WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HCR 49

URGING THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH TO ADVANCE EFFORTS TO EMERGE AS A GLOBAL LEADER IN SUSTAINABLE TOURISM THAT PRESERVES AND RESTORES CULTURAL AND NATURAL RESOURCES, ENHANCES RESIDENT QUALITY OF LIFE, AND ENSURES HIGH-QUALITY VISITOR EXPERIENCES.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Terez Amato and 11 co-sponsors

Hawaii legislature urges governor to develop sustainable tourism policies balancing environmental preservation, cultural protection, and resident welfare with visitor experience quality.

To be offered.
#certification #culturalandnaturalresources #sustainabletourism
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HCR 49

Legislative bill overview

HCR 49 is a non-binding resolution urging Hawaii's executive branch to pursue sustainable tourism policies that balance environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and resident welfare with visitor experiences. The bill calls for leadership development in sustainable tourism practices without mandating specific actions or allocating resources.

Why is this important

Hawaii's tourism industry generates substantial economic revenue but creates significant pressures on natural ecosystems, indigenous Hawaiian culture, and local community quality of life through overcrowding, housing inflation, and resource strain. This resolution signals legislative intent to reorient tourism policy toward sustainability, though its effectiveness depends entirely on executive branch voluntary implementation.

Potential points of contention

  • Non-binding nature: As a resolution rather than legislation, it carries no enforcement mechanism, appropriations, or mandatory timelines—effectively serving as a policy suggestion rather than actionable law
  • Vague standards: Terms like "sustainable," "high-quality," and "preserves cultural resources" lack defined metrics, making it unclear how success would be measured or accountability assessed
  • Tourism economy tensions: Hawaii's economic dependence on tourism may conflict with resident quality-of-life improvements; the resolution doesn't address trade-offs between visitor numbers and local community impacts

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

Sign in to ask a question.