What's Happening?
Hawaii is addressing a significant disruption in its tourism data collection following the end of the Akamai Arrival pilot program, which aimed to digitize agricultural declaration forms. This disruption began
on March 1, when optional tourism questions were removed from paper forms, leading to a gap in data collection. The Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) announced plans to restore the survey through a new GoHawaii app, which will integrate both agriculture declarations and tourism questions. The app is currently in procurement, with a rollout expected early next year. In the interim, HTA and the state Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT) are using a combination of data sources, including paper forms and prior survey data, to fill the gap. Economist Paul Brewbaker criticized the transition, noting that the data collected since February is not comparable to the previous 75 years, potentially affecting economic analysis.
Why It's Important?
The disruption in tourism data collection is significant for Hawaii, where tourism contributes approximately 17% to the state's economy. Accurate data is crucial for planning hotel staffing, emergency response, and other services. The current data gap could lead to less informed decision-making and planning, affecting the state's ability to manage its tourism industry effectively. The transition to digital forms is part of a broader effort to modernize and improve sustainability by reducing paper use. However, the lack of coordination in implementing the Akamai Arrival program has led to challenges in maintaining data continuity, which could have long-term implications for economic analysis and policy-making in Hawaii.
What's Next?
The rollout of the GoHawaii app is expected early next year, which aims to restore comprehensive tourism data collection. The app will include features such as safety alerts and the ability to make reservations through county and state park systems. HTA and DBEDT are working with the state Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration to ensure accurate arrival data. The success of the new app will be crucial in restoring the integrity of Hawaii's tourism data and supporting the state's economic planning and development efforts.
Beyond the Headlines
The transition to digital data collection reflects a broader trend towards modernization and sustainability in government operations. However, the challenges faced by Hawaii highlight the importance of careful planning and coordination in implementing new systems. The situation underscores the need for robust data management practices and the potential risks of data gaps in economic analysis and policy-making. The experience may serve as a case study for other regions considering similar transitions.
