To Our Readers
|
Thank you, Hawaii. The new Star-Bulletin is at one year and counting, thanks to the support statewide from you readers and advertisers. Because of your help, Honolulu is fortunate to be one of the 30 cities in the country with at least two daily newspapers. Mahalo for loyalty
that sustains usIt has not been easy --- for us or, at times, you.
We stumbled coming out of the gate. You sometimes received papers late, or maybe not at all.
You may have experienced problems with billing. We heard concerns about many aspects of the newspaper itself.
But your loyalty has heartened and sustained us, allowing us to work through our problems.
We know you are loyal. Remember that two-page survey we ran last month, asking for your opinions and comments? According to the mainland-based research firm that conducted the survey, twice as many people responded to our survey than responded to thousands of surveys they have done for other newspapers through the years. And yes, we enticed you to respond with offers of a free pizza, but other papers didn't get the same response even when offering vacation trips and more.
And the results of the survey? You like us. A lot.
So here we are, continuing to publish the oldest newspaper in Hawaii, the paper long known as the local paper. Perhaps our age is one reason people link "Star-Bulletin" and "local paper."
But it is more than that.
Look at our editors, who have deep roots in the community. The top three editors at the Star-Bulletin -- myself, Michael Rovner and Lucy Young-Oda -- have worked at the paper for a combined 50 years. During that time, we have been raising children here who have never lived anywhere else, and we have been involved with extended families that include several generations.
Look at the newsroom, full of talent and some of the most experienced journalists in Hawaii. You may know of the sacrifices our editors and reporters have made during the past year, and continue to make. They do it because they believe in maintaining two voices in the community, keeping a watch on government and producing something every day that informs and entertains.
Look beyond the newsroom, and you will find the same level of experience, commitment and dedication among the advertising, circulation and production staffs.
With the first year of change and adjustments behind us, we are moving ahead on many fronts. In the coming months, you will see new columns, features and surprises. We will expand coverage in some areas and implement changes that will make reading the paper easier.
But without you (and David Black), we wouldn't be here today.
Thank you, Hawaii.
Frank Bridgewater is editor of the Star-Bulletin.
Call him at 529-4791. He can be reached at: fbridgewater@starbulletin.com or write to
500 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite 7-210, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813.