HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – State lawmakers are considering drastic changes to strengthen Hawaii’s tourism industry.
If some state lawmakers have their way, it could remove the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s autonomy.
The State Legislature wrapping up in one week, and tourism is front and center. The focus is on state’s marketing agency and a new tax on visitors.
The Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) gets around $60 million in state taxpayer money to promote Hawaii to the world. and educate visitors on safety and conduct while they’re here.
Although it gets state funding, it acts independently with its own board of directors and CEO.
The agency was almost completely shut down in years past due to criticism over how it operates.
