Hawaii hotels are hoping legislation
that allows gay and lesbian couples to enter a civil union will
increase tourism to the islands.
The new law, which went into effect on
January 1, gives gay couples most of the protections of marriage. A
similar law also came online on New Year's Day in Delaware.
Standing to gain the most from the new
law is the island of Maui, which played host last year to the most
non-resident marriage ceremonies in Hawaii (5,900).
“We want to service all segments of
the community, and we welcome everyone,” Carol Reimann, executive
director of Maui Hotel & Lodging, told Hotel
Check-In, an USA Today blog on travel and tourism.
According to The
Maui News, the Grand Wailea hotel is offering free iPads to
the first 10 couples to purchase the hotel's civil union package.
At The Muse Hotel, concierge Marc
Camacho became an ordained minister in order to officiate over the
civil union ceremonies of gay couples.
“It feels good knowing this is one of
the things we can offer” guests, he told Hotel Check-In.