Strong Growth Continues As Total Expenditures By Visitors To Maui Grew 13.1% For The First 10 Months of 2011

Strong Growth Continues in Visitor Spending and Arrivals| By Sonia Isotov Article from: MauiNow.com Total expenditures by visitors who came to Hawai’i in the first 10 months of 2011 grew 14.8%, compared to the  same period in 2010, to $10.3 billion, according to preliminary statistics released today by the Hawaii Tourism  Authority. On Maui, total expenditures by visitors in the first 10 months of 2011 grew 13.1%, compared to the same period  in 2010, to $2.5 billion. Visitors in October 2011 spent $20 more per person per day than last October. Visitors to Maui actually spent $6  less per person per day than last October. Total visitor days for all visitors increased 4.1% and total arrivals (+2.6%) continued to exceed last year at  6,034,104 visitors. On Maui, total visitor days for all visitors increased 3.6 % and total arrivals (+3.8%) also exceed  last year at 1,808,350. Total arrivals to Maui in October 2011 dropped 2% compared to a year ago. Growth in arrivals to Maui from  Canada (+3.2%) and Japan (6.9%) were offset by lower arrivals from US West (-7.1%) and US East (-1.1%). For the  first 10 months of 2011, arrivals to Maui from Canada (+17.2%), US East (+1.3%) and US West (+0.8%) increased,  but arrivals from Japan (-3.1%) declined compared to year-to-date 2010. “We are also pleased with continued growth from our international markets, including the second positive month  of arrivals from Japan since the devastating earthquake and tsunami,” said Mike McCartney, president and chief  executive officer of the Hawaii Tourism Authority today in written statement. “New and additional airlift through 2012 also demonstrates that demand for travel to the Hawaiian islands  remains high, and is a good indicator of momentum for the visitor industry in the coming year.” More detailed October and 2011 year-to-date statistics for individual islands and the state, can be found on the  Hawaii Tourism Authority website.

Update On The Proposed Downtown Kihei Project Makai Of The Existing Pi'ilani Village Shopping Center

Developer Plans Downtown Kihei Article From: The Maui Weekly Article By:Tom Blackburn-Rodriguez Imagine South Maui developers getting applause at a community meeting when they proposed a 150-room hotel, a  state-of-the-art HD movie theater, restaurants, retail shops and a pedestrian plaza. In what may have been a unique moment in the history of development in Kihei, that is exactly what happened at the conclusion of a presentation at a Kihei Community Association (KCA) meeting by Jay E. Krigsman, executive vice president  of Krausz Companies Inc., after he provided an update on the company’s proposed Downtown Kihei project makai of  the existing Pi’ilani Village Shopping Center, which is also owned by Krausz. He said the goal of the company was to “Create a fun and exciting place to work, shop and play.” The Downtown Kihei project will be located on both side of Pi’ikea Street, bordered by South Kihei Road and Lipoa Drive. The anchors for Downtown Kihei will include a “Cinetopia” movie theater, where all screens will be digital with living room  La-Z-Boy-style theater seating, a sit-down restaurant, wine bar, live music, local musicians and local art displays. In addition, the project is planned to incorporate a hotel that will serve both locals and the businessperson who may be  in town for a few days. Because the hotel is incorporated into the Downtown Kihei design, hotel guests will be able to walk  to the shops, theater and restaurants. When it comes to traffic and streets, Krigsman said that Downtown Kihei will consist of a series of streets and a plaza to  create a place where one can spend family time. The design offers wide sidewalks, seating areas, a stage and a few vertical  streets not necessary for traffic flow, which can be closed off for farmers’ markets, health fairs and other community functions. Parking is primarily in the back of the buildings in shaded areas not visible or prominent from the street. The goal, said Krigsman, is “to create streets where people can walk.” Following Krigsman’s presentation, KCA President Jon Miller moderated and participated in a panel with the developer and  South Maui County Councilmember Don Couch. Couch reported that he supports legislation that would give the Urban Design Review Board (UDRB) expanded authority in  reviewing development projects, including Special Management Area (SMA) permits. Currently, the requirement for an SMA permit for development makai of Pi’ilani Highway gives groups like the KCA more  opportunity to weigh in, because projects are proposed in the SMA area. The same clout does not apply for projects mauka of the highway, unless zoning changes are requested. Couch would  end that distinction and require all projects to receive UDRB approval. Miller agreed, saying, “The issue now is there is very little protection above the SMA project area.” When questioned about opportunities for locally owned businesses to locate shops in Downtown Kihei, Krigsman said  that costs for the project continue to grow as delays in the permit and approval process drag on. “The intent is to have an eclectic mix of national and local stores,” he said. “The county is making it so expensive to turn a  shovel of dirt, that we have to reflect it in the rent.” With a solid audience turnout, the KCA moved briskly to provide an opportunity for state Rep. George Fontaine to present  an overview of activities he has been involved with since the last month’s meeting. These included a meeting with Ed Reinhart, president of Maui Electric Company (MECO), to advocate for an alternate plan  for the utility’s proposed 70-foot metal poles along the mauka side of Pi’ilani Highway from the new power substation near  the intersection of Ke Ali’i Alanui Road. Fontaine reported that MECO is now reconsidering that plan and will hold a community meeting in Kihei in the near future to  discuss potential alternatives. At this last meeting of the year held on the Lipoa Street campus of the Kihei Charter School, the KCA also unanimously elected  its new board of directors for 2012. Those elected were Andrew Beerer, Steve Cordova, Michael Di Bella, Daniel Kanehele, Jon  Miller, Mike Moran, Bob Richardson, Patricia Stillwell, Greg Straton and Jorge Tioga. For more information about future KCA meetings and activities, visit gokihei.org.

Clint Hansen Receives Unanimous Approval for Maui Paintball

Tuesday was a very special day for Clint Hansen as the Maui Planning Department gave unanimous  approval granting his special use permit for Maui Paintball. Click here  http://www.mauinews.com/page/content.detail/id/555590/Planning-commission-approves-permi t-for-paintball-facility.html?nav=10 for the article published in yesterday’s Maui News. Mahalo Nui Loa to everyone for their ongoing support. Happy Thanksgiving from our Ohana to Yours.

Hawaii Hotel Room Revenue 12.8% Better Than The Same Period Last Year

Hotels see increase in room rates Article From: The Maui Weekly The Maui News – Maui’s hotels were two-thirds full in September, not unusual for one of the dullest months of  the year in the visitor industry, but hotel operators were able to boost their rack rates by more than $15 a night. That contributed to a sizable increase in the amount of money coming in. So far this year, and despite some  slackness in arrival numbers, Hawai’i's lodging business is doing better than last year, and much better than it  was in 2009. The Hawai’i Hotel Flash Report released by Hospitality Advisors last week said that through nine months of 2011,  island hotels have reaped room revenue of $2.14 billion. That is 12.8 percent better than in 2010 and 20.9  percent better than in 2009. But it was not equal to the $2.41 achieved in the first three quarters of 2006. For the year-to-date, Maui had the highest average daily rate ($246.52), up 9.3 percent. Occupancy rates are  up about the same amount in each county so far this year, a somewhat surprising result considering the turmoil  caused by Japan’s earthquake in March and the continuing uncertainty in general economic terms. Each county is up around 3 percentage points in occupancy. Maui is up to 71.2 percent from 68.8 percent last  year.

Hawaiian Airlines Launches Daily Direct Flights New York to Honolulu~Introductory Rates As Low As $212 Each Way

Hawaiian Launches Nonstop Daily New York To Honolulu Hawaiian Airlines will operate the its newest and largest aircraft, the Airbus A330-200, seating 294 passengers,  on its new Honolulu to New York daily nonstop service. By Sonia Isotov Article From:Mauinow.com Hawaiian Airlines announced today that it will launch a daily nonstop service between New York City’s John F.  Kennedy International Airport and Honolulu starting June 4, 2012, and is promoting the new service with  introductory fares. Starting June 5, 2012, Hawaiian Flight 51 will depart JFK daily at 10:00 a.m. and arrive at Honolulu International  Airport at 3:00 p.m. The new route will be inaugurated from Honolulu the day before on June 4, with the departure of Flight 50,  familiarly known as “Hawaiian 5-0″. Flight 50 will depart Honolulu daily at 3:05 p.m. and arrive in New York  City at 6:55 a.m. the following morning. Hawaiian’s new flights from New York will add more than 107,000 new air seats annually to Hawaii’s tourism  industry from the Eastern US, the state’s second-largest geographic source market for visitors. “New York is an important part of our growth strategy. Hawaiian is the leading airline in Hawaii’s largest  tourism market, the US West Coast, and we are expanding in Hawaii’s third largest market, Asia. Adding  service to the largest market in the Eastern US, Hawaii’s second largest tourism market, was a logical step,”  said Mark Dunkerley, Hawaiian’s president and chief executive officer, in a written statement. “Hawaiian’s new service will generate an estimated $156 million in direct visitor spending and $17 million in  state tax revenue annually for our tourism economy and will provide much desired direct air service to New  York City making it more convenient and accessible for travelers from the East Coast. This flight is of strategic  importance to promoting the Hawaiian Islands brand to our second largest market, and we look forward to  welcoming our guests,” added McCartney. Hawaiian will operate its New York-Honolulu route using its growing fleet of new Airbus A330-200 aircraft  that seat 294 passengers, with 18 seats in First Class and the remainder in Economy Class. In celebration of its new service, Hawaiian is offering special introductory fares of $212 each way in Economy  Class and $808 each way in First Class (212 and 808 being the area codes of New York City and Honolulu,  respectively). The introductory fares are available for purchase from today through November 20, 2011 and  are valid for travel between June 4 and June 30, 2012.

Homes For Sale in Maui Meadows

Filed under: Uncategorized — Donna @ 2:28 pm Don’t forget about this lisitng on Akala.  It’s a fabulous house in Maui Meadows.

Hawaii Holiday Travel Poll~What Are Your Plans For This Holiday Season?

Hawaii Holiday Travel Poll: Lower Travel, More Spending By Sonia Isotov Article from: MauiNow.com Local consumers will spend more on holiday trips this season, but slightly less likely than last year to take at least one  overnight trip for the holidays in November/December, according to AAA Hawaii’s 3rd Annual Winter Holiday Travel Poll. 39% of polled local residents said they plan on one or more holiday trips, compared to 42% last year, while 50% definitely  won’t take a trip (48% last year) and 11% are undecided (10% in 2010). The 50% not taking a holiday trip cited several reasons, including: ■Too many other expenses (43%) ■Rising prices for travel (38%) ■Rising household expenses for items other than gas (30%) ■High gas prices (29%) Of those who will be traveling in November and December, 77% plan to spend more than $1,000 on their getaways,  compared to 69% last year who said they would spend more than $1,000. 64% of surveyed holiday travelers will take one trip in November or December, 29% will take two, and 7% will take three  or more. Last year, 65% said they would take one trip, 30% were taking two, and 5% were taking three or more. Many more Hawaii residents plan to visit family over this holiday season compared to last year (56% compared to 44%  in 2010), while fewer local travelers will be shopping (46% vs. 58% last year) or sightseeing (40% vs. 49% last year). “We are definitely seeing some price sensitivity on the part of travelers because of the economy and high gas prices, but  we also see that travel is viewed as a high priority and people will continue to fit trips into their budgets however they can,”  said Diane Peterson, AAA Hawaii regional manager, in a written statement. “Fortunately, travel providers are recognizing  this also and are offering many family budget-friendly deals and significant discounts for early bookings.” Of those polled who indicated they would travel this holiday season, 36% will take at least one trip within Hawaii, while 42%  plan to visit Nevada, and 33% will visit California. AAA Hawaii offered the following tips for saving on holiday travel: ■If you fly to your destination, consider mailing holiday gifts ahead of time to avoid high baggage fees. Also, wrapped gifts  can cause problems with the TSA screening process, so if you do bring gifts on the plane, wrap them at your destination. ■The last-minute holiday deal is back for many travel providers because of lower demand due to the economy. To take  advantage, do some online research or let a travel agent do it for you. Travel agents don’t charge for their services, so you’ll  get the same price on the deal and also save time. ■For long-distance road trips, plan your stops for gasoline with a tool like the AAA TripTik app for smartphones, which lists  gas prices at stations all along your travel route. Price differences can be as much as 50 cents per gallon because gas stations  near airports and key freeway locations may charge much higher prices, so it’s worth it to shop around first. ■Avoid speeding. It’s tempting to drive 75 miles an hour or more on an open highway, but doing that on a long-distance  road trip could cost you $20 to $30 more per day in wasted fuel. AAA Hawaii’s Holiday Travel Poll was conducted online by the AAA Marketing Research Department along with the Holiday  Shopping Poll, which was released last week. The poll surveyed 361 AAA Hawaii members between Oct. 4 and Oct. 20. It has  a margin of error of +/-5% and the differences between 2011 and 2010 results were tested for statistical significance at a  95%  confidence level.

Foreclosures in Hawaii Down 66% Compared to a Year Ago Under New State Law

Foreclosures down 66% under new state law By Andrew Gomes Article from: Star-Advertiser A 6-month-old Hawaii law continued to constrain the flow of foreclosures statewide in October, as a relative  trickle of cases were initiated mainly through Circuit Court instead of a nonjudicial process through which  most cases had been pouring prior to the law’s enactment. Real estate research firm RealtyTrac counted 427 Hawaii foreclosure filings last month, which was 66 percent  fewer than 1,271 filings in October 2010. Last month’s count was the highest since the new law took effect May 5, but not by much. There were 414  cases in September, 413 in August, 390 in July and 344 in June. The law initially prohibited lenders from proceeding with nonjudicial foreclosure against owner-occupants  until a mediation program was available to borrowers. That program launched Oct. 3, but lenders as of  Wednesday had yet to use the new nonjudicial process administered by the state Department of Commerce  and Consumer Affairs. The new nonjudicial procedure forces lenders to participate in a mediation program with qualified borrowers  if borrowers so choose. Qualified borrowers are mainly homeowners who have resided in their homes for a  minimum 200 days. Excluded from mediation are foreclosures brought by homeowner associations or  brought against investors. Local attorneys representing lenders say the law is flawed and that the new nonjudicial process won’t be  used because it provides for punitive penalties for even the most minor infractions. The result has been more lenders — but not an overwhelming number — pursuing foreclosures in state  court. According to the state Judiciary, 338 new foreclosure cases were filed in court last month, about triple the  108 cases filed a year earlier. Judicial cases have roughly been between 200 and 300 per month since June,  up from closer to 100 in the same months last year. Historically, nonjudicial foreclosures represented an estimated 90 percent of foreclosures in Hawaii because  they were faster and cheaper. The Judiciary counts new cases filed. RealtyTrac counts new case filings as well as auction notices and lender  repossessions. But because RealtyTrac collects its data from a variety of sources, it appears to undercount  new judicial cases. Under RealtyTrac’s methodology, 31 other states had higher, or worse, foreclosure rates than Hawaii, which  had 1 filing for every 1,208 homes. The national rate was one filing for every 563 homes. Nevada had the worst rate at 1 foreclosure filing per  180 homes. Vermont had the best rate based on 1 filing per 12,570 homes. The year-over-year decline in foreclosure filings for Hawaii has conformed with a trend nationally that has  existed for about a year after major national lenders were forced to review and revise the way they were  processing cases and handling documents. James Saccacio, RealtyTrac’s chief executive officer, added that  state law changes and court rulings also have upset the pace of foreclosures. In Hawaii, there is a push for the Legislature to amend the law next year to make it more palatable to lenders  while still protecting homeowners. A task force representing the mortgage industry and consumers is  expected to release recommendations to the Legislature on ways to improve the foreclosure law by the  end of the year.

According to the Global Wealth Monitor Report 7.21 Percent of Hawaii's Households Are Millionaires

Maryland tops Hawaii for millionaires By Star-Advertiser staff Article from: Star-Advertiser You’re slightly more likely to meet a millionaire in Maryland than Hawaii, according to Phoenix Marketing  International, a global marketing services firm. The company issued its annual Global Wealth Monitor report that tracks affluent and high net worth households  in the U.S., Canada and Europe. The reports shows that about 7.22 percent of Maryland’s households are millionaires, compared to Hawaii’s  7.21 percent. Hawaii had led the rankings since 2008. Phoenix defines a millionaire household as one with  $1 million or more in investable or liquid assets (excluding sponsored retirement plans and real estate). Rounding out the top ten states in millionaires per population are New Jersey (7.19 percent), Connecticut  (7.13 percent), Massachusetts (6.41 percent), Alaska (6.39 percent), Virginia (6.26 percent), New Hampshire  (6.06 percent), California (6.01 percent), and the District of Columbia (5.88 percent). “A few things are noteworthy from this year’s millionaire rankings,” said David Thompson, Managing Director  of the Phoenix Global Wealth Monitor said in a news release. “First, this is the closest it’s ever been between the  top two states. Second, all of the top ten states increased their millionaire ratios during the past year, which  underscores that the richest states keep getting richer.” Phoenix computes its data on the size of affluent and high net worth U.S. households on a mid-year to  mid-year basis. As of the end of June, 2011, Phoenix estimates that the number of millionaires in the U.S.  grew by 6.9 percent from the previous year, numbering some 5.9 million households.

Restaurant Week in Wailea is Back~November 6-12th

Restaurant Week Wailea Returns November 6 – 12, 2011 Back by popular demand, Wailea Resort is proud to announce the return of its very successful dinner promotion, “Restaurant Week Wailea”. This celebration of Wailea’s finest cuisine will take place at 16 participating resort  restaurants throughout Wailea starting Sunday, November 6th, through Saturday, November 12th. Wailea Resort has long been known for its award winning culinary talent, delectable restaurants and celebrity  chefs; and have once again created some remarkable three course, pre-fixe menus for just $29*, $39* or $49*  per person (*depending on the restaurant – beverages, tax and gratuity not included). Some restaurants have  enhanced this promotion, by creating wine pairings to enjoy with your meal, at a very special price “Restaurant Week Wailea continues to be a popular promotion for the restaurants and diners”, said Bud Pikrone,  General Manager, Wailea Community Association. “Earlier this year in May, over $4,800 was raised from  Restaurant Week Wailea for the Maui Food Bank and having it again this November is perfect timing to raise  more money for the Maui Food Bank as the Holidays approach” said Pikrone. Each participating restaurant has agreed to make a contribution to the Maui Food Bank for every pre-fixe  entrée sold during Restaurant Week Wailea, as part of the resorts community giving. This pre-fixe menu is not valid with any other discount, coupons or promotion being offered at participating  restaurants. Diners may contact each restaurant direct for reservations, as advance reservations are strongly  recommended or visit www.opentable.com for select restaurants* which offer online dinner reservations. No tickets, passes or coupons needed ~ simply make your reservations and enjoy! 16 Wailea Resort restaurants are participating: Capische?* (Hotel Wailea) (808) 879-2224 DUO Steak and Seafood (Four Seasons) (808) 874-8000 Gannon’s (Wailea Gold & Emerald Course) (808) 875-8080 Humuhumunukunukuapua’a (Grand Wailea) (808) 875-1234 Joe’s in Wailea (Wailea Tennis Club) (808) 875-7767 KAI Wailea (808) 875-1955 Kō* (Fairmont Kea Lani) (808) 875-4100 Longhi’s* (The Shops at Wailea) (808) 891-8883 Mala Wailea* (Wailea Marriott) (808) 875-9394 Matteo’s (808) 874-1234 Monkeypod Kitchen by Merriman (808) 891-2322 Mulligan’s on the Blue (Wailea Blue Course) (808) 874-1131 Nick’s Fishmarket Maui* (Fairmont Kea Lani) (808) 879-7224 Pita Paradise Bistro Wailea (808) 879-7177 Ruth’s Chris Steak House* (The Shops at Wailea) (808) 874-8880 Tommy Bahamas* (The Shops at Wailea) (808) 875-9983 OR visit www.opentable.com to book reservations with participating restaurants* * Participating restaurant offers online reservations through OpenTable.com. Reservations are free and  confirmed instantly 24 hours a day. No phone calls, no waiting. ***Information courtesy of the Wailea Community Association

Condominium Council of Maui Will Have Their Annual Meeting November 10th at the King Kamehameha Golf Club

Maui Condo Council Annual Meeting, Building Trade Show By Sonia Isotov Article from: Mauinow.com On November 10th, condominium managers, unit owners, property management firms, and building and  construction professionals will all gather for the 4th Annual Seminar and Trade Show of the Condominium Council of Maui (CCM). The theme of this year’s meeting is “Old Buildings-New Solutions: What Associations Need to Know” and  the seminar portion of the meeting will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the King Kamehameha Golf Club above  Waikapu. Alongside the seminar, a vendor’s trade show will run from 8:10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lunch is provided. Guest speakers include: Colin Murphy, Trinity; Rick Tanner, The Whaler at Kaanapali, Robert Barrett, Coasta l Windows; and Christian Porter, Esq. and CCM Moderator, and others. Seminar topics will include: engineering, architectural, plumbing, windows, insurance, finance, and more.  Attendees will hear about some of the pit-falls of local association renovation projects, and how to protect,  preserve and enhance property assets now. A question and answer period will be made available. For more information, go to the Maui Condominium Council website.

Wailea Food & Wine Celebration Benefit In Support of Community Arts Education

Wailea Food & Wine Celebration Annual Hui No‘eau benefit for arts education Article from: The Maui Weekly Join the Maui arts community and honorary chairs Jack and Carolyn Schaefer Gray for Hui No’eau Visual Arts Center’s fifth annual Wailea benefit in support of community arts education. Upcountry-based Hui No’eau welcomes your participation in this year’s Wailea Food & Wine Celebration, a relaxing evening featuring Maui’s top chefs and vintners, a fine art and fine dining auction, entertainment,  and the joyful company of artists and friends. The event, Li’ula i Wailea – Twilight at Wailea, will take place  on Friday, Nov. 18, at Hotel Wailea, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Held in the hotel’s elegant Anuhea Room overlooking the koi pond and beautiful hotel grounds, guests will sample exceptional wines provided by Chambers & Chambers Wine Merchants and taste the best in Maui cuisine from the finest local restaurants and chefs. Enjoy great company and a relaxed atmosphere for a  worthy cause. Returning vintners from Grgich Hills Estate, Jordan Winery, Justin Vineyards & Winery and Shafer Vineyards  will be joined by this year’s participating vintners from Peter Michael Winery, Pahlmeyer, Paul Hobbs Winery, Ramey Wine Cellars, Bergstrom Winery, Turley Wine Cellars and many more! More than a beverage, wine is a work of art, capable of ever-changing complexity and beauty. According to this esteemed group of vintners, wine tasting requires patience, awareness and practice. The act of “tasting” wine calls upon a range of considerations including sweetness, acid, tannin, body, flavor   and finish. When paired with the incredible culinary creations of participating master chefs, the experience of tasting becomes an art form-and you’re the artist. A veritable playground for foodies, this premier epicurean event will feature culinary creations from Maui’s  top restaurants and chefs, each serving up a more ambitious dish than the next out of their makeshift  booth-side kitchens. With chefs from Capische?, five Palms Restaurant, MCC Culinary Academy and Spago Maui, Cuatro, Three’s Bar & Grill, Maui Culinary Academy and more, this year’s event promises food and wine of the highest caliber. Guests will also have the opportunity to bid on fine art and fine-dining auction items, as well as tickets to an  elegant four-course dinner catered by executive chef Jennifer Evetushick of Hali’imaile General Store and wine  pairing by Chambers & Chambers for 18 at the hui’s historic Kaluanui Estate. “This is the time to experiment and really come in with an open palate,” said Charles Fredy, advanced  sommelier and certified specialist of wine at Chambers & Chambers Wine Merchants. “If you don’t like it, move on. Ask lots of questions and take advantage of the experts. Tell them what you’re about to eat  and ask what they might pair it with. You will be so surprised with what you come away with.” Tickets are $150, ($100 of which is tax deductible). Purchase tickets by Friday, Nov. 4, for a chance to win  Ripeness Begins Corrupting Every Tree by Brad Brown, valued at $500. Visit www.huinoeau.com to purchase tickets or call 572-6560