167 thoughts on “Hawaii’s Tourism Plans Marooned Again, Mired in Latest Controversy”

  1. Aloha, and mahalo for the opportunity to contribute. As I look back at the Islands of the past where the atmosphere, the music, the lei stands the attitude was Hawaiian and after becoming a state and having to look “American” the Hawaiianess has now slowly taken a back seat to contemporary music rock, rap and others. Waikiki has become a “Cony Island” with venders selling whatever on the side walks and and lowed music(?) being played by whoever on the side walks at night. What’s next??

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  2. Aloha,

    As a busy concierge in this state for many years, I can honestly say that based on my personal experience with those in charge at the KVB, have gone way above and beyond the call of duty on everything they do. EVERYTHING. I saw I was there. The problem here is there are too many hands in the pot now and too much smoke and mirrors. We can’t trust or believe anyone anymore.

    Aloha

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  3. This is crazy! You can’t stop the horse that’s already out of the barn. Limiting tourists by housing type just means that locals who rent condos or apartments might not be able to anymore due to hotel overbuilding. That’s a crash for a lot of local people’s income and a boom for corporations who would raise hotel rates through the roof! In 1980 it was a plausible idea. In 2021 it is a market wrecker that could bankrupt small Hawaiian businesses.

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    1. My wife and I moved there after our honeymoon in 1983 during the Aloha Renaissance. What a time to live in Hawaii! Back then Kimo Kahoano did a fire knife dance and was on KCCN. Last time I was there he visited me in my hospital room. We need Kimo and Leilani back on KKNE (and Ikaika, too)! Don’t limit Aloha, EXPAND IT!

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  4. I lived on maui and Oahu for almost 20 years and visited for many more. There is no more aloha or mystery about the islands. Whether it’s taking the tourists for granted or being bombarded with YouTube videos that spoil the anticipation. Sad really. I lived in lahaina on from street in the 90s and 2000 it was fantastic real aloha people knew everyone in town and people respected tourists and tourists respected the workers. Now with smart phones etc it’s like no one knows how to behave.

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  5. Since 1965, I have visited Hawaii about 30 times. This July that just passed we spent 3 weeks on Waikiki. It is almost a certainty that it will have been our final trip. I want to feel welcomed as a tourist, not just a wallet. The govt of Hawaii could learn a lot about how to treat tourists by spending some time in Cancun.

    When I visit Hawaii, I visit it as a tourist, not as a resident. Understand the difference and tourists, residents and the hospitality industry will all benefit.

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    1. Please enjoy yourself in Cancun. Its not personal. We have far more tourists than is good for Hawai’i. Aloha

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      1. Paul,

        I didn’t say I was going to Cancun; I said the govt of Hawaii could learn a lot from Cancun. I may go to Cancun again, but that wasn’t the point.

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      2. Paul,

        You may have more tourists than is good for Waikiki or even Oahu as a whole. Possibly even Maui. But the whole of Hawaii – probably not. Given its location, weather, and charm, tourism is most likely the future of Hawaii – pricing it out of range for most is a bad strategy. It may be time to make other areas of Hawaii more attractive to USA and world tourists.

        And it is without contradiction that the governor is not helping the matter – he makes tourists feel unwelcome.

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  6. The Disney parks got overwhelmed by visitors, and their strategy is to raise prices to see if it will prevent some from coming. HTA, I think, wants the State of Hawaii to do the same (they must be horrified by SWA entering the airline market). I must admit, the difference on Oahu between the 80s when I was stationed there and 2009 when I last visited, was pretty stark. I liked the sugar cane and pineapple fields, and missed them in ’09.

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  7. The quotes you included from UHERO sound more like a vision statement than the beginning of a strategic plan. Not mentioned in the article, but one way to achieve responsible tourism, is promoting eco and volunteer tourism.

    These concepts are extremely popular in Costa Rica, Panama, and some southeast Asian countries. On our Island of Hawaii Kalo, coffee and other farms could offer lodging and meals to younger eco-minded visitors who otherwise might not be financially able to afford a visit.

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  8. What will happen to the BI for the Ironman. Is it in February? Think things will loosen up there for that?

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    1. Iron Man Moved to Utah for the spring event. Too risky trying to plan an event with all the changes in policy. Just like trying to schedule a visit to family on the island. Never know what to expect so not going to visit.

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    1. Bob,

      I think some in the Hawaiian governor’s office (and elsewhere) would prefer we all send a check and stay home. Not gonna happen. Tourists will go where they are welcome!

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