Bill > HB19

This bill replaces the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) with the Corporation for the Stewardship of Hawaii Tourism, a nonprofit organization designed to guide Hawaii's visitor economy using a more holistic and sustainable approach. The new organization will focus on destination stewardship, which means collaboratively managing tourism to support economic prosperity, protect natural and cultural resources, manage visitation to prevent overcrowding, create opportunities for local businesses, and perpetuate Hawaiian culture. The corporation will be governed by a state destination stewardship council and will be responsible for developing strategic tourism plans, working with island-specific destination stewardship councils, and implementing a regenerative tourism model that aims to create net positive benefits for local communities, the environment, and visitors. The bill includes provisions for a transition period during which the current Hawaii Tourism Authority will transfer its responsibilities to the new corporation, ensuring continuity of operations and protecting the rights of existing employees. The new organization will have more flexibility as a nonprofit entity while still maintaining government oversight and accountability through annual reporting and strategic planning requirements.

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https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=19&year=2026