Marketing Effort Made to Attract High-Spending Chinese Golfers to Hawaii

The Hawaii Tourism Authority and Pacific Links Hawaii have announced that they are working together to attempt to attract more high-spending Chinese golfers to the Hawaiian Islands. Micah Kane, the chief operating officer of Pacific Links Hawaii commented, "Year-to-date, we've hosted about 2,500 rounds of golf for Chinese members. Ideally, we'd like to see the partnership grow so that we can host 200 to 300 Chinese players monthly." Chinese golfers that come to Hawaii spend more than $550 per day in hotel stays, activities, and travel expenses.

David Uchiyama, the vice president of brand management for HTA, added, "We've partnered with Hyundai to develop the Korean golf market and with Sony to develop Japan, but this is the first time that we've participated in a public-private partnership to bring more Chinese golfers to Hawaii. In general we are doing very, very well in China, and we'll continue to improve our numbers. Golf is becoming a mainstream sport in China. If we can create enough demand, we'll get more carrier frequency, and that will help build the market even more."

Liwei Kimura, the director of business development for Starwood's Hawaii Region, Greater China & South East Asia Markets, commented, "We commend HTA and Pacific Links' leadership in this niche market development as golf is a fast-emerging activity in China, not only because it is viewed as a healthy and enjoyable sport, but also because people are attracted to it as a luxury lifestyle and a statement of social status. Hawaii can benefit by targeting these higher-spending, luxury leisure travelers who can bring us more economic benefit with less impact on our natural resources. Promotion of golf travel is one of the best ways to maximize Hawaii's competitive advantages while highlighting its world-class courses to target the Chinese."

Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 1-12-2015, www.staradvertiser.com
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Hawaii's Population Grows by 0.8 Percent in 2014 Fiscal Year

According to a report issued by the Census Bureau, the state of Hawaii's population increased by 10,500 people in the 2014 fiscal year (ending July 1) or a 0.8 percent annual growth.  This meant that the state's total population was 1,419,561 people in 2014.  The study went on to state that nearly 8 in 10 Hawaii residents were products of natural growth, or the difference between birth and deaths.  The remaining newcomers were those who arrived from out of state vs those who moved away from the islands.

Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 12-26-2014, www.staradvertiser.com
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Hawaii is the Healthiest State in the Nation

According a report released by United Health Foundation, Hawaii is the healthiest state in the nation for the second year in the row. The United Health Foundation uses a variety of factors in coming up with their rankings including state health policies, the lifestyle behavior of the citizens, availability of clinical care, and medical coverage.  Hawaii had the fewest percentage of smokers at 13.3 percent of adults, and the second lowest obesity rate at 21.8 percent of adults.  Rounding out the top five states are Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Utah.

Keith Yamamoto, the acting director of the state of Hawaii's Department of Health, stated, "I'm elated that we have gotten the highest ranking in the nation for the second year in a row. We do think it's a reflection of our community and their commitment to healthy lifestyles and environmental protection."  Governor David Ige added, "This is encouraging news and I look forward to working with our public health and health care communities to ensure access to care and strengthen prevention efforts to reduce chronic disease and injury in our state. I'm proud to say that Hawaii is the healthiest state in the nation, and we must continue to invest in our public health efforts."

For full details, please visit americashealthrankings.org

Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 12-10-2014, www.staradvertiser.com
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Ward Village to Host Free Outdoor Movies

The Howard Hughes Corp has partnered with the Hawaii International Film Festival and Consolidated Theaters to host free outdoor movies at their Ward Village complex in Kakaako. The first movie, Bella Vita, will be hosted on June 12, 2014 and more will be hosted on the second Thursday of each month. Jason Baffa, the filmmaker, will attend the 6 p.m. screening and will answer questions that visitors may have. David Striph, the senior vice president for Howard Hughes in Hawaii, stated, "Our thought process was really that it would be a good community event, a way to bring people in to experience Ward Village, and a way to give back to the community."

The movies will be shown at a newly redeveloped courtyard at IBM Building. Katie Ka'anapu, the senior marketing manger for Howard Hughes, stated, "We look forward to sharing these fantastic films with our local community, and invite everyone to join us for what we believe will be a fulfilling cultural and educational entertainment experience for all." Tickets to the free event can be obtained online at the Ward Village Courtyard Cinema website.

Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 5-26-2014, www.staradvertiser.com
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Hapalua Half-Marathon Drawing More Participants

This past weekend, the Hapalua Half-Marathon celebrated its third annual race and attracted a total of 4,462 participants, a significant increase from the 2,900 runners that they had last year. The race starts in Waikiki, goes to downtown Honolulu, doubles back towards Waikiki, goes around Diamond Head, and finishes at Kapiolani Park in Waikiki.  The Hapalua Half-Marathon generates an estimated $2.5 million in direct and indirect spending in Hawaii and generates about $40,000 for local charities.  Jim Barahal, the even organizer has high hopes for increasing the size of the Hapalua in the near future.  Barahal stated, "If you look at the world of running, the fastest growing event by far are the half-marathons. We wanted to create a world-class, destination event that would bring people from other places to Hawaii and create a broad base of community involvement by raising money for local causes." Barahal added, "Our partners with the Honolulu Marathon and our ad agency were made aware of Hapalua from its inception. Once we started to demonstrate the event's growth and the quality of the experience, we were able to bring in two of our marathon sponsors, Japan Airlines and MUFG, a large credit card sponsor. This is a critical step considering that their influences and reach is enormous and by putting their sponsorship to the event, they are giving their stamp of approval."

President and CEO for the Hawaii Tourism Authority, Mike McCartney added, "The draw of the Hawaiian Islands and the growing interest in the shorter half-marathon will help to attract visitors to the state during the traditionally slower spring shoulder period. If you think about the numbers that we are seeing now, Hapalua could over the next couple of decades turn into an event that also attracts 25,000 to 30,000 people."

Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 4-16-2014, www.staradvertiser.com
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The Groove Hawaii to Open in Kakaako

The first phase of the Groove Hawaii, a miniature amusement park, is scheduled to open in Kakaako on February 22, 2014.  The property, located on a three acre lot along Ala Moana Boulevard near Kakaako Makai Gateway Park, will include a go-kart track, a miniature Ferris wheel, swings, a climbing wall, an arcade game room and a small carousel along with food service and tours on Segways.  According to developer Billy Balding, a vertical wind tunnel, a zip line type ride and a miniature golf course will open in a later phase of the project.  Balding stated that the Grove Hawaii is primarily aimed at local residents, but will also appeal to visitors.  The Grove Hawaii will open daily from 9:00 AM to 10 PM.

The land is being leased from Kamehameha Schools and was approved by the Hawaii Community Development Authority in March 2013.

Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 2-18-2014, www.staradvertiser.com
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City of Honolulu Prepares For New No Smoking Bans

Beginning January 1, 2013, the city of Honolulu will have two new bans prohibiting smoking at city park and bus stops.  The new law will prohibit smoking at all city-run parks, beaches, tennis courts, playgrounds, athletic fields, botanical gardens, swimming pools, parking lots, and beach or park right-of-ways as well as 20 feet in all directions from all bus stop signs or shelters. Violators of the law would suffer a fine of $100 for the first offense and up to $500 for subsequent offenses.  A police officer would have to personally see the violation for them to be able to issue a citation.  To get the word out, posters, signs, and brochures are being distributed across the island of Oahu.  The city has also produced 1,400 signs to be posted at the over 300 parks and recreational facilities, as well as 500 signs for every bus stop.

Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 12-20-2013, www.staradvertiser.com
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Hawaii Healthiest State in Nation in 2013

According to America's Health Rankings, Hawaii is the healthiest state in the nation in 2013. The study is sponsored by the United Health Foundation in partnership with the American Public Health Association and Partnership in Prevention, whose goal is to improve health across the country.  This top ranking is welcome news to Loretta Fuddy, the state Health Director.  Fuddy commented, "Hawaii's No. 1 ranking is encouraging and reminds us how fortunate we are to live in the Aloha State.  I really think it's a testament to the support that we do have from Gov. Abercrombie and the Legislature in helping us build back services. No one receives these awards by themselves. All of what we do is in partnership with the private sector."

Vermont, which ranked first in 2012, dropped to second.  Minnesota was the third healthiest state.  The three least health states were Louisiana, Arkansas and Mississippi.

Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 12-11-2013, www.staradvertiser.com
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Kuli'ou'ou Ridge Trail

The Kuli'ou'ou Ridge Trail boasts some of the most spectacular views of Hawaii Kai, Waimanalo and Kailua on Oahu.  Approximately, 5 miles round trip, this hike took my wife and I three hours and 15 minutes to complete, including a break on the top to take some photographs.  While the hike is considered to be "moderate", it wasn't entirely easy, with some steep steps to climb at the very end.  Bring some water and make sure you stay on the trail (clearly marked) as this is a hunting area.

If you are driving from Waikiki, go East along the H-1 Freeway until it becomes Kalaniana'ole Highway.  After you pass Aina Hina, you will take a left on Kuli'ou'ou Road.  Go up Kuli'ou'ou Road for 1.3 miles until you reach Kala'au Place.  Take a right on Kala'au Place and park. Walk to the to top of Kala'au Place and begin the hike.

Overall a very enjoyable way to spend a morning.  My suggestion would be to start earlier in the day or in the late afternoon, as it can get quite humid and warm at times.  We saw several other hikers bringing their dogs.  Just make sure your animals are leashed, as there are hunters with their dogs in the area, and bring them lots of water.

Hawaii Has Low Obesity Rate, But Trend is Still Not Positive in Some Communities

According to a report released by the Trust for America's Health and the Robert Wood Foundation, a total of 23.6 percent of adults in Hawaii are considered to be obese, which is defined as having excess body fat that could have an adverse effect on health and life expectancy. This number actually ranked Hawaii has one of the top five states in country with the lowest obesity rate (47th lowest), but experts warn that the rate is still climbing in general.  Furthermore, obesity rates among some communities, especially the Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, are extremely high.  According to the study 40.8 percent of Native Hawaiian adults are obese.

Director for the state of Hawaii's Department of Health, Loretta Fuddy, stated, "While Hawaii has a lower obesity and chronic disease rate relative to many other jurisdictions, our state is following the same troubling path as the rest of the nation.  Nearly one-quarter of Hawaii adults are obese, and some population groups have much higher rates. Obesity is an epidemic and we cannot afford to sit back idly on this issue.  Obesity is costly to our state and can lead to diabetes and other chronic conditions later in life."  Fuddy noted that the state spends about $470 million on obesity-related medical costs and $770 million on costs associated to diabetes.

For strategies designed to curb the obesity epidemic, go to: health.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/DOH_PAN2020_LO.pdf

Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 8-22-2013, www.staradvertiser.com
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Chef Chai - Restaurant Review

When popular Hawaii chef Chair Chaowasaree decided to open up his newest restaurant on the ground floor of the Pacifica Condominium building, the expectations were extremely high.  A recent visit to "Chef Chai" located at 1009 Kapiolani Blvd did not disappoint.

Appetizers:

Our group ordered a total of three appetizers.  The rosemary garlic pork tenderloins with Chinese Bau Buns was probably the least interesting of the three.  While the pork was good, the bau became rather soggy quickly.

The fresh ahi tartar in mini waffle cones was a fun take on sashimi. The fish was excellent, and this appetizer was visually appealing.

All agreed that the Asian duck taco with spicy mango salsa, scallions and avocado was by the far the best of the three appetizers that we tried. Would highly recommend this.





Entrees:

The Chinese style steamed fresh catch with ginger and green onion.  

 Thai style oxtail soup with spicy lemongrass broth.

Steamed fresh Manila clams and fresh fish with lemongrass broth.  Also pictured steamed "Forbidden Rice".






Dessert:

 

Overall thoughts:

The service at Chef Chai's restaurant was excellent.  The waitstaff was attentive, without being overbearing. The quality of food and the visual preparation was also excellent.  Definitely worth your consideration if you are interested in trying a nice, local restaurant in Honolulu.

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Learning Hula Has Great Health Benefits

A new study done by researchers from the University of Hawaii's medical school and Queen's Medical Center has discovered that learning hula can help lower blood pressure for people with persistent hypertension and help rehabilitate patients after heart attacks or cardiac surgery.  Mele Look, the director of community engagement at the medical school's Department of Native Hawaiian Health, stated, "It is both appealing as well as effective. We found that they were affected not only on the physical front, by all that movement, but there was evidence of emotional and maybe even spiritual benefits that participants were getting.  Hula has never been used before as an intervention in a scientific research study.  We wanted to understand it both from the cultural side as well as from the Western scientific side."

In one study, patients leaving the hospital after cardiac events such as heart surgery or heart attacks, were assigned either usual medical care of 12 weeks of hour long hula classes, three times a week.  The study showed that those taking the hula class had better physical improvement as well as the feeling for increased social support.  Mele Look added, "People in the group often felt no one else really understood what they went through or how they were feeling, how vulnerable, facing their mortality.  In the environment of a hula class, they felt supported, and it happened very fast and it lasted."

Mapuana de Silva, the kumu hula (hula teacher) for the cardiac patients, noted that 95 percent of her students had no prior hula experience.  De Silva stated, "Most of them are older, they think, ‘I'm too old, it's too late. Because they were getting hula as a result of their heart incident, I think it just helped them relax and enjoy the exercise and the atmosphere of hula. Through that, they almost didn't realize how much their health was improving.  We weren't sure, going into the study, if the students were going to be able to have a halau kind of family, spiritual, emotional experience, but they all did."

Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 8-2-2013, www.staradvertiser.com
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Honolulu Mayor Signs No Smoking Bill for All Beaches and Bus Stops

Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell has signed two new bills into law which will stop prohibit smoking from all bus stops and all city-run recreational areas on Oahu.  Recreational areas would include all beaches, parks, playgrounds, swimming pools and athletic fields.  There will be a $100 penalty for the first violation and up to $500 for three or more violations.  The laws will go into effect on January 1, 2014.

Honolulu City Councilman Ikaika Anderson commented, "It's a solid step in the right direction toward sound public policy.  I look forward to this ban taking effect and to preserving all of our health."

There has been concern that smokers will simply step into the water and smoke there, since that would officially be the responsibility of the state and not the city.  However, Mayor Caldwell stated, "We're a nation of laws, and for most of us we abide by those laws.  I believe that when we know you can't smoke in parks, we won't smoke in parks."  The mayor added that the city will ask the state for the right to enforce the non smoking ban in the water along the shoreline. Caldwell added, "We have this executive order signed by the state of Hawaii that basically gives the City and County of Hono­­lulu at this park (Kuhio Beach Park) jurisdiction into the water.  If someone wants to walk into water and smoke a cigarette here, it'll be enforced, and they will be told to stop. So we hope people aren't going to do that to thumb their noses at what is a very good law."

Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 7-22-2013, www.staradvertiser.com
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Hawaii Residents Expected to Live Longest and Healthiest

According to study released by the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Hawaii residents that are currently 65 years old are expected to live the longest and healthiest lives as compared to residents of any other state.  The study predicted that those individuals would live another 21 years on average, and for 16 of those years they would be in good health.  The study noted that this was due to Hawaii's ethnic composition, good weather, access to health care and relatively low obesity rates.

Associate specialist for the University of Hawaii Center on the Family, Sarah Yuan, commented, "Longer life doesn't mean a good quality of life.  Healthy life expectancy is a modified measure that reflects how healthy we are as we age.  I think that is a very meaningful measure, more than the traditional one. The fact that on both measures Hawaii is ranked at the top, that's a good sign.  We tend to have a larger population of (people with) Japanese and Chinese background.  It turns out that the longest life expectancy is Chinese, and the second is Japanese."

Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 7-19-2013, www.staradvertiser.com
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Thrill-Crafts Under State Review

William Aila Jr. the State Land Board Chairman, has announced that his department will be conducting a review of all water thrill-craft operations in the state of Hawaii to study the impact on traditional fishing and on the fish and coral larvae.  Under Hawaii Administrative Rules, personal thrill craft are required to operate at least 500 feet from shore or from a fringing reef.  Businesses may operate thrill craft within a 200-foot radius in state designated ocean recreation management areas.  Several members of the community testified that the thrill-craft are hurting fishing due to the noise that they create.  However, local businesses operating the water vehicles believe that they should be allowed to stay.  William Aila stated, "Our job is to balance everybody's needs."

Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 7-19-2013, www.staradvertiser.com
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Water-Propelled Jet Packs Under Scrutiny

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources is current investigating concerns from residents about the unregulated use of water-propelled jet packs around Oahu.  Officially considered to be a watercraft under federal law, the jet pack allows users to shoot a powerful stream of water that propels users up into the air and holds them up over the ocean like a hovercraft.  The DLNR would have to determine if the jet pack should be redefined as a "thrill craft".  If it is a "thrill craft" then the department would be allowed to regulate its use.  Ester Kia'aina, the deputy director of the Department of Land and Natural Resources, stated, "We were alerted by our enforcement agency that they had been receiving complaints from the public and have witnessed activities in areas that were of concern.  If they meet the definition of a vessel under federal law, they're able to launch off of any ramp, and that's clearly something we don't want.  Right now it's not clear what they are, and as a result a lot of people have been skirting the rules and using these units wherever they want, and that's wrong."

Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 7-17-2013, www.staradvertiser.com
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Additional Bills For Honolulu Introduced to Ban Smoking in Public Places

There are three new bills being introduced by various members of the Honolulu government to ban smoking at various public places around Oahu.  Mayor Kirk Caldwell initiated Bill 24, which would help to clarify a smoking ban already in effect for seven major parks and beaches in East Honolulu.  City Councilman Ikaika Anderson would like to expand the smoking ban to all city operated parks and beaches through Bill 25.  And finally, City Councilman Ron Menor is introducing Bill 26, which would ban smoking from all city bus stops.  The City Council Public Safety and Economic Development Committee is listening to testimonials from both supporters of the three bills and those who oppose it over the next few weeks.  The entire City Council will vote on the three bills sometime in July.

Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 6-25-2013, www.staradvertiser.com
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City Leaders and Cyclists Promote Bicycling in Honolulu

Various Honolulu city leaders, including Mayor Kirk Caldwell, and cycling advocates are working together to promote bicycling as a healthier and more affordable way to commute.  There are current 134 combined miles of bike paths, bike routes, and bike lanes in Honolulu and the Department of Transportation Services has stated that another 310 miles of bikeways will be added at a cost of $68 million.

Officials estimate that about 1.5 percent of Oahu's population, or about 15,000 people, use by bicycles to get around.  However, it is believed that if additional bikeways were added, that number would increase.  Cycle On Hawaii's president, Natalie Iwasa, stated, “Once we get more people riding, they’re going to want to have more places to ride.  The thing now is to hold people like the mayor accountable for their words.”

Mayor Caldwell commented that cycling will help residents “save money, stay healthy and not pollute.  People can ride from Ewa, get off here with their bike, ride up to City Hall, ride over to the state Capitol, ride to some of the major employment centers and get to and from work.”

Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 6-20-2013, www.staradvertiser.com
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Hokule’a Voyaging Canoe Prepares for Three Year Voyage

The traditional Hawaiian voyaging canoe, Hokule’a, is preparing for a 47,000 mile voyage which will send the crew to 28 countries around the world. The trip will begin a year from now in May 2014, and is scheduled to end three years later in June 2017. However, prior to setting out on this epic journey, over 400 potential crew members will be training around the Hawaiian Islands for the next year.

The first historic voyage of the Hokule’a occurred in 1976 when the double-hulled canoe traveled from Hawaii to Tahiti using only traditional navigation techniques which included using the stats, winds, waves and birds. Since then the Hokule’a has gone on other trips, but nothing as long or as ambitious as this upcoming three year journey.

Nainoa Thompson, president of the Polynesian Voyaging Society, stated, “We need to learn how to take care of the planet. It’s our home, but more importantly, it’s our children’s home. The voyage of Hokule‘a is about exploration, discovery and a coming together of the diverse many so we can learn together to work toward responsible living on this island earth and then teach it to our children for their future.”

For additional information or to follow their exploits, goto www.Hokulea.org

Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 5-30-2013, www.staradvertiser.com
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Hawaii’s Elderly Among Nation’s Healthiest

According to a report commissioned by the United Health Foundation, Hawaii ranked 6th in the nation in terms of the health of people 65 years or older. The study, called America’s Health Rankings Senior Report: A Call to Action, researched senior’s behavior, clinical care, health outcomes, communities, and environment measures. Hawaii had the lowest rates in the nation in terms of obesity, hip fractures and preventable hospitalization, and also scored well on low smoking rates and high physical activity. The healthiest state for seniors in the country was Minnesota while Mississippi came in last.

Chief medical officer of the UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Hawaii, Dr. Ron Fujimoto, commented, “This is the first study of its kind focusing on the senior population, those 65 and older. The objective of this report is to have everyone look at this population and be advocates for improving the health of this group. This segment of the population is growing rapidly. It’s a pretty compelling population to study. I was very encouraged by the fact that we are in the Top 10 and I know we could be in the Top Five, if we look at this report and start understanding better where we can put our resources and energies.”

Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 5-30-2013, www.staradvertiser.com
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