2009 Tourism to Suffer

Aloha Kakou:

According to a recent report, the worldwide recession means tough times ahead for Hawaii tourism.

"All of Hawaii's tourism markets are going through recession at the same time," said University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization (UHERO) economist Byron Gangnes. "Unfortunately, there is no strong part of the world to market to right now."

http://www.starbulletin.com/business/20081114_uh_report_gloomy_about_isle_tourism.html

Sofa for Sale

Aloha Kakou:

We have an extra sleeper sofa that we'd like to offer to you. This sofa is brand new, has the 6" mattress, and has a commercial grade poly/cotton/acrylic upholstery. Why are we selling it? Because we're overstocked and need to make room now!

The original price on this couch was about $2000. I'm asking $1000 and I'd really like to sell it before the end of 2008 and Ernie yells at me (you know how accountants are!).

Survey Results

Aloha Kakou:

The results of the most recent survey are:

The primary issue facing Maui today is...

Water (or lack thereof) - 20%
Tourism (or lack thereof) - 40%
Growth/Planning - 20%
Real Estate Prices - 20%
Other - 0

You Can't Get More Southwest Than Hawaii

Aloha Kakou:

Southwest flying to Hawaii? It's the dream of every LUV-ophile. Today's Advertiser passes along the rumor that Southwest is considering coming here, either in person or in codeshare guise as they did previously with ATA.

http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/artikkel?Dato=20081111&Kategori=BREAKING03&Lopenr=81111029&Ref=AR&Show=0

And, in case you're wondering why they don't already fly here:

http://www.blogsouthwest.com/blog/why-no-southwest-to-hawaii

Hawaii Quarter Released

Aloha Kakou:

The last quarter in the 50 state series was released yesterday following a ceremony at Bishop Square in Honolulu.

Just in case you thought this was the end of the series, next year the mint is doing one for Washington DC and for each of the US's five territories.

http://www.starbulletin.com/news/20081111_Collectors_flip_for_state_commemorative_coin.html

Fresh off da Plane

Aloha Kakou:

FOB in Maui doesn't refer to a method of shipping. It means "fresh off the boat", or "newcomer", if you will. Malihini is the real Hawaiian word for a new arrival, despite what you may have heard! Or, if you're really up to date, you can say JOJ - "just off the jet".

You may want to check out the observations of Chris Hamilton, a relative newcomer to our island. Chris writes a semi-monthly blog for the Maui News and looks at things with an fresh view. Check out his "Hard Times in Paradise" entry for his take on the current economic situation.

http://mauinews.com/page/blogs.listAll/display/33.html

Tough Times Ahead

Aloha Kakou:

Wednesday, State Tourism Liaison Marsha Weinert and Terryl Vencl of the Maui Visitor's Bureau convened a meeting of tourism-related businesses in Lahaina to discuss the state of the tourism downturn on Maui.

Marsha Wienert says she is not confident at all about 2009. Advance bookings for the first quarter of 2009, normally a very busy season, look dismal.

Both women said that, while Maui has suffered some dark days in the past, the island always comes back better and stronger than ever due to the cadre of loyal vacationers that prefer to spend their downtime here.

http://mauinews.com/page/content.detail/id/510677.html?nav=10