Funky partnership
Funky partnership
Concerning Banyan Drive hotels, it is scary to think of the state Department of Land and Natural Resources and County of Hawaii being partners and trying to develop a visitor center for tourism in Hilo.
What is more scary is the state survey reporting the notion that the Big Island could not attract more tourists and visitors, based on old data. By casting a thumbs down on a fresh idea for Banyan Drive development, I suppose Honolulu thinks they can keep their numbers up, if they can keep the Big Island numbers down.
I remember how five architectural firms presented face-lift models for Waikiki 20 years ago, for the whole community to look at. I reminded the assembled legislators and businessmen at the leasehold meeting that Culinary Institute of America is 75 miles from New York City and trains young people from around the world, promotes and uses organic foods from farmers throughout the Northeast and has fabulous restaurants, not only on campus but in the towns and cities in the surrounding area by chefs who graduate from the institute.
Anthony Bourdain, a graduate from the Culinary Institute, is currently in Honolulu filming for his show. What model would be better for the Big Island than this? Hilo would be on the map and still keep its small town flavor, just like Hyde Park, New York.
Toby S. Hazel
Pahoa
Why we shop KTA
A couple of years ago, we purchased a package of imported seafood from KTA’s Puainako store. When we opened it the same day, the stench was terrible.
I called the store manager and told him of the problem. No argument, no hassle. He didn’t even request we return the product. Instead, the manager asked for my name and address.
A couple of days later, we received not only a full refund of the purchase price but a $25 gift certificate and a letter of apology. The manager also promised to immediately pull the product from his store (which he did), and I have never since seen that product in any KTA store.
Now that’s customer service!
Ron Baptista
Mountain View