As a kid, I remember seeing tons of these stores everywhere. In fact, they were the only places my parents would frequent. Especially growing up on Kauai, the largest chain was the Kress Store. I’m sure there were other large stores, but I rarely saw them. Today, I still see some Mom and Pop Stores still around, but most of them have gone… OR have they really? (more…)
Gas prices have risen. Our rice supply is short. Aloha Airlines shut down and today, I read that Hawaii’s revised economic outlook, as forecasted by the State Department of Business Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT), shows that Hawaii will grow at a slower economic rate than originally predicted.
Wow…. This must be like a 20/20 hindsight thing…
Our tourism industry has been highly impacted by the folding of one of Hawaii’s top airline carriers. ATA also followed suit and announced their close shortly after Aloha did. It’s reported that we’re not attracting the kind of visitors that we used to and as if that isn’t bad enough, outbound travel (namely those annual trips to Las Vegas) will most likely be affected as well.
Despite all that; call me blind, ignorant or whatever you want, but I’m still choosing to believe that my personal economic growth can happen. I’m choosing NOT to listen to the news reports or state predictions. Hey, after all… I’m the one who’s responsible for preserving my hope and my future.
For those of you who are asking yourself how is it that I can be so optimistic, let me share with you my reasons.
1) I know I’m always going to be making money. Even if I lose my job, I’ll find another one because I know I’m responsible for my own economic growth in Hawaii.
2) I’m well stocked in case anything should happen. I’ve got three bags of Hinode rice in my cupboard, four packages of CostCo pack toilet paper and twelve cans of spam. You see… I’m good to go! I’m also the person you want to live near during hurricane season.
3) I understand that a declining real estate market means an increasing number of real estate deals. I just have to go find them, but first, let me take Donald Trump’s real estate investing course. Can I borrow a few thousand to get started?
4) I’ll make the financial adjustments I need to get through whatever economy Hawaii faces.
a. I won’t work at Nordstrom.
b. When bicycling becomes safer, I’ll park my SUV to feel the wind in my hair and save on gas at the same time. Maybe, I can even “pack” my kids when I have to drop them off at school.
c. As for those trips to Vegas, well… you know how that’s going to go.
5) When my tax rebate check comes in, I’m going to do my part and put it back into revitalizing Hawaii’s economy. Yes, I’m abstaining from purchasing anything on eBay and Amazon.com.
I will still choose to believe for my personal economic growth because I know that no matter what anyone else says I’m always responsible for the life I lead.
Aloha Airlines, DBEDT, ATA Las Vegas travel, Hawaii tourism industry, gas in Hawaii, tax rebate check
The closing of Aloha Airlines represents a marked change in the face of Hawaii’s airline industry. Whoa! That basically leaves Hawaiian Airlines and competing go! Airlines as our two options air travel in the islands. Ummm… I’ll take Hawaiian Air! (more…)
I attended a conference today about the real estate market. I got to thinking about all the great reasons why Hawaii is such a prime location to invest and worth every penny. It’s all about the dream! On top of that, every market goes up and down and there’s no doubt that over the long haul, Hawaii real estate will always go up.
Well, there’s really no new land that’s being created and the land that is being created is well – lava. That’s probably, not such a great place to live in. It’ll be smelly (sulfur dioxide) and hot! And since there’s no new land, supply is limited.
Here are the top reasons why investing in Hawaii Real Estate is a good idea. (or just come for a visit)
1. Property values will always go up. Every market goes up and down, but no matter what state you live in, property values aren’t what they were 30 years ago.
2. The longest one way trip you’ll ever make on an island is at most 100 miles.
3. No matter how far inland you are, you’re never really far from the beach.
4. The Big Island (Hawaii) is roughly 50 minutes away by plane.
5. Winter temperature low’s are in the low 60’s, high 50’s. Summer temperature high’s are usually in the low to mid 90’s at most. If it gets too hot, just go to the beach!
6. You can enjoy life in the balmy tropics and still capitalize on convenience stores and Starbucks.
7. You’re kids will know you’re the best parent a kid could every have if you ever gift your Hawaii real estate to them!
The Hawaii Superferry just laid off 249 of its crew members last week in response to the decision that it would not be able to operate until an environmental assessment has been completed.
If you’ve read the timeline of the Hawaii Superferry, then you’ve noticed a trend where lawmakers and judges alike have favored this business in the previous years. Just where is the love now? It seems that the Hawaii Superferry is being shafted left and right!
Judge Cardoza is the same judge who only last year threw out a case that environmental groups were making against the Hawaii Superferry. Just last week, when it seemed that the only difference between then and now is that the Hawaii Superferry is now open for business, this same Judge says that the Hawaii Superferry has to obey environmental laws. Forgive me if I am mistaken, but I don’t think Chapter 343 changed much within the last year. (more…)
I just read in the paper this morning that Wal-Mart is going to use a new slogan, “Save Money. Live Better.” They’re leaving “always low prices” to add a more personal touch to their advertising campaign. After more than 19 years of “always low prices”, it’s probably time for a change and Wal-Mart is well prepared to do just that.
Wal-Mart has really become a part of family life for many people. Much like McDonald’s endearing connections with families, Wal-Mart has the potential to have that same type of connection with household goods. That’s still in the shaping, BUT this new campaign slogan will certainly help form those connections.
Check out these video clips from Wal-Mart! I think the idea is “catchy” and will definitely impact the hearts of families!
Wal-Mart Save Money. Live Better.
Wal-Mart Road Trip Commercial
Wal-Mart Cars Commercial
Wouldn’t it be cool if Wal-Mart personalized commercials by locale? For example, seeing a Hawaii themed commercial would be cool, don’t you think?
Wal-Mart, walmart, save money live better, always low prices, McDonald’s
About Honolulu, HI focuses on the people who make experiencing Hawaii better! Hawaii, with its exquisite beauty and charm, is an excellent place to visit and an excellent place to live. In this blog, you’ll find out about Hawaii local events, Hawaii’s great dining and shopping as well as the latest news about what’s going on in Hawaii, but you’ll also find that this Hawaii blog is a lot about the people that you’ll meet everyday. You’ll also find useful Hawaii resources for locals and visitors alike. Have fun and get to know Hawaii by getting to know the people of Hawaii!
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