Sherry Menor-McNamara, President & CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, released the following statement reacting to the further delay in reopening Trans-Pacific travel and appointment of Dr. Virginia Pressler, Chair of the Laulima Alliance, to the reopening leadership team:
“Businesses are anxious and ready to welcome back customers safely. More than half of local businesses reported that they would have to make further cuts or close altogether after the travel reopening was pushed back from August to October 1. Extending the delay even further will only add to this pain. We can’t continue to operate on a policy of shifting the goal posts—October 15 must be the date that sticks.
“The appointment of Dr. Virginia Pressler to join the leadership team reopening Hawaii’s visitor industry is a welcome step forward for Hawaii’s local businesses. As a past chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, Dr. Pressler understands the vital importance of saving local businesses by reopening the economy in a safe and timely manner.”