Category Archives: Government / Politics
International Travel Gets President’s Attention
By Richard R. Kelley
President Barack Obama delivers remarks on a strategy that will significantly help boost tourism and travel during a statement at the Magic Kingdom Theme Park at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, Jan. 19, 2012. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza. credit: http://www.whitehouse.gov/engage/latest-news)
I was very pleased and excited to learn last week that President Barack Obama had flown to Disney World, Florida, and, with the unique structures of the Magic Kingdom in the background, announced a number of new federal policies and initiatives designed to boost international travel to the United States. Read the rest of this entry
APEC 2011 – An Outstanding Success!
By Dr. Richard Kelley
As the last caravan of black limos surrounded by blue-light-flashing police escort vehicles headed for Honolulu International Airport, and as the barricades tracing along Saratoga Avenue and around Ft. De Russy are lifted onto trucks and headed for storage, many have been evaluating APEC 2011. Read the rest of this entry
APEC 2011 – The Properties’ Perspective
Outrigger Reef on the Beach
“The Russians Are Coming!”
By Bill Comstock
Outrigger Reef Volunteers - Sitting: Kaoo Jarrett. Standing: Luana Maitland, Katie Armstrong, Judy Pearce and Gina Reeves
Yes, there were moments of excitement during APEC 2011: the President’s motorcade passing the hotel, streets closed with soldiers on the corners armed with some pretty impressive firepower, greeting the prime ministers and various cabinet-level dignitaries, but I must say the overwhelming memory I will take away is the pride I felt being a member of the Reef Team. Read the rest of this entry
APEC Is Here!
By Dr. Richard Kelley
Hawai'i Convention Center
This is the week everyone in Hawai‘i has been waiting for – some eagerly, others with apprehension – since the plan to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings in Waikīkī was announced two years ago. Staff, security, press and delegates have begun to arrive, and meetings are already taking place in advance of the larger gatherings scheduled throughout the coming week at the Hawai‘i Convention Center and the JW Marriott Ihilani. Security will be tight. Unfortunately, there will be temporary inconveniences for many residents and businesses. But what a great, long-term opportunity for all Hawai‘i! Read the rest of this entry
Avery Aoki Appointed to the Council on Revenues
By Kathy Foley
Avery Aoki
Congratulations to Avery Aoki who has been appointed by the President of the State Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives for a two-year term to the State of Hawai‘i’s Department of Taxation Council on Revenues. Read the rest of this entry
