I think it is worth mentioning that many here in Hawaii had been having a conversation on the future of tourism in our state for some time before the corona virus quarantine shut it down. Overcrowding, ecological damage, inability of locals to enjoy prime sites, and cultural issues have all given us serious concerns. Several local jurisdictions have put severe limits on airbnb type vacation rentals, and some beach parks now have real limits on tourist access. So now we have been forced hit the pause button in a big way, and that conversation is getting more serious about what we do long term. There is widespread support for enforcing the arrivals quarantine, and people are being arrested and sent back to the mainland for violating it. Most of the clamor in relation to the quarantine is for stricter enforcement.

We are increasingly convinced that it will be a very long time before 30,000 people per day are once again willing to get on a plane to come here . . . whether we want them to or not. Mass tourism may not be in the cards for our future. Yes, we do depend on the tourism industry for a large chunk of our economy. Yes, people are already hurting badly. But if you know much about our culture, you will know that some things are more important to us than money. This has been a big wake up call that we need to diversify out economy, and it will be interesting to see how it plays out. And some people may have to leave for greener economic pastures before the new normal is established.