Hawaii House Bill HR114

Hawaii 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/25
• Refer: 3/14/25
• Report Pass: 3/27/25
• Refer: 3/27/25

Caption

Requesting The Department Of Business, Economic Development, And Tourism To Sponsor A Michelin Guide For Restaurants Across The State.

Summary

H.R. 114 is a House Resolution requesting the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT) to sponsor a Michelin Guide for restaurants statewide. The resolution frames the Michelin Guide as an internationally recognized standard for restaurant evaluation and argues that Hawaii’s growing culinary scene, including the presence of Michelin-starred chefs and restaurants, would benefit from formal inclusion in the guide. The resolution also points to workforce and tourism benefits, citing a Hawaii Tourism Authority assessment that culinary staff are among the most in-demand and hardest-to-fill jobs in the state. It suggests that Michelin recognition could attract diners, generate publicity, encourage restaurant quality improvements, and help strengthen the state’s restaurant industry. In addition to asking DBEDT to sponsor the guide, the resolution requests that counties assist with financing and directs copies to the DBEDT director and county mayors.

Impact

As a resolution, H.R. 114 does not change Hawaii statutes or create enforceable legal requirements. Its practical effect would be to encourage state and county officials to pursue and potentially help fund a Michelin Guide for Hawaii restaurants, which could affect tourism promotion, restaurant marketing, and the visibility of the state’s culinary sector if acted upon.

Sentiment

The available text and context indicate generally favorable sentiment toward the resolution. The measure is written in supportive terms, emphasizing tourism, culinary prestige, workforce development, and quality improvement. No committee testimony, recorded votes, or opposition statements are provided in the available materials, so there is no documented formal controversy in the record supplied.

Contention

The main potential points of contention are financial and policy-related: the resolution asks DBEDT to sponsor the guide and requests county assistance in financing it, which could raise questions about public spending and whether government should support a private rating publication. Another possible issue is whether a Michelin Guide would meaningfully benefit Hawaii’s broader restaurant industry and tourism economy, or primarily aid higher-end establishments in major visitor areas. No specific opposing viewpoints are included in the provided transcripts or vote history.