Hawai‘i Tourism Authority partnering with community organizations on East Maui Tourism Management Pilot Program

04.03.2024 - 08:09 / traveldailynews.com / Theodore Koumelis

Mālama Maui Hikina collective mitigating tourism impacts at popular areas

KAHULUI, MAUI – The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA) and Maui Visitors and Convention Bureau (MVCB) is partnering with three community-based organizations – Hōlani Hāna, Ke Ao Hāli‘i, and Na Mahi‘ai o Ke‘anae – to manage and implement the East Maui Tourism Management Pilot Program following an extensive request for proposals (RFP) solicitation process that began in April 2023. Supporting HTA’s mission to Mālama Hawai‘i (care for our beloved home), the organizations are collaborating under the banner of Mālama Maui Hikina, which translates to caring for East Maui.

“Uplifting community-based stewardship is essential to improving destination management as these solutions HTA is supporting have been created by the community, for the community, first and foremost,” said Mufi Hannemann, HTA Board Chair. “Providing opportunities for East Maui residents to educate visitors about the spaces they are entering, how to engage respectfully, and the cultural and historical significance these places bear will have significant impacts on preserving these areas and improving the overall experience for residents and visitors alike.”

HTA is funding this community-driven approach to destination management as guided by its Maui Destination Management Action Plan (DMAP). HTA and MVCB also organized the East Maui Advisory Group comprised of East Maui residents which provided important input on this program.

“The formation of Mālama Maui Hikina is precisely the type of destination management partnership HTA envisioned, comprising a team of community leaders who bring valuable knowledge and perspective to their approach in proactively managing tourism’s impacts for the benefit of the residents of East Maui,” said Daniel Nāho‘opi‘i, HTA’s interim president and CEO. “Our team is proud to work with these respected organizations to implement community-driven solutions aimed at improving the well-being of the community through our Mālama Hawai‘i efforts.”

MVCB issued a RFP in April 2023 seeking proposals from the East Maui community with innovative, community-driven management projects to address tourism’s impacts at heavily visited sites identified in the Maui Destination Management Action Plan (DMAP).

Kaihalulu

These sites are especially popular with visitors, which may result in overcrowding, congestion, degradation of resources, safety hazards, and a negative experience for both residents and visitors. Each of the Mālama Maui Hikina partners are responsible for working to restore balance in the following East Maui sites:

In addition to the Mālama Maui Hikina partners, this collaborative effort was made possible with the support of many others, including