Hawaii House Bill HR131

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
• Passed: 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

The resolution acknowledges that while geotagging can help organizations understand consumer behavior and enhance marketing efforts, it also contributes to the problem of overtourism. This has significant implications for Hawaii's natural resources and safety, particularly as the state sees a growing influx of tourists. The study is intended to focus on how geotagging affects local environments and infrastructures, which may not be equipped to handle the volume of visitors attracted by geotagged locations.

Summary

House Resolution 131 (HR131) urges 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. Geotagging, the practice of appending geographic coordinates to media based on mobile device locations, has become increasingly prevalent and raises both concerns and opportunities in the context of tourism. The resolution seeks to provide a comprehensive analysis of these impacts as they relate to the state of Hawaii's tourism sector.

Contention

Notably, the resolution emphasizes the need for a deeper understanding of the negative impacts of geotagging, which have not been studied in detail. By urging a systematic analysis, HR131 seeks to ensure that any future policies or regulations can effectively address potential safety concerns and the sustainability of Hawaii's resources. The bill indicates a proactive approach by the state legislature to balance the benefits of tourism and marketing with the need to protect community welfare and environmental health.