HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0533.082 2000-2002
5-24-02: 7a7PM: Ra rKer Ranch. inc. :808 887 X774 # t 2
~1~
f
May 24, 2002 ~
Dear Council Chair Arakaki and Members of the County Council:
Aloha ,
I now have the pleasure of serving the Big Island Chapter of the frIawaii Visitors Bureau as
its Chair for the year 2002. It is truly worthwhile to once again serve the largest industry on
the Big Island of TIawaii.
The County of T~Iawaii has been a solid supporter of the visitor industry and we thatalc you for
your assistance in the past and ask your help in continuing this eflfort. 'The importance of the
visitor industry to the Big Island's economy cannot be overstated. In the aftennath of the
September l la` tragedy, we understand all too well the immediate crippling e#Tects of a
tourism downturn. People, workers, families with children, farmers all look to the visitor
industry for jobs, for financial security, for income to pay for mortgages, rent, groceries and
healthcare. We cannot let these residents of our island down.
A vibrant industry creates an economic climate that nurtures residents. When employment
rises, crime statistics decline. When visitor spending increases, so too does the personal
income of Big Island residents. When restaurants are full, fanners benefit. When tourists
buy souvenirs, shopkeepers benefit. When hotels are full, revenues to the county increase
through the TAT tax. Visitors contribute over $10 million annually to the county in TAT
revenues.
We cannot forget the indirect jobs that service the visitor uadustry. Diversified agriculture
succeeds with a strong visitor industry. The Big Island's flower, papaya, coffee, tropical fruit
and vegetable farmers depend on hotels, restaurants, cruise ships and individual visitors to
buy their products. In fact, there is not one industry that is not tied in some way to the
success of the visitor industry.
After September 11, many of our tourism partners continued to support us. Although load
factors were low, Japan Airlines continued to bring their flights to our island with the hope
that with a continued strong marketing effort, business would return to normal levels. We
are getting closer to meeting those goals.
Your support of the visitor industry funding is crucial to the full economic recovery of the
Big Island. Now, more than ever, the visitor industry and government must work together to
provide for a healthy, sustainable economic environment.
P.O. Box 458 • Kamuela, l-€awaii 96743
Telephone: (808) 885-7311 • Facsimile: (808) 885-5602 Comm. le1o,
www.parkerraneh.com
File :J®.
Fte . ~s°
~~Y 2 ~ 2~~~
5-24-U2: t:47PM; Pa rker Ranch, Inc. ;808 887 1774 # 2i 2
i urge you to cozitiuue to support funding for the Big Island Visitors Bureau acid the Big
Island Group (BIG).
S cerely,
L
Diane S. Quitiquit
Chair, Big Island Visitors Bureau