Hawaii Gov. Josh Green has signed a bill into law that he says will “ensure that our visitor industry grows in a way that respects and preserves our cultural heritage while promoting economic diversification.”
The bill, which was championed by the Native Hawaiian Caucus in both chambers of the state’s legislature, calls for a “regenerative” model for tourism, ecologically and culturally.
The law lays out no specific steps that Hawaii will take to make tourism regenerative. The legislature said the bill establishes a framework from which policies will be implemented. “Regenerative tourism principles” will be added to the Hawaii State Planning Act, according to a news release.
General goals are decreasing impacts on beaches, reefs and ocean life; supporting community efforts to protect cultural and natural resources; “better positioning” Hawaii businesses and entrepreneurs; supporting other economic sectors to reduce the state’s dependence on tourism; and providing job training, education and opportunities for advancement in the tourism industry.
