Travel from the mainland United States to the Hawaiian Islands
returned to normal just one day after the October 15 earthquake and remains on pace
for another excellent year.
The latest figures released by the Hawaii State Department of Business,
Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) show that domestic passenger arrivals
statewide were up 2.6 percent the day after the earthquake, 9.7 percent two days after, and 13.2 percent three days after compared to the same period last year. Overall, month-to-date arrivals
for October are at 320,364, up nearly one percent over 2005.
Some flights to the islands were cancelled the day of the earthquake and a portion of the
increase in passengers may be attributed to people who rebooked.
“The numbers are very good and are a positive indication that people are
sticking to their plans to visit our islands,” said Marsha Wienert, State of Hawaii
tourism liaison.
Wienert’s office has been collaborating with the Hawaii Visitors and Convention
Bureau (HVCB) and the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) in getting out news of
Hawaii’s speedy recovery to consumers across the United States.
John Monahan, HVCB’s president and CEO, commented, “We’ve been
communicating with travel trade professionals and the media that there is relatively
little damage that in any way affects our tourism plant and the enjoyment of visitors.”
“Of Hawaii’s 72,000 guest rooms for visitors, only about 100 or so are out of
commission,” said Monahan. “The visitor infrastructure on Kauai, Oahu, Molokai,
Länai, and Maui was really not damaged at all by the quake. The damage remains
limited to the Big Island, which was closest to the epicenter. However, even on that
island, the effects are isolated.”
Big Island hotels are all open and busy. The town of Kona is bustling and this
weekend will host one of the premiere sporting events of the year – the Ironman World
Championship.
“The fact that this major, high profile sporting event is taking place within a
week of the earthquake is further indication that in general the Big Island is returning to
normal,” said Monahan.
Thousands of competitors from 49 countries and 50 states have made the
pilgrimage to the Big Island for the October 21 race. It is the defining event of the
Ironman series and considered one of the toughest challenges with its 2.4-mile swim,
112-mile bike ride, and 26.2-mile run.
Hawaii’s Governor Linda Lingle has supported the tourism industry in its
recovery and took the precautionary step on Sunday of signing an emergency
declaration that would allow the state the ability to deal with the unknown affects of the
earthquake and the ability to seek federal assistance.
President Bush responded with a declaration two days after the earthquake that provides for the
removal of debris and opens the door for financial assistance to repair damage that may
have occurred to homes, businesses, schools and roads pending field investigations by
the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
“While our tourism industry remains intact, this was a prudent move to ensure
that all of Hawaii can receive the support of the federal government to whatever
degree it becomes necessary,” said Wienert.
Special note to media: The Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB)
recognizes the use of Hawaiian diacritical markings (e.g. glottal stop [], macron [ä] in
place names of Hawaii such as Länai). However, HVCB respects the individual use of
these markings for names of organizations and businesses.
Media Contact:
Nathan Kam, Account Supervisor
McNeil Wilson Communications
nkam@mcneilwilson.com
Office: 808-539-3471
Cell: 808-741-2763
Source: HVCB Press Release 10/19/06
|
