The following editorial was originally published in the Honolulu Star-Advertiser on Sunday, October 5th as part of the “Raise Your Hand” column in the Insight section.
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By Maile Dunn and Ashlyn Hirota, Punahou Class of 2027
Does Tourism Hurt or Help Hawaii: Pro
By Ashlyn Hirota
With its refreshing waters, aromatic scents of native greenery, and crisp breeze, Hawaii is
truly an island paradise. Alongside the locals, you may spot an abundance of tourists — more
than 200,000 of them on the islands on any given day. While tourism is a controversial topic
among locals, its importance to the local community and economy is undeniable. The industry
provides a plethora of benefits for the state and serves as the cornerstone of support to the island.
Here's why.
Tourism plays a critical role in fueling Hawaii’s economy, generating over $2.4 billion in
tax revenue last year. When tourists enjoy a vacation on the islands, their dollars flow right into
the state budget that supports public services, infrastructure projects like the rail, community
programs, and the preservation of Hawaii’s natural beauty. The tax revenue generated by tourism
funds vital aspects of life in Hawaii.
Furthermore, tourism is a major driver of businesses, including locally-owned businesses.
Tourism supports over 200,000 jobs statewide, and every souvenir purchased or activity booked
helps these businesses and their employees thrive. With Hawaii being home to hundreds of local,
native-owned businesses, visitors have the opportunity to support small businesses while taking
home meaningful mementos of their time in paradise. Additionally, local farmers' markets and
the agricultural industry as a whole benefit from tourism, as many visitors seek out the local
produce and agricultural experiences the islands offer. Overall, tourism is a significant
contributor to the economy and livelihood of locals.
Beyond the economic impact, tourism plays a fundamental role in promoting and
preserving Hawaiian culture. During their stay, visitors can immerse themselves in cultural
programs like those that the Bishop Museum, the Polynesian Cultural Center, and the University
of Hawai have to offer. Even the Hawaii Tourism Authority, the state’s tourism management
agency, has shifted from simply marketing the islands as a vacation destination to actively
supporting Hawaiian culture and educating tourists on the importance of respecting local
customs and the environment. Through these initiatives, tourists leave with a deeper
understanding of Hawaii’s rich culture, which they then share with others, spreading awareness
and appreciation for the islands’ traditions. By spreading the word about Hawaiian culture,
visitors can help contribute to its preservation.
At the end of the day, some may still be skeptical of the trade-offs, particularly the strain
tourism places on local resources. These concerns are valid and should be carefully addressed to
mitigate the negative impacts. Despite these challenges, the wide-ranging benefits, from
economic growth to cultural preservation, far outweigh the downsides.
In conclusion, Hawaii is a beautiful and diverse community that is kept alive through the
efforts of locals, as well as the support of those who visit. Every double rainbow, hibiscus flower
and Hawaiian plate lunch is a testament to the state’s culture of love, respect and teamwork. And
in the true spirit of Aloha, what better way to enjoy the gifts this island has to offer than to sharethem with others?
Does Tourism Hurt or Help Hawaii: Con
By Maile Dunn
The Hawaiian islands are beautiful, biodiverse, and, shall we say, quite popular. This is
evident in the throngs of newcomers sprawled out daily on Hawaii’s sunny sands. However,
crowded beaches are not the only reason for the negative perception of tourism among locals.
Congested traffic, water scarcity, or the housing crisis — driven by soaring prices and the
displacement of natives — contribute to this sentiment. The aggressive marketing of their deep-
rooted culture, packaged neatly for tourists to enjoy (or perhaps exploit) for all of a week, adds to
the resentment many locals feel towards the incessant cycle. Transforming the state from a string
of magnificent islands to an exhausted and overrun home — with similarly exhausted residents
— the tourism industry has left an unsightly mark on Hawaii.
It’s no secret that tourism causes overcrowding and environmental damage. This reality
became especially clear during the COVID-19 pandemic, which offered a stark contrast between
life with and without tourism. Suddenly, beaches were trash-free, waters became clear, and
wildlife — such as monk seals and native fish species — began to thrive. Locals enjoyed their
favorite island grinds and basked in the tranquil bliss of solitude. Because of tourism, Hawaii
struggles with littering, the risk of invasive species, damage to coral reefs and more. Tourists
frequently disregarded property and significant cultural landmarks, revealing a pattern of
ignorance and lack of regard for Hawaiian culture.
Yes, tourism brings a boom in business, but it is crucial that we ask ourselves: At what
cost? Hawaii’s excessive reliance on tourism has raised concerns among the population about
overdependence. When drought conditions threatened the islands in 2021, large-scale hotels
were accommodated over locals, who were forced to reduce water intake. The unjust
prioritization of tourism in such desperate times has evoked rightful fear and distress among
those who call Hawaii home.
Many wonder why we can’t just “let off the gas a little” when it comes to tourism. The
ugly truth? We simply can’t afford to. While tourism disturbs both residents and the
environment, it is necessary to sustain Hawaii’s economy. As a source of over 200,000 jobs and
$20 billion in visitor spending, the industry plays a significant role in our financial security.
However, our concern is less about people simply arriving; it’s about the lack of consideration
for our culture and land. Sure, Hawaii is beautiful and should be enjoyed. But if you come, come
with knowledge and good intentions, and leave our island better than you found it.
To address these challenges, our state could begin by requiring an educational course for
visitors before arrival, covering cultural norms, issues like littering, and the protection of wildlife
and property. Compliance with these rules should be monitored, with increased penalties for
violations. Another potential solution could be the implementation of a daily visitor fee. For
example, Bhutan’s introduction of a daily $100 fee naturally restricted the influx of tourists and
allowed for greater control over both the quantity and quality of visitors.
In conclusion, Hawaii’s tourism industry has dismissed residents, damaged natural
landscapes and destroyed culturally valued sites. It is imperative that we encourage respectful
travel practices and claw our way out of our current situation. As a local, I feel obligated to tell
travelers that while your visit may provide one week of enjoyment and relaxation, it often comes
at the expense of residents. Plus, I’d personally like to buy a warm box of Leonard’s without
having to wait in line for eternity. As locals might say: This is getting so irraz!
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