Posted on: Thursday, September 30, 2004
Tourism group told visitor safety crucial
By Peter Boylan
Advertiser Staff Writer
City Prosecutor Peter Carlisle told a group of O'ahu businesses and state agencies yesterday that Hawai'i's reputation for safety must be protected and nurtured to avoid economic and social consequences.
Bruce Asato • The Honolulu Advertiser Speaking at the first annual Visitor Aloha Society of Hawai'i's Appreciation Luncheon, Carlisle thanked the group, its supporters and volunteers for helping visitors who become victims of crime.
"Those things are going to happen, unfortunately, and we need to be the insurance," he said.
Since 1997, the group supported by local businesses and volunteers has helped crime and accident victims by providing lodging, emergency cash and other assistance.
Yesterday's luncheon recognized the work of donors and volunteers. Awards went to the Hawai'i Tourism Authority, Outrigger Enterprises, Hawai'i Hotel and Lodging Association, Denise Aiko Chinen, Olomana Marketing and the Honolulu Police Department.
"One thing you cannot recover quickly is your reputation for safety," Carlisle said.
Dr. Terence Wade presented the Kenneth Kotada Volunteer of the Year Award yesterday to Denise Aiko Chinen at the Visitor Aloha Awards luncheon at the Sheraton Waikiki Ballroom.
