Report on Sustainable Tourism Development in Hawai‘i

Introduction

The tourism industry in Hawai‘i represents a high-risk, high-reward sector that requires unified collaboration among organizations to ensure sustainable growth. As Chair of the House Tourism Committee, extensive engagement with diverse stakeholders—including hotel workers, cultural practitioners, airline executives, nonprofit leaders, and local residents—has highlighted the critical juncture at which Hawai‘i’s visitor industry currently stands.

Current Challenges and Opportunities

Recent analyses, such as the Civil Beat article “With the HTA in Chaos, a New Hawaiʻi Tourism Leader Has Emerged,” emphasize that the traditional tourism governance system in Hawai‘i is no longer effective. The increasing involvement of the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA) introduces a focus on cultural preservation, regenerative tourism, and community empowerment, aligning closely with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as:

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
• SDG 14: Life Below Water (considering Hawai‘i’s marine ecosystems)
• SDG 15: Life on Land (preservation of natural habitats)

Balancing Cultural Integrity and Economic Sustainability

CNHA’s advocacy for Native Hawaiian voices and regenerative tourism addresses historical marginalization and promotes cultural integrity, which is essential for sustainable development. However, managing an industry that generates billions in revenue and supports hundreds of thousands of jobs also demands global marketing expertise and proven industry relationships, as provided by the Hawai‘i Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB). This dual approach supports:

1. SDG 8: Promoting sustained, inclusive economic growth and productive employment.
2. SDG 17: Strengthening partnerships for sustainable development.

Public Trust and Governance

In 2022, CNHA was awarded a significant contract to manage marketing to the U.S. market, traditionally overseen by HVCB. The ensuing procurement disputes and legal challenges led to erosion of public trust, underscoring the need for transparent, accountable governance in tourism management. Policymakers must ensure that tourism strategies are:

• Inclusive and culturally respectful (supporting SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities)
• Accountable and fair with rigorous public contract standards
• Supportive of community voices and cultural education

Recommendations for a Collaborative Tourism Model

To achieve a sustainable and thriving tourism sector in Hawai‘i, the following collaborative model is recommended:

• Empower CNHA to lead in destination management and cultural education, leveraging their authenticity and integrity.
• Reinvest in and strengthen partnerships with HVCB and other industry professionals to maintain marketing expertise and global reach.
• Foster a balanced approach that integrates cultural values with economic sustainability, avoiding conflicts between culture and commerce.
• Promote transparency, vision, and learning from past challenges to build public trust.

This approach aligns with multiple SDGs, including:

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Conclusion

Tourism in Hawai‘i affects all residents and sectors of the economy, making it imperative that the industry reflects the best of the state’s cultural heritage, environmental stewardship, and economic potential. By embracing sustainable development principles and fostering collaboration among key organizations, Hawai‘i can ensure a resilient tourism industry that benefits current and future generations in accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The article discusses tourism as a major economic sector generating billions in revenue and supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs in Hawai‘i.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Focus on community-based management and balancing tourism impacts on local communities and cultural heritage.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Emphasis on regenerative tourism and sustainable management of tourism resources.
4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Concerns about public trust erosion, procurement disputes, legal challenges, and the need for transparency and accountability in public contracts.
5. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Calls for collaboration between different organizations and stakeholders to build a sustainable tourism model.
6. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Reference to cultural education and trade education training provided by the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA).
7. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Implied through cultural preservation and environmental sustainability in tourism practices.

2. Specific Targets Under the Identified SDGs

1. SDG 8 – Target 8.9: Develop and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products.
2. SDG 11 – Target 11.4: Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage.
3. SDG 12 – Target 12.2: Achieve sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
4. SDG 16 – Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels.
5. SDG 16 – Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels.
6. SDG 17 – Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships.
7. SDG 4 – Target 4.7: Ensure all learners acquire knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including through cultural education.
8. SDG 15 – Target 15.1: Ensure conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Economic Indicators:
   • Revenue generated by tourism (billions in state revenue).
   • Number of jobs supported by the tourism industry (hundreds of thousands).
2. Social and Cultural Indicators:
   • Inclusion of Native Hawaiian voices and cultural practitioners in tourism management.
   • Level of community participation and empowerment in tourism decision-making.
3. Governance Indicators:
   • Transparency and accountability in public contracts and procurement processes.
   • Public trust levels in tourism governance institutions.
4. Environmental Indicators:
   • Implementation of regenerative tourism practices.
   • Measures of cultural preservation and environmental sustainability.
5. Partnership and Collaboration Indicators:
   • Number and quality of partnerships between tourism organizations and community groups.
   • Effectiveness of collaborative models in tourism management.
6. Education Indicators:
   • Provision and uptake of cultural education and trade training programs.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: civilbeat.org