American College of Chest Physicians Brings Nearly $42 Million Economic Boost, Reforests Koa Trees

American College of Chest Physicians Brings Nearly
$42 Million Economic Boost, Reforests Koa Trees
HONOLULU – The American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) contributed significantly to
Hawai‘i’s economy and community while convening its annual meeting at the Hawai‘i Convention
Center, October 8-11. The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA) and Meet Hawai‘i worked with the
national organization to bring CHEST 2023 to fruition.
During CHEST 2023, the group of 7,500 attendees comprised of medical professionals (including
students, physicians and respiratory therapists) and exhibitors from pharmaceutical companies
infused nearly $42 million into Hawai‘i’s economy, directly supporting local businesses, retailers,
restaurants, and community organizations. The meeting also included community-based
presentations from Wai‘anae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, Kōkua Kalihi Valley and
Hawai‘i LGBT Legacy Foundation.
CHEST planted 42 koa trees at Gunstock Ranch with the Hawaiian Legacy Reforestation Initiative
through the Hawai‘i Convention Center’s Ho‘omaluō (to conserve or manage wisely) sustainability
program and Carbon Offset Program, which provides meeting organizers with opportunities to
offset the environmental impact of their events in meaningful ways.
In addition, attendees painted a mural designed by artist Jeremy Jarvis and the staff at Waikīkī
Health’s O‘ahu Clinic, which is displayed at the clinic for patients and staff to enjoy.
“Fostering the right type of citywide group business that emphasizes corporate social responsibility,
such as CHEST 2023, is integral to our meetings, conventions and incentives strategy to bring
forth benefits through visitor spending as well as direct contributions to our communities,” said
Daniel Nāho‘opi‘i, HTA’s interim president and CEO. “We appreciate CHEST and its members for
convening in the Hawaiian Islands, providing local organizations the opportunity to further their
mission among the chest medicine community, and contributing to our reforestation and
community efforts.”
CHEST is a global leader in advancing best patient outcomes through innovative chest medicine
education, clinical research, and team-based care. For more information on CHEST 2023, visit
https://www.chestnet.org/Learning-and-Events/Events/CHEST-Annual-Meeting/post-event.