Kaua‘i became the first county in the state earlier this month to finalize a 10-year tourism plan, a strategic document that aims to foster the economic growth of a more than $1 billion industry while also minimizing the footprint —
Kaua‘i became the first county in the state earlier this month to finalize a 10-year tourism plan, a strategic document that aims to foster the economic growth of a more than $1 billion industry while also minimizing the footprint — or footprints — of more than 1 million tourists each year.
“We have an industry that supports a lot of people on the island,” said Beth Tokioka, director of the Kaua‘i Office of Economic Development. “It’s a really fine balancing act.”
Tokioka and the OED worked with an advisory committee appointed by the mayor to develop the 10-year plan and an accompanying three-year action plan, a document that lays out specific objectives, strategies and stakeholders.
The 18-month undertaking might surprise some residents: It calls for more than the requisite traffic relief, making a case for a tightened rein on development, increased scrutiny of the impact cruise lines have on the island and industry support for affordable housing projects.
The analysis came not just from comments and surveys submitted by residents, but also from the industry itself, Tokioka said.
“The people who work for the industry have the same opinion of growth and development as people who don’t work in the industry,” she said.
The strength of the plan largely will depend on its ability to rally stakeholders and influence government decisions, she said.
“It’s only as good as those who participate,” said Sue Kanoho, executive director of the Kaua‘i Visitors Bureau, which also worked to develop the plan.
The Kaua‘i Planning and Action Alliance has been charged with overseeing the process and spurring into action a diverse group that includes developers, hotel executives, business leaders, the Kaua‘i Chamber of Commerce, OED, KVB and the Planning Department, Tokioka said.
The Chamber will be a willing participant, said Randy Francisco, president.
“As a chamber that has many businesses involved in tourism, we felt we needed to take some leadership role,” he said.
And Kanoho said she had not heard any rumblings of resistance from the industry.
“The board always discussed development issues,” said Margy Parker, spokeswoman for the Po‘ipu Beach Resort Association.
“There was always this philosophy that if the community is functioning well, the visitor industry is functioning well.”
To view the plans, visit www.kauai.gov/oed.
