Month: October 2018

kamaainas 

Statement on FTA response to Oahu rail funding deadlines

Linda Hohnholz - editor
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) today responded in writing to both Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell and Council Chair Ernest Y. Martin, to clarify the funding requirements and deadlines for the rail project (see attached letter). The letter formalizes most of the points made in a telephone conference call on Wednesday morning, October 24, in particular that the $44 million in city funds must be fully available to use for rail, with... Read More

The Hotel Strike Must go on

Juergen Steinmetz
Local 5 issued the following statement Friday night : Local 5 members have worked hard since the end of our contract in July to initiate a productive discussion with management about the core issues affecting our industry. We took a step forward tonight. There is a significant distance remaining, but we know that we’re walking with a strong community of workers and allies.Our strike will continue until further notice. Our picket lines remain strong... Read More
kamaainas 

One month left to apply for SBA disaster loans

Linda Hohnholz - editor
Director Tanya N. Garfield of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Disaster Field Operations Center-West today reminded Hawaii private nonprofit organizations of the Nov. 26, 2018, deadline to apply for an SBA federal disaster loan for property damage caused by Hurricane Lane that occurred Aug. 22-29, 2018. Private nonprofits that provide essential services of a governmental nature are eligible for assistance. According to Garfield, eligible private nonprofits of any size may apply for SBA federal disaster loans of up... Read More
Global news for Hawaii 

The 2018 Hawaii Global Tourism Summit

Juergen Steinmetz
The 2018 Hawaii Global Tourism Summit concluded on October 3 despite the management challenges at the Hawaii Tourism Authority. The remaining HTA staff rose to the occasion and produced a stellar annual event. With a theme of Charting the Course, the event presented a variety of exceptional national and international keynote speakers who addressed “the ever-present need of destinations and travel suppliers to continuously balance the power of tourism’s popularity globally... Read More
kamaainas 

Creative Lab Hawaii announces immersive program fellows to attend prestigious American Film Market

Linda Hohnholz - editor
Strengthening industry access for Hawaii’s creative entrepreneurs, the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism’s (DBEDT) Creative Industries Division (CID) announces selected fellows of the Creative Lab Hawaii (CLH) Immersive Program who will participate in the world’s largest motion picture business event at the 2018 American Film Market (AFM). Hosting professionals from across the globe looking to establish partnerships and strike film deals in every stage of development and production, the... Read More
kamaainas Hawaii Tourism News 

Hawaii Tourism Authority In Transition: Growth Down, but Not Out

Scott Foster
Hawaii Travel and Tourism's future is on questionable grounds. The visitor's industry in the U.S. State of Hawaii is the number one industry and is banking on the Aloha Spirit to make Hawaii this special place in the world. Because of the looming local and national elections and the many recent dramatic international and local events (two near-miss Hawaii hurricanes, major flooding and the Hawaii Island Kilauea volcano eruptions), many important... Read More
Global news for Hawaii Hawaii Tourism News kamaainas 

Hawaii Governors Candidate Addresses Prominent Business Organization

Scott Foster
Representative Andria Tupola was the guest speaker at the October, 2018, meeting of the Hawaii Tourism Wholesalers Association (HTWA). The group’s interest in hearing the Republican candidate for Governor speak in person was to learn more about her positions on several issues particularly important to the tourism industry. These include her willingness to work towards amending the “ship-build” part of the Jones Act and, in this era of overtourism, repositioning the... Read More
Hawaii Tourism News kamaainas News for Visitors 

How safe is tourism in Waikiki? Drive-by shooting shocks visitors

Linda Hohnholz - editor
The search for a gunman continues in Sunday's Waikiki shooting. Honolulu police are still on the hunt for a gunman who shot an 18-year-old in Waikiki. That man went to the hospital in serious condition on Sunday night after police and emergency medical technicians responded at around 9:30 p.m. The island of Oahu and Waikiki is becoming a more dangerous tourism destination with more frequent shootings and murders in Waikiki and... Read More
Hawaii Tourism News News for Visitors 

Polynesian Culture Center now 55 years old

Juergen Steinmetz
Today, the Polynesian Cultural Center is celebrating its 55th anniversary, marked by its continuing commitment to showcase the traditions, arts, music and cultures of Polynesia and its people. “Fifty-five years ago, the Polynesian Cultural Center embarked on a journey our founders envisioned as a uniquely rare opportunity to educate the world about the magnificent people of Polynesia,” said Alfred Grace, president and CEO of the Polynesian Cultural Center. “We celebrate this... Read More
Hawaii ID kamaainas 

Hawaii County granted driver’s license to woman wearing headscarf

Linda Hohnholz - editor
The County of Hawaii granted a REAL ID compliant driver’s license to a Muslim woman wearing a headscarf in the license photograph on April 18, 2018, after ascertaining the most recent Federal guidelines for identification. The woman, identified as Laycie Tobosa, received a REAL ID compliant driver’s license from the Hilo office of the Hawaii County Vehicle Registration and Licensing Division (VRL). Initially, the County followed the REAL ID requirements in... Read More
Muslim women kamaainas 

ACLU of Hawaii warns driver’s license officials: Discrimination against Muslim women violates First Amendment

Linda Hohnholz - editor
The ACLU of Hawaii (ACLU) has sent a demand letter to County of Hawai’i government offices that oversee the issuance of motor vehicle licenses for the county (”Hawaii County DMV”). The letter details the unconstitutional 18-week ordeal that Hilo resident and local small business owner Laycie Tobosa endured to renew her county-issued driver’s license simply because she is a practicing Muslim. The letter also demands that the Hawaii County DMV change... Read More
Hawaii Tourism News 

Request a pilot next time when calling Charley’s taxi in Honolulu

Juergen Steinmetz
Do you prefer a pilot to drive you in Honolulu? It's not another tourist attraction, or is it? To request a pilot next time you need a taxi, call Charley’s Taxi at 808-233-3333. In some countries, taxi drivers have to be able to control their cars on ice. There is no problem with ice on Hawai's roads, but Hawaii has some of the roughest roads in the United States, and floodings... Read More