HI HR196

Urges tourism and conservation communities to implement a statewide responsible tourism initiative aligned with the Aloha+ Challenge sustainability goals by 2030.

Notes Hawaii's visitor industry contributes nearly $17 billion annually to the state economy while nearing 10 million visitors per year.

Identifies a significant funding disparity: Hawaii spends only $9 per visitor on natural resource protection compared to $92 in Palau, $370 in the Galapagos, $188 at the Great Barrier Reef, and $137 in New Zealand.

Highlights an estimated $360 million conservation budget deficit, with the state investing only 1 percent of its budget into natural resources despite their importance to community health and the economy.

Directs certified copies of the resolution to the Governor, Board of Land and Natural Resources, Hawaii Tourism Authority, Sierra Club of Hawaii, Nature Conservancy of Hawaii, and Chamber of Commerce Hawaii.