The modified closure of the Hawai‘i Convention Center over at least the next two years will cost the visitor industry hundreds of millions in lost revenue, and a lack of confidence in the state-run project’s timeline is putting future bookings at risk.

Teri Orton, general manager of the convention center, said the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority is expected to issue a contract next month to fix the center’s rooftop terrace, which has been leaking since 1999. Orton said the start of the major rooftop work planned for early next year allows the center to address some $162.9 million in deferred maintenance projects and upgrades, including the rooftop repair, which is estimated to cost $64 million.

“These projects include multiple leak repairs throughout our building, rooftop terrace repairs, upgr

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