ISLAND VOICES
Eduardo M. Hernandez is a tourism development consultant in Honolulu.
Focus on good work by HTA
By Eduardo M. Hernandez
The Hawai'i Tourism Authority works hand-in-hand with many individuals and organizations across the state. Each day, it must undertake an enormous balancing act to promote responsible growth for the state's most important industry while shepherding the resources and values of the people of Hawai'i.
This process brings diverse stakeholders to the table. Naturally, there are many competing opinions and visions as to how to proceed.
Unfortunately, the media tend to focus the public's attention disproportionately on the HTA's struggles and controversies. Recent headlines have shouted: "Tourism Authority prohibits criticism" and "Tourism board wants review kept secret." These stories, while factual, exaggerate minor developments. One editorial chastised the agency for "working in the dark," giving the false impression that its meetings are regularly closed to the public.
While reporting about the poor marks the HTA received for accountability from the state auditor merits everyone's concern and attention, a thorough evaluation of the agency must also include its many accomplishments.
One important HTA accomplishment that serves the public's interest has been to expand opportunities for individuals and organizations to participate in, as well as observe, the development of tourism policy. Before 1998 when the HTA was legislated into existence, tourism policy was really shaped behind closed doors. Industry leaders lobbied the members of the Legislature, who would annually appropriate funds for tourism promotion. Individuals and small businesses had little to no influence on the strategic direction of tourism policy and marketing, despite the fact that tourism impacts everyone in Hawai'i.
In contrast, the HTA holds public meetings where the pros and cons of tourism policy are discussed in open forum. Members of the public are invited to and do provide testimony on a wide range of issues as well as make formal presentations to the committees, staff and board of the authority.
Minutes of these meetings are linked on the HTA's Web site and also available for inspection at their offices. This transparency is a huge benefit to the public helping people to better know the issues and challenges of tourism policy in Hawai'i.
