Evolving with newly signed landmark transformational law. Enhanced environmental protections and more coming to future Hawaii vacations
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Evolving with newly signed landmark transformational law. Enhanced environmental protections and more coming to future Hawaii vacations
Get Breaking Hawaii Travel News
I agree Tony—was wondering if the treatise was A-I generated as it made little sense. And again so hypocritical….how about conservation lessons for many of the locals who disrespect the beauty of their home. I only ever see tourists picking up trash in the wake of the ATV’s and 4X4 monster trucks that went before them.
The state citizens have to do a better job of taking care of “paradise.”
My wife and I recently returned from a trip from the islands, including Lanai. While I realize Lanai is a private island, the amount of plastic garbage on the shores near Shipwreck Beach is a national disgrace and tragedy. We must do something to correct this issue.
I support any and all efforts to retain and sustain the Hawaiian lands and culture. The invasion of tourists have made it almost impossible, economically, for natives to remain on the islands.
The tourists ‘invading’ the islands is the only reason you’re still there. They provide 70-85% of every dollar circulating in the economy.
Remove those dollars and see how long you can stay.
Tourists coming to Hawaii are on vacation. Who wants to plan every minute of a trip weeks before travel. I’ve been visiting nearly 50 years, over 25 trips. Have visited each island, but mostly Oahu or Maui. My happy places. Wake up and decide which direction to go today, feel like staying at a location for 15 minutes or 2 hours I’m On Vacation. Picnic or fine dining, what fits the mood. What happened to the aloha? I’m sure I’ll miss Hawaii, but I’m checking out other options.
Clearly Hawaii is not for you. Plenty of other vacation destinations for you to explore. Aloha.
Hawaii will never lose its luster for some, but will for others. We have family there and that can never go away for us. My advice is to hope that others don’t lose so much love for the islands that those who rely on tourism don’t suffer from this sentiment. At my age, right, wrong or indifferent, I’ve seen people live to regret that which they wished on others. Aloha.
Tom,
It’s hard to feel empathy for people who continue to elect the same terrible leaders. Wake up Hawaii, doing the same thing every election will only result in the same results.
I think this is a fantastic plan, I’ve only been once to the islands and was extremely happy with the Aloha vibe, but noticed the rudeness of tourists. It bothered me very much. I believe that Hawaii and its families have every right to grow back their islands and preserve the heritage and beauty of them. If setting regulations to do such is a plan, I say go for it. To much disrespect and overcrowding is shameful for such a beautiful people and place….
You hit it right on the head, Erik. All this talk about tourists needing to respect locals and the environment, while locals trash the environment with cars, couches, washers, etc., and complain about the tourists who spend money there.
same words over and over but no idea what they are going to do but raise rates/prices etc. if you want to clean up Hawaii start with its native people and all the trash they dump for it is the people of hawaii that has trashed their island, then and only then can you ask the same of tourists.
Wow! Alot of words and not much said. Been going to Maui for many years and loved it like a second home. You hear alot of talk about overcrowding but yet the homes and condos keep going up. Water,water,water. Always about water yet the growth keeps happening. We no longer feel welcomed like we use to. Time to find a new home. What a shame!
We just sold our beautiful home on Maui due too no longer feeling that Aloha Spirit. All you hear about is how tourist trash the islands and how rude they are. In our 10 plus years we never once experienced a rude or disrespectful tourist. Residents need to look a bit deeper into their wrong doings and make some serious changes Hard to believe Hawaii is part of the United States Stop asking the federal government to 100% support your deficiencies you created
The abandoned and stripped cars we see along the roadways on Maui and Oahu are not tourists deciding to leave their rental cars.
Sorry Hawaii but Hawaiian’s and locals have been surfing and swimming in the aqua marine toilet for years. Fish,whales,turtles,marlins, and shellfish have to go to deposit urine and fecal matter somewhere. What eco solution do you have for this problem Hawaii? Go Big or Go Home!!!!!
Translation: less tourists & a disasterous Hawaiian economy. Good luck Hawaii, you get what you vote for.
I’ve visited Hawaii twice in the last year and a dozen times since the 70s. Tourism does have an impact on the environment but the garbage from the numerous beach homeless encampments on Oahu and abandoned cars throughout Maui aren’t caused by tourists. It seems to me that there’s been a loss of luster and local pride as a result. I won’t be returning anytime soon.
You hit it right on the head, Erik. All this talk about tourists needing to respect locals and the environment, while locals trash the environment with cars, couches, washers, etc., and complain about the tourists who spend money there.
A good step to take will be to X-ray bags inbound and confiscate all the sunscreen that bleaches the coral. We buy the local zinc based cream to support the local vendors when we visit.
I approve of limits on the number of visitors. I’m willing to apply and wait my/our turn.. less people less damage..
I agree about the sunscreen. I just returned from a month long trip. I was shocked at how many tourists were using spray sunscreen/not reef safe products… and spraying it on windy days and it going all over the place instead of on their skin.
Actually, there are many activities in our society
that you could make similar comments about.
Most people have tunnel vision
and live inside their own little bubble (:
We have been visiting Waikiki every year for a month and have experienced all the changes on the island before and after covid. We totally respect the spiritualness and peacefulness of this beautiful place. We also don’t appreciate the disrespect of present tourists. The actions we have seen taking place on the beaches are appalling. What the Governor needs to do to go back to the Golden Days is to set up beach patrols so tourists learn how to respect this sacred land. If there is no guidance then this is the reason the islands are a mess. Thanks Frank C.
Wasn’t much said here in the way of actual changes to come. A lot of general talk about big picture issues to be sure, but no real definitive answers as to what’s going to happen…
While in the military I lived in Hawaii for 2 years and have since visited there some 15 times. I will not be back. I will spend my tourist dollars where I feel more appreciated rather than a nuisance.
This makes no sense and doesn’t seem like it will make a difference. It will frustrate tourists like the reservation system and with how much it costs to go to Hawaii people will go elsewhere.
Just priced a shuttle to Haena for four people and the cost was $160.00. That’s insane!!! Gouge the tourists. I own a timeshare in Princeville and will be going in December 1 last time and selling after. Good ridence. Heading to the Caribbean with cheaper lodging and airfare. I agree that they do need to do a better job with island clean up and recycling. Who needs abandoned and burned vehicles on the beaches?
I can see it now: When you get off the plane, you are taken to a large room where all the tourist “rules” are explained. You have to sign a statement that you will be a mindful tourist and abide by any and all rules. Then before you leave the room, you will be assessed a “mindful tourist” fee. $50? $100? That money will go directly to the politicians pockets.
Bottom line:
More fees and restrictions.
“A Tale told by Idiots full of Sound and Fury signifying Nothing…”
Apologies to slightly modifying The Bard…
Best Regards
Mahalo! This hits the nail on the head about another nonsensical effort raging on Maui right now…
Well, here they go again shooting themselves in the foot…
“The focus on shifting away from a tourism-centric economy towards an undefined future raises questions about the state’s readiness to manage this transition smoothly.”
Thanks BoH for this informative article. Shifting away from a tourism-centric economy towards an undefined future managed by the state. Hmmm … sounds ominously reminiscent of HECO shutting down a power plant with no plan or infrastructure in place to replace the lost electrical generation capacity. That has resulted in numerous unannounced brownouts all over Oahu over the past year. What could possibly go wrong!?
Good point by Gary. Here in California, the Governor couldn’t wait to shut down the last remaining nuke plant(10% of the state’s electricity). Now he’s on his hands and knees begging the utility to keep it open.
If Hawaii is to help protect the environment by reducing tourists (mainlanders are the target, I assume) what can possibly replace the tourists’ dollars?
The people of Hawaii cannot survive on fewer $$$$$.
Lots of feel good verbal fluff, with no concrete strategies. A good diversion from the STR debacle, and my bet is that it will accomplish nothing in the long run.
Just what I want from a vacation, my every move regulated by a politician! Time to explore the US Virgin Islands!
You will love them, Scott!
For starters, why don’t they pick up and haul away the abandoned cars and couches?
Don’t forget those washer dryer and refrigerators .. oh never mind that was someone that must have bought durring there stay at a condo rental
Hi Guys. Here’s an idea. How about replacing the current tourism board with those Hawaiian youths that sued the government for climate control change and won before it could go to trial. Gov. Green couldn’t sign off on that any quicker to avoid a embarrassing situation that would reveal how little and how slow they take care of and implement improvements for the people. What do you think?
Sue the government. Sue, Sue, Sue. Taxpayers money paid out just to satisfy some states financial situation. Sorry not the bailout senerio for any state to structure as a operating budget plan. That’s all society needs is to sue the taxpayer. Hawaii needs to stop in just looking for some free money. IMO that really don’t make me wish to spend more while visiting.
The system will be corrupted from the outset. I can see the HTA approved internet ads now: “Skip the wait, go straight to Hanauma Bay with ___ Tours!” “Guaranteed swim in the Seven Sacred Pools!” Every place that limits tourism has “sweetener” deals for those tourists willing to pay extra. Example: The Louvre in Paris may be sold out, but you sure as heck can pay extra for a morning session or exclusive acce$$ through approved tours. These places will ultimately primarily serve privileged people. I’m not saying that’s bad, that’s economics at work. If you can’t afford it, don’t go.
Consider the green fee a gate admission and everything else is a charge or fee. The only thing Hawaii has not figured out is how to charge for oxygen or toilet use yet. If you can’t afford the attractions then the only other thing to do is dine or go shopping. Is it really possible to relax and not spend any money in Hawaii. Window shop?
Reservations to walk down a sidewalk or street? Whats next.
I own a small VRBO vacation rental condo on The Big Island – I bought it so I could visit regularly and be able to afford to visit often, hoping the rental would create enough income to make is a reality. Some years it’s worked, others not, but I do not regret buying it, and I hope I can continue to rent it out when I am not there…if not, I will probably have to sell it (perhaps the goal of the new regulations?) Hawaii creates warm fuzzies in my heart:) I am on board with supporting the ecology of Hawaii!. ***Does the island even have the start of a plan to recycle? Every time I go, I am disheartened that everything just gets dumped in the trash! I would think that would be a priority on an island!
All the trash in Hawaii is barged to Oregon and Washington to fill our landfills so why recycle? We have to tend to the island’s garbage both ways. If not the landfill would cover every island and stink to high heaven.
Maui finally got going on solid waste. Took 20 years.
One of the few government run things to by proud of. Tourism always draws new investors.
Kauai has had a landfill for decades (down on so-called west side of the island). It is approaching “full” or so we are regularly told. But, larger items like all the abandoned cars and trucks, do go away on a barge.
Not to be jaded and/or naive, but someone please wake me when something actually comes of this.
I have a trip planned for late December, 2024, with my granddaughter who has never been to Hawaii. We are going to Kauai. If reservations are required to visit state parks and beaches, when will I know? How can I insure we will be able to enjoy the Hawaii experience?
Hawaii will be a giant theme park. You will pay in advance to make reservations to go to the beach or go hiking.
It will be like being on a land based cruise.
Did the regenerative tourist plan include eliminating STR’s. Regenerative means to not generate which results in less tourists, less jobs, and less income. What’s next eliminating all carbon emission vehicles to be ecofriendly and only allow electric buses and scooters.
Sorry Hawaii IMO you’re more interested in saving the fish and not the people. No tourists mean no income and residents will have no choice but to relocate. Different day same song and dance.
Cut tax rates on tourism and more tourists will arrive. That includes, TAT, GEC, real estate taxes and income taxes on accommodations, gas taxes and sales taxes. Slash them all by 50%.
So more tourists will come and cash inflow will go up, resulting in more tax dollars being generated. It works every time. Just do a couple of press releases and save your ad $. They will come like crazy.
This bill looks like an excuse to do the opposite. “Regenerative” is the hint. Tax and spend doesn’t work.
Once again the politicians prove they are in it only for their personal gain. Vote wisely.
A great way to lower the cost of the local kama’aina is to eliminate the state income tax, which hits the wallets directly. The brain drain move to the Mainland will never end until the everyday worker can afford to breathe! But since the politicians love playing Robbing Hood with the workers and collude with the hotel lobby at costs, there’s no end to the madness and the 9th Island (Vegas) will continue to grow in popularity.
President Ronald Reagan, August 12, 1986 “I think you all know that I’ve always felt the nine most terrifying words in the English language are: I’m from the Government, and I’m here to help.”
The word salad is ridiculous. So many multisyllable words to say nothing of substance. And I do mean, quite literally, nothing of substance.
To say this is more political posturing does not even come close!
Environmental impact & respect_Start with the local fishermen that either over fish or take fish they are not supposed to so that they can sell them for aquariums. And then there’s the abandoned vehicles, appliances, and bags of trash spread around Maui. So will the “education of visitors” require a test to get into Hawaii? Finally, regenerative and sustainable tourism are just a part of a “vowel” movement that is completely ambiguous!
Technically, an “adjective” movement. Or maybe you meant “bowel” movement, in which case you are correct.
All the appropriate labels of the left are there. And, as is normally associated with those unicorn friendly-inspired messages, it’s totally devoid of practical applications of the bill.
I’ll just wait this out as Green and his bastion destroy the state and possibly, not definitely, return once rationale has returned. But I won’t hold my breath. Europe is beckoning as are countless other cheaper alternatives.
By all means, continue to vote the party whose motivation is emotional and not based on objective fact. Meantime, your tourism dollars will be cashed by and invested in other areas.
Hmmm…. my very expensive trip to HI will now be micromanaged by government bureaucrats. Sounds Magical. Where do I sign up?
Yup. But “Less” government is a 4 letter word in Tax-and-Spend politicians dictionary.
Once again the State wants its cake and eats it too. It wants to promote regenerative tourism but it’s not willing to force everyone to adjust to it. In my opinion, the only real regenerative tourism plan is to revamp the entire tourist experience in Hawaii. That means that we take the hotels that have limited services (in comparison to full-service resorts) and work to convert most of the properties in Waikiki into full service resorts. Then you make sure that the amount of people going to places like Hanauma bay is limited (instead of rental cars, and tourist shuttles from the resorts with limited capacity). And you keep the tourist on the resort as a primary experience.
What tourist wants to stay in a resort as a primary experience? They come to see Hawaii, not the innards of a resort!
Pat,
I’m sure the great majority of us do. Actually, for the past 20 years we’ve stayed in our timeshare. Like a hotel, we know what to expect. Consistency.