THE SENATE	S.C.R. NO.	61
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025		S.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

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.

WHEREAS, the Michelin Guide for restaurants, with its star‑based evaluations, has become a world standard; and

WHEREAS, since publishing its first American guide to New York City in 2005, Michelin has released guides for Atlanta; California; Colorado; Chicago; Florida; and Washington, D.C.; and

WHEREAS, the State's culinary scene has been rapidly evolving, attracting multiple Michelin-starred chefs and restaurants and becoming a destination for foodies; and

WHEREAS, the Michelin Guide, however, does not send its inspectors to Hawaii; and

WHEREAS, a 2022 Visitor Industry Workforce Needs Assessment by the Hawaii Tourism Authority identified culinary staff as among the most in-demand and difficult-to-fill positions in Hawaii's workforce; and

WHEREAS, the award of one or more Michelin stars can offer a steady supply of diners, eager sous chefs, and endless publicity for a chef or restaurant, and having a Michelin star to strive for can increase restaurant standards; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2025, the House of Representatives concurring, that the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism is requested to review and evaluate the cost-benefit and return on investment of a possible sponsorship of a Michelin Guide for restaurants across the State; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a certified copy of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism.

Report Title:

Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Tourism; Restaurants; Michelin Guide