Issue Position: Tourism

Issue Position

A Leader on Expanding Hawaii's Tourism Sector

Brian understands that Hawaii's overall economy is closely linked with its tourism economy, and has found ways throughout his career to expand, foster, and grow that sector.

Most notably, Schatz served as Lieutenant Governor and a member of the Host Committee that oversaw a spectacularly successful Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Conference in Hawaii.

Brian helped lead preparations when the State of Hawaii was awarded the honor of hosting the APEC Conference. With 20,000 government and business leaders descending on Honolulu, then Lieutenant Governor Schatz oversaw projects that made many infrastructure improvements around Honolulu Airport and Waikiki. At the end of the year, the Hawaii Tourism Authority reported that the APEC Conference brought in $37.7 million for Waikiki hotels and served as an excellent opportunity to promote Hawaii as a tourism destination.

Aware of how many of Hawaii's tourists come from Japan and China, Brian has worked to strengthen ties between Hawaii and many Asian nations. As Lieutenant Governor, he took several trips to China and Asia to meet with CEOs and government leaders on economic collaboration, renewable energy partnerships, and increased tourism. That collaborative attitude has stayed with him in the United States Senate. Brian is a strong supporter of increasing the number of visitors coming in from China and Asia by reforming the visa waiver program.

In the State Legislature, he also was a friend to the tourism community. He continually supported legislation to give the Hawaii Tourism Authority more autonomy and additional funds. He has also supported a tax credit for hotel construction and remodeling to keep Hawaii hotels modern and attractive to visitors.

During his time in the Senate, Brian has again proven that he will be a leader for Hawaii's tourism sector. He is a member of the Senate Tourism Caucus, and cosponsored a Senate resolution recognizing the goals of National Travel and Tourism Week and honoring the valuable contributions of travel and tourism in the United States. Additionally, he is working with TSA to expand the Precheck program for interisland travel to increase expedited screening.

Brian is a friend to the tourism business community and will continue to work to expand Hawaii's tourism reach. By establishing strong international bonds, he believes Hawaii will continue to grow as a premiere tourist destination.

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