Governor Green signs the Regenerative Tourism Bill into law. Courtesy of Governor Josh Green’s Office
Maryland Governor Josh Green signed into law a bill incorporating a regenerative tourism framework into Hawaii State Planning Code in a ceremony held in the Governor’s Office on Friday, attended by legislative leaders, community advocates and Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) officials.
“Sustainable tourism is essential to the future of our state,” Green said. “This bill will ensure that our state’s tourism industry grows in a way that respects and protects our cultural heritage while helping to diversify our economy.”
Senate Bill 2659, introduced by Senators Jarrett Keohokalole and Les Ihara, Jr. and supported by the Native Hawaiian Legislative Caucus in both chambers, incorporates a revitalization framework into the Hawaii State Planning Act and the State Tourism Functional Plan, the documents that govern the operation of state and county agencies, and expands tourism industry goals and policies. It includes:
Aim to maintain and enhance the quality of life for Hawaiians by transitioning to a regenerative tourism industry that has a lower environmental impact through implementing policies such as reducing impacts on beaches, reefs and marine life; Support community efforts to protect cultural and natural resources on land, sea, rivers and air, and ensure kapu (prohibited) and environmentally sensitive sites are protected from tourist traffic; Engage more Hawaiian businesses by better positioning Hawaiian business owners and entrepreneurs in the economic value chain and actively supporting other economic sectors to reduce the state’s reliance on tourism; Empower Hawaiians by providing capacity building opportunities, job training and education to advance careers in the tourism industry. Article continues below. Article continues below.
“This landmark legislation is a vital step forward in solidifying our ongoing efforts to make Hawai’i a better place, and we applaud Governor Green and the Legislature for their pioneering leadership,” said HTA Board Chair and Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association President and CEO Mufi Hanneman. “The concerted efforts of government agencies and officials, local leaders and HTA highlight our shared dedication to fostering a thriving, diverse and resilient industry that puts the well-being of our communities and our diverse cultural heritage first.”
This bill was a priority of the Aina Aloha Economic Future movement, a collaborative initiative to achieve a resilient economy through a deep and abiding love for Hawaii’s communities and natural environment. In 2020, a group of Native Hawaiian community members came together spontaneously after individual discussions that led to a shared sentiment that Native Hawaiian voices, values and experiences must influence Hawaii’s post-pandemic economic recovery. Among the 14 co-authors of the Aina Aloha Economic Future manifesto are Mahina Paison, who currently serves as vice chair of the HTA Board of Directors, and Kalani Kaanaana, HTA’s chief administrative officer.
HTA was an early signatory to the Āina Aloha Economic Futures Declaration and has supported it throughout the process of Senate Bill 2659 becoming law.
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“HTA heard the community’s call loud and clear: we need to transition to a regenerative tourism model that will create net benefits for Hawai’i’s environment and communities while continuing to support hundreds of thousands of jobs and many small businesses across the islands,” said HTA Vice Chairman Paishon. “This call has driven HTA’s work, and this legislation demonstrates that regenerative tourism is a priority for the Legislature and Governor Green’s Administration. We thank them for their leadership and support.”
The principles of sustainable, responsible and regenerative tourism are part of HTA’s plan for tourism that benefits Hawai‘i, and HTA has begun working with colleagues in the state’s Office of Planning and Sustainable Development on updates required by the new law.
