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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0021.128 2002-2004t Harry Kim Mayor DATE: TO: FROM RE: County of Hawaii DEPARTMENT OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT 25 Aupuni Street, Room 219 • Hilo, Hawaii 96720-4252 (808) 961-8366 • Fax (808) 935-1205 E-mail: chresdev@intepac.net Jane H. Testa Director April 14, 2004 James Y. Arakaki Council Chair and - '--' Council Members Jane H. Testa, Directo(�� cn FINAL REPORT w Name of Grant Program: Greetings Program Federal or State Grantor: State of Hawai'i-Hawaii Tourism Authority County Grantee Department or Agency: Department of Research and Development Grant No. (IF KNOWN): County Revenue & Expenditure Account Numbers: Revenue: 3305.29; exp.: 010-161-5163.01 Amount of Grant: $75,000 Amount of County Match: Grant Period (Commencement & Completion): January 1, 2003 - December 31, 2003 Goals: To enhance visitors' experience upon arrival to Hawaii Island's piers and airport. Objectives: 1) To provide music and hula to welcome ships to Kona and Hilo. 2) To provide: 120 greetings/entertainment to arriving cruise ships to Hilo Harbor 60 greetings/entertainment to arriving cruise ships to Kona Pier 180 greetings/entertainment designated international flights at Kona International Airport. Outcomes or Results: see attached reports Comm. No. 11. 1 Zg Ref. To, F L Ref. Date �P� 2004 Form FR 6/01 HAWAII COUNTY ALOHA GREETINGS PROGRAM ABBREVIATED STRATEGIC PLAN 2001 MISSION STATEMENT The mission of the Aloha Greetings Program is to make every traveler feel enriched and welcomed to Hawaii the Big Island. Mire7i Visitors to the Island of Hawaii are immediately struck by the sense of aloha as they are greeted by the sweet fragrance of flowers, the sound of steel guitars, the bright colors that surround them, the leis that are draped around their necks, the lovely hula hands beckoning them forward, and the beautiful smiling faces that welcome them to this enchanting place. As they look around, they see amazing, exotic plants and flowers against a panoramic backdrop. Everything about the surroundings makes the visitor feel comfortable, welcomed, special, and appreciated. The facilities are new, well kept, safe, and attractive offering impressive and clean restrooms with tasteful amenities that can refresh even the most bedraggled traveler. Every resident or employee they come across is eager to help, sharing the beauty of the island, its history and significance. The visitors find all they come in contact with to be gracious, kind, generous, happy, reliable, and knowledgeable. Directions and access to attractions are simple and easy to understand and find. The towns and activity centers are safe, welcoming, attractive, offering excellent service and local products and goods of high quality. Again, the people are kind and gracious, making each interaction special, warm, and memorable. Activities that are offered are satisfying, educational, rewarding, and fulfilling, enhancing the value of the entire stay. The visitors find themselves thrilled with every experience, totally convinced it doesn't get any better than this, and committed in their hearts to return again and again to this magical, wonderfully enriching, uniquely beautiful, most enthralling Hawaii, the Big Island of Aloha. A Hawaii County G. ngs Program Plan August, 2001 Page 2 BRIEF HISTORY TO DATE OF GREETING PROGRAMS See attached minutes from July 25, 2001 meeting. IDENTIFIED ISSUES • DOT/DLNR to recognize importance of Small Boat Harbors Division • Needed facilities improvements (ADA compliant bathrooms, lockers, signage, additional pier for Hilo, fix Kona's pier, improve and upgrade areas in general) • Organizing and funding of greeting programs • $ support of Kupuna groups • $ support for professional coordinators/trainer • Training program — education and training: Important — bus driver's training annual is available; HCC to re -offer Other resources would want to be involved Good if cab drivers would be trained • Continuous supply of up-to-date information and materials • Shared resources • Cruise industry support • Airline industry support • Improved/attractive access to town (landscape, transportation, sidewalks, etc.) • "Provisioning" for ships • Visitor profile change — today's visitors want more than just entertainment • Improved research on the Island's history/culture • Offer programs/activities/lectures on board ship for Hilo -Kona, Kona -Hilo routes • Harbor congestion (arrival of ships, barges, as well as tenders). Bolded, italicized items were thought to be priority issues that can be addressed soon. f Hawaii County G ngs Program Plan August, 2001 Page 3 TOP TWO STRATEGIC ISSUES: • FACILITIES IMPROVEMENTS Improved/attractive access to towns Harbor congestion — arrival of ships, barges, tenders • ORGANIZING & FUNDING OF GREETING PROGRAMS Support for kupuna groups professional coordinators/trainers Training programs Visitors want more than just entertainment (profile changes) Improved research on island's history/culture for training Shared resources Industry support GOALS & ACTION STEPS GOAL #1: To improve the greeting facilities for the arriving traveler A. Objectives for HILO Pier: 1) Inform the DOT of the need to separate cargo from passenger activities in the context of the plan. 2) DOT is currently removing old sugar facilities. 3) Convert upper deck for passenger use in the short term; for the long term develop new pier #S. Projected price tag: $30,000,000. B. Objectives for KONA Pier: 1) Short term — repair existing pier with shade for passengers and restroom facilities. Currently $3,000,000 is allocated for this but an additional $800,000 is needed to complete the project. r Hawaii County G, ngs Program Plan August, 2001 Page 4 2) Remove on -pier buses to other sites (from Kamehameha to old airport?)... 3) Long term - $20-25,000,000 needed for a new pier. Must be attractively shaded, comfortable, practical, restroomed, with good signage to ease congestion and confusion (have to address DLNR's regulations which don't allow signs). C. Action steps: 1) Communicate with DOT and DLNR for cooperation and support, sharing the plan and making reference to the Port Task Force findings. 2) Begin identifying improved/attractive access to town. 3) Acquire lockers for the passengers. 4) Identify lounges and storage for the crew 5) Shade, shade, shade for the Kailua Pier 6) HIEDB to revive the Port Task Force to address the details of this plan and to take the issues, goals, strategy forward. GOAL #2:: To enhance/augment the organization and funding of greeting programs A. Objectives for Organizing and Funding Greeting Programs 1) Cultivate current funding sources HTA, State, County 2) Continue/augment services provided through: a] BIG b] Daughters of Hawaii c] Kohala Coast Resort Association d] DOT/DLNR e] Destinations Hilo and Kona Coast • Hawaii County G, ngs Program Plan August, 2001 Page 5 3) Continue and broaden participation and increase the $ to match the increases in the cruise ship industry 4) Tap the DOT's Special Fund for greeting programs. 5) Encourage private industry to support the greeting programs by offering incentives. B. Action steps: 1) To expand the current educational/certification opportunities to more groups and people. i.e. if all taxi drivers' certifications would include an "educational" tour guide certification program piece as part of the process. County and HCC should be asked if this could happen. 2) BIVB to review how current packages are being sold to visitors and seeing if it is accurate. Also is there a possibility for on-line certification of travel agents? 3) Could the Mayor ask the newspapers to list ship arrivals and departures? Could radio stations also make announcements? STRATEGIC MECHANISM: The above plan will be pursued and carried out under the auspices of the Port Task Force, to be revived by HIEDB who will staff the group. Individuals who participated in the shaping of this Greetings Program Strategic Plan are invited to continue the effort via the Port Task Force. Harry Kim Mayor March 1, 2004 Larraine Koike County of Hawaii DEPARTMENT OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT 25 Aupuni Street, Room 219 • Hilo, Hawaii 967204252 (808) 961-8366 • fax (808) 935-1205 E-mail: chresdev@interpac.net Hawaii Convention Center, Level 1 1801 Kalakaua Avenue Honolulu, Hawaii 96815 REFERENCE: 2003 Hawaii County Greetings Program Final Report Dearoike Jane H. Testa Director Hawaii County Greetings Program 2003 greeted a total of 179 cruise ships with 326,590 passengers and 149,160 crewmembers arriving at Hilo Harbor and Kailua Pier. Hawaii County's airport greetings program for direct international flights (Japan to Kona with Japan Airlines) greeted approximately 200 flights with an estimated number of 54,000 passengers. Hawaii County's contracting agencies receiving funding for the 2003 greetings program are destination membership organizations, Destination Hilo for Hilo Harbor, Destination Kona Coast for Kailua Pier and Big Island Group for Kona International Airport. Reports submitted by contracting organizations, Destination Hilo and Destination Kona Coast provides more information about the greeting services. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. Sincerely, x ) L Jane H. Testa Director FINAL REPORT OF ACTUAL EXPENSES AND INCOME CONTRACT NUMBER: 50350 Income CASH HTA Other IN-KIND TOTAL Expenses $75,000.00 County of Hawaii $35,000.00 $10,000.00 $45,000.00 Destination Kona Coast $11,775.00 $1,000.00 Marketing/Promotions Destination Hilo $15,000.00 $51,000.00 $66,000.00 Promotional/Informational Material $5,000.00 $4,000.00 $9,000.00 Marketing/Promotion $4,000.00 (Name Sponsor $4,000.00 (Name Sponsor) Organization's Contribution TOTAL WCOME 575,000.00 $61;775.00 567,000.00 $203,775 00 Operating Entertainment/Musicians $35,000.00 $16,975.00 $5,000.00 $56,975.00 Entertainment Airport $15,000.00 $15,000.00 Coordinator Greetings $17,000.00 $3,000.00 $20,000.00 Coordinator Volunteers $10,000.00 $3,000.00 $2,000.00 $15,000.00 Volunteers $45,000.00 $45,000.00 Kupuna Appreciation Luncheon $3,000.00 $2,000.00 $5,000.00 Misc Supplies, refreshments, etc. $1,000.00 $3,300.00 $4,000.00 $8,300.00 Administrative Meetings $1,000.00 $1,700.00 $2,000.00 $4,700.00 Administrative Coordination $2,000.00 $15,000.00 X17,000.00 Administrative supplies $2,000.001 $1,800.001 $3,800.00 TOTAL EXPENSES 1 $75,000.001 $61,775.001 $67,000.00 $203,775.00 Income CASH IN-KIND TOTAL HTA $75,000.00 $75,000.00 County of Hawaii $35,000.00 $10,000.00 $45,000.00 Destination Kona Coast $11,775.00 $1,000.00 $12,775.00 Destination Hilo $15,000.00 $51,000.00 $66,000.00 Big Island Group $5,000.00 $5,000.00 (Name Sponsor) (Name Sponsor (Name Sponsor) Organization's Contribution TOTAL WCOME 575,000.00 $61;775.00 567,000.00 $203,775 00 I hereby certify that all financial statements represented in this final report to the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) relating to State or Hawaii Contract Number 50350 -(Agreement), are accurate, and that State funds allocated through the HTA under this Agreement have been expended in accordance with the provisions set forth in this Agreement, including the budget that was made a part of said Agreement. County of Hawaii Organization/Contractor Signature \ 2003 Hawaii County Greetings Program Project Title Date Signed Print Name Title Jane H. Testa Director 2 LL O z D 0 N M M O I— m O tc') M O LO m z U c O v - O �E o CD 0 L O E (D cC O N CL 0 i— c c •0 O O c ++ Y O tC O N •a = O .M(D O) O N 69 ODU W O 4- 0 " 3 0 = o O O LL- O)O o M O 70 E!? O LL U -a a �, 2 0 0 o `N .i C: OO +_ O (6 (A O 0 0 O =�¢ L O (L T Q� c O O — d �c6 O= 'a O O C U) cu o 3 cc .0 cu O (� +='+=+ Y O N O C:_ 4 0 = O p CL V 0y O CD �. U) m .� O U) U (c) U Q. Cl C) ON C%4 (n O N 'c (D L ca L w � ►, O = U U N 0 W O 4- 0 �E o O LL- C) O M O N O -a a �, 0 0 0) o n. U) c O= 'a O O C +='+=+ Y O O M O N = O O 0) _0 .� O (c) ODU cn c �C = U) N O Cl N p) O ON 5 L O >, U _ 40- 0 0 'C 0 0- d E cncn L cn 'L 0) c 0 :t c) »- N ~ O p Y u c :— � u� :a cu r E L c3¢ LL 2 O Qui ,com U 0, 3 4- c4 .0� = O O O 0CD O :3�j .3 o E _ mo U o s o ca o o _0 Q. Q) - o t -c N a L ti r W o U N O 0 .� o January 10, 2004 TO: MS. JANE TESTA, DIRECTOR COUNTY OF HAWAII DEPT. OF R&D FR: KATE ARIA, COORDINATOR HILO PIER GREETING PROJECT C: DESTINATION HILO RE: HILO PIER GREETING PROJECT ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2003 As the Hilo Pier Greeting Project enters its I Id year, the Kupuna welcoming entertainment continues to receive great appreciation and high praises. There are four groups that are scheduled on a rotation that continues to work out very well. The enthusiasm shown by the performers continues to grow with every arrival. There are anywhere from 12 to 25 entertainers at any given performance. There are no words that can adequately describe the dedication that the Kupuna give to insure the passengers that arrive by cruise ships receive the -warmest aloha. During 2003, there were 116 cruise ship;arrivals at our Hilo pier. Statistics prepared by Harbormaster Ian Birnie reflect a total of 219,262 passengers and 99,510 crewmembers. In October 1995 when the Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines Legend of the Seas first came to Hawaii, State Director of Transportation Kazu Hayashida referred to the ship's visit as "A boom to local businesses and the state's status as a cruise destination." The Legend was the largest ship to visit Hawaii at a length of 866 feet. We currently have ships that are a hundred feet longer than the Legend which continues to visit Hawaii. According to an article written by Jacob Kamhi from PACIFIC BUSINESS NEWS in February 1994, crew influence has a part to play in whether or not a ship continues to visit a specific destination. Captain Valentin Sidorov, skipper of the Fedor Dostoevskiy remarked, "Hawaii is a big marketing tool. More and more international ships will arrive in Hawaii." He also mentioned, "If the crew likes a destination, it gets around_" Crewmembers can have a subtle influence on a ship's itinerary. This brings to mind how disappointed some of the crewmembers were when The World of ResidenSea made a stop in Honolulu in 2003 and did not come to Hilo. The crew loved Hilo when they visited in 2002, even if they docked at Pier 3 and experienced one of our rainy Hilo days. Hilo Pier Greeting Project Annual Report for 2003 Page 2 We faced several issues in 2003, one of which included Norovirus on some of the cruise ships. According to the CDC, the best prevention, whether or not one is on a cruise ship or an airliner, is as simple as hand washing with soap and water. Cruise ships must report to the CDC when two percent or more of the passengers and crew experience gastrointestinal problems. Environmental issues were brought to light by groups like the Sierra Club and the media. Hawaii and Florida have accepted promises from the cruise lines to be vigilant and avoid polluting the ocean waters. As larger cruise ships are being built, new trends are being introduced to attract younger and more diverse cruise seekers. There are theme cruises, family cruises, freestyle cruising, and specialized activities (cooking classes, computer workshops, seminars, etc.). The cruise ship itself is being marketed as a destination. The cruise industry is also attracting those that have a fear of flying by introducing more reachable homeports where people can drive or take other means of ground transportation for embarkation. The average age of the cruise ship passenger is now nearing 49, with an annual income of less than $60,000. Not long ago the average age was in the high sixties and in retirement. We anticipate 153 cruise ship arrivals in 2004, which should bring the passenger count to approximately 270,000. attachments DESTINATION KONA COAST P.O. BOX 2850 KAILUA-KONA, HAWAII 96745 PHONE: 808-329-6748 FAX: 808-322-8899 To: County of Hawaii Dept. of Research & Development ti . Report for Jan - Dec, 2003 /9f. For the months of Jan - Dec, we greeted the following. Total number of ships: 63 Total number of passengers: 107,328 Total number of crew: 49,650 We had 5-7 volunteers per day and 3-7 musicians per day. We also have a person, plus a helper, to put up the tents, set out the chairs, and put it all away each day. We also have a coordinator for the musicians and the dancers. There are also a couple of coordinators for the volunteers. We have expanded our rack of brochures so the visitors have a full range of things to see and do. The Aloha Booth is manned by the volunteers who help with answering questions, giving out history, and pointing people in the right directions for shopping and activities. The volunteers keep on smiling through it all. Even at times when you want to laugh. For instance, when a visitor was talking to a volunteer saying she was going to Hilo and wanted to know what time they turned the volcano on! Of course you have a few passengers who are tired and grumpy, but our volunteers do what they can to help to cheer or alleviate the situation_ We are lucky_ to have a great bunch of volunteers! This booth was also kept open all through the Ironman, helping the visitors and athletes to get the right information for activities etc. The hours leave been extended and a few more volunteers have been added to help with all the visitors. We are in the process of expanding our entertainment. We will have a show in the afternoon to keep the visitors occupied while they wait for the tenders. The schedule for 2004 is filling up fast with weekly changes, and going on the current schedule we would have to estimate 130 ships to come in for 2004. That's given that all the unscheduled stops that were made in 2003. This at the least doubles our counts for visitors and crew to come ashore. Which means we will have to add more volunteers that will have to spend a little more time and we will have to get more supplies. It has been an interesting year with the pier being renovated. We have done our best to work around the construction and to give the visitors a positive and happy welcoming and send off. We are looking forward to have the pier back to normal as soon as possible! In closing we are looking forward to the New Year and to twice as many experiences as we had in 2003.