Relating To Regenerative Tourism.
The bill establishes a regenerative tourism program under the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, which will help businesses transform their operations to align with regenerative tourism principles. This includes providing mentorship, training, and resources to member businesses that demonstrate commitment to sustainability, cultural values, and operational integrity. The program also outlines a grant system to financially support initial and expansion projects for qualified businesses, reinforcing economic involvement with a limit where grants can reach up to $15,000 based on business growth and adherence to proposed practices.
House Bill 2164 aims to shift Hawaii's tourism model towards regenerative tourism. This approach aims to counter the adverse effects of traditional tourism on the state's ecological and cultural landscapes, which have led to environmental degradation and cultural dilution. The bill acknowledges that sustainable tourism can greatly mitigate issues such as coastal erosion and reef dieback while enhancing local community resilience. By adopting regenerative tourism practices, Hawaii aims to provide an environmentally sustainable tourism sector that simultaneously enriches cultural experiences and promotes economic stability among residents.
While many stakeholders support this shift in tourism practices, some concerns regard the resource allocations and potential legislative changes required for sustaining the program. The financial prohibitions indicated by the need to exceed the general fund expenditure ceiling for fiscal year 2024-2025 could raise questions about the long-term viability of these appropriations. There may be debates about the extent to which local businesses can adapt to these requirements and whether this model can effectively compete with traditional tourism methods without compromising profitability.