The Chamber and the business community recognize that the number one economic driver to the State is tourism.  Supporting the visitor industry is critical to the Hawaii’s continued economic vitality and growth.
     This subject was one of the main focuses of the Board of Directors meeting held last Thursday. When  the directors were called upon by Chair Rick Blangiardi, President & General Manager of KGMB9, to state what they saw as some of the major challenges facing the business community and the State today, a key topic was the importance of maintaining Hawaii’s image and position as a vacation destination.
     As I read the front page of the Honolulu Advertiser the next day, and the article on the homeless that have gathered at Kapiolani Park creating challenges with area residents and visitors to the park, it was an affirmation of what the Chamber’s Board of Directors had been discussing. As we experience a drop in visitors arrivals due to increases in airline prices, gas, food and the basic uncertainty of the nation’s economy, issues that are very difficult to control; it is apparent that we must focus on the issues that we can control to support the visitor industry.
     When we read that a park that has over 1million visitors each year is having a negative impact on the experience of vacationers and area residents alike, we must find ways to improve the situation. We understand the challenges Hawaii faces with homelessness and the work that is being done to provide housing. The Chamber through our Public Health Fund has provided funding to organizations for years to support those efforts. But now, even more, we must step up our efforts and try to find solutions. We cannot let this type of situation leave a negative impression on those who are visiting.
     And it doesn’t stop there. There are many factors that impact a visitor’s vacation experience, from the moment they land at our airport, drive to their hotel, eat at our restaurants and shop at our stores.   As a State we must provide the best value and experience possible in every area.
     But a key element considered most important to the visitor experience is sharing the Aloha Spirit with the best customer service possible. It was mentioned that there is a lack of understanding in our employees today on how important it is to share the Aloha Spirit with both visitors and residents. As business owners and managers we know how valuable and unique, that Aloha Spirit is to the State. It is the experience we must provide to remain one of the leading destinations in the world. It is time for the business community to renew those efforts and instill this in our employees.
     Now, more than ever, we must support the visitor industry, address these issues, and embrace the Aloha Spirit as our mainstay.