Hawaii's Big Island Press Releases

`Imiloa Astronomy Center to offer new holiday Planetarium show

2006-12-10T19:55:00.000-10:00

MEDIA INFORMATION

For immediate release

Contact: Gloria Chun Hoo, Marketing and PR Manager

808-969-9705 gchunhoo@imiloahawaii.org

`Imiloa Astronomy Center to offer new holiday Planetarium show

Mystery of the Christmas Star opens day after Thanksgiving

Journey back 2000 years to Bethlehem with us to discover a scientific explanation for the Star the wise men followed to find the

baby Jesus. “Mystery of the Christmas Star,” a new planetarium film opening nationally in November, will soon be playing in Hilo at the `Imiloa Astronomy Center as part of its holiday programming.

This new film investigates recorded sightings of significant astronomical events during the time of the birth of Christ. We’ll see which of these signs in the sky could have been remarkable enough to cause the wise men to travel across the desert from Babylon just to see a newborn King. This modern retelling of the Christmas story is sure to charm and captivate audiences of all ages.

Mystery of the Christmas Star opens at the 'Imiloa Planetarium on Friday, November 24. There will be one show daily, at 1:00 pm. The Center’s custom-produced feature planetarium show, Maunakea: Between Earth and Sky, will continue to show each day at 11:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.

The cost of the Planetarium show is included in the admission price. Visitors who wish to see both the new show and the Maunakea show on the same day, will be charged a fee for the second show, $6 for general admission, $5 for kama'aina, and $3 for keiki.

Mystery of the Christmas Star is scheduled to run only through January 10, 2007.

Sky Tonight Program also focused on Christmas Star

November "Sky Tonight at 'Imiloa"

'Imiloa's Astronomer-in-Residence Dr. Richard Crowe will speak about "The Christmas Star" as part of the November "Sky Tonight" show on Saturday, November 25.

The show begins at 7:00 pm, with doors opening at 6:00 pm. The café will be open for light meals, and the museum store will be open for shopping. Admission to the Sky Tonight show is free for `Imiloa members and $5 for non-members. Reservations are required and space

is limited. To reserve your seat, sign up at `Imiloa’s front desk, call (808) 969-9711, or send an email to rsvp@imiloahawaii.org. Include your name, the event (November Sky Tonight), telephone number, and the number of people in your party.

`Imiloa Astronomy Center is located at 600 `Imiloa Place in Hilo, off of Nowelo and Komohana Streets. The Center is open Tuesday through Sunday, 9 am to 4 pm. For more information, go to www.imiloahawaii.org or call 808-969-9700.

Gloria Chun Hoo

Marketing and PR Manager

`Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawai`i

600 Imiloa Place, Hilo, Hawaii 96720

Phone: 808-969-9705

FAX: 808-969-9748

gchunhoo@imiloahawaii.org

www.imiloahawaii.org

Free Holiday Concert in Volcano

2006-12-10T19:46:00.000-10:00

PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Free Holiday Concert in Volcano

The Volcano Art Center presents its 19th Annual Holiday Concert, "Peace on Earth," on Wednesday, December 20 at 7 p.m. at KMC Theater in Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park. The concert is VAC’s yearly "gift of music" to the community: a free performance of music, song, and dance, complete with an audience sing-along of traditional Christmas carols.

"It’s an evening of fun for the whole family," says concert coordinator Susan McGovern. "Our 2006 theme promotes ‘Peace on Earth’ this holiday season--and all year long."

One of the many special treats for this year’s concert is the guest appearance of Greg Shepherd, a classically trained bass-baritone who is traveling from Kaua‘i to sing Franz Schubert’s exquisitely beautiful "Ave Maria." Shepherd has been Music Professor at Kaua‘i Community College since 1988; is director of the highly acclaimed Garden Island Singers; teaches voice, chorus, piano, music theory, and drama; and is currently appearing in the lead role of Emile DeBecque in a professional dinner-theater production of the musical "South Pacific."

"We are delighted to have a vocalist of Greg’s caliber join us for this festive evening of yuletide entertainment and to lead the audience in the carol sing-along," McGovern says.

Volcano resident Ron Serrao, who also emceed in 2005, returns to the stage to introduce the following performers: Na Mohai Aloha O Ka Laua‘e, the Ha‘aheo Elementary School hula students of kumu hula John Ku’uhoamele Cuban, who were a hit last year with their keiki hula; the Volcano Chamber Players, a classical chamber music ensemble playing Bach and "Winter’s Complaint," an original composition by Susanella Noble; and the Hilo High Ambassadors, the award-winning choral group directed by Volcano’s own Wendell Ing.

Also on the line-up are Marsha Hee and Howard Shapiro, doing a Christmas reading and original song, "Listen to the Forest," which shares a message from the misty rain forest; the middle school students of Volcano School of Arts & Sciences, led by music teacher Kolea Quincey; Shizuno Nasu, a classically trained dancer who performs to a solo played by flutist Susanella Noble; the third graders of Volcano School of Arts & Sciences, presenting an excerpt from the spring musical "Memoir of a Water Droplet" led by performers Dina Kageler and Kate Schuerch; and VAC’s Holiday Hula Class, the students of kumu hula Ab Valencia doing an opening chant and a special Christmas hula.

VAC’s holiday concert runs for 90 minutes with no intermission, and is free--though calabash donations are welcome. Seating is first-come, first-seated (with no tickets necessary). Dress warmly for cool Volcano weather, and carpool if possible due to limited parking. For more information, please contact VAC at 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.

--------------------------
Julie Mitchell
Education Coordinator
Volcano Art Center
PO Box 129
Volcano, HI 96785
Phone: (808) 967-8222
Fax: (808) 967-8512
Email: info@volcanoartcenter.org
www.volcanoartcenter.org

Kohala Spa at Hilton Waikoloa Village Introduces TRUE, a New, Cutting-Edge Skin-Care and Make-Up Line

2006-12-10T19:42:00.000-10:00

CONTACT:

Leanne Pletcher

Marketing Manager

Hilton Waikoloa Village

(808) 886-2860

leanne_pletcher@hilton.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Kohala Spa at Hilton Waikoloa Village Introduces TRUE, a New, Cutting-Edge Skin-Care and Make-Up Line

TRUE is equipped with the anti-aging idebenone and provides the ultimate in skin care

KOHALA COAST, HAWAII’S BIG ISLAND (December 5, 2006) – Kohala Sports Club & Spa at Hilton Waikoloa Village has just introduced TRUE, an innovative line of make-up and skin-care products.

TRUE’s mineral based cosmetic line contains idebenone, a new, cutting-edge, and multi-functional anti oxidant compound that is extremely effective and helps skin become smoother, brighter, and unstressed. One is able to see remarkable, measurable differences in just six weeks or even in just one reveal facial peel session. But unlike most other effective de-agers, idebenone is gentle and works without any signs of irritation or additional vulnerability to the sun or environment. Idebenone is equipped with a 95% EPF (environmental protection factor) and is proven the most effective antioxidant protector.

“We are extremely honored to be one of the first spas on the island to carry this exciting new product, said Kohala Spa Director Crystal Poe-Cabatbat. “A TRUE regimen will equip its users with the knowledge on how to improve their skin and will leave them looking and feeling youthful and vibrant. This innovative line is extremely effective and efficient and is a product I stand behind,” she continued.

The skin-care line offers several options for every skin type from comforting (compromised/sunburn) and restoring (dry skin) to balancing (combination skin) and harmonizing (oily skin). TRUE skin care never contains artificial fragrance, artificial color, harsh surfactants, oils derived from nuts, paba or comedogenic ingredients.

Additionally, the truly modern make-up line brings future-thinking benefits and ancient knowing to enhance beauty and is equipped with idebenone. The powders and compacts also have SPF 17 sunscreen, allowing for the make-up products to be an extension of the skin-care. For example, the facial treatments at the spa are finished with a mineral dusting from the make-up line that leaves guests feeling and looking radiant, young, and healthy. A portion of proceeds from the lip glosses benefit the American Cancer Society.

TRUE is available for sale at the Kohala Spa retail shop and is utilized in several treatments offered at the Kohala Spa from facials to aromatherapy and consultations.

For more information or reservations at Kohala Spa call 808-886-2828 or visit www.kohalaspa.com, www.hiltonwaikoloavillage.com, or www.truecosmetics.com.

About the Village

Hilton Waikoloa Village on Hawaii’s Big Island offers lush tropical gardens, exotic wildlife, cascading

waterfalls, tranquil lagoons and waterways, playful dolphins, three swimming pools, beautifully appointed guest rooms and extensive indoor and outdoor meeting and event venues. The resort also boasts two championship golf courses, a seaside putting course, world-class tennis, the luxurious Kohala Sports Club & Spa, nine international cuisine restaurants, the Museum Walkway, Camp Menehune children’s program and Hawaiian cultural activities.

Hilton Waikoloa Village has been named the #1 Top Family Resort in Hawaii and the #7 Top Family Resort in the United States and Canada by Travel + Leisure Family Magazine.

For reservations, call toll-free at 1-800-HILTONS (1-800-445-8667) from the U.S. and Canada or visit www.hiltonwaikoloavillage.com or call the resort directly at (808) 886-1234.

CONTACT:

Leanne Pletcher Meredith Wertz

Marketing Manager Marketing/P.R. Coordinator

Hilton Waikoloa Village Hilton Waikoloa Village

(808) 886-2860 (808) 886-2867

leanne_pletcher@hilton.com meredith_wertz@hilton.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Kohala Spa at Hilton Waikoloa Village Introduces TRUE, a New, Cutting-Edge Skin-Care and Make-Up Line

TRUE is equipped with the anti-aging idebenone and provides the ultimate in skin care

KOHALA COAST, HAWAII’S BIG ISLAND (December 5, 2006) – Kohala Sports Club & Spa at Hilton Waikoloa Village has just introduced TRUE, an innovative line of make-up and skin-care products.

TRUE is available for sale at the Kohala Spa retail shop and is utilized in several treatments offered at the Kohala Spa from facials to aromatherapy and consultations.

For more information or reservations at Kohala Spa call 808-886-2828 or visit www.kohalaspa.com, www.hiltonwaikoloavillage.com, or www.truecosmetics.com.

About the Village

Hilton Waikoloa Village on Hawaii’s Big Island offers lush tropical gardens, exotic wildlife, cascading

Hilton Waikoloa Village has been named the #1 Top Family Resort in Hawaii and the #7 Top Family Resort in the United States and Canada by Travel + Leisure Family Magazine.

For reservations, call toll-free at 1-800-HILTONS (1-800-445-8667) from the U.S. and Canada or visit www.hiltonwaikoloavillage.com or call the resort directly at (808) 886-1234.

HAWAI`I’S BIG ISLAND, DECEMBER 2006 Sizzlin' News

2006-12-10T19:38:00.000-10:00

Media Contact:

Jessica Ferracane, (808) 961-5005, bivbpr@hvcb.org

Czarin Chan, (323) 882-8333, cchan@novom.com

HAWAI`I’S BIG ISLAND – HAWAI`I’S ISLAND OF ADVENTURE

Come to the Big Island and discover “Everything Hawai`i, from chill to sizzle.”

HAWAI`I’S BIG ISLAND, DECEMBER 2006 – Continue Receiving News From Hawai`i’s Big Island in 2007! The Big Island Visitors Bureau is pleased to announce that beginning January 1, 2007, the public relations agency representing Hawai`i’s Big Island will be Irondog Communications. Located in Hilo, Irondog Communications is a boutique public relations agency founded by Jessica Ferracane. Ferracane has served as BIVB’s on-island public relations specialist since May 2006, working closely with Novom Marketing in Los Angeles. To continue receiving monthly news updates from Hawai`i’s Big Island, please contact: Jessica Ferracane, Public Relations Specialist, representing the Big Island Visitors Bureau, phone: (808) 961-5005 or email bivbpr@hvcb.org.

HAWAI`I’S BIG ISLAND – Adventures, Events and Activities

Hershey’s has unveiled a sweet new treat for the holidays: Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Kisses. The scrumptious new tropical Kiss features macadamia nut nuggets enrobed in a creamy milk-chocolate dome, and wrapped up in blue foil. The white “rip cord” that unwraps the Kiss is stamped with the word Aloha. Available exclusively in Hawai`i at the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitors Center in Hilo, and select retail outlets. Call (808) 966-8613 for more information.

`Imiloa Astronomy Center reveals the Mystery of the Christmas Star in a new film that investigates recorded sightings of significant astronomical events during the time of the birth of Jesus Christ. Viewers will discover signs in the sky that could have been remarkable enough to cause wise men to travel across the desert just to see the newborn king. Shows once a day at 1:00 p.m. at `Imiloa Planetarium, Monday through Saturday. Show ends Jan. 10, 2007. The cost of the Planetarium show is included in the admission price, $14.50 for adults, $7.50 for children four to 12. Visit www.imiloahawaii.org for details.

Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park offers a free “People and Land of Kahuku Hike” to celebrate the human history of this remote area. The hike is offered on Dec. 10, and again on Jan. 21, 2007. The Kahuku gate, located on the mountain side of Highway 11 near the 70 mile marker will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Guided hikes begin at 9:30 a.m. and end at noon. The moderately difficult hike traverses 2 ½ miles of rugged terrain, including lava fields, pastures and historic ranch roads. Boots, long pants and raingear recommended. Call (808) 985-6014 for more information.

Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival (Sat., Feb. 3) - This popular festival held in the community of Waimea celebrates Japanese traditions and culture and includes cherry blossom viewing, music, demonstrations, exhibits, crafts, entertainment, ethnic foods, a farmers’ market and visiting performers and artisans from Japan. For additional information contact (808) 961-8706.

Kona Honu Divers was selected by readers of Scuba Diving magazine as one of the Big Island’s best dive operators in their annual Reader’s Choice issue. Readers cited the friendly personalities and professionalism of the dive staff, and raved about Big Island dive sites like Suck ‘Em Up, Turtle Pinnacle and Manta Ray Heaven, a popular night dive. Visit www.konahonudivers.com or call (888) 333-4668 for more information and reservations.

Na Mea Hawai'i Hula Kahiko (Sat., Jan. 27) - Traditional hula and chant are performed outdoors on the hula platform overlooking Kīlauea Crater at Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Hawaiian crafts demonstrations at Volcano Art Center Gallery from 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Free (Park entrance fees apply). Other performances set for March, May, June and August. Call (808) 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.

Hawai`i’s Big Island – Hotels, Resorts & B&Bs

Keauhou-ho-ho-ho! The season’s festivities are celebrated throughout December at the Keauhou Shopping Center. On Saturdays and Wednesdays, top Hawai`i performers will provide free entertainment, including Amy Hanaialii Gilliom on Dec. 6 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Other performers include Walter Boy Tavares & Friends (Dec. 16) , the Olliephonics (Dec. 20), Kenneth Makuakane & Friends (Dec. 23), and more. Photos with Santa and horse-drawn carriage rides are also offered. Call (808) 864-6360 for more details.

The Hot Lava Cool Daze Package at the Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort offers a red-hot deal that stretches from this holiday season well into the new year. Included are a minimum of three nights, one car entrance pass into Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park, breakfast for two daily, and a pair of Lava Flow drinks at the hotel’s Verandah Lounge. A rental car can be added for an additional charge. The three-night package starts at $597 for an oceanview room, and is available Dec. 22, 2006 through Dec. 21, 2007. For reservations and information, call toll-free (800) OUTRIGGER, or visit www.outriggerkeauhou.com.

The Hilton Waikoloa Village decks its halls this holiday season with an amazing array of special events and activities. Don’t miss “Holiday Hula” featuring dancers and music of the Pacific Rim accompanied by a lavish dinner buffet. Offered Dec. 22, 26 and 29, with a 5:30 p.m. check in at the Kamehameha Court, 6:00 p.m. imu ceremony, 6:30 p.m. dinner and the show starts at 7:00 p.m. $82 for adults; $41 for children five to 12. Price includes gratuitiy, tax and one beverage. For reservations and information, call (808) 886-1234, ext. 54.

MasterCard Championship at Hualālai ( Jan. 19 – 21) – This annual PGA golf event at the Four Seasons Resort Hualālai Golf Club is the first match of the year on the PGA Champions Tour. It features 36 top golfers who have won Champions Tour or other PGA majors or money events in a 54-hole competition for a total purse of $1.7 million. Contact (800) 417-2770 or visit www.pgatour.com/tournaments.

For more information on Hawai`i’s Big Island, please visit www.bigisland.org

###

Hilton Waikoloa Village’s Holiday Happenings

2006-12-10T19:36:00.000-10:00

CONTACT:

Leanne Pletcher

Marketing Manager

Hilton Waikoloa Village

(808) 886-2860

leanne_pletcher@hilton.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Hilton Waikoloa Village’s Holiday Happenings

The resort is packed with holiday events and festivities through out December

KOHALA COAST, HAWAII’S BIG ISLAND (November 29, 2006) – Hilton Waikoloa Village will come alive with the sights and sounds of the holidays in December. Below is a listing of the hotel’s happenings during the holiday season:

· Hilton Waikoloa Village’s Annual Holiday Train Display Unveiling and Tree Lighting Ceremony – Saturday, December 2, 2006 at 5:15 p.m.: Help kick off the 2006 holiday season and enjoy this winter wonderland in the main lobby of Hilton Waikoloa Village with a festive performance and live entertainment. This year’s majestic model railroad train display created by Executive Sous Chef Alfred Mueller measures an enormous 22 x 16 feet with five miniature locomotives and is a replica of Hawaii’s Big Island complete with Mauna Kea and Kawaihae Harbor. During the festivities, General Manager Dieter Seeger will present checks to the Dolphin Days beneficiaries, the Pacific Marine Life Foundation and Hawaii Shriners Hospital for Children. Complimentary and open to the public.

· The Gallery- Hilton Waikoloa Village, Special Holiday Exhibits

o Artist in Residence Program - Visitors are invited to view a whole new art experience watching artists paint and sculpt on the spot to see how a piece of art is crafted from beginning to end. Visit our artist in residence Christopher Aaron Upp on Thursday, December 21^st from 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. for a glass blowing - sculpting demo. Or visit award-winning artist in residence Aelbert Aehegma who has been creating and exhibiting in Hawaii for over 20 years with his light-filled, post-impressionistic style, “Luminalism.” Monday’s and Friday’s from 10:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Check with The Gallery for other artist schedules.

o Holiday Charity Tree - During the month of December a special charity tree is featured in The Gallery. Participating artists have donated an ornament or small gift for sale and nominated a charity of their choice. The customer purchasing the ornament/gift, then makes out their tax deductible check directly to that charity. If the artist did not nominate a favorite charity, the customer can nominate their charity of choice.

For more information call The Gallery at 808-886-2199.

· Red Sail Sports Holiday Family Fun – Thursday, December 21 & 28

Scavenger Hunt at Kona Pool Volleyball Court at 1 p.m. Call 808-886-1234 extension 1200 for more information.

· Kohala Tennis Holiday Clinics – Special daily holiday tennis clinics for all ages! Clinics include: Adults at 8 a.m.; Tiny Tots for children ages 4 – 8 at 8 a.m.; Kids ages 8 - 12 at 9 a.m.; and Rock-n-Roll Tennis at 3 p.m. For more information call Kohala Tennis at 808-886-2222.

· Holiday Cheer Hawaiian Style – Thursday, December 21 – Monday, December 25; Thursday, December 28 - Saturday, December 30; 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Join us in the Main Lobby and enjoy Christmas cheer and island favorites by the Na Kaholoku Trio.

· Legends of the Pacific Dinner Show and Holiday Hula, December 22, 26, & 29

Rated as one of the best luaus in Hawaii, Tihati Productions presents “Holiday Hula” featuring exotic dances and music of the Pacific Rim accompanied by a lavish dinner buffet prepared by Hilton Waikoloa Village’s culinary experts. A variety of fruit, salads, fresh island fish, tender braised short ribs and traditional Imu pig await along with an array of Polynesian dessert specialties. 5:30 p.m. check-in at Kamehameha Court; 6 p.m. Imu Ceremony; 6:30 p.m. Dinner; Show begins at 7 p.m. $82 for adults and $41 for children ages 5 – 12. Price includes gratuity, tax, and one beverage of your choice. Watch as the Imu (underground oven) is prepared at 8 a.m. at Kamehameha Court on these dates, too. For reservations or more information, call restaurant reservations at 808-886-1234, extension 54.

· Camp Menehune Holiday Drop by Activity - Sunday, December 24, 9:30 a.m. – 10 a.m.

Complimentary activities for children under the age of 13 include cookie decorating, ornament making, stocking decorating and much more! Call 808-886-1234 extension 1202 for more information.

· Cavalry Community Church Musical Entertainment – Sunday, December 24, 8 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Singing and hula in the Main Lobby followed by a Candlelight Service at the base of the Grand Staircase.

· Christmas Dining, December 25

Hilton Waikoloa Village’s signature restaurants offer delicious set Christmas menus. Orchid Café features a four-course meal from 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. for $25.95 plus tax and gratuity. The Palm Terrace Christmas Buffet is open from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. and is $55 for adults and $23 for children ages 5 – 12, plus tax and gratuity. Kamuela Provision Company takes a Pacific Rim twist from 5:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. for $78 plus tax and gratuity, and Donatoni’s celebrates Christmas Italian style from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. for $71 plus tax and gratuity. Christmas at Imari is from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. for $92 plus tax and gratuity. For reservations or more information, call restaurant reservations at 808-886-1234, extension 54.

· Sweet Treats: Cookies and Gingerbread Class, December 26

Spend an afternoon at Holiday Cooking Class at Kamuela Provision Company learning delicious new recipes. In this class you will make two new cookies and a flavorful Gingerbread recipe just right for the winter holidays. We’ll also discuss techniques to stop your own cookie recipes from spreading, sticking, and burning. $38 per person. Class starts at 2 p.m. For reservations or more information, call restaurant reservations at 808-886-1234, extension 54. Class size is limited.

· Holidays with Chopsticks, Far East Sushi Class, December 27

Learn how to buy the freshest, most delicious fish and how to cute and prepare it properly. Explore the creative art of sushi making and design an Asian meal for you and your friends. We will demonstrate how to make Sushi rice, a variety of Sushi rolls (Nori), Sushi on rice (nigiri), spicy Sushi, and how to display and serve with garnishes and sauces. This will truly be a Far East experience. Lunch follows including food prepared by participants and is paired with Japanese Sake. $49 per person. Class starts at 2 p.m. at Imari. For reservations or more information, call restaurant reservations at 808-886-1234, extension 54. Class size is limited.

· Holiday Paniolo Cookout, December 27

A special Paniolo (Hawaiian Cowboy) feast is presented at Lagoon Grill from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. Join us for all of your barbeque favorites including Kalbi ribs, spicy buttermilk country fried chicken, Cajun fish fillets, garlic butter Dungeness crab clusters, and steamship round of beef on Kiawe spit. $48 for adults and $24 for children ages 5 – 12. For reservations or more information, call restaurant reservations at 808-886-1234, extension 54.

· Buone Feste, Italian Holiday Cooking Class, December 28
Learn how to make a complete Italian dinner with all the basic Italian cooking techniques and secrets at Donatoni’s at 2 p.m. Make a wide range of Anti pasta’s including Bruschetta Crostini and Crostatina Con Prosciutto. Make Risotto Al Funghi Porcini and Tortelli Ricotta the authentic way with typical Northern Italian ingredients and delicious sauces along with Pollo Marsala with Mushrooms and Polenta. Lunch follows including food prepared by participants and is paired with Italian Chianti. $49 per person. For reservations or more information, call restaurant reservations at 808-886-1234, extension 54. Class size is limited.

· Dolphin Quest Cetacean Celebration –December 31, 5 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. – An action packed program where onlookers will be able to observe the grace and beauty of Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins. For more information call Dolphin Quest at 808-886-1234, extension 2875.

· New Year's Eve Gala Dinners, December 31

o Celebrate the New Year in Water’s Edge Ballroom amidst elegant ice carvings at an elaborate dinner buffet from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. featuring a raw bar, smoked salmon, imported cheeses, sushi, sashimi, prime rib, shrimp, fresh Hawaiian fish and lots more including a chocolate fountain and delicious dessert display. $95 for adults (plus tip and tax), and $55 for children ages 5 -12 (plus tip and tax).

o The resort’s signature restaurants- Donatoni’s, Imari, and Kamuela Provision Company- will feature special New Year’s Eve Set Menus as well as our regular a la carte menus from 5:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. Kamuela Provision Company is $77 plus tax and gratuity, Donatoni’s offers Italian specialties for $80 plus tax and gratuity, and Imari serves a delicious New Year’s Eve dinner for $89 plus tax and gratuity.

For reservations or more information call restaurant reservations at 808-886-1234 extension 54.

· New Year’s Eve Concert Celebration, December 31

Be a part of the largest New Year's Eve celebration on the Kohala Coast with Cheap Trick live in concert in the Grand Ballroom. With smash hits "Perfect Stranger" and "Give it Away," Cheap Trick has dominated the music scene since 1978. Doors open at 8 p.m. with a live disc jockey and dancing, show begins at 10 p.m. and carries past midnight. Tickets are $125 per person. For adults, the ticket price includes one drink and a champagne toast at midnight. Tickets are on sale now at www.kingmichelconcerts.com, Big Island Surf Co., Soundwave Music, ‘A’ama Surf & Sport, CD Wizard, Kona Brewing Company, Pacific Island Fitness, and Kohala Essence in the Main Lobby of Hilton Waikoloa Village. Tickets will also be available at the special events desk in the resort’s main lobby. Visit www.kingmichelconcerts.com for more information or email king@kingmichelconcerts.com.

· New Year’s Eve Celebration for Keiki and Teens, December 31

While the adults enjoy Cheap Trick in concert or a romantic gala dinner, keiki (children) and teens can have their own fun at a party just for them to bring in the New Year. For more information or reservations, call 808-886-1234, extension 1202.

o A Night in Hollywood for children ages 5 - 12 (Children 4 and under must be accompanied by a babysitter). 7 p.m. – 12 a.m. $60 per child (7 p.m. - 10 p.m. program) or $85 per child (7 p.m. – 12 a.m. program). Includes dinner, a mini-carnival, art activities, picture taking, a costume contest and lots more!

o Vegas, Vegas, Vegas for teens 13-17 years old. 7 p.m. – 12 a.m. $60 per teen. Includes dinner, card games and gambling for prizes, karaoke, music and dancing, a costume contest, and more!

For more information on all of the Hilton’s Holiday Happenings, call Special Events/Guest Activities Manager Debbie Wund at 808-886-2884 or visit www.hiltonwaikoloavillage.com.

About the Village

Hilton Waikoloa Village on Hawaii’s Big Island offers lush tropical gardens, exotic wildlife, cascading

Hilton Waikoloa Village has been named the #1 Top Family Resort in Hawaii and the #7 Top Family Resort in the United States and Canada by Travel + Leisure Family Magazine.

For reservations, call toll-free at 1-800-HILTONS (1-800-445-8667) from the U.S. and Canada or visit www.hiltonwaikoloavillage.com or call the resort directly at (808) 886-1234.

CONTACT:

Leanne Pletcher Meredith Wertz

Marketing Manager Marketing/P.R. Coordinator

Hilton Waikoloa Village Hilton Waikoloa Village

(808) 886-2860 (808) 886-2867

leanne_pletcher@hilton.com meredith_wertz@hilton.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Hilton Waikoloa Village’s Holiday Happenings

The resort is packed with holiday events and festivities through out December

· The Gallery- Hilton Waikoloa Village, Special Holiday Exhibits

For more information call The Gallery at 808-886-2199.

· Red Sail Sports Holiday Family Fun – Thursday, December 21 & 28

Scavenger Hunt at Kona Pool Volleyball Court at 1 p.m. Call 808-886-1234 extension 1200 for more information.

· Legends of the Pacific Dinner Show and Holiday Hula, December 22, 26, & 29

· Camp Menehune Holiday Drop by Activity - Sunday, December 24, 9:30 a.m. – 10 a.m.

Complimentary activities for children under the age of 13 include cookie decorating, ornament making, stocking decorating and much more! Call 808-886-1234 extension 1202 for more information.

· Cavalry Community Church Musical Entertainment – Sunday, December 24, 8 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Singing and hula in the Main Lobby followed by a Candlelight Service at the base of the Grand Staircase.

· Christmas Dining, December 25

· Sweet Treats: Cookies and Gingerbread Class, December 26

· Holidays with Chopsticks, Far East Sushi Class, December 27

· Holiday Paniolo Cookout, December 27

· New Year's Eve Gala Dinners, December 31

For reservations or more information call restaurant reservations at 808-886-1234 extension 54.

· New Year’s Eve Concert Celebration, December 31

· New Year’s Eve Celebration for Keiki and Teens, December 31

o Vegas, Vegas, Vegas for teens 13-17 years old. 7 p.m. – 12 a.m. $60 per teen. Includes dinner, card games and gambling for prizes, karaoke, music and dancing, a costume contest, and more!

For more information on all of the Hilton’s Holiday Happenings, call Special Events/Guest Activities Manager Debbie Wund at 808-886-2884 or visit www.hiltonwaikoloavillage.com.

About the Village

Hilton Waikoloa Village on Hawaii’s Big Island offers lush tropical gardens, exotic wildlife, cascading

Hilton Waikoloa Village has been named the #1 Top Family Resort in Hawaii and the #7 Top Family Resort in the United States and Canada by Travel + Leisure Family Magazine.

For reservations, call toll-free at 1-800-HILTONS (1-800-445-8667) from the U.S. and Canada or visit www.hiltonwaikoloavillage.com or call the resort directly at (808) 886-1234.

Hot Lava package offers cool deal: Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort offer includes pass to Volcano National Park

2006-12-10T19:30:00.000-10:00

November 27, 2006

Hot Lava package offers cool deal
Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort offer includes pass to Volcano National Park

Kailua-Kona, Hawaii – If you haven’t as yet visited Hawaii’s awe-inspiring Volcanoes National Park -- or even if you have -- a new special from Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort packs hot value in a cool deal.

The “Hot Lava Cool Daze” package comes with a minimum of three nights accommodations, one car entrance pass to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, daily breakfast for two, and a pair of Lava Flow drinks at the Verandah Lounge where guests can also enjoy gorgeous ocean vistas. A rental car can be added for an additional charge of just $28 to $45 per day, depending upon the vehicle class.

One of the country’s most extraordinary parks, the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park features two of the most active volcanoes on the planet, as well as dramatic landscapes of land in its infancy, formed from molten lava flowing from deep within the earth. The park offers fascinating insights into how the Hawaiian Islands were formed, and serves as an important refuge for native plants and animals.

The National Park Service’s website offers some useful information about visiting the Volcanoes National Park, at www.hps.gov/havo.

The “Hot Lava Cool Daze” three-night package is priced at $597 for an ocean view room, $657 for deluxe ocean view, and $747 for deluxe ocean front.

Additional nights may be added at Outrigger’s Best Available Rate.

The package is based upon double occupancy and is valid from December 22, 2006, to December 21, 2007. It is also subject to availability, change and applicable taxes, may not be combined with other offers, and some restrictions may apply.

For reservations or information, call toll free 800-OUTRIGGER
(1-800-688-7444) within the United States, Guam and Canada. Outrigger’s toll-free number is available internationally via AT&T’s Direct 800 Service.

Elsewhere call direct to 303-369-7777 (long distance charges apply). Or, visit www.outriggerkeauhou.com, or e-mail reservations@outrigger.com.

# # #

High resolution digital images of the hotel are available for editorial use upon request. Contact Luly Unemori, Pono Communications, at 808-986-0404 or luly@ponocomm.net.

Media Contacts
MaryLou Foley, Outrigger Beachfront Division 808-924-6040 • marylou.foley@outrigger.com

Nancy Daniels, APR, Outrigger Hotels & Resorts
808-921-6839 • nancy.daniels@outrigger.com

About Outrigger Hotels & Resorts
Outrigger Hotels & Resorts is a family-owned and operated company deeply committed to providing authentic island hospitality in premiere destinations throughout the Pacific. Each Outrigger property embraces the local culture to create a true sense of place for guests. Outrigger Hotels & Resorts and OHANA Hotels & Resorts are divisions of Outrigger Enterprises, Inc., Hawaii's largest locally owned hospitality-company and one of the fastest-growing hotel companies in the Pacific managing over 50 properties with more than 12,000 rooms in Hawaii, Australia, Micronesia, Fiji, Tahiti and New Zealand. For online information, log onto www.outrigger.com.

# # #

This communication from Outrigger Enterprises, Inc. or its Subsidiaries may contain information that may be confidential, privileged and/or prohibited from disclosure. Except for personal use by the intended recipient, or as expressly authorized by the sender, any person who receives this information is prohibited from disclosing, copying, distributing, and/or using it. If you have received this communication in error, please immediately delete it and all copies, and promptly notify the sender. Nothing in this communication is intended to operate as an electronic signature under applicable law.

lton Waikoloa Village® Completes T3 Internet Services Upgrade

2006-12-10T19:25:00.000-10:00

CONTACT:

Leanne Pletcher

Marketing Manager

Hilton Waikoloa Village

(808) 886-2860

leanne_pletcher@hilton.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Hilton Waikoloa Village^® Completes T3 Internet Services Upgrade

T3 internet connection will provide 30 times faster connection than previous T1 line

KOHALA COAST, HAWAII’S BIG ISLAND (November 13, 2006) – Hilton Waikoloa Village has completed final upgrades to it’s new T3 Internet Services at the resort. Conventions and groups requiring the highest technology will now have access to the fastest Internet connection available.

For over a decade Hilton Waikoloa Village has been leading the way in technology offerings on the Island of Hawaii. Recently, the property has been investing considerable resources in network upgrades to create a modern, fully managed network in the convention and ballroom areas of the resort.

The network features Cisco managed switches and routers providing enterprise class stability and flexibility. The new addition of a full 45 Mbps T3 Internet link is 30 times faster than the previous T1. AT&T will continue to provide Internet services. The Internet upgrade ensures that Hilton Waikoloa Village carries on the tradition of advanced technology investments to keep the resort at the top of the list for conventions and large groups in Hawaii.

Hilton Waikoloa Village offers over 60,000 square feet of indoor meeting space and 21 meeting rooms wired for Internet access. The resort also features 8 outdoor venues with over 175,000 square feet of meeting space. Wireless Internet access is available in all meeting facilities upon request.

For reservations or more information call Hilton Waikoloa Village at 808-886-1234 or toll-free at 1-800-HILTONS.

About the Village

Hilton Waikoloa Village on Hawaii’s Big Island offers lush tropical gardens, exotic wildlife, cascading waterfalls, tranquil lagoons and waterways, playful dolphins, three swimming pools, beautifully appointed guest rooms and extensive indoor and outdoor meeting and event venues. The resort also boasts two championship golf courses, a seaside putting course, world-class tennis, the luxurious Kohala Sports Club & Spa, nine international cuisine restaurants, the Museum Walkway, Camp Menehune children’s program and Hawaiian cultural activities.

For reservations, call toll-free at 1-800-HILTONS (1-800-445-8667) from the U.S. and Canada or visit www.hiltonwaikoloavillage.com or call the resort directly at (808) 886-1234.

###

From Food to Fun to Fairs, Celebrate Thanksgiving at Hilton Waikoloa Village

2006-12-10T19:19:00.000-10:00

CONTACT:

Leanne Pletcher

Director of Public Relations

Hilton Waikoloa Village

(808) 886-2860

leanne_pletcher@hilton.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

From Food to Fun to Fairs, Celebrate Thanksgiving at Hilton Waikoloa Village

Special events include Turkey University on November 12^th, Turkey-to-Go on November 22^nd, a Thanksgiving Dinner buffet on November 23^rd, and the Na Lima Hana Holiday Craft Fair on November 25^th and 26^th

KOHALA COAST, HAWAII’S BIG ISLAND (November 1, 2006) – Hilton Waikoloa Village is taking Thanksgiving to a whole new level this year with four diverse and exciting events including Turkey University featuring Food + Wine Magazine on November 11^th, Turkey-to-Go on November 22^nd, a Thanksgiving Dinner Buffet on November 23^rd, and the Na Lima Hana Holiday Craft Fair on November 25^th and 26^th.

Get your degree at Turkey University on November 12^th and take an exclusive Back of the House Tour behind-the-scenes to see where 5,000 meals are prepared each day under the careful direction of Executive Chef Kenny Omiya. A cooking demonstration featuring select recipes from Food & Wine Magazine’s November Thanksgiving issue reveals Thanksgiving secrets of the culinary trade. The event culminates with a four-course luncheon in Water’s Edge Ballroom. $95 plus tax and gratuity. The feasting fun begins at 12 p.m. Hilton Waikoloa Village is also extending a special room rate for Turkey University featuring Food & Wine Magazine participants starting at $189 plus tax per room per night for the nights of November 10^th, 11^th, and 12^th. For room reservations call 808-886-1234 or 1-800-HILTONS and ask for package code TYU.

Let Hilton Waikoloa Village cook your Thanksgiving dinner! (No one will ever know your secret but us, and we won’t tell.) Turkey-to-Go dinners feed ten people and include a 15-pound turkey with all the fixings- gravy, stuffing, cranberry relish, broccoli, carrots, corn-on-the-cob, corn chowder, yams, au gratin potatoes, Portuguese sweet bread, and pumpkin pie. Packed for pick-up in a sturdy box, the food items are in vacuum packed pouches or aluminum roasting containers and come with instructions for reheating on Thanksgiving Day. $89 plus tax. Place your order by calling restaurant reservations at 808-886-1234, extension 54 by Monday, November 20, 2006. Pick up your turkey dinner at the Lower Lobby from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. on the 22^nd and enjoy a delectable holiday feast!

Executive Chef Kenny Omiya and his award-winning culinary team present the Thanksgiving Dinner Buffet on November 23^rd with roasted turkey with all the trimmings, a festive Thanksgiving soup and salad station, a seafood bar, and a generous selection of the freshest island greens and vegetables. All topped off with Executive Pastry Chef Steven Arakaki’s finest desserts and a chocolate dipping fountain. The buffet takes place in the Water’s Edge Ballroom overlooking the saltwater lagoon from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. $55 plus tax and gratuity for adults and $23 plus tax and gratuity for children ages 5 -12.

Over 100 crafters from the Big Island will showcase their unique arts-and-crafts collectibles from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Na Lima Hana Holiday Craft Fair on November 25^th and 26^th. Items range from Hawaiian quilts and wood carvings to holiday ornaments and jewelry. There will also be food and children's games. Proceeds benefit United Way and the Hawaii Island Food Bank. Hilton Waikoloa Village is extending a special room rate for craft fair vendors only. For more information call 808-886-1234 extension 2605.

For reservations or more information on the above events call restaurant reservations at 808-886-1234, extension 54. For room reservations call Hilton Waikoloa Village direct at 808-886-1234 or toll-free at 1-800-HILTONS.

About the Village

Hilton Waikoloa Village has been named the #1 Top Family Resort in Hawaii and the #7 Top Family Resort in the United States and Canada by Travel + Leisure Family Magazine.

For reservations, call toll-free at 1-800-HILTONS (1-800-445-8667) from the U.S. and Canada or visit www.hiltonwaikoloavillage.com or call the resort directly at (808) 886-1234.

Hilton Hotels Corporation Announces Development of New Vacation Ownership Resort in Waikoloa, Hawaii

2006-12-10T19:15:00.001-10:00

Hilton Hotels Corporation Announces Development of

New Vacation Ownership Resort in Waikoloa, Hawaii

BEVERLY HILLS, CA – November 3, 2006 – Construction of Hawaii’s newest vacation ownership resort has been officially launched in Waikoloa, Hawaii. Hilton Hotels Corporation through its timeshare division, Hilton Grand Vacations Company (HGVC), announced plans to develop Kings’ Land, its second Hilton Grand Vacations Club^® timeshare project within the Waikoloa Beach Resort on Hawaii’s Big Island. The announcement marks the third Hilton timeshare project launch in recent months; following the start of construction of the 331-unit Grand Waikikian™ project in Honolulu, Hawaii (projected to open in December 2008), and the development of a 161-unit Hilton Grand Vacations Club project in New York City (projected to open in April 2009).

A groundbreaking ceremony on November 2 officially launched construction of a 198-unit development phase of the new Hilton Grand Vacations Club resort at Kings’ Land. The event was attended by state officials, local dignitaries, Hilton executives and team members; Kahu Keoni Ka ‘ineianu ‘uana Atkinson offered a traditional Hawaiian blessing at the construction site. The first of seven potential development phases is slated for completion in August 2008, and pre-opening timeshare sales have commenced.

Adjacent to one of two championship golf courses within the Waikoloa Beach Resort, the property will feature views of the Kings’ Course to one direction, the majestic Mauna Kea with its world-renowned observatories to another and beautiful tropical sunsets over the Pacific Ocean. The initial phases of the vacation ownership resort call for the development of 198 villa-style, 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom units on 29.7 acres of the undeveloped 112-acre property purchased in 2005 from the Waikoloa Land Company.

HGVC recently opened the 120-unit Hilton Grand Vacations Club at Waikoloa Beach Resort. With its traditional Hawaiian-style architecture and casual elegance, the resort became the 30^th spectacular vacation ownership property in the HGVC resort portfolio. The March 2006 grand opening came just prior to the groundbreaking ceremony for the company’s fourth timeshare development in the State of Hawaii, The Grand Waikikian™ in Honolulu.

Also on The Big Island, HGVC manages The Bay Club at Waikoloa Beach Resort, a 167-unit timeshare resort. The new Kings’ Land resort promises to be a spectacular addition to the Waikoloa Beach Resort collection.

“This project provides a platform for the long-term growth of Hilton’s vacation ownership presence in Hawaii,” said Antoine Dagot, President and CEO of HGVC. “The Big Island continues to be a destination in high demand, and Hilton is superbly positioned to accommodate discerning travelers. The renowned amenities of the Waikoloa Beach Resort provide an ideal setting for our newest vacation ownership resort.”

According to Mark Wang, HGVC’s Senior Vice President for Hawaii and Asia, the Hilton timeshare resorts now under development in Waikoloa and Waikiki are clear evidence of Hilton’s continuing commitment to this growing timeshare market.

“Since we began sales at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in 2000, we have been fortunate to have our results outpace all of our original expectations,” Wang said. “It’s exciting to have tremendous interest in our product from both domestic and Japanese customers. The quality of our timeshare resorts and Club membership benefits, coupled with the strength of the Hilton brand, has been the key to our success.”

Wang added that sales in Waikoloa have been equally strong to date. “The Kohala Coast is home to some of Hawaii’s most prestigious resorts, and Waikoloa is clearly a destination whose time has come,” he said.

The Waikoloa Beach Resort is also home to the 1,280-room Hilton Waikoloa Village hotel, which is located on 62 oceanfront acres. Guests of the Hilton Waikoloa Village travel the extensive resort via tramline and water taxi, while enjoying 9 restaurants, 3 swimming pools, a salt-water snorkeling lagoon and a 25,000 square-foot spa facility.

Hilton Grand Vacations Company, LLC is a division of Hilton Hotels Corporation (NYSE: HLT), the leading global hospitality company, with more than 2,800 hotels and 495,000 rooms in more than 80 countries, including 150,000 team members worldwide. The company owns, manages or franchises a hotel portfolio of some of the best known and highly regarded brands, including Hilton®, Conrad®, Doubletree®, Embassy Suites Hotels®, Hampton Inn®, Hampton Inn & Suites®, Hilton Garden Inn®, Hilton Grand Vacations™, Homewood Suites by Hilton®, Scandic and The Waldorf=Astoria Collection™.

Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, HGVC develops, markets and operates a system of high-quality vacation ownership resorts in select vacation destinations. The company also operates two innovative club membership programs, Hilton Grand Vacations Club^® and The Hilton Club^® providing exclusive exchange, leisure travel, and reservation services for more than 100,000 Club Members.

#####

Contacts:

Elena H. Norman

Senior Director of Communications

Hilton Grand Vacations Company

407-521-3178

enorman@hgvc.com

Kathy Shepard
Vice President - Corporate Communications
Hilton Hotels Corporation
310-205-7676
Kathy_shepard@hilton.com

MAUNA LANI RESORT CELEBRATES ITS 13th ANNUAL CHARITY TREE DISPLAY

2006-12-10T19:15:00.000-10:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MAUNA LANI RESORT CELEBRATES ITS 13th ANNUAL CHARITY TREE DISPLAY * * * Local Organizations Invited to Participate
Total Cash Prizes: $6,500
Entries will be accepted through November 27th

KOHALA COAST, Hawaii, November 2, 2006 - Mauna Lani Resort is celebrating the holidays with their 13th annual Charity Trees event. Non-profit and for-profit organizations are once again invited to decorate and exhibit a Christmas tree in the atrium lobby of Mauna Lani Resort. Charity Trees entry forms will be accepted through November 27, 2006. For entry forms and participation guidelines, visit www.maunalani.com.

Charity Trees at Mauna Lani is a popular holiday excursion for residents and a much-anticipated treat for school children. The hotel's atrium will be filled with twinkling lights, decorated garlands and loads of holiday cheer beginning Tuesday, December 5th. Over 800 children tour this winter wonderland annually.

For a $1 donation, visitors can also vote for their favorite trees from December 5th to December 20th (donations collected will be distributed equally amongst all participating organizations, excluding 1st, 2nd 3rd and 4th place winners). The four Christmas trees receiving the most votes will receive a total of $6,500 in cash prizes, awarded as charitable donations by Mauna Lani Resort: $3,000 for 1st place; $2,000 for 2nd; $1,000 for 3rd; and $500 for 4th. Awards will be announced on Wednesday, December 20th. (For-profit organizations must designate a charity to receive their portion of funds raised.)

For Mauna Lani Charity Trees entry forms and more information, please contact Ranie Fukumoto at 808-881-7002. Entry forms are also available online at www.maunalani.com.

# # #

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Mauna Lani:
Mark Glickman or Susan Bredo
808-885-6622
mglickman@maunalani.com
sbredo@maunalani.com

Sheila Donnelly & Associates:
Sweetie Nelson or Maggie Li
808-949-4131
sweetie@sheiladonnelly.com
mli@sheiladonnelly.com

The Gallery- Hilton Waikoloa Village Presents Big Island Artist Suzy Papanikolas

2006-12-10T19:12:00.000-10:00

CONTACT:

Leanne Pletcher

Marketing Manager

Hilton Waikoloa Village

(808) 886-2860

leanne_pletcher@hilton.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Gallery- Hilton Waikoloa Village Presents Big Island Artist Suzy Papanikolas

Also experience Big Island art and culture at the Moku O Keawe International Festival slated for November 8^th – 12^th, 2006

KOHALA COAST, HAWAII’S BIG ISLAND (October 27, 2006) – Experience first-hand the true beauty and talent of Big Island artists at The Gallery – Hilton Waikoloa Village this November. Suzy Papanikolas will be the featured Big Island artist with her new work on canvas from November 9 - 30, 2006. The public is invited to an artist reception at The Gallery- Hilton Waikoloa Village in Lagoon Tower on Saturday, November 11^th from 3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. with steel guitar by the highly accredited Dwight Tokumoto. Additionally, the inaugural, multi-faceted Moku O Keawe International Festival at the Waikoloa Beach Resort and Hilton Waikoloa Village from November 8^th – 12^th will feature a live concert, international hula competition, Gallery Night, cultural workshops, a Hawaiian Marketplace and more.

Papanikolas’ luscious portraits of hula and the people of Hawaii is a feast for the eyes. Her work gives an intimate glimpse into the world of hula competition as one can practically feel the concentration and meditation as the dancers prepare, and one can almost smell or imagine the fragrance that the beautiful Hawaiian flowers release during the performance. Equally fascinating are Papanikolas’ series on swimmers painted during various stages of competition and relaxation.

Papanikolas grew up in a family of artists in the artist community of Laguna Beach, California. Her mother was an accomplished painter and sculptress, and her father started the Art School in Laguna Beach. Papanikolas took art lessons early on from California watercolorists Rex Brandt and George Post. Besides studying at the Art Institute in San Francisco, she studied literature, anthropology and psychology at various universities throughout the states. Additionally, Papanikolas completed a six-year private study on decorative painting at the Gale Lawrence Studio and with Karen Frye in watercolor.

During her fine art career, Papanikolas has been a musician/songwriter, carpenter, farmer, physical therapist, decorative painter and muralist. She has lived in Europe and Mexico and traveled widely in the South Pacific, before settling on the Hawaiian Islands. Papanikolas received many honors including Best of Show for the East Bay Watercolor Society and the Great Makawao Paint Out. She has had numerous solo exhibitions and been part of many prestigious juried shows.

Papanikolas spends much of her time at gatherings such as the Merry Monarch recording the great renaissance of the Hawaiian culture that she honors and admires and feels very lucky to be a part off. She will now have the opportunity to display her work during the Moku O Keawe International Festival.

Throughout this exciting festival there will be several unique opportunities to explore and learn about the Hawaiian culture and arts. Gallery Night in the Kona 4 & 5 Ballrooms at Hilton Waikoloa Village November 9^th from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. brings the Big Island’s artistic talent together in one room for an exciting evening as art galleries from around the Island introduce their favorite artists to the public. Additionally, the Hawaiian Marketplace in the Grand Ballroom at the Hilton brings crafters and artists and their creations for two days of shopping and fun.

Workshops in dance, chants, hula implements and lei making will be taught by Masters of their craft. Halaus from across the world will perform in the hula competition and celebration. The Merrie Monarch Festival competition rules and guidelines will be applied requiring all entrants to the hula competition to perform in both ancient and modern styles. The hula competition will wage every evening from Thursday, November 9^th through Saturday, November 11^th.

For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.moukuokeawe.org.

The Gallery - Hilton Waikoloa Village displays original work from Big Island artists and is open Monday – Saturday from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. until 8 p.m. The Gallery is located in Hilton Waikoloa Village's Lagoon Tower. The Gallery validates parking for valued patrons and new customers.

For art inquiries or more information contact The Gallery Director Martina Stephens at (808) 886-2199; TheGallery@HiltonWaikoloaVillage.com or visit www.thegalleryhwv.com.

For images of Papanikolas’s work click on the following link:

http://www.hiltonwaikoloavillage.com/activities/imagedownload/2006-Nov/2006dancersinred1.jpg

http://www.hiltonwaikoloavillage.com/activities/imagedownload/2006-Nov/Young%20Girl%20Looking%20Down.jpg

About the Village

Hilton Waikoloa Village on Hawaii’s Big Island offers lush tropical gardens, exotic wildlife, cascading

Hilton Waikoloa Village has been named the #1 Top Family Resort in Hawaii and the #7 Top Family Resort in the United States and Canada by Travel + Leisure Family Magazine.

For reservations, call toll-free at 1-800-HILTONS (1-800-445-8667) from the U.S. and Canada or visit www.hiltonwaikoloavillage.com or call the resort directly at (808) 886-1234.

The Gallery- Hilton Waikoloa Village Features David Maes Gallegos, Suzy Papanikolas, and Veralyn Villanueva during the Big Island Festival

2006-12-10T19:09:00.000-10:00

CONTACT:

Leanne Pletcher

Marketing Manager

Hilton Waikoloa Village

(808) 886-2860

leanne_pletcher@hilton.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Gallery- Hilton Waikoloa Village Features David Maes Gallegos, Suzy Papanikolas, and Veralyn Villanueva during the Big Island Festival

Hawaii’s 5^th Annual Big Island Festival Hosted by Hilton Waikoloa Village is slated for November 17^th – 19^th, 2006

KOHALA COAST, HAWAII’S BIG ISLAND (November 1, 2006) – Fine art is a key component of Hawaii’s 5^th Annual Big Island Festival hosted by Hilton Waikoloa Village from November 17^th – 19^th, 2006. Talented Big Island artists David Maes Gallegos, Suzy Papanikolas, and Veralyn Villanueva will be featured at The Gallery- Hilton Waikoloa Village throughout this world-class festival featuring “The Best of the Big Island.” The Gallery-Hilton Waikoloa Village located in the Lagoon Tower will also host the Big Island Festival’s Grand Wine Tasting and Artist’s Reception, “Wonderful Whites and Remarkable Reds” on Friday, November 17^th from 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Jan Orbom will entertain with classical and flamenco guitar.

Gallegos’ paintings of food and wine, combined with a stunning international landscape, will make a sumptuous display during the Big Island Festival. Greatly esteemed in international art circles, Gallegos will be showing a series of original international cuisine and landscape paintings on Saturday, November 18^th from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Kohala Ballrooms I and II at Hilton Waikoloa Village. Gallegos’ display is a perfect compliment to the Wine Seminars and Tastings presented by Assistant Winemaker Bob Coleman and Christina Ansbacher, “The Wine Diva,” from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the 18^th. Gallegos also enhances “The Best of the Big Island” theme of the Festival Pavilion, showcasing fine art, local agriculture, gourmet foods and exclusive Hawaiian-made products from 12 p.m. – 9 p.m. on the Lagoon Lanai and in the Water’s Edge Ballroom.

Combining awe inspiring technical expertise and his acclaimed use of color, Gallegos’ work is a serious exploration of the still life tradition, utilizing contemporary, international cuisine and landscape as a source. Gallegos’ inspiration for this series originated from the saying, “Good food and good wine equals a great life for all.” With avid collector’s world-wide, Gallegos is in steady demand and has exhibited with great success in New York, Tokyo and Beverly Hills.

As well as showing the work of November’s featured Big Island artist Suzy Papanikolas, who is known for her luscious paintings of hula, The Gallery is welcoming and introducing the work of artist Villanueva during the Grand Wine Tasting and Artist’s Reception on November 17^th at The Gallery where guests will discover fine art and sample vintage wines.

Big Island-born neo-cubist Villanueva is best known internationally for her analytical cubist perspective of traditional themes with deep, vivid colors and primary tones. With the introduction of her new Hawaii Heritage & Folk Art collection, this prolific, self-taught artist moves in a creative direction more reflective of her local roots, capturing the warm and whimsical free-spirit of the Islands with a vibrant palette of pastel hues and tropical colors.

Villanueva’s homegrown perspective takes a modern day look at Hawaii’s world renowned lifestyle. Her subjects, mostly female, are exotically depicted dancing hula, making music, playing on the beach or in the ocean, often surrounded by colorful plants, birds, fish and dolphins. Bright and tropical, the original oils remain representative of Villanueva’s uniquely neo-cubist style.

For art inquiries or more information contact The Gallery Director Martina Stephens at (808) 886-2199; TheGallery@HiltonWaikoloaVillage.com or visit www.thegalleryhwv.com.

To purchase tickets or for more information about Hawaii’s Big Island Festival and a detailed schedule of events, visit www.bigislandfestival.com. To request a brochure or register by phone call 1-866-424-FEST (3378, toll-free) or, in Hawaii, 808-934-9044. For guest room information call a preferred travel planner, 1-800-HILTONS or Hilton Waikoloa Village direct at 808-886-1234.

For digital images click on the following link:

http://www.hiltonwaikoloavillage.com/activities/imagedownload/2006-Nov/KahikoinYellow.jpg

About the Village

Hilton Waikoloa Village on Hawaii’s Big Island offers lush tropical gardens, exotic wildlife, cascading

Hilton Waikoloa Village has been named the #1 Top Family Resort in Hawaii and the #7 Top Family Resort in the United States and Canada by Travel + Leisure Family Magazine.

For reservations, call toll-free at 1-800-HILTONS (1-800-445-8667) from the U.S. and Canada or visit www.hiltonwaikoloavillage.com or call the resort directly at (808) 886-1234.

DLNR CLOSES THREE BIG ISLAND TRAILS FOR POST-EARTHQUAKE SURVEY

2006-10-31T19:55:00.000-10:00

For Immediate Release: October 17, 2006

DLNR CLOSES THREE BIG ISLAND TRAILS FOR POST-EARTHQUAKE SURVEY

HILO — The Department of Land and Natural Resources has closed three Big Island hiking trails effective immediately, pending inspection by trail crews.

The three trails are the Muliwai trail in Hamakua district, Ainapo trail in Ka‘u district, and the Pololu Valley trail in North Kohala district. The trails were closed following Sunday’s 6.6 earthquake on the Kona coast of the Big Island.

“We are closing these areas to protect members of the public until we can verify the safe condition of these wilderness trails,” said Peter Young, DLNR chairperson.

Permit holders have been notified by the Hilo DLNR Forestry and Wildlife office. No new permits will be issued for Waimanu Valley Campground during the trail closure.

For information on current trail conditions, please call the Hilo DLNR Forestry and Wildlife office at (808) 974-4221.

The head end of the 18-mile Muliwai trail is accessed through Waipio Valley, located at the end of Highway 240 near Honokaa. The trail zigzags up the western wall of Waipio Valley on the Big Island, climbing approximately 1,200` to the plateau.

It then leads across the plateau area to Waimanu, crossing 2 streams and 12 gulches that are up to 500` deep, then descends another 1,200 feet into Waimanu Valley. It takes an estimated 7 hours to hike the 11 miles to and from Waimanu Valley.

The Ainapo trail is located in the Kapapala Forest Reserve on the slope of Mauna Loa.

The Pololu trail is a section of the Old Government Road to Awini, and begins at the end of the paved Hawi-Niulii road in North Kohala. The steep and sometimes slippery trail goes down the face of the cliff (420`)to just behind the shoreline. Ancient cobble stones are still embedded in sections of the trail.

# # #

For more information media contact:
Deborah Ward
DLNR Public Information Specialist
Phone: (808) 587-0320

“Surrender” to Cheap Trick Live in Concert on New Year’s Eve at Hilton Waikoloa Village

2006-10-31T19:51:00.000-10:00

CONTACT:

Leanne Pletcher

Marketing Manager

Hilton Waikoloa Village

(808) 886-2860

leanne_pletcher@hilton.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

“Surrender” to Cheap Trick Live in Concert on New Year’s Eve at Hilton Waikoloa Village

First enjoy an elite, gala dinner in Water’s Edge Ballroom or choose from customized menus at the four on property signature restaurants

KOHALA COAST, HAWAII’S BIG ISLAND (October 10, 2006) – Bring in the New Year on Sunday, December 31^st at Hilton Waikoloa Village®, coined “the Big Island’s entertainment complex of the Kohala Coast.” With so many exciting options and celebrations for everyone, from a children’s party to an elegant dinner, you won’t want the night (and year) to end!

With top hits “Surrender,” “I Want You to Want Me,” and their most recent release “Rockford,” Cheap Trick has dominated the music scene since 1978 and gained critical acclaim. The ultimate American rock and roll band will perform in the Hilton Waikoloa Village Grand Ballroom for the biggest New Year’s Eve bash on the Kohala Coast complete with party favors, confetti, a balloon drop, and premier beverages. Doors open at 8 p.m. in the largest ballroom on the island with a live disc jockey and dancing; Cheap Trick will take the stage at 10 p.m. and continue into the New Year. Tickets are $125 for adults and include one drink and a champagne toast at midnight. Special children’s ticket prices to come. Black tie or resort chic attire with shoes is required. No shorts please.

Cheap Trick tickets go on sale November 19th and will be available at

www.kingmichelconcerts.com, Big Island Surf Co., Sound Wave, ‘A’ama Surf & Sport, CD Wizard, Kona Brewing Company, and Kohala Essence in the Main Lobby of Hilton Waikoloa Village. There will also be a special events desk in the Main Lobby of Hilton Waikoloa Village.

Visit www.kingmichelconcerts.com for more information or email king@kingmichelconcerts.com.

Before rocking the night away with Cheap Trick, choose from several elaborate dinner arrangements at Hilton Waikoloa Village. Make your way to Water’s Edge Ballroom for a delectable dinner buffet featuring exquisite island favorites prepared by Executive Chef Kenny Omiya and his award winning culinary team. Choose from several diverse and delicious selections such as sushi, prime rib, and fresh Hawaiian fish, just to name a few. Save room for the Grand Parade of desserts, with numerous individually plated sweets and treats to satisfy every taste bud including the impressive chocolate fountain. $95 plus tax and gratuity for adults and $55 plus tax and gratuity for children ages 5 -12.

The resort’s three on property signature restaurants will also feature customized, set New Year’s Eve dinner menus at $90 plus tax and gratuity, as well as the standard award-winning a la carte menus. Choose from northern Italian cuisine at Donatoni’s, traditional Japanese at Imari, or Pacific Rim steak and seafood at Kamuela Provision Company. The special New Year’s Eve buffet at Palm Terrace is perfect for families with an assortment of culinary creations made with fresh, Big Island ingredients and island inspiration. $65 plus tax and gratuity for adults and $33 plus tax and gratuity for children ages 5 – 12.

For reservations to New Year’s Eve dinners, call Hilton Waikoloa Village at 808-886-1234 and dial extension 54 for restaurant reservations.

New this year is two unique New Year’s Eve celebration options exclusively for keiki and teens. While parents discover delicious dining options, children ages 5 -12 can experience “A Night in Hollywood” from 7 p.m. – 12 a.m. $75 per child includes dinner, a mini carnival, art activities, picture-taking, a costume contest, and more. For the little ones, choose the 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. program for $50 per child. What happens at Hilton Waikoloa Village, stays at Hilton Waikoloa Village for teens 13 – 17 years old at the “Vegas, Vegas, Vegas” New Year’s Eve party from 7 p.m. – 12 a.m. $50 per teen includes dinner, card games and gambling for prizes, karaoke, dancing, a costume contest, and more. For reservations to the keiki and teen events, call Hilton Waikoloa Village at 808-886-1234 and dial extension 1202 for Camp Menehune.

For room reservations call Hilton Waikoloa Village direct at 808-886-1234 or toll-free at 1-800-HILTONS.

For digital images of Cheap Trick, click on the link below.

http://www.hiltonwaikoloavillage.com/media/concert-images.asp.

About the Village

For reservations, call toll-free at 1-800-HILTONS (1-800-445-8667) from the U.S. and Canada or visit www.hiltonwaikoloavillage.com or call the resort directly at (808) 886-1234.

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HULIHEE PALACE OPEN FOR LIMITED VIEWING

2006-10-31T19:32:00.000-10:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

From: Fern Gavelek Communications, (808) 329-0833

Contact: Fanny Au Hoy, (808) 329-1877

HULIHEE PALACE OPEN FOR LIMITED VIEWING

KAILUA-KONA—On Thursday, Oct. 26, Hulihe´e Palace reopened for public tours following the October Earthquake. While the palace has suffered major damage, it has been determined to be structurally sound. The palace resumes normal hours, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekends.

The public is able to visit the downstairs Entry Hall and look into the Kuakini and Kuhio Rooms. Dedicated to the last royal owner and resident of the palace, Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalaniana‘ole, the Kuhio Room displays Kalakaua’s dining table made from a 70-inch diameter piece of koa, a large handmade china cabinet and the large trunk Queen Kapi‘olani used while traveling in 1887 to England for Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee.

The nonprofit Daughters of Hawai´i, who restored and operate the palace, are starting an Earthquake Fund to support the repair and restoration of the palace. It has been estimated that the cost of repair will exceed $1 million. Repair and stabilization will start immediately using a previous $50,000 state grant the Daughters received over the summer. You can find out more about the earthquake damage and read the complete architect’s report, with photos, at www.daughtersofhawaii.org.

Tax-deductible donations are appreciated and can be made to Hulihe‘e Palace and marked for “restoration fund.” Mail donations to Hulihe‘e Palace, 75-5718 Ali‘i Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740.

Hulihe‘e Palace is located at 75-5718 Ali‘i Drive in the heart of Kailua. Caretakers of the historic landmark are the Daughters of Hawai‘i and the Calabash Cousins. Founded in 1903, the organization opens its membership to any woman who is directly descended from a person who lived in Hawai‘i prior to 1880. Helping the Daughters in their efforts since 1986 are the Calabash Cousins; membership is available to all, 329-1877, www.huliheepalace.org.

Fern Gavelek

2006 Small Business Admin. Journalist of the Year Hawaii County

Fern Gavelek Communications

Public Relations / Editorial Services / Freelance Writing

75-5329 Keopu Place

Holualoa, HI 96725

Phone/Fax 808-329-0833

Mobile 808-640-2155

Email ferng@hawaii.rr.com

U.S. ARRIVALS TO HAWAII REMAIN STRONG DESPITE EARTHQUAKE

2006-10-31T19:29:00.000-10:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 19, 2006

U.S. ARRIVALS TO HAWAII REMAIN STRONG DESPITE EARTHQUAKE

HONOLULU – Travel from the mainland United States to the Hawaiian Islands returned to normal just one day after the October 15 earthquake and remains on pace for another excellent year.

The latest figures released by the Hawaii State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) show that domestic passenger arrivals statewide were up 2.6 percent Monday, 9.7 percent on Tuesday, and 13.2 percent on Wednesday as compared to the same period last year. Overall, month-to-date arrivals for October are at 320,364, up nearly one percent over 2005.

Some flights to the islands were cancelled on Sunday and a portion of the increase in passengers may be attributed to people who rebooked.

“The numbers are very good and are a positive indication that people are sticking to their plans to visit our islands,” said Marsha Wienert, State of Hawaii tourism liaison.

Wienert’s office has been collaborating with the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB) and the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) in getting out news of Hawaii’s speedy recovery to consumers across the United States.

John Monahan, HVCB’s president and CEO, commented, “We’ve been communicating with travel trade professionals and the media that there is relatively little damage that in any way affects our tourism plant and the enjoyment of visitors.”

“Of Hawaii’s 72,000 guest rooms for visitors, only about 100 or so are out of commission,” said Monahan. “The visitor infrastructure on Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, and Maui was really not damaged at all by the quake. The damage remains limited to the Big Island, which was closest to the epicenter. However, even on that island, the effects are isolated.”

Big Island hotels are all open and busy. The town of Kona is bustling and this weekend will host one of the premiere sporting events of the year – the Ironman World Championship.

“The fact that this major, high profile sporting event is taking place within a week of the earthquake is further indication that in general the Big Island is returning to normal,” said Monahan.

Thousands of competitors from 49 countries and 50 states have made the pilgrimage to the Big Island for the October 21 race. It is the defining event of the Ironman series and considered one of the toughest challenges with its 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, and 26.2-mile run.

Hawaii’s Governor Linda Lingle has supported the tourism industry in its recovery and took the precautionary step on Sunday of signing an emergency declaration that would allow the state the ability to deal with the unknown affects of the earthquake and the ability to seek federal assistance.

President Bush responded with a declaration on Tuesday that provides for the removal of debris and opens the door for financial assistance to repair damage that may have occurred to homes, businesses, schools and roads pending field investigations by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

“While our tourism industry remains intact, this was a prudent move to ensure that all of Hawaii can receive the support of the federal government to whatever degree it becomes necessary,” said Wienert.

For travel information about Hawaii – the Islands of Aloha – visit HVCB’s website at GoHawaii.com or call 1-800-GOHAWAII.

# # # #

Media Contact:
Nathan Kam, Account Supervisor
McNeil Wilson Communications
nkam@mcneilwilson.com
Office: 808-539-3471
Cell: 808-741-2763

"MAUNA LANI - SHAKEN, NOT STIRRED"

2006-10-31T19:27:00.000-10:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 19, 2006

"MAUNA LANI - SHAKEN, NOT STIRRED"
Big Island's Premier Resort Resumes Business as Usual in Wake of Earthquake
Special Room Package Gives Visitors a Chance To See For Themselves

October 19, 2006 - Kohala Coast, Hawaii -- Mauna Lani, the Big Island of Hawaii's premier resort, is announcing a new room package inviting guests to discover first-hand that the tranquil beauty of Mauna Lani has not been stirred.

"Mauna Lani - Shaken, Not Stirred"
Package Rates from $390* per night includes:

* Two Pineapple Martinis
* Daily buffet breakfast for two
* Daily use of snorkeling equipment
* Access to the Mauna Lani Sports & Fitness Club
* Nightly Hawaiian entertainment
* Tours of Mauna Lani's historic fishponds and petroglyph fields
* Cultural activities and much more!

Guests can also enjoy Mauna Lani's 36 holes of championship golf, a Hawaiian inspired Spa, oceanfront dining at the award-winning CanoeHouse, spectacular Kohala Coast sunsets and miles of white sand beaches.

Rates start from $390 per night, plus applicable taxes, based on single/double occupancy. Room categories are subject to availability upon check-in. The "Shaken, Not Stirred" package is available from October 19-December 19, 2006. Packages cannot be combined or used with additional special rates and/or promotions. Restrictions apply.

For reservations: call Mauna Lani at 800-367-2323 or 808-885-6622, or consult with your travel professional.

To book online, visit www.maunalani.com

Heralded for its dedication to preserving and enhancing Hawaiian culture and history, Mauna Lani offers the comforts of world-class hospitality in a relaxed, oceanside setting. In 2006, Mauna Lani Spa was ranked #4 Top Resort Spa in North America in Condé Nast Traveler's Readers' Spa Awards and received a WAVE Award by TravelAge West for Best Full Service Spa Resort in Hawaii. Mauna Lani was rated #3 on the Big Island in Travel + Leisure's "World's Best Awards" while the resort's Mauna Lani Spa was named one of the World's Best Spas in Hawaii. Mauna Lani Resort was ranked #25 among the top 100 golf resorts in North America, according to the 2006 Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Poll. In addition to award-winning cuisine, a myriad of complimentary services and activities make Mauna Lani Resort the perfect island destination.

About Mauna Lani Resort
Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows is a member of Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts (www.panpacific.com) and Preferred Hotels & Resorts Worldwide (www.preferredhotels.com), a global brand of 110 of the world's finest and most distinctive independently owned luxury hotels and resorts. Live images of Mauna Lani can be seen at www.maunalani.com. For reservations or information, visit the Web site (www.maunalani.com), consult a travel professional, or call Mauna Lani direct at 1-800-367-2323 or 1-808-885-6622 in Hawaii.

# # #

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Sheila Donnelly & Associates:
Sweetie Nelson or Maggie Li
808-949-4131
sweetie@sheiladonnelly.com
mli@sheiladonnelly.com

USCG Establishes Safety Zone within Kealakekua Bay resulting in Temporary Closure on Island of Hawai`i

2006-10-31T19:22:00.000-10:00

Office of Public Affairs

U.S. Coast Guard

Date: October 17, 2006

Contact: Sector Honolulu

(808) 842-2600

USCG Establishes Safety Zone within Kealakekua Bay resulting in Temporary Closure on Island of Hawai`i

HONOLULU ― At the request of the State of Hawai`i Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and in coordination with the State of Hawai`i Department of Land and Natural Resources the U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port has established a safety zone within the confines of Kealakekua Bay resulting in a temporary closure. The Bay, and in particular Subzone A, is temporarily closed due to safety hazards associated with falling rocks along the coastline.

Subzone A, as determined by the State of Hawai`i Department of Land and Natural Resources, is the area within the confines of the Bay between the shore and a line extending south from the lighthouse on
Ka awaloa Cove to Napo opo o Beach (Hikiau Heiau).

All persons and vessels should keep clear of this area until further notice and report any dangerous situations to the Sector Honolulu Command Center at (808) 842-2600 immediately.

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RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE OPENS AT THE SHOPS AT MAUNA LANI ON THE BIG ISLAND OF HAWAII--DINNER NOW AVAILABLE!

2006-10-31T19:18:00.000-10:00

elissa josephsohn

public relations/advertising/marketing

3860 sierra drive/honolulu, hawaii 96816

(808) 732-7733/fax (808) 737-6635

e-mail prrrrr@hawaii.rr.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(TUESDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2006)

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE OPENS AT THE SHOPS AT MAUNA LANI ON THE BIG ISLAND OF HAWAII--DINNER NOW AVAILABLE!

Ruth’s Chris Steak House has opened its fourth Hawaii location with doors now open at The Shops at Mauna Lani on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island.

Owned by franchisee Desert Island Restaurants, the newest Ruth’s Chris Steak House opened on October 9 after a traditional Hawaiian blessing by Daniel Kaniela Akaka Jr., director of cultural affairs for Mauna Lani Resort.

As with all Ruth’s Chris locations worldwide, it offers Hawaii residents and visitors the opportunity to enjoy prime steaks and an award-winning menu and wine list. It joins award-winning establishments, the premier location in Restaurant Row on Oahu which opened in 1989 plus two Maui locations, on Front Street in Lahaina and in The Shops at Wailea. A fifth Ruth’s Chris will be opening by early 2007 in the new Waikiki Beach Walk on Oahu.

The Big Island of Hawaii is one of the most beautiful and popular destinations in the world. The Mauna Lani area is blessed with award-winning resorts and unequaled residential developments that have attracted discriminating individuals. In addition, it is a prime destination for upscale incentive groups, weddings and meetings, making it ideal as the latest location for Ruth’s Chris Steak House in the islands, said Randy Schoch, chairman of the Scottsdale, Arizona-based Desert Island Restaurants and a former long-time Hawaii resident who divides his time between the Mainland and the islands.

Award-Winning Menu Presented

Ruth’s Chris Steak House has garnered many awards in Hawaii for its unparalleled excellence, having been singled out for its menu, fine service and outstanding wine list. Among its accolades since its launch in the islands have been the Hale Aina Award for Best Steak House from HONOLULU Magazine, Best of Honolulu Award for Best Steak House and Best Wine List from the Honolulu Star-Bulletin, Ilima Award for Best Steak House from the Honolulu Advertiser, Best Steak House Award from the Maui News and many others, including national awards from the Zagat Survey (Hawaii’s Top Restaurants, America’s Top Restaurants) and an Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator Magazine.

Open for dinner nightly from 5 p.m., the newest Ruth’s Chris showcases the sizzling prime steaks for which the chain is noted in the more than 98 locations worldwide where it operates. Its menu also includes an array of fresh seafood preparations, live Maine lobster, signature a la carte salads and side dishes, and delectable desserts inspired by the New Orleans roots of the restaurant. Many of the recipes come directly from Ruth Fertel, the late founder of the chain.

Under the guidance of regional executive chef Nawai Kekoolani who oversees all Ruth’s Chris Steak Houses in Hawaii, the restaurant will incorporate local ingredients and products whenever possible.

Outstanding Decor for New Restaurant

The new Ruth’s Chris Steak House is designed to reflect the fine dining atmosphere and outstanding food offered at the establishments worldwide since its founding in 1965 by the late Ruth Fertel.

Located on the second floor of the new Shops at Mauna Lani, the restaurant is both casual and elegant, warm and inviting. It incorporates the best of contemporary Hawaiian design with a mix of color and textures that evoke a touch of classic old Hawaii. Laua’e ferns and a border of maile on the carpet, walls bathed in a texture reminiscent of tapa bark cloth, tile borders inspired by ancient Hawaiian kapa designs, the rich warmth of deep woods--all these accents pay homage to the restaurant’s locale. Artwork depicting scenes of the rugged coasts of the Big Island, complete with exuberant palm trees, pleasant ocean vistas, beautiful Hawaiian maidens and geometric shapes long associated with traditional crafts, round out the overall ambiance of Hawaiiana and hospitality.

Seating options take advantage of the spectacular ocean vistas and views of Mauna Kea and Hualalai volcanoes beyond the Mauna Lani Golf Course. Diners can take advantage of gracious circular booths or more traditional seating, with a private dining room ideal for special occasions. Overlooking some of the best golf holes in Hawaii, the new Ruth¹s Chris Steak House will showcase a post-play, late afternoon menu in addition to its dinner options.

Management Team Announced with Strong Big Island Roots

Having lived on both Oahu and Maui for many years, Desert Island Restaurants’ CEO Randy Schoch is conscious of island traditions and respectful of Hawaii ways. With these elements in mind, he and company president Bob Snyder have assembled a management team second to none, with Hawaii regional vice president Paul Ah Cook overseeing all operations statewide. A graduate of the University of Hawaii, prior to joining Ruth’s Chris, Ah Cook was director of operations and general manager of Sam Choy’s Restaurants and Let’s Eat Hawaii Product Line and Catering Company. He also served as general manager of Michel’s at the Colony Surf.

Reporting to Ah Cook is Charly Yoshida, general manager of the Ruth’s Chris at Mauna Lani. No stranger to the Big Island, having been born and raised there, he has management credits ranging from Alan Wong’s to the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel itself. An acknowledged leader in the hospitality industry, he brings an extensive knowledge of wine to his position and is available to offer personal tips on what vintages complement Ruth’s Chris Steak House dinners.

Assistant general manager Kyle Nishimura, originally from Hilo, has worked at Hakone Japanese Steak House at the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel and at such establishments as Roy’s Waikoloa Bar and Grill, Mauna Lani Resort and Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, among others.

Award-winning executive chef Darcy Ambrosio is in charge of the kitchen at the new Ruth’s Chris Steak House. His 15 years' experience on the Big Island in professional cooking and kitchen management includes positions at the Harbor Grill in Kawaihae, Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, and Ritz-Carlton Laguna Nigel when he lived in California.

Alex Kirley, regional director of sales and marketing, is overseeing groups, conventions and special event business for the new Ruth’s Chris Steak House, as she does for the other three locations. She has a variety of group menus available for corporate and group business and is expert in assembling unique menus for private parties, weddings and other functions.

Contact Information

Ruth’s Chris Steak House at The Shops at Mauna Lani is open nightly for dinner. Private functions, including luncheons and other group gatherings, also are available. Call (808) 887-0800 for information and reservations.

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Royal Kona Resort Earthquake update

2006-10-31T15:07:00.000-10:00

From: Hawaiian Hotels & Resorts

October 16, 2006

As most of you know, on Sunday morning, October 15, 2006 the Hawaiian Islands experienced a magnitude 6.6 earthquake centered 24 miles below the west coast of the Big Island of Hawaii.

We are pleased to report that after a short evacuation at the Royal Kona Resort to review and assess if there was any damage to the hotel structure with the Building Chief & Department of Public Works, Building Division, there was no damage found. Guests were allowed to immediately return to their rooms and all food & beverage outlets, power and services were resumed with no further interruption.

Additionally, we would like to advise that the Royal Lahaina Resort experienced no effects from the earthquake and is operating as normal.

Please rest assured we are working hard to ensure our guests continue to enjoy their stay in Hawaii. Please relay this information on to your reservations agents and staff so they can inform our mutual guests. As always, thank you for your continued support and partnership.

Mahalo nui loa,
Hawaiian Hotels & Resorts

Rusty LaBeau
Direct Line: (808) 930-3251

In the Heart of the Islands
805/480-0052 - Fax 805/480-0338
2830 Borchard Road, Newbury Park, CA 91320
Internet: www.hawaiihotels.com

MAUNA LANI RESORT ON HAWAII'S BIG ISLAND OPEN FOR BUSINESS

2006-10-31T14:40:00.000-10:00

Press Release

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

At Mauna Lani: Kurt Matsumoto 808-885-6622
Mark Glickman 808-885-6622

MAUNA LANI RESORT ON HAWAII'S BIG ISLAND OPEN FOR BUSINESS

Hawaii's Premier Resort Weathers Earthquake

October 16, 2006 - Kohala Coast, Hawaii -- Mauna Lani Resort on the Big Island of Hawaii is open for business and is continuing to accept guests as usual, following yesterday's earthquake.

"The resort's pool, beach, golf, spa, restaurants and other amenities are operational. We are thankful that our guests and employees are safe," said Kurt Matsumoto, Mauna Lani's General Manager.

"There is no real visible structural damage, Matsumoto continued, but because the safety of our guests is our number one concern, we are currently not occupying the hotel's top three floors until further assessment this afternoon. We should know by later today or early tomorrow, regarding the status of opening up the rest of the hotel to customers."

We recommend any guests due to arrive within the next 48 hours should contact their airline to ensure flights are leaving as scheduled.

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MAUNA LANI RESORTMAUNA LANI BAY HOTEL & BUNGALOWS ~ MAUNA LANI SPA ~ FRANCIS H. I'I BROWN GOLF COURSES68-1400 Mauna Lani Drive · Kohala Coast, Island of Hawaii 96743www.maunalani.com

HAWAI‘I INCONVENIENCED BUT EMERGES VIRTUALLY UNSCATHED FROM OCTOBER 15 EARTHQUAKE

2006-10-31T14:37:00.000-10:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 16, 2006

HAWAI‘I INCONVENIENCED BUT EMERGES VIRTUALLY
UNSCATHED FROM OCTOBER 15 EARTHQUAKE

HONOLULU – One day after being rocked by an earthquake Hawai‘i is letting
the world know that it is open and ready for business.

“We continue to welcome visitors to our state,” said Marsha Weinert, tourism liaison for the Governor’s office. “The quake caused quite a bit of apprehension yesterday but this morning Hawai‘i is largely back to business as usual. There is no widespread damage and no loss of life or serious injury. We have made a speedy return to normalcy.”

The 7:07 a.m. Sunday morning quake measured 6.7-magnitude. It was centered under the ocean off the northwest coast of Hawai‘i’s Big Island and was felt on all the major islands. A 5.8 magnitude quake followed seven minutes later and numerous smaller aftershocks were registered over the next few hours.

The first quake immediately triggered power failures that lasted most of the day on the Big Island, Maui, and O‘ahu.

The loss of electrical power caused disruptions at airports that resulted in flight delays and cancellations of some transpacific flights into and out of the Islands. Electrical power was restored to most airports by early afternoon. Honolulu International Airport, which saw the most delays in service, was online again by 5:45 p.m. All affected communities throughout the islands had electrical service restored by midnight Sunday.

“All visitor accommodations are open for business statewide and airlines are telling us that transpacific flights and flights around the islands are generally back to normal,” said John Monahan, president and CEO of the Hawai‘i Visitors and Convention Bureau. “There may be some minor delays as airlines adjust for yesterday’s interruptions and we advise passengers to reconfirm their departure times prior to going to the airport,” he said.

“Despite the inconveniences caused by the power outage, visitors to the state were generally in high spirits yesterday as residents and visitor industry employees jumped in to make their day as good as possible,” said Monahan. “Hawai‘i’s spirit of aloha shines especially bright in these circumstances,” he said.

Damage assessments were still being made Monday morning, but the effects of the quake continue to appear minimal. All major highways statewide are open. Hotels and other accommodations that were closest to the quake on the Big Island remain open for business, although some have reported light damage.

The quake generated a small seismic wave of three inches in height at Kawaihae Harbor on the Big Island according to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center on O‘ahu. More information is available on the following toll-free numbers (in North America) or websites:

♦ Hawai‘i Visitors and Convention Bureau
1-800-GOHAWAII, GoHawaii.com
♦ Kaua‘i Visitors Bureau
1-800-262-1400, KauaiDiscovery.com
♦ O‘ahu Visitors Bureau
1-877-525-OAHU, Visit-Oahu.com
♦ Maui Visitors Bureau
1-800-525-MAUI, VisitMaui.com
♦ Big Island Visitors Bureau
1-800-648-2441, BigIsland.org

# # # #

Special note to media: The Hawai‘i Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB)
recognizes the use of Hawaiian diacritical markings (e.g. glottal stop [‘], macron [ä] in
place names of Hawai‘i such as Läna‘i). However, HVCB respects the individual use of
these markings for names of organizations and businesses.

Media Contact:
Nathan Kam
Account Supervisor
McNeil Wilson Communications
nkam@mcneilwilson.com
Office: 808-539-3471
Cell: 808-741-2763
NR/37/06

Business As Usual at Hilton Waikoloa Village

2006-10-31T14:35:00.000-10:00

CONTACT:
Leanne Pletcher
Marketing Manager
Hilton Waikoloa Village
(808) 886-2860
leanne_pletcher@hilton.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Business As Usual at Hilton Waikoloa Village

KOHALA COAST, HAWAII’S BIG ISLAND (October 16, 2006) – A 6.6 magnitude earthquake occurred at 7:07 a.m. on Sunday, October 15 six miles southwest of Puako on the Kohala Coast of Hawaii’s Big Island. Hilton Waikoloa Village, located within a close vicinity to the epicenter of the earthquake did not report any structural damage or any injuries. The resort accommodated all needs of guests and team members, providing complimentary meals and advising guests to remain on-property and avoid leaving the resort or hitting the roads.

As of today, Monday, October 16, 2006, all business at Hilton Waikoloa Village will resume as usual. Power and phone lines have been fully restored. All dining outlets, shops, services, and resort amenities are open and available at the 62-acre oceanfront resort.

All air carriers have recommenced their regular schedule. Please check with your airline carrier to obtain updated information such as possible delays. Additionally, all roads to Kona and the Kona International Airport at Keahole are open.

The majority of tours and activities on the Big Island will recommence as normal. For more information on the Big Island call the Hawaii Visitor’s and Convention Bureau hotline at 1-800-GO-HAWAII. We are looking forward to welcoming Ironman participants and spectators to the resort. For more information on Ironman activities, visit www.ironman.com.

About the Village
Hilton Waikoloa Village on Hawaii’s Big Island offers lush tropical gardens, exotic wildlife, cascading waterfalls, tranquil lagoons and waterways, playful dolphins, three swimming pools, beautifully appointed guest rooms and extensive indoor and outdoor meeting and event venues. The resort also boasts two championship golf courses, a seaside putting course, world-class tennis, the luxurious Kohala Sports Club & Spa, nine international cuisine restaurants, the Museum Walkway, Camp Menehune children’s program and Hawaiian cultural activities.

Hilton Waikoloa Village has been named the #1 Top Family Resort in Hawaii and the #7 Top Family Resort in the United States and Canada by Travel + Leisure Family Magazine.

For reservations, call toll-free at 1-800-HILTONS (1-800-445-8667) from the U.S. and Canada or visit www.hiltonwaikoloavillage.com or call the resort directly at (808) 886-1234.

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MAUNA LANI RESORT ANNOUNCES NEW 2007 ROOM PACKAGES

2006-10-31T13:21:00.000-10:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MAUNA LANI RESORT ANNOUNCES NEW 2007 ROOM PACKAGES

***Cultural Authenticism - The Core of Elite Big Island Resort's Formula

KOHALA COAST, HAWAI'I (October 11, 2006) -- Renowned for its longstanding devotion to preserving and enhancing the cultural history of Hawai'i, Mauna Lani Resort offers unrivaled hospitality in a serene, oceanside environment. Nationally recognized for its successful honu (green sea turtle) program, full-moon Twilight at Kalahuipua'a talk-story series, Hawaiian inspired resort spa, and 36 holes of oceanside championship golf, Mauna Lani Resort offers a unique combination of luxury, culture, adventure, and nature that capture the essence of Hawaiian hospitality.

For the second consecutive year (2005/2006), Mauna Lani Resort has been ranked #7 among the top 25 Hawai'i hotels in Travel + Leisure's "World's Best Awards." The unparalleled Mauna Lani Spa was honored as the #4 Top Resort Spa in North America in Condé Nast Traveler 2006 Readers' Spa Awards and received a Wave Award for Best Full Service Spa in Hawai'i by TravelAge West. Adding to its accolades, Mauna Lani and its picturesque golf courses were ranked 25th among the top 100 golf resorts in North America in the Condé Nast Traveler 2006 Reader's Poll.

Discover all the wonders of Mauna Lani Resort: white sand beaches, championship oceanside golf, award winning cuisine, children's day camp and activities, Hawai'i's premier spa and gracious service with the following new packages for 2007:

Pick Your Passion
Experience Mauna Lani with a choice of spa, golf, fitness, snorkel or sunset cruise, scuba or a volcano helicopter tour from $640 per night for Ocean View accommodations (select months)

Mauna Lani Bed & Breakfast
Enjoy daily breakfast and Ocean View accommodations starting from $480 per night (select months)

Mauna Lani Ohana (For Families)
Explore the resort as a family or chase your own adventures with complimentary fish-feeding tours, snorkeling and other activities from $375 per night for Ocean View accommodations (reservations must be for a minimum

Mauna Lani Golf
Play unlimited golf and enjoy Ocean View accommodations starting from $665 per night (select months)

Mauna Lani Spa
Indulge with a spa treatment per person per paid room night and enjoy Ocean View accommodations starting from $665 per night (select months)

Mauna Lani Romantic Interludes

Share the romance with a loved one with champagne, daily breakfast, a dinner or sunset sail, spa treatment, circle island tour, and Ocean View accommodations starting from $3,320 (five-night package)

All packages at Mauna Lani include a bounty of complimentary services and activities (there is no Resort Fee at Mauna Lani): aloha welcome with floral lei greeting and tropical fruit juices, morning Kona coffee and tea in the hotel atrium, valet and self-parking services, shuttle service throughout the resort, nightly Hawaiian entertainment, fish-feeding tours throughout the resort's ancient fishponds, use of snorkeling equipment, access to the Mauna Lani Sports & Fitness Club and lap pool, and beach amenities, including, hammocks and beach cabanas.

The Kohala Coast's most luxurious and private accommodations, the Bungalows at Mauna Lani Bay, include butler service, private pool and jacuzzi, and over 4,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor living space - all in either Ocean View or Ocean Front settings.

Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows is a member of Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts (www.panpacific.com) and Preferred Hotels & Resorts Worldwide (www.preferredhotels.com), a global brand of 110 of the world's finest and most distinctive independently owned luxury hotels and resorts. Live images of Mauna Lani can be seen at www.maunalani.com. For reservations or information, visit the Web site (www.maunalani.com), consult a travel professional, or call Mauna Lani direct at 1-800-367-2323 or 1-808-885-6622 in Hawai'i.

Digital photography can be e-mailed upon request.

# # #

MAUNA LANI RESORT
2007 ROOM PACKAGES
Rates Valid January 4 - December 19, 2007

Rates are per room per night based on single/double occupancy
Hawaii States Taxes apply

PICK YOUR PASSION

Rates Valid January 4 through March 31, 2007

Standard $595
Garden View $645
Ocean View $750
Deluxe Ocean View $800
Ocean Front $845
Deluxe Ocean Front $885

Rates Valid April 1 through December 19, 2007

Standard $545
Garden View $595
Ocean View $640
Deluxe Ocean View $680
Ocean Front $730
Deluxe Ocean Front $770

-Package Details-
-Minimum three-night stay required. One certificate per person per paid room night.*

Certificates are valid for one of the following*:
-Breakfast at the Bay Terrace or In-room dining
-Lunch at The Gallery Restaurant, Ocean Grill or In-room dining
-Dinner at Honu Bar, Ocean Grill, CanoeHouse or In-room dining (includes entrée, appetizer and dessert)
-A day of unlimited golf with a shared cart (Any subsequent round(s) per day may only be booked after completion of the first round on that day)
-Golf Academy Session with either Full Swing instruction or a Short Game putting session
-50-minute Spa Treatment with a choice of Swedish, Shiatsu, Thai, Reflexology or Facial
-60-minute Personal Fitness Training session and a Group Fitness class
-Snorkel or Sunset Cruise with Mauna Lani Sea Adventures
-Two-tank Scuba Dive (must be a certified diver)
-Volcano Helicopter Tour (3 certificates and advance reservations required)

*Inclusions have no cash value, are non-transferable or redeemable for other amenities or services. Maximum two certificates per paid room night.

MAUNA LANI BED & BREAKFAST

Rates Valid January 4 through March 31, 2007

Standard $415
Garden View $445
Ocean View $490
Deluxe Ocean View $545
Ocean Front $575
Deluxe Ocean Front $605

Rates Valid April 1 through December 19, 2007

Standard $405
Garden View $430
Ocean View $480
Deluxe Ocean View $520
Ocean Front $555
Deluxe Ocean Front $600

-Package Details-
-Minimum three-night stay required
-Daily Buffet Breakfast at Bay Terrace Restaurant*

*Inclusions have no cash value, are non-transferable or redeemable for other amenities or services

MAUNA LANI OHANA (FOR FAMILIES)

Rates Valid January 4 through March 31, 2007

Standard $300
Garden View $330
Ocean View $375
Deluxe Ocean View $400
Ocean Front $440
Deluxe Ocean Front $450
Corner Ocean Front $520
Ocean View Suite $550

Rates Valid April 1 through December 19, 2007

Standard $300
Garden View $330
Ocean View $375
Deluxe Ocean View $400
Ocean Front $440
Deluxe Ocean Front $450
Corner Ocean Front $520
Ocean View Suite $550

-Package Details-
-Minimum three-night stay and two guestrooms required
-Rate is quoted per guestroom; both rooms must be traveling on the same dates

MAUNA LANI GOLF

Rates Valid January 4 through March 31, 2007

Standard $600
Garden View $650
Ocean View $705
Deluxe Ocean View $750
Ocean Front $800
Deluxe Ocean Front $840
Corner Ocean Front $935
Ocean View Suite $1,040

Rates Valid April 1 through December 19, 2007

Standard $560
Garden View $610
Ocean View $665
Deluxe Ocean View $705
Ocean Front $755
Deluxe Ocean Front $795
Corner Ocean Front $895
Ocean View Suite $995

-Package Details-
-Minimum three-night stay required; maximum two people per room
-A day of unlimited golf per person per paid room night (Any subsequent round(s) per day may only be booked after completion of the first round on that day)*

*Inclusions have no cash value, are non-transferable or redeemable for other amenities or services

MAUNA LANI SPA

Rates Valid January 4 through March 31, 2007

Standard $600
Garden View $650
Ocean View $705
Deluxe Ocean View $750
Ocean Front $800
Deluxe Ocean Front $840
Corner Ocean Front $935
Ocean View Suite $1,040

Rates Valid April 1 through December 19, 2007

Standard $560
Garden View $610
Ocean View $665
Deluxe Ocean View $705
Ocean Front $755
Deluxe Ocean Front $795
Corner Ocean Front $895
Ocean View Suite $995

-Package Details-
-Minimum three-night stay required; maximum two people per room
-A 50-minute Spa Treatment per person per paid room night with a choice of Swedish, Shiatsu, Thai, Reflexology or Facial*

*Inclusions have no cash value, are non-transferable or redeemable for other amenities or services

MAUNA LANI ROMANTIC INTERLUDES

Rates Valid January 4 through December 19, 2007

Ocean View $3,320 (Five-night package)
Ocean Front $3,670 (Five-night package)

-Package Details-
-Minimum five-night stay required
-Champagne amenity upon arrival*
-Daily Buffet Breakfast for two at Bay Terrace Restaurant or Private Dining*
-Dinner for two at the CanoeHouse or a Snorkel or Sunset Sail for two*
-Two 50-minute Spa Treatments with a choice of Swedish, Shiatsu, Thai, Reflexology or Facial*
-A Circle Island Tour/Volcano Helicopter for two*

*Inclusions have no cash value, are non-transferable or redeemable for other amenities or services

MAUNA LANI RESORT
2007 RACK RATES
Rates Valid January 1 - December 31, 2007

Rates are per room per night based on single/double occupancy
Hawaii States Taxes apply

Guest Rooms
Standard $430
Garden View $515
Ocean View $670
Deluxe Ocean View $715
Ocean Front $780
Deluxe Ocean Front $810
Corner Ocean Front $920
Ocean View Suite $980
Ocean Front Suite $1,800

Bungalows
Ocean View starting at $5,500
Ocean Front starting at $6,225

Villas

Rates Valid from January 4 to December 19, 2007

One Bedroom $620
Two Bedroom $840
Three Bedroom $1,180

Rates Valid from December 20 to December 31, 2007

One Bedroom $670
Two Bedroom $995
Three Bedroom $1,860

Contact:
Sheila Donnelly & Associates: pressreleases@sheiladonnelly.com

Hilton Waikoloa Village Named #1 Top Family Resort in Hawaii by Travel + Leisure Family Magazine

2006-10-31T13:17:00.000-10:00

CONTACT:
Leanne Pletcher
Marketing Manager
Hilton Waikoloa Village
(808) 886-2860
leanne_pletcher@hilton.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Hilton Waikoloa Village Named #1 Top Family Resort in Hawaii by Travel + Leisure Family Magazine
The 62-acre resort was also recognized as the #7 greatest family resort in the United States and Canada

KOHALA COAST, HAWAII’S BIG ISLAND (October 5, 2006) – Hilton Waikoloa Village has been named the #1 Top Family Resort in Hawaii by Travel + Leisure Family Magazine readers and the #7 Greatest Family Resort in all of the U.S. and Canada. The 62-acre oceanfront resort was recently featured along with several other top regional winners on NBC’s “Today Show,” with references to the 175-foot twisting waterslide and the family-friendly Seaside Putting Course.

A first-rate children’s program, Camp Menehune, and three gigantic swimming pools with waterfalls and waterslides galore are just the tip of activities and adventures to keep the kids entertained, but parental perks also abound including the world-class 25,000 square-foot Kohala Sports Club & Spa and 36-holes of championship golf. It is no wonder Hilton Waikoloa Village is Travel & Leisure Family Magazine reader’s favorite Hawaiian resort, considering the endless amenities for families such as the customized children’s menu offered at on-property award-winning restaurants, the private four-acre ocean-fed lagoon perfect for snorkeling, eight tennis courts including a 432-seat stadium tennis court which plays host to USTA-sanctioned tournaments, and Dolphin Quest where families have the opportunity to meet and play with resident Atlantic bottle-nose dolphins.

Highlights of the resort that cater to adults include the Adult Pool as a peaceful respite and the $7 million museum walkway, the largest art museum on the island, lined with 1,800 pieces of art from all corners of the globe.

Winner of over 100 leisure, culinary, and meetings awards, Hilton Waikoloa Village was also recently awarded the TravelAge West WAVE (Western Agents Vote of Excellence) Award in June 2006 under the Best Family Friendly Resort – Hawaii category. Child magazine recognized Hilton Waikoloa Village in their May 2006 issue as a runner-up in the Hawaii category for the best family-friendly resorts. Additionally, Hilton Waikoloa Village was featured on Forbes.com in June as one of the top luxury family resorts in 2006.

The annual Travel + Leisure Family Magazine awards are voted by readers across the United States and Canada. Rankings are based on reader evaluations collected in Travel + Leisure's 2006 World's Best Awards survey. Readers were given the option to rate the resorts on how well they cater to families, using a scale of 1 to 5, where "5" means excellent and "1" means poor. Scores are indexed averages of evaluations, rounded to the nearest hundredth of a point.

For reservations or more information call Hilton Waikoloa Village at 808-886-1234 or toll-free at 1-800-HILTONS.

About the Village

Hilton Waikoloa Village on Hawaii’s Big Island offers lush tropical gardens, exotic wildlife, cascading waterfalls, tranquil lagoons and waterways, playful dolphins, three swimming pools, beautifully appointed guest rooms and extensive indoor and outdoor meeting and event venues. The resort also boasts two
championship golf courses, a seaside putting course, world-class tennis, the luxurious Kohala Sports Club
& Spa, nine international cuisine restaurants, the Museum Walkway, Camp Menehune children’s program and Hawaiian cultural activities.

For reservations, call toll-free at 1-800-HILTONS (1-800-445-8667) from the U.S. and Canada or visit www.hiltonwaikoloavillage.com or call the resort directly at (808) 886-1234.

###

ResortQuest Waimea Plantation Cottages’ Awarded Top Honors for its Kupuna Outreach Program

2006-09-13T08:57:00.000-10:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, August 31, 2006

ResortQuest Waimea Plantation Cottages’ Awarded Top Honors for its Kupuna Outreach Program

ResortQuest Waimea Plantation Cottages was honored in August with the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s coveted Kahili Award as part of its 15th annual “Keep it Hawaii” program. The property placed first in the Kauai Business Programs category for its successful Kupuna (elders) Outreach Program, in which guests interact with Hawaiian elders from the nearby community to share in the traditions of Hawaii’s rich cultural heritage, arts and crafts.

One of the program’s cornerstone experiences is its “talk story” sessions in which kupuna share stories and experiences of Hawaii’s past and present with guests, perpetuating the Native Hawaiian tradition of oral history. Through these exchanges, guests are put in touch with real Hawaii stories, lessons and perspectives – creating favorable memories that last a lifetime.

“We are very fortunate to have this community-based partnership between ResortQuest Waimea Plantation Cottages and our kupuna as it adds a very special element to our guest’s experience at the resort,” said Stephanie Iona, general manager.

Each Friday at the property’s Breezeway, kupuna gather and hold impromptu sessions of storytelling, lei making, lauhala (palm frond) weaving and song. Nothing is formally scheduled in advance, but everything is conducted lovingly from the hearts of the kupuna who have dedicated their time to educating guests and carrying on Hawaii’s very special traditions. Guests who want to take a part of Hawaii back home with them can also purchase some of the fine crafts that the kupuna showcase during their Friday sessions.

According to HTA president and chief executive officer Rex Johnson, the “Keep it Hawaii” Kahili Awards “honor those have demonstrated commitment to honor and perpetuate the Hawaiian culture and community, providing visitors and residents with opportunities to experience the true culture through creative and responsible efforts.” The awards are presented in three categories – Individual, Business and Community Organization – each category awarded in each of Hawaii’s four counties.

As one of ResortQuest Hawaii’s “Our Hawaii, Your Way” style of Island experiences, the extraordinary Kupuna Outreach Program enables the employees of ResortQuest Waimea Plantation Cottages to connect guests in an incomparable way with their community and Island home.

About ResortQuest Hawaii
ResortQuest Hawaii, formerly Aston Hotels & Resorts, operates the most diverse range of condominium resorts and hotels with accommodations that range from hotel rooms, condominium suites, villas and cottages that suit any lifestyle, taste or budget. Based in Honolulu, the company manages 5,000 rooms in 28 properties on the islands of Oahu, Maui, Kauai and Hawaii. For more information, visit www.resortquesthawaii.com or call toll free 866-774-2924.

About ResortQuest
ResortQuest, one of the nation’s leading vacation rental hospitality and resort real estate companies, provides a one-stop resource in North America’s premier resort destinations. ResortQuest is the largest marketer and management company of vacation condominiums and home rentals in the U.S. and Canada, based on a portfolio of nearly 17,000 vacation rental properties with a combined real estate value estimated at approximately $7 billion. ResortQuest Real Estate is one of the nation’s leading real estate companies focusing exclusively on resort properties, offering superior brokerage services in the country’s premier beach, ski and golf destinations. ResortQuest employs more than 4,000 people and is owned and operated by Gaylord Entertainment Co. (NYSE: GET), one of the largest and fastest growing companies in the hospitality and entertainment industries, based in Nashville, Tenn., that also owns and operates Gaylord Hotels and the Grand Ole Opry. For more information, visit www.resortquest.com or www.gaylordentertainment.com.

Contacts:
Matt Derby, P.R. Manager
Tedde Thompson, Director
ResortQuest Hawaii
Communications Pacific
Tel: (808) 931-1330
Tel: (808) 543-3514
E-mail: matt.derby@ResortQuestHawaii.com
E-mail: tthompson@commpac.com

MAUNA LANI RESORT OFFERS SPECIAL KAMA'AINA ROOM RATES AND GOLF PACKAGES FOR THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER

2006-09-13T08:47:00.000-10:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MAUNA LANI RESORT OFFERS SPECIAL KAMA'AINA ROOM RATES AND GOLF PACKAGES FOR THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER
* * *

Rooms from $199 per night, Golf Packages from $339 with Unlimited Golf and Free Club Rentals, September 1 - 30

KOHALA COAST, Hawaii, August 31, 2006 - Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows is offering two exceptional Kama'aina Specials from September 1 to 30, 2006:

Kama'aina Room Rates from $199 Per Night & Free Ocean View UpgradesStandard accommodations with FREE upgrade to Ocean View (based upon availability at check-in)

Kama'aina Golf Package, $339 Per Night, includes:o Ocean View accommodations o Unlimited golf for twoo Free use of rental clubso 15% discount at Mauna Lani Spa (minimum two-night stay)These special rates are per room per night based on single/double occupancy and space availability. All rates are subject to Hawaii State Taxes. Offer cannot be combined or used with additional special rates and/or promotions and is subject to change without notice. Some restrictions apply. Valid Hawaii ID required upon check-in.

Kama'aina are invited to participate in Mauna Lani's activities on a complimentary basis:Twilight at Kalahuipua'a, September 9: To celebrate the monthly full moon, Mauna Lani's cultural historian Danny Kaniela Akaka, one of Hawaii's living legends, is joined by local musicians and storytellers to "talk story" at the historic Eva Parker Woods Cottage.

Fish Feeding Tour: Join the Loko I'a (Fishpond) Manager as he leads participants through the resort's fishponds, feeding the colorful koi, baby honu and sharks while providing information about Hawaiian reef fish and Mauna Lani's salt-water ponds. Schedules are available through the resort concierge.

Historic Tours: Danny Kaniela Akaka leads participants in exploring the ancient fishponds and petroglyphs around the resort. Schedules are available through the resort concierge.Eva Parker Woods Cottage Museum: Dedicated to the people of Hawaii, the Eva Parker Woods Cottage features historical displays of an ancient Hawaiian canoe, fishing gear, household items, spears, shark tooth objects and gourds.

Hawaiian Lessons: Ukulele and hula lessons and Hawaiian weaving are available for all guests. Schedules are available through the resort concierge.

Additional Resort Amenities:
o Nightly Hawaiian entertainment in the hotel atrium
o Lap pool and fitness equipment at the Mauna Lani Sports & Fitness Club
o Beach hammocks, cabanas and snorkeling equipment (Pricing available through the resort concierge)

For Kama'aina reservations, call Mauna Lani at 800-367-2323.

Heralded for its dedication to preserving and enhancing Hawaiian culture and history, Mauna Lani offers the comforts of world-class hospitality in a relaxed, oceanside setting. Earlier this year, Mauna Lani Spa was ranked #4 Top Resort Spa in North America in Condé Nast Traveler 2006 Readers' Spa Awards and received a WAVE Award by TravelAge West for Best Full Service Spa Resort in Hawaii. In 2005, the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows was rated #7 among the top 20 Hawaii hotels in Travel + Leisure's "World's Best Awards" while the resort's Mauna Lani Spa was one of the Top 25 hotel spas in the United States and Canada. In regards to its spectacular golf courses, Mauna Lani Resort was #8 among the top 100 golf resorts in North America according to the 2005 Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Poll. In addition to award-winning cuisine, a bounty of complementary services and activities make Mauna Lani Resort a hot destination for summer vacations.

About Mauna Lani Resort
Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows is a member of Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts (www.panpacific.com) and Preferred Hotels & Resorts Worldwide (www.preferredhotels.com), a global brand of 110 of the world's finest and most distinctive independently owned luxury hotels and resorts. Live images of Mauna Lani can be seen at www.maunalani.com. For reservations or information, visit the Web site (www.maunalani.com), consult a travel professional, or call Mauna Lani direct at 1-800-367-2323 or 1-808-885-6622 in Hawaii.

# # #

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Sheila Donnelly & Associates
Sweetie Nelson or Maggie Li
808-949-4131
sweetie@sheiladonnelly.com
mli@sheiladonnelly.com

Aloha Airgroup Names Gordon Bethune Chairman of the Board

2006-09-13T08:41:00.000-10:00

Aloha Airgroup Names Gordon Bethune Chairman of the Board

Wednesday August 30, 10:00 pm ET

HONOLULU, Aug. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Aloha Airgroup, Inc., parent company of Aloha Airlines, today announced that Gordon Bethune has been named Chairman of the Board of Aloha Airgroup, Inc. and Aloha Airlines, Inc. Bethune is the former Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Continental Airlines Inc., the nation's fifth largest airline. Bethune joined Continental in 1994 as President and Chief Operating Officer and was named Chief Executive Officer in 1994 and Chairman of the Board in 1996. Bethune retired from Continental in December 2004.

Under Bethune's leadership, Continental was among Fortune Magazine's Top 50 Most Admired Companies, 100 Best Companies to Work for in America, as well as the No. 1 Most Admired Global Airline.

"I've had the wonderful pleasure of knowing Gordon for many years," said Aloha's President and Chief Executive Officer David A. Banmiller. "He is a dynamic industry leader with a proven track record of driving up customer, employee and company value. We look forward to this opportunity to bring his talents and significant airline experience to Aloha."

"Aloha Airlines has long been recognized for its colorful and rich history serving the people of Hawaii," said Bethune. "I have the utmost respect for Dave Banmiller and his senior management team in guiding Aloha during these challenging times for our industry. I am honored to serve as Chairman working with Dave and the 3,500 Aloha team members in our next phase of development, building on the incomparable 'Spirit of Aloha'."

"We are fortunate to have a professional of Gordon's caliber, vision and experience join Aloha's board," said Ron Burkle, Managing Partner of The Yucaipa Companies. "We are excited about the future of Aloha and look forward to the opportunities that Gordon will bring to the Company."

Bethune holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Abilene Christian University at Dallas and is a 1992 graduate of Harvard Business School's Advanced Management Program. He is a licensed commercial pilot, type-rated on Boeing 757 and 767 aircraft as well as the DC-3.
Bethune also is licensed as an airframe and power plant mechanic. He serves on the boards of directors of Honeywell International Corporation, Sprint Nextel Corporation, Prudential Financial and the Willis Group.

Founded in 1946, the privately held Honolulu-based Aloha Airlines is a leading provider of aviation services in the State of Hawaii. With 3,500 team members, Aloha serves Honolulu, Lihue, Kahului, Kona and Hilo with comfortable, full-size Boeing jets and convenient flights throughout the day, including hourly departures on the hour between Oahu and Maui, and Oahu and Kauai. Aloha also offers transpacific service between the Islands and Oakland, Sacramento, Orange County, San Diego, California; and Las Vegas and Reno, Nevada.

Contact: Stu Glauberman
Phone: (808) 539-5947; Cell: (808) 722-7318
E-mail: sglauberman@AlohaAirlines.com
Stu Glauberman
Director - Corporate Communications
Aloha Airlines
500 Ala Moana Suite 2-500
Honolulu, HI USA 96813
Tel: 808-539-5947
Fax: 808-836-0303

COOK HOUSE COMPLETE; SAM CHOY RECOGNIZED

2006-09-13T08:37:00.000-10:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
From: Fern Gavelek Communications, (808) 329-0833
High-res digital photos available from above

Contact: Fanny Au Hoy, Hulihe‘e Palace Administrator
` (808) 329-1877
David Scott, Daughters of Hawai’i Executive Director
(808) 595-6291

COOK HOUSE COMPLETE; SAM CHOY RECOGNIZED

KAILUA-KONA, HAWAI‘I—King Kalakaua would be proud.
In an effort to be “historically correct,” the venerable Hulihe‘e Palace has a new addition—Hale Kuke. Meaning “Cook House,” the 11.5 X 20-foot Hale Kuke is a reconstruction of the exterior of King Kalakaua’s Cook House circa 1885.

The Daughters of Hawai‘i and Calabash Cousins, caretakers of the palace, celebrated the completion of Hale Kuke with a traditional Hawaiian blessing and untying of the maile lei August 25. After the ceremony, celebrity Chef Sam Choy, who generously donates his culinary talents to benefit Hulihe‘e Palace, was honored with the first Hulihe‘e Palace Award. The award lauds individuals, companies or organizations that “best exemplify the preservation and culture of old Hawai‘i Nei.”

Construction of Hale Kuke was first envisioned in the 1970s, when the Daughters completed the palace’s last major renovation. Using historical photos, architect Glenn Mason expertly drew blueprints for the addition. However, other palace repairs took priority and the construction of Hale Kuke was put on the back burner, so to speak.

“Sam’s continued generosity, along with many others in the community, have helped provide funds to make this long-time dream a reality,” said Fanny Au Hoy, palace administrator. “The rest of the palace is restored to the 1880s, so it is fitting that a replica of King Kalakaua’s Cook House grace our grounds.”

Hulihe’e Palace was built in 1838 without an interior kitchen and King Kalakaua’s Cook House served as a food preparation area during the Merrie Monarch’s residency. It was connected to the north end of the palace by a breezeway that opened to the festive dining room. Hale Kuke is similarly connected to Hulihe‘e by an approximate 6 X 11-foot breezeway. The new addition, which was built to replicate the exterior appearance of King Kalakaua’s Cook House, will be used for badly needed office space.

Authentically constructing Hale Kuke and meeting current building codes was a challenge, according to Ken Melrose, who represented the Daughters during construction. “We had to have a modern foundation to meet seismic and tsunami inundation requirements,” he detailed. “So a substantial foundation is recessed within the walls while the building looks like it’s sitting on a stone footing, just like the original.” He added that a required landing and railing were added to the original version of the staircase.

As the architectural plans for Hale Kuke were drawn using historic black and white photos, it was important to establish relationships among pictured objects. Key factors included size, identification of building materials and colors. “The size and color of the palace is known so that was our base to create relationships,” continued Melrose.

Constructed by Territorial Builders, Hale Kuke’s exterior is redwood ship-lap siding that “runs horizontal, lapping one board over the other,” said Melrose. It is topped with a corrugated aluminum roof and simulated smokestack. Hale Kuke will be air conditioned and the breezeway will give the staff a handy, direct passage to the palace. Budget for the project was $175,000 and its completion literally “hit a wall” when trying to connect the breezeway to the palace.

“After the original Cook House was demolished in the 1920s, the door to the breezeway was sealed with concrete,” explained Melrose. “Using a jack hammer, it took 10 days, rather than the expected two, to break through that three-foot-thick concrete. Territorial Builders has done a fabulous job.”

Palace visitors will be able to view Hale Kuke when touring Hulihe’e’s sprawling oceanside grounds. The Daughters plan to host a public open house for the new addition in the near future.
Hulihe`e Palace is located at 75-5718 Ali`i Drive in the heart of Kailua-Kona. Caretakers of the historic landmark are the Daughters of Hawai`i. Founded in 1903, the organization opens its membership to any woman who is directly descended from a person who lived in Hawai`i prior to 1880. Helping the Daughters in their efforts since 1986 are the Calabash Cousins; membership is available to all, 329-1877, www.huliheepalace.org.

Fern Gavelek
2006 Small Business Administration Journalist of the Year, Hawaii County
Fern Gavelek Communications
75-5329 Keopu Place
Holualoa, HI 96725
Voice/Fax: 808-329-0833
Cell: 808-640-2155
Email: Ferng@hawaii.rr.com

Hilton Waikoloa Village Continues to Perfect Paradise with a Third Phase of Resort Enhancements

2006-09-13T08:30:00.000-10:00

CONTACT:
Leanne Pletcher
Marketing Manager
Hilton Waikoloa Village
(808) 886-2860
leanne_pletcher@hilton.com

Meredith Wertz
Marketing/P.R. Coordinator
Hilton Waikoloa Village
(808) 886-2867
meredith_wertz@hilton.com

FOR RELEASE AT WILL

Hilton Waikoloa Village Continues to Perfect Paradise with a Third Phase of Resort Enhancements
The world-class resort invests over $61 million in capital improvements in a three-year period

KOHALA COAST, HAWAII’S BIG ISLAND (August 21, 2006) –Hilton Waikoloa Village is in the midst of a $61 million resort enhancement capital project scheduled for completion year-end 2007. The three-phase renovation project launched in 2005, with $32 million invested to-date. As a pioneer among world-class resorts, Hilton Waikoloa Village continues to improve and enhance the 62-acre property, meeting the needs of future guests and distinguishing itself as the leading resort in hospitality and excellence.

Hilton Waikoloa Village spent $21 million on its first phase of resort improvements in 2005. Projects included renovating the majority of the resort’s 1240 guest rooms, the 25,000 square-foot Kohala Sports Club & Spa, the 432-seat stadium court at Kohala Tennis Gardens, three signature restaurants, high-speed wireless Internet access and more. All ballrooms and meeting facilities have been enhanced with refinished woodwork, new carpeting, Hawaiian inspired wallpaper, and state-of-the-art, advanced lighting and sound systems for optimal utilization.

In the first part of 2006, Hilton Waikoloa Village completed a number of transformations and additions to the resort’s offerings, while increasing levels of comfort, convenience, and elegance and extending the Hawaiian splendor.

The lower lobby was expanded 3,000 square feet, giving guests a sense of place upon arrival while allowing for a more welcoming greeting area for both groups and Far East guests. The expansion incorporates additional comfortable seating, two more tour desks for groups and vendors, and a tropical garden with a stunning glass-front entryway. An interior stairway provides easy access to the main lobby and porte-cochere.

For over a decade Hilton Waikoloa Village has been leading the way in technology offers on the Big Island. To create a modern, fully managed network in convention areas, the resort is in the process of completing high-speed Internet access upgrades in meeting facilities. The upgrades include a new T3 capable circuit and network infrastructure with features such as Gigabit backbone capable switches, additional cabling, and jack replacements to provide enterprise class stability and flexibility.

A refurbished bar and addition of a flat-screen television and DVD player at Boat Landing Pavilion provide the ultimate in entertainment. The Kona Pool is looking better than ever with new quartzite decking surrounding the super pool, 176-foot waterslide, Jacuzzis, and hidden grottos. Ride in style and cruise the tranquil waterways throughout the 62-acre resort in the refurbished mahogany canal boats with new engines and upholstery or discover the innovative and refinished beautiful Palace Tower fountain.

The second-phase of renovations currently in-progress with anticipated completion year-end 2006 include refinishing Kohala and Ocean Tower pools with state-of-the-art fiberglass coating; property-wide rockwork and specialty flagstone refurbishment; Kohala Sports Club & Spa locker and shower room improvements; renovation of Main Lobby and Lagoon Grill public restrooms; Palm Terrace restaurant enhancements with a new buffet area for signature international buffet dinners; and replacement of Main Lobby, Kohala Spa lobby, and elevator lobby furnishings.

The final 316 well-appointed guest rooms in Ocean Tower will be renovated with new carpeting, wall coverings, and ceramic tile entryways to create a luxurious yet relaxing room with Hawaiian décor.

Additionally, the installation of a unique, cutting-edge interactive children’s fountain with special computerized water effects will provide a recreational cool respite.

Hilton Waikoloa Village has major renovation plans for 2007, with over $25 million invested initially in this third phase.

A Dolphin Quest Village will be developed, featuring an education portal, a retail boutique, guest changing rooms, a photo/video production center, and more. With an idyllic Hawaiian beach-side village setting, the new Dolphin Quest Village will feature connected structures with authentic thatched roofs, all linked by breezeways and weathered wooden decks. Open and inviting, lush with tropical plants, the new seaside villa is designed to enhance and personalize Hilton guests’ up close and personal encounters with the amazing Dolphin Quest dolphins and to better facilitate group functions, evening programs, and special events.

Orchid Café will soon offer the marketplace appeal with dual seating, mouth-watering take-out (both made-to-order and grab-and-go selections) and a la carte full-service poolside seating with an updated contemporary décor and a pizza oven. A modern glass elevator will provide scenic ocean views and easy accessibility, and new restrooms will be built in accordance with ADA standards.

The Kohala Sports Club & Spa fitness center and weight room will be remodeled and expanded to produce a leading “Fitness Destination” resort with the latest in technology and equipment.
Kona Pool will be refinished with the state-of-the-art fiberglass coating, Main Lobby enhancements from the woodwork to the ceiling will take place, the tram overhaul and tramway will be refurbished, and the Lagoon Grill bar will be renovated.

Finally, thirty-three Bay Suites, eleven Palace Suites, and five Royal Suites will undergo transformations to create the crown in deluxe accommodations.

For guestroom information call a preferred travel planner, 1-800-HILTONS or Hilton Waikoloa Village direct at 808-886-1234.

About the Village
Hilton Waikoloa Village on Hawaii’s Big Island offers lush tropical gardens, exotic wildlife, cascading waterfalls, tranquil lagoons and waterways, playful dolphins, three swimming pools, beautifully appointed guest rooms and extensive indoor and outdoor meeting and event venues. The resort also boasts two championship golf courses, a seaside putting course, world-class tennis, the luxurious Kohala Sports Club & Spa, nine international cuisine restaurants, the Museum Walkway, Camp Menehune children’s program and Hawaiian cultural activities.

For reservations, call toll-free at 1-800-HILTONS (1-800-445-8667) from the U.S. and Canada or visit www.hiltonwaikoloavillage.com or call the resort directly at (808) 886-1234.

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MEDIA ADVISORY / PHOTO OPPORTUNITY

2006-09-13T08:25:00.000-10:00

From: Fern Gavelek Communications, 329-0833

Contact: Fanny Au Hoy, Hulihe‘e Palace Administrator, 329-9555

MEDIA ADVISORY / PHOTO OPPORTUNITY

WHO: Daughters of Hawai'i and Calabash Cousins

WHAT: Untying of the Maile Lei for New Hale Kuke at Hulihe"e Palace

Awarding of the first Hulihe‘e Palace Award to Sam Choy

WHEN: 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25 at Hulihe‘e Palace

WHY: Hale Kuke, a reconstruction of King Kalakaua's Cook House circa 1885, is complete. The Cook House was formerly connected to the palace's dining room by a breezeway as the palace was built in 1838 without a kitchen. The Cook House served as a food preparation area during the Merrie Monarch's residency. The Daughters of Hawai‘i, caretakers of Hulihe‘e Palace, will use the authentic addition for badly needed office space.
Following the untying of the maile lei, a private champagne reception will recognize all who helped with the project. Regent Gerry Miyamoto will present celebrity chef Sam Choy with the first Hulihe‘e Palace Award for "best exemplifying the preservation and culture of old Hawai‘i Nei."
The Daughters will host a public open house for Hale Kuke at a later date.

INFO: For details on the Cook House project, contact David Scott, executive director of the Daughters of Hawai‘i, on O‘ahu at (808) 595-6291.

O‘ahu’s Dale Hope Speaks on "The Aloha Shirt"

2006-09-13T08:23:00.000-10:00

PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

O‘ahu’s Dale Hope Speaks on "The Aloha Shirt"

Dale Hope of O‘ahu is traveling to the Big Island for a special presentation and talk-story on "The Aloha Shirt."

Hear about the romantic days in Waikiki when travelers came via the S.S. Lurline to vacation in Honolulu and how icons from "the golden age of the aloha shirt" were translated into design themes. View historic images of shirts, labels, coconut buttons, and more, plus see a display of vintage shirts Hope is bringing over for the occasion.

In addition, the audience member who wears the best aloha shirt wins a copy of Hope’s well-researched, highly informative, and elegant "coffee table" style book, "The Aloha Shirt: Spirit of the Islands."

Dale Hope was born in Honolulu and grew up in Hawai'i's garment industry. He joined his father’s garment manufacturing company, Sun Fashions of Hawai‘i, to co-create their first men’s shirt label, HRH-His Royal Highness, in 1973. In 1986, Hope purchased the legendary Kahala label, where he was art director and oversaw the creation and manufacture of 150 new aloha shirt designs annually. Currently, he is creative director for the Patagonia label.

This free event is held on Friday, September 29 at 7 p.m. at Volcano Art Center’s Niaulani Campus, located at the corner of Kalanikoa and Old Volcano Roads in Volcano Village. For more information, contact the Volcano Art Center at 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.

# # #

--------------------------

Julie Mitchell
Education Coordinator
Volcano Art Center
PO Box 129
Volcano, HI 96785
Phone: (808) 967-8222
Fax: (808) 967-8512
Email: info@volcanoartcenter.org
www.volcanoartcenter.org

Wear Your Art: How to Create an Aloha Print Shirt Design

2006-09-13T08:05:00.001-10:00

PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wear Your Art: How to Create an Aloha Print Shirt Design

Calling all artists! The Volcano Art Center is providing a rare opportunity for artists to learn the process of creating aloha wear from a professional designer. In a two-day intensive workshop called "Turn Your Art into an Aloha Shirt Print Design," Emma Jewell Howard of O‘ahu invites artists to discover how to select key elements from their work to adapt into a repeating design that will look good on a bolt of fabric. This could be the first step for artists to start their own fabric lines as well as to market to manufacturers.

The workshop is held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, September 30 and October 1. The first day, artists learn to make a pencil layout, turning an original work of art into a black and white line drawing as the basis for a repeat pattern. The second day, artists create a painting of the design using a specific color palette. By the end of the weekend, artists have a finished design painting that is ready to show to apparel companies or take to the printer.

Sunshine Fye, a Hilo Hattie design team member in Honolulu, said, "This class is a great way to learn the methods and techniques of fabric designing." And Dean Warashina, a Honolulu T-shirt and graphic designer said, "Emma teaches from the heart. She brings in a world of knowledge on textile design and is willing to pass on valuable knowledge with humility."

Over the two-day workshop, Howard shares not only tips and ideas for creating effective designs but also industry secrets and helpful information on how to get finished designs hand screened or seen by the textile industry.

"I would like to think that my skills would be of benefit to those who have always aspired to seeing their art as wearable, practical, and enjoyed by masses on an affordable level," Howard said. "This is a way to bring people closer to art while matching their blue jeans and khakis."

Emma Jewell Howard is a certified surface / textile designer who lives in Kailua on O‘ahu. Her clients include Kahala, Patagonia, Island Heritage, Iolani Sportswear, Two Palms, and Reyn Spooner. The Contemporary Museum in Honolulu featured her gouache paintings as part of their "Designers Drawings" exhibit, and her designs have been special ordered from Neiman Marcus, Macy’s, and Nordstrom. Howard studied at the California School of Professional Fabric Design and Image West Design studio, among others.

This workshop is appropriate for practicing artists who have experience drawing and painting. Participants need to bring in original art as the basis for their aloha designs plus their own art supplies.

Workshop tuition is $125. Substantial educational subsidies are available for financially needy students. To register or apply for financial aid, call the Volcano Art Center at 967-8222 or visit their website: www.volcanoartcenter.org.

# # #

Julie Mitchell

Education Coordinator
Volcano Art Center
PO Box 129
Volcano, HI 96785
Phone: (808) 967-8222
Fax: (808) 967-8512
Email: info@volcanoartcenter.org
www.volcanoartcenter.org

Wear Your Art: How to Create an Aloha Print Shirt Design

2006-09-13T08:05:00.000-10:00

# # #

Julie Mitchell

Education Coordinator
Volcano Art Center
PO Box 129
Volcano, HI 96785
Phone: (808) 967-8222
Fax: (808) 967-8512
Email: info@volcanoartcenter.org
www.volcanoartcenter.org

Hilton Waikoloa Village Extends a Kama’aina Room and Ticket Package as “The Party Continues” with the Upcoming Cecilio & Kapono Concert

2006-09-13T08:04:00.000-10:00

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SHERATON KEAUHOU BAY RESORT & SPA NAMES WILLIAM HEUBEL EXECUTIVE CHEF

2006-09-13T07:58:00.000-10:00

For Immediate Release

Contacts:Revell Newton, Director of Sales & Marketing
Sheraton Keauhou Resort & Spa
Revell.newton@sheraton.com

Vicky Kometani, Current Events
Vicky@current-events.com
808-326-7820

SHERATON KEAUHOU BAY RESORT & SPA NAMES WILLIAM HEUBEL EXECUTIVE CHEF

Keauhou, Hawaii¹s Big Island ~ Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa on Hawaii's Big Island announced the promotion of William "Bill" Heubel from Executive Sous Chef to the position of Executive Chef at the 521 room oceanfront resort.

Heubel trained at the esteemed California Culinary Academy in San Francisco and then further honed his skills at several 4-Star hotels throughout California and Arizona. In the mid-1990¹s he was recruited to work at Manele Bay on Lanai and later at Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows on the Big Island.

In his new position as Executive Chef at Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa, "Chef Bill" will bring his love of Californian, Mediterranean and Hawaii Regional cuisines to the forefront in Kai, the resort¹s breakfast and dinner eatery and in the poolside Manta Ray Bar & Grill. His culinary influence will also reach in-room dining and the resort¹s banquet and catering operation.

Additionally, Heubel is responsible for all aspects of resort food operations from menu creation and execution to administration, cost control and product quality at resort restaurants and at Kamaha`o - The Wondrous Myths of Hawaii, which is the resort's acclaimed luau dinner and show held Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings at Sheraton Keauhou Bay.

"We are pleased to offer Chef Bill the opportunity to put his leadership and culinary experience to full use here at Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa," said general manager Scott Brooks in announcing the promotion. "Seeing him in action with the huge crew, prominent chefs and our hardworking staff during the tapings of Food Network¹s "Challenge" shows, I am completely confident in Bill¹s abilities. With the range of dining options we have from romantic, elegant gazebo dinners for two to banquets for hundreds, his wide-ranging culinary talent will be a plus for our guests."

When not in the main kitchen at Sheraton Keauhou Bay, Heubel can undoubtedly be found enjoying time with his wife and three children while also squeezing in time to brew homemade ale and play poker.

The two main restaurants at Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa include Manta Ray Bar & Grill and Kai. Manta Ray Bar & Grill is the resort¹s gathering place poolside for light cuisine and refreshing libations. Restaurant Kai¹s expansive views of serene Keauhou Bay and the Kona Coastline make it a prime dining spot. For breakfast, Kai offers a lavish buffet of morning favorites, kid-friendly selections and a variety of healthy selections. Each evening, Kai, the Hawaiian word for water, is transformed to showcase the backdrop of shimmering moonlight amidst a luxuriant setting. A dinner menu of surprising sophistication celebrates Big Island products while appealing to a variety of palates. Kai showcases its namesake each Saturday evening with a lavish Seafood Buffet.

About Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa:
Situated on an ancient lava flow on Keauhou Bay, Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa is located on 22 oceanfront acres on Hawaii¹s Big Island. The resort¹s 521 spacious guestrooms and suites feature the ultra-comfortable Sheraton "Sweet Sleeper" bed and resort-wide wireless Internet access. Guests can enjoy snorkeling, surfing, hiking, horseback riding and bicycling tours conducted by local experts. The multi-level Manta Ray Super Slide & Pool and its 200-foot-long lava tube waterslide are designed for all day fun in the sun. The Manta Ray Experience offered by the resort adds an indelible and cherished memory to the visits of many guests who enjoy watching these mesmerizing animals dance their nightly ocean ballet. The full-service Ho'ola Spa offers indoor or ocean side patio treatments that are Hawaiian-inspired and focus on health and wellbeing. An adjacent convention center, in-house daily children¹s program and activity center, complimentary guest Fitness Center, onsite and nearby shopping and irresistible dining options make Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa an obvious choice for any traveler.

For individual traveler reservations, contact Starwood¹s toll free reservations line at 1-888-488-3535, email info@sheratonkeauhou.com, or visit www.starwoodhotels.com/hawaii.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with approximately 850 properties in more than 95 countries and 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood® Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels and resorts with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, Sheraton®, Westin®, Four Points® by Sheraton, W®, Le Méridien® and the recently announced aloftSM. Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com. ** Please contact Starwood¹s new, toll-free media hotline at (866) 4-STAR-PR(866-478-2777) for photography or additional information.**

(Note: This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities regulations. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or events and involve risks and uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated at the time the forward-looking statements are made. These risks and uncertainties are presented in detail in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Although we believe the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, we can give no assurance that our expectations will be attained or that results and events will not materially differ. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.)

Hilton Waikoloa Village Hosts the 2006 Hawaii’s Big Island Festival

2006-09-13T07:57:00.000-10:00

CONTACT:
Leanne Pletcher
Marketing Manager
Hilton Waikoloa Village
leanne_pletcher@hilton.com

Meredith Wertz
Marketing/P.R. Coordinator
Hilton Waikoloa Village
(808) 886-2860
(808) 886-2867 meredith_wertz@hilton.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Hilton Waikoloa Village Hosts the 2006 Hawaii’s Big Island Festival
The Best of the Big Island to be featured at Hawaii’s Big Island Festival, an extraordinary culinary and cultural experience, slated for November 17th – 19th, 2006

KOHALA COAST, HAWAII’S BIG ISLAND (August 9, 2006) – Hilton Waikoloa Village® is the host of the 5th Annual Hawaii’s Big Island Festival, a three-day adventure that partners Hawaii’s top culinary stars with the freshest of tropical ingredients and wines from around the world.

This year’s theme is the “Best of the Big Island,” as guests will taste culinary creations from island-grown ingredients; discover exclusive Big Island products, cultural demonstrations, and fine art at the festival pavilion; explore prestigious spas and golf courses along the Kohala Coast; experience the “aloha spirit;” and meet prominent Big Island chefs. A final gala dinner held under the stars enhances this food and wine extravaganza and will feature over twenty of Hawaii’s premier culinary artists and a wide selection of exotic cocktails and world-class wines complete with live music, dancing, and a benefit silent auction for the Keck Observatory.

The Hawaii’s Big Island Festival Event Schedule is as follows:

Friday, November 17, 2006
Golf Passport (11/16 – 11/21)
Discounts at five courses: Waikoloa Beach Course, Waikoloa Kings’ Golf Course, Hapuna Golf Course, and Mauna Lani North & South Golf Courses
Spa Passport (11/17 only)
Mini-treatments, spa tour, and gift from the Kohala Spa, Hilton Waikoloa Village; Mauna Lani Spa, Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows; and Mandara Spa, Waikoloa Beach Marriott
New Waves at NELHA (Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii) Luncheon and Tour
Join a fascinating tour of the state-of-the-art aquaculture facility on the Kohala Coast, and learn how Big Island gourmet seafood is grown and harvested.
Grand Wine Tasting & Artists’ Reception: “Wonderful Whites, Remarkable Reds”
Located at The Gallery- Hilton Waikoloa Village, Big Island artists and their masterpieces will be featured, and guests will discover and taste fine vintage wines.
Grand Hukilau
A Hukilau [hoo kee lau] is an old Hawaiian way of using a large net to catch a large amount of fish. Huki means pull and lau means leaf. Experience a traditional Hawaiian buffet feast and cultural Hukilau with entertainment and island cocktails.

Saturday, November 18, 2006
Festival Pavilion
Displays encompassing “The Best of the Big Island” fine arts, local agriculture, gourmet foods, and exclusive Hawaii-made products.
Wine Seminars and Tastings
Two Wine Seminars and Tastings allow guests to experience and learn about a collection of wines from some of the world’s most respected sommeliers.
Final Gala Dinner, “The BIG Taste”
The festival’s closing dinner takes place on the Lagoon Lanai and features specialties from over twenty Hawaii top chefs, wine pairings, live entertainment, dancing, and a silent auction designed to benefit the Keck Observatory.
After Party, “Meet the Chefs” at Malolo Lounge

Sunday, November 19, 2006
Cocktail Seminar
Learn how to create signature cocktails as well as new, exciting drinks with island flair.
“Eat Right” Kohala Spa Cuisine Luncheon
An exclusive “Eat Right” lecture touching on the health benefits of wine during a healthy, gourmet luncheon complete with organic wine pairings.

The Festival backdrop is the Kohala Coast, a twenty-mile stretch of shore on the leeward side of the Island of Hawaii. Just twenty minutes north of the Kona International Airport, the Kohala Coast features master planned resort communities and luxury hotels – emerald oases bordered by the Pacific Ocean and ancient lava flows, lying in the shadow of volcanic peaks. There couldn’t be a better panorama for a tropical food and wine adventure.

For more information about Hawaii’s Big Island Festival and a schedule of events, visit www.bigislandfestival.com. To request a brochure or register by phone call 1-866-424-FEST (3378, toll-free) or, in Hawaii, 808-934-9044. For guestroom information call a preferred travel planner, 1-800-HILTONS or Hilton Waikoloa Village direct at 808-886-1234. Special room and ticket packages to come. Be sure to ask about the Platinum Pass.

The Fifth Annual Hawaii’s Big Island Festival is a production of the Big Island Group (BIG), a promotional alliance that includes Classic Resort, Hilton Waikoloa Village, Mauna Kea Properties, Mauna Kea Resorts, PowerLight Corp., Waikoloa Beach Marriott, and corporate and community sponsors. Participating resorts and sponsors include Hawaii Tourism Authority, Big Island Visitors Bureau, County of Hawaii, Hawaiian Springs Natural Water, Hilton Waikoloa Village, and O’Keefe and Sons.

About the Village
Hilton Waikoloa Village on Hawaii’s Big Island offers lush tropical gardens, exotic wildlife, cascading waterfalls, tranquil lagoons and waterways, playful dolphins, three swimming pools, beautifully appointed guest rooms and extensive indoor and outdoor meeting and event venues. The resort also boasts two championship golf courses, a seaside putting course, world-class tennis, the luxurious Kohala Sports Club & Spa, nine international cuisine restaurants, the Museum Walkway, Camp Menehune children’s program and Hawaiian cultural activities.

For reservations, call toll-free at 1-800-HILTONS (1-800-445-8667) from the U.S. and Canada or visit www.hiltonwaikoloavillage.com or call the resort directly at (808) 886-1234.

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Dolphin Quest Honored Nationally as One of the 50 Best Places to Work

2006-09-13T07:53:00.000-10:00

Press Contact: Jason Price
540-687-5958 x201 jprice@dolphinquest.org
www.dolphinquest.org
www.shrm.org/bestcompanies/release.asp

For Immediate Release:

Dolphin Quest Honored Nationally as One of the 50 Best Places to Work
SHRM and GPTW Name Top 50 "Best Small
& Medium Companies to Work for in America"

(Washington, D.C. – June 26th, 2006) Dolphin Quest has been named among the top 50 Best Small & Medium Companies to Work for in America. The list was announced on June 26th before an audience of more than 12,000 at the Society for Human Resource Management's (SHRM) 58th Annual Conference & Exposition in Washington, D.C.

This is the third year of the list, which ranks the top 25 small and top 25 medium-sized companies in America that use smart people management strategies to develop successful organizations with highly productive and satisfied workforces. The organizations, ranging in size from 50 to 999 employees, were announced by SHRM and selected and ranked by the Great Place to Work® Institute (GPTW.) The results were based on a randomly distributed employee opinion survey. Each company evaluated was given a score based on employees' responses to a detailed questionnaire about the organizations' workplace cultures.

Stories about the winning organizations will appear in the July issue of HR Magazine, the Society's flagship publication with a circulation of 200,000 (available at www.shrm.org/hrmagazine). The winning organizations will also be listed on the GPTW web site at www.greatplacetowork.com.

“I hope our Crew Members see this award is an affirmation of the tremendous contributions made by each member of the Dolphin Quest team,” says Rae Stone, DVM, Dolphin Quest founding partner.

“We provide the framework for the work environment; the employees turn that into reality,” explains Jay Sweeney, VMD, Dolphin Quest founding partner. “In the true sense of operant conditioning, we are rewarding good behavior, and our employees are rewarding us.

Dolphin Quest is an international organization devoted to the public education and conservation of marine wildlife. Dolphin Quest offers innovative dolphin encounter programs in Hawaii and Bermuda that promote a spirit of connection to the marvels of the oceans. The company’s team is spread over five locations around the globe including its dolphin interactive locations on Hawaii’s Big Island, Oahu, and Bermuda, as well as its two corporate offices located in San Diego, California and Northern Virginia.

Dolphin Quest is truly guided every day by its mission and values. Crew members proudly carry business card sized reminders of the mission, vision, values, and customer service standards. Daily crew member POW WOW’s are held at each location to discuss company values and create opportunities to share fun guest experiences and stories.

“Our Values are a living part of our Culture. I am always excited to hear about a crew member bringing up our Values when making daily decisions,” says Stone. “Our crew is reinforced daily by powerful guest experiences. They see how these experiences can have a life changing impact on our guests, and I believe this is a reaffirmation of the good things that we do.”

“We have actually learned a lot from our dolphins and dolphin behaviorists about how to maintain an enriching, fun, and productive work environment,” explains Jeff Jouett, Dolphin Quest CEO. “We have been able to integrate some of these lessons learned into our daily culture and have even shared these lessons from dolphins with other organizations to assist them with things like promoting teamwork, maintaining effective communication, and motivating employees.”

"Small and medium-sized companies make up the majority of the American economy and workforce," said SHRM President and CEO Susan R. Meisinger, SPHR. "These winning organizations demonstrate that making effective use of the workforce is key to their success, and they must be recognized for their accomplishments."

Great Places to Work® Institute cofounder, Robert Levering, said, "These companies stand out because their employees find them to be places where they can trust the management, have pride in their work and have fun at work. Other companies have much to learn about how to both be productive and do right by their people."

SHRM is the world's largest association devoted to human resource management. Representing more than 200,000 individual members, the Society's mission is both to serve human resource management professionals and to advance the profession. Founded in 1948, SHRM currently has more than 500 affiliated chapters and members in more than 100 countries.

Great Place to Work® Institute, Inc., is a global research and consulting firm dedicated to "building a better society by helping companies transform their workplaces." Great Place to Work® Institute works with FORTUNE Magazine, HR Magazine and other leading publications in 28 countries around the world to publish and recognize the "Best Companies to Work for". In addition to its global headquarters in San Francisco, Great Place to Work® Institute has 28 affiliates in countries throughout North America, South America, Europe and Asia.

Dolphin Quest is an international organization devoted to the public education and conservation of marine wildlife. The organization is world-renowned for its creative approach to education, commitment to ocean wildlife research, exemplary animal health care, and successful breeding programs. Dolphin Quest’s innovative dolphin encounter programs promote a spirit of connection to the marvels of the oceans. Dolphin Quest is a long time member of the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums and is operated by two leading marine mammal veterinarians.

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'Bounty Hunter' is captured by his new bride at Hilton Waikoloa Village®

2006-09-13T07:51:00.000-10:00

'Bounty Hunter' is captured by his new bride at Hilton Waikoloa Village®

Aloha!

After much anticipation, the "Dog Days of Summer" have finally arrived! For Dog Fans and not-so-Dog fans alike this is an episode not to be missed as it showcases Hilton Waikoloa Village. It's a 2-hour special on Tuesday, August 8th starting at 8:00 pm on A&E Network. The first hour features Dog's bounty hunt on Oahu and the Big Island, and the second hour focuses on the wedding activities and celebration filmed in May 2006 at Hilton Waikoloa Village. For you early risers, Dog and Beth Chapman will be on Good Morning America "live" on August 8th, too.

Here's a description of each episode:

1st episode: Bonds of Love
Tuesday, August 8th at 8:00 pm and Wednesday, August 9th at 12 Midnight on A&E Television Network
Dog and Beth are finally getting married! They've been together for more than ten years but Dog is determined, as he puts it, to "marry his common law wife the Christian way." There are big nuptials planned on the Big Island but before the couple and their family and friends can fly over, there's a lot to be done. First and foremost they have to catch Brice, a Coast Guard yeoman who's fallen on hard times due to drugs. But he's not easy to find, and there is a wedding to plan. So while they wait for leads, canvass his known hangouts and cultivate informants, they mix in dress and tuxedo fittings, marriage licensing and bridal showers.

2nd episode: To Love and To Cherish
Tuesday, August 8th at 9:00 pm and Wednesday, August 9th at 1:00 am on A&E Television Network
Dog, Beth and the posse are off to the Big Island for their wedding. They hope to relax for a few days and take care of final details but it turns out Leland has a fugitive he needs to capture--and despite the limited time, neither Dog nor Beth can resist the opportunity to bring a fugitive to justice. The next morning, on what should be the most joyful day of Dog and Beth's life together, tragedy strikes. Dog learns that his eldest daughter, Barbara, has been killed in a horrific car accident hours earlier. Dog is bereft--family means everything to him. He and Beth talk to their preacher about whether or not to go on with the wedding. So, in the face of death, Dog and Beth decide they must choose life. The day is marked with both sorrow and joy as they celebrate their love and are married, as Dog says, "in front of God and the world."

Spread the word!

Leanne M. Pletcher
Marketing Manager
Hilton Waikoloa Village 425 Waikoloa Beach Drive
Waikoloa, Hawaii 96738
email: leanne_pletcher@hilton.com
website: www.HiltonWaikoloaVillage.com
tel: 808-886-2860
fax: 808-886-2901

Hilton Waikoloa Village Announces T3 Internet Services

2006-09-13T07:50:00.000-10:00

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Weekend Publishing Retreat on the Big Island

2006-09-13T07:48:00.000-10:00

Weekend Publishing Retreat on the Big Island
"LIVING THE WRITER'S LIFE"
with Cristina Salat

DATES: August 25 - 27
TIMES: 5 am - 8 pm Friday; 9 am - 7 pm Saturday; 9 am - 3 pm Sunday

ABOUT THE RETREAT

The life of a writer--whether a budding beginner or a published professional moving toward the next stage of success--is an adventure filled with twists and turns worthy of any bestseller!

This adventurous, hands-on retreat includes riveting chapters such as: "Learning To Swim" - diving deeper into emotional content and dramatic plot devices; "Big Pond, Little Fish" - dealing with discouragement, inner demons, and success; "Swimming With Sharks" - approaching and surviving the publishing industry; "Lost At Sea" - workshopping that problematic scene (from your work-in-progress); "Landing The Big One" - making deals and contract negotiations; and "Life In The Fish Bowl" - enjoying the promotional fruits of success.

Enjoy intellectual camaraderie, skill honing, and creative growth with a community of peers in a beautiful, inspirational setting--with six delicious catered meals provided. Open to writers in all genres, including novelists, essayists, short story writers, journalists, writers for children, scriptwriters, playwrights, poets, singer-songwriters, and more. Housing in private rooms (shared baths) at the Volcano B&B, where the retreat is held, is available for an extra fee.

ABOUT THE FACILITATOR

Cristina Salat is published by Bantam Books, Dell Yearling, Harper Collins, and more. Her titles include children’s picture book Peanut’s Emergency, a Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People 2003, and young adult novels Living in Secret and Alias Diamond Jones. She has edited "behind the New York desk" and freelance for publishers, newspapers, magazines, and authors nationwide.

REGISTRATION & FINANCIAL AID

Cost is $250 for the retreat only ($232 VAC members) or $380 for retreat + 2 nights housing in a private room ($362 VAC members). Substantial educational subsidies are available for financially needy students. To register or apply for financial aid, call 967-8222 or visit www.volcanoartcenter.org.

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Julie Mitchell
Education Coordinator
Volcano Art Center
PO Box 129
Volcano, HI 96785
Phone: (808) 967-8222
Fax: (808) 967-8512Email: info@volcanoartcenter.org
www.volcanoartcenter.org

HAWAI`I’S BIG ISLAND – CALENDAR OF EVENTS

2006-08-01T07:51:00.000-10:00

Media Contact:
Keely Baribeau, Novom Marketing, (323) 882-8333, kbaribeau@novom.com

HAWAI`I’S BIG ISLAND – CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Hawai`i’s Island of Adventure offers a wide spectrum of island events and activities.

HAWAI`I’S BIG ISLAND – The following events and cultural activities take place on Hawai`i’s Big Island – Hawai`i’s Island of Adventure throughout the Fall of 2006:

August Events:
Aloha Festivals (August – September) – This month-long celebration features all different facets of Hawaiian culture. This is an island-wide festival. Please call (800) 852-7690 or visit www.alohafestivals.com for more information.

3rd Annual Hawai`i’s World Heritage Festival (August 19) – Hawai`i’s World Heritage Festival showcases the cultural diversity that defines Hawai`i. Japanese, Hawaiian, Chinese, Okinawan, Korean, Portuguese, Caucasian and other ethnic groups demonstrate their distinctive food, art and performances. Experience this tapestry of woven cultures reflective of Hawai`i's heritage. Location: Kalakaua Park – Hilo. Fee: Free! Please call (808) 933-9772 or email: amoon@bigisland.com for more information.

Celebrating Hakalau – Its people, Its stories, Its spirit! (August 26) – Wailea and Hakalau elders will be honored in a photo exhibit enhanced with story telling, music, dance and food from plantation days. Enjoy stew and rice dinner starting at 5:30 p.m., a photo exhibit from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. and the celebration program from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. Motonaga Gallery is located on Hwy. 19 at the 15 mile marker. Fee: $12. Please call (808) 963-6422 or email msakiko@hawaii.rr.com for reservations and information.

Nā Mea Hawai`i Hula Kahiko (August 26) – Come see traditional hula and chant performed outdoors in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park on the hula platform overlooking Kilāuea Crater. This performance features Na Pua Ha'aheo O Kona under the direction of kumu hula Roy Palacat. For more information, visit www.volcanoartcenter.org or call (808) 967-8222.

Paniolo Day (August 26) – Celebrate Paniolo (Hawaiian Cowboys) history and traditions. Enjoy beef tasting, coordinated by the Hawaiian Cattlemen's Association, a Paniolo Hall of Fame Display and Paniolo Art Exhibit by local artist Marcia Ray. Stroll through the sidewalk sale throughout the Shopping Center and partake in the giveaway of cowboy hats and bandannas with your purchases – limited supply. Location: Parker Ranch Center – Waimea.
Please call (808) 885-7178 or visit: www.parkerranchcenterads.com for more information.
www.bigisland.org · www.hawaiibigisland.jp · www.meetbigisland.com
Big Island Visitors Bureau · 250 Keawe Street, Hilo, Hawaii 96720 · Tel. (808) 961-5797 · Fax (808) 961-2126

September Events:
Queen Lili’uokalani Canoe Races (Sept. 1 – 4) – Began in 1972, this is the largest long distance canoe race in the world. This event features a torchlight parade, dance and luau awards ceremony. The Kai ‘Opua Canoe Club hosts the event. Please visit www.kaiopua.org or call (808) 331-8849 to learn more about this event.

Annual Aloha Festivals Poke Contest (Sept. 9) – Celebrate "Hawai`i's Soul Food" in this annual celebration of a popular side dish called poke (say po-keh) made from raw fresh fish diced or cubed and complemented with an endless variety of ingredients and spices including soy sauce, onion, sesame seeds, limu (seaweed), garlic, etc. Location: Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel. For information and ticket prices call (808) 880-1111 or visit www.pokecontest.com .

4th Annual E Hula Mai Kaua (mid-Sept.) – This hula competition is held at the Outrigger Keahou Beach Resort Luau Garden as part of the Aloha Festivals. It features couples expressing their song while dancing towards their partner. Please visit www.alohafestivals.com/v3/pages/events/hawaii.jsp or call (808) 324-1621 for more information.

24th Annual Kupuna Hula Festival (Sept. 21) – This is a hula competition held for elders in Kailua-Kona. Hawai`ian arts, crafts, displays, demonstrations and an appearance by the Royal Court are also scheduled. Please visit www.alohafestivals.com/v3/pages/events/hawaii.jsp or call (808) 961-8592 or (808) 322-1812 for more information.

He Hali‘a O Lili‘uokalani (Sept. 24) – A hula performance danced simultaneously by a gathering of local hula halau (schools) in Queen Lili`uokalani Park, Hilo to honor the last reigning monarch of Hawai`i. Please contact (808) 961-8706 or email rwaltjen@co.hawaii.hi.us for more information.

October Events:
Mealani’s A Taste of the Hawaiian Range Agricultural Festival (October 6) – The annual culinary event features over 50 of Hawaii's premier chefs, each preparing and serving an entree of forage-raised beef, veal, bison, venison, mutton, goat, lamb, pork or poultry. It's an "all-you-can-eat" affair, sponsored by the University of Hawai`i College of Tropical Agriculture. Hilton Waikoloa Village. Please call (808) 322-4892 or visit www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/taste for more information.

Hawai`i Music Conference at Outrigger Keauhou Beach (Oct. 6 – 7) – What is Hawaiian Music? Ask anyone and you will get a different answer. However, most will agree Hawaiian music is unique to Hawai`i. The Hawai`i Island Economic Development Board (HIEDB), the Hawai`i Academy of Recording Arts (HARA) and the Hawai`i Tourism Authority (HTA) are presenting a conference about Hawaiian music. For more information, contact Skylark Rossetti sky@hiedb.org or call (808) 935-2180.

Tahiti Fete of Hilo (October 7 – 8) – This is a Polynesian Dance Competition extravaganza! Special guest performers, craft vendors and local foods highlight this fun and exciting weekend event at Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium in Hilo. For more information, please go to www.tahitifest.com or call (808) 935-3002 or email Pua Tokumoto PuaTahiti@aol.com .

Voices of Hawaii: Healing in the Spirit of Aloha Conference (Oct. 9 – 13) – The Naniloa Resort Hotel, Hilo hosts this conference that will give participants hands-on learning with the kupuna and some of the up and coming kumu who are carrying on traditional Hawaiian healing. Workshops will include lomi lomi (spiritual massage), laau lapaau (the use of medicinal plants), oli (chant) Hawaiian spirituality, olelo (language) and hooponopono (spiritual cleansing and forgiveness). Call (808) 959-2258 or www.healinginparadise.org for more information

Ironman Triathlon (Oct. 21) – The one, the only, the incredibly grueling, internationally coveted Ironman Triathlon. Athletes converge in Kona for a 2.4-mile ocean swim, 112-mile bike race and 26.2-mile run. This is the granddaddy of triathlons. (808) 329-0063 and www.ironmanlive.com provide more information.

"OBAKE!!" (Japanese word for "Ghost"): The Seen And Unseen Worlds (Oct. 28) – This event is presented by the Wailea Village Historic Preservation Community. Celebrate Halloween, local-style, with an evening of obake (ghost) stories, music and food. Join Hilo’s famed actor/director Jackie Pualani Johnson and friends who will tell stories they have heard from plantation old-timers – all of them TRUE!! Location: Motonaga Garage Gallery in Wailea Village at Akiko's B&B. For more information & reservations, please call (808) 963-6422 or visit www.alternative-hawaii.com/akiko/calendar.htm.

November Events:
Kona Coffee Cultural Festival (Nov. 3-12) – Hawai`i’s oldest food festival, this annual event draws coffee lovers, cupping competition enthusiasts and the top coffee farms on the island. Please visit www.konacoffeefest.com or call (808) 326-7820 for more information.

Coffee and Art Stroll (Nov. 4) – Take a stroll through the quaint village of Holualoa’s local art galleries. Each gallery will be hosting a Kona Coffee farm, sharing free samples. Enjoy live local music. Free to the public. For more information contact Sarah Bello at (808) 322-5220 or visit www.holualoahawaii.com.

Moku O Keawe International Festival (Nov. 8-12) - The first annual Moku O Keawe International Festival will be held at the Waikoloa Beach Resort. Halaus from across the world will take place in this hula competition and celebration. Judges include the legendary Hula Masters Nani LimYap and Nalani Kanaka'ole Zane. Competitions, festivities and cultural workshops including Tapa making, Puniu making and Hula will take place. Visit www.mokuokeawe.org for a schedule of events and more information.

Hawai`i’s Big Island Festival (Nov. 17 – 19) – This three-day festival treats guests throughout the Big Island to a menu of culinary seminars; food and wine tasting; spa and healing offerings; golf tournaments and Hawaiian cultural events. Please visit www.bigislandfestival.com or call (866) 424-FEST for more information.

‘Iolani Luahine Hula Festival & Scholarship Competition (Nov. 18 – 19) – The third annual `Iolani Luahine Hula Festival and Hula Scholarship Competition honors Hawai`i Island`s cherished cultural historian, legendary Hula Master and Living Treasure, `Iolani Luahine. Performance, talk story and films held on the front lawn of the Kona Inn. Fee: $5.00 donation. Location: Historic Kona Inn in Kailua, Kona. Please call (808) 935-3461 for more information.

Christmas in the Country (Nov. 18 – 19 and 24 – 26, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) – This yuletide celebration takes place at the Volcano Art Center in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park. Local crafters sell ornaments and gifts. Curious visitors wander through the Exhibit of Wreaths and Holiday Treasures. Children and adults nibble on Christmas cookies. There are even occasional visits from Santa Claus himself! Please call (808) 967-7565 for more information.

December Events:
Waimea Christmas Twilight Parade and All-Day Festival (Dec. 2) – This twinkling holiday procession enters its 46th year in Waimea. A full day of events is capped by a festive parade beginning at 6:00 p.m. from historic Church Row to the Parker Ranch Center. Please call (808) 937-2833 for more information.

Mark Twain Festival (Dec. 6 – 10) – This festival celebrates Mark Twain’s visit to Ka`u and Kilauea volcano. Events at Na`alehu Theatre include presentations and films along with musical and dance performances. Admissions vary. Location: Na’alehu & Pahala, Ka`u. For more information, please call (808) 896-1911 or email chelle@alohablooms.com.

Holualoa’s Music and Light Festival (December 8) – The tree lighting countdown begins at 6:00 p.m. All Holualua stores will be open with live local music and food booths. For more information contact Sarah Bello at (808) 322-5220 or visit www.holualoahawaii.com.

Wailea Village Historic Preservation – Mochi Pounding (Dec. 30) –Celebrate the New Year with traditional Japanese demonstrations of mochi pounding, Okinawa drumming, kite making, and arts and crafts. Free admission, workshop fees vary. Location: Motonaga Garage Gallery in Wailea Village. For more information, please call (808) 963-6422 or visit www.alternative-hawaii.com/akiko/calendar.htm.

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For more information on Hawai`i’s Big Island, please visit www.bigisland.org

FROM CHILL TO SIZZLE, HAWAI`I’S BIG ISLAND OFFERS THRILLING OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

2006-08-01T07:49:00.000-10:00

Media Contacts:
Los Angeles, Keely Baribeau, Novom Marketing, (323) 882-8333, kbaribeau@novom.com
Hilo, Jessica Ferracane (808) 961-5005, bivbpr@hvcb.org

FROM CHILL TO SIZZLE, HAWAI`I’S BIG ISLAND OFFERS THRILLING OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

HAWAI`I’S BIG ISLAND – July 2006 – The island of Hawai`i is the ideal playground for outdoor enthusiasts who are enchanted by the frosty, high-altitude slopes of Mauna Kea mountain, the fiery lava of Kilāuea volcano, the crystal-clear ocean that surrounds them and a mesmerizing Hawaiian culture that connects it all. Hawai`i’s Big Island offers adventures that encompass everything Hawai`i, from chill to sizzle.

Hawai`i’s Big Island is the largest of the Hawaiian Islands and 11 of the world’s 13 climactic regions shape its amazing diversity. It is a nature-lover’s paradise with a spectacular array of outdoor adventures that introduce visitors to the Big Island’s wilder side:

Chillin’ on Mauna Kea – Rising above the clouds, and some 13,796 feet above sea level, the remote peaks of Mauna Kea (White Mountain) are often snow-capped during winter months, and offer a stellar vantage point for sunsets and stargazing year-round. Mauna Kea is home to the world’s most powerful observatories and telescopes, and is sacred to Hawaiians. Adventurers with a sense of respect and a 4WD vehicle can explore Mauna Kea on their own, making sure to dress in winter clothes, and stopping at the Visitors Center (about 9,000-ft. level) to acclimate to the thin air and high altitude. There is no admission fee, but visitors need to pay attention to weather reports, as Mauna Kea is off limits during hazardous weather conditions. For a more in-depth introduction to Mauna Kea and the vast sky above, enthusiasts can opt for an organized summit stargazing expedition with several reputable tour operators. They supply everything from fascinating interpretation, transportation, hot drinks, meals and warm parkas. Note: Pregnant women, people with respiratory problems and young children should avoid the summit.

Sizzlin’ at Kilāuea – Hawai`i Island is all about volcanoes, and the world’s most active volcano Kilāuea, is home to Pele, the Hawaiian fire goddess. She graciously allows rangers, scientists and visitors of Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park (HVNP) to co-exist around her, and the park has become Hawai`i’s most popular attraction. Its whopping 330,000 acres stretch from sea level to the summit of Mauna Loa, earth’s most massive volcano at 13, 677 feet. Information at the Kilāuea Visitor Center points adventurers in the direction of excellent hiking trails, ranger-guided hikes, cultural performances, to features like steam vents, gaping craters, Thurston Lava Tube (Nāhuku),

Jaggar Museum – and, Pele permitting – to the indescribable phenomenon of flowing
lava. (Sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes are a must!) Explore on your own, or several well-known tour companies offer interpretative hikes through HVNP. It is impossible to take in all of HVNP’s amazing facets in a single trip and true outdoor enthusiasts will want to spend at least a few days exploring here.

Cool Change – One of the best ways to understand the diversity of Hawai`i’s Big Island is to get off the island and observe it from the ocean or the air. A fleet of charter boats – ranging from Hawaiian sailing catamarans, sleek powerboats and a real submarine – transport adventurous passengers to pristine bays for snorkeling and scuba diving, out to the world famous deep-sea fishing grounds off the Kona Coast, or even 100 feet beneath the surface to witness a kaleidoscope of Hawaiian marine life. Kayak excursions and outrigger canoe paddling – Hawaii’s #1 competitive sport – put the thrill of oceanic adventure into travelers’ hands. Surfing (he`e nalu) was invented by Hawaiians, and the Big Island surf breaks are so treasured that songs have been written about them. Surf lessons are a perfect way to learn where to go and what to do.

From the air, spirited visitors revel in aerial views of Hawai`i’s Big Island, peering into the molten lava of Pu`u `ō `ō vent, or verdant valleys too remote to reach on foot. They soar past vertical sea cliffs, turbulent waterfalls and over the transparent, turquoise sea. Helicopters and flight-seeing airplanes provide an entirely different perspective.

Red-Hot Bike Rides – The warm weather and scenic views make Hawai`i’s Big Island a cyclist’s dream – just ask any Ironman triathlete. Cycling fanatics can pedal along the infamous Ironman route from Kailua-Kona to Hāwī, cruise through Kona coffee country, enjoy a peaceful ride through a former sugar town to Waipi`o Lookout, or get off the pavement and face the challenges of Mana Road on the slopes of Mauna Kea. Bike rentals are easy to come by and guided tours, complete with support vehicle assistance, are a fun way to get off the beaten path.

Cool Cowboys – Paniolo, or Hawaiian cowboys, have worked the livestock pastures along the mountain slopes of Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea, Hualālai and Kohala since the 1800s and continuing today. Adventurers who want to ride the Hawaiian range, whether on horseback or on the back of an ATV, will find many options on Hawai`i’s Big Island, plus get a rare glimpse into the life of a paniolo. Scenic, guided horseback rides to other island hot spots include trail rides to the Captain Cook monument at Kealakekua Bay and into lush, mesmerizing Waipi`o Valley. And who can resist a chance to kayak down miles of North Kohala sugar plantation irrigation ditches on kayaks, just like the plantation kids did in the old days?

For travelers seeking an authentic adventure, Hawai`i’s Big Island has everything Hawai`i, from chill to sizzle!

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For more information, visit www.bigisland.org

COLOR, COLOR, COLOR ADORNS WALLS OF PUUOPELU GALLERY DURING D¹LINN SHOWING

2006-08-01T06:57:00.000-10:00

MEDIA RELEASE

Contact: Diane S. Quitiquit, Parker Ranch
808.885.2303 FAX 808.887.1774
E-mail dq@parkerranch.com
Vicky Kometani, Current Events
808.326.7820
FAX 808.326.5634
vicky@current-events.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

COLOR, COLOR, COLOR ADORNS WALLS OF PUUOPELU GALLERY DURING D¹LINN SHOWING

Waimea, Big Island of Hawaii ~ Waimea artist D¹Linn has begun her latest show of paintings at Parker Ranch¹s Puuopelu Gallery. The colorful works of D¹Linn will be on display and for sale at the Historic Home's gallery through August.

Technically trained as a muralist with strong Bauhaus influences, D¹Linn received her Masters Degree in Art from the University of Missouri. The Bauhaus concept, from a German art and architecture school that operated from 1919 until many of the artists fled the Nazi regime in 1933, was based on structure, the foundation of all the arts. This "foundational" aspect of D¹Linn¹s education has been a living thread throughout all her work created from 1966 to the present. D¹Linn¹s art falls into four distinct categories; realism, impressionism, surrealism and abstraction, yet all are "contemporary art."

"Most of my work is abstraction because it is abstracted from experiences of life, which allow the viewer to create their own interpretation," explains D¹Linn. "My art has a strong sense of color and line no matter what the category it falls under."

D¹Linn has been recognized as an award winning and outstanding artist in Florida, North Carolina and Illinois. Married and now living in Waimea, the artist often welcomes visitors to her garden studio for viewing of work in production. Preferring to express herself and to impress the viewer into an experience that would not have occurred without the art/viewer relationship, D¹Linn recognizes the mutual love of the art experience that brings life to the "marriage" of artist and viewer.

Her work is in private collections around the world, including Korea, the Philippines, Japan, Germany, England, Canada and the United States.

The historic homes of Mana Hale and Puuopelu, along with their gardens and the Gallery are open to the public 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Admission is $9.00 for adults, $8.50 for seniors and $7.00 for children younger than 12.

Parker Ranch surrounds the town of Waimea and spreads between the Kohala Mountains and Mauna Kea. The Parker Ranch Visitor Center is approximately 37 miles by car from Kona International Airport and approximately 57 miles by car from Hilo Airport.

For more information call 808-885-5433 or visit www.parkerranch.com.

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Public Invited to Unveiling of Starburst Galaxy Image and ‘Galaxies Galore’ Event on Aug. 12

2006-08-01T06:56:00.000-10:00

MEDIA INFORMATION
For immediate release

Contact: Gloria Chun Hoo, Marketing and PR Manager
808-969-9705 gchunhoo@imiloahawaii.org

Public Invited to Unveiling of Starburst Galaxy Image
and ‘Galaxies Galore’ Event on Aug. 12

Hilo, Hawai`i – July, 26, 2006 -- The public is invited to a special ‘Galaxies Galore’ program at `Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawai`i on Saturday, August 12, 2006. This two-hour interactive program begins at 7:00 p.m. with the unveiling of a magnificent image of Messier 82 (M82), a starburst galaxy, captured by the Hubble Space Telescope in March 2006. The evening’s program will include presentations by local astronomers and an exciting three-dimensional journey to the distant galaxy in the Center’s popular 4D2U or Voyage Through Space Theater follow the unveiling.

Richard Crowe, `Imiloa Astronomer-in-Residence and UH Hilo Professor of Physics and Astronomy, will show additional images of M82, as well as spectacular photographs of other galaxies taken from telescopes atop Mauna Kea. Inge Heyer, Joint Astronomy Centre Science Outreach Specialist, will discuss the Hubble Space Telescope and its deepest views of the universe. The 3D voyage to M82 will be led by Subaru astronomer Catherine Ishida.
Since 1990, Hubble Space Telescope (HST) has completed 93,500 orbits around the Earth, the equivalent of 2.4 billion miles. The orbiting observatory generates 10 billion bytes of data every day—enough information to fill up the hard drive of a typical home computer in about a week. Thousands of astronomers around the world have used HST to photograph images of approximately 24,000 celestial objects.

Stunning M82 images to be featured during `Imiloa Astronomy Center’s program were recently released by NASA and the European Space Agency, two agencies involved in the project, to celebrate Hubble Space Telescope’s 16 years of success. M82 is remarkable for its bright blue disk, webs of shredded clouds, and fiery-looking plumes of glowing hydrogen apparently blasting out of its central regions.
The `Galaxies Galore’ program is geared for all ages, and admission is free to `Imiloa members, and is $5.00 per person for the general public. Reservations are required and space is limited. To reserve a seat, sign up at the ticket office at `Imiloa Astronomy Center, call 808-969-9711 or send an email to info@imiloahawaii.org. Include your name, event (Galaxies Galore), telephone number, and the number of people in your party. Your reservation will be confirmed by phone or email.

`Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawai`i is located at 600 `Imiloa Place in Hilo. The Center is open Tuesdays through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information about `Imiloa Astronomy Center, go to www.imiloahawaii.org.

# # #

Gloria Chun Hoo
Marketing and PR Manager
`Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawai`i
600 Imiloa Place, Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Phone: 808-969-9705
FAX: 808-969-9748
gchunhoo@imiloahawaii.org
www.imiloahawaii.org