THE HAWAII
STATE LEGISLATURE approved a bill that allows Hawaii
Superferry to operate while an environmental impact assessment is
conducted. Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle is expected to sign the bill
this week; one of the provisions of the bill is that the government
can place operating conditions on ferry service to protect whales
and other marine life, prevent the spread of invasive species and
preserve cultural and natural resources. The bill would overturn a
Maui court ruling that blocked Hawaii Superferry from using Maui's
Kahului Harbor until the state completes an environmental review.
The state Supreme Court ruled in August that the state was in error
in February 2005 when it exempted the project from an environmental
assessment. Hawaii Superferry CEO John Garibaldi said after the
vote that he hopes to resume Oahu, Maui and Kauai service by Nov.
15.
HAWAIIAN
AIRLINES won a judgment of $80 million in damages plus
litigation fees in a lawsuit against Mesa Air Group, owner of Go,
Hawaii's low-cost, interisland carrier. Judge Robert Faris of the
U.S. Bankruptcy Court, District of Hawaii ruled that Mesa used
confidential information obtained from Hawaiian Airlines to gain a
competitive advantage in launching Go. Mesa obtained those
documents in 2004 when it was considering acquiring Hawaiian, which
was in bankruptcy at the time. Mesa intends to file an appeal,
disputing the finding that Mesa's CFO, Peter Murnane, intentionally
destroyed evidence pertinent to Hawaiian's case. Murnane has been
on administrative leave since Sept. 21, with Mesa conducting an
internal investigation. The court did not require Go to cease
ticket sales, as the Hawaiian had requested. Hawaiian is
considering how to pursue any future damages that may arise from
Go's continued operations. The $80 million award is only for
damages sustained through October 2007.
CASTLE
HOTELS & RESORTS has added the 596-room Maile Sky
Court to its management portfolio. The property offers panoramic
views of Waikiki and the coastline. Resort amenities include a
swimming pool, restaurant, lounge, gift shop, travel desks, and
24-hour business center.
THE HULA
KAI, a high-tech catamaran based in Keauhou Bay on the Big
Island's Kona Coast, is now offering adults-only service (18 and
older) aboard the 55-foot, luxury vessel. The Hula Kai sails daily.
Cost is $155, including breakfast, beverages and lunch. Visit www.fair-wind.com.
RATES &
DATES
" Napili Kai Beach
Resort on Maui is offering the Paradise Plus and Mahalo Dollars
programs, which earn agents complimentary nights and dining credits
at the resort. Paradise Plus rewards agents with one night in an
oceanview studio, including daily breakfast for two for every 10
nights traveled, excluding year-end holiday blackout dates. The
Mahalo Dollars program offers a $10 credit for every night booked
for stays through Dec. 20. Bookings can be made directly with
Napili Kai or through a preferred tour operator. Agents must
register in order to participate in the program, which requires an
IATA or CLIA number. Call (800) 367-5030, or visit www.napilikai.com
and log in to the travel agent page.
" The Four Seasons
Resorts Lanai is offering a fourth-night-free promotion at the
Manele Bay and the Lodge at Koele. The promotion is good through
Dec. 18, with possible extension. Call (800) 321-4666 or visit www.fourseasons.com/lanai.
Hawaii
Editor: Allan Seiden
Phone: (808) 734-4677
[email protected]
For promotional
opportunities in the Hawaii E-letter, contact Debbie Joseph at [email protected].