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HB 2602

RELATING TO A SUSTAINABLE TOURISM INFRASTRUCTURE.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Terez Amato and 9 co-sponsors

HB 2602 establishes sustainable tourism infrastructure standards in Hawaii, advancing through committee review to balance economic development with environmental and community protection.

The committee on TOU recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 7 Ayes: Representative(s) Tam, Templo, Holt, Hussey, Ilagan, Yamashita, Gedeon; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and Excused: none.
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Bill Summary · HB 2602

Legislative bill overview

HB 2602 establishes a framework for sustainable tourism infrastructure development in Hawaii. The bill has passed through both the Economic and Community Development (ECD) and Tourism (TOU) committees with amendments and now moves forward for additional review by environmental and financial committees.

Why is this important

Hawaii's tourism industry generates substantial revenue but also strains the islands' limited natural resources, infrastructure, and communities. This legislation addresses the tension between economic development and environmental/social sustainability by potentially mandating infrastructure standards that balance visitor accommodations with resident welfare and ecological protection.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding mechanism: Unclear whether the bill requires public funding, private sector investment, or public-private partnerships to build sustainable tourism infrastructure, which affects taxpayers and businesses differently
  • Definition of "sustainable": The bill's specific environmental and infrastructure standards are not detailed in the summary, leaving room for dispute about what measures actually constitute sustainability
  • Local community impact: Tourism infrastructure expansion could accelerate development that threatens Hawaii's cultural sites, natural areas, and affordable housing for residents, despite sustainability language

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

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