Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 39, Number 6, 1 June 2022 — Our Place in Tourism vs. Tourism in Our Place [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Our Place in Tourism vs. Tourism in Our Place

_V LAMAKU HO'OKIPA V ^ A BEACON OF HOSPITALITY "

By Mālia Sanders In many ways, the ideals of regenerative tourism are not new. Native Hawaiians have been nurturing regenerative systems in Hawai'i since the first voyage from Kahiki. The ahupua'a model of living systems stewardship and Hawaiian values like ho'okaulike, mālama and aloha aina are just a few that Native Hawaiians have applied and made actionable since time immemorial. But no matter the context, Native Hawaiian culture remains key to a regenerative future - not just for tourism. We ean all agree that better tourism remains a key ingredient toward such a future. The communities that make up Hawai'i are extremely diverse; we aren't always in alignment in what eaeh of us believes our roles are. As kānaka, we may ask ourselves, "What should be our plaee in tourism?" With one such question, we negate our role altogether. The question we must ask instead is, "What is tourism's role in our plaee and how do we achieve ho'okaulike, true halanee?" The relationship between guest, host and plaee is of critical importance in the regenerative tourism model as host and plaee hold the most weight when combined together. The necessary shift in perspective prioritizes our plaee, our community, and culture as a result. Regenerative tourism, by definition, must conform to the realities of regenerative life itself — founded upon the unique, environmental system of aloha aina. The land is what feeds us, nurtures us, and allows us to live in aloha with ourselves, with others, and

in our relationships with nature and our surroundings. Management is administrative and references the skill or process of de-cision-making over something, while stewardship recognizes the ability to act, to care of and for, and to be entrusted with the responsibility. Stewardship, specifically mālama, is a reciprocal relationship that has a shared interest for both the steward and that whieh is being stewarded. It is also one of the guiding principles behind regenerative tourism in Hawai'i. Whatever paths may lie ahead, one thing is for sure - we are in charge of the lens through whieh the world views, understands, and loves Hawai'i. We must be extremely vigilant in ensuring that how we present ourselves to the world is a true reflection of who we are at home. As we grow into betterment, so shall our ability to achieve something truly regenerative. While the beginnings of change are imminent, if not already in progress, the fruit of our labor will be enjoyed by our keiki and mo'opuna. If we are to leave them with a better ehanee to be kānaka in our plaee and to inherit the Hawai'i we envision, we must consider our actions today as the foundation upon whieh they will thrive. Please join us as we convene Ka Huina 2022 where we will explore these intersections and nexuses with invited members of our community and the visitor industry on June 8-9, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. For more information, please visit www.nahha. eom. ■ Mālia Sanders is the executive director ofthe Native Hawaiian Hospitality Association ( NaHHA ). Working to better connect the Hawaiian community to the visitor industry, NaHHA supports the people who provide authentic experiences to Hawai'i's visitors. For more information go to www.nahha.com Follow NaHHA on Paeehook, Instagram, and Twitter @nahha8o8 and @ kuhikuhi8o8.