Hawaii news roundup: low visitor forecasts; inauguration event in the works; extra Superferry sailings for holidays; Honolulu bike-share

Hawaii got gusty yesterday, with high-speed winds causing a brush fire, a fly-away roof and a  blown-down coconut tree, which fell onto a car in front of Iolani Palace, according to the Honolulu Star Bulletin. Winds appear calmer today, but anyone connected with tourism on the islands is perhaps still feeling unnerved.

Tourism forecasts | Recent economic forecasts in Hawaii predict that tourism there will decrease 10.1% this year, a larger drop than projected a few months ago. Read “Hawaii’s economic forecast gloomy, with 10% drop in tourism” in the Honolulu Advertiser.

Inauguration event | The Democratic Party of Hawaii has announced that — in addition to an inauguration night (Jan. 18, 2009) event at the Hay-Adams Hotel in Washington, D.C. — it will host a local celebration in Hawaii. Details including place and cost have not been announced, but you can express interest by contacting the party’s state headquarters.

Ferry news | Hawaii Superferry is adding voyages to its schedule for the holidays. In addition to its regular services from Oahu to Maui, the ship will add a 3:30 p.m. departure on Nov. 26 and Nov. 30, 2008, and an 11:45 a.m. departure on Dec. 23 and Dec. 30, 2008. From Maui to Oahu, extra sailings will take off at 8 p.m. on Nov. 26 and Nov. 30 and at 5 p.m. on Dec. 23 and Dec. 30. See the Superferry website for more details.

Bike-sharing on Oahu | If Nguyen Le of Momentum MultiSport Hawaii succeeds in his startup venture, Oahu visitors will find it easier to rent bikes. Renters would pick up their bikes from designated solar-powered racks, using a special pass or a credit card, in one area and leave it secured on a rack at their destination. The launch is planned for June 2009. [KITV]

– Susan Derby, Special to the Los Angeles Times

[Photo: Haleiwa Beach on the North Shore of Oahu; Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times]

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This entry was posted on Wednesday, November 19, 2008 at 11:34 am by Susan Derby and is filed under Hawaii, Islands & Beaches, News, Tips & Advice. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a comment, or trackback from your own site.