Hawaii asks Congress
for aid for laid-off
tourism workers

Lt. Gov. Mazie Hirono reports a
positive response from her trip

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By Richard Borreca
rborreca@starbulletin.com

Saying she got a good reception today in Washington after testifying before a U.S. Senate subcommittee on tourism, Lt. Gov. Mazie Hirono is hoping that Congress moves quickly on federal aid for laid-off hotel and airline workers.

Hirono spoke in favor of proposals that would also stimulate travel and tourism by allowing taxpayers a $500 tax credit for travel expenses.

"If a couple travels -- that is saying, 'We will give you $1,000 as long as you travel,'" Hirono said.

She noted that Congress is working on several bills to help states that are in an economic crisis because of the slow down in travel. Senators, however, were not aware that Hawaii's travel industry was both so large and crucial to the state's economy.

"It came as news to them when I told them that it is an $11 billion industry in Hawaii that employs up to 30 percent of the workforce," Hirono said.

While in Washington, Hirono also talked to Norman Mineta, secretary of transportation, about easing travel restrictions.

Hirono, who said she will return to Hawaii tomorrow, also asked Congress for help with travel promotion and restoration of a national travel bureau.