State briefs for April 2
State sees return of tourism as pandemic concerns ease
HONOLULU (AP) — Hawaii’s tourism industry is starting to see a rebound as people return to travel and coronavirus concerns ease.
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Data from the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism shows March domestic arrivals have been on par with 2019 levels.
A record 10 million people arrived in the state in 2019.
When the pandemic hit, Hawaii was the only state in the nation to require negative COVID tests or vaccinations to avoid quarantine, effectively ending tourism for most of 2020 and much of 2021.
The new numbers are still without much tourism from Japan, one of Hawaii’s largest markets.
“We know there’s pent-up demand,” said Mufi Hannemann of the Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association. “People want to be able to travel because they’ve been cooped up.”
The high demand is being met with Hawaii’s limited supply, driving up costs.
“Normally there would be much more inventory available,” said Bruce Fisher of Hawaii Aloha Travel.
“And now they’re asking premium prices for the same thing that you would’ve gotten a lot cheaper before.”
Airplane and rental car gasoline prices are also high, increasing costs for potential tourists.
Hawaii goes online for Financial Literacy Month
HONOLULU (AP) — The state Office of the Securities Commissioner is holding a month-long financial education campaign to mark Financial Literacy Month in Hawaii.
On YouTube, the office will post financial quizzes for children and pre-recorded investor education videos for working adults. The agency will also offer a presentation for elders on YouTube and via flash drive.
The office plans to post a word of the day, fraud prevention tips and financial literacy facts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using its @HISecurities accounts.
Educational packets will be available from the state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, the agency that includes the office.
State lawmakers passed legislation in 2006 designating every April as Financial Literacy Month in Hawaii.
The commission said this year, information and activities will be offered virtually online and on social media.
