BUSINESS BRIEFS
Panda Travel launches Web site
Advertiser Staff
Honolulu-based Panda Travel has launched a new Web site aimed at travelers planning a Hawai'i vacation.
The site, www.airtohawaii.com, is a "one-stop travel site where vacationers can find all the information they need — including the best prices and availability of airfare, accommodations and activities — to plan their Hawai'i dream vacation," the company said in a news release.
"After nearly 30 years of booking Hawai'i vacations, we really do know a lot about the islands and how to plan a truly spectacular Hawai'i trip ... ," said Michael Person, director of online marketing for Panda Travel.
NO POT-PIE SALMONELLA HERE YET
The state Department of Health says there have been no reported cases of salmonella in Hawai'i in the wake of a federal health alert regarding frozen pot pies.
Officials are advising consumers not to eat ConAgra frozen pot pies with "P9" in the identification code printed on the box. The pot pies are sold under Banquet and store-brand names, each containing the "P9" identifier.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture issued a federal health alert advising consumers that the product has been associated with an outbreak of salmonella in approximately 30 states.
Both the Food Safety and Inspection Service of USDA and ConAgra, the manufacturer of the pot pies, believe the problem is related to the undercooking of the product by the consumer.
DISCUSS CULTURAL VALUES IN WAIKIKI
"How Cultural Values Are Driving Change In Waikiki" is the topic for discussion at the Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce's luncheon meeting scheduled for Oct. 18.
Manu Boyd, noted kumu hula, entertainer and cultural director of the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center, will discuss how Hawaiian cultural values are influencing the new Waikiki renaissance at the organization's monthly membership event.
Registration starts at 11:30 a.m., with lunch and the program following at noon. Cost for members is $15 and $20 for non-members. The location is 1451 Queen Emma St. For more information, or to register, call Pauline Worsham at 951-5373 or send her an e-mail at pauline@pmwconsult.com.
ALASKA AIRLINES DANCES INTO SERVICE
Alaska Airlines celebrates its new service to Hawai'i tomorrow at Honolulu International Airport with performances by Alaska native dancers and Hawaiian dancers.
The airline will operate daily flights between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Honolulu. The airline also will offer nonstop service between Seattle and Lihu'e beginning Oct. 28. Service between Anchorage and Honolulu is scheduled to start Dec. 9. The service will be aboard Boeing 737-800s, with 16 first-class and 141 coach-class seats.
Alaska Airlines also purchased certain assets of Anchorage-based tour operator Hawaiian Vacations last month, gaining the company's bookings, brand and Web site.
HAWAIIAN PUNCH GOES INDEPENDENT
The owner of the Hawaiian Punch brand will be spun off from Cadbury Schweppes Plc and become an independent company.
The unit, Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages, operates in the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Carribean. Besides Hawaiian Punch, the company also makes and distributes Dr. Pepper, 7Up, Snapple, Mott's and Canada Dry.
