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Kokua Line
Question: I recently won some movie tickets from KSSK to the sneak preview of "Dinosaur" at Signature's Dole Cannery theaters. So last night, my family went and waited an hour, just to be told there were no more seats available. Many people left (30 minutes after the movie started) until someone took our names and addresses and told us they would send us tickets to another movie preview. But I don't want to waste another night to be disappointed again. I was angry, but not as upset as many children not allowed in. A Dole theater representative said this has happened before and it is the radio station's fault. He said 1,200 tickets were given away to "Dinosaur" and the the theater only has 800 seats available. How can KSSK "give away" prizes that don't really exist? Aren't there any laws prohibiting them from doing this? KSSK says it’s not
at fault in movie snafuAnswer: KSSK says don't blame the station, that it was merely the "promotional vehicle."
Apparently, in anticipation of "no shows," movie companies will offer more tickets than seats available, much as airlines overbook flights.
KSSK programming director Jeff Silvers said this is how KSSK handles movie premiere promotions: The station is contacted by movie studios to host a premiere of a specific movie. After the studio (Disney, DreamWorks, Columbia, etc.) books a theater, KSSK is told how many tickets it has for distribution. Some premieres, like "Dinosaur," share sponsors, which means KSSK was not the only one giving away "premiere passes."
Silvers said he's been with KSSK for 2 years and "Dinosaur" "is the first time we did not have enough seats for everybody."
KSSK is "given enough tickets to fill our contest giveaways, but not enough tickets to fill the theater," he said. So KSSK never knows how many total tickets are given away when there are shared sponsors, he said. If there are is any limitation relating to an advertising or promotional giveaway, that fact should be fully disclosed at the beginning, said Stephen Levins, acting director of the state Office of Consumer Protection.
Silvers said that was done with the "Dinosaur" movie. Every premiere pass KSSK gives away is printed by the movie studio, with this warning, he said: "Please arrive early. Seats are not guaranteed, are limited to theater capacity and are first come, first served. The theater is not responsible for seating over capacity."
As to how overbookings are handled, each theater company has its own policy, Silvers said. Some offer tickets to other movies; some do not.
"This is a question for Signature or Consolidated management," he said.
Auwe
I recently had the pleasure of seeing someone graduate with a well-earned law degree. The area around the arena is lovely. But let's face it, cement is cement. Many guests were elderly, some came with children who were unable to sit for long periods, and not everyone was able to be seated out of the sun. So please can we keep speeches short and sweet! It would also cut down the hours you spend putting the right words in the right place. -- No Name
Mahalo
My wife suffered a bad fall at the UH graduation at the Stan Sheriff Center on May 12. We would like to thank all the people who helped us with an umbrella, ice, water and support. Special thanks to nurse M. Muraoka and security guards who stayed with us until the ambulance arrived. We really appreciate their aloha spirit. -- Asae and Francis Uyeno
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