H1N1 Virus Information as Related to Hawaii

Aloha Kakou:


Here is the latest information regarding the swine flu, aka H1N1 virus.


This information comes from the Hawaii Civil Defense authorities. Please note that there are no confirmed cases of this virus in Hawaii as of this date and time.



· Updated information on the national and international situation can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website: www.cdc.gov/swineflu
· CDC has issued a travel health warning that recommends against nonessential travel to Mexico: http://www.cdc.gov/travel/
· There are no travel advisories or warnings regarding travel in the U.S.
· The World Health Organization (WHO) today raised its alert level from 4 to 5 indicating that a global outbreak of the new virus is imminent.
· However, “WHO advises no restriction of regular travel or closure of borders. It is considered prudent for people who are ill to delay international travel and for people developing symptoms following international travel to seek medical attention, in line with guidance from national authorities.”

Situation in Hawai‘i
· There are no confirmed cases of the H1N1 virus (swine flu) in Hawai‘i at this time.
· Two people in Hawai‘i are being tested for the H1N1 virus, but none have been confirmed.
· Physicians statewide have been asked to be on the watch for the H1N1 virus in patients.
· There are on-going health surveillance and diagnostic protocols in place at Honolulu International Airport for all incoming flights. This program has been expanded to the neighbor islands of Maui, Kauai and the Island of Hawaii.
· According to the State Department of Health, Hawai‘i’s active H1N1 (swine flu) airport screening procedures exceed what the CDC is calling for at this time.
· For more information go to the Hawai‘i Department of Health website: http://www.state.hi.us/doh/

Should I come to Hawai‘i as planned?
· Yes. There are no travel advisories or warnings about travel in the United States.
· [See bullets above under “Situation in Hawai‘i”

What should I do?
· To minimize your chances of catching or transmitting any kind of flu, practice good personal hygiene including:
o Wash your hands frequently
o Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze and encourage others to do the same.
o Avoid close contact with persons who are coughing or otherwise appear ill
· If you are sick with flu-like symptoms, contact a doctor.
· If you have questions about the H1N1 virus (swine flu), you may call the toll-free Swine Flu Information Line sponsored by the Hawai‘i State Department of Health.
o 866-767-5044 ext. 3
o Phones will be answered from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekends.
o Trained public health professionals will answer the calls during these hours.
o Recorded messages will be accessible 24 hours a day. Those messages will be updated daily at 7:00 am.

Other Useful Web Links:
· Guidelines for Recognizing Influenza (FLU) Symptoms and management (Hawai‘i Department of Health) http://hawaii.gov/health/FluGuidelines.pdf
· Swine Flu Q&A (CDC): http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/swineflu_you.htm
· Preventing the Flu: Good Health Habits Can Help Stop Germs (CDC) http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/habits.htm?s_cid=swineFlu_outbreak_internal_003 http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/

March Arrivals Down

Aloha Kakou:

Visitor arrivals to Hawaii were down about 17% this March compared to last. Maui suffered a greater decline with about a 26% decrease.

While arrivals of Japanese visitors to Maui have increased slightly, that increase has been more than offset by the decline in Canadian visitors.

http://mauinews.com/page/content.detail/id/517900.html?nav=10
http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20090428/BREAKING03/90428090/-1

Maui Onion Festival Mention

Aloha Kakou:

While it may not be on your top 10 festivals in the United States, the 20th anniversary of the Maui Onion Festival will take place on May 2nd in Kaanapali.

It's hard to go back to eating regular onions after using Maui onions in cooking. But, if you really like eating onions, you may want to enter the festival's onion-eating contest, where contestants vie to see who can eat the most onions, raw!

Aside from this dubious distinction, there are cooking displays and a recipe contest. Don't forget your handkerchief to wipe those tears!

The Outrigger Maui Eldorado has a small mention in the "where to stay" section of the article. Hey, even the smallest notice is good publicity these days!

http://www.starbulletin.com/travel/hawaiisbackyard/20090419_hawaiis_back_yard.html

All About Flyer

Aloha Kakou:

On April 14, 2009, All About Hawaii, one of our wholesale partners, broadcast emailed the below special for Outrigger Maui Eldorado. The flyer reached approximately 3,125 agencies (over 8,800 agents) nationwide.
The flyer will is also on their website www.allabouthawaii.com and www.mailpound.com (a travel agent reference site currently serving over 166,060 travel agents), as well as the printable version below being handed out by our 6 sales managers in their delivery areas and distributed nationwide in All About's mailing efforts.

Due to technical difficulties, I am unable to reproduce the flyer but below is the text.

Today's Special: April 14, 2009
Kaanapali Condos TWO Free Nights
The Outrigger Maui Eldorado is an all-condominium resort conveniently located along the fairway in the center of the Kaanapali Beach Resort. Each of the resort's studio, one- and two-bedroom units are spacious and well-appointed with comfortable living areas and a complete kitchen and a washer and dryer. Guests can enjoy the resort's three swimming pools (2 heated) and the convenience of an on-site sundry store. It's an easy stroll to the Outrigger Maui Eldorado's private beach cabana located across the fairway on Kaanapali Beach. Gracious accommodations in a relaxed atmosphere await you at the Outrigger Maui Eldorado.



TWO FREE Nights plus Money for Groceries

6 Nights
Studio Garden View

$631 ppdo
Studio Partial Ocean

$673 ppdo
1 Bedroom Garden View

$707 ppdo
1 Bedroom Partial Ocean

$739 ppdo
2 Bedroom Garden View

$943 ppdo


Packages include:
6 days Budget Compact rental car
Free space-available upgrade to Intermediate car 4/14 - 6/7/09
6 Nights Accommodations
Every 3rd Night Free
Grocery Gift Cards: $50 in Studio, $100 in 1 BDR & $150 in 2 BDR
Valid 4/14 - 6/7 & 8/26 - 12/17/09
Airfare is NOT included. Competitive coach and first class airfare is available nationwide on Alaska, Delta, Hawaiian, Northwest or United Airlines. Prices are per person double occupancy and include all taxes. Not combinable with any other special. Full payment will guarantee fare. Subject to change without notice. Certain conditions and restrictions may apply. Travel must be completed within time periods listed for rates shown. Prices are in U.S. dollars.
For information on these and other great Hawaii specials, call your travel agent and ask for an All About Hawaii vacation!!
Printed 03/31/09 Flyer #09057 All About HAWAII CST #2011557-50 Top photo courtesy Starwood Hotels in Waikiki

Away For A While

Aloha Kakou:

I'll be away until April 27th. I'll report more when I get back.

I apologize for the lack of reportage in March; a technical problem kept me off line.

Thank you for your continuing support.

Bill

Worst February In 18 Years

Aloha Kakou:

Please see this article from the Maui News regarding hotel occupancies for February.

Joseph Toy, president and chief executive of Hospitality Advisors, a Honolulu-based consultant said huge discounts in room rates in the market ''are unprecedented as hotels are trying to generate volume.''

''Still, Hawaii continues to be one of the strongest markets in the U.S. given that the recession has impaired all destinations globally,'' he said.

http://mauinews.com/page/content.detail/id/516921.html?nav=10

Not A PR Campaign I'd Suggest...

Aloha Kakou:

If you're going to be the worst hotel in the world (or at least in Amsterdam), you might as well flaunt it:
http://www.hotelsmag.com/articleXML/LN953522308.html?nid=3457&rid=14377667

Tripres Mention

Aloha Kakou:

The following link was emailed to all of TripRes' clients yesterday. Outrigger Maui Eldorado is mentioned under the Hawaii section, bottom right.

http://www.tripres.com/deals/PlanetH_Sale.html

Outrigger Maui Eldorado On Sale

Aloha Kakou:

Check out this blog mention of a great deal at the Outrigger Maui Eldorado that was just posted today:

http://2gotraveler.blogspot.com/2009/04/global-economic-recession-and.html