HONOLULU -- Business owners that depend on tourism told state lawmakers Thursday that the state must stress to potential Japanese visitors, especially those wanting to get married in Hawaii, that the islands are still a safe place to visit.

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Tourism officials hope a proposed $20 million emergency marketing fund will help send a message that will reach Japanese bridal couples still yearning for a Hawaii wedding.

"They really feel that by coming to Hawaii to have their wedding, they would be insulting the Americans and they are just canceling it," Donald Amemiya of Watabe Wedding Corp. told members of the state Senate tourism committee.

Amemiya said that 300 couples have canceled on his company in the last two weeks. He said that a message of reassurance from the governor and other officials might help get the lucrative bridal business back on track.

Japanese wedding couples are a boon to the local economy because couples usually bring about eight family members with them and spend a lot of money while in Hawaii.

Amemiya and others told lawmakers that the proposed emergency marketing plan must emphasize to Japanese and other tourists that America's flags are at full staff, our national recovery is under way and that we need their help.

"It is the opening of the message that 'Hawaii is open, Hawaii is normal, Hawaii is welcoming you." Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau President Tony Vericella said. "Thank you for grieving and the best way to help us is to come back and rejuvenate."

Tourism officials said that safety also must be emphasized.

"A problem area is one of airline safety, confidence to get the people back here and let them know we are in business," tourism commitee chairwoman Donna Mercado Kim said.

A team of business leaders is expected to announce details Hawaii's emergency tourism marketing plan next week. It will be paid for with $10 million of taxpayer money and $10 million from private business.

Efforts will be directed not only at Japanese tourists, but also tourists from Canada and the Midwest and western United States. Tourism officials hope residents in those areas of the United States are now shying away from foreign travel and cruises and looking to Hawaii.