Waikiki businesses are counting on a surge of activity as the APEC summit moves into the weekend. Many businesses are not hesitant to say APEC has not delivered, yet.
Danny Tamonte smiles as he gives a surf lesson on Waikiki Beach.
"Today is not too bad because the weather is nice too and sunny," said Tamonte who added, "Despite a gorgeous day, business was at a trickle. For us little bit too slow on the beach. For us I think yes it is little bit disappointed."
Tamonte and others are disappointed after hearing from state and city leaders that APEC visitors would be spending about $350 per person daily. But for many businesses, it just hasn’t materialized yet.
"No, not too good, not too good kind of slow," said Ken Li, owner of Waikiki Beach Wear. "We don’t see much people come in here yet but they do spend some."
Despite sluggish sales, Li is not down.
"No, no, no we think long term."
And depending on location, some businesses have had plenty to smile about.
"The beginning of the week started out a little bit slow and ever since then it’s been up, up, up," said Michael MacLean, Assistant General Manager at Lulu’s Waikiki who says the restaurant has seen a steady flow of APEC customers. "It seems like they are traveling in larger groups, so a little bit more groups of above 4, 6 and 8. They’re having a good time, they’re enjoying themselves so they are spending money. They’re not being frugal."
Concrete barriers and fencing in parts of Waikiki have created a wall customers are opting not to deal with. Not the case down the road at the Diamond Head end of Kalakaua.
"This side of Waikiki is definitely benefiting a little bit more than the other and hopefully it can trickle down the other way," said MacLean.
"We’ve been noticing a steady business with our surfing lessons, standup paddle lessons. We usually have classes that go out at 9, 12 and 3 and every class seems to be pretty full," said former professional surfer Hans Hedemann who owns a successful surfing school in Waikiki. "We seem to be doing fine and we’re looking forward to a possibly busier weekend."
Others are banking on it.
"Hopefully, yeah we’re hoping yes, we’re hoping yes," said Tamonte.
Several stores have decided to close their doors for the weekend.
See the original article at: KHON2 Local News
