Maui, the 2nd biggest Hawaiian island, has recently received more tourists than it can handle. To deal with the problem, local leaders are considering tourism caps.
The island has been well-liked by tourists for many years, but it's seen an enormous influx since lifting COVID-19 restrictions. More people than ever are wanting to travel after the pandemic prevented them from doing so.
Though tourists often bolster the economies of places they visit, massive levels of them may also create problems. Listed here are the primary issues Hawaiians aspire to curb with tourism caps:
- Traffic congestion
- Water shortages
- Spiking food prices and housing costs
Visitors can inadvertently raise housing prices by booking private rentals and Airbnbs, that takes money from hotels while reducing housing access for locals.
Some Hawaiian islands have already altered policies to cope with excessive tourism.
The island's city council passed an offer to cap how many tourists visit. The proposal would also ban short-term camper vans.
The proposal hasn't yet become law, however, many form of it is likely to pass.
Some Hawaiian islands have previously altered policies to deal with excessive tourism. Travelers must now make reservations to go to numerous attractions, such as the following:
- Diamond State Monument
- Haleakala National Park
- Haena State Park
Hawaii's tourism bureau claims that requiring reservations has improved visitors' experiences while relieving the stress tourism places on communities.
Honolulu City Council recently passed a bill to disallow travelers from renting in residential neighborhoods for less than three months.
