Under the strain of soaring fuel costs, travelers are faced with higher airfares causing many tourists to think twice about visiting Hawaii. And anytime there’s a dramatic drop in tourism, the ripple effect on our economy extends far beyond Waikiki, to the businesses and workers that count on tourist dollars to survive.

Outrigger Enterprises, one of the largest privately-held leisure lodging companies in the Asia Pacific region, recently saw a drop in local bookings and is bracing for the months ahead. Joining us live Tuesday to answer your questions on the economy, the visitor in industry and its impact on the local economy will be David Carey, Outrigger’s president and CEO. Outrigger Enterprises recently completed its Waikiki Beach Walk, the major $535-million revamp of the area bordered by Kalakaua Avenue, Lewers  Street, Kalia Road,  Beach Walk and Saratoga Road, with 40 new retail shops, outdoor entertainment, restaurants and more. David will take your questions live here on the Hot Seat Tuesday, from noon to 1 p.m.

To join the conversation, watch for the new posting that will go up at noon Tuesday and post your questions there during the hour. If you can’t make the session live, you can e-mail your questions to me in advance at jmbelding@honoluluadvertiser.com and I’ll try to get in as many as I can in between the live posts, but it’s best to post them yourself because this will be a busy hour.

See you Tuesday at noon, with Outrigger’s David Carey.