URGING THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH TO ADVANCE EFFORTS TO EMERGE AS A GLOBAL LEADER IN SUSTAINABLE TOURISM THAT PRESERVES AND RESTORES CULTURAL AND NATURAL RESOURCES, ENHANCES RESIDENT QUALITY OF LIFE, AND ENSURES HIGH-QUALITY VISITOR EXPERIENCES.

This House Resolution urges the Hawaii executive branch to lead the state in sustainable tourism by preserving cultural and natural resources while improving resident quality of life and visitor experiences. It specifically asks state officials to require tourist-serving businesses to obtain third-party sustainability certifications, pursue official certification as a sustainable destination, and halt expansion of tourist accommodations until current unsustainable practices are addressed. The resolution also calls for restoring Native Hawaiian ancestral lands and rights, and for developing policies with community input to ensure tourism benefits both residents and the environment.