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Rising oil prices, airfares aren’t slowing tourism arrivals to Hawaii ― at least not yet

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HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Specialists say regardless of the prediction of upper airline fares, the conflict in Ukraine may very well push extra guests to Hawaii.

Aviation specialists warn that the excessive worth of oil brought on by the battle in Ukraine is not going to solely the value on the pump, however the price of journeys to and from the islands.

“The conflict is now accelerating, you don’t know what will occur subsequent,” stated Jerry Agrusa, College of Hawaii journey professor.

Agrusa stated there’s plenty of uncertainty concerning the future and lot of parents are canceling their journeys to Europe.

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“Everyone, particularly coming from Asia that was going to go to Europe, they canceled a visit,” Agrusa stated.

Nevertheless it doesn’t look like the rising prices of jet gas are stopping too many people from coming right here.

“We actually haven’t seen a drop in any respect. In truth, we had a few of our greatest numbers this previous weekend, virtually rivaling what we obtained in 2019,” stated Mufi Hannemann, the President and CEO of the Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Affiliation.

Specialists stated that Hawaii is trying like a greater vacation spot for individuals planning a trip.

“I believe that folks that have been planning to go to Europe, for April, and Might, they only stated, no, let’s discover one other good vacation spot,” stated Agrusa. “And we have now one of many nicest locations on Earth, we do have the most effective climate on Earth. And we’re simply going to get increasingly more vacationers.”

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In line with the Shopper Worth Index, airline ticket fares have been up 12% in February in comparison with a 12 months in the past. However specialists warn the conflict in Ukraine may increase the costs much more.

Copyright 2022 Hawaii Information Now. All rights reserved.



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Hawaii governor says Biden could decide within days whether to remain in the presidential race

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Hawaii governor says Biden could decide within days whether to remain in the presidential race





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Several Hawaii projects included in latest water infrastructure bill

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Several Hawaii projects included in latest water infrastructure bill


WASHINGTON — The proposed federal Water Resources Development Act of 2024 is headed for a final vote in the U.S. House of Representatives with some key Hawaii projects secured by Reps. Ed Case and Jill Tokuda, both D-Hawaii, included in its numerous provisions.


What You Need To Know

  • The biennial bill, which cleared the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in a 61-2 vote last month, authorizes projects to improve the country’s ports and harbors, inland waterways, flood and storm protection and other water resource infrastructure
  • Projects are performed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal organizations and non-government organizations
  • U.S. Reps. Ed Case and Jill Tokuda requested that Maui Environmental Infrastructure funding be increased to $50 million from $20 million to assist with wildfire recovery
  • Further Hawaii-related provisions include an assessment of the Waialua Watershed to inform efforts to prevent future flooding and climate change impacts

The biennial bill, which cleared the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on a 61-2 vote last month, authorizes projects to improve the country’s ports and harbors, inland waterways, flood and storm protection and other water resource infrastructure.

Projects are performed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal organizations and non-government organizations.

“As Hawaii has seen in increasing frequency, extreme weather events are leaving a trail of destruction and loss behind,” Tokuda said. “From hurricanes to flooding to wildfires, we need to do all we can to protect our local communities from the impacts of sea level rise and natural disasters. I am proud this bill includes projects in four counties to help protect our communities from future disastrous events.”

“In addition, Hawai’s harbors serve as a critical lifeline for residents and businesses,” she continued. “This year’s WRDA includes efforts to maintain the infrastructures that keep products flowing in and out of our state and keep Hawaii moving forward.”

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Some of the Hawaii initiatives included in the 2024 WRDA include:

Increased funding for the Maui Environmental Infrastructure authorization: Both Case and Tokuda requested that funding be increased to $50 million from $20 million to assist with wildfire recovery.

Lahaina watershed study: Case and Tokuda also advocated for a study of the Lahaina Watershed that would include the coral reef habitat north of Lahaina. The study would examine the overall impacts of the wildfire with the goal of better protecting the community from flooding and preventing environmental damage from runoff. 

Ala Wai Canal flood risk management project: Case is seeking to expedite the 25-year-old project, which focuses on protecting the homes, businesses and communities of Makiki, Manoa, Palolo and Waikiki.

“We all are facing the real-life evidence every day of the effects of climate change including disastrous flooding, and we must continue our efforts to prevent a catastrophic storm that would impact the watershed and the adjacent canal,” Case said. 

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Honolulu Harbor expansion and upgrade: Case proposes to update a previous authorization for a study on expanding and upgrading Honolulu Harbor to reflect “expanded complexity, scope and funding needs, including elements of coastal storm risk management.”

“As the main port of the State of Hawaii, Honolulu Harbor receives and distributes all overseas cargo shipments constituting over 80% of all imports into the state, supports fishing operations and cruise ships and handles federal maritime activity including the U.S. Coast Guard’s 14th District,” said Case, who previously secured $1.5 million in funding for the project via his work on the House Appropriations Committee.

Joining USACE studies of the Pacific Region: Under this provision, Hawaii would be allowed to partner with the Army Corps of Engineers on studies involving cultural resources preservation and environmental restoration. The agency already works with Guam, American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas on similar studies of coastal storm risk management and flood risk.

Expanding eligibility for federal assistance for coastal communities dependent on key ports: This amendment would allow for expanded eligibility for coastal communities whose longevity is tied to harbor access. It allows for greater consideration of cultural, social and ecosystem benefits to the local communities in cost-benefit analyses.

Further Hawaii-related provisions include an assessment of the Waialua Watershed to inform efforts to prevent future flooding and climate change impacts; modifications to repair Laupahoehoe Harbor to allow for the repair of the harbor’s breakwater structure; a comprehensive new start Feasibility Study to evaluate sources of flooding and propose solutions to reduce flood damages in the Hanapepe River watershed.

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Michael Tsai covers local and state politics for Spectrum News Hawaii. He can be reached at michael.tsai@charter.com.



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Obituaries for July 6 – West Hawaii Today

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Obituaries for July 6 – West Hawaii Today






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