TheBuzz
TheBuzz
Hawaii's entry in the "Governors for America" part of the e-Bay-sponsored "Auction for America" has thus far received the second-highest price for a single item contributed by a state. State offer
does guv proudOnly a few states' items remained at auction at press time at www.ebay.com/governorsforamerica.
Other states' contributions and the top bids they received are cause for some pity compared to the $9,000 bid on the five-day trip to Hawaii.
The package includes first-class travel for a family of four aboard Continental Airlines, accommodations at Hilton Hawaiian Village, a personal lei greeting by Gov. Ben Cayetano at the State Capitol, a behind the scenes tour at the Bishop Museum, and a color pictorial book by Ui and Steven Goldsberry, autographed by the governor.
At the time the state joined in the "Auction for America" effort, encouraged by New York Governor George Pataki, Cayetano said, "We hope that Hawaii's contribution -- which will be viewed by tens of thousands, sends a little aloha to our friends throughout the world."
That was in late September. Bidding opened at $1 on Oct. 15 and closed with a total of 74 bids Oct. 25 at $9,000.
"Our Communications Director, Jackie Kido, called around and got some of the businesses to donate very generous services," said Kim Murakawa, the governor's press secretary. "We're just happy that we were able to participate and be able to help out in a way that promotes Hawaii as well," she said.
The only state to earn more for the cause with a single package, was Alaska. Its seven-days-for-two fishing trip netted $11,000.
Celebrity pull helped Minnesota, where former professional wrestler Jesse Ventura is governor. A size-44 replica of his leather bomber jacket went for a winning bid of $1,251; the "Great Seal of Minnesota" paper weight, apparently without his autograph, netted $172.50; a pen bearing his autograph drew $122.50 and a book by Tim Brandenburg called "Chased by the Light" billed as an "autographed Jesse Ventura Photo Book went for $162.50.
New York's offerings from Pataki -- a clear emotional favorite -- were titled "Celebrity-signed I Love NY Posters." Two posters -- both signed by film and stage actors, as well as sports stars and politicos -- went for $4,350 and $3,950.
The photo used for the poster is of Central Park South and shows the famous skyline with the former World Trade Center twin towers standing side-by-side -- mirrored in a reflecting pool.
Erika Engle is a reporter with the Star-Bulletin.
Call 529-4302, fax 529-4750 or write to Erika Engle,
Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., No. 7-210,
Honolulu, HI 96813. She can also be reached
at: eengle@starbulletin.com
