Tourism

The Friends of Haʻikū Stairs argued in court last week that the removal would cause irreparable damage. A judge has denied the group's request, moving the demolition forward. The city said that workers are not expected to fly any of the stair modules off the mountain for at least a few days because of current weather conditions.

Agricultural declaration forms for passengers flying to Hawaiʻi could go digital due to a measure passed in this year's legislative session. State Sen. Glenn Wakai, who introduced the measure, said the paper forms don't really protect the state from invasive species. The state has been using paper forms since 1950. HPR's Mark Ladao has more.

The embattled Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority has come out of this legislative session with strong financial support. The Conversation talked to HTA chair Mufi Hannemann about surviving the session and his outlook for the visitor industry.

The Windward Planning Commission has paused the 434-acre project in Punaluʻu on Big Island as Native Hawaiian and environmental groups prepare for a contested case hearing over the controversial development. Black Sand Beach LLC proposes 225 residential and short-stay units, with a supporting village. HPR's Kuʻuwehi Hiraishi reports on the latest changes.

What did this legislative session mean for tourism?; Endurance swimmers will swim around Maui in event meant to raise awareness of ocean health; New Chamorro language textbook

China’s president is on the road this week, visiting Europe for the first time in five years. A different kind of travel is also making news in China. HPR's Bill Dorman has more on that in today's Asia Minute.

With the landmark passage of a state law addressing short-term rentals, Maui County has already announced legislation to phase out vacation rentals in apartment-zoned areas. Mayor Richard Bissen said the county is prepared for legal pushback. If passed, the bill would go into effect in July 2025 for West Maui and in 2026 for the rest of the island. HPR’s Catherine Cluett Pactol explains.

The policy, announced by Mayor Richard Bissen and grassroots advocacy group Lahaina Strong, is intended to free up housing for displaced families devastated by the August wildfires. The county will have the authority to enact this policy due to the state Legislature's final approval of Senate Bill 2919.

The Japanese town of Fujikawaguchiko has had enough of tourists. Known for a number of scenic photo spots that offer a near-perfect shot of iconic Mount Fuji, the town on Tuesday began constructing a large black screen on a stretch of a sidewalk to block the view of the mountain.

Counties will likely have more control over short-term rentals after this legislative session. A measure that would give counties more regulatory power over short-term rentals passed out of conference. It’s one of the last major hurdles of the legislative process.