Total Spending By Visitors To Hawaii Has Grown Every Month Since May 2010: Maui Visitor Spending And Arrivals Continue Growing

Maui Visitor Spending, Arrivals Continue Growing By Sonia Isotov Article From: Mauinow.com “Continued growth in visitor spending is a strong indication that Hawaii’s tourism economy is improving,” said  Mike McCartney, the president and chief and executive officer of the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA), in a  written statement today. For the state, visitor spending rose 15.1% to $11.3 billion during the first 11 months of 2011. On Maui, visitor  spending rose 12.9% to $249.5 million during the same 11 month period. Statewide, total visitor days for all visitors rose 4.9% and total arrivals remained ahead (+3.4%) of last year at  6,600,776 visitors, according to preliminary statistics released today by the HTA. On Maui, total visitor days  for all visitors rose 4% and total arrivals remained ahead (+4.2%) as well. The HTA expects to end this year  with year-over-year growth in visitor expenditures. Total arrivals in November 2011 rose 2.6% compared to last November to 566,672 visitors, and Maui  received 165,239 visitors compared to 162,153 visitors last November, or a 1.9% increase. For the month of November 2011 alone, total visitor spending grew 8.2% (up $73.5 million) from November  2010 to $972.5 million, while visitor arrivals were up 2.6% from a year ago. Total spending by all visitors has  risen every month since May 2010. Higher daily spending ($186 per person, up from $179 per person in  November 2010) contributed to the growth in total visitor expenditures. “The HTA’s focus on Asia and emerging markets is paying off with growth in visitor spending and arrivals  from Asia, including Korea, China and Japan. In November, air seat capacity from Japan increased 10.5%  due to increased service and an additional 5,796 charter seats to Hawai’i. The average daily spending from  Japanese visitors also increased, resulting in a 20% growth in visitor expenditures,” added McCartney. Total arrivals by air only in November 2011 increased 3.6% to 555,630 visitors. Japanese arrivals grew  4.7%, the third consecutive month of increases. Arrivals from Canada (+5.1%), US West (+0.6%) and US  East (+2.0%) were also higher compared to November 2010. Arrivals by cruise ships fell 32% from  November 2010 to 11,042 visitors. For the first 11 months of 2011, total expenditures by Canadian visitors rose 26.5%, supported by strong  growth in arrivals (+18.8%) and higher average daily spending. Total expenditures by US West (+6.9%) and  US East (+9.5%) visitors continued to increase while US West (+1.9%) and US East (+2.0%) arrivals remained  above year-to-date 2010. Total Japanese visitor expenditures increased 8.1%, even though arrivals were  lower (-5.4%) than the first 11 months of 2010. “The growth from these markets are helping to offset the drop in spending from the US West and US East  that may be attributed to an increase in prices, as well as a recovering US economy,” explained McCartney. November was also the month of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders’ Week (APEC) which the  HTA used to promote Hawai’i as a global meetings destination and highlight the Hawaiian Islands’  centralized location in the Asia-Pacific region. McCartney said, “As anticipated, overall arrivals during  November showed modest growth compared to 2010, but the recent increases in arrivals and spending  from Japan and other Asia are also indicators of the significance of the Asia-Pacific region and the potential  long-term impact that APEC will have on our community.” “It is also important to note that the visitor data for November 2011 does not include APEC attendees who  arrived via private planes or government transportation that is not captured by our research, as well as  ancillary business spending that includes security expenses, equipment rental fees, meeting rooms,  private parties and other expenses,” said McCartney. “As we head into 2012, we anticipate seeing an increased shift of our visitor profile with a growing number  of visitor arrivals from the Asia-Pacific region. With new flights by Air Australia and Asiana Airlines, as well  as increased service by Hawaiian Airlines to South Korea, we see potential to capitalize on opportunities  and will continue developing these markets while building on recent gains that will help to provide jobs  and stimulate our state’s economy.”

Incredible One Day Only Special Fare Sale From Hawaiian Airlines For Travel January 5, 2012 to January 31, 201

Considering a trip to Maui that stops in or is from the Bay Area or Los Angeles this January? Be sure to check  out this great One Day Special Fare Sale from Hawaiian Airlines. If you’re considering purchasing a condo,  home or investment property during your visit ~ give us a call at 1-800-291-5535 or (808)280-2764. Mahalo From Hawaiian Airlines To show their appreciation, Hawaiian Airlines are offering a one-day only special fare –$298 round trip  to/from the Bay Area, or Los Angeles and Hawaii. In appreciation of patronage during the past year, they want to give something back. Enjoy the gift of travel  this Holiday Season from all of us at Hawaiian Airlines. Click here:http://www.hawaiianair.com/Specialoffers/Pages/holiday-special-fare.aspx Mele Kalikimaka! Booking Period Today Only 12/20/2011 only Travel Period 1/5/2012-1/31/2012

Weekend Round-up: Fantastic Events Across Maui This Weekend

Weekend Round-Up: Boyz II Men, Steve Miller Band By Madeline Ziecker Article from: Mauinow.com BOYZ II MEN IN CONCERT Saturday, December 10 at the MACC at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $45, $60 and $75. Four-time Grammy-award-winning a cappella R&B vocal group Boyz II Men will perform live, celebrating their  most recent album, Twenty. Boyz II Men will perform a concert blending vocals, effects, and elements of classic R&B, as they have been  doing for twenty years as the best selling R&B group of all time. The group has had a steady fan base since their debut in the 1980s, even through several member changes. The secret to their lengthened success may be their ability to adapt with changes in R&B, music technology,  and in the music industry over time. Tickets can be purchased by calling the MACC Box Office at 242-SHOW or online at MauiArts.org. STEVE MILLER BAND WITH DAVE MASON Sunday, December 11 at the MACC at 7 p.m. Tickets $55, $65,  $85, and $125. The renowned Steve Miller Band who has brought over four decades of hit classic rock and blues music  will perform for one night at the MACC for loyal fans on Maui. Dave Mason, who holds a similar status as a classic rock king, will join the band as a special guest to  enhance the show even further. Steve Miller Band sells out shows every year playing hit songs from their 30 million records recorded  over the past 40 years. Tickets can be purchased by calling the MACC Box Office at 242-SHOW or online at MauiArts.org. MAUI STAND-UP COMEDY SHOW Saturday, December 10 at Stella Blues at 10 p.m. Tickets $10 at  the door. A relatively new group of hilarious Maui stand-up comedians, Power Up Comedy, will perform their  best jokes in Kihei on Saturday night. The line-up for the evening is as follows: ■Host: Jose Solorzano ■Corky Gardner ■Doug Wyckoff ■Teresa Sickels ■Ray “Boom Boom” Chavez ■Feature: Chino LaForge ■Headliner: Sunny Dennis FREERADICALS PROJEKT LIVE AT PICNIC IN PARADISE BENEFIT Sunday, December 11 from 12-10 p.m.  at the Sugarman Makena Estate. Tickets $15 pre-sale and $20 at the door. Freeradicals Projekt will play live at a benefit supporting Prayer Rock Foundation and “Source V: Circus  of Dreams” on the oceanside Sugarman Estate. Prayer Rock Foundation is an educational, non-profit, public charity organization dedicated to sustaining  the Prayer Rock Sanctuary located in Kula. The organization caries the mindset of “Supporting the path,  caring for the Earth.” Source is Maui’s own annual multi-media arts and music festival. For their fifth year festival, the theme will  be “Circus of Dreams,” likely to bring and inspire several talented artists to Source V. The festival event holders will be holding and participating in several fundraising events, including Picnic  In Paradise, before the start date of Source V on February 17. The Picnic In Paradise event will include local food vendors and live DJs sponsored by Kona Red. Shuttle service will be provided for ticket holders along with offsite parking at Mulligan’s On The Blue. Tickets can be purchased in advance at Wine Corner in Paia, Request Records in Wailuku, and The Tiki  Lounge in Kihei.

Approvals Sought For 65 Acre Central Maui Park In The Master Planned Waiale Community

Approvals sought for 65 Acre Central Maui Park By Wendy Osher Article from: Mauinow.com The state Board of Land and Natural Resources will review a request this Friday for the acquisition of land for park use in  Waikapu on Maui. The park would be part of the 2550-unit master planned Waiale community, proposed for development along the  Kuihelani Highway, west of Pomaikai Elementary School, the Legends, and Na Hoku Subdivision. The 65 acre parcel is currently owned by Alexander & Baldwin and consists of unimproved fallow land. The company  has submitted a request to the State Land Use Commission for re-classification of the property from agricultural to  urban use. A $9 million appropriation was made by the 2011 State Legislature in general obligation bonds for acquisition and  development of the park. Improvements envisioned for the property include the development of a variety of playing fields, parking, restrooms, and other facilities.

Exciting News: Three New Restaurants Opening Soon

Three New Maui Restaurants Opening Soon By Susan Halas Article From: Mauinow.com Fleetwood’s Restaurant and Pub on Front Street has leased over 10,000 sq ft of second floor and rooftop dining  at the old Planet Hollywood Building, and also plans to offer retail liquor sales on the ground floor. According to  Project Manager Jonathan Todd, the new ocean view eatery located across the street from the sea wall in Lahaina  has received two liquor licenses: one for upstairs service and a separate permit for ground floor retail sales. He  said the dining areas are expected to seat hundreds will eventually be open for lunch and dinner. He also  anticipates that hundreds will be hired to staff the new establishment. Fronting the new venture is long time celebrity musician Mick Fleetwood who has Maui homes upcountry and in  Napili. Fleetwood’s On Front St. Lahaina The 10,000 sq ft Fleetwood’s on Front St in Lahaina hopes to open in the  second quarter of 2012. The eatery headed by well known musician and long time Maui resident Mick  Fleetwood will occupy the 2nd floor, roof and portions of the ground floor of the former Planet Hollywood  building across from the sea wall. The management says facilities will include a restaurant, pub and liquor store.  Photo courtesy Fleetwood’s on Front St. “Mick’s been here for a while and he gets the needs of Maui,” said Todd. He said the menu is still taking shape  but in its final incarnation “will be approachable yet sophisticated. We want it to have family appeal.” The project manager said that HJP Restaurant Advisors of Santa Barbara has been retained to coordinate the  opening. “They’ll be on site 24/7 until then and as long after we open as necessary.” Todd said that Fleetwood’s is  currently seeking resumes from those qualified for general manager, chef and other senior level positions.  “When top staff is in place they will be responsible for filling the other positions.” Those interested in submitting resumes of any kind should follow the links posted on line at  www.FleetwoodsOnFrontSt.com and www.Facebook.com/Fleetwoods. He indicated that “hiring preference  will be given to Maui residents.” Todd confirmed that the restaurant had signed a long term lease. “We have options for decades. This is not an  in and out thing,” he said. Waterfront will come to the Maalea Harbor Shops in the space formerly occupied by the Maalaea Grill. Waterfront  is expected to open by Easter of next year. Gary Smith, one of the owners of the Waterfront Restaurant located for more than 20 years at the Milowai  Condominium in Maalaea announced that his family has found a home for “the new and improved” Waterfront  at the Maalaea Harbor Shops next door to the Maui Ocean Center. Smith said that the Waterfront will occupy the 5,000 sq ft harbor view space which formerly held the Maalaea  Grill. He expects key personnel like Chef Bob Cambra and Bartender Don Goodwin will soon return, joined by  veteran wait and kitchen staff. Given the larger size of the new quarter he said staffing may eventually expand. The new location has several features he thinks patrons will find attractive such as more parking, a private  dining room and larger, more modern quarters. The Waterfront, he said, is anxiously awaiting its liquor license  and hopes to open by Easter of next year. “We’ll start with dinner, Smith said, “and as soon as nearby roadway improvements in the harbor area are  finished, we’ll open for lunch. Our family, my mother Donna, my brother Rick and I are very excited to get a  quality restaurant in a key location.” Fabiani’s Italian Bakery and Pizzeria expects to open by Christmas of this year serving family style Italian  specialies including pizza, baked goods and pasta. The 3,000 sq ft eatery has indoor and outdoor seating  and an 18 seat bar. Fabiani’s Bakery & Pizzeria is coming to the South Maui Center. The new Italian restaurant is located in Unit  101 at 95 Lipoa Street in Kihei. Owners are Lorenzo Fabiani, former maitre’d at Matteo’s and his wife Michelle, former pastry chef at Longhi’s,  while Joe Caccamo, formerly of Matteo’s and Capische heads the kitchen. Improvements are underway to  3,000 sq ft space that includes indoor and outdoor seating for about 120 patrons and an 18 stool bar. The eatery will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner featuring homemade Italian-style baked items and  other specialties such as pizza, panini and pasta. Until a liquor license is in place BYOB is the policy of the  house. A soft opening is slated for December 16. “We hope to be up and going by Christmas,” said Lorenzo. “We are very excited to offer Italian fare in the  heart of Kihei.”

Reminder: Na Hale O Maui Homebuyer Seminar Saturday December 3rd

Just a Reminder….
Na Hale O Maui Homebuyer Seminar
When: Today, Saturday December 3, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Where: Good Shepherd Church Parish Hall, Wailuku
This is a great opportunity to learn some of the basics of getting the right mortgage for you and you family. `

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.

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.

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.

Visitor Spending on Maui Continues to Grow~Momentum Is Anticipated To Continue Into 2012

Maui Visitor Spending Grows, Arrivals Flat By Sonia Isotov Article from: MauiNow.com Total expenditures by Maui visitors in the first nine months of 2011 increased by 15.1%, compared to the same  period last year, to $2,370.5 million, according to preliminary statistics released today by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Total visitor days for Maui visitors only rose 4.2% and total arrivals (+4.5%) continued to surpass last year at 1,640,498 visitors. For the month of September 2011, total visitor expenditures for Maui grew 16.4%  ($225.9 million) from September 2010 to $194.0 million. Contributing to the increase was higher daily  spending by all visitors ($194.9 per person, up from $176.2 per person in September 2010) and a 4.7%  growth in total arrivals to 159,359 visitors. “Visitor spending grew to more than $1 billion in September, an increase of 19.7%, with visitors from every  major market area spending more and staying longer than in 2010. We are also pleased that these increases  are being seen throughout all of the four major islands, with year-to-date total visitor expenditures reaching  $9.3 billion in 2011,” said Mike McCartney, president and chief executive officer, Hawaii Tourism Authority,  in a written statement. Total visitor days for all visitors rose 4.2% and total arrivals (+2.7%) continued to surpass last year at  5,446,393 visitors. Contributing to the statewide increase was higher daily spending by all visitors ($199  per person, up from $176 per person in September 2010) and a 4% growth in total arrivals to 560,707 visitors. After six straight months of losses, Japanese arrivals grew slightly by 0.8%. Arrivals from US West (+2%) and  US East (+4.4%) also increased following three months of declines. Continued McCartney, “September’s growth included the continued increase in Japanese visitor spending,  as well as an increase in visitor arrivals, the first of such increases in six months. And we are hopeful that  the uptick in arrivals is a sign of recovery of the Japan market.” Statewide, arrivals by air only in September 2011 rose 4.7% from last September to 553,068 visitors, with  increases from all top four visitor markets. Arrivals from Canada climbed 23%, the fifteenth consecutive  month of double-digit growth. “We anticipate this momentum to continue through the fourth quarter of 2011 and into 2012, with increases  in airlift out of Japan, Canada, Korea and Australia through new and established airlines. We are excited to  welcome Asiana Airlines with direct service from Honolulu to Incheon, Korea, Strategic Airlines servicing  both Brisbane and Melbourne to Honolulu, and Allegiant Airlines servicing the US West region, into the  Hawai’i market,” said McCartney. “We are very encouraged with the increases in visitor spending, arrivals and air seats as we head towards  the end of the year. Together with Hawaii’s visitor industry partners, we will remain vigilant and focused to  reach our targets, set at $12.6 billion in visitor spending and 7.5 million visitor arrivals for 2011.”

More International Exposure For Maui As The Maui Makani Windsurfing Classic Returns To Ho'okipa October 27th~November 1st

Boost Expected With Return of Maui Makani Classic By Wendy Osher Article from: Mauinow.com One-hundred world class windsurfers converge at Ho`okipa Beach Park next week for the championship leg of the  American Windsurfing Tour. The Maui Makani Classic kicks off on October 27 and runs until November 1, marking a  return of the sport to Ho`okipa, the international mecca of the windsurfing world. “There is no better place for windsurfing than right here on Maui, and we are proud to be hosting world class events  once more,” said Mayor Alan Arakawa. “What Halloween does for Lahaina, big windsurfing events will do for Paia.  We’re going to get our economy going one town at a time if we have to,” he said. Competitors will be traveling to Maui from more than 20 counties including Argentina, Chili, China, South Korea,  Morocco, Ireland and Japan. The event is also expected to attract hundreds of spectators from Maui and abroad. In an effort to help with traffic congestion, free event parking will be provided at the Old Maui High School in  Hamakuapoko, with free shuttle bus services provided by the Maui County Veterans Association and the Disabled  American Veterans. No parking will be allowed on the sides of the highway. In addition to the windsurfing competition, other Makani Classic events to include the following: ■Makani Classic opening night party at the Kahului Ale House, October 26, 8 p.m. ■Makani Classic Opening Ceremony, Ho`okipa Beach Park, Oct. 27, 10 a.m. ■Goya and Quatro Party, Pauwela Cannery in Haiku, 6 to 10 p.m. ■Fourth Friday in Paia, 6 to 9 p.m. ■Maui Ultra Lounge Party, Neil Pryde in Kahului, 6 to 9 p.m. ■Pizza with the Pros, Flatbread Pizza in Paia, 6 to 10 p.m. ■Makani Classic closing ceremonies, hosted by Maui Babe and held at the Maui Tropical Plantation, featuring  entertainment, food, cash bar and award presentations, Nov. 1 at 5 p.m., tickets $10 per person. For more information, visit: www.americanwindsurfingtour.com.

16th Annual XTERRA World Championship Race in Kapalua This Sunday October 23, 2011

XTERRA Moves From South Maui to Kapalua By Wendy Osher Article from: MauiNow.com The 2011 XTERRA World Championship makes a venue change this year, moving from the volcanic vistas of South Maui  to the verdant terrain of the Kapalua Resort. The new locale is situated along the northwest coast in the backyard of the  22,000-acre Maui Land & Pineapple Company property. The world’s premier off-road triathlon event will utilize the Village Walking Trails at the old Village Golf Course for the running  and biking portions of the event. The swimming leg of the race takes place at D.T. Fleming Beach located just north of The  Ritz-Carlton Kapalua resort. The brand new course boasts equally grueling conditions with a 1.5-kilometer (1 mile) roughwater swim, followed by a  29.5-kilometer (18.3 mile) mountain bike on the lower slopes of the West Maui Mountains, and a 9.8-kilometer (6.1-mile) trail run. The 16th Annual XTERRA World Championship field includes a capacity field of 650 athletes from 28 countries and 42  US states including professionals and amateurs. The championship race takes place at 9 a.m. on Sunday, October 23, 2011. Event organizers say the first place athlete is expected to finish at approximately 11:30 a.m. The spectator area will be along Fleming Beach and the Transition Area/Finish Line on the poolside lawn at The Ritz-Carlton  Kapalua. Event parking is at the ball field behind the preschool at Kapalua. Leading up to the Championship event, is a series of amateur events on Saturday, October 22, including: Duke’s Beach  House XTERRA 10K, the Hula Grill XTERRA 5K, and the Kimo’s Keiki K for kids ten and under. The 10K and 5K races are open  to all, and benefit the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Maui County.

Show Support For Clint Hansen's Proposed Opening of Maui Paintball

Filed under: Uncategorized — Clint Hansen @ 4:48 pm On November 22, 2011 I am getting my long awaited (years in the making) meeting with the Maui Planning Department  for my proposed opening of Maui Paintball. To help show community and visitor support for this endeavor please  CLICK HERE and sign my on-line petition. In addition to my love of the sport I feel that opening this facility would be  of tremendous benefit to those of us who are fortunate enough to call Maui home and those who come to visit. This  will be a fully insured and properly supervised enterprise on approximately 10 acres in Olowalu. Thanks to everyone for their support and please feel free to call me at 808-280-2764 or email me at  Clinthansen33@gmail.com with any questions. Mahalo and Aloha, Clint Hansen, Realtor (S) The Hansen Ohana

Maui Memorial Medical Center's New Helipad Now Operational

Hospital launches new helipad
October 13, 2011
Article From The Maui Weekly

Maui Memorial Medical Center’s (MMMC) new helipad became operational on Wednesday, Sept. 28, and by Thursday, Sept. 29, three cases had already been flown in. The helipad is an important milestone and signifies the culmination of many years of planning for the new cardiology service line, which was recently rolled out. MMMC is now the only Neighbor Island hospital treating emergency heart attacks, and the new helipad means that an important window of 15 to 20 minutes can now be saved to treat those heart and other critically-ill patients.

Maui Named Best Island in the World by the Readers of Conde Nast Traveler Magazine for an Unprecedented 17th Time

Maui is No Ka Oi For 17th Time By Wendy Osher Article from: Mauinow.com For an unprecedented 17th time, Maui has been named Best Island in the World by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler  magazine.With a score of 92.1, Maui was also voted Best US Island for the 21st consecutive year in the magazine’s 24th  Annual Readers’ Choice Awards.  The award was presented to Maui Visitors and Convention Bureau executive director Terryl Vencl by veteran actor Chris Noth (Law & Order, Sex in the City and The Good Wife) in an awards ceremony held  last night in New York City. During the presentation, Noth shared his love for Maui saying he visits the island regularly. His mother, a former CBS  television reporter, has also made Maui her home.“Maui continues to capture the hearts, minds and imaginations of  visitors the world over,” said Vencl. “Recent branding studies reveal our visitors seek variety, choice and adventure, planned or spontaneous. They want to know lots of options are available, but want to have the freedom to be as active or relaxed as they choose. I believe this  coveted award speaks to that,” said Vencl. Maui County Mayor Alan Arakawa added, “Maui has so much to offer. It is an island of incredible beauty featuring unparalleled service, top-notch activities, excellent restaurants, a wide variety of  accommodations and the friendliest folks anywhere.” “This is a proud moment for the visitor industry and our people of Maui,” said Arakawa. The island of Kaua’i placed second this year with a total of 90 points, followed by Kiawah in South Carolina, which earned  third place with 86.6 points. The Big Island of Hawai’i (now being re-branded as “Hawaii Island”) earned fourth place  honors with 85.8 points. Maui’s sister island of Lana’i rounded out the top six with a score of 84.6. Other top island destinations worldwide include winners in the following geographical categories: Asia (Maldives, 87.5),  Caribbean/Atlantic (Bermuda, 87.4), Asia/Indian Ocean (Bora Bora, 87.0), Europe (Bozcaada and The Turkish Aegean  Islands, 84.2) and Canada (Vancouver Island, 81.5). Maui and Lana’i also fared well in the Top Hawai’i Resorts category, capturing top honors for various properties. Topping the list was Travassa Hana (95.0) followed by Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea (93.9). Oahu’s Trump  International Hotel Waikiki Beach Walk (93.7) placed third and Hawaii Island’s Four Seasons Resort Hualalai (93.4) ranked fourth. The island of Lanai captured fifth and sixth place respectively as Four Seasons Lanai at Manele Bay scored 93.4 and  Four Seasons Lanai, The Lodge at Koele finished with 93.1. Other Maui resorts making the Top 20 included 11th place Grand Wailea (89.3), 12th ranked Fairmont Kea Lani (89.0.) and 13th place Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa (87.8). The Ritz Carlton, Kapalua (86.9), captured the 14th spot. *** Supporting information courtesy Maui Visitors Bureau.