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Hawaiian Airlines' newly uploaded video to YouTube is titled "Travel Pono," which means...Explore with an attitude of respect for the local environment.In Hawaii, five members of the delegation offered expert advice on how to stay safe while visiting the country. These members included a firefighter, a cultural expert, and volunteers involved in marine and mammal conservation.
They expressed their views in the hope of garnering support from others, wishing that people would recognize their responsibility as tourists to conserve the island's natural resources and respect the local community. The video is an extension of Hawaiian Airlines' "Travel Pono" program, which aims to equip travelers with essential knowledge for safe and responsible travel to Hawaii.
Hawaii has faced a surge in tourism since the state reopened to vaccinated Covid-19 visitors in July. Government officials and local residents, including the Governor of Hawaii, have expressed a desire for people to stay home. According to Hawaii's tourism data, visitor numbers have surpassed 2019 levels, which has significantly damaged local businesses and the environment.
Brian Perry, a spokesperson for the mayor of Maui County, told Hawaii News Now in an interview last July: “The people of Maui County didn’t have enough time to prepare for this sudden and massive influx of tourists, even with pandemic restrictions in place. Many of our hospitality businesses are still struggling to maintain full staffing levels to ensure quality service.”
Meanwhile, the shortage of rental vehicles has created numerous obstacles for businesses. Because there are not many cars available, tourists have been renting trucks and vans, leaving many locals without essential transportation, which has further exacerbated tensions within the community.
According to locals, Hawaii's beaches and wildlife are facing negative impacts from tourism, and tourists are the main culprits damaging the state's historical sites and fragile ecosystems.
