Hawaii gas prices hold steady but remain among the highest in the nation
Tourists will be Slave labor--will pay us to make them dig holes
TW: … Hawaii has made it clear that it wants a different type of traveler. It's no longer about luring the masses but instead about attracting a responsible traveler, one who … wants to give back to the community….
Changing the client's mindset before booking a trip can go a long way. Try to eliminate the thought of "taking a vacation," said Clifford Naeole, cultural advisor for the Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua.
"When you say 'take a vacation,' that means you're already coming to possess something. You're almost entitled to grab something," he said. "But to come and have a 'vacation visit,' it's much more humble."…
This approach allows for an open mind that can … enable visitors to take part in community efforts that include restoring a fishpond (move stones) or replenishing native plants (dig holes) ….
NYP: Milked by management, Hotel Owner Refuses to reopen After COVID
read … Crafting meaningful itineraries in the Aloha State
Ige focuses on Aloha Stadium project near end of term
KHON: … The governor responded to comments about this being a sudden change in direction. Ige said there never was sufficient funding to build the entertainment district “until this year, they appropriated $350 million to build a stadium. So, for the first time, we have a viable project to move forward with.”…
As for construction plans, the governor said he will be making specific announcements in the next few weeks as this is a focus towards the end of his term. Among other projects, Ige said this is a race to the “finish focusing on the things the task at hand, as you know, we are working to move the stadium along.”…
read … Ige focuses on Aloha Stadium project near end of term
Hawaii’s minimum wage hike could impact food stamp benefits for some
HNN: … Hawaii’s minimum wage went up this week to $12 an hour. The increase will mean an average of about $300 more per month for workers at that wage.
But it could also impact their ability to collect food stamp benefits, officials said.
The Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, or SNAP, is based on gross monthly income….
The higher income rules jumped 12.5% because of skyrocketing inflation, and that could protect most people’s benefits. Currently there are 160,000 Hawaii residents enrolled in the SNAP program.
DHS reviews eligibility every six months. For more information click here….
read … Hawaii’s minimum wage hike could impact food stamp benefits for some
Haven’t gotten your state tax rebate yet? Here’s why
HNN: … Due to supply chain issues with paper stock, it will be another week until taxpayers receive their paper refunds, the state Department of Taxation said Friday.
The state said paper stock for the checks were ordered ahead of time by the state Department of Accounting and General Services, but they haven’t received them yet.
The tax department said the paper checks are slated to go out the week of Oct. 17.
Paper refunds will be distributed in batches of 2,000 checks.
Those who provided a bank account on tax returns should have received their refund through direct deposit in September. Over 280,000 direct deposits were issued throughout the state as of Oct. 3….
For more information on Hawaii tax refunds, click here.
read … Haven’t gotten your state tax rebate yet? Here’s why
Homeless Stabber had Long Criminal record, Previous Stabbings
SA: … Court records reveal Manuel has an extensive criminal record and has been homeless for years. Many of his citations stem from being in closed parks or having alcohol in public areas on Oahu.
Manuel has been convicted twice for third-degree assault, both of which stem from 2011 incidents.
He was also a defendant in two stabbings—one in 2017 and another in August—which both resulted in second-degree assault charges. In both cases, the complaining witness who had been stabbed could not be brought to court to testify.
In the 2017 case, a reportedly drunk Manuel stabbed a male in the chest at Pier 38 with a switchblade. A jury found him guilty of second-degree assault, but after Manuel appealed the ruling, the Hawaii Supreme Court ordered a new trial in Circuit Court.
(Supreme Court doing its part to keep criminals on the street.)
The case was dismissed after the stabbing victim could not be located during the week of the trial.
In the other case, Manuel allegedly stabbed a homeless man with a pair of scissors. In April he was acquitted after the victim again could not be located to testify in court….
read … Man charged in Kaimuki fatal stabbing has extensive criminal record
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