03-10-2010, 07:43 PM
With all due respect, Emily Naeole is not the first person that comes to mind when I consider effective spokespersons for increasing Island tourism. She is a wonderful soul full of aloha, but to the average mainlander, she will be viewed as a colorful caricature or "nutcase." I'm not defending that perception or saying it's valid, but as someone who has worked in DC for almost three decades, I know that's how they will see her. I doubt that anyone will decide to visit our Island as a direct result of their interactions with her. And even if her visit does result in a few extra visitors, I believe taking this trip while the county is in severe financial difficulties shows poor judgment on her part. The average constituent is not going to appreciate the supposed benefits of her trip - they're going to think the Councilwoman is taking a free trip on their dime. Perception is reality, and I predict she will take lots of heat for this decision.