It is amazing how Hilton manages to downplay negative publicity in the media.  E.g., they had drownings in that area, including at the Lagoon, in the last several years.  Yet the media coverage of this was next to none.

Likewise re this strike.  Here is an article in yesterday’s Star Advertiser about the Hilton strike. But no updates in today’s paper.  In the newspaper and other media Hilton presents it like it is no big deal.  They gotta be kidding.  That strike is massive, all day long.  The loud chanting etc started before 6 AM on Thursday.  You could hear it probably a mile away.  All day long.  Yesterday the strikers started just past 6 AM and finished at midnight.  It is amazing to read that the Hilton management says that they would not give discounts to their guests.

An update as of October 18: Today the Hilton workers continue their strike.  Their contract with Hilton expired this past summer.  Their concern is what they see as Hilton’s effort to lock them for several years into a “recession contract.”  They are also pointing out that the Hilton company got $180 million in federal stimulus money.

For The Ilikai: it was very loud for us on Thursday, but not any more because the strikers are on the other side of the Hilton complex.

The meeting agenda will include updates and discussion regarding plans to redevelop certain areas of the Ala Wai Harbor and plans of the Hilton Hawaiian Village to build two additional towers, among other things.  These developments could have implications for the Ilikai.  Try to attend this May 4, 2010 meeting.  It is our opportunity to network with other active members of the community and coordinate and join efforts.  Be there!

Here is a quotable I’d like to share with you – enjoy   D. G. “Andy” Anderson, who is the father of Brian Anderson, was a gubernatorial candidate back in 2002 and was actively promoting the idea of borrowing from the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund to balance the budget.  Here is his argument: “Only the funds would be borrowed. The hurricane program as is on the book would stay intact.”  If you click on this link, you will read more on Andy Anderson’s campaign proposals.  And here is another quotable from there, “Anderson is running this year as a Democrat. He has run unsuccessfully twice before for governor as a Republican.”

Ala Wai Harbor

This includes several Bills that include the Ala Wai Harbor in their scopes.  Here is a detailed update as of today, April 3, 2010, regarding the status of those Bills.  This update was put together and so kindly supplied to us by Makai Society that is representing members of the ocean use community.  We THANK them so much for all their tireless efforts and for keeping us apprised!  Sincere huge THANKS!

Since we are on this subject, here is some information about the Ala Wai Harbor for readers who are not as familiar with the area.  The Ala Wai Harbor is a small boat and yacht harbor in Honolulu, HI.  Situated at the mouth of the Ala Wai Canal, it separates Waikiki and downtown Honolulu.  The harbor hosts 700 berths, 85 moorings, 1 boat ramp, and 20 dry storage spaces. 

Ala Wai Harbor

Our Ilikai as well as the Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki and Hilton Hawaiian Village are located adjacent to this harbor, with views of the harbor from many of the rooms.  The TransPac sailing race is a very big event that takes place every two years; the race begins in Los Angeles and ends at the Ala Wai Harbor.  The harbor has the Ala Wai Harbor Waikiki Yacht Club and the Hawaii Yacht Club.

Here are some documents that we’ve obtained: Hilton Hawaiian Village 2010 Master Plan Project Description - this document shows a plan for what they are planning to do, Hilton Hawaiian Village 2010 Master Plan Fact Sheet, and Hilton Hawaiian Village 2010 Master Plan snapshot.  These are marketing materials by Hilton.

Here is what is Honolulu Advertiser of March 31, 2010 reports on this project.

To summarize, Hilton Hawaiian Village is planning to re-develop the resort to add two new timeshare towers. 

Rendering of Hilton Hawaiian Village with two planned new timeshare towers

Hilton’s so-called Master Plan also calls for: renovating its retail district, Rainbow Bazaar; an improved streetscape; new pools for kids and adults; new retail shops along Kalia Road and Rainbow Drive leading to an improved main hotel entry and front desk area; a new bar called the Hau Tree Bar; and renovated and expanded parking structure.  Overall, it is supposed to be a multiyear, multistage project.

But really, the main part of this Master Plan – and also something with the most [not sure what word to use here] for the Ilikai will be the two new timeshare towers.  The first timeshare will be a 300-unit, 37-story tower to be built near the Kalia Road bus depot, just Diamond Head of Tapa Tower.  The second timeshare tower will be a 250-unit, 25-story tower to be built atop the redeveloped Rainbow Bazaar, which will be replaced with a two-story retail complex.