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Aloha HVCB Ohana,
Recovery from the October 15 earthquake and power outages continues as travelers follow through on their plans for a Hawaiian vacation or meeting. Our best wishes go out to all of you, especially to our Big Island friends.
Many lessons have been learned by all. Fortunately, as soon as power on Oahu was restored, we were able to post information on all of our websites and provide talking points to our call center. Those have been updated daily. News releases were issued internationally. A b-roll packet was distributed nationally, and hundreds of calls, emails, and meetings carried the facts and the same message of recovery. Along with your efforts, we have together gotten the word out to consumers and clients that “Hawaii is open for business.”
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Updates continue to be available at www.gohawaii.com. For information on FEMA assistance for Big Island individuals, households and businesses, please click here.
MARKETING UPDATE
Turning to our marketing efforts, HVCB launched its “Picture Hawaii” fall marketing campaign promoting Hawaii’s culture and beauty through the eyes of our people – literally.
You might recall earlier this year we invited kamaaina to send us their favorite photos capturing life in the islands.
The response was overwhelming, with more than 8,000 photos submitted. I’ve looked at many of them and you can see the joy that our people take in how we live and play in Hawaii, and what makes Hawaii special.
These photos have become the inspirational centerpiece for our fall campaign. Coupled with our newest interactive travel planner at GoHawaii.com, the photos and the experiences they highlight will encourage visitors to plan a vacation based on what Hawaii’s people enjoy – which our research shows visitors want.
Two new television spots are driving travelers to our website – and driving up interest in Hawaii. They are part of a nationwide integrated marketing campaign of public relations promotions and TV, print and online advertising in prominent travel media outlets, such as Discovery Channel, National Geographic and Travel Channel.
The public relations component is themed “Fall for the Nature of Hawaii” and showcases the appeal of our state’s national parks and wildlife refuges. Two high-profile publicity efforts drew lots of attention to Hawaii in September. First, travel expert Laura Powell conducted a series of national TV interviews discussing Hawaii’s parks and fall packages. Then, the Wolf Trap Foundation hosted its “Face of America: Hawaii” concert in Washington, D.C., featuring Kealii Reichel, Ledward Kaapana and Halau O Kekuhi.
Two other HVCB initiatives are worth noting. In August, PBS recorded its top-rated TV show “Antiques Road Show” at the Hawaii Convention Center to be televised in the coming months. Also, on November 11, the popular radio show, “A Prairie Home Companion” will be broadcast live nationwide from the Blaisdell Concert Hall.
Taken collectively, the fall promotional schedule will keep Hawaii well positioned in the national travel spotlight over the next several months.
Finally, I would like to remind you about our 104th Annual Luncheon taking place on Monday, November 20th at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel and Resort. We will be reviewing our 2006 marketing activities, as well as highlighting our plans for 2007.
For more information, visit: http://www.hvcb.org/luncheon.
Mahalo,
John Monahan
President & CEO
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Travel from the mainland United States to the Hawaiian Islands
returned to normal just one day after the October 15 earthquake and remains on pace
for another excellent year.
The latest figures released by the Hawaii State Department of Business,
Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) show that domestic passenger arrivals
statewide were up 2.6 percent the day after the earthquake, 9.7 percent two days after, and 13.2 percent three days after compared to the same period last year. Overall, month-to-date arrivals
for October are at 320,364, up nearly one percent over 2005.
Some flights to the islands were cancelled the day of the earthquake and a portion of the
increase in passengers may be attributed to people who rebooked.
“The numbers are very good and are a positive indication that people are
sticking to their plans to visit our islands,” said Marsha Wienert, State of Hawaii
tourism liaison.
Wienert’s office has been collaborating with the Hawaii Visitors and Convention
Bureau (HVCB) and the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) in getting out news of
Hawaii’s speedy recovery to consumers across the United States.
John Monahan, HVCB’s president and CEO, commented, “We’ve been
communicating with travel trade professionals and the media that there is relatively
little damage that in any way affects our tourism plant and the enjoyment of visitors.”
“Of Hawaii’s 72,000 guest rooms for visitors, only about 100 or so are out of
commission,” said Monahan. “The visitor infrastructure on Kauai, Oahu, Molokai,
Länai, and Maui was really not damaged at all by the quake. The damage remains
limited to the Big Island, which was closest to the epicenter. However, even on that
island, the effects are isolated.”
Big Island hotels are all open and busy. The town of Kona is bustling and this
weekend will host one of the premiere sporting events of the year – the Ironman World
Championship.
“The fact that this major, high profile sporting event is taking place within a
week of the earthquake is further indication that in general the Big Island is returning to
normal,” said Monahan.
Thousands of competitors from 49 countries and 50 states have made the
pilgrimage to the Big Island for the October 21 race. It is the defining event of the
Ironman series and considered one of the toughest challenges with its 2.4-mile swim,
112-mile bike ride, and 26.2-mile run.
Hawaii’s Governor Linda Lingle has supported the tourism industry in its
recovery and took the precautionary step on Sunday of signing an emergency
declaration that would allow the state the ability to deal with the unknown affects of the
earthquake and the ability to seek federal assistance.
President Bush responded with a declaration two days after the earthquake that provides for the removal of debris and opens the door for financial assistance to repair damage that may
have occurred to homes, businesses, schools and roads pending field investigations by
the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
“While our tourism industry remains intact, this was a prudent move to ensure
that all of Hawaii can receive the support of the federal government to whatever
degree it becomes necessary,” said Wienert.
Special note to media: The Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB)
recognizes the use of Hawaiian diacritical markings (e.g. glottal stop [], macron [ä] in
place names of Hawaii such as Länai). However, HVCB respects the individual use of
these markings for names of organizations and businesses.
Media Contact:
Nathan Kam, Account Supervisor
McNeil Wilson Communications
nkam@mcneilwilson.com
Office: 808-539-3471
Cell: 808-741-2763
Source: HVCB Press Release 10/19/06
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Ruth's Chris Steak House Opens at the Shops at Mauna Lani on the Big Island of Hawaii -- Dinner now available!
Ruth’s Chris Steak House has opened its fourth Hawaii location with doors now open at The Shops at Mauna Lani on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island.
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Owned by franchisee Desert Island Restaurants, the newest Ruth’s Chris Steak House opened on October 9 after a traditional Hawaiian blessing by Daniel “Kaniela” Akaka Jr., director of cultural affairs for Mauna Lani Resort.
As with all Ruth’s Chris locations worldwide, it offers Hawaii residents and visitors the opportunity to enjoy prime steaks and an award-winning menu and wine list. It joins award-winning establishments, the premier location in Restaurant Row on Oahu which opened in 1989 plus two Maui locations, on Front Street in Lahaina and in The Shops at Wailea. A fifth Ruth’s Chris will be opening by early 2007 in the new Waikiki Beach Walk on Oahu.
“The Big Island of Hawaii is one of the most beautiful and popular destinations in the world. The Mauna Lani area is blessed with award-winning resorts and unequaled residential developments that have attracted discriminating individuals. In addition, it is a prime destination for upscale incentive groups, weddings and meetings, making it ideal as the latest location for Ruth’s Chris Steak House in the islands,” said Randy Schoch, chairman of the Scottsdale, Arizona-based Desert Island Restaurants and a former long-time Hawaii resident who divides his time between the Mainland and the islands.
Award-Winning Menu Presented
Ruth’s Chris Steak House has garnered many awards in Hawaii for its unparalleled excellence, having been singled out for its menu, fine service and outstanding wine list. Among its accolades since its launch in the islands have been the Hale Aina Award for Best Steak House from HONOLULU Magazine, “Best of Honolulu” Award for Best Steak House and Best Wine List from the Honolulu Star-Bulletin, Ilima Award for Best Steak House from the Honolulu Advertiser, “Best Steak House” Award from the Maui News and many others, including national awards from the Zagat Survey (Hawaii’s Top Restaurants, America’s Top Restaurants) and an Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator Magazine.
Open for dinner nightly from 5 p.m., the newest Ruth’s Chris showcases the sizzling prime steaks for which the chain is noted in the more than 90 locations worldwide where it operates. Its menu also includes an array of fresh seafood preparations, live Maine lobster, signature a la carte salads and side dishes, and delectable desserts inspired by the New Orleans roots of the restaurant. Many of the recipes come directly from Ruth Fertel, the late founder of the chain.
Under the guidance of regional executive chef Nawai Kekoolani who oversees all Ruth’s Chris Steak Houses in Hawaii, the restaurant will incorporate local ingredients and products whenever possible.
Outstanding Decor for New Restaurant
The new Ruth’s Chris Steak House is designed to reflect the fine dining atmosphere and outstanding food offered at the establishments worldwide since its founding in 1965 by the late Ruth Fertel.
Located on the second floor of the new Shops at Mauna Lani, the restaurant is both casual and elegant, warm and inviting. It incorporates the best of contemporary Hawaiian design with a mix of color and textures that evoke a touch of classic old Hawaii. Laua¹e ferns and a border of maile on the carpet, walls bathed in a texture reminiscent of tapa bark cloth, tile borders inspired by ancient Hawaiian kapa designs, the rich warmth of deep woods--all these accents pay homage to the restaurant’s locale. Artwork depicting scenes of the rugged coasts of the Big Island, complete with exuberant palm trees, pleasant ocean vistas, beautiful Hawaiian maidens and geometric shapes long associated with traditional crafts, round out the overall ambiance of Hawaiiana and hospitality.
Seating options take advantage of the spectacular ocean vistas and views of Mauna Kea and Hualalai volcanoes beyond the Mauna Lani Golf Course.
Diners can take advantage of gracious circular booths or more traditional seating, with a private dining room ideal for special occasions.
Overlooking some of the best golf holes in Hawaii, the new Ruth’s Chris Steak House will showcase a post-play, late afternoon menu in addition to its dinner options.
Management Team Announced with Strong Big Island Roots
Having lived on both Oahu and Maui for many years, Desert Island Restaurants CEO Randy Schoch is conscious of island traditions and respectful of Hawaii ways. With these elements in mind, he and company president Bob Snyder have assembled a management team second to none, with Hawaii regional vice president Paul Ah Cook overseeing all operations statewide. A graduate of the University of Hawaii, prior to joining Ruth’s Chris, Ah Cook was director of operations and general manager of Sam Choy’s Restaurants and Let’s Eat Hawaii Product Line and Catering Company. He also served as general manager of Michel’s at the Colony Surf.
Reporting to Ah Cook is Charly Yoshida, general manager of the Ruth’s Chris at Mauna Lani. No stranger to the Big Island, having been born and raised there, he has management credits ranging from Alan Wong’s to the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel itself. An acknowledged leader in the hospitality industry, he brings an extensive knowledge of wine to his position and is available to offer personal tips on what vintages complement Ruth’s Chris Steak House dinners.
Assistant general manager Kyle Nishimura, originally from Hilo, has worked at Hakone Japanese Steak House at the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel and at such establishments as Roy’s Waikoloa Bar and Grill, Mauna Lani Resort and Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, among others.
Award-winning executive chef Darcy Ambrosio is in charge of the kitchen at the new Ruth’s Chris Steak House. His ‘5 years¹ experience on the Big Island in professional cooking and kitchen management includes positions at the Harbor Grill in Kawaihae, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, and Ritz-Carlton Laguna Nigel when he lived in California.
Alex Kirley, regional director of sales and marketing, is overseeing groups, conventions and special event business for the new Ruth’s Chris Steak House, as she does for the other three locations. She has a variety of group menus available for corporate and group business and is expert in assembling unique menus for private parties, weddings and other functions.
Contact Information
Ruth’s Chris Steak House at The Shops at Mauna Lani is open nightly for dinner. Private functions, including luncheons and other group gatherings, also are available. Call (808) 887-0800 for information and reservations. |
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Kruzin’ Kauai is the only place on Kauai to rent these guaranteed to make you smile vehicles.
Ride our unique two person ScootCars to secret waterfalls (maps provided). We brought these one of a kind cars over to Kauai three years ago and our customers have been kruzin' ever since.
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We also have state of the art scooters for rent. (No special license required only a standard drivers license needed). These scooters get you there fast and have plenty of trunk space too.
Looking for other ways to have fun? We are also a full service beach rental company. Whether it is boogie boards, view boards, floaty mats, fins, snorkel gear, chairs, umbrellas or motorized bicycles… we have it all!
Kruzin’ Kauai is your one stop place for island fun. So call us at (808) 246-4734 or visit us online at www.kruzinkauai.com. ALOHA!!!
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The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) started a project that will pump up to 10,000 cubic yards of offshore sand to replenish Kuhio beach at Waikiki.
“Waikiki is important to both our residents and visitors. We need to take care of this world-famous beach, and replenish areas of sand that erosion over time has removed,” said Peter Young, DLNR chairperson.
“We believe this is a great demonstration project to test new, state-of-the-art offshore sand pumping technologies that can reclaim beach sand that washed into nearshore deposits. We think it is cost-effective to return it onshore to replenish Kuhio beach. This is not introducing new sand, but bringing back the sand that was once there, and that is compatible with the existing sand beach,” Young said.
Today, American Marine Corporation, a local dredging company, is preparing equipment aboard a hydraulic dredge barge that will be brought next week into waters off Waikiki.
Starting Monday, October 30, weather permitting, they will bring the barge into Waikiki and moor it approximately 2,000 feet offshore. Sand pumping will begin once the suction pump and an 8 inch pipeline are laid in place.
The project will use heavy machinery during the daytime to help spread out pumped sand for drying at the staging area. This staging area will be closed to the public for the duration of the project, though the rest of Waikiki beach will remain open.
Once dry, using backhoes and dump trucks, the sand will be transported to the ‘Ewa basin and to the beach fronting the Duke Kahanamoku statue at night between 6 to 10 p.m. Public access to these areas will be temporarily restricted during these operations.
The project requires a 30-day operating window of calm seas, so a fall date was chosen for after the end of summer’s southern swells. The daytime and nighttime operations are planned to operate Mondays through Fridays.
A University of Hawai‘i sand thickness survey identified several potential offshore sand sources in near shore Waikiki waters that are viable for beach replenishment. The survey identifies the sand thickness and sand compatibility of the offshore sand pockets to the existing beach at Kuhio.
Project objectives are to increase the size of the dry beach at Kuhio Beach, and to demonstrate state of the art offshore sand pumping technologies for future beach restoration efforts.
Rather than expand the width of the beach in the two basin areas, the goal will be to “inflate” the beaches by pushing the sand up against the landward sea walls. Over time the sand will fill in the lower portions of the existing beaches, but not expand farther into swimming area.
The sand replenishment project will involve:
delivery of dredged sand from the offshore area to Kuhio Beach, separation and disposal of non-beach compatible material including, coral rubble, management and grading of discharged dredged material on the beach, management of water effluent and spoils, stockpiling of suitable sand, preparation of an operations plan, with best management practices, and water quality monitoring, coordination of a public safety plan with the City and County of Honolulu, Water Safety Division and Department of Facilities Maintenance, and preparation of an after-action report describing and evaluating the project design and implementation and environmental considerations.
DLNR has worked with the state Dept. of Health, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Coastal Zone Management Program, NOAA-National Marine Fisheries and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to ensure the project meets all state and federal requirements for environmental quality control.
DLNR held a final pre-construction meeting earlier this week with city and state agencies and visitor industry representatives to review its plans and answer any questions.
Water quality monitoring will be done during the project by the Department of Health Clean Water branch to assure safe conditions.
The data obtained from this project will be used to establish appropriate environmental and design parameters, cost estimates, pumping system designs and production rates for future beach replenishment efforts.
Kuhio Beach has a long history of engineering and beach replenishment, having undergone regular beach replenishment to maintain a sandy beach since 1939, when the north section of the Kuhio beach breakwater was built.
Past beach replenishment efforts have been carried out regularly, but little has been done to maintain Kuhio Beach since the last major replenishment effort in 1975. Coastal erosion patterns have led to sandless areas at high tide.
For information about the project go to the DLNR Office of Conservation and Coastal Lands web site at http://www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/occl/nourishment.php.
Source: DLNR Press Release October 27, 2006
Contact: Peter Young, (808) 587-0401
HVCB Annual Luncheon
November 20, 2006
Sheraton Waikiki Hotel
Hawaii Ballroom
11:15am - 1:30pm
Please visit www.hvcb.org/luncheon
to register today!
HVCB will be submitting the member listing section of the "Oahu - Official Vacation Planner" to the publishers on
November, 2, 2006.
Log in now to update your information online. (http://www.hvcb.org/memberupdate)
SAVE THE DATE
Kauai Visitors Bureau Annual Luncheon
Friday, December 8, 2006
Hilton Kauai Beach Resort
Jasmine Ballroom
11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
The KVB Annual Luncheon is a great opportunity for the industry to learn more about what the Kauai Visitors Bureau has accomplished this year. More details to be announced.
2006 PGA Grand Slam of Golf, Poipu, Kauai
For the 13th consecutive year, the Poipu Bay Golf Course will play host to the PGA Grand Slam of Golf, November 21-22, 2006. The winners of the (4) major championships will vie for the million-dollar purse and title of PGA Grand Slam Champion. This will include the winners of The Masters, U.S. Open, British Open, and the PGA Championship. For ticket information contact 1-800-PGA-TCKT or visit www.pga.com.
Festivals/Events Updates
Please remember to edit your festivals and other events at www.gohawaii.com with any new events and information. The festivals calendar is utilized frequently by consumers, travel trade partners, HVCB and the Island Chapter offices. Just click on the calendar of events to edit your event. Once on this page, click on the highlighted edit or submit options. The Webmaster will then notify you by email when your event has been accepted.
For more information on the Kauai Visitors Bureau please visit: www.gohawaii.com/kauai
or call (808) 245-3971.
Public Relations Division Blitzes Six Cities;
"Malama Maui" Captures Koa Anvil
With Director Kelii Brown at the helm, MVB’s Public Relations and Promotions Division takes the Maui Nui message on the road this fall. Last month, MVB blitzed Toronto and New York City. In November, cities include Boston, Chicago, Denver and Phoenix. MVB, along with various hotel and resort partners, will meet with top writers and editors of numerous publications as well as freelance writers in each market. Also, MVB's "Malama Maui -- Preserving Maui's Agricultural & Cultural Resources" public relations campaign captured first place honors with a prestigious Koa Anvil (Marketing Consumer Services - Government Division) from the Hawaii Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America. The initiative targets travel writers, editors and broadcast media. "Malama Maui" is designed to reposition Maui Nui by highlighting various ag-tourism, culture and ecology offerings with fresh perspectives and angles to entice media coverage.
MVB Receives Gold Service Award
Executive Director Terryl Vencl is proud to announce that MVB received the prestigious Meetings & Conventions Magazine’s 2006 Gold Service Award. Since 1998, MVB has been recognized for its professionalism and dedication and service to the meetings industry. Awardees are selected by corporate and association executives as well as meeting planners. Mahalo nui to all our industry partners for their kokua and for making Maui Nui a premier conventions and meetings destination.
For more information on the Maui Visitors Bureau please visit www.gohawaii.com/maui or call
(808) 244-3530.
A Beautiful Day - Nani La Ao, Aloha Maui Weddings, Beverly Clark's Elite Wedding Collection, Bridesclub.com/Hawaii Bridal Expo, Bridesclub.com/Hawaii Bridal Expo-Maui, Clara Confectioners, Dan & Vicki's Molokai Condo Rental, Dizanne Productions, Fun Hawaii Travel, Gifts with Aloha... From Lanai, Grins 2 Go, Hard Rock Cafe - Kona, Hawaii Event Planners, LLC, Hawaiian Surfing Adventures, Hestara, Hina Adventures, Jean and Abbott, Luxury Hawaii Vacation Homes, Just Live, Inc., Kaluakoi Villas 2156, KauaiVacationResorts.com, Ke Nani Kai 114, Ke Nani Kai 120, Kruzin' Kauai, Lanai Lumber & Hardware, Inc., Mauna Kea Resort, Molokai Shores 211, MO'SART, Norma Allen Photography, Ohana Concierge & Tours, Pakala House, Paniolo Hale F2, Paniolo Hale J3, Paniolo Hale K3, Paniolo Hale M2, Paniolo Hale Q2, Spa By The Sea, The Dancing Dolphin Ministry, Theatrix Hawaii, Inc., Wavecrest A116, Wavecrest C314
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Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau - 2270 Kalakaua Avenue, 8th Floor, Honolulu, HI 96815
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