HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.C.R. NO.

231

TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2003

  

STATE OF HAWAII

  
   

HOUSE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

 

urging the governor to develop and implement a plan, in conjunction with the Hawaii Tourism Authority, TO SEND AND lead a delegation to japan to expedite the recovery of the japanese tourism market in hawaii after the COMMENCEMENT of armed conflict between the united States and iraq.

 

WHEREAS, the political, economic, and security uncertainties created by the anticipated armed conflict with Iraq increase with each passing day; and

WHEREAS, the impacts of the uncertainties and the preparation for an armed conflict have had, are having, and will continue to have a negative impact on Hawaii's economy and the people of Hawaii; and

WHEREAS, the actual engagement of war could be devastating to the State's economy; for example; the Persian Gulf War of 1991 drastically reduced the demand for travel, with leisure destinations, such as Hawaii, hardest hit; and

WHEREAS, for six months after the Persian Gulf War, Japanese tourism dropped by nearly 40 percent; and

WHEREAS, after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Japanese arrival in Hawaii plunged 50 percent; and

WHEREAS, the tourism industry represents the primary economic engine that drives Hawaii's economy; and

WHEREAS, Japanese tourists are a critical component to the overall strength of tourism in this State; and

WHEREAS, at the same time, Japanese culture fosters the misconception that Japanese tourists should not visit Hawaii while the United States is at war and more specifically, that they are not welcome in Hawaii during the crisis; and

WHEREAS, in 2001 a delegation led by the then Governor, including government leaders and representatives from Hawaii's business sector, was instrumental in contributing to the significant and expeditious recovery of the Japanese tourist market after the 9/11 terrorist attacks; and

WHEREAS, the well being of the people of Hawaii dictates that every effort must be made to counter and mitigate the adverse effects the impending conflict with Iraq will have on Hawaii's critically important tourism industry; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-second Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2003, the Senate concurring, that the Governor develop and implement a plan in conjunction with the Hawaii Tourism Authority to send a delegation to Japan, consisting of government leaders, representatives from the business sector, and any other persons deemed necessary to expedite the recovery of the Japanese tourism market in Hawaii; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Governor is urged to lead the delegation to Japan; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the delegation travel to Japan within two weeks after the commencement of armed conflict with Iraq; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Office of the Governor and the chairperson of the Hawaii Tourism Authority.

 

 
 

OFFERED BY:

_____________________________

Report Title:

[Click here and type the Report Title (1 line limit)]