For Immediate Release: September 3, 2025
HTA Release (25-13)
09-03-25 HTA Seeks Community Input for Kauai Tourism Plans.pdf
HONOLULU – The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA) invites Kaua‘i residents to take part in next week’s community input sessions, which will provide space for community members to share their insights, experiences and ideas on the future of tourism on their island.
“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 HTA.
The community’s input will help inform the development of Kaua‘i’s Destination Management Action Plan. 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.
Meeting details:
Registration is required. Participants must live on Kaua‘i to register, as the meeting will focus on Kaua‘i-specific topics. All sessions are free and will be held in person from 6 to 8 p.m.
• West Kaua‘i Technology Center – Sept. 10, 2025
• Kukui Grove Shopping Center – Sept. 11, 2025
Similar in-person community meetings will take place across the state later this month and in October. The venues will be announced soon.
• Central Maui – Sept. 17, 6 to 8 p.m.
• West Maui – Sept. 18, 6 to 8 p.m.
• Central Oʻahu – Sept. 24, 6 to 8 p.m.
• Honolulu – Sept. 25, 6 to 8 p.m.
• Hawai‘i Island – Kona – Oct. 1, 6 to 8 p.m.
• Hawaiʻi Island – Hilo – Oct 2, 6 to 8 p.m.
• Moloka‘i – Oct. 7, 6 to 8 p.m.
• Lāna‘i – Oct. 9, 2025, 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. Additional programs and initiatives have also been implemented on each island.
To learn more about how community feedback informed HTA programs and initiatives, visit: https://www.hawaiitourismauthority.org.
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About the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority
The Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority is the state agency responsible for representing the Hawaiian Islands around the world — and for holistically managing tourism in a sustainable manner consistent with community desires, economic goals, cultural values, preservation of natural resources and visitor industry needs. HTA works with the community and industry to mālama Hawaiʻi — care for our beloved home. For more information about HTA, visit hawaiitourismauthority.org or follow @HawaiiHTA on Facebook, Instagram, Threads and X.
Media Contacts:
Jill Radke
Public Affairs Officer
Hawaii Tourism Authority
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[email protected]