Disney Breaks Ground on West O`ahu Resort
Signaling confidence in Hawai`i's economy, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts recently moved a step closer to establishing a large presence in the state's tourism market, with a planned 800-unit luxury family resort at Ko Olina.
Lt. Governor Aiona welcomes to the state Jay Rasulo, (left), chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, and Djuan Rivers, vice president, Disney Vacation Club and Resort, Hawai`i.
Lt. Governor Aiona participated in the Nov. 19 ground-blessing ceremony to mark the start of construction at the site of the resort set to open in 2011, when the project is predicated to create 1,000 jobs.
The ground-blessing ceremony comes as the Administration sharpens its focus on attracting more visitors. The tourism outreach is a key part of a five-point action plan to stimulate Hawai‘i’s economy.
The Lt. Governor plays host to Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, at a ceremony setting the stage for the company's presence in Hawai`i.
His meetings with executives of Asiana Airlines and Korean Air coincided with an enthusiastic announcement of a visa waiver program that is expected to create demand for flights to Hawai‘i, especially from South Korea.
The program, which took effect Nov. 17, allows Koreans to travel to the U.S. visa-free for up to 90 days. In turn, Korean Air has already announced plans to increase the frequency of its flights to Hawai‘i, starting early next year.
