Hawaii House Bill HCR152

Hawaii 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/24
• Refer: 3/14/24
• Report Pass: 3/21/24
• Report Pass: 4/4/24
• Refer: 3/21/24
• Refer: 4/5/24
• Engrossed: 4/4/24

Caption

Urging The Hawaii Tourism Authority, In Consultation With The Office Of Enterprise Technology Services, To Conduct A Study On The Social And Safety Impacts Of Geotagging.

Impact

This resolution highlights the dual nature of geotagging: while it can enhance marketing efforts and provide beneficial data, it is also linked to overtourism—a rising concern in Hawaii. The increase in visitors, driven by geotagging, often overwhelms local infrastructure and natural resources, leading to safety and environmental issues. The resolution seeks to quantify these impacts, thereby prompting necessary discussions and potential legislative action to mitigate any adverse effects.

Summary

HCR152, introduced in the Thirty-second Legislature of Hawaii, urges the Hawaii Tourism Authority, in consultation with the Office of Enterprise Technology Services, to conduct a comprehensive study on the social and safety impacts of geotagging. Geotagging, which involves appending geographic coordinates to media from mobile devices, offers insights into consumer activity and brand interactions. However, it also presents unintended consequences that could have lasting effects on both communities and the environment.

Contention

Key points of contention surrounding HCR152 involve balancing the promotional benefits of geotagging against its potential negative impacts. Proponents argue that a better understanding of geotagging's effects is crucial for managing tourism sustainably, particularly in environments already stressed by high visitor numbers. Critics may question the effectiveness of additional studies or the resources allocated toward them when immediate measures could be taken to address overtourism and its consequences.