"Kama'aina, really now..." 'James "Kimo" Rosen'

"Kama'aina rates are often times not the best rates you can receive..." This blog was published as an opinion article in the 04-22-12 edition of the  Kaua'i Garden Island news titled;"Kama'aina get your discount."  http://thegardenisland.com/news/opinion/mailbag/letters-for-sunday-april/article_f589817a-8c6a-11e1-a3e9-001a4bcf887a.html

Many people in Hawai'i are bestowed a Kama'aina  rate for discounts to many businesses . If you can show a local driver's license or another form of local Hawai'ian ID. For those not from Hawai'i, Kama'aina is the Hawai'ian language word for long term resident, the literal translation is child of the land. Many Hawai'i based  businesses give  Kama'aina rates and many people believe this is the best rate possible and is the rate they ask for when reserving hotel rooms, theatre tickets, car rentals, etc. 

There are many rates better than kama'aina. There are many organizations that offer huge discounts  such as AARP, Costco, AAA, and for those over 55 there is usually a  senior discount available, and for those 12 and under many restaurants have huge savings.  If you own a business or are a business person you  may also  be offered a business discount  at times even  lower  than a Kama'aina rate. 

Kama'aina may sound and have the feel of  the best rate, but don't be embarrassed  to ask for an even better rate. I am betting you'll be surprised.

 Editor's note, Dakinetalk guest bloggers do not necessarily represent the opinions of dakinetalk. Guest bloggers are given space to express their beliefs and or opinions. We feel there are many roads and like to give people space to express their thoughts,after-all that's what dakine is...Aloha, James "Kimo" Rosen, Publisher.