ROBERT C. ALLEN / 1912-2005

Former POW
pioneered Hawaii tourism

Robert C. Allen, engaged in every facet of Hawaii's tourism industry for more than 35 years, died May 25 in the Center for the Aging at Tripler Army Medical Center.

The 92-year-old Kaneohe resident, commonly referred to as "Bob," was the president and director of various organizations including the Hawaii Visitors Bureau, Grayline Hawaii and the Hotel Operating Co.

He served as chairman of numerous tourism committees and co-founded the Hawaii Skal Club, which consisted of business leaders in the field.

Allen pioneered Hawaii's marketing and sales program by informing travel agents on the mainland and in Southeast Asia about the islands' customs and attributes. He worked with prominent individuals such as premier industrialist Henry J. Kaiser and hotel guru Roy Kelley to incorporate the world's largest catamaran into the Pearl Harbor sightseeing tour.

His efforts created marketing conditions that opened the door for future travel in both directions. The number of Hawaii travel agents grew from a few hundred directly after the war to more than 25,000 by 1990. Allen's book, "Creating Hawaii Tourism," published in 2004, described the events and people that contributed to the industry's dramatic growth and development.

"He was greatly respected within the tourism industry and was often referred to as 'Mr. Tourism,'" said Ernie Albrecht, former Skal Club president and Pan American Airways manager. "I have a tremendous respect for his ability and what he was trying to do for the state."

Albrecht, who knew Allen for about 50 years and referred to him as a "brother," often ate lunch with him or watched him play polo. Allen was a former Hawaii Polo Club president and frequently played at local parks.

Prior to Allen's involvement with tourism and polo, he attended Southwestern University School of Business Administration, Los Angeles, and became the chief accountant for a mining company in the Philippines.

While in the Philippines, he served in the U.S. Navy Reserve and was captured by the Japanese during World War II. Allen spent the next three years as a prisoner of war in two Japanese camps where he met his future wife, Helene, who is often referred to as "Billie." The couple would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this Sunday.

"He was a loving husband, caring father and wonderful grandfather," Helene Allen said.

Robert Allen is also survived by daughters Linda and Sherry, and two grandchildren.

A private funeral service will be held.