The Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association, or NaHHA, held its Ka Huina conference last week virtually. It brought stakeholders from community groups, state agencies, and the visitor industry to discuss the future of tourism in Hawaiʻi.
Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority board chair George Kam says finding a balance between the industry and the community is important for the state’s future.
“Community is the essence of everything,” he said. “The healthy community that we have, a healthy ecosystem. And when Aunty Pilahi Paki shared the ‘Aloha Creed,’ it was about the people of Hawaiʻi.”
Kam says recognizing, learning and teaching Native Hawaiian culture can help strike a balance with the visitor industry, community and conservation. He says spreading the concept of mālama would help.
However, Kam also noted tourism is important for local families and communities.
“Tourism is everybody’s business. It affects all of us, and it does so much good. But we…