Mufi's Messge - October 19, 2021

For Immediate Release
October 19, 2021

STATEMENT FROM HAWAI‘I LODGING & TOURISM ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT & CEO MUFI HANNEMANN

HONOLULU--Hawai‘i Lodging & Tourism Association President & CEO Mufi Hannemann offered the following statement in response to Governor David Ige’s announcement that non-essential travel to the state can resume effective Nov. 1. The announcement was made at a joint media appearance at the opening of the Federal Inspection Services facility at the Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole.

“The local tourism industry is pleased that Governor Ige signaled today that he is ready to welcome non-essential travelers back to Hawai‘i beginning November 1. While we recognize that there are still details that need to be sorted out—paying special mind to input from the county mayors and information provided by the healthcare community and the business sector—this announcement is an important first step toward getting our economy moving again safely and judiciously.”
 
“We also commend Mayor Roth for making clear that we want healthy, vaccinated travelers to return to Hawai‘i as soon as possible. The November 1 timeline is something that HLTA and our statewide coalition of representatives from tourism, restaurants, retail, ground and air transportation, attractions, labor unions, and chambers of commerce has pushed for from the very beginning—in our discussions with the Governor and in a letter to him—and we are gratified to see it come to fruition.”
 
“We look forward to working with Governor Ige and his administration to shape a clear message to prospective travelers that Hawai‘i is open for business and travel can once again be booked with confidence.”
 
About the HLTA
The Hawai‘i Lodging & Tourism Association is the state’s largest private organization representing hotels, condominiums, timeshares, other lodging entities, suppliers, and related firms and individuals with a connection to tourism. HLTA is dedicated to supporting the hospitality industry through education, political action, and membership benefits, and raising awareness about its contributions throughout the state.
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