A conference scheduled for later this summer could bring millions of dollars to Hawaii. Just a month ago the eyes of the world focused on Pearl Harbor and the survivors, 70 years after that day of infamy. Hawaii is world renowned for hosting conventions.
"We are selected to host the National Navy League Convention June 20th to the June 24th. We're going to have over a thousand people and expect to bump in over $5 million to the economy," said Bob McDermott.
After many months at sea sailors are welcomed home.The Navy League supports sailors, marines, coast guardsmen, merchant marines in a variety of ways.
"When the ship is deployed we take the spouses, who are left behind for halfway dinners, and baby sitting services, and all sorts of things like that. And it's only possible with corporate sponsors like S.A.I.C," said McDermott.
S.A.I.C. is a corporate sponsor of the upcoming conference. For the company it's not a business decision, but a passion.
"It's just important to help the families while their spouses are on deployment. Last year, we also gave away turkeys to the entire crew of the U.S.S. Hawaii," said Karen Epenesa.
The company gave away I-Pads so sailors could keep up with family. The support for the Navy and Marines could result in a windfall for the state.
"And we're going to highlight the historical partners, the Bowfin, the Arizona, the Mighty Mo, and of course the Pearl Harbor visitor's center," said McDermott.
Visit cordinators hope the convention will bring forth future revenue for the state.
