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Paul Brewbaker of TZ Economics joined The Conversation to share why he thinks Hawaiʻi should look at a new model for our number one economic engine — tourism.
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During the 2023 legislative session, lawmakers stopped short of replacing the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority with an office inside the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism — where it used to be decades ago. Three local economists and tourism consultants propose rethinking the landscape for destination management.
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James Kunane Tokioka replaces interim DBEDT director Chris Sadayasu who was rejected by state senators earlier this year for the position.
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State lawmakers advanced measures in both chambers last week that would disband the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority and place some of its functions under a new office at the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism.
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The Hawaiʻi State Senate rejected two of Gov. Josh Green’s cabinet-level appointees on Friday. Lawmakers did not confirm Scott Glenn in a split vote on the Senate floor. Senators also voted against Chris Sadayasu, Green's pick to lead the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism. Senators did confirm Kali Watson for the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and Keith Regan for the Department of Accounting and General Services.
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Rent lease negotiations between the state and nearly 100 tenants in Waiāhole Valley on Oʻahu are sparking conversations about the future of this rural, agricultural community. The state has subsidized rents for tenants at below-market rates for decades, but increased operation and maintenance costs are forcing the state to rethink its landlord role. HPR’s Kuʻuwehi Hiraishi reports.
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The Senate Committee on Energy, Economic Development and Tourism voted 4-1 to not recommend Chris Sadayasu, who has been acting director since appointment, for the position.
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DBEDT's 2023 Statistical and Economic Report for the year's first quarter was released last Thursday, drawing attention to some of the state's inflation and tourism achievements.
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Visitor spending across the state increased in January to almost $1.9 billion — a near 40% more than January of last year, and an increase of more than 17% from the pre-pandemic year of 2019.
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While lawmakers had Mike McCartney on the hot seat last week, the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority was grilled about its part in the debacle on Tuesday. The Conversation talked to state Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz, who along with other senators, was taken aback when the HTA president suggested that the agency once again be “exempted” from state procurement law.