New survey shows views on visitors are improving in Hawaii

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – After a significant plunge throughout the pandemic, a brand new survey suggests Hawaii residents’ views on guests are bettering.

Hawaii was inundated with vacationers after the COVID-19 shutdowns have been lifted. Hana Freeway, Waikiki, even seashores on Lanai have been packed.

Residents begged for higher tourism administration.

The Hawaii Tourism Authority mentioned Wednesday it’s making progress towards that plea.

“It’s a very good indication that the tide is popping. It’s additionally an immense reminder of the quantity of labor that lays forward for us to proceed to earn the boldness and belief of our native residents,” mentioned HTA President and CEO John De Fries.

In line with the state’s latest Resident Sentiment Survey, 44% of residents agreed that tourism is being higher managed, 57% mentioned tourism has introduced extra advantages than issues, and 67% of residents have a positive opinion of tourism as an business in Hawai’i.

The survey mentioned the highest three drivers of those sentiments are job alternatives, help of native companies and extra purchasing, eating, and leisure choices.

The survey additionally acknowledged that 67% agreed their island is being run for vacationers on the expense of native individuals.

The survey indicated enchancment alternatives embrace “addressing points akin to overcrowding, environmental injury, and no respect for tradition/custom/’āina.”

Some locals consider the customer business must do higher.

“We simply wish to make it possible for guests are in a position to come and see our house and return safely with out inflicting an excessive amount of nuisance to our neighborhood,” mentioned Hana Freeway Regulation Administrator and Group Coordinator Napua Hueu.

“So, I do consider that tourism is a positive business for Hawaii. We simply must do a greater job at managing the impacts of the tourism and doing extra preventative care versus injury management,” Hueu mentioned.

The state has lately required reservations and imposed parking charges for guests at common native locations.

Plus, the governor is proposing a brand new “inexperienced price” for guests who use seashores, trails, and key landmarks.

HTA vows to do extra.

“We’re nonetheless working. We’re not there but. We’re not going to relaxation on our laurels about being at a very good level, we wish to do even higher,” mentioned HTA Chief Administrative Officer Daniel Nāho’opi’i.

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