In 2006, NaHHA hosted its first Statewide Tourism Conference. Evaluations and post-conference feedback verify that the Conference was a positive step forward and laid a successful foundation from which to pursue future work. For many, it helped establish a greater degree of hope to improve and shape the future of tourism. For others, the threads of distrust between the community, government, and commerce began unraveling, creating opportunities to build better relationships and increase cooperation.

In over forty years of tourism development, an opportunity of this magnitude has never been brought forth. It is imperative that we all work together to achieve greater understanding between our host Hawaiian community and our State's major industry. Together we can shape a responsible, sustainable tourism model to protect our island home and benefit all our people. We greatly appreciate your patience.

Questions & Answers

During the Hawaiian Tourism Conference, participants submitted questions on cards for panelists to answer. Due to time constraints, all the questions could not be answered at the Conference. After the Conference, NaHHA sent the unanswered questions to the panelists with the understanding that the answers would be posted on our Conference website. Mahalo to the Conference panelists for agreeing to answer the questions which were significant in number. As NaHHA receives additional answers to questions from various panelists, we will continue posting them. Our commitment to Conference participants was to begin posting the answers in July.

- Q&A: Murray Towill, President of Hawai`i Hotel & Lodging Association

- Q&A: Rex D. Johnson, President & CEO of Hawai`i Tourism Authority

Mahalo

On behalf of the NaHHA staff and Board of Directors, we would like to extend a warm, heartfelt mahalo to those who made this Conference a success.

Mahalo to all the sponsors who helped bring this Conference to fruition.

Mahalo nui to all the participants, attendees, entertainers, volunteers, cultural practitioners, workshop facilitators, panelists and keynote speakers for their valuable talents, wisdom, and contributions.

A special mahalo to Sean Craig for all his help.