HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0177.173 1998-2000 rUN 87 '99 14~2~ WRIKO~OA ~RND CO 8a8 526-1400 - P.
Kong Koh~l~ Resort As~~~~tion
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James Y. Arakaki, Chairman ~nu~ay ;
Cowtcil Mernbers ;
HAWAII COUNTS COUNCIL
25 Aupuni Street
I3ilo, HI 96720 June 7, 1999
RE: Bill No. 45, Draft 2, Operating Budget Adjustments
Aloha, Hawaii County Council Members:
Employment and property taxes are dependent upon a healthy tourism industry on the
Big Island. Within the past two years, Ilawaii County has witnessed a resw~gence in our
long stagnant visitor arrivals and occupancies. Visitor counts were on the rise in the
second half of '97 and throughout '98. This growth is the result of decades of major
investment, hard work and determination on the patY of government and private industry.
Unfortunately, the sputtering economy in Japan has taken its toll on visitor counts for the
Big Island in 1999.
The Big Island Visitors Bureau and the Big Island Group have stepped up marketing and
promotional efforts in both the east and westbound segments to protect market share and
counterbalance this trend. Particular focus has been placed on expanding the number of
direct air seats to the destination and offering attractive packaging in the niche markets.
As you know, Maui County has experienced strong growth over a lengthy period through
its commitment to funding tourism marketing at over $3 million annually. The Big
Island can ill afford to have its mazket share further eroded by cuts to the Hawaii County
budget. line item for tourism pronto[ion. We must compete fiercely.
Please do not accept Bill No. 45, Draft 2 proposed 43% budget cut to tourism mazketinb.
I urge you to support the visitor industry by restoring full fwtding to the Big Island
Visitors Bureau and Big Island Group. Tourism is vital to our economy.
Reg ds & Much Aloha,
Thos Rohr
President
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