Bring Business Back
Bring back tourists and investments

Message
Tourism is the economic glue that holds Honolulu together. We will do everything to bring it back and create a more resilient and sustainable visitor industry.
Why Mufi?
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President and CEO of the Hawai`i Lodging & Tourism Association, voice for the hospitality industry
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With the Hawai`i Tourism Authority, is working on long-term plans to focus on sustainability in travel, including greater investments in culture and natural resources
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Successfully lobbied Congress to prevent closure of the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, saving 4,000 jobs
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Led the US Conference of Mayors, as trustee and committee head, in securing visa waivers for foreign travelers and making tourism top-10 national priority
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Partnered with East West Center, State, and other entities to secure 2011 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Honolulu by committing police and first-responders to event.
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As mayor, met with Disney executives to pave the way for the Aulani resort development in Ko Olina
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Negotiated extensions of Pro Bowl with the National Football League—annual game that attracted 20,000 visitors and generated millions of dollars in revenues
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As State’s economic development director, was pointman for loan guarantee to assist financially troubled Hawaiian Airlines, preventing the loss of as many as 3,500 jobs; successfully lobbied the Legislature for the single largest increase in State support for tourism to combat industry slump
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As councilmember, backed the redevelopment of Waikiki’s aging Beachwalk district
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Chaired the Governor’s Home Porting Task Force to support Pearl Harbor as site for U.S.S. Missouri
Challenge
Hawaii’s economy is reeling due to the impact of pandemic on tourism