Kaua‘i residents invited to share their thoughts on tourism with state agency

The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority is seeking community input from Kaua‘i residents on their insights, experiences and ideas on the future of tourism on their island.

Two community sessions are scheduled for Sept. 10 at West Kaua‘i Technology Center and on Sept. 11 at Kukui Grove Shopping Center.

“These sessions are a chance for residents to share their mana‘o on tourism in a way that reflects the needs, values and priorities of their communities,” said Caroline Anderson, interim president and CEO of Hawai‘i Tourism Authority.

The community’s input will help inform the development of Kaua‘i’s Destination Management Action Plan, according to a news release from HTA. The plan aims to balance the benefits of tourism with the needs of residents, preserve natural and cultural resources, and enhance residents’ quality of life while also enhancing the visitor experience on Kaua‘i.

The Sept. 10 and Sept. 11 meetings mark the second of three rounds of sessions with Kaua‘i residents. These two meetings will continue conversations started at the August meetings, where residents shared their thoughts on how tourism affects their lives. The third round will take place in December.

“At these two meetings, we will ask Kaua‘i residents more about specific places, the issues they experience and their ideas to address them,” Anderson said.

Registration to participate in these meetings is required. Additionally, participants must live on Kaua‘i to register, as the meeting will focus on Kaua‘i-specific topics.

Those interested in attending the meeting at West Kaua‘i Technology Center should register here by Sept. 7.

Those interested in attending the meeting at Kukui Grove Shopping Center should register here by Sept. 8.

All sessions are free and will be held in person from 6 to 8 p.m.

Community input from the 2020 meetings has already driven tangible action across the islands. This includes funding support for land stewardship organizations on O‘ahu, the removal of up to 200 illegally operating rental vehicles each day from the Līhu‘e Airport public parking lot, the establishment of an East Maui Advisory Group to manage hotspots along the Road to Hāna, and the launch of a stewardship program at Pololū Valley on Hawai‘i Island.