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Bill

SB 3228

RELATING TO A SUSTAINABLE TOURISM INFRASTRUCTURE.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lynn DeCoite

Hawaii bill proposes sustainable tourism infrastructure development to balance visitor needs with environmental and community protections while generating economic activity.

The committee(s) on EDT has scheduled a public hearing on 02-10-26 1:02PM; Conference Room 229 & Videoconference.
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Bill Summary · SB 3228

Legislative bill overview

SB 3228 proposes investments and policies to develop sustainable tourism infrastructure in Hawaii. The bill is currently in early legislative stages, having passed first reading and been referred to the Economic Development & Tourism (EDT) and Ways & Means (WAM) committees for review. A public hearing is scheduled for February 10, 2026.

Why is this important

Hawaii's tourism industry generates substantial economic activity and employment, but also creates infrastructure strain, environmental pressures, and housing costs for local communities. Sustainable tourism infrastructure development could balance visitor accommodations with environmental protection and quality-of-life preservation for residents, though implementation costs and definitions of "sustainability" will be crucial factors.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding mechanism: Whether new taxes, bonds, or budget reallocations will finance infrastructure projects, affecting both taxpayers and the tourism industry
  • Definition of "sustainable": Disagreement may arise over what sustainability means in practice—environmental standards, community benefit requirements, or development limits
  • Local community impact: Concerns that infrastructure expansion could accelerate overdevelopment, gentrification, and displacement despite sustainability language

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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