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HONOLULU (AP) – While state tourism officials are considering a plan to improve tourism on Hawaii’s most populous island, Oahu, they are looking to manage too many visitors.
It’s a problem other islands are grappling with, including Maui, where Mayor Mike Victorino recently asked airlines to restrict service to the island.
Although the tourism impact of the pandemic is still ongoing, residents tell officials there are too many visitors as data from the Hawaii Tourism Authority shows Oahu’s visitor numbers are down nearly 39% from 2019.
“During the pandemic, people found out how nice it is not to have so many tourists,” said activist KC Connors, who is a member of the Facebook group “Enough Tourists Already”. “If Oahu is already fully occupied at this stage of reopening, what will happen when the international visitors return?”
The concerns come as the tourism agency develops the Oahu Destination Management Action Plan, which details the steps the community, visitor industry, and others deem necessary to improve tourism over the next three years, the Honolulu Star Advertiser reported.
The tourist board is expected to vote next week on the plan, which will be unveiled to the public in August.
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