HTA lays groundwork for Tourism Recovery Plan in the wake of the Maui wildfires

The Hawai‘i Tourism Authority has set the groundwork for a Tourism Recovery Plan in the wake of the Aug. 8 wildfires on Maui.

The HTA’s Board of Directors has established a Disaster Response Permitted Interaction Group to support recovery efforts, and has issued an Invitation for Bids to procure planning services for the Tourism Recovery Plan.

“As we continue to assess the needs of Maui’s people and how they envision rebuilding for the future, a Tourism Recovery Plan is critical to supporting Maui’s revival and the state’s immediate, mid-term, and long-term recovery efforts,” said Mahina Paishon-Duarte, Chair of the Disaster Response Permitted Interaction Group and HTA Board Vice Chair. “HTA is working on tourism-related business data with the State Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism’s Research and Analysis Division, which will also guide our efforts.”

Qualified applicants will have proven experience in strategic planning and economic development, particularly in tourism and facilitation. The selected contractor will provide services to support the HTA Disaster Response Permitted Interaction Group and HTA staff in the development of a messaging strategy, a Tourism Recovery Plan, and key learnings and recommendations for future planning.

In the wake of the Lahaina and Kula wildfires, an emergency HTA board meeting was held on Aug. 15, 2023. During this meeting, the board of directors approved to request a Tourism Emergency Declaration from Hawai‘i State Governor Josh Green, M.D.

In addition, the board also formed among its members a Disaster Response Permitted Interaction Group to address Maui’s communities and visitor industry impacts. Specifically:

• To assess and understand the current situation and needs of residents, community, employees, visitors, businesses, and the industry;
• To allocate resources to respond to the tourism emergency that is in effect due to the Maui brushfires experienced in West Maui and Kula;
• To develop short and long-term plans to determine optimal and effective use of HTAʻs available resources;
• To record and document emergency response and recovery activities that may be replicable for future disaster and crisis events related to the West Maui fires and broader crises; and
• To develop a strong messaging strategy that will be creative, consistent, shared, and coordinated with key stakeholders.

Gov. Green declared a tourism emergency through his Sixth Emergency Proclamation on August 19, 2023, which unlocked the Tourism Emergency Special Fund. He further authorized HTA, in coordination with the Department of Budget and Finance, to use monies in the Tourism Emergency Special Fund to respond to the emergency and provide relief.

On Aug. 31, 2023, the HTA board approved the Maui Marketing Recovery Plan, which is being implemented through mid-November 2023. The plan is centered around a new Mālama Maui campaign and prioritizes rebuilding travel demand from the US, Maui’s largest visitor source market.

“HTA continues to work among the community and visitor industry as we support the people of Maui,” said Daniel Nāho‘opi‘i, HTA’s Chief Administrative Officer. “This Tourism Recovery Plan will correspond with our comprehensive stewardship, destination management, and visitor education initiatives, fostering a more regenerative future for all of Hawai‘i.”

Responses to the IFB are due to HTA by 2 p.m. HST on Sept. 27, 2023. Work will commence on Oct. 2, 2023, and will end on Dec. 1, 2023. 

HTA is issuing the IFB through the Hawaiʻi State eProcurement System (HIePRO) at hiepro.ehawaii.gov. Applicants are required to register on HIePRO to submit offers and receive any addenda to the IFB. Inquiries regarding the IFB should be directed to [email protected].