Is Hawaii Tourism Authority a State Agency?

By Robert Palmer

If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii, you may have heard of the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA). But what exactly is the HTA, and is it a state agency?

What is the Hawaii Tourism Authority?

The Hawaii Tourism Authority is a government agency responsible for promoting tourism in the state of Hawaii. Its mission is to create sustainable tourism that benefits both visitors and residents of Hawaii.

History

The HTA was established in 1998 by the Hawaii State Legislature as a semi-autonomous agency. Its creation was in response to the decline in tourism after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

Since its inception, the HTA has been responsible for marketing and promoting Hawaii as a tourist destination around the world. It also provides funding for various programs designed to support sustainable tourism.

Is the HTA a State Agency?

Despite being a government agency, the HTA is not considered a state agency. This means that it operates independently of state government and has more flexibility in its operations.

The HTA is governed by a board of directors appointed by the governor. The board consists of members from various sectors, including tourism, transportation, and education.

The HTA receives funding from various sources, including transient accommodation taxes (TAT) paid by visitors to Hawaii. The TAT revenue is collected by the state but allocated to the HTA for its operations.

Conclusion

In summary, while it may be confusing at first glance, the Hawaii Tourism Authority is not actually a state agency. Rather, it operates independently as a semi-autonomous government agency responsible for promoting sustainable tourism in Hawaii.

If you’re planning your next vacation to Hawaii or just want to learn more about this beautiful destination, be sure to check out all that the HTA has to offer!