Where is "Aloha"
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
Posts: 129
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?
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?
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist, Ambassador: World of Hyatt


Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: New Jersey
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Fairmont Lifetime Plat, UA Silver, dirt elsewhere
Posts: 47,401
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.
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.
#4
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: LGA
Programs: AA - GLD; MR - GLD;
Posts: 173
Originally Posted by jack123
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?
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?

$10 for unlimited usage... sounds like a steal to me compared to the $10/night some hotels charge
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist




Join Date: May 2002
Location: Pittsburgh
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Originally Posted by shocka
$10 for unlimited usage... sounds like a steal to me compared to the $10/night some hotels charge
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.
#7
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Southern California
Programs: AAdvantage, HHonors
Posts: 251
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!
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!

