Hawai‘i Tourism Authority Launches Virtual Meetings to Shape Sustainable Tourism with Local Input in the Destination Management Action Plan

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The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA) is taking important steps towards shaping the future of tourism in Hawaii through its Destination Management Action Plan (DMAP). Focused on responsible tourism, HTA has been working closely with local residents to ensure that tourism growth aligns with the needs of each island’s unique identity, while also preserving Hawaii’s cultural, historical, and environmental resources. This initiative reflects the HTA’s commitment to promoting tourism that supports community well-being and sustainable practices across the Hawaiian Islands.

Community Engagement: The Heart of the DMAP Process

Between September and December 2025, HTA organized over 30 in-person and virtual listening sessions across the islands. These sessions were designed to create an open dialogue between the HTA and local residents, allowing the community to voice their ideas and concerns about how tourism could be managed in a way that benefits everyone. The goal of these community sessions was not only to gather insights into local issues but also to align tourism efforts with Hawaii’s cultural values and the specific needs of each island.

Through these sessions, residents shared valuable input about tourism practices that would help protect the islands’ cultural integrity, provide economic opportunities for locals, and ensure sustainable development. This community-driven approach aims to ensure that tourism continues to benefit local communities without compromising the environment or cultural heritage. The feedback collected has been essential in guiding the development of the DMAP, ensuring it is truly reflective of the people it impacts the most.

Insights Leading to the Draft DMAP

The insights gathered from these community sessions, coupled with feedback from the DMAP Advisory Group, have helped shape the draft DMAP for each individual island. These draft plans serve as the foundation for managing tourism at the local level, addressing the unique challenges faced by each island. The plans focus on sustainable tourism strategies that preserve cultural and environmental integrity while also providing economic benefits for the people of Hawaii.

HTA is committed to ensuring that the draft DMAPs reflect the needs and priorities of each island community. The next step in the process is to present these draft plans to the public during a series of virtual community meetings, where residents will have an opportunity to provide additional feedback. These meetings will allow local voices to directly shape the final version of the DMAP, ensuring that the plan addresses the specific needs of each island while promoting responsible tourism practices.

Virtual Community Sharing Meetings: A Platform for Local Feedback

HTA is providing another opportunity for residents to engage with the DMAP process by holding virtual community meetings for each island. These meetings will take place on the following dates and are open to residents of the respective islands only, ensuring that feedback is directly relevant to each island’s unique circumstances. Registration is required to participate in these meetings, and Zoom links will be provided to those who sign up.

The schedule for the virtual community sharing meetings is as follows:

• Hawai‘i Island: Thursday, Feb. 12, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM (HST)
• O‘ahu: Wednesday, Feb. 18, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM (HST)
• Maui: Wednesday, Feb. 18, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM (HST)
• Lāna‘i: Wednesday, Feb. 18, from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM (HST)
• Kaua‘i: Thursday, Feb. 19, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM (HST)
• Moloka‘i: Wednesday, Feb. 25, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM (HST)

These meetings are designed to be island-specific, allowing residents to focus on issues that directly impact their community. HTA’s commitment to transparency and community involvement is at the heart of this process, ensuring that the final DMAPs reflect the priorities and desires of Hawaii’s residents.

A Collaborative and Inclusive Approach to Sustainable Tourism

HTA’s Destination Management Action Plan (DMAP) represents a collaborative approach to tourism management, where community input plays a central role in shaping the direction of tourism growth in Hawaii. By involving residents in the planning process, HTA is ensuring that the tourism industry evolves in a way that respects cultural heritage, supports local communities, and preserves natural resources. This inclusive approach is fundamental to achieving sustainable tourism that benefits local people while maintaining Hawaii’s position as a premier global destination.

As tourism continues to evolve in Hawaii, HTA’s role in adapting to these changes while maintaining responsible tourism practices is more critical than ever. The DMAP process provides the opportunity for communities to actively participate in shaping the future of tourism, allowing for a tourism model that benefits everyone, from local residents to international visitors.

HTA’s Commitment to Responsible Tourism

HTA’s ongoing efforts to develop the Destination Management Action Plan (DMAP) demonstrate the authority’s deep commitment to responsible tourism. By prioritizing community feedback and incorporating it into the planning process, HTA is helping to ensure that tourism continues to grow in a way that benefits both visitors and residents. This collaborative approach sets a new standard for tourism management, ensuring that Hawaii’s cultural, environmental, and economic well-being are safeguarded for future generations.

By continuing to engage with local communities and adapting to the evolving needs of residents, HTA is ensuring that Hawaii remains a sustainable and vibrant destination for travelers worldwide. The DMAP process is a crucial step in creating a tourism framework that not only meets the needs of today but also sets the foundation for a prosperous future for all of Hawaii’s islands.

Conclusion

HTA’s efforts to develop the Destination Management Action Plan (DMAP) reflect a responsible and inclusive approach to managing tourism in Hawaii. By focusing on community engagement and sustainable practices, HTA is working to create a tourism industry that is beneficial to residents and respectful of the islands’ cultural and natural resources. The upcoming virtual community meetings will provide a further opportunity for residents to engage with the process, ensuring that the DMAPs continue to reflect the needs and values of each island’s unique community.