Hawaiians want Wienermobile off their rock

What's a giant wheeled hot dog have to do to get some respect? It seems Hawaii's issue isn't so much automotive renditions of meat products, but a recent visit by Oscar Mayer's Weinermobile has caused a flap. Honolulu's mayor welcomed the rolling frank, even honoring it with "Oscar Mayer Wiener Day," while a local organization known as Outdoor Circle wants to make sure it's the last time the Weinermobile visits.
Sure, an orange and yellow vehicle in the shape of a hot dog might be tacky to some, but Outdoor Circle has taken real umbrage and wants it to be clear that the big dog shouldn't come back. A 1927 law banning all billboards on the islands is being cited, along with a more recent, more relevant ban on vehicles solely intended for advertising also being used in the outcry. The welcoming mayor has vowed to look into the supposed violations, though there's apparently a lack of official complaints. Aren't there better things to do, especially in such an idyllic locale, than carp about some corporate mobile home with funny bespoke bodywork? Go surf, or something -- it's not like it crashed into anything untoward.
[Source: Gadling, Photo: Newton Downtown Car Show]












Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Golferal 11:09AM (7/25/2009)
Don't kid yourself folks. Honolulu is not as idyllic as you think. In fact, being a native of SoCal and the beaches here, the scene is much of the same. Too many people, paralyzing traffic, and the hustle and bustle of a city center. At least the water was nicer though.
In any case, if it were a drivable pineapple I doubt the natives would have a problem.
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Avinash machado 11:14AM (7/25/2009)
But at least Hawaii does not have so many greenie nuts like California.
Nick 1:44PM (7/25/2009)
Avinash machado 11:14AM (7/25/2009)
"But at least Hawaii does not have so many greenie nuts like California."
Hawaii's environmental goals are much more ambitious than California's. And thank god Hawaii does not have so many redneck regressionists than Ohio (or some other sh..t state).
iluvlace6 9:47PM (7/25/2009)
Hey, don't label all of us as natives when it comes to something negative. I was born and raised here, and I for one can't believe the Outdoor whoever opposed of the weinermobile. I think they have nothing else to do.
mohgth 3:02PM (7/26/2009)
It's not all natives that dislike the Wiener mobile. Only a certain bunch of idiots called the Outdoor Circle.
Kumar 11:10AM (7/25/2009)
I giant Spam mobile, on the other hand, would be followed around like an ice cream truck in summertime.
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Parkerman 11:15AM (7/25/2009)
I would say the Oscar Mayer on the side is just the brand of vehicle.. lol.
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Greg 11:29AM (7/25/2009)
Hawaiians don't really care for howlies. This one just happens to be in the shape of a hot dog. If it was built there and spent all it's life there however...
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fixitfixitstop 12:04PM (7/25/2009)
The word you intended to use is "haoles".
Greg 12:25PM (7/25/2009)
Urban dictionary has it spelled both ways. Yours looks more Hawaiian though
fixitfixitstop 8:31AM (7/26/2009)
Urban dictionary isn't a legitimate resource for language. Haole doesn't just look like a Hawaiian word.
EU_reader 11:34AM (7/25/2009)
-"A 1927 law banning all billboards on the islands is being cited"-
Can anyone confirm this is for real? How brilliant is that? I'm moving to Hawaii, or this should be at least a worldwide law. I hate advertising
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Mike P. 1:06PM (7/25/2009)
I hate obnoxious billboard too, but without advertising, who would pay for expensive TV dramas? Magazines? How about your favourite online blogs? Money makes the world go round, like it or not...
flown here not grown here 1:43PM (7/25/2009)
Yes it is true, not a billboard in the state by law. The Outdoor Circle is on every isle. Someone in their organization was smoking some powerful pakalolo to object to something that kids love. Besides, there are plenty of cars with graphic ads, Roberts Hawaii tour buses, aircraft etc.
Epyx 3:35PM (7/25/2009)
New Hampshire or Vermont (cant remember which) have laws against billboards as well. Aslo, Hilton Head Island in SC has VERY strict laws about not only billboards but signage in general.
I like any law that helps keeps things astetically pleasing. I think the weiner is ok though.
muledoggie 12:06PM (7/25/2009)
People are just looking for something to protest or get angry about, obviously!
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Gardiner Westbound 12:21PM (7/25/2009)
Some folks have way too much time on their hands.
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scott 3 1:28PM (7/25/2009)
I too was going to say if it were a Spam Mobile it would never be permitted to leave.
The natives love their Spam.
As for beached California can't compare. So Cal is so much colder and dirty I avoid it every time I am there. you should see what washes up from the BC to the south.
In Maui the water is clear to over 100 feet and n the 70's When on a reef you can still see the surface. As for people just get out of Wikiki. I have had many beaches to my self. Only neg in the Islands is the prices but paradise is not free.
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mercuryhybrid 12:56PM (7/25/2009)
If indigenous Hawaiians are so upset about giant eyesores, why don't they take a look at themselves? I've never seen so many fat, ugly people in my life.
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Commander Cool 1:01PM (7/25/2009)
Wow, what an ass... How's life on your pedestal?