GOVERNOR LINGLE CALLS DEMOCRATS’ ELIMINATION OF TOURISM LIAISON FUNDING SHORTSIGHTED AND POLITICAL

For Immediate Release:  April 5, 2004

HONOLULU – Governor Linda Lingle today criticized Senate Democrats for playing politics with Hawai`i’s number one industry—tourism.  The Governor’s rebuke of the lawmakers followed the move by the Senate Ways and Means Committee to eliminate $164,942 in funding for the state tourism liaison position as well as a secretary position to the tourism liaison. 

Governor Lingle created the cabinet-level position to coordinate and communicate tourism policies within the visitor industry and between the industry and government.  In June 2003, the Governor appointed Marsha Wienert as the state’s first ever tourism liaison.  Wienert’s office is housed in the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) and she works closely with the department.  She also serves as DBEDT’s representative on the Hawai`i Tourism Authority (HTA) Board.

“The elimination of the tourism liaison position is politics at its worst and shows a tremendous shortsightedness on the part of the Senate Democrats,” said Governor Lingle.  “It’s irresponsible for the Senate to eliminate funding for a position that is so critical to the future of our state’s number one industry.  Until Marsha Wienert came on board as the tourism liaison, there was no coordinated effort between the visitor industry stakeholders, executive branch of government, its departments, and the community.”

With the visitor sector touching virtually every aspect of life in Hawai`i, the Lingle-Aiona Administration believes a coordinated statewide effort led by the tourism liaison is needed to ensure government policies and activities take into consideration the continued long-term success of tourism.  The tourism liaison also works with the industry and government sector to address the sustainability of tourism as well as the impact the industry has on the environment, roads, parks, harbors, agriculture, public health, employment, safety, and other public services.

Since the position was established by the Administration, the tourism liaison’s role has evolved to include:

Interfacing with the State Department of Defense, State and County Civil Defense, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and other agencies on issues relating to homeland security and emergency preparedness for the visitor industry, as well as visitor safety.

Working to resolve the visa issue for foreign visitors while balancing the need for security.

Coordinating with state departments on airport and park improvement projects.

Working with domestic and international airlines to increase airlift capacity.

Worked with the U.S. Department of Interior to facilitate the continued operation of Midway Island to ensure flights to and from Asia (twin engine planes) have a safe place to land in the event of an emergency.

Assisting the Sustainable Tourism Research Group and coordinating with all state agencies on the recommendations of the study group.

In conjunction with HTA, coordinating with state and island tourism agencies and visitor industry stakeholders to conduct a strategic long-term plan for tourism in the state. 

Creating a communication bridge between the state’s leading industry and all government agencies.  In addition, developing a better communication rapport between the airlines, hotels and visitors. 

“Communications have never been better between the visitor industry, the executive branch and the departments,” said Governor Lingle.  “I encourage the tourism sector to let the Senate know the value of the tourism liaison and the need to continue to fund this important position.” 

####

For more information, contact:
Lenny Klompus  
Senior Advisor – Communications  
Phone: 586-7705

Russell Pang
Chief of Media Relations
Phone: 586-0043