The November issue of Pat Tummons’ Environment Hawaii newsletter includes a brief note about the international gardens at Honolulu International Airport, which “have long been sanctuary for weary travelers….”
Gardens Gone? The item describe construction preparations underway both at the concourse and garden levels, with plywood fences now blocking the view of the gardens.
Elsewhere in the garden area, benches suffered from neglect; stats between concrete standards appear to have been painted most recently in the last century, while the benches themselves wobble on a crumbling foundation. The once-manicured gardens are unkempt and overgrown. Sidewalks are unswept and untidy.
Before the recent neglect, the airport garden was among “Seven Picture-Perfect Airport Gardens” recommended by IndependentTraveler.com.
Environment Hawaii notes that email requests for comment from DOT Airports officials went unacknowledged.
Will the gardens be making way for new commercial development in the airport? I guess we have to wait and see what unfolds.
Discover more from i L i n d
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Why People Actually Like the Denver Airport
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/15/travel/denver-airport-kim-day.html?hpw&rref=travel&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=thumb&module=well-region®ion=bottom-well&WT.nav=bottom-well&_r=0
The relationship between airlines, airports and the T.S.A. is a mystery to most. What are the challenges there, and what can be streamlined?
Incheon Airport, in Seoul, Korea, is ranked No. 1 by passengers every year. I was talking to one of the people there and I asked: “What is it? What’s so magical?” And he said, “It’s because everyone — airport and airline personnel, security, concessionaires — we all share the same vision and we all deliver the same level of customer service.” So that’s one of our goals. Our airlines are a little bit easier; we have a good working relationship with them. The T.S.A. is a little removed, so that’s a tougher nut to crack. But we’ll start with the ones we can deal with — getting our airlines on board, getting our concessionaires on board.
What are some of your favorite airports overseas?
Love Munich — they are a sister airport. It’s so easy to transfer there. They really believe in the customer experience. Love the shopping. I love Schiphol in Amsterdam. The brand is so strong. You walk in and the tulips just overwhelm you. Narita in Tokyo is another sister airport. It’s another really strong brand. You have an opportunity to have one last experience of Tokyo before you get on the flight.
There’s been a lot of talk here in New York about what to do with La Guardia Airport, with a proposed $4 billion overhaul. Do you have any advice for those involved?
When La Guardia opened, it was beautiful and it worked. And it suffered through years of neglect and lack of vision. So what you do needs to be done with conviction, and there needs to be a continual commitment to keep it a wonderful asset. We feel our responsibility at Denver is to maintain our asset and improve it for those who come after us.