Posted on: Saturday, September 22, 2001

The September 11th attack
Most events on Big Island still on, officials say

By Hugh Clark
Advertiser Big Island Reporter

HILO, Hawai'i — Big Islanders in government and private industry yesterday said most of the island's activities are "on," from this weekend's county fair in Hilo to the Aloha Festivals Paniolo Parade in Waimea and next month's Ironman Triathlon in Kona.

Many tourists have deferred reservations, said representatives for hotels in South Kohala, but they have not necessarily canceled.

Big Island Mayor Harry Kim said he and others must now let Japanese tourists know they can safely come to Hawai'i.

An ad hoc group, led by Paula Helfrich of the Hawai'i Islands Economic Development Board and Peter Young, county deputy managing director, has formed to track economic repercussions from the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks — and to address trouble spots.

The island is economically challenged by last week's terrorist events, Kim said, but not necessarily lost. After a meeting in Honoka'a with business figures from both sides of the island, the mayor said unity on the island has never been stronger.

Kim said his administration will cancel none of its capital improvement projects, although a hiring freeze is on to protect the county's operating budget.

The mayor said he will push hard to move forward on stalled federal projects, including multimillion-dollar Saddle Road improvements— currently hung up in a contested case hearing.

Kim reported that the Federal Emergency Management Administration yesterday released money to repair Hilo's bayfront soccer fields, which have become overgrown since last November's floods.

Others said the picture may be more promising than previously thought.

American Classic Voyages reported that the cruise liners Independence will make calls in Hilo and Kona with occupancy at 80 percent capacity next week. The Patriot also making port calls, is almost full, with 1,111 passengers.