According to a study released by Hawaii Pacific University, the Honolulu Marathon helped generate $107.7 million for the state’s economy in 2011. The marathon, which has been going on for 39 years, attracted a total of 22,615 participants in 2011. Hawaii Pacific University Professor Jerry Agrusa commented that, “People who come spend a significant amount of money that the state doesn’t have to build anything for, such as a stadium or the convention center. There’s no upkeep. They’re using an existing facility, the road. That’s why it’s such a tremendous event. It brings all these tourists here, and the state doesn’t have to build anything.”
Critics of the National Football League’s Pro Bowl, which is also held in Honolulu, noted that the Honolulu Marathon does not receive any funding from the Hawaii Tourism Authority. In comparison, the NFL receive $4 million from the state and $152,500 in game-day stadium costs, while only bringing in $28.15 million in visitor spending. Tourism Brand and Sports Manager for the Hawaii Tourism Authority, Mike Story, stated, “The marathon has never solicited funds from HTA since I came here in 2005, but we support them in other ways. The Pro Bowl has tremendous value for Hawaii not only for the economic impact it brings to the state, but also its tremendous support of the community and also the media value.”
President of the Honolulu Marathon, Dr. Jim Barahal noted that they have already received 10,468 entries for the 2012 marathon, and they have not opened up the field to Japan or worldwide yet. Barahal stated that he expected this year’s field to be even larger then last year’s. Barahal commented, “If you look at the Sony Open golf tournament, the Pro Bowl and other events where people get exposed to Hawaii either by participating or seeing it on television, I think the marathon is the best of the events because we bring in more people and generate more actual money.”
Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 2-3-2012, www.staradvertiser.com
Posted by Jeff Uyemura-Reyes, Broker-in-Charge, Realtor
Global Executive Realty, LLC
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