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Maui Hotel and Lodging Association supports OED visitor‑promotion funds, clarifies role
Summary
John Pele, representing the Maui Hotel and Lodging Association, testified in support of proposed county line items for destination promotion and wedding promotion in the mayor’s budget.
John Pele, representing the Maui Hotel and Lodging Association, testified to the Budget, Finance and Economic Development Committee in support of budgeted economic‑development funds for visitor promotion.
Pele highlighted two OED line items in the mayor’s proposed budget: $450,000 intended for destination promotion and $300,000 designated for wedding promotion. He said those amounts are smaller than in past years but called their inclusion "appreciated," and he said industry stakeholders are coordinating on mitigation approaches for visitor impacts.
Nut graf: Pele asked the committee to note that the Maui Hotel and Lodging Association is an advocacy organization and not a marketing agency. When asked for a breakdown of how a 2025 promotion allocation was spent, Pele said MHLA does not directly manage marketing funds and recommended the committee ask the responsible marketing entities (for example a visitors bureau or OED staff) for a detailed accounting.
Pele described MHLA’s role as advocacy and partnership. A councilmember asked Pele whether the 2025 marketing commitments had been spent; he said he did not know and suggested staff from the appropriate agencies provide the precise accounting.
Ending: Committee members said staff would follow up with OED and marketing entities to obtain a detailed breakdown of prior‑year promotional expenditures and to clarify which organizations will receive and manage the proposed funds.
