Tourism Related Jobs Could Top 159,000

By Sonia Isotov
Article from: http://www.mauinow.com

Expected growth in Hawaii’s visitor industry job count could reach as high as 159,542 in 2011, according to a statement released today by the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA).

The statement issued by the HTA was a reaction to statements made by President Obama and Governor Abercrombie last night regarding the importance of job creation in order for our state and nation to fully recover from the economic downturn.

“Hawaii’s visitor industry helped to provide 152,864 jobs in the state in 2010, the largest generator of jobs among the major industry sectors. Tourism is also the largest single source of private capital into Hawaii, with visitor spending reaching $11.4 billion and contributing to $1.1 billion total tax revenue,” said Mike McCartney, president and CEO Hawaii Tourism Authority, in a written statement.

“With new airlift, marketing and destination experience-based programs, we anticipate the number of tourism related jobs to grow to 159,542 by the end of 2011. Tourism is a natural export for Hawai‘i and the US and provides a strong foundation for our economy.”

Groundbreaking of Pu’u Kukui Elementary

By Wendy Osher
Article from: wwww.mauinow.com

Maui broke ground today on a new $37.1 million elementary school that will serve the growing Central Maui community of Wailuku.

Pu’u Kukui Elementary School, which is roughly translated as “Hill of Enlightenment” is expected to accommodate an estimated 550 students in grades K-5.

The 98,562 square-foot facility will sit on 14 acres of land provided by Kehalani Mauka, LLC, and is scheduled for completion by August 29, 2012.

During today’s ceremony, Governor Neil Abercrombie emphasized his commitment to education and the critical role of Hawai’i’s keiki.

DOE Superintendent Ronn Nozoe, Sen. Pres. Shan Tsutsui, and Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa join in digging shovels into the ground at the groundbreaking of Maui’s newest elementary school. Photo by Wendy Osher.
“Two of our most important goals right now are to grow jobs in our economy and invest in young people,” said Gov. Abercrombie. “By building a 21st Century campus at Pu’u Kukui Elementary, we will be doing both. Our administration is investing our dollars into putting our children first,” he said.

Senate President Shan Tsutsui of Maui took a moment to thank the late Rep. Bob Nakasone who was among those who worked to secure a $14 million appropriation during the 2007 legislative session to plan, design and construct the new school.

“It was his (Nakasone’s) vision, his commitment to public education and really supporting our keiki, that drove projects like this back to our community here on Maui,” said Sen. Pres. Tsutsui.

Tsutsui said the project will bring hundreds of much needed jobs to the island of Maui for the next several months. He said over the long term, it will result in a positive impact not only on the surrounding community here, but for neighboring schools as well.

Senate President Shan Tsutsui (left) and DOE Deputy Superintendent Ronn Nozoe (right) were among the dignitaries in attendance at the groundbreaking of Wailuku’s second Elementary School. Photo by Wendy Osher.

State and county leaders stood alongside DOE represenatives as groundbreaking got underway for the new Pu’u Kukui Elementary School on Maui. Photo by Wendy Osher.

Governor Neil Abercrombie poses for a photo with construction crews at the new Pu’u Kukui Elementary School in Wailuku. Photo by Wendy Osher.
“We need to not only treat this as a new building, but as a building block on a different way to deliver education, so that the rest of the state can follow us,” said Wesley Lo, the Department of Education Representative for Maui.

The Governor expressed a similar sentiment saying, “We’ve got to recognize what’s happening across the state, but particularly on Maui. It’s so exciting to be on Maui. You can see change–you don’t have to talk about it–you can see the change that’s in the air,” said Gov. Abercrombie.

“It’s clear to me that as far as Maui is concerned and perhaps symbolically for the whole state, this is a new start. This is a new day,” he said.

The campus will consist of eight buildings and a covered play court. Buildings include four classroom structures, an administration builidng, a library/media center, and a student center.

The Department of Education will also seek LEED (Leadership in energy and Environmental Design) Silver Project certification. Under the designation, the school will be fitted with an air conditioning commissioning program, and natural day lighting design for energy conservation.

“This school, this commitment, is an investment in our young people,” said Gov. Abercrombie, “and I’m happy to be a part of it.”

Bob and Donna Hansen were featured on the front page of today’s edition of the Maui News at our great $4.5 million listing at 75 Opalipali Place. Here is the link to the article featuring insight from UH economists and Bob and Donna Hansen of our Hansen Ohana:
The Maui News

For information on 75 Opalipali Place or to speak with Bob, Donna or Clint Hansen please call or email us anytime.

Maui Ranked #4 Best Adventure Vacation in the USA

By Sonia Isotov
Article from: http://www.mauinow.com

According to US News and World Report’s list of “16 Best Adventure Vacations in the USA, the Hawaiian Islands ranked at the top with Maui ranking #4, Kauai #3, and Hawaii Island #7.

The ranking cites Kauai’s “acres of misty rainforests, plummeting waterfalls and jagged cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean;” Maui’s “plethora of heart-pounding options from sea kayaking to mule riding;” and Hawaii Island’s “black volcanic deserts, tumbling waterfalls, lush rainforests and five volcanoes.”

“The US News and World Report’s Best Adventure Vacations ranking naming Kauai, Maui, and Hawaii Island in the top ten is a great recognition for our state,” said Mike McCartney, president and CEO of the Hawaii Tourism Authority, in a written statement. “This honor is a testament to the things that make Hawaii special – our people, place and culture, and the commitment of our visitor industry in providing visitors with a unique experience that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.”

“The natural beauty of our islands shape the many activities our visitors participate in, from soft adventure to the more extreme,” said John Monahan, president and CEO of the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, in a written statement. “We’ve been working hard marketing Hawaii’s rich active adventure experiences and are pleased to see three Hawaiian Islands in the top 10. We encourage visitors to keep exploring all six unique islands – Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and Hawaii Island.”

The Best Adventure Vacation list is a part of the 2011-2012 US News Best Vacations rankings, which are updated annually. The rankings reflect how strongly a destination is recommended by an independent collection of published travel writers and by US News Travel website users. In total, more than 100 top destinations were considered in the current rankings.

The top 16 Best Adventure Vacations in the USA are listed below:

1. Yellowstone
2. Yosemite
3. Kauai
4. Maui
5. Puerto Rico
6. Grand Canyon
7. Hawaii, the Big Island
8. Outer Banks
9. Portland, OR
10. US Virgin Islands
11. Key West
12. San Francisco
13. San Diego
14. Seattle
15. South Padre Island
16. Miami Beach

Christie’s International Real Estate Strengthens Position in Hawaii With the Addition of a New Affiliate in Maui

Maui Estates International LLC Joins Leading International Network of Luxury Real Estate Brokers

New York, New York—Christie’s International Real Estate, the world’s leading luxury real estate network, has awarded Affiliate status to Maui Estates International LLC. The firm has two branch offices, located in Kapalua and Wailea Resorts, and will exclusively represent the Christie’s brand on the islands of Maui, Lanai, and Molokai, including the international destinations of Kapalua, Kaanapali, Lahaina, Wailea, Makena, Hana, and all of Upcountry.

Wholly owned by Christie’s, the world’s leading art business, Christie’s International Real Estate is represented in more than 40 countries. Maui Estates International LLC joins this carefully selected organization of brokerages with proven records of success in both high-end property sales and exemplary client service.

“Maui Estates International has established a reputation for integrity, discreet client service, and exceptional professionalism that has won the company respect beyond the Hawaiian shores,” says Zack Wright, Senior Vice President of Christie’s International Real Estate. “The brokerage is comprised of an exceptional team of Maui’s top real estate professionals, each of whom has extensive domestic and international marketing and sales experience. We are delighted to welcome Maui Estates International to the Christie’s International Real Estate network.”

Maui Estates International LLC Owner and Principal Broker Mary Anne Fitch states, “We look forward to our affiliation with Christie’s and the tremendous exposure it will generate for the clients we represent. Maui Estates International and Christie’s share the common goal of providing the highest possible level of service to our clientele. Together, we believe that we will exceed client expectations in every transaction.”

Bob Hansen, Broker-In-Charge (Wailea Office) of Maui Estates International LLC adds, “The Hansen Ohana Team is very pleased to be affiliated with Christie’s. We look forward to this mutually beneficial and wonderful opportunity for us to introduce Christie’s luxury clientele to the many beautiful and unique features and facets our islands have to offer. Whether buying or selling, our multi-generational top-performing team looks forward to this new opportunity to provide the unsurpassed service and experience that our clients know and expect to those considering making their Maui dreams reality.”

ABOUT MAUI ESTATES INTERNATIONAL LLC

Mary Anne Fitch’s team and the Hansen Ohana Team have successfully closed over US$1 billion in sales on Maui, primarily in the luxury estate market. Their clients benefit from strong negotiation skills and unsurpassed knowledge of the Maui real estate market to enhance client service satisfaction.