MEDIA RELEASE

With the goal of encouraging more “green” tourism statewide, the Hawaii Ecotourism Association has announced 14 companies have earned the distinction of being Hawaii’s first-ever Certified Ecotour Operators.

“We applaud these 14 ecotourism companies for their commitment to environmental sustainability and urge other tourism providers throughout Hawaiito follow their lead,” said Chris Colvin, HEA president.

HEA developed the ecotourism certification program to help educate commercial tour operators on the responsible use of natural and cultural resources, support conservation and sustainability practices, and raise awareness among visitors.

Colvin said, “The purpose of certification is to support, promote, educate, and strengthen on-the-ground tourism practices with respect to honoring and caring for our natural and cultural resources, resulting in better resource conservation, higher visitor satisfaction, and more community support for the visitor industry.”

GOLD

Atlantis Adventures – Oahu, Maui, Hawaii
Trilogy Excursions – Maui
Volcano Discovery – Hawaii

SILVER

Hawaiian Paddle Sports – Maui
Hike Maui – Maui
Jack’s Diving Locker – Hawaii
Kayak Kauai – Kauai
Kualoa Ranch – Oahu
Pacific Islands Institute – Oahu, Maui, Hawaii, Kauai, Molokai
Pacific Whale Foundation – Maui
Wild Side Specialty Tours – Oahu

BRONZE

Annette’s Adventures – Oahu
Bike Hawaii – Oahu
Hawaii Forest & Trail – Hawaii

HEA presented each honoree with an official seal of certification that can be publicly displayed at their place of business, on their website, and in their marketing materials to show proof of their commitment to sustainability and support for Hawaii’s environment.

In addition, Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz presented each honoree with a proclamation of recognition.

Earning the ecotourism certification by the 14 inaugural awardees was based on the following requirements designed by HEA to assess the extent of their “green” tour operations and environmental preservation efforts.

* Provide a direct, personal experience of nature for customers
* Have a written sustainability plan that guides the applicant’s operations and demonstrates commitment to HEA ecotourism principles
* Contribute to conservation outcomes annually to statewide and/or local community-based environmental conservation initiatives
* Contribute to the local communities in which the applicant operates
* Demonstrate effective management on their operating principles regarding the environment, interpretation, consumer evaluation, marketing, and staff

Each company has been certified as a Gold, Silver, or Bronze honoree as determined by a scoring system evaluating their ecotourism operations and principles.

Gold honorees are certified for a three-year period. Silver and Bronze honorees can make adjustments to their operations and reapply next year for Gold status.

The ecotourism certification program was developed with funding from a Hawaii Tourism Authority natural resources award. In-kind support was contributed by the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management, with Professor Linda Cox serving as project manager.

Support for the program’s development was provided by a volunteer advisory panel representing business, government, and nonprofit interests that helped HEA in establishing criteria and measurement tools for certification.

* Peter Apo, Peter Apo Company
* Jennifer Barrett, University of Hawaii Sea Grant
* Dr. Lyla Berg
* Curt Cottrel, Hawaii State Department of Land and Natural Resources
* John Cusick, University of Hawaii at Manoa
* Liz Foote, CORAL
* Mark Fox, The Nature Conservancy of Hawaii
* Sam Gon, The Nature Conservancy of Hawaii
* Frank Haas, Dean, Hospitality, Business and Legal Education, Kapiolani Community College
* Tim Johns, Hawaii Medical Service Association
* Merrill Kaufman, Pacific Whale Foundation
* John Morgan, Kualoa Ranch
* Gail Suzuki-Jones, Hawaii State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism
* Michael Tresler, Grove Farm Company

HEA presented the inaugural class of Certified Ecotour Operators at its annual awards luncheon Wednesday, Sept. 21. Also honored was Jocelyn Fujii, one of Hawaii’s premier travel writers, in tribute to her career writing about the Hawaii tourism experience.

The luncheon’s keynote speaker was Henk Rogers, founder of Blue Planet Foundation, and a leading visionary for environmental sustainability in Hawaii.

Since 1994, HEA has been committed to diversifying Hawaii’s travel industry through the advocacy of ecotourism to protect Hawaii’s unique natural environment and native culture.

Abroad membership base composed of tour and lodging operators, travel writers, and community and environmental organizations fulfills HEA’s goal of promoting visitor experiences that are environmentally and culturally sensitive.

— Find out more:
www.hawaiiecotourism.org