Governor Josh Green leads a delegation to Tokyo to discuss strategies for bringing back Japanese tourists to Hawaii and supporting Maui’s wildfire recovery efforts.
Governor Josh Green and a delegation from Hawaii recently traveled to Tokyo to meet with top Japanese leaders and discuss ways to revive the Japanese tourism market in Hawaii, as well as provide support for Maui’s wildfire recovery. This marks Governor Green’s first official visit to Japan since taking office. The warm reception and support from Japanese dignitaries highlight the longstanding friendship between the two governments. The delegation’s primary focus is to address the decline in Japanese tourists due to the pandemic and explore the possibility of implementing a pre-clearance program for Japanese travelers to expedite their arrival in Hawaii.
Japanese Aid and Support for Maui Wildfire Recovery
During the meetings, Japanese dignitaries expressed their sympathy and support for Maui’s wildfire disaster, which remains a significant concern for Japan. Just eight days after the deadly inferno, Japan donated $2 million in humanitarian aid to Hawaii, becoming the first foreign government to do so. The gesture demonstrates the deep connection and solidarity between the two nations. Additionally, business leaders with ties to the islands, such as the CEO of clothing retailer “Uniqlo,” have expressed their willingness to contribute to the recovery efforts by building housing for the displaced residents on Maui.
The Importance of Japanese Tourists for Hawaii’s Economy
The decline in Japanese tourism to Hawaii has been a significant blow to the state’s economy. Even before the pandemic, the number of Japanese visitors had been decreasing. Currently, Japanese tourist numbers are at 38% of pre-COVID levels, well below the desired 50%. Japanese tourists are often referred to as “Malama tourists” due to their knowledge of Hawaiian culture and their respect for the environment. Their return is crucial for the state’s tourism industry and the preservation of Hawaiian traditions.
Proposing a Pre-Clearance Program for Japanese Travelers
To facilitate the return of Japanese tourists and enhance their visitor experience, the Hawaii delegation is proposing a pre-clearance program for Japanese travelers. This program would allow Japanese visitors to complete immigration, customs, and agricultural inspections before departing from Japan, saving them time upon arrival in Hawaii. The delegation believes that this would improve the efficiency of the arrival process and potentially open up new routes, including direct flights to the neighbor islands. While the idea of pre-clearance for Japan has been discussed for years, the delegation now aims to address Japan’s concerns regarding cost, implementation, and enforcement.
Overcoming Challenges and Seeking Congressional Support
The cost, implementation, and enforcement of a pre-clearance program are common challenges when creating new initiatives. The Hawaii delegation acknowledges these concerns and is committed to finding solutions. They plan to appeal to the congressional delegation for support in addressing homeland security issues related to the pre-clearance program. By involving the congressional delegation, the delegation hopes to garner the necessary resources and expertise to move forward with the program.
Conclusion:
The Hawaii delegation’s visit to Japan signifies the importance of reestablishing the Japanese tourism market for Hawaii’s economy and supporting Maui’s wildfire recovery efforts. The generous aid provided by Japan and the willingness of business leaders to contribute highlight the strong bond between the two nations. The proposed pre-clearance program for Japanese travelers offers a potential solution to streamline the arrival process and attract more visitors. By addressing concerns and seeking support from the congressional delegation, the delegation aims to overcome challenges and pave the way for the revival of Japanese tourism in Hawaii. Restoring this vital market will not only benefit the state’s economy but also ensure the preservation of Hawaiian culture and traditions for future generations.
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