Convention Center starts year with large gathering
The Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau said the year got off to a good start with the Meeting Professionals International conference that opened yesterday at the Hawaii Convention Center.MPI's Professional Education Conference, which runs through tomorrow, is being attended by about 1,500 corporate and incentive meeting planners from around the world, the bureau said.
Hawaii nearly lost the convention following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, it said.
MPI wanted to move the gathering to New York City to help its economic recovery. But an 11th-hour appeal by Gov. Ben Cayetano and the bureau convinced MPI's national board of directors to keep the convention in Hawaii, as originally planned.
The gathering was projected to generate $3.7 million in visitor spending and $309,000 in tax revenue, the bureau said.
But the full economic impact of the conference may lie ahead.
"Hundreds of corporate and incentive meeting planners that attend the conference traditionally return to the same venue, resulting in tens of millions of dollars spent within the next two-year planning cycle," said Ed Griffin Jr., MPI's president and chief executive officer.
"MPI's 2002 Professional Education Conference will provide tremendous exposure to an already vibrant meeting destination," he said.
MPI's 19,000 members in 64 countries collectively account for $10.9 billion expended on meetings per year.
HPD's Donohue tapped to lead police group
Honolulu Police Chief Lee Donohue has been appointed chairman of the Pacific World Regional Office of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). The IACP has eight world regional offices that promote executive policing conferences, IACP programs, services and membership.Established in 1893 with approximately 19,000 members in 92 countries, the IACP is the world's oldest and largest non-profit organization of police executives.
The Honolulu Star-Bulletin strives to make its news report fair and accurate. If you have a question or comment about news coverage, call Managing Editor Frank Bridgewater at 529-4791 or email him at fbridgewater@starbulletin.com. Corrections and clarifications
Police, Fire, Courts
By Star-Bulletin staffHonolulu Police Department Crimestoppers
EAST OAHU
Hawaii Kai home fire burns $6,500 in damage
Fire damaged a three-bedroom vacant home in Hawaii Kai yesterday morning, fire officials said.Capt. Kenison Tejada, spokesman of the Honolulu Fire Department, said the fire was contained in the master bedroom of the house at 7079 Niumalu Loop.
Damage was estimated at $6,500 to the home and its contents. Investigators believe the fire was intentionally set.
Tejada said a neighbor alerted the HFD of the blaze around 10:45 a.m. The neighbor attempted to put the fire out with a water hose before firefighters arrived, he said. Firefighters brought the fire under control at 10:56 a.m., Tejada said.
NORTH SHORE
Alleged fight in Mokuleia leads to man's arrest
Police arrested a 30-year-old homeless man after he allegedly kicked a 35-year-old woman in the chest at Mokuleia Beach Park Saturday night.Police said the suspect and the victim, who live together in their vehicle, were involved in an argument around 10 p.m. when the suspect kicked the victim in the chest.
The 35-year-old woman was taken to Wahiawa Hospital where medical staff determined she had a broken sternum. Police said the victim reported the assault to police.
Officers arrested the suspect for second-degree assault. Charges are pending.
HONOLULU
Bad breakup turns into kidnapping case
Police arrested A 21-year-old man Saturday for kidnapping in the downtown area after he allegedly tried to stop his girlfriend from leaving him.The couple lived together and the woman wanted to end their relationship, police said. As the 25-year-old woman was packing her things and trying to leave, the man locked her in a bedroom, police said.
Police arrested the man at 3 p.m. The case is pending investigation.
