Just as tourism starts ramping up again in Hawaii, the state’s tourism marketing body will likely see its budget and responsibilities cut. The HB862 bill passed in the State Senate which will further limit the role of the Hawaii Tourism Authority.
Sen. Glenn Wakai, chair of the energy, economic development and tourism committee said HTA will concentrate only on ‘branding and marketing Hawaii to the world.’
HTA will lose oversight of its Hawaiian culture, community, and natural resources programs. It will also be forced to relinquish its existing safety and security programs. This includes the important work of the Visitor Aloha Society of Hawaii program which assists tourists in trouble such as during serious accidents or dealing with a death while on vacation.
