Kauaʻi Destination Management Action Plan 2021-2023
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Raising resident sentiment on Kauaʻi
Destination Management actions seek to expand the benefits of tourism for resident quality of life, and made measurable impacts on Resident Sentiment, one of HTA’s Key Performance Indicators, over the lifespan of this DMAP. From a baseline 45% of Kauaʻi residents agreeing that “Tourism has brought more benefits than problems,” in Fall 2021, destination management activities contributed to a rise to 56% in Spring 2024.
Constituent measures of Resident Sentiment include:
- Agreement that “Tourism is being better managed on my island”: 45% of Kauaʻi residents agreeing in Fall 2021 rising to 47% in Spring 2024.
- Agreement that “More effort is being made to balance economic benefits of tourism and quality of life for residents”: 43% of Kauaʻi residents agreeing in Fall 2021 rising to 48% in Spring 2024.
Source: HTA Resident Sentiment Surveys Fall 2021, Spring 2024
The Kaua‘i Destination Management Action Plan (DMAP) was based on the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority’s (HTA) Strategic Plan 2020-2025 and the Kaua‘i Tourism Strategic Plan 2018-2021. A 21-member steering committee, comprising members from the community, visitor industry, and other sectors, developed 9 anchor action items which was the basis for 38 sub-actions for the DMAP. This was an action plan intended for the recovery and rebuilding of tourism. HTA and Kaua’i County officials reviewed the committee’s action items to assess their feasibility and alignment with their respective mandates. The HTA Board of Directors approved the draft DMAP in December 2020.
The Kaua‘i Destination Management Action Plan (DMAP) focused on several key initiatives to manage tourism responsibly and enhance the visitor and resident experience. Efforts included promoting respectful behavior towards natural and cultural resources through educational webinars and signage, as well as developing materials to foster a deeper understanding of Hawaiian culture and history. Funding supported cultural programs, events, and the restoration of significant sites. The DMAP also addressed transportation issues, explored mobility solutions, and improved communication and engagement with the community. These actions aimed to balance tourism with the preservation of Kaua‘i’s environment and culture, promoting sustainable practices and community well-being.
Click or tap on the cover to read the DMAP.
HTA developed Kaua‘i’s Destination Management Action Plan (DMAP) over the course of four months in partnership with the County of Kauaʻi. Four Steering Committee meetings took place, in addition to two community meetings to gather further input. The community also had the opportunity to provide feedback through an online webform. The Steering Committee met via Zoom, and professional meeting facilitators assisted with bringing out the members’ ideas. While the HTA and County crafted the plan, all actions were created by the Steering Committee and revised by feedback from the community. The draft DMAP was approved by the HTA board in December 2020.
Community Meetings
Facilitated Kaua‘i Community Destination Management Action Plan Meetings were held on October 21 and 22, 2020. The first meeting was for residents residing on the West and South sides of the island (Kona and Ni‘ihau Moku) and the second meeting for those residing on the North and East sides (Puna, Ko‘olau, Halelea, and Napali Moku). Over 200 residents attended the meetings. The purpose of the two-hour meeting was to explain the DMAP process to the public, share the Steering Committee’s proposed draft actions, and have the public provide feedback to the proposed draft actions. Links to meeting resources are available below:
- PowerPoint presentation
- October 21, 2020 meeting (West and South side residents)
- October 22, 2020 meeting (North and East side residents)
Online Input Form
Kaua‘i residents were able to review the proposed draft actions developed by the Kaua‘i Steering Committee. HTA used an online input form for the public to provide more detailed input and feedback. The deadline for feedback was November 4, 2020. To view the results, click here.
Development of the Kauaʻi DMAP
HTA worked with the County and Kaua‘i Visitors Bureau to finalize the plan, including identifying responsible parties and phasing for implementation. All actions were created and developed by the Steering Committee with community input. The DMAP was approved by the HTA board on December 17, 2020. To view the Kaua‘i DMAP, click here.
The Steering Committee was comprised of residents of Kaua‘i. Members represent not only the communities that they live in, but also the visitor industry, different business sectors, community and non profit organizations. They guided and developed suggested actions for Kaua‘i’s Destination Management Action Plan.
|
Fred Atkins |
Jim Braman |
Alan Carpenter** |
|
Stacie Chiba-Miguel |
Warren Doi |
Christopher Gampon* |
|
Joel Guy |
Kirsten Hermstad |
Maka Herrod* |
|
Stephanie Iona‡ |
Francyne Johnson |
Leanora Kaiaokamalie |
|
Sue Kanoho |
John Kaohelaulii |
Sabra Kauka |
|
Will Lydgate |
Stephanie Moir† |
Kaliko Mokuahi‡ |
|
Thomas Nizo |
Mark Perriello |
Ben Sullivan* |
|
Candace Tabuchi |
Buffy Trujillo* |
Denise Wardlow* |
|
Moani Tolentino† |
Virginia “Lei” Aiu Taber† |
Marie Williams* |
* Member of the original Steering Committee, but no longer serving on the Committee.
** Steering Committee member as of Summer 2021.
† Steering Committee member as of Spring 2022.
‡ Steering Committee member as of Summer 2022.
To view the Implementation Reports, click on the links or pages below.
