HTA release plan to reduce Oahu tourism impact

HONOLULU — Hawaii tourism officials have released a plan to reduce visitors on Oahu, the state’s most frequently visited and populous island.

The plan was approved by the Hawaii Tourism Authority in July and the full plan has now been released to the public, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported Wednesday.

“Decreasing the total number of visitors to Oahu to a manageable level by controlling the number of visitor accommodations and exploring changes to land use, zoning and airport policies,” the plan says.

The plan also establishes a regenerative tourism fee, creates reservation systems for natural and cultural sites, manages visitors’ use of cars and promotes consumption of locally-produced and sold goods.

“We appreciate the Oahu residents who participated in the (plan) process and passionately contributed their diverse viewpoints, discussed various tourism-related challenges in their neighborhoods and helped set forth an actionable plan that is necessary for the community’s well-being,” said John De Fries, the Hawaii Tourism Authority’s president and CEO. “It’s about continued collaboration and moving forward together to malama this cherished place and each other, as desired by the people of Oahu.”

The three-year plan was developed by community members and county officials in collaboration with the tourism authority.