Posted on: Friday, March 7, 2003

Japan contacts should come now, not in war

It is impressive that local tourism and government officials are already planning a trip to Japan to encourage tourism if war breaks out.

The only flaw in the plan, as we see it, is the assumption that the trip should take place after hostilities have started.

It would make more sense to do the trip now. The Japanese are certainly not unaware of world events. It's a good bet many potential travelers are even now making decisions about whether to book a tour to the Islands.

Either out of uncertainty or because they feel it might appear disrespectful to travel while Americans are at war, many may decide to postpone or cancel. Most Japanese travel is planned and booked way in advance.

In that case, the damage is done whether or not there is a war and whether it is a long war or a short one.

The Japanese need to be told, seriously and unambiguously, that travel to Hawai'i in times of international stress is in no way disrespectful. In many ways, it is a concrete way of showing solidarity.

The official message should be paired with similar advice from Japanese officials and opinion-setters (our sumo champs, perhaps?) and supported by the right kind of respectful, low-key marketing.

The beauty of going now rather than later is that it could produce payoffs no matter which way international events play out.

Gov. Linda Lingle says she is not sure she should go with the delegation.

She should.