Editorial: Chip in to repair convention center

When the 2026 Hawaii Legislature held back on approving an additional $55 million to complete repairs to the Hawaii Convention Center’s (HCC) leaking facade, fixes to infrastructure —
including the remake of an inadequate kitchen — and upgrades such as a canopy to turn the rooftop into a premium events venue, it cemented the impression that it saw the center as a “problem child” with more needs than its parent body prefers to fill.

The approach is misguided — provoked by a familiar pique that erupts when major, taxpayer-funded projects jump in price, with little acknowledgment of local or global conditions that affect all similar endeavors. But it’s not irrational: Elected officials know a core group of taxpayers will object to all but the most basic government spending.

Still, the fact remains that repeatedly delaying fixes and essential repairs leads to growing problems and often, an exponential rise in cost.

In contrast, center General Manager Teri Orton’s vision is to manage HCC for dependable growth, maximizing revenue and self-sustainability. HCC initiatives under Orton’s management have appeared successful, making this year’s rejection that much more regrettable. Unfortunately, all but the most crucial projects have been turned away since 2025, when the Trump administration’s choking off of federal funding for housing, health and human services sent state budgets off a fiscal cliff.

The Legislature’s compromise to HCC this year was to lift spending restrictions so that the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) could use $21 million from the center’s own special enterprise fund. This fund is backed by the transient accommodations tax (TAT), essentially meaning hotel users are funding the immediate fixes.

Orton has pressed on at HCC’s helm since late 2013, booking events or negotiating later dates as possible, making efficient arrangements and operating strategically to maximize revenues — but also displaying admirable foresight in advocating that the facility be kept in good working order to stay competitive with other national and international venues.

The tourism industry largely approves of Orton’s approach, unsurprisingly, since revenue growth for HCC translates to revenue growth for this web of businesses. And organizations representing hoteliers tend to characterize the TAT as their money, since it’s added to visitors’ bills. Tourism executives have warned that reopening HCC in 2028 without completing fixes would hurt Hawaii’s credibility and competitiveness against other global destinations. They’re right — but with the breadth of worries now facing the state, it’s time for a revamp of attitudes and increase in cooperation.

The Legislature, and general public, are weary of tourism officials arguing “the state must spend so that the tourist industry can thrive.” Taxpayers, and legislators, might well be more sympathetic to this issue if visitor industry players put more “skin in the game” to show how important the convention center’s success is for their companies. How about a fund drive to support HCC? Or an event benefiting the center that doesn’t earn companies “charitable donation” tax credits?

Especially welcome would be visitor industry-
sponsored events held at the convention center as fundraisers — now that HCC has launched its own in-house food and beverage operations — bringing money in through multiple channels.

Hawaii’s voters and taxpayers are used to hearing the “cry poor” of the tourism industry, with its reminders that many working-class jobs are generated. However, job creation has lagged wealth creation for established Hawaii industries for some time. In the spirit of a more-cooperative future, creative partnership is called for.