We returned from Hilo yesterday, and along the way got a couple of additional examples of the State Department of Transportation at work.
When we got into the large waiting room in the Hilo Airport, the flight information sign on our end looked fine, but when you got close enough to read it, the thing was stuck back at 3:57 a.m. on September 28, and showed the scheduled flights of that morning.
![[text]](http://ilind.net/images_2011/flight_info.jpg)
People would walk over to check their flight, puzzle over why it wasn’t listed, finally figure it that the sign was totally wacko, then casually walk away acting like nothing was amiss.
After watching it happen several times, I finally had the sense to pull out my iPhone and get this brief video.
When we finally landed in Honolulu, we followed the signs down the escalators to the baggage claim area. There we found a “helpful” state visitor information desk. Well, not so much. The place was empty, and a small sign pasted on the front of the counter explained: “Under construction, Counter is Closed.”
![[text]](http://ilind.net/images_2011/airport_info.jpg)
I wonder what visitors think when they see these little practical things in disarray, then see all the money being spent on landscaping just outside the airport.
Lucky we live Hawaii!
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Maybe TSA has taken over management of airport, too, as part of its extended martial law, 2011 version.
Used to be, going to Hilo was stepping back in time. Not just a few days either.
You’re lucky the escalator worked!!
Sounds quite typical as to how the State handles priorites..will the plants die, too?
You obviously didn’t drive down Nimitz Hwy on Sunday, where one lane was blocked so that Palm trees could be planted in the median strip.
Ian, you should have tried taking a cab from the Hono airport. You likely would have got a ride in a 15 to 20 year old car and with a driver who speaks little English……
Not to worry. This will all be fixed up for the week of APEC. And then promptly fall apart again.
Kind of like aging cities that clean up for the Olympics then return to discord after the heavily publicized event is over.
Interesting to see this airport topic discussed today in two very different blogs – the other one is in Stephen Tsai’s Warrior Beat in the Star-Advertiser. He had some interesting experiencesduring his return from covering the Warriors’ big win over LaTech.
Ian – how are your kitties? We’re sort of thinking about expanding our staff again but are going to wait until after the upcoming holiday season to see if the the firworks ban is really a reality.
I HAVE to admit, considering the “left-leaning” “progressive” nature of Ian’s online diary, the cynical comments being expressed here strikes me as ironic.
What is the problem? Any solutions?
Do taxes have to be raised to prevent such mistakes?
If so, how much additional tax revenue is needed?
Is privatization of our airports (and harbors) the answer?
Is the legislative branch to blame or the executive?
Is this the fault of the HGEA or some other public employee union?
Or is this all just a simple “cultural thing”, as in “what do you expect, it’s the big island dummy!”?
Somewhere there are real live human beings being paid to ensure our signs and escalators function properly.
Hawaii’s decrepit and poorly run airports are the perfect introduction for visitors. Once you’ve passed through one, you know you’ve left the industrialized world behind and landed in a tropical slum.
For years I have been wondering why our airport terminals are such a mess considering the vast amounts of money that have been spent there. I travel a lot nationally and internationally and have seen modernized airports become sources of local pride and magnets for business. Think Charlote NC as an example.
INDEED, if Hawaii’s airports are like a hotel lobby, then as first impressions go, our visitor industry is in trouble.
Welcome to Hawai’i. Corrupt third world country. And the HVCB has a budget of multimillions yearly. In 1997 it was 24 mil a year. and it has gone up since then of course. What do we have to show for it since then? decrepit conditions at the airport. the generic airport which has no sense of place. An overbuilt Waikiki that resembles wilshire blvd or vegas. Ulu Mau village gone. Kodak hula Show gone. The unique architecture, stores, restaurants hat once spelled Hawai’i for many. Gone! NOthing left for the education and entertainment of the visitors. Except insulting conditions throughout Hawai’i.