whales going through tail slaps and "spy hops," a behavior where a whale would lift itself out of the water as if to get a view of what was going on.

Jean Souza, director of the Kaua‘i office of the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, arrived shortly before the NOAA team of Dr. Robert Braun, as well as a staff of veterinarians, a beaching specialist, and Paul Newman, of the NOAA Enforcement division.

Following a quick assessment in the rapidly-fading light shortly before 8 p.m., Dr. Braun said that the melon head pods can reach sizes of about 600 members and the pod that was in the bay was not abnormal.

Answering questions from concerned spectators who quickly volunteered to help the task force, Dr. Braun said the pod's arrival could have been caused by several factors among which include biotoxins, algae blooms, or even a sick or dead member of the group. He said contact has been made with groups that have access to satellite photos of algae and chlorophyll in the oceans, and they are awaiting results of these inquiries.

Dr. Braun theorized that there may be one reason why the group arrived, and another reason why they're still here. He said that melon-heads use their heads to see, relying on their sonar system, and in trying to make their way out to open ocean, are "seeing" the keels of the boats anchored in the bay. "These are ‘bars' to them," he said.

Melon heads are "scaredy cats." They normally shy away from things, and in the open ocean, there is usually nothing in front of them. Now that they're in the bay, they "see" all kinds of barriers in front of them he explained.

However, with limited experience with melon head whale pods, Dr. Braun said the group's immediate concern was public safety.

"These critters are pretty powerful," Dr. Braun said. And, people can get hurt if they try to get the whales back in the water should a beaching occur.

"The pod can also attract sharks," Dr. Braun said. Another factor brought forward by the NOAA specialist was that the whales can carry diseases which can be transmitted to humans.

Working with the lifeguards, Department of Land and Natural Resource enforcement officers, and the Kaua‘i Police Department, a perimeter would be established to keep people at a safe distance while the team does further assessment of the situation. This perimeter would take into account the fact that many people want to enjoy the beach as part of their long July Fourth weekend.

Dr. Braun also explained that the animals' welfare was on their list of concerns, and his staff had already made arrangements to have tests worked on in cooperation with Wilcox Hospital, the group arriving with the necessary items needed to conduct medical tests.

Working with Newman of the NOAA Enforcement division, KPD officers assured the task force that they would be monitoring the situation throughout.

The NOAA beaching specialist who accompanied the task force here, the specialist knowing best what the group needed and how many people would be required to monitor the pod, would establish a volunteer corps of observers.

As the darkness of night enveloped the gathering on the beach, Dr. Braun said there is not much the group can do except keep an eye on the pod. "This can go on for a while," he said. "Or, they could just raise a fluke and say, ‘Aloha' and swim out."

On Sunday, with the reason for the inland migration still unclear, the NOAA task force in cooperation with community volunteers, the canoe clubs, and local fishermen attempted to shepherd the pod outside the bay starting shortly after 9 a.m. as several hundred spectators looked on, their interest piqued by news reports on the television news and newspapers.

Souza, who was on the scene Sunday, said the concern was that the task force leaders wanted to get the whales out to deeper water while they were still mobile.

The whales had not eaten since coming inside the bay Saturday, and Souza said the NOAA task force had ascertained the pod was a "mixed group" which meant it contained young calves as well as older individuals, raising concern for dehydration, especially for nursing mothers.

Since there were no carcasses that washed up overnight, the task force leaders assumed there were no dead or unhealthy whales.

Utilizing the beach morning glory vines, five canoes and about six kayaks entered the water along with a group from shore that utilized the "hukilau method."

Gently, and quietly, the operation nudged the pod further and further from shore until, just about an hour after starting, the pod was well outside the bay. As the yellow cautionary tapes were being removed, a pule by the community celebrated the success of the movement, and as a precautionary note, the NOAA task force would remain on scene for a few more hours to monitor the situation. As for the last such inland sighting, Dr. Braun said that a pod came in the 1870's in Hilo Bay. "And, the people there just drove them in, and ate them."

Dennis Fujimoto, photographer and staff writer, can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 253) and dfujimoto@pulitzer.net

Healthy monk seal released on Kauai

Honolulu Star-Bulletin Hawaii News
ANTHONY SOMMER / TSOMMER@STARBULLETIN.COM

Healthy monk seal released on Kauai

Independence Day was two days late for TT40, who was released from captivity yesterday morning at Salt Ponds Beach on Kauai's west shore. TT40 had a fish hook removed from his esophagus during a rare operation.



Marine biologists will track the animal's actions to monitor
any behavioral changes

By Anthony Sommer
tsommer@starbulletin.com
LIHUE >> State marine biologist Don Heacock said he saw a smile on Hawaiian monk seal TT40 after the animal was returned to the ocean at Salt Ponds Beach on Kauai after nearly a month of emergency medical care.

Biologists from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Coast Guard air crew members, who came down to the west Kauai beach to help unload TT40, were all smiles themselves yesterday.

Following a dramatic rescue, a flight to Oahu, and surgery to remove a fishhook lodged in his esophagus, TT40 was flown back to Kauai early yesterday and turned loose inside the reef. He carefully checked out the cove in which he had been set free, and then disappeared out to sea.

Heacock said it appears that the incident in which TT40 swallowed a large fishhook was an accident. Most fishermen will reel in their lines when they spot a seal, but TT40 was hooked by fishermen fishing at night for ulua.

"They didn't even see the seal," Heacock said.

TT40, a 20-year-old male weighing about 450 pounds, seen regularly around Kauai for the past several years, had been captured in Poipu on Feb. 18 and a satellite tag was placed on his back.

On June 4, he was seen near the Kilauea Lighthouse with a fishing line dangling from his mouth. The satellite tracker allowed biologists to track him. He was spotted on June 7 at Kappa, June 9 at Poipu, and finally at Waimea on June 10. The next day he was flown to Oahu by a coast Guard C-130.

Dr. Bob Braun, a contract NOAA veterinarian who estimates he has treated between 400 and 500 monk seals over 10 years, located the hook lodged in the esophagus near the seal's heart.

He decided it could only be removed by a type of surgery -- called a gastrotomy -- performed successfully only once before on a Hawaiian monk seal.

Charles Littnan, a NOAA ecologist, is responsible for tracking the seals fitted with satellite tags. The tags not only transmit the seal's position but send data on the depth and duration of their dives.

"Because we already have data on TT40's normal behavior prior to ingesting the hook, we plan to closely monitor his behavior now to see if it has changed," Littnan said.

The tag should keep transmitting for about five more months. People interesting in watching TT40's travels can see the tracking data from the seal on a NOAA Web site: www. pifsc.noaa.gov/pifsc_hot.html

Recovering monk seal returns to Kauai

KPUA.net - KPUA Hawaii News -
Recovering monk seal returns to Kauai
By Associated Press


(Honolulu-AP) -- An endangered Hawaiian monk seal has returned to Kauai three weeks after having surgery to remove a large fish hook.

The Coast Guard flew the seal, known as T-T-40, from Oahu to the Garden Island this morning.

The seal made a bee line for the ocean after scientists opened the door of his cage that was placed on the sand at an area called Salt Ponds near Hanapepe.

The seal was found off Kauai on June fourth with fishing line trailing from its mouth.

A team of veterinarians from California flew to Hawaii to assist with a nearly six-hour operation to remove the five-inch hook from the seal's esophagus.

(Copyright 2004 by the Associated Press. All rights reserved.) "

Hawaii's Fourth was shared with 200,000 visitors

Hawaii's Fourth was shared with 200,000 visitors
- 2004-07-07 - Pacific Business News (Honolulu)

Howard Dicus
More than 200,000 visitors were in Hawaii over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, based on airport arrival counts posted by the state Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism.

That's based on daily arrival figures over the past week, some of them tallied below. Not shown are arrivals for the last several days of June, which ran to about 24,000 arrivals per day. A typical Japanese visitor stays one week, but a typical visitor from the U.S. East stays more than two weeks, so the true tally may have been much higher than 200,000.

For the first five days of July, running from Thursday through Monday, arrivals were up on all islands. Both the Big Island and Kauai are getting roughly 100 more visitors per day than they did last summer. Maui is getting about 300 more visitors per day. Honolulu is getting about 1,500 more visitors a day when one counts rebounding Japanese arrivals.

Domestic arrivals by air for the first five days of July (year-before comparisons in parenthesis):

Honolulu: 62,688 (58,068).
Maui: 23,312 (21,519).
Big Island: 6,615 (5,811).
Kauai: 5,674 (4,793).
Total statewide: 101,279 (92,190).
International arrivals for the first five days of July (year-before comparisons in parenthesis):

From Japan: 25,137 (19,211).
From other countries: 3,339 (2,048).
Total international, excluding Canada: 28,476 (20,959).
A separate calculation of arrivals by air over the seven days ending July 5 showed traffic was 9 percent greater than in the same period last year. Japanese arrivals were up 35 percent. Mainland arrivals were up 3 percent.

The Fourth of July is actually a slow day for visitor arrivals by Hawaii standards. Domestic arrivals, for example, fell to 16,686 that day while running around 20,000 or greater most other days lately.

But going forward the tallies are likely to be affected by the new Pride of Aloha interisland cruises launched this week by Norwegian Cruise Line. The ship carries roughly 2,000 passengers per weekly trip and most of them will be from out of state.

Golf courses offer free rounds for girls

Golf courses offer free rounds for girls
- 2004-07-06 - Pacific Business News (Honolulu):

Golf courses on Maui and Kauai are among those marketing to young girls this week as part of a national effort to boost their interest in the sport.

Kaanapali Golf Courses on Maui are letting girls ages 17 and under play for free when accompanied by a paying adult through July 11.

The deal is available on a first-come, first-served basis between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. In addition, an hour-long clinic is planned for Saturday, July 10, beginning at 9 a.m.

The Puakea Golf Course on Kauai is offering the same deal. The only difference is that its free clinic for girls will be on Friday, July 9, starting at 10:30 a.m.

Both deals are part of the National Golf Course Owners Association's "take your daughter to the course week" initiative.

Surfing World focused on Billabong Pro

Surfers village news:
Surfing World focused on Billabong Pro
Jeffreys Bay 04



Andy Irons, ratings leader : photo ASPWorldtour/Ellis


Billabong Pro

ASP World Championship Tour event 5/12
Jeffreys Bay-South Africa
13 - 23 July 2004

Surfing World Focused On J-Bay

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 06 July 2004: - - Tuesday, July 6, 2004 (ASP Int’l, Australia) The eyes of the surfing world will be firmly fixed on Jeffreys Bay, South Africa, next week as the world’s best surfers converge for the US $260,000 Billabong Pro. The fifth of 12 events on the 2004 Foster’s men’s ASP World Championship Tour (WCT), ‘J-Bay’ follows a months’ break, leaving competitors hungry to be let loose on one of the world’s premier righthand point breaks.

Supertubes, the venue for the 20th edition of what has become Africa’s most prestigious and lucrative surfing tournament, is universally acknowledged as one of the planet’s top 10 high performance waves.

Add the talent of the world’s 45 highest ranked surfers, including reigning two-time world surfing champion Andy Irons (Kauai, HAWAII) and former six-time world champ and defending Billabong Pro winner Kelly Slater (FL, USA) - whose year long duel for the 2003 world crown produced arguably the most exciting title chase in the 28 year history of surfing’s world tour – and you get a sense of the show brewing.



Kelly Slater 2003 event champion : photo ASPWorldtour/Ellis

Former event winners Mark Occhilupo (1984), Joel Parkinson (1999) and Jake Paterson (2000 & 2001) - all Australians, will be back to try and emulate their previous triumphs. Slater meanwhile, will be doing his best to repeat his legendary feats of last year when he produced one of the greatest sequences of sustained contest surfing ever witnessed to clinch a second Supertubes title to go with the inaugural crown he won in 1997.

At 38, surfing phenomenon Mark Occhilupo (Gold Coast) is the oldest WCT competitor. The ‘Raging Bull’ is currently the highest ranked Australian surfer at no.4 in the world behind Irons, Slater, and fellow Floridian CJ Hobgood.

“I am definitely in a good position for this time of year and at this time of my life,” reasoned Occhilupo. “Hopefully J-Bay will be kind to me this year, my free surfing at J-Bay is good and I feel like it should be one of my best events. I had a quarterfinal finish last year after a tight heat with Kelly. I just hope it’s pumping this year.”

The 45 WCT campaigners, including South African Greg Emslie, will be joined in the 48-man format by three wildcards who are determined by the Von Zipper Wildcard Trials staged on the first day the contest is called.



Mark Occhilupo (2003 event) : photo ASPWorldtour/Karen

The VZ Trials will be contested by South Africans Sean Holmes (Wilderness), J-Bay local Ryan Payne and the 2002 ISA world junior champion and runner-up, Durbanites Warwick Wright and Ricky Basnett respectively, as well as SA juniors Damien Fahrenfort and Jordy Smith.

They will be against four international Billabong team riders in Bede Durbidge (Aus) and Portugal’s Tiago Pires, along with newcomers TJ Barron from Hawaii and Norimasa Ohno – the first Japanese surfer to compete in the event. The top surfer in each of the five man heats, plus the highest scoring second placed competitor, automatically earn a spot in the prestigious Billabong Pro, where they will be matched up against the top three seeds in the first round.

Holmes has become one of the most feared wildcards, following the past two years of qualifying for the Billabong Pro and then defeating #1 seed and reigning world champion Andy Irons (Haw) and a number of the other top 45 rated surfers, finishing fifth overall in 2002 and ninth last year.



Sean Holmes (2003 event) : photo ASPWorldtour/Tostee

“It’s a great honor to be given another chance in the Von Zipper Trials,” said a humble Holmes, a two-time SA open surfing champion who reached the final of the ISA World Surfing Games in Ecuador in March. “Hopefully a couple of us can earn wildcards and fly the SA flag in the Billabong Pro.”

Unfortunately some members of the top 45 will be absent from the draw. 2002 Billabong Pro winner Mick Fanning (Gold Coast, AUS) recently injured his hamstring, and Floridian Shea Lopez continues to recover from the knee injury he suffered at the late last season competing at Pipeline. Replacing them are Luke Hitchings (Bronte, AUS) and Troy Brooks (Gold Coast, AUS).

World #7 Kieren Perrow (Byron Bay, AUS) and wife Danielle are expecting the birth of their first child any day, so should he elect to withdraw later this week, Shane Powell (Avoca, AUS) will be offered the spot.



Taj Burrow (2003 event) : photo ASPWorldtour/Ellis

Meanwhile, Nathan Hedge (Narrabeen, AUS) is again primed for action after dislocating his shoulder in the final of the Billabong Pro Teahupoo event in Tahiti, and fellow Narrabeen surfer Chris Davidson has also recovered from his foot injury. Similarly, Californian Shane Beschen returns after the knee injury he incurred on Australia’s Gold Coast at the start of the season.

The Billabong Pro boasts an 11 day window, yet only requires four full days of competition to determine a champion in the best possible conditions.

All the action from the Billabong Pro will be streamed live on the Internet at www.billabongpro.com. These productions include three camera angles, live commentary in English, Spanish and Portuguese, up to the minute scoring, replays of rides, a fan club and email messages from around the planet broadcast over the event PA system and the web.

Volunteers asked to continue work

Kauai Garden Island News:
Volunteers asked to continue work
By Lester Chang — The Garden Island

The maintenance of the $5-million Lihu‘e Gateway project to beautify roads leading to the Lihu‘e Airport will continue to fall on the shoulders of hundreds of volunteers and sponsoring businesses until July 2005.



During a meeting at the Lihu‘e Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall Wednesday evening, Steve Kyono, who heads the state Department of Transportation Highways Division on Kaua‘i, told 40 volunteers that shift may not occur until July 2005.

A volunteer attending the meeting said Kyono asked volunteers to continue to maintain their plots until next July.

He said Kyono hoped to secure funding from the state Legislature by that time to take over the maintenance of the beautification project along Kapule Highway and Ahukini Road, a total of six miles.

DOT spokesman Scott Ishikawa said department leaders are "going to sit down and look at how to handle this project in-house for the time being."

"Funding is all around pretty tight at this point. So we are going to make due with some in-house maintenance until we chase some more funding," Ishikawa said from his office in Honolulu.

For fiscal year 2005-2006, DOT leaders will be lobbying for $200,000 to do the maintenance work, Ishikawa said.

The volunteers were informally told two years ago by county officials that their duties would end this summer, at which time state DOT officials would increase their maintenance responsibilities.

Kapule Highway and Ahukini Road are both state roadways.

The county-supported project has become a source of civic pride for business folks, residents and volunteers, and has served as a marketing tool to welcome and bid farewell to visitors.

Related to DOT's pending plans to take over the care of the project, a volunteer said Mayor Bryan J. Baptiste, who attended the meeting, asked DOT officials to provide documentation ensuring the department would assume control of the project by July 2005.

Kyono agreed to that condition, a volunteer told The Garden Island.

By July 2005, volunteers will have taken care of the project for three years, and by that time, volunteers should have the right to end their involvement with the project if they choose to do so, some county officials said.

To lighten the load of the volunteers, Kyono announced his division would ask the state DOT's Highways Division to take care of three rock walls and accompanying vegetation at the intersection of Kapule Highway and the Ahukini Road.

Ishikawa said the DOT Airports Division has hired an additional maintenance person who will be assigned to work on that project.

Kyono also said state work crews will use different equipment to mow grassy areas, to bring a more manicured look to the project's mix of shrubs, flowers and trees.

Some volunteers welcomed the news from the DOT, and recommitted themselves to the project for another year.

County officials thanked volunteers who were willing to continue the work.

Among those who have said they would continue the work are Bill Brede of Anahola; James Oyadomari of Lihu‘e; Joe Kua; Rudy Sina, a Waimea High School Pacific Asian affairs advisor; the Alquiza family from Hanapepe; Kauai Filipino Community Council and Kauai Nursery & Landscaping.

Other volunteers attending the meeting said they couldn't give a clear answer as to whether they would continue with the project. They said they needed to confer with others from their organizations before making a decision.

The project was developed with $4 million in federal funds and $1 million in matching county funds in the form of volunteer work.

When she was mayor, Maryanne Kusaka secured the funding, pledging "sweat-equity" in the form of volunteerism as part of the county's matching share for the federal funds. The project has won national attention.

Had the small army of volunteers not maintained the project for the past two years, the county might have had to pay back some of the federal funds used for the project.

Some critics have said the large project, which involves care of 143 plots, has not and cannot be properly maintained by volunteers, and that professional landscaping services are needed.

But Eddie Sarita, manager of the Kauai War Memorial Convention Hall and coordinator of the beautification project, said that while not all the volunteers and groups have come forward to help, most have, and their efforts have kept the project alive.

Kauai Nursery & Landscaping in Puhi, the largest landscaping company on the island, won the contract to develop the project, and maintained it from 2000 to 2002 before the project was turned over to the county.

Lester Chang, staff writer, may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 225)

Pride of Aloha sails into interisland service

Pride of Aloha sails into interisland service
- 2004-07-05 - Pacific Business News (Honolulu)

Maggie Inouye didn't have to physically wield the champagne bottle. The wife of Sen. Daniel Inouye pulled a switch and the bottle, released, swung into the side of the Pride of Aloha to christen the 70,000-ton vessel that will be deployed permanently in the Hawaiian Islands.

It looked like an old-fashioned Boat Day at Pier 40, thanks to the presence of hula dancers, the Honolulu Boys Choir and the Royal Hawaiian Band. The Aloha Tower hasn't changed a bit. There were even swimmers on hand, though Matson Lines films of the 1940s showed young men swimming to welcome their vessels, while the swimmers this time were security personnel in wet suits.

The Pride of Aloha then sailed for Kauai. It will sail seven-day itineraries visiting all four main islands and giving passengers up to 96 hours in port. Ports of call include: Honolulu; an overnight in Nawiliwili; Hilo; Kona; and an overnight in Kahului.

Built in 1999, the Pride of Aloha just underwent a renovation, took on a crew of U.S. citizens about 50 percent of whom are Hawaii residents, and sneaked in a pair of West Coast cruises and a cruise to Hawaii that took in all the islands before arriving in Honolulu for the Sunday christening ceremony.

It has been two generations since any ocean-going cruise liner has flown the American flag. Norwegian Cruise Line agreed to hire American crews and work by U.S. rules in return for exemption from a law that makes foreign-flagged cruise ships make at least one non-U.S. port call. The Pride of Aloha can thus skip the lengthy side trip NCL's other locally-based vessel pays to the Republic of Kiribati. This will enable the Pride to get in so many more Hawaiian cruises that it will be able to cover the added costs of operating under American labor laws.

Norwegian Cruise Line, despite its name, is based in Miami and owned by Star Cruises of Malaysia. It is the third biggest cruise company, though a fraction the size of number two Royal Caribbean, which in turn is a fraction the size of number one Carnival Corp. Star Chairman Tan Sri K.T. Lim attended the Sunday christening.

Official comments:

Sen. Daniel Inouye: "I am pleased to have sponsored legislation that led to the return of the U.S. flag to passenger cruise ship operations in the United States, and especially in Hawaii."
Gov. Linda Lingle: "The year round porting of this ship in Honolulu demonstrates NCL America's confidence in Hawaii as a visitor destination."
Rep. Neil Abercrombie: "Having a U.S. flag ship operating among our islands will have vital long-term economic benefits."
U.S. Maritime Administrator William Schubert: "The revival of oceangoing U.S.-flag cruising is great news for the U.S. Merchant Marine."
Seafarers International Union President Mike Sacco: "We're all in this together, and I'm 100 percent confident that we're going to succeed."
The Pride of Aloha is a 2,000-passenger ship and is projected to annually generate more than $275 million in expenditures, $199 million in direct and indirect wages and salaries, $42 million in federal tax revenues, and nearly 7,000 jobs. NCL announced Friday that the other ship it intends to use in all-Hawaii service, the brand-new Pride of America, will be delivered June 6, 2005.

MSDF conducts missile interception drill in RIMPAC

Japan Today - News -
- Japan's Leading International News Network
MSDF conducts missile interception drill in RIMPAC

Monday, July 5, 2004 at 12:57 JST
HONOLULU - Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force conducted a missile interception drill Sunday as part of a biennial series of U.S.-led multinational naval exercises in waters off Hawaii.
In the drill for the ongoing RIMPAC 2004, three Japanese destroyers - the Haruna, Asakaze and Inazuma - navigated in tandem in a U.S. military training area some 100 kilometers northwest of Kauai Island. (Kyodo News)"

New security at state harbors

2004-06-30 - Pacific Business News (Honolulu):
New security at state harbors

New security measures will go into effect Thursday at all state harbors and ports. Users will have to show government-issued identification at the entrance gate; regular users will get state-issued identification. The new rules are in keeping with the federal Maritime Transportation Security Act.

"Just as how our airports had to make the transition with new security measures, we will put in similar measures at our harbors," said Rod Haraga, state director of transportation.

The security check is expected to take 15 to 30 minutes and could include a vehicle or individual search as well.

People who have to enter secured portions of the harbor have to have completed maritime security awareness training.

The harbors impacted by these measures are: Honolulu, Kalaeloa and Kewalo Basin on Oahu; Hilo and Kawaihae on the Big Island; Kahului on Maui; and Nawiliwili on Kauai.

RIP CURL GROMSEARCH KICKS OFF IN FRONT OF SELL OUT CROWD!

Surfers village news:
RIP CURL GROMSEARCH KICKS OFF IN FRONT OF SELL OUT CROWD!

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 01 July 2004: - - The Rip Curl Gromsearch 2004 Tour kicked off yesterday in Pacific Beach, CA to an army of groms ready to slash, bash, and do whatever it takes to bring home a Gromsearch victory. The sold out event was welcomed by fun 2-4ft lefthanders that pealed off the Crystal Pier, perfect for any grom to blow up in. Groms marched in from as far as Hawaii, North Carolina, Virginia, and Florida to surf the prestigious event. Some of the best talent the Rip Curl Gromsearch has ever seen went down throughout the event, and the results reflect it.

Groms came out of the gate with a bang as the clean early morning conditions gave way to some of the most explosive surfing seen in years. In the 12 & Under division groms battled it out all day, however it was a select few that were able to rise to the occasion. Ripping his way through solid left-handers and landing a 6th place finish was JD McFaden. Pushing his way to a solid 5th place finish was Rip Curl’s own, Levi Yunwiyah out Kauai, HI. Securing a solid 4th place finish and utilizing the unusual right handers toward the pier was Nat Young out of Santa Cruz. Advancing on in third and securing himself a spot in the Rip Curl Gromsearch National Championship was Nick Rupp. Battling it out for first place were the two powerhouses of the 12 & Under division, Taylor Brothers and David Price. Both went head to head slashing explosive maneuvers on the outside, then connected multiple hits onto the inside reform. In the end they both secured spots in the National Championship however, it was Taylor Brothers who edged out David Price for the victory.

Moving into the highly contested 14 & under division the competition went neck and neck all day. The groms came for fame; however, only a few were able to show what it takes to be a Rip Curl Gromsearch Finalist. Michael Van Meirlo crushed lips all day long and it paid off as he landed himself a 6th place finish. Coming in fifth and throwing down cutbacks in style was Eric Templeton. 4th place went to the solid maneuvers of Derek Wong as Michael Dunphy powered home his 3rd place finish and a trip to the National Championships. Jeff Lukasik secured himself a 2nd place finish and a trip to the National Championships. Taking the win and also securing a National’s spot was Tyler Newton.

The big boys of the 16 & Under division took competition to a new level as they busted out some of the most technical maneuvers seen all day in their action packed final event. Each competitor looked like a champ in this division; nonetheless, it was Nathan Hink securing 6th place, Jason Harris bringing home 5th, and Rip Curl’s own Leandro Usuna taking the 4th place finish. Rising above with consecutive combo-maneuvers was Daniel Blasee who secured 3rd. Battling it out for the victory was Torrey Meister and Stu Cornuelle. Both showcased explosive maneuvers; however it was Torrey Meister who had the crowd on their feet. Torrey busted out a clean 180-air reverse that he connected with multiple big hits all the way to shore. Needless to say, Stu took the bull by the horns and answered back with pro-like turns on countless waves. In the end Stu pushed his way to the 16 & Under Division Victory.

The young ladies stormed the pier in hopes of taking the crown in the women’s 16 & Under division. The girls turned heads on the pier as the punished waves all throughout the event. The elite crew found in the final were Kristi Rife taking 6th place, Alison Perry holding down the 5th place spot, and Jenna Sussex securing 4th. Handling her own with a 3rd place finish and executing plenty of solid turns was last year’s Girls 16 & Under Champion, Caity Griffin. Moving on in second was Lacey Pfilbsen and securing the win was Rip Curl’s own Alana Blanchard out of Kauai, HI. ( Top 3 finalists invited out to Rip Curl Gromsearch National Championship.

There was one more star of the day that had the crowd on their feet and one who brought tears to some peoples eyes. His name is Ian Osten and he came to us from the Make A Wish Foundation. Thanks to Robbie Nelson of Happy Barrels Surf Instruction, Ian was able to not only surf for the first time, but also able to compete for the first time in front of a sold out crowd. Right on Ian!

With sponsorship partners Surfing Magazine, SG Mag, Surfline.com, FCS, Surf One Skateboards, Sticky Bumps, and ADD Marketing & Advertising the Rip Curl Gromsearch is bigger and better than ever. Every Gromsearch competitor comes away stoked on the event!

The Commencement of Rip Curl’s 2004 Gromsearch season will be at the Gromsearch National Final being held at Salt Creek in Dana Point, CA on November 6th. The Rip Curl Gromsearch National Final boasts the culmination of the best groms in the nation going head to head in hopes of winning the prestigious Rip Curl Gromsearch Title. However, it doesn’t stop there….This year’s top National Finalist will be invited out to the Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach, Australia for the first ever 2005 International Gromsearch Final!

Check out all Rip Curl Gromsearch highlights on ripcurl.com, surfingthemag.com, and sgmag.com. Also be on the lookout for Gromsearch tour coverage in upcoming issues of Surfing Magazine and SG Mag.

Event #2 will take place at 9th street in Huntington Beach on Thursday, July 1st. Check in starts at 7:30AM! See you there!

Final Results of Event #1 – June 29th, Pacific Beach, CA.

Girls 16 & Under
1) Alana Blanchard – Kauai, HI
2) Lacey Pfilbsen – Vista, CA
3) Caity Griffin – Cardiff, CA
4) Jenna Sussex – San Clemente, CA
5) Alison Perry – Encinitas, CA
6) Kristi Rife – San Diego, CA

Mens 16 & Under
1) Stu Cornuelle – Honolulu, HI
2) Torrey Meister – Hawaii
3) Daniel Blasee – N/A
4) Leandro Usuna – La Jolla, CA
5) Jason Harris – Huntington Beach, CA
6) Nathan Hinck – San Diego, CA

Mens 14 & Under
1) Tyler Newton – Hawaii
2) Jeff Lukasik – San Clemente, CA
3) Michael Dunphy – Virginia Beach, VA
4) Derek Wong – HawaiiHonolulu, HI
5) Erik Templeton – N/A
6) Michael Van Mierlo – San Clemente, CA

Mens 12 & Under
1) Taylor Brothers – N/A
2) David Price – San Clemente, CA
3) Nick Rupp – North Carolina
4) Nat Young – Santa Cruz, CA
5) Levi Yunwiyah – Kauai, HI
6) JD McFaden – Oceanside, CA

CinemaWorks Signs Major Resort in Kauai, Hawaii

PrimeZone's News Room:
Source: Cinema Internet Networks Inc.
CinemaWorks Signs Major Resort in Kauai, Hawaii

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 30, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Cinema Internet Networks Inc. (d.b.a. "CinemaWorks") (TSX-V:CWK) (Pink Sheets:CWKNF), a Canadian provider of Internet equipment and services specializing in the hospitality market, recently signed an agreement to install its highspeed Internet access at the Radisson Kauai, a 347-room luxurious beach front ocean resort.

The Radisson Kauai Beach Resort, a luxury oceanfront resort, is situated on 25 lushly landscaped acres on Kauai's longest exploring and strolling beach extending for over 3 miles. Surrounded by exotic lagoons, cascading waterfalls and a lush tropical setting, the resort offers a central location for business conferences, meetings and holidays. The resort is located close to the Lihue Airport, shopping and championship golf, and all of Kauai's great activities & adventures. The Radisson Kauai is ranked as one of the best beach resorts in the United States.

Whether on vacation, honeymoon, or attending a meeting or business trip, visitors have enjoyed the tranquil and beautiful beach resort atmosphere, great island activities, impeccable resort and meeting facilities, and fine dining at the Radisson Kauai.

Bill Massey, President of CinemaWorks, noted: "CinemaWorks is excited to install and operate its first resort hotel in the state of Hawaii. This hotel will hopefully represent the first of many of our future installations in the Aloha state. To accommodate the needs of as many guests as possible, the Company will provide a combination of wired and wireless access to the hotel's guestrooms and covering over 24,000 square feet of conference and meeting areas. The major hotel operators today recognize the importance of providing the capability and convenience for the hotel guests to stay in touch with their offices and families."

CinemaWorks will be participating in a revenue-sharing arrangement for this installation.

Cinema Internet Networks Inc. (d.b.a. CinemaWorks) is a public company incorporated in Canada that provides high speed Internet services to approximately 15,000 hotels rooms in its network of over 50 hotels throughout North America. The Company focuses its business strategy in the three main areas of: 1) value-added high-speed (broadband) Internet equipment and services; 2) wireless broadband Internet services; and 3) VoIP technology and support services for the hospitality market.

For further information, please contact the investor relations representative of the company, IR Unlimited Services Inc. at 1-888-374-0777, email info@irunlimited.com, or visit our website for a list of the Company's high speed Internet installations at www.cinemaworks.com.