HI SCR61

Requests the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to review and evaluate the cost-benefit and return on investment of sponsoring a Michelin Guide for Hawaii restaurants.

Notes that the Michelin Guide has expanded to multiple U.S. cities since publishing its first American guide to New York City in 2005, including Atlanta, California, Colorado, Chicago, Florida, and Washington, D.C.

Identifies Hawaii's evolving culinary scene as attracting Michelin-starred chefs and restaurants, with growing appeal to food tourists, though Michelin currently does not send inspectors to Hawaii.

Highlights that a 2022 Visitor Industry Workforce Needs Assessment identified culinary staff as among the most in-demand and difficult-to-fill positions in Hawaii's workforce.

States that Michelin stars can provide restaurants with steady customer flow, attract skilled sous chefs, generate publicity, and incentivize higher restaurant standards.