THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2035
THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2022
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to regenerative tourism.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. Section 226-8, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:

"(b) To achieve the visitor industry objective, it shall be the policy of this State to:

(1) Support and assist in the promotion of Hawaii's visitor attractions and facilities[.];

(2) Ensure that visitor industry activities are in keeping with the social, economic, and physical needs and aspirations of Hawaii's people[.];

(3) Improve the quality of existing visitor destination areas by utilizing Hawaii's strengths in science and technology[.];

(4) Encourage cooperation and coordination between the government and private sectors in developing and maintaining well-designed, adequately serviced visitor industry and related developments which are sensitive to neighboring communities and activities[.];

(5) Develop the industry in a manner that will continue to provide new job opportunities and steady employment for Hawaii's people[.];

(6) Provide opportunities for Hawaii's people to obtain job training and education that will allow for upward mobility within the visitor industry[.];

(7) Foster a recognition of the contribution of the visitor industry to Hawaii's economy and the need to perpetuate the aloha spirit[.];

(8) Foster an understanding by visitors of the aloha spirit and of the unique and sensitive character of Hawaii's cultures and values[.];

(9) Form community partnerships to ensure Native Hawaiian cultural integrity by:

(A) Supporting Hawaii's people and communities and their efforts to malama aina (care for the land) and the cultural and natural resources of the aina (land), oceans, streams, and skies;

(B) Strengthening the relationships between the place and people, kamaaina (Hawaii residents) and malihini (guests) alike;

(C) Engaging in collaborative efforts that provide visitors with genuine and meaningful experiences in Hawaii;

(D) Ensuring that kapu (prohibited) and environmentally sensitive contexts are protected from visitor traffic;

(E) Positioning local business owners and entrepreneurs in the economic value chain to ensure more meaningful malihini-kamaaina engagement as well as economic benefit to local communities; and

(F) Acknowledging and, where appropriate, protecting Hawaiian cultural intellectual property, traditional knowledge, and traditional cultural expressions that contribute to Hawaii's economy;

(10) Employ Hawaii residents, commit to building their capacity, and offer career opportunities to ultimately increase the percentage of Hawaii residents in management and leadership positions in the industry;

(11) Apply innovative financial policies as well as data collection and analysis mechanisms to incentivize and facilitate a shift to a regenerative visitor industry that has a smaller footprint by, for example, decreasing the impacts on beaches, reefs, and ocean life; and that aims to sustain and improve the quality of life for Hawaii residents by, for example, decreasing the impacts of vacation rentals, bed and breakfast operations, and rental cars;

(12) Target markets that have a high probability of alignment with the goal of cultivating a regenerative visitor industry;

(13) Actively support and encourage other emerging economic sectors to reduce the dependence on tourism to support Hawaii's overall economic prosperity;

(14) Minimize negative economic, environmental, and social impacts;

(15) Generate greater economic benefits for Hawaii residents, enhance the well-being of host communities, and improve the working conditions and access to the industry;

(16) Involve Hawaii residents in decisions that affect their lives and life changes;

(17) Make positive contributions to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage for the maintenance of Hawaii's diversity;

(18) Provide more enjoyable experiences and a greater understanding of local cultural, social, and environmental issues for tourists through more meaningful connections with Hawaii residents; and

(19) Provide access for people having disabilities and disadvantaged people that is culturally sensitive, engenders respect between tourists and hosts, and builds pride and confidence in Hawaii."

SECTION 2. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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Report Title:

Objectives and Policies; Visitor Industry

Description:

Incorporates a regenerative framework into the State Planning Act by expanding objectives and policies for the visitor industry.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.