Several "YES" (Young Entrepreneurs) members and other members of Small Business Hawaii recently toured the Hawaii Convention Center. One of the first questions on everyone's mind was why are local businesses discouraged from using the convention center? One of the minimum requirements to book a convention is to be able to reserve 500 hotel rooms. The state convention center also doesn't want to take business away from the Blaisdell Center or other hotels. Local companies are encouraged to hold functions at these other locations.

The Hawaii Convention Center is managed by SMG, a mangement company out of Philadelphia. This company specializes in managing convention centers and concert halls. The convention center employs 65 full time people, all local with the exclusion of the general manager. That number can climb as high as 300-400 during an event. The employees are paid a management fee with any profit or loss from events going directly to the state. As with anything in Hawaii, parking is a concern with only 800 spaces.

The main thrust of the design of the building is to bring the outside inside. For this reason the 35,000 sq. ft. lobby and reception area is not air conditioned. The "sails" located on the top of the building are open on one end, allowing trade winds to enter the building. As the rain follows the direction of the trades the sails have to face the opposite directioin. As a result the rain does not enter the building, however neither does the breeze. "They" (I don't know who "they' are but "they" apparently are responsible for many things) are looking at different ways to improve circulation. However, the exhibition hall and meeting rooms are air conditioned constantly to prevent mold and mildew.

The exhibition hall is on the main floor and can also be used as a civil defense shelter in case of hurricanes. The glass around the center is safe for winds up to 80 mph. There are also 49 meeting rooms and 2 presentation rooms, which can be used as theaters. Telecommunication wiring exists in all the rooms. The rooms range from 800 sq. ft. - 12,000 sq. ft. The 12,000 sq. foot room has enough hook ups for 400 computers. TV monitors, which can display any messages, are located throughout the center.

Some nice local touches were added to the center. All the carpeting resembles Hawaiian quilts. According to state mandates 1% of the construction budget had to go to artwork. All the artwork throughout the center is done by local artists. The hallway that displays some artifacts from the Bishop Museum and the Honolulu Academy of Arts is impressive. This artwork gets replaced by the museum and academy periodically. Be sure to stop by the children's courtyard. A competitiion was held in elementary schools. The winners of the "my Island and Me" contest are on display but will be changed annually.

The Rooftop Terrace is also a nice touch, however impractical. You can not carry your drinks outside. Because the neighbors are close, the sound is a concern. A special sound system was made to bring the sound back into the center. I did like all the plants here as well as all the greenery throughout the center.

There are two items that impressed our group the most. The first is that all employees have to attend "Hawaiian Hospitality Classes." These classes teach customer service. The better you treat the people before and during an event the more events will be held there. The second impressive thing is the restrooms. The restrooms are "gender friendly." The partitions between the mens and ladies rooms can be moved. During an event that caters to women the partition can be moved to allow more stalls for women and less for men. Now why can't "they" do that at the stadium?

We would like to thank Sandie Ishikawa, Office Manager, for her time and expertise in directing the tour.

For the latest information about SBH "YES" activities, call Helen Rapoza at 739-0400.

LIST OF HAWAII'S
1,600 LARGEST COMPANIES AVAILABLE

A list of Hawaii's 1,600 largest companies is available from SBH member Aloha Press.

The comprehensive list includes company name, address and phone number. This is the biggest list available on Hawaii's largest companies, representing nearly two-thirds of Hawaii's workforce. The list is several times larger than the annual "Top 250" list published by Hawaii Business magazine.

The top companies are categorized in more than 30 industries such as: accounting * advertising and public * relations * agriculture * architecture *automotive * business services * computers * contractors * engineering * financial institution * health care * hotels * insurance * investments * legal services * manufacturing * news media * non-profits * personal services * real estate * restaurants * security * telecommunications * transportation * travel and tourism * wholesale, retail and distribution.

When you order, ask for the 75-page booklet or the disk. Ask for IBM: Word for Windows or Wordperfect; or Macintosh: Microsoft Word. These common programs convert easily to most other software.

Call 395-1161 for ordering information. This is a limited offer, available while supplies last.

KAMILOIKI SCHOOL ENLISTS
BUSINESS HELP FOR CARNIVAL

Kamiloiki Elementary School in Hawaii Kai will hold its 24th annual community Keiki Karnival Friday, October 23, from 2:15 - 5:30 pm. The theme of the popular event is, "A Maze of Merryment." The carnival almost ended like Cal Ripkin's streak and didn't get on track until businessman and Kamiloiki parent Lyndon Lamphere stepped up to the plate to volunteer.

This year, it will be a business approach to the school's primary fundraising activity. Pflueger-Acura/Honda general sales manager, Lamphere, accepted the chairmanship of the event and immediately enlisted business support to make it an unqualified success.

He invites businesses and their employees to assist by donating cash, goods and services. (All contributions are tax deductible). Lamphere's objective is to guarantee the costs of rides and activities before the Karnival so that what is generated by the public school goes entirely to the school. He also envisions an even bigger and better future community carnival.

There will be rides, food, a silent auction and other activities. The Army is helping with an obstance course. For information and donations, call Lyndon at 942-4555 or 371-7812.

"YES" Trip | Hawaii's Largest Companies | Kamiloiki School

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