Defense Department Report, February 25: Missile Defense Update

Defense Department Report, February 25: Missile Defense Update

Defense Department Report, February 25: Missile Defense Update

Missile Defense Agency says its theater test worked as planned
The Missile Defense Agency announced the successful test of its ballistic missile defense technology on February 24.
The agency said this was the fifth successful interceptor test result out of six attempts. A Navy Standard Missile 3 (SM-3) was launched from a Ticonderoga-class cruiser equipped with the Aegis combat system in the Pacific Ocean February 24. The SM-3 successfully intercepted a short-range ballistic missile launched from a missile test range in Kauai, 160 kilometers away in Hawaii.
The test successfully demonstrated the hit-to-kill technology that is required for the theater ballistic component of the broader, layered missile defense program. The SM-3 is designed to destroy hostile short- to medium-range ballistic missiles.
In his February 17 testimony to the House Armed Services Committee, Navy Secretary Gordon England said a viable regional and terminal sea-based ballistic missile defense system is important to ensure the protection of U.S. forces when they are required to pass through foreign ports and airfields. "Sea-based missile defense can also allow us to assist allies and friends while at the same time deterring coercion and threats," he said. Ten SM-3 missiles are scheduled for deployment on navy ships by the end of the year and another 20 by 2007."

"Disney to open new park - Yellowstone

News 8 Austin | 24 Hour Local News | TOP STORIES | Disney to open new park - Yellowstone: "Disney to open new park - Yellowstone
2/19/2005 12:14 PM
By: Associated Press

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Hawaii and Yellowstone could be Disney's newest theme parks.
Disney is thinking of expanding its vacation business by offering weeklong-guided tours through the wilds of Wyoming and Hawaii.
The theme-park giant will run 15 tours this summer. Prices will range from $5,600 to $7,800 for a family of four, not including airfare.
The tours are titled "Escape to Paradise" and "Quest for the West."
Promotional materials promise surfing lessons and volcano tours on the Hawaiian islands of Oahu and Kauai, and horseback rides through Wyoming's cowboy country of Jackson Hole, Grand Teton and Yellowstone.
Disney says Mickey Mouse and other costumed characters would appear only in a very controlled setting, if they appear it all.
One expert in the business says the tours could appeal to families who want to get close to nature, but not too close. "

Kauai tax rollback

Honolulu Star-Bulletin News /2005/02/18/

Kauai tax rollback
overturned

The group behind the property
tax measure passed by voters
vows to appeal the ruling

By Jeannie McCabe
Special to the Star-Bulletin

LIHUE » Circuit Judge George Masuoka has nullified a Kauai County Charter amendment on tax reform for resident homeowners passed by voters in 2004.

The amendment would have returned property taxes for resident homeowners to 1998-1999 levels and mandated annual increases at a fixed rate.

Deputy County Attorney Carmen Wong applauded yesterday's ruling by Masuoka. "No one disputes the need for tax relief," she said, "but it has to be done in an orderly way, with care."

But Walter Lewis, spokesman for Kauai Ohana, which proposed the amendment, said, "We intend to appeal promptly and vigorously to the Hawaii Supreme Court to reverse the Circuit Court's opinion and to protect the interests of the many Kauai citizens who will be affected by the decision."

Frustrated by escalating property taxes, the Kauai Ohana got the Charter amendment on the November ballot. After voters overwhelmingly signaled approval, Mayor Bryan Baptiste and the County Council issued a statement saying they would implement the amendment.

But county attorneys perceived the amendment as unconstitutional, arguing that the state Constitution says tax policy and reform are the responsibility of county government, not residents. County attorneys then took the unusual step of seeking a motion against the mayor, the director of finance and County Council.

Wong said she hoped the county government could now move forward and seek equitable relief.

Mayor Bryan Baptiste concurred. "The lawsuit has never been about providing tax relief to the people of Kauai. It has been about the appropriateness of using a Charter amendment to affect the real property tax system."

Four members of Kauai Ohana petitioned the court as intervenors speaking for homeowner residents. Lewis, Ming Fang, Monroe Richman and Gordon Smith argued the validity of the amendment.

Council Chairman Bill "Kaipo" Asing expressed relief that the suit is over. "The court's ruling reminds both the Council and the administration that our sworn duty demands that we uphold the state Constitution. ... We must arrive to balance the obligation of providing services for this county in the best interest of the entire community."

But Kauai Ohana feels it is only the beginning, and intends to pursue the issue. "If we don't, it will cause great damage to the county," said Richman.

For Wong it is time to get busy "and find equitable tax relief for all our citizens.

"It has to be fair for everyone. As Judge Masuoka said when he made his decision, 'One cannot do indirectly what one cannot do directly.'"

Hawaii hotel occupancy 81%

Hawaii hotel occupancy 81% - 2005-02-18 - Pacific Business News (Honolulu)

Hawaii hotel occupancy 81%

Hawaii hotels were 81 percent full on the week of Feb. 6-12, down 7.2 percent from the same period last year but well up from 72.5 percent the week before.

Room rates across the state were, on average, up 6.5 percent from year-before levels overall, Hospitality Advisors LLC reported.
Around the islands:
Oahu: 86.3 percent, down 5.5 percentage points from a year ago. Average room rate was $145.52, up 10.3 percent.
Maui: 81.9 percent, down 4.4 points from a year ago. Average room rate was $202.49, down 1.7 percent.
Kauai: 70.1 percent, down 16.1 points from a year ago. Average room rate was $201.16, up 7.3 percent.
Big Island: 67.8 percent, down 13.5 points from a year ago. Average room rate was $174.22, up 15 percent.
The national occupancy rate for the same period was 59.1 percent, down 3.3 points from a year ago, with average room rates up 3 percent to about $92 a night.
Selected other destinations:
Los Angeles: 76.8 percent, down 3.5 points from a year ago. Average room rate was $106.05, down 1.2 percent.
Orlando: 84.7 percent, up 11.7 points from a year ago. Average room rate was $109.26, up 7.5 percent.
San Diego: 66.7 percent, down 18.0 points from a year ago. Average room rate was $119.15, up 3.2 percent. "

North American Air to add Kauai, Kona flights

North American Air to add Kauai, Kona flights - 2005-02-18 - Pacific Business News (Honolulu)

North American Air to add Kauai, Kona flights

North American Airlines, which last fall began flying from Oakland to Honolulu and Kahului, will add flights from Oakland to Kona and Lihue this spring.

The discount carrier, founded in 1989 by former Civil Aeronautics Board Chairman Dan McKinnon, will launch its service to the Big Island on April 3 and to Kauai on April 8, the company said late Thursday.
This raises from six to nine flights a week the amount of Oakland service the airline has to Hawaii. It will fly to Lihue on Fridays, to Kona on Sundays, and to Honolulu and Maui on other days.
'Visits to the Big Island and Kauai account for more than 30 percent of domestic visitors to Hawaii,' NAA Sales Vice President Peter Bogovich said. 'We are very pleased to be able to serve these four islands now.'
North American says its Oahu and Maui fares are 40 percent below those of other airlines and that the new service will be 30 percent below rival fares. "