NaHHA Tourism Conference
May 2 - 4, 2006
Keynote Speaker:  "We're Listening and Learning...Here's What We're Doing!"
Panel Discussion:  "Progress on the Front Lines"

Comments & Questions to Rex Johnson:

The law does not require a permanent seat on your HTA Board.  Why not?

Actually, the law does require that the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) have a permanent seat on the board for an individual with expertise in the Hawaiian Culture.  As stated in the law which provides mandates for the HTA (HRS Chapter 201B-2), the requirement is, "and at least one shall have knowledge, experience, and expertise in the area of Hawaiian cultural practices".  At present, that individual is Kumu Kawaikapuokalani K. Hewett

Does the HTA have incentive programs for resort developers to incorporate, not exploit, Native Hawaiian traditional practices, into ground floor planning?  This planning must include community interaction and ahupua'a integration.

The HTA does not become involved in any aspect of the resort planning process. That is strictly a county process.

Who and when will someone have the courage to say when enough is enough?

The HTA is committed to the precepts of the Hawaii Tourism Strategic Plan: 2005-2015, which aims to move toward a sustainable and responsible tourism industry for the state.  As such, our mantra continues to be one that strives for increases in visitor expenditures without significant increases in visitor arrivals. 

What percent of the TAT is committed to Cultural preservation?

It is difficult to pinpoint the exact percentage of the Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT) dedicated to cultural preservation since the TAT is allocated to the Counties, to the Hawaii Convention Center and the HTA.  However, the portion of the Tourism Special Fund directly allocated to the HTA ($70.7 million for FY '07) does contain programs which support cultural preservation e.g. Hawaiian Culture Program, Natural Resources Program, Workforce Development, etc. We do know that both the counties and the convention center do spend monies on cultural programs, but don't have the exact amounts.

The Hawaiian Culture Program budget for FY '07 is $1.980 million for programs and projects that directly support our Hawaiian culture initiative as laid out in the TSP; the Natural Resources Program budget is $3 million dollars and supports programs which protect our natural and cultural resources; the Tourism Product Development budget of almost $5 million supports events, projects and programs which, for the most part, encourages the portrayal and preservation of not only our Hawaiian culture, but also our multi-cultural heritage.  In addition, our Workforce Development budget of $500,000 includes programs which focus on the principles of Hawaiian hospitality; and, our Greetings Programs at both our Harbors and Airports, with a budget of $1.6 million, offers programs which support the employment of cultural practitioners.

Further information on our programs can be found on HTA's website, www.hawaiitourismauthority.org.

Many residents feel that tourism is the primary contributor to the increase in the cost of living; ability to purchase real estate and cost to even find and rent affordable housing.  How has or will HTA respond to this matter?

We believe that resident growth, not tourism, is the driving force behind the elevated cost of living in Hawaii. There is no statistical data available which indicates that tourism is the primary source, of Hawaii's high cost of living.  We do, however, also believe that we should and can contribute to the quality of life for Hawaii's residents by encouraging community partnerships and support for HTA programs, especially those articulated in question #4 - Hawaiian Culture, Natural Resource programs, Tourism Product Development, Workforce Development, and others.

Specifically - what kind of assistance do you offer towards the Kamehameha Day Celebration for the islands' communities?  (Mahalo)

The Kamehameha Day Celebration received $50,000 for their 2006 programs.  In addition, we are encouraging the King Kamehameha Celebration to work together with the other two Hawaiian signature events, Aloha Festivals, and Prince Kuhio Celebration, in developing a synergistic approach to sharing resources that will benefit all, and have provided additional funding, through Aloha Festivals, to assist them with this partnership.

Will we see increase or participation from HTA with Hawaiian entertainers, Hālau in their concerts, etc.?

Definitely.  We firmly believe, as stated in the TSP, that it is part of our responsibility to support Hawaiian programs and cultural practitioners, craftsmen, musicians and other artists to preserve and perpetuate Hawaiian culture.  And, the HTA has several funding programs which organizations such as halau can apply for, and which are based on criteria that, in general, support Hawaiian cultural preservation and presentation.  This includes our Hawaiian Culture Program as well as our Product Enrichment Programs, both County and Statewide.  Information on these programs can be obtained on our website or by calling the HTA Product Development Office, at 973-2258.

Question for Rex Johnson, Murray Towill, & David Carey:

 (all 3 panelist and/or Peter)  Would DLNR, HTA, HHLA and individual Resort/Hotels entertain and invite canoe clubs back to Waikiki beaches (where they belong) as they look for alternate practice locations due to the Ala Wai water quality issues?  What would it take?

It would definitely take all of these people and the City and State governments getting together to address all of the concerns, including optional sites.