Who is a poor unsuspecting would-be tourist to believe?

News organizations around the country are carrying stories that say the vog in Hawai'i kills plants and forces people to stay indoors. The tourist industry is saying "Vog? What vog?" The Legislature is forming a special committee to study the impact of vog on health, safety and pets, among other things.

Here we are in the information age and there is too much conflicting information.

The Big Island Visitors Bureau sent out a press release this week aimed at quelling fears about the vog situation:

"Under refreshing tradewinds and a full moon, Kilauea volcano looks better than ever. ... Despite recent negative publicity about the emissions from the volcano causing volcanic smog, or 'vog,' around the Hawaiian Islands, tradewinds returned to the islands last Friday, creating crystal-clear viewing opportunities, and sunny, mild conditions statewide. When tradewinds blow, the haziness associated with vog is often pushed out to sea."

Sure. But then it came back.

Meanwhile, the state House has created a special committee of lawmakers to look into the situation, which they portray as quite serious:

"What is occurring is a natural disaster, but unlike a tsunami, hurricane, twister or major earthquake, it is not viewed as one," said state Rep. Bob Herkes of the Big Island. "The Legislature needs to focus on the impacts on Hawai'i residents such as health and safety, loss of agricultural crops or the impact on tourism and jobs, and explore all avenues of relief."

Well, OK, some of the crops can't handle the sulfur and some people can't handle the sulfur, but calling it a natural disaster? Those tend to be catastrophes that can't be outrun or negated by a hotel suite with air conditioner.

Clearly tourists are worried, and they're worried in a big way.

Best example, a wedding Web site answered the question "What is vog and can it ruin my Hawai'i wedding?" with a long description of how to plan around the potential of vog in terms of wedding photography and guests' health, so the underlying message was, "Yes."

If only those worried tourists could just call ask-a-local or something. We could tell them how it is: You can't see the valleys from the shore and the days are so humid your bath towels get that skunky smell. If you have a choice whether to have lunch on the veranda or inside in the air conditioning, go for AC. If you have breathing problems, see your doctor. If you have other problems, see your doctor. But ruin your wedding? Nah, only your 'ohana can do that.

Lee Cataluna's column runs Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Reach her at 535-8172 or lcataluna@honoluluadvertiser.com.