HTA Seeks Ideas From Public on Ways to Reset Tourism

The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA) is reaching out to the public for ideas on ways to reset tourism in the state after a months-long economic and travel halt due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Guided by its 2020-25 Strategic Plan, one of HTA’s newest initiatives is the creation of a Destination Management Action Plan (DMAP) for each county – Kauai, Maui, Hawaii and Oahu – through its Community-Based Tourism program. HTA’s 2020-25 Strategic Plan, the counties’ Tourism Plans and other relevant plans that include tourism policies will serve as the foundation for the DMAPs.

The goal is to create four individual action plans that will provide an appropriate balance between the economic benefits of tourism and impact on local services, natural and cultural resources, and residents’ quality of life.

“The purpose is to rebuild, redefine and reset tourism’s direction over a three-year period through a collaborative process,” HTA stated in a press release Tuesday. “The focus will be on mindful tourism recovery followed by the long-term desired tourism for each island.”

In partnership with the counties and respective visitors bureaus, steering committees comprised of residents who represent not only the communities they live in, but also the visitor industry, different business sectors, the community and non-profit organizations, were created to guide the critical discussions. The steering committees for Kaua‘i, Maui, Molokai and Lanai began meeting in September. Hawai‘i Island’s steering committee will meet starting this month, and O‘ahu’s will convene in January 2020.

The ideas generated during the steering committee meetings will be shared with the public during a series of interactive community meetings that will be held online via Zoom from 5-7 p.m. Participants must reside on the respective island, since these are island-specific actions. Space is limited. Registration is required. The community meetings will also be posted on HTA’s website for those who are unable to attend.

There are two meetings scheduled on Kaua‘i. The first will take place on Oct. 21 for residents on the south and west sides of the island, including Kona and Ni‘ihau Moku. Click here to register. RSVP deadline is Oct. 20.

The second meeting is scheduled for Oct. 22 for residents in North and East Kaua‘i, including Puna, Ko‘olau, Halelea and Napali Moku. Click here to register. RSVP deadline is Oct. 20.

The public will also have the opportunity to review proposed actions and provide input via a webform here. Proposed actions will be available on the website the week of Oct. 15.

Click here to learn more about HTA’s Community-Based Tourism program.