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!!!"