Hawaii House Bill HR46

Hawaii 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/12/26
• Refer: 3/18/26

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Business, Economic Development, And Tourism To Establish A Destination Management Task Force.

Impact

The establishment of the Destination Management Task Force is anticipated to significantly impact local governance and the tourism sector. Primarily, the task force will focus on enhancing coordination between state and local agencies—as well as involving community stakeholders—to effectively manage visitor hotspots that heavily affect local culture and environmental resources. The initiative seeks to ensure that the voices of local communities are heard in tourism management, reflecting their needs and concerns regarding visitor behavior and associated infrastructural demands.

Summary

House Resolution 46 (HR46) is a resolution introduced in the Hawaii House of Representatives during the Thirty-third Legislature, aimed at enhancing the management of tourism in Hawaii. The resolution requests the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to establish a Destination Management Task Force. This task force is envisioned to foster a robust collaboration between state and county agencies and engage community organizations within Hawaii in framing a balanced approach to manage tourism, leveraging the expertise provided by existing entities like the Hawaii Tourism Authority.

Contention

While the resolution is aimed at improving tourism management, it also brings to the forefront potential areas of contention. For instance, concerns about whether the task force will truly represent local interests or if it may inadvertently prioritize tourism industry preferences still loom. The effectiveness of community engagement and the extent to which the task force will influence the policies of the Hawaii Tourism Authority are critical points for discussion, posing questions about the balance of interests among various stakeholders involved in Hawaii's tourism.

Recommendations

The resolution outlines that the task force is expected to review the Hawaii Tourism Authority's Strategic Plan and subsequently submit a report to the Legislature with findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation. This report is due twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2027, positioning the task force to play a vital role in shaping future tourism policies in Hawaii.