There’s no doubt that Hawaii has been hit hard in the
last couple of years.
Now, new legislation is hoping to return the state to its
main economic force – tourism.
Governor Josh Green has signed a bill that is designed to
regenerate tourism on the islands.
“Sustainable
tourism is essential for the future of our state,” said Governor Green. “This
bill ensures that our visitor industry grows in a way that respects and
preserves our cultural heritage while promoting economic diversification.”
Senate
Bill 2659, introduced by Senators Jarrett Keohokalole and Les Ihara, Jr., and
championed by the Native Hawaiian Caucus in both chambers of the Legislature,
incorporates a regenerative framework into the Hawaiʻi State Planning Act and
the state’s Tourism Functional Plan – documents that guide the operation of
state and county agencies – by expanding objectives and policies for the
visitor industry, which include:
-Shifting
to a regenerative visitor industry that has a smaller ecological
footprint by implementing policies such as decreasing the impacts on beaches,
reefs and ocean life, and that aims to sustain and improve the quality of life
for Hawaii’s people.
-Supporting
community efforts to protect the cultural and natural resources of
the land, oceans, streams and skies, and to ensure that kapu (prohibited) and
environmentally sensitive contexts are protected from visitor traffic
-Engaging
more of Hawaii’s businesses by better positioning Hawaii’s business
owners and entrepreneurs in the economic value chain, and actively supporting
other economic sectors to reduce the state’s dependence on tourism
-Empowering
Hawaii’s people by offering capacity-building opportunities, job
training and education for upward career mobility in the visitor industry
“This
landmark legislation represents a pivotal advancement in solidifying ongoing
efforts to transform Hawaiʻi for the better, and I commend Governor Green and
the Legislature for their leadership in ushering forth this era,” said HTA
Board Chair and Hawaiʻi Lodging & Tourism Association President and CEO
Mufi Hannemann in a statement. “The united efforts of government agencies and
officials, community leaders, and HTA highlight a shared dedication to
fostering a thriving, diverse, and resilient industry that places the
well-being of our communities and diverse cultural heritage at the forefront.”
Hawaii has been devastated by the raging wildfire in Maui
and what is perceived to be over-tourism. In fact, one of its famous black sand
beaches was
proposed for development.
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