Aloha

Hawaii 's First Smoke-Free Hotel

Is Big Success, sees double-digit increases

               Since its conversion to Hawaii 's first entirely smoke-free hotel in November 2003, Waikiki 's OHANA Reef Lanai has seen its occupancy rate swell by double digits and clearly out-perform the average occupancies on Oahu .

               For the first three months of 2004, the OHANA Reef Lanai had an average occupancy of 87.4%, which compares with an average occupancy of 70.5% for the same period last year and the 81.4% average occupancy reported by hotels on Oahu in the first quarter, according to Smith Travel Research, Hospitality Advisors, LLC.
               "These occupancies confirm that there is clearly a demand for a non-smoking environment," said OHANA Hotels Vice President of Operations Chuck Shishido.  "We had many conversations on the possibility that we could lose business by converting to a 100 percent smoke free property, but we were committed to offering the cleanest air possible to our guests and it appears to be paying off."
               To accommodate guests who arrive at the hotel unaware of the no-smoking policy and who require a smoking room, hotel management finds alternate accommodations for them at one of the 11 other OHANA Hotels in Waikiki. These guests receive the same rate guaranteed in their original reservation and complimentary breakfast to compensate for the inconvenience.
               In January 2004, the hotel reported being 84% full, which is 22 occupancy percentage points higher than the 62% recorded in January 2003. The average occupancy for all Oahu hotels in January of this year was 77.7%.
               In February, the hotel was 96% full, a rate 8 percentage points higher than the previous year. Oahu hotels reported an average occupancy of 86.3%.
               And in March, OHANA Reef Lanai was 83% full, an increase of 20 percentage points over March 2003. This compares with an islandwide average occupancy of 80.2%.
               The 110-room boutique style hotel spent more than three months painstakingly cleaning and renovating all rooms and public areas. All fabrics, carpeting, furnishings, wall coverings and air filtration systems were replaced, cleaned or chemically treated to remove the remnants of smoke and smoke odor. The smoke-free policy even extends to Buzz's Steak & Lobster, which operates a bar and restaurant located on the lobby level.
               Lester Shim, general manager of the OHANA Reef Lanai, added how pleased    guests are to the property's new smoke-free policy. "Non-smoking travelers are actually seeking out our property and many have told us how much they appreciate the quality of the hotel's environment. We are excited about becoming a sought-after accommodation for non-smokers," Shim said.
               The OHANA Reef Lanai, at 225 Saratoga Road , is one of OHANA Hotels' family-friendly affordable hotels, offering close beach access, spectacular ocean and park views, rooms with balconies and some with kitchenettes, a coin-operated laundry facility, complimentary continental breakfast.

JOHN WINGARD DESIGNs IMAGE FOR ARQUETTE PROPERTIES.

              John Wingard Design has added Arquette Properties to its
list of active clients, and recently completed an updated logo and print
solutions for the company.
               A unique identity was the desired result for this firm, specializing in real estate services. The project  includes a complete identity package. The work represents ³An evolution in combining contemporary graphics with a classic Hawaiiana feel.² stated Wingard.

About Arquette Properties:
               Established in 1981, Arquette Properties provides real estate services including sales of residential homes and condominiums, property management services, and investment property services.
Visit www.arquetteproperties.com  to learn more about Arquette Properties.

About John Wingard Design:
               With over 20 local, national and international awards, John Wingard Designprovides marketing, advertising, web design and graphics-based communication to a diverse clientele throughout the Pacific Rim . Visit www.johnwingarddesign.com to learn more.

Unusual stone art debuts

             Called Ka Leo Pohaku - Those Who Listen To Stones, a new  exhibit opens May 21 through July 2 at The Exhibit Space, 1132 Bishop Street , Lobby Level.
               The show will feature Na Mea artists inspired by stone including: Solomon Apio, Peggy Chun, Lynn Cook, Kauka de Silva, Jeremiah Gruenberg, Shirley Hassenyager, Hanale Hopfe, Claude Horan, Scott Manley, Arna, Michael Mauricio, Ginny Walden, Kim Duffett, and others.
               For the opening Solomon Apio and Michael Mauricio will present carving demonstrations and Jeremiah Gruenberg will offer signed copies of his petroglyph book, Kii & Lii at a special exhibition discount.
               The exhibition was curated by David Behlke, director of the Koa Gallery at Kapiolani Community College , and Lynn Cook, petroglyph artist and Pacific Rim  rock art researcher.                    

              Bobbie Lau, Vice President of Colliers Monroe Friedlander Management says, "we are pleased to present an exhibition that has both artistic and educational value, connecting us back to the kii pohaku images, carved in stone by the first Polynesian voyagers."  

               Centuries old images have a universal appeal, as stone speaks to the artist, the artist listens and creates.  
               The Exhibit Space gallery offers free validated parking for up to the first ½ hour at the Lobby Security Desk. Parking entrance is the third driveway/ ewa side of Bishop Street after crossing Beretania Street .