HONOLULU – Gov. David Ige is heading to Japan on Saturday for a series of meetings to promote and expand travel to Hawai‘i, and make access easier through pre-clearance flights from Japan to Hawai‘i and the U.S.
Approximately 1.5 million visitors come to Hawai‘i annually, spending about $2.5 billion a year.
While in Japan, the governor will also meet with key stakeholders of the Thirty Meter Telescope to provide updates on the project.
Gov. Ige leaves Honolulu on Saturday, Feb. 15.
Lt. Gov. Joshua Green will serve as acting governor until Gov. Ige returns on Tuesday, Feb. 18.