A study by the University of Hawaii finds that residents would like the state to become more proactive in managing tourism on the islands. But the Hawaii Tourism Board is already tracking some of the issues and actions cited by respondents.

UH’s Public Policy Center conducted a survey earlier this year to gauge residents’ feelings about tourism in the state.

More specifically, how it’s handled – and what you think should be done in the future.

700 people from across the state took part in the survey.

Colin Moore, director of the UH Public Policy Center, said they first asked attendees about the state’s COVID protocols and economic recovery – then they moved on to other tourism-related topics.

“We asked about the size of Hawaiian tourism and whether or not 10 million is too much, and 52% preferred to limit the number of visitors,” Moore said. “But when we took a closer look at the interviewees, we really found that what interests me most is what could be called ‘hot spot’ management. So instead of just limiting the number of visitors, just better management of areas like Diamond Head and ways to regulate this. “

“It is very clear that the public is not interested in just leaving the industry alone and letting market forces determine what happens.”

Colin Moore, Director, University of Hawaii Public Policy Center Ha

Moore says attendees also supported efforts to improve visitor education and attract responsible visitors.

The report also stresses that there is a strong consensus among residents that the state should play a bigger role in managing tourism.

However, the Hawaii Tourism Board is issuing management plans across the state to address community concerns … including many of survey respondents.

Moore said he believes not many residents know what the HTA is doing.

“What it shows is that people are broadly in favor of these destination management strategies,” said Moore. “So maybe the HTA could better communicate what it’s doing because I think a lot of people are assuming it’s just a tourism marketing agency and it’s really not assumed it has a lot of public support really. I mean, it’s very clear that the public isn’t interested in just leaving the industry alone and letting market forces rule what happens. “

Despite criticism from state lawmakers during the last term, Moore says nearly half of the attendees would either maintain or strengthen the authority of the HTA.

Last month, the legislature passed a measure that will cut the HTA budget to zero – from fiscal year 2023.

Moore says to manage tourism effectively – it would require consistent funding and effective coordination between all parties involved.

He added that any agency restructuring would require time and careful analysis.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR