Mufi’s Record on Tourism and Visa Waivers

On tourism:

As president and CEO of the Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association, Mufi:

• Works closely with the American Hotel & Lodging Association, the HLTA’s affiliate, on key national priorities, including improvements in the visa waiver system to improve America’s competitiveness as an international destination;

• Has increased membership and raised the profile of the organization by connecting the business community with the visitor industry and has dramatically expanded outreach and communication with the general public on tourism matters; and

• Has provided sponsorship for the first-ever Hawaii Food & Wine Festival in October, chaired by chefs Roy Yamaguchi and Alan Wong, that brought together top international chefs, tourism, and agriculture to showcase the islands’ regional cuisine and outstanding produce.

 

As mayor of the City and County of Honolulu, he:

• Led the establishment of the island’s first rail system, which broke ground in early 2011 and which will link major population centers in Honolulu’s urban corridor, including Honolulu International Airport;

• Directed a $1-billion City investment in roads, sidewalks, sewers, and public facilities in Waikiki to support the visitor industry and residents;

• Expanded attractions at the Honolulu Zoo, including the Keiki Zoo, learning center, elephant exhibit, veterinary clinic, and new entrance, and made major improvements at the Blaisdell Arena, including replacing the air-conditioning, seating, and basketball court;

• Lobbied Congress for the passage of the Tourism Promotion Act, pushed for visa waivers, and created the USCM’s National Culinary Award in cooperation with the National Restaurant Association and Culinary Institute of America;

• Chaired the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ Committee on Tourism, Arts, Parks, Entertainment, and Sports, where he spearheaded the inclusion of tourism and the arts in the organization’s “10-Point Plan” for America’s economic renewal;

• Represented Honolulu in domestic and international tourism marketing programs organized by the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau and private sector;
Committed the City to provide security for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in November 2011, which will draw more than 20 heads of state and as many as 20,000 delegates to Honolulu; Honolulu would not have earned the bid without this major commitment of public safety resources;

• Led the charge with First Hawaiian Bank to organize a job fair for Aloha Airlines employees displaced by the company’s sudden closure;

• Introduced a new initiative to have public beach parks clean, open, and accessible to residents and visitors, a policy that has been continued;

• Helped preserve Waimea Valley from development through a public-private partnership and resolved a longstanding jurisdictional dispute to improve oversight of Kawai Nui Marsh;

• Provided City sponsorship for numerous cultural and arts festivals and events to expand and diversify tourism attractions; and

• Created the Pro Bowl Block Party in Waikiki to expand the annual National Football League’s Pro Bowl beyond the game.

 

As a member of the Honolulu City Council, Mufi:

• Led the revamping of the City’s planning and zoning regulations to stimulate the redevelopment of Waikiki’s aging hotel infrastructure;

• Established the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve to minimize the public’s impact on this fragile natural resource and created a special fund to ensure admission money was used exclusively for the preserve’s upkeep and public education;

• Supported the establishment of a business improvement district designation for Waikiki to encourage private sector participation in repairs and maintenance of public areas.

 

As director of Hawaii’s economic development and tourism agency, Mufi:

• Created food and product festivals for each island to promote the agricultural industry and create new tourism attractions;

• Created “Aloha on Tour,” a marketing program that blended Hawaiian culture, regional cuisine, and local goods and services into a campaign targeted for domestic and international markets;

• Promoted Hawaii-grown produce and seafood in major European markets;

• Lobbied the Legislature for a loan guarantee to save Hawaiian Airlines, which was in danger of folding and causing the loss of thousands of jobs;

• Jumpstarted film and television production in the state and funded the establishment of the first county film offices to assist producers and film-makers;

• Renegotiated contract extensions with the National Football League to keep the annual Pro Bowl in Hawaii, a contest that attracts 20,000 visitors to Hawaii; and

• Lobbied the Legislature for what was then the largest increase in public financial support for tourism marketing.

 

Mufi has been a consistent champion for the Visa Waiver Program:

Mufi Hannemann has consistently supported the expansion of the visa waiver program in the Asia-Pacific region. Through the years, in his various leadership positions in tourism, he has always stressed the need to balance hospitality with security. Of late, he has put forth the notion of a pilot program on visa waivers for Chinese visitors to the United States, with Hawaii as a test case.

 

Read more about Hannemann’s record on tourism and visa waivers in the press:

• “Hannemann takes right approach,” The Maui News, November 6, 2011

• “Hannemann touts ability to compromise,” The Maui News, November 4, 2011

• “Hannemann: Tourism Focus Needed in Washington,” Honolulu Civil Beat, October 21, 2011

• “Reaffirming Support for Visa Waivers,” Midweek, August 10, 2011

• “Easing the Way for Chinese Visitors,” Midweek, October 5, 2011

• “APEC: Hawaii’s Place in the Sun,” Midweek, July 6, 2011