The latest Travel Weekly Hawaiʻi Leadership Forum highlights a widening gap between rising competition and stagnant tourism funding, signaling a growing urgency for the state to reclaim its market presence.
Legislature Nears Finish Line… HTA Funding Doesn’t
The failure of HB 1950 to secure a dedicated TAT funding stream for the Hawaii Tourism Authority underscores ongoing legislative friction, leaving the agency’s long-term marketing and governance stability in question.
Green Fee: Still Waiting for the Plan
Hawaiʻi’s new Green Fee promises funding for climate resilience and sustainable tourism, but with allocations still unclear, the real test will be whether residents can see tangible projects tied to the $100M in annual revenue.
We Finally Stop Lecturing and Start Selling
HTA and HVCB have shifted from Mālama messaging to the new “Hawaiʻi Stays With You” campaign, leaning into cinematic, shareable storytelling that feels more invitational, while raising questions about reach on a limited budget.
Notes from The HTA Conference
Takeaways from the HTA Annual Conference: Hawaiʻi added just 60 hotel rooms since 2006 while legal vacation rentals surged 839%. Convention Center repairs hit $162M with a hopeful, but questionable, 2028 reopening.
Déjà Vu at HTA
HTA names David Uchiyama as Chief Administrative Officer. A seasoned industry vet returns to stabilize the agency amid staffing loss and scrutiny.
A Politician with A Rationale Idea?
Sen. Wakai summed it up bluntly: HTA can’t both grow tourism and police bad visitor behavior—marketing should stay with HTA, but stewardship belongs elsewhere.
Roof Work Kicks Off Jan 1 (Hopefully), Done by 2028 (Fingers Crossed)
Hawaiʻi Convention Center’s $64M roof repair is set to begin Jan. 1, 2026, with completion expected in 2028. Eighteen major events have already been rescheduled as DAGS takes over project management.
Hold the Presses!!!
Hawaiʻi’s new HTA advisory board is finally appointed, six weeks after the mass resignations, 12 members representing tourism, labor, culture, and community, with the urgent task of recommending a permanent CEO.
And Then There Were None
All 12 HTA board members stepped down at the Governor’s request, stalling the CEO search and leaving the tourism agency operating without leadership amid mounting political uncertainty.
