Latest news with #SamPowell
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The luckless cup final run Sam Powell is desperate to end
Sam Powell is preparing to play in his third Challenge Cup Final although he has been part of extended squads for two others (Image: Allan McKenzie/ IF he was forced to retire tomorrow, Sam Powell could be pretty happy with his lot. A 13-year career at the top level of the game has seen him win pretty much everything there is to win – but there is one box left to tick. Advertisement For all he has achieved in the game, the Challenge Cup Final has not been kind to the 32-year-old as he has never been on the field for a victory in it. As his latest chance to change that arrives, the drive to do so is pretty clear – and not just for rugby reasons. 'I'd certainly enjoy it,' he said. 'I've not actually played in a Challenge Cup Final and won it yet for one reason or another, whether it's being injured, banned, not picked or just being on the losing side. 'I've lost in a couple of them so it's one I really want to get my hands on. 'The opportunity for me to take my girls down there and see me win at Wembley is one I really want.' Advertisement As he alludes to, Lady Luck has thrown all sorts of things at the experienced hooker when it comes to this time of year. In his 12 years with hometown club Wigan Warriors, he was part of two Challenge Cup-winning squads in 2013 and 2022 but for the former final, he was not selected as he still worked his way towards being a first-team regular but for the latter, he was serving the final game of a six-match suspension. Sam Powell was suspended for Wigan's 2022 Challenge Cup Final victory (Image: Allan McKenzie/ He was on the Wembley field in 2017 as his Wigan side lost to Hull FC and upon joining Warrington Wolves last year, he was again part of a defeat as he endured the pain of watching his former teammates lift the trophy. That came after a Wire performance that was uncharacteristically poor compared to what they had been producing throughout the year, and that remains the low point of Powell's first year in primrose and blue. Advertisement However, the man who has assumed more responsibility of late due to regular starting nine Danny Walker's ankle injury says the team – still largely unchanged from last year – will be better for what they went through. On Saturday when they step onto the hallowed turf alongside Hull KR, their chance at redemption arrives. 'Our biggest disappointment last season was getting to Wembley and not performing like we had done all season,' he said. 'We looked like a team that was inexperienced and we played like one but that can only stand us in good stead. 'We haven't had a massive turnover of players so hopefully it holds us in a good place for the bigger games like this one. 'As a player, you think 'I've been here before, I've just got to do my job.' Powell in action during last year's Challenge Cup Final (Image: Allan McKenzie/
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Waikiki tourists voice support for extra fee for ‘a good cause'
An upcoming increase in the state hotel room tax of less than 1 %—or $3 more per night for a $400 room—won't deter any of nearly two dozen Waikiki tourists from coming back, especially if it provides money to restore beaches, fight erosion and prevent future wildfires, they unanimously told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser on Wednesday. 'It wouldn't discourage me, ' Sam Powell, 33, of Roanoke, Va., said on Kalakaua Avenue in the middle of his first trip to Oahu with his wife, sister, brother-in-law and nephews. 'It's just another $3 a night.' Visitors up and down Kalakaua and Kapahulu avenues unanimously supported the increase in the state's Transient Accommodations Tax that begins Jan. 1 and was signed into law by Gov. Josh Green on Tuesday as Act 96. The increase applies to everyone who stays in a Hawaii hotel, cruise ship or other paid lodging—including local residents. Green previously told the Star-Advertiser that residents who receive kamaaina discounts would pay less out of pocket compared to tourists who typically book more expensive room rates. Under Act 96, Hawaii's TAT—more commonly referred to as the hotel room tax—will increase Jan. 1 by 0.75 %—to 11 % up from 10.25 %. Before signing Senate Bill 1396 into law Tuesday, Green used a hypothetical $400 a night hotel room rate to say that the higher TAT would add $3 on the current TAT, or $30 for every $4, 000 spent on lodging across the islands. The Star-Advertiser on Wednesday incorrectly reported a higher TAT on a $400 a night room. Green called it the first effort of its kind in the nation to mitigate climate change and the risk of future wildfires that could serve as a road map for other parts of the country that face wildfires and climate change. Boyfriend and girlfriend Adam Vasquez, 23, and Kaylee Bertolino, 22, came from Long Island, N.Y., for their first trip to Waikiki. Bertolino said the upcoming TAT increase will go 'to a good cause ' and would not deter them from a future trip to Hawaii. Vasquez called Green's example of a $3 per night increase on a $400 per night hotel room 'not too bad.' Most of the visitors who spoke to the Star-Advertiser had no idea how much they were paying in hotel costs, so they could not calculate how the upcoming TAT increase would have affected their current bills. But the TAT represents just one of the many fees that visitors and residents already pay for lodging, including the state's general excise tax, parking and 'resort ' fees that include internet and fitness center access. Green's $400 a night example runs on the high side of nightly hotel rates on Oahu, which are generally less expensive than neighbor island hotels, said Jerry Gibson, president of the Hawai 'i Hotel Alliance. Waikiki room rates are currently running from $250 to $450 a night, Gibson said. 'Normally, in summer, they go up, ' he said. 'But so far its a weak-looking summer, so I think those will be the rates.' Every booking also includes a state general excise tax that's slightly higher on Oahu compared to the neighbor islands. Neighbor islands' lodgings have to assess a GET of.04167 %. Honolulu's GET also includes half a penny for the city's rail project, meaning Oahu lodgings assess a GET of.04667 %. Each county also has its own TAT of an additional 3 %, meaning the combined state and county TATs and GET starting Jan. 1 will add up to 18.167 % on the neighbor islands and 18.667 % on Oahu, Gibson said. In addition, Hawaii hotels also typically charge a parking fee that ranges from $20 to $60 a night, Gibson said. Separate resort fees also vary from $20 to $50 a day and include about 10 to 15 different privileges such as access to body boards and surf boards and hula lessons, Gibson said. Mufi Hannemann, president and CEO of the Hawai 'i Lodging &Tourism Association, told the Star-Advertiser in a statement that the organization supports the increase in the TAT 'because it has a clearly defined and purposeful intent that we can all agree on—to protect Hawai 'i's environmental resources, which are vital to our state's resilience, sustainability, cultural heritage, and preparedness for climate change and natural disasters. Just as importantly, there is a strong and direct nexus to the visitor industry—ensuring that this additional tax revenue will help preserve the natural and cultural assets that make Hawai 'i a world-class destination and support the infrastructure of our state's number one economic driver.' Hannemann said the new law 'reflects transparency and thoughtful balance, and we appreciate that the input of the Hawai 'i Lodging &Tourism Association and the broader visitor industry was seriously considered by both the Legislature and the Administration.' He agreed with Gibson that 'the actual cost to guests is often significantly higher once taxes and fees are applied.' Sarah Thomas, 30, and her girlfriend, Selina Ramirez, 41, of San Jose, Calif., have been paying $280 a night to stay at the Park Shore Waikiki on Kapa hulu Avenue for their first trip to Oahu. So if they return to the Park Shore after the TAT increases on Jan. 1, their nightly additional TAT cost would fall well below Green's $3 a night example. But they don't mind paying more to help address climate change in Hawaii. 'We're from California, so we understand the need to protect the infrastructure, ' Thomas said. Following this year's devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, Ramirez appreciates Hawaii's efforts to mitigate future wildfires following the Aug. 8, 2023, Maui inferno that killed 102 people, devastated Lahaina and caused $13 billion in damage. So Ramirez called herself '100 %' behind the plan to collect an additional $90 to $100 million annually to restore beaches and prevent further erosion and wildfire risks. And the couple 'would not hesitate ' to come back to face the higher TAT in the future, she said. They have already fallen in love with Oahu's beauty and the aloha spirit they feel. 'We've had a gracious welcoming, ' Ramirez said. Natalie Miller, 27, of Chicago, flew into Oahu from Kona on Wednesday morning with her husband and won't mind paying a little extra if and when they take another Hawaii vacation. 'I don't think I would even notice, ' Miller said. Her husband, Mitch Miller, 28, said 'another $3 won't stop me from traveling.' On the makai side of Kala kaua Avenue, Huma Mohammad, 36, of Redwood City, Calif., agreed that a higher TAT won't discourage her and her family from a second trip to the islands. 'I don't think so, if it helps the beaches, ' she said. 'That's what you come for.' She and her husband, Shawn Mohammad, 35, brought along their 2-1 /2-year-old son, Keyian. Shawn Mohammad said they've enjoyed learning about Hawaiian culture, along with the scenery. 'That's why trips like this are good, ' he said. Outside the Park Shore Waikiki—where she's staying with her husband and four others—Arlene Carwile, 50, of Hicksville, Ohio, said she would gladly make her second trip to Hawaii even if it means paying a higher TAT to protect Hawaii's environment. 'I would definitely come back, ' Carwile said. Everyone in the group agreed, especially Carwile's friend, Cynthia Smith, 77, of Ossian, Ind. Smith has fallen so hard for Oahu that she joked that she won't have to return because she has no intention of leaving. 'They're going to have to drag me away, ' she said.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Waikiki visitors undeterred by fee increase
An upcoming increase in the state hotel room tax of less than 1 %—or $3 more per night for a $400 room—won't deter any of nearly two dozen Waikiki tourists from coming back, especially if it provides money to restore beaches, fight erosion and prevent future wildfires, they unanimously told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser on Wednesday. 'It wouldn't discourage me, ' Sam Powell, 33, of Roanoke, Va., said on Kalakaua Avenue in the middle of his first trip to Oahu with his wife, sister, brother-in-law and nephews. 'It's just another $3 a night.' Visitors up and down Kalakaua and Kapahulu avenues unanimously supported the increase in the state's Transient Accommodations Tax that begins Jan. 1 and was signed into law by Gov. Josh Green on Tuesday as Act 96. The increase applies to everyone who stays in a Hawaii hotel, cruise ship or other paid lodging—including local residents. Green previously told the Star-Advertiser that residents who receive kamaaina discounts would pay less out of pocket compared to tourists who typically book more expensive room rates. Under Act 96, Hawaii's TAT—more commonly referred to as the hotel room tax—will increase Jan. 1 by 0.75 %—to 11 % up from 10.25 %. Before signing Senate Bill 1396 into law Tuesday, Green used a hypothetical $400 a night hotel room rate to say that the higher TAT would add $3 on the current TAT, or $30 for every $4, 000 spent on lodging across the islands. The Star-Advertiser on Wednesday incorrectly reported a higher TAT on a $400 a night room. Green called it the first effort of its kind in the nation to mitigate climate change and the risk of future wildfires that could serve as a road map for other parts of the country that face wildfires and climate change. Boyfriend and girlfriend Adam Vasquez, 23, and Kaylee Bertolino, 22, came from Long Island, N.Y., for their first trip to Waikiki. Bertolino said the upcoming TAT increase will go 'to a good cause ' and would not deter them from a future trip to Hawaii. Vasquez called Green's example of a $3 per night increase on a $400 per night hotel room 'not too bad.' Most of the visitors who spoke to the Star-Advertiser had no idea how much they were paying in hotel costs, so they could not calculate how the upcoming TAT increase would have affected their current bills. But the TAT represents just one of the many fees that visitors and residents already pay for lodging, including the state's general excise tax, parking and 'resort ' fees that include internet and fitness center access. Green's $400 a night example runs on the high side of nightly hotel rates on Oahu, which are generally less expensive than neighbor island hotels, said Jerry Gibson, president of the Hawai 'i Hotel Alliance. Waikiki room rates are currently running from $250 to $450 a night, Gibson said. 'Normally, in summer, they go up, ' he said. 'But so far its a weak-looking summer, so I think those will be the rates.' Every booking also includes a state general excise tax that's slightly higher on Oahu compared to the neighbor islands. Neighbor islands' lodgings have to assess a GET of.04167 %. Honolulu's GET also includes half a penny for the city's rail project, meaning Oahu lodgings assess a GET of.04667 %. Each county also has its own TAT of an additional 3 %, meaning the combined state and county TATs and GET starting Jan. 1 will add up to 18.167 % on the neighbor islands and 18.667 % on Oahu, Gibson said. In addition, Hawaii hotels also typically charge a parking fee that ranges from $20 to $60 a night, Gibson said. Separate resort fees also vary from $20 to $50 a day and include about 10 to 15 different privileges such as access to body boards and surf boards and hula lessons, Gibson said. Mufi Hannemann, president and CEO of the Hawai 'i Lodging &Tourism Association, told the Star-Advertiser in a statement that the organization supports the increase in the TAT 'because it has a clearly defined and purposeful intent that we can all agree on—to protect Hawai 'i's environmental resources, which are vital to our state's resilience, sustainability, cultural heritage, and preparedness for climate change and natural disasters. Just as importantly, there is a strong and direct nexus to the visitor industry—ensuring that this additional tax revenue will help preserve the natural and cultural assets that make Hawai 'i a world-class destination and support the infrastructure of our state's number one economic driver.' Hannemann said the new law 'reflects transparency and thoughtful balance, and we appreciate that the input of the Hawai 'i Lodging &Tourism Association and the broader visitor industry was seriously considered by both the Legislature and the Administration.' He agreed with Gibson that 'the actual cost to guests is often significantly higher once taxes and fees are applied.' Sarah Thomas, 30, and her girlfriend, Selina Ramirez, 41, of San Jose, Calif., have been paying $280 a night to stay at the Park Shore Waikiki on Kapa hulu Avenue for their first trip to Oahu. So if they return to the Park Shore after the TAT increases on Jan. 1, their nightly additional TAT cost would fall well below Green's $3 a night example. But they don't mind paying more to help address climate change in Hawaii. 'We're from California, so we understand the need to protect the infrastructure, ' Thomas said. Following this year's devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, Ramirez appreciates Hawaii's efforts to mitigate future wildfires following the Aug. 8, 2023, Maui inferno that killed 102 people, devastated Lahaina and caused $13 billion in damage. So Ramirez called herself '100 %' behind the plan to collect an additional $90 to $100 million annually to restore beaches and prevent further erosion and wildfire risks. And the couple 'would not hesitate ' to come back to face the higher TAT in the future, she said. They have already fallen in love with Oahu's beauty and the aloha spirit they feel. 'We've had a gracious welcoming, ' Ramirez said. Natalie Miller, 27, of Chicago, flew into Oahu from Kona on Wednesday morning with her husband and won't mind paying a little extra if and when they take another Hawaii vacation. 'I don't think I would even notice, ' Miller said. Her husband, Mitch Miller, 28, said 'another $3 won't stop me from traveling.' On the makai side of Kala kaua Avenue, Huma Mohammad, 36, of Redwood City, Calif., agreed that a higher TAT won't discourage her and her family from a second trip to the islands. 'I don't think so, if it helps the beaches, ' she said. 'That's what you come for.' She and her husband, Shawn Mohammad, 35, brought along their 2-1 /2-year-old son, Keyian. Shawn Mohammad said they've enjoyed learning about Hawaiian culture, along with the scenery. 'That's why trips like this are good, ' he said. Outside the Park Shore Waikiki—where she's staying with her husband and four others—Arlene Carwile, 50, of Hicksville, Ohio, said she would gladly make her second trip to Hawaii even if it means paying a higher TAT to protect Hawaii's environment. 'I would definitely come back, ' Carwile said. Everyone in the group agreed, especially Carwile's friend, Cynthia Smith, 77, of Ossian, Ind. Smith has fallen so hard for Oahu that she joked that she won't have to return because she has no intention of leaving. 'They're going to have to drag me away, ' she said.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Sam Powell confirms future plans as Warrington Wolves deal nears its end
THE futures of several Warrington Wolves players beyond this year remain unclear – but one of them has moved to give absolute clarity on his position. While some of his teammates may end up moving on, one player who will be sticking around in 2026 is Sam Powell. Having been ever-present in 2024 after joining from Wigan Warriors, the experienced hooker has proved to be a key cog in Sam Burgess' side once again. He is one of nine first-team players coming to the end of their current deals but when asked what his future plans were, Powell's answer was short and sweet. He said: 'I'll be here next year still. I'll be here.' The club are yet to officially announce a new deal for the 32-year-old, but it would appear terms have been agreed to extend his time at The Halliwell Jones Stadium into a third season. And while he usual role sees him come off the bench to spell established number nine Danny Walker, injuries to first George Williams and then Walker himself have pressed him into the more prominent role he enjoyed for much of his career at his hometown club. 'It's just meant more minutes for me, really,' Powell said. 'It's a bit different starting a game as opposed to coming off the bench, so it takes a couple of weeks to get used to that but I'm enjoying it. 'Doing 80 minutes wasn't alien to me a few years ago, but since I've come here Danny has been the main man so I've been backing him up. 'It happens – rugby league's a tough game – so I'll always be ready and I enjoy it.' With Walker set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines following knee surgery, Powell's starting role is set to go on for some time yet. And with George Williams and Marc Sneyd also currently injured, he has been part of an ever-changing spine in recent weeks. However, he insists there has been no 'kicking stones' within the squad about their current luckless predicament when it comes to the absence of star men – and he believes the way in which they performed in defeat to Wigan at Magic Weekend demonstrates that. 'Wigan are the benchmark so we knew it was going to be a tough game, but the way in which we performed gives us confidence,' he said. 'We didn't want to look past Wigan and obviously they beat us, but we wanted to put in a performance we could roll into the semi-final on. 'We're not questioning ourselves or looking around at each other – we put a good solid performance in that takes us through. 'Sam (Burgess, head coach) set the tone early when he came in last year in that it's going to be 'next man up' and as a group, we're used to it now. 'In a full season of rugby, you're going to get your fair share of injuries and we've got a few at the same time, but there's no moaning about it. 'There's been no sulking or kicking stones – the physios have a tough time at the minute but its next man up.' Whether or not the situation improves for Sunday's Challenge Cup semi-final clash with Leigh Leopards remains to be seen, with The Wire set to name their 21-man squad for the game at lunchtime today. Leopards boss Adrian Lam has his own injury issues but Powell insists he and his Warrington teammates are preparing to face Leigh's best side. And he named the player his defensive preparations will largely be centred around limiting. 'They've got some top players but (Edwin) Ipape is the stand-out for me – he's unreal in there,' he said. 'There's plenty out there for them but for me and my chat, Ipape is the man. 'We've got a job to do on him and then Lachie Lam puts a bit of magic dust on it, and they're strong out the back with (David) Armstrong if he's back, which I think he will be. 'We've got strike as well so it's going to be a good challenge. 'They're a big, physical team – they've had a big turnover of players and they've gone big again this year. 'We had a good crack with them a few weeks ago and Sunday will be something similar. 'Off form, Leigh are probably the favourites but I see it as a close game. It's a big game with two good teams going at it. 'You want to be rolling in playing good rugby as opposed to trying to find something. 'I know we've not been getting the results we'd like in the league and I don't want to bang on about injuries, but we've been going alright. 'We've shown good signs and have stayed in games, so we'll be there or thereabouts.'
