The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority has released its plan to reduce visitors to "a manageable level" on Oʻahu, the most frequently visited and populous island.
The plan's action items include establishing a "regenerative tourism fee" to help protect natural resources, creating a reservation system for natural and cultural sites, managing visitors’ use of cars, and promoting the consumption of locally produced and sold goods.
Earlier this year, a committee comprised of community, business, and state officials was formed to create a three-year strategic plan addressing tourism-related issues. The HTA approved the plan in July, and the full plan has now been released to the public.
HTA Director of Planning Caroline Anderson says the plan also addresses issues such as environmental stewardship, visitor behavior, and balancing the needs of residents and visitors.
"All the actions you see in the plan, it was through community feedback and input," she said. "What it shows is that community voice counts, and it does have a role to play in the development of tourism for the island."
The plan also seeks to control the number of visitor accommodations and explore changes to land use, zoning and airport policies.
"And it’s not just about HTA doing the actions, we know that we need to collaborate and engage with other state agencies, other county agencies, the private sector, as well as the community to really move these actions forward. Because tourism touches everyone, whether it be directly or indirectly," Anderson said.
Each goal listed includes the relevant government agency or community organization that can help facilitate the proposed action.
John De Fries, head of the HTA, said, “It’s about continued collaboration and moving forward together to mālama this cherished place and each other, as desired by the people of Oʻahu.”
Read the full "Oʻahu Destination Management Plan 2021-2024" below or click here.
