H.B. 1508 Summary

• Amends Section 226-8 of Hawaii Revised Statutes to establish a regenerative tourism framework for Hawaii's visitor industry that balances environmental sustainability, Hawaiian cultural preservation, and economic security for residents.

• Adds 11 new visitor industry policy objectives (numbered 9-19) focused on community partnerships, Native Hawaiian cultural protection, resident employment advancement, and reduction of tourism's negative impacts.

• Requires positioning local business owners and entrepreneurs in the tourism economic value chain and protecting Hawaiian cultural intellectual property and traditional knowledge.

• Mandates applying financial policies and data mechanisms to reduce impacts on beaches, reefs, ocean life, vacation rentals, and rental cars while supporting alternative economic sectors to reduce tourism dependence.

• Establishes that Hawaii residents must be involved in decisions affecting their lives and receive meaningful economic benefits, working conditions improvements, and access to visitor industry opportunities.