SECOND ANNIVERSARY...

OF PARADISE DRIVER

Made this post and Bob of Taxi Tales & Two Steps Back suggested that I write a cab-blog. The result is in the archives. I think I've only missed posting 3 or 4 times.

I want to thank all of you who come by to read my drivel and especially my regular commentators.

PD has been read by people from 130 different countries and, since April 4th of 2006, has had 51,423 visitors, generating 64,818 pageloads.

Again, MAHALO to all of you!

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In December of last year we had 3 NCL (Norwegan Cruise Lines) ships (Pride of Aloha, Pride of America, Pride of Hawaii) doing the seven day voyage around the State. In January NCL removed the Pride of Hawaii from service here and reassigned it, with a new name, to its European, mostly Mediterranean, routes. This May the Pride of Aloha will be transferred to NCL's Asian service.

This is/will cause a significant dent in our economy. Taxes from the 1700+ crew members payroll. Vendor revenue and the subsequent down-sizing of vendor's payroll. Most of the hospitality crew members were from the mainland and will probably return there. Their unemployment benefits covered by the State of Hawai'i. Spending at all the ports of call will decrease. It is estimated that 9,000+ people will lose their jobs as a result.

Maui News Story

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Got a surprise call from Pat & Ray last night, just before I started my shift. They wanted to go to Tommy Bahamas for dinner. Their round trip covered 2 of the 3 runs I had before 10:00 PM. A very blah night.

There was a bar-fight outside of LAB about midnight. Two guys over a girl. Both combatants were detained for a while. One officer interrogated one of them right behind where I was parked. I pretty much ignored what was being said until "loverboy" came out with:

"I won't blow smoke up your ass."

Whenever I heard that line, in my past, I knew instantly that the next words out of the guy's mouth would be him "blowing smoke up my ass". I listened further and this clown was no exception. MPD released both of them. They hadn't witnessed the batteries and it was a "mutual combatant" situation. Neither wanted to file charges against the other. I wonder if she is worth it? Probably not.

Rumor is that one of our drivers is purchasing a Taxicab Permit and going independent. I sincerely wish you the best of luck.

10 fares / 77 miles / 1st quarter $100 bracket

Have a reservation to take Pat & Ray into Wailea for their Valentine's Day dinner. That'll put $25 on the meter. I wonder how many more I'll be able to tack on? Check back tomorrow to find out.

Happy Valentine's Day everybody!

Mahalo

Aloha

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THE PICTURE GALLERY

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Over The Limit?
UNDER ARREST!
Please don't drink and drive

"Let's all be careful out there!"