HTA initiates study for future of Hawaiʻi Tourism governance

Published on January 19, 2024

Twenty-five years after its establishment with the strategic mission of overseeing tourism in Hawaiʻi, the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (HTA) is initiating a comprehensive study of tourism governance models both nationally and globally. This endeavor aims to inform the HTA’s approach for the next quarter-century of service to the people of Hawaiʻi.

Mufi Hannemann, HTA Board Chair, emphasized the organization’s commitment to fostering meaningful economic impact statewide while simultaneously benefiting residents who depend on a robust visitor industry. Acknowledging the importance of enhancing communities and striking a delicate balance between tourism benefits and the preservation of cultural and natural resources, Hannemann highlighted the diverse expertise within the board and their eagerness to contribute to the study.

The exploration of governance models in other destinations and the evaluation of HTA’s overall governance structure have been topics discussed in previous State legislative sessions. HTA has publicly endorsed this approach as a positive means of determining the best utilization of the organization’s resources and structure.

Stephanie Iona, HTA Governance Study Permitted Interaction Group Co-Chair and board member, underscored the significance of HTA’s role in supporting industry workers and various sectors reliant on visitor spending. Iona expressed the commitment to prioritizing the well-being of residents and ensuring a sustainable future for Hawai‘i.

The study will kick off with a comprehensive analysis of literature, coupled with interviews and meetings with staff, board members, and stakeholders. The goal is to identify an optimal governance structure and strategic organization for HTA, encompassing recommendations for policy reform and modifications to HTA’s Hawai‘i Revised Statutes, Chapter 201B.

The contracted work will be undertaken by Better Destinations LLC, selected through a competitive bidding process in accordance with Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes 103D. The specifics of the contract, including terms, conditions, and amounts, are subject to final negotiations with HTA and the availability of funds.

Daniel Nāho‘opi‘i, HTA’s interim president and CEO, emphasized the organization’s commitment to closely examining how they can best serve the people of Hawai‘i. The overarching objective is to create a governance structure that effectively manages tourism, fostering meaningful economic diversification for the state. Nāho‘opi‘i expressed anticipation for collaborating with Better Destinations LLC, recognized for its expertise in tourism assessment and strategic planning for leading destinations.