Under the strain of soaring fuel costs, travelers are faced with higher airfares causing many tourists to think twice about visiting Hawaii. And anytime there’s a dramatic drop in tourism, the ripple effect on our economy extends far beyond Waikiki, to the businesses and workers that count on tourist dollars to survive.

Outrigger Enterprises, one of the largest privately-held leisure lodging companies in the Asia Pacific region, recently saw a drop in local bookings and is bracing for the months ahead. Joining us live Tuesday to answer your questions on the economy, the visitor in industry and its impact on the local economy will be David Carey, Outrigger’s president and CEO. Outrigger Enterprises recently completed its Waikiki Beach Walk, the major $535-million revamp of the area bordered by Kalakaua Avenue, Lewers  Street, Kalia Road,  Beach Walk and Saratoga Road, with 40 new retail shops, outdoor entertainment, restaurants and more. David will take your questions live here on the Hot Seat Tuesday, from noon to 1 p.m.

To join the conversation, watch for the new posting that will go up at noon Tuesday and post your questions there during the hour. If you can’t make the session live, you can e-mail your questions to me in advance at jmbelding@honoluluadvertiser.com and I’ll try to get in as many as I can in between the live posts, but it’s best to post them yourself because this will be a busy hour.

See you Tuesday at noon, with Outrigger’s David Carey.

 No doubt, there have been many changes in UH Manoa’s athletics department. From the departure of June Jones to the subsequent push to beef up campus sports facilities to the dustup over who traveled on the Sugar Bowl express, so to speak. And one of the biggest changes in recent weeks is the selection of the university’s new athletic director.  

I’m sure there’s no shortage of questions out there surrounding UH athletics. So get ready:  UH Athletic Director Jim Donovan will answer your questions live, here on the Hot Seat Wednesday from noon to 1 p.m. It’s just an hour-long session, so you won’t want to miss it.

To join the conversation, watch for the new posting that will go up at noon Wednesday and post your questions there during the hour. If you can’t make the session live, you can e-mail your questions to me in advance at jmbelding@honoluluadvertiser.comand I’ll try to get in as many as I can in between the live posts, but it’s best to post your  questions yourself because this will be a busy hour.

 See you Wednesday at noon, with UH’s Jim Donovan.    

Up next on the Hot Seat, we’ll have Suzanne Case, of the Nature Conservancy of Hawaii. She’ll take your questions live Wednesday (April 16) from noon to 1 p.m.

The Nature Conservancy ’s mission is to preserve plants, native species and natural environments by protecting the land and water needed for these species to survive. Part of the mission includes raising awareness of our precious coral reefs. That’s a vital role, considering Hawaii is home to more than 10,000 species of plants and animals found nowhere else on Earth, Case says.

The Nature Conservancy in Hawaii owns and manages 11 preserves, totaling roughly 40,000 acres statewide, according to Case. And they’ve helped government agencies protect another 160,000 acres.

To join the conversation, watch for the new posting that will go up at noon Wednesday and post your questions there. If you can’t make the live session, you can e-mail your questions in advance to me at jmbelding@honoluluadvertiser.com and I’ll try to get in as many as possible between the live posts.

See you Wednesday, with Suzanne Case.

Welcome to The Hot Seat.

Across the nation, Mothers Against Drunk Driving has been instrumental in an effort to reduce drunk driving and the resulting tragedies that can occur.

This legislative session MADD-Hawaii, led by Carol McNamee, is backing an ignition interlock bill.  Carol is with us live to answer your questions today from noon to 1 p.m.
Just a reminder of our Hot Seat rules: Please keep your questions concise. And let’s keep the conversation civil — no personal attacks please.
Ready? Let’s chat.