Capsun's Corner – by Capsun M. Poe

ADMITTING BLOGGERS

Later this morning, the Hawaii House Majority will host a “Meet the Media” Workshop at the State Capitol.  It’s primarily for the benefit of the new State Representatives, and also veteran legislators interested in effectively communicating with the media.  But what makes this one different is that in addition to print, TV, and radio political news reporters, they are allowing political bloggers and websites to attend.  Good job!

Now, I wonder if that meant I could attend…  I’m sure my fellow bloggers Georgette Deemer (the House Majority’s Communications Director) and Thelma Dreyer (the Assistant Communications Director) wouldn’t mind me attending (wink, wink).  But maybe I should leave it to the professionally trained journalists to go.

CHARLES DJOU

Honolulu Councilman Charles Djou (District 4) is parting ways with three of his staff members, as noted by Peter Boylan and Ian Lind.  Normally I would think this meant that those staffers were going to matriculate to his Congressional campaign, but then he says that he won’t speak on personnel matters.  And just this morning, the Star-Bulletin had this to say with aides describing their dismissals as “abrupt and unexpected.”

It’s odd that Djou is being so quiet about this matter. I always see or hear him on the news complaining about something.  He is usually the one calling for openness in government and allowing the public access and a say on the matter, then lambasting his colleagues for failing to do that.  So, what’s up with all the secrecy?  I might be making something out of nothing, but we’ll just see what ends up in the news.  I think a scandal with Djou is unlikely, but you never know.  Maybe he’ll be another Rene Mansho.  Or maybe he’s just flip-flopping again like he did on rail; once one of its harshest critics, he is now a supporter.

ENTICING FARES

Does this sound familiar?

A third airline enters the Hawaii inter-island jet travel market.  Backed by a mainland company with deep pockets, they introduce low fares that are probably below-cost in an attempt to pick-up additional market share and bleed their competitors in the process.

Sounds like June 2006, when go! Airlines started in Hawaii, right?  Well, it’s happening again, but this time Mokulele is starting the newest inter-island fare war and has brought back $39 tickets.  Looks like go!/Mesa may be run out of town using the same tactics they used on The Real Aloha Airlines.  And what makes it even sweeter is that Mokulele employs many of The Real Aloha’s fomer employees.  Remember to fly Hawaiian, Mokulele, or Island Air.

Reminders:

• 8 days left until Christmas – check out my gift recommendations.
• Don’t forget about the contest!  Share your memories of The Real Aloha Airlines for your chance to win a $10 Starbucks gift card.  Contest ends December 18th at 6 pm.

Mahalo!

P.S. Did anyone notice my A, B, C, D, E, F pattern in my title?  It took me forever to come up with “Enticing” to keep true to the pattern.  See what a nerd I am?

Tags: blogger, djou, Hawaiian Airlines, mokulele