HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0177.178 1998-2000 F.1
1i i~ ~ n^ "?5 11 ~ 4~HP1 BIG ISLF~NP GF HAWRII 8@S 9612126
Big lslanc9 Visitors Bur¢au
June 8, 1999 R~~~Cj?~•``iJ
76° and Stuuf~9 ~~N
James Y. Arakaki, Chairman 8 P~ I Q6
and Members COIJN"`
r~, a:s t;i:~~ Hawaii County Council CO(~Nr/ OF HAWAII
25 Aupuni Street
Hilo, HI 96720
9~-~~ Re: Bill No. 45, Araft 2, Operating Budget Adjustments
Dear Chairman Arakaki and Members of the County Council,
F_e,. ox-u oGnau
Within the past two years, Hawaii County has witnessed a resurgence in
our long-stagnant visitor industry, Visitor counts were on the rise in the second
half of '97 and throughout '98. This growth is the result of decades of hard work
and determination on the part of governrrtent and private industry.
- , ~ Unfortunately, the sputtering economy in Japan has taken a toll on visitor counts
for 1999. But renewed efforts on our part in the Japanese market will help turn
that arowtd as their economy improves.
The Big Island Visitor Bureau and the Big Island Group have stepped up
F.. " aarketing and promotional efforts in bath the east and westbound segments to
protect market share and counterbalance this trettd. 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 S3 million.
The Big Island can ill afford to have its market share further eroded by cuts to the
Hawaii County budget line item for tourism promotion.
In today's highly competitive marketplace, it is imperative that no cuts be
made to marketing dollars for tourism promotion. It ie an unwise and short-
sighted decision to overcome budget shortfalls by cutting those line items that
generate additions] revenue.
Please do not accept Council member Dominic Yagong's proposed 43%
budget cut to tourism marketing. I urge you to suppot4 the visitor industry by
restoring full funding,
Sincemly,
~
Kent ton / ~ ~ 17 g
Executiv Directo~mm. No.
guD
File No.
Prae.w/s.i CptING.ff_
K,,,r,,,,,,,,e„ Ref. To•
Ref. Date 8 1999 - .