Where is "Aloha"
 

Earlier this month I walked into the Hawaii Public Library in Lahaina. I'm greeted with "Aloha". I ask if I can use their computer to access the net, or use wi/fi ( I had my own computer in a briefcase ).
They pointed to a big sign "must have library card to use computers.........$10 surcharge to get a 24hr library card"

So much for the "Aloha" spirit. Is this the future or the past? :confused:

What's wrong with them asking you have a library card to use the computers?

Makes perfect sense OR there would be tons of tourists using their computers. I would imagine the residents would get just a little annoyed at this.

Any reason you couldn't find a hotspot somewhere? There are plenty of them in Hawaii.

with the budget crunches in many places, and library's getting cut, i would have been happy to contribute to them...hope you found a cheap cafe....good luck.

$10 for unlimited usage... sounds like a steal to me compared to the $10/night some hotels charge

I read it as $10 for a 24-hour card, which is about the same as $10/night from hotels.

Libraries are supported by local/property taxes in most locations, so I don't have a problem limiting the usage to citizens. In most locations, it's probably not worth the effort given the small proportion of non-residents in libraries, but I can see it being a problem in Hawaii.

It is a community in Oregon, near Portland. :D :D
Zip code 97007

At my local library, I need to type in my library card to get on the 'net. Non-residents of my town can get a card, but they need to pay (unlike residents, who are free).

I see nothing wrong with the Lahaina library charging $10. With many hotels' "free" wi-fi, you usually get an access code when you check in. I guess you can always lie and say I'm in room such and such to get the access code, but in a sense, you are already paying for it.

Many parts of Hawaii are already packed with tourists, I am sure it's nice for the locals to have places where they can "escape" from tourists!