Requesting The Department Of Business, Economic Development, And Tourism To Review And Evaluate The Cost-benefit And Return On Investment Of A Possible Sponsorship Of A Michelin Guide For Restaurants Across The State.
Summary
SCR 61 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution requesting the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT) to review and evaluate the cost-benefit and return on investment of sponsoring a Michelin Guide for restaurants across the state. The resolution frames the Michelin Guide as a globally recognized restaurant rating system and notes that Hawaii’s culinary scene has grown in prominence, with the potential to attract more visitors, chefs, and restaurant investment if the state were included in the guide.
The resolution does not change any existing law or create a regulatory program. Instead, it directs DBEDT to study a possible sponsorship arrangement and report on whether such a sponsorship would be worthwhile for the state. Its practical effect would be to initiate an economic and tourism-focused evaluation of a marketing strategy for Hawaii’s restaurant industry and visitor economy.
Impact
SCR 61 would have no direct statutory effect and would not amend the Hawaii Revised Statutes. Its impact is limited to a legislative request that DBEDT analyze the financial and tourism implications of sponsoring a Michelin Guide, potentially informing future appropriations, contracts, or tourism policy decisions. The resolution is aimed at restaurants, chefs, culinary workers, and the broader tourism sector, with the stated goal of assessing whether Michelin recognition could raise restaurant standards and generate economic benefits for the state.
Sentiment
The general sentiment around the bill appears favorable. The resolution passed the Senate Economic Development and Technology Committee on a 3-0 vote with amendments, suggesting broad support for exploring the idea. The bill’s findings present Michelin recognition as a prestige asset that could strengthen Hawaii’s culinary reputation, attract diners, and support workforce development in the restaurant industry.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely fiscal and policy prudence: whether sponsoring a Michelin Guide would produce enough tourism and economic return to justify the cost. Supporters emphasize branding, publicity, and quality incentives for restaurants, while any skepticism would center on whether state funds should be used for a private guide and whether the benefits would be distributed broadly across Hawaii’s economy. No specific opposition was recorded in the available committee vote or transcripts.
Same As
Requesting The Department Of Business, Economic Development, And Tourism To Review And Evaluate The Cost-benefit And Return On Investment Of A Possible Sponsorship Of A Michelin Guide For Restaurants Across The State.
Requesting The Department Of Business, Economic Development, And Tourism To Review And Evaluate The Cost-benefit And Return On Investment Of A Possible Sponsorship Of A Michelin Guide For Restaurants Across The State.
Congratulating Michelin North America, Inc., upon the occasion of the 65th anniversary of its BFGoodrich tire production facility in Fort Wayne, Indiana.