Sometimes, you just have to know where your
bread is buttered.
For Hawaii, that bread and butter is tourism.
The state’s governor, Josh
Green, is well aware of this. That’s why he signed legislation that would regenerate
tourism on the islands. In this day and age of the genuine concerns of over-tourism
and balancing the needs of residents and tourists, Green understands what
drives his state and is the main economic force — tourism.
It
would be like taking the Statue of Liberty and Rockefeller Center out of New
York, or the Colosseum away from Rome, or the Parthenon in Athens. There has to
be a balance between sightseeing and desecration, no matter how unintentional
it might be.
“Sustainable tourism is essential
for the future of our state,” said Governor Green. “This bill ensures that our
visitor industry grows in a way that respects and preserves our cultural
heritage while promoting economic diversification.”
A Domino Effect
Tourism is like a domino effect. An
economic domino effect. Sure, you might come for the beaches. But you are also
paying for lodging, perhaps renting a car, eating in a restaurant and
even having something as simple as shave ice. Yes, there is a movement afoot
in Hawaii to curtail the vacation rental market. Curtail, not eliminate.
I’m sure there are far more learned people than I who can tell you how
many times a dollar is turned over. I’m willing to wager that it’s a pretty
significant amount.
“This landmark legislation
represents a pivotal advancement in solidifying ongoing efforts to transform
Hawaiʻi for the better, and I commend Governor Green and the Legislature for
their leadership in ushering forth this era,” said Hawaii Tourism Authority
Board Chair and Hawaiʻi Lodging & Tourism Association President and CEO
Mufi Hannemann in a statement. “The united efforts of government agencies and
officials, community leaders, and HTA highlight a shared dedication to
fostering a thriving, diverse, and resilient industry that places the
well-being of our communities and diverse cultural heritage at the forefront.”
Perhaps Hawaii can be a leader when it comes to the issue of over-tourism. Perhaps there is a happy medium between the residents
and the tourists who flock to the islands. But the bottom line is that tourism
is an economic engine that can’t simply be disposed of.
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