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?

• President and CEO of the Hawai`i Lodging & Tourism Association, voice for the hospitality industry

•  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

•  Successfully lobbied Congress to prevent closure of the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, saving 4,000 jobs

•  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

•  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.

•  As mayor, met with Disney executives to pave the way for the Aulani resort development in Ko Olina

•  Negotiated extensions of Pro Bowl with the National Football League—annual game that attracted 20,000 visitors and generated millions of dollars in revenues

•  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

• As councilmember, backed the redevelopment of Waikiki’s aging Beachwalk district

• Chaired the Governor’s Home Porting Task Force to support Pearl Harbor as site for U.S.S. Missouri