The recent forecast for Hawaii’s tourism industry: cloudy.
First, there were almost 46 days of rain. Then, many popular beaches had to be closed after 48 million gallons of untreated wastewater spilled. Signs went up on popular beaches: “No swimming.”
That came on the heels of damage done by the 46 days of torrential rain, which set a record and caused up to $50 million in damages.
“I’ve never seen anything like this weather — it’s starting to be like Seattle,” said a spokesman for Hawaiian Airlines.
And the impact on the state’s biggest industry, tourism?
Tourist officials say it’s too early to tell.
The misfortunes have helped in at least one way: visitors are spending much more at the gift shops. Umbrellas are particularly popular.
Report by David Wilkening
