Kamaaina hotel rates would attract visitors
Tourism in Hawaii is hurt more by the increased airfares to fly there. Since the increase in fuel prices, the airfare to Hawaii from the mainland has doubled. This has steered a lot of mainland tourists from vacationing in Hawaii. I have read that the hotel industry is trying to lure the locals by offering better kamaaina rates to them. Perhaps if lower hotel rates were offered to visitors from the mainland to partially offset the high cost of airfare, it would interest more mainlanders to travel to Hawaii.
I was born in Hawaii but moved to California 50 years ago for economic reasons. I love visiting Hawaii and try to get kamaaina rates for hotels and other things, but I don't qualify because I no longer live there. For that reason I say, "Mo betta stay home!"
Tom Oyama
Torrance, Calif.
You don’t have to leave to go on vacation
We surprised our kids and took a family vacation here in on Oahu. We wanted to go to breakfast at Papa Ole's in Hauula. While we were waiting in the parking lot, in true Hawaiian style an "aunty" approached us and asked if we needed any help. I told her we were waiting for the restaurant to open; she then informed me that it was closed because of a family reunion. However, "Aunty" was kind enough to tell us about the Hukilau Cafe. We arrived there and my family was treated to an unreal breakfast.
After that we surprised our girls by taking them horseback riding at Gunstock Ranch. It was great, thanks to Shelly and Scott. Next stop - Romy's Shrimp Shack, ono garlic shrimp! Next stop Haleiwa and to Aoki's Shave Ice - broke da mouth!
The last leg of our island trip ended up at the Makaha Resort, and talk about outstanding customer service. Big mahalo to Moses and Brandt who really wowed us and all the other staff members out there. The food was incredible. My family would like to thank all of you for making our weekend tour so very special.
Jeff Ah Sam
Kailua
Put Hawaii’s governor in Washington
Linda Lingle for vice president. The Republicans need the "Hawaiian surge" now. Some big doses of aloha couldn't hurt John McCain. Lingle is the answer. Duke Aiona wouldn't be a bad attorney general, either!
The Hawaiian surge is on its way to Minneapolis. Republican surf is up!
Kimo Barnes
Hilo
Kudos for Hawaii’s excellent hospitals
Congratulations to Kapiolani Medical Center at Pali Momi, Straub Clinic, Wilcox Memorial Hospital and Kaiser Moanalua Medical Center for their awards from the
American Heart Association's "Get With the Guidelines" program. Congratulations also to my colleagues at Hawaii Medical Center East, who also earned the Silver Performance Achievement Award this year.
We are proud to be in the company of fine local hospitals that demonstrate exemplary care for patients. Hawaii should be proud of its award-winning hospitals and the fine people who work in them, who continue to deliver excellent patient care.
Danelo R. Canete, M.D.
President and
chief executive officer
Hawaii Medical Center East
America faces a great time of change
This is the year for change! Change in who our president will be. Change in our policy for Iraq as the new president takes office. Change in the way we think of other countries, especially the adversarial ones, and how we can at least be able to communicate with them to find ways where peaceful goals might be achieved. Try, that's what we need to do. Change where the majority, if not all, of our people will receive health care. Change where there is hope of a better future.
I believe that Barack Obama is the person who can get us on that road of change. But he is going to need the help of Congress and the great support of the American people to achieve anything. So, all of you, VOTE this coming Nov. 4 and begin the journey!
Roy E. Shigemura
Honolulu