WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HCR 143

STRONGLY URGING THE HAWAII TOURISM AUTHORITY TO ENCOURAGE ALL TRANSIENT ACCOMMODATIONS TO INCORPORATE THE PONO PLEDGE AS A REQUIREMENT FOR GUEST CHECK-IN.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Terez Amato and 5 co-sponsors

Urges Hawaii Tourism Authority to promote making the Pono Pledge a voluntary check-in requirement for all transient accommodations to raise guest awareness and respect for culture

Reported from TOU (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1587) as amended in HD 1, recommending referral to CPC.
#guestcheck-in #ponopledge #requirement
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HCR 143

Summary — HCR 143 (2025)

Title: Strongly urging the Hawaii Tourism Authority to encourage all transient accommodations to incorporate the Pono Pledge as a requirement for guest check‑in.

Purpose

HCR 143 is a concurrent resolution that urges the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) to promote adoption of the “Pono Pledge” by transient accommodations across the state as a required element of guest check‑in. The resolution seeks to increase visitor awareness and promote respectful behavior toward Hawaiian culture, communities, and natural resources by encouraging lodging providers to obtain guest acknowledgement of the pledge at arrival.

Key provisions

  • Urges the HTA to encourage all transient accommodations (hotels, resorts, short‑term rentals, etc.) to incorporate the Pono Pledge as a requirement for guest check‑in.
  • Does not create statutory obligations, penalties, or funding; it is a non‑binding expression of the Legislature’s intent and request to HTA.
  • Encourages voluntary implementation statewide rather than imposing a legal mandate.

Who is affected

  • Hawaii Tourism Authority: the agency being asked to promote and encourage implementation.
  • Transient accommodations: hotels, resorts, bed & breakfasts, short‑term vacation rentals, and other lodging providers that would be encouraged to require the pledge at check‑in.
  • Visitors/guests: would be asked to read and acknowledge the Pono Pledge upon check‑in.
  • Local communities and cultural practitioners: potential indirect beneficiaries through increased visitor awareness and respectful conduct.

Procedural history and status

  • Filed: May 1, 2025; Referred to TOU (Tourism), then CPC.
  • TOU recommended passage with amendments (reported 3/20/2025; vote 6 Ayes, 0 Noes, 1 Excused).
  • Reported as amended in HD 1 and forwarded to CPC.
  • Adopted by the Legislature and enrolled; signed by the Governor on June 22, 2025.
  • Companion measure: HR 137.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Implementation would be voluntary for HTA to promote and for accommodations to adopt.
  • Could increase visitor awareness of cultural and environmental responsibilities with minimal state cost.
  • Operational implications for lodging providers include integrating the pledge into check‑in procedures (front desk, online pre‑arrival check‑in, signage).
  • Because the resolution is non‑binding, legal and enforcement questions (e.g., whether refusal could bar occupancy) would be left to individual providers and existing law.

Sponsors

Primary sponsors: Representatives Amato, Kapela, Kila, Shimizu, Poepoe, and Perruso.

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

Sign in to ask a question.