Relating To Tourism Governance.
The bill specifically requires the Legislative Reference Bureau to identify and analyze governance models from regions with similar tourism dynamics to Hawaii. This analysis will focus on optimizing inter-agency coordination for effective destination management, assessing the effectiveness of current systems, and exploring new governance structures that could help mitigate tourism's negative impacts like 'overtourism'. Furthermore, it aims to establish a framework for stakeholder engagement and input into the governance process, potentially leading to more localized and effective management strategies that correspond to community needs.
House Bill 1381 aims to enhance the tourism governance structure in Hawaii by mandating a comprehensive study of alternative tourism governance systems. Recognizing the critical role of tourism in the state's economy, the bill seeks to balance the interests of visitors and residents while addressing concerns over the impacts of tourism on local lives and infrastructure. The legislature emphasizes the need for a coordinated system involving various stakeholders, including state and county agencies, private industry, and community representatives to ensure effective management and sustainability of the tourism sector.
A notable point of contention lies in how the governance system has been operated under the Hawaii Tourism Authority since its creation by Act 156 in 1998. Critics argue that the focus on marketing has contributed to oversaturation of tourist areas, leading to the phenomenon known as 'overtourism'. The bill acknowledges that past attempts at coordinated governance have faced challenges, particularly regarding enforcement and accountability, suggesting that without a new formalized structure, the tourism governance might not address the pressing needs of both residents and the sustainability of the tourism sector.