THE SENATE	S.R. NO.	46
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025		S.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE 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, 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 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