Booming Bankcrupcy

Since 1963 Hilo Hattie's (formerly known as Kaluna Hawaii Sportswear) has been a staple in Hawai`i. In October 2008 the 45 year old company filed for bankruptcy. The company has attempted to reorganize and formulate an alternative business plan. Despite these attempts Curtis Ching, a U.S. trustee and federal monitor for the bankruptcy claim, recently suggested the company be liquidated.

Ching's claims the retail company does not have a viable business plan and will not be able to pay off the incurred debt. He maintains the company has fallen further into debt and will not regaining financial control.

A Hilo Hattie’s representative called Ching’s suggestion premature however, the company’s recent history shows there has been a continued downward spiral.

After a string of new stores and excellent business Hilo Hattie’s took a downturn. In 2003 it began closing stores newly opened in California. In July of last year Hilo Hattie’s was sold to a California company. Three months later he filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy allowing the company to continue operations and reorganize. A major portion of this “reconstruction” was a new flag ship store in the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center. Announced in November 2008 the multi-million dollar project was cancelled two months later by Kamehameha Schools and Festival Co. due to lack of financing and failure to comply with regulations.
With no possible recourse insight Ching suggests the company convert to Chapter 7 bankruptcy and liquidate. Although there are many who cannot imagine a Hawai`i without Hilo Hattie’s it is clear the market, local and visitor, is not here. I for one do not patronize the store because of the high cost and low quality of products. In reading the list of comments on the Honolulu Advertiser’s website, many locals feel the same.

One Life, One Chance

This weekend, some what against my will, I attended Chaminade University's Awakening Retreat #21. The theme, One Life One Chance, the experience will last a lifetime. While I cannot devulge any retreat secrets I can tell about my experience.

I swore I would never attend Awakening. After attending and staffing several retreats during high school I had no desire to be a part of another religious retreat. Even though numerous strangers and friends promised the retreat was "spiritual" not "religious" I was still apprehensive. My religious drive had died. I hadn't attended church, except on special occasions and I prayed sporadically. My faith very small and, even though I thought I'd let go of my baggage, retreat taught me I hadn't.

Through a series of talks, activities, and general bonding I was able to let go of my past. Because of retreat I was able to finally put my grandfather's death to rest; a death that occurred nearly 10 years ago. I was able to finally forgive those who had hurt me. My emotional panges melted away in the sheltered coccoon that is St. Stephen's. I learned that I am not alone in my struggles. That others, older and younger than I, shared the same experiences.

This knowledge, this time, experience, came at a time when I really needed a helping hand; even though I didn't know it. If I hadn't been dragged into Kay's office on Monday afternoon I would never have had this experience. I am sincerely glad I attended Awakening #21, One Life One Chance. Even though the final outcome wasn't exactly what I had hoped for, I learned a lot about myself and how to be a better person for others.

I urge all to attended Awakening because "what do we do?", "stuff", "what kind of stuff?", "Fun Stuff!!!"

Aloha `Oe

Yesterday's headlines broadcasted news the Hawai`i Superferry would cease operations after the Hawai`i Supreme Court ruled against a 2007 law which allowed to company to operate without completing required environmental studies. Fast forward to today and one will see a headline reading "Hawaii Superferry to start laying off workers as of tomorrow."

Currently the $250 million dollar company plans of laying off 236 workers and will cease operations. It is unclear what course of action the company will take. A few options include ceasing operations indefinantely, filing an appeal with the Supreme Court, waiting for the environmental impact study to be completed, or using the Alaka`i (the catameran) outside of the state.

What is known is the Alaka`i will be making one trip back to Maui to return stranded customers, and their cars, home. The company will also offer refunds to passengers scheduled for future sales. As for the company and its employees, there are many emotions. Not only will the loss of the Superferry equal substantial jobs loss in the islands, the closure will mean the end of a project which so many have come to care for and love.

For those who have been with the Superferry since the beginning, it is very difficult. The loss of jobs will mean an influx in Hawai`i unemployment rate. The State has said it will help former employees transition into new employment however, with the job market being as tight as it is, few are optimistic.

In short, loss of the Supeferry will affect Hawai`i dramatically. Again there will be limited means of travel between the islands, less options for visitors and locals alike. Massive job losses will be seen on all hub islands and relocation of former employess will be a daunting, if not, impossible task.

Hopefully the Superferry will decide on a course of action soon and for the sake of the islands, I hope the decision is to fight. Locals have become used to depending on the Superferry for a mode of transportation and the impact on the population will be huge. Let the company operate and see what the impact study says when it is finished. What better way to gain information for the study than to allow the company to operate as it will. I think people need to sit back, relax, forget the options they have formed and look at the bigger picture. Let the Superferry stay for the sake of them and of the islands.

New Horizons

Yesterday after noon after a 10 day delay, the Hokulea got the all clear and began the voyage to Palmyra Atoll.  The voyage will take roughly one month to complete and will be used as to train potential navigators and gather information about the atoll and surrounding areas.  

Training new navigators is one of, if not the most, important aspects of the sail.  When the Polynesian Voyaging Society first began during the 1970's little was known about traditional navigation.  members searched long and hard to find someone who even knew traditional navigation techniques.  Finally, the found Mau Piailug, the single individual with the knowledge and willingness to teach navigation.  He commanded Hokulea's maiden voyage in 1976 and trained Nainoa Thompson who, under Mau, became a master navigator.  Mau later passed the torch and now  it is Nainoa who trains young men and women interested in navigation.  

In addition to training navigators, new captain and crew will also be rained.  Educators and scientists are tagging along and will be exploring the open ocean as well as the area surrounding the atoll especially the coral reefs.  This information will be used to better understand the atoll.  For added safety, the Hokulea will be followed by an escort boat.  

This voyage is another in the Polynesian Voyaging Society's 23 year history which seeks to educate and enrich the lives of all.  Here's to the crew, good luck and clear skies.  

He Hawai`i Au

 Hawaiians across the U.S. gathered today in demonstration against the government sale of ceded lands.  The case will be heard by today by the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C.  Several groups, including the `Ilio`ulaokalani Coalition, charter school students, and members of the UH Manoa `ohana, are holding a vigil at the Hawai`i State Capitol. 

The protest is in response to the Lingle Administration’s attempt to sell portions of roughly 1.2 million acres of ceded lands.  These are parcels of land owned by the Hawaiian monarchy at the time of the overthrow.  In 1959 the lands were placed in a public trust under the care of the State of Hawai`i.  There are five designated uses, chief among “for the betterment of conditions of native Hawaiians.”  The current case came about in 1994 when the state attempted to sell a portion of the land for the development of affordable housing. 

The land in question still belongs to the native Hawaiian people.  The state government is not an owner; it is a guardian of the land.  That being said they are not and should not be allowed to the ceded lands.  Native Hawaiian organizations, such as OHA, working with other associations, are the ones who should have the power to say how the land is used.  Members of the community, native Hawaiian peoples, should be able to make suggestions to OHA for proper use of the land.

I sincerely hope the decision goes favorably.  To lose this case could be a travesty in the native Hawaiian community.  The government and OHA should work together so native Hawaiians, not residents of Hawai`i but native Hawaiians, can improve there lives and look forward to a better future.  

P.R.I.D.E.

Friday February 13 2009 the Hawaii State House of Representatives passed a bill which would legalize same sex unions. House Bill 444 passed with a 33-17 vote. The next step will be for the Senate to approve or make amendments to the bill. After both chambers vote in favor of the bill, it will be sent to the governor who will either veto or sign the bill into law.
Hawaii is taking a step in the right direction while other states step back; such as California retracting the law which made same sex marriage/unions legal. Previously the state (Hawaii) allowed domestic partnerships however, if this bill passes, same sex couples will have the same legal rights as married couples.
It is my hope the Senate approves the measure and Gov. Lingle signs the bill into law. Discrimination, in any form, goes against the freedoms granted to every American. Denying same-sex couples the right to form a legal bond granting them the same rights, as heterosexual couples, is denying the inalienable rights of freedom and the pursuit of happiness. Just as interracial couples fought for the right to marry, it is time to fight for and grant same sex couples the same rights as others in love.
It is only right to make this bill into law. Discrimination must be stopped. What harm is done if a man is allowed to marry another man? A woman another woman? I, for one, am glad my government is finally taking the time to resolve the issues that really matter.

SUPERBOWL!!!

Advertising is a major proponent of American society. This Sunday's Superbowl ads clearly shows the cultural impact.

The hype surrounding this year's ads was palpable. Many wondered how the new ads would compare to last year or if companies would scale back advertising due to the economic downturn. A fair amount of ads were shown however, many companies reverted to conventional storylines which disappointed viewers (myself included).

Regardless, Superbowl ads retain their hold on society. Websites, such as Fanhouse.com, post videos for web users to rate. The amount of voting, on various websites, plus verbal conversations between those who viewed the ads during the broadcast, show how much of an impact Superbowl advertising, and advertising in general, have on society.

If these ads did not have a great impact on the amount of sales companies could expect, why would they spend so much on producing and airing spots during prime time slots. Why would there be such large discussion following the airing of these ads? It all boils down to advertising and its continued impact on society, and impact which will remain forever.