Hawaii’s nearshore reefs
annually generate about $800 million in gross revenues -- nearly
10% of the total revenues contributed by tourism to the state’s
economy.
Each year, reefs along Maui’s
Kihei coast contribute $34 million in gross sales, leading to
$28 million in added value to the economy.
The degradation of reefs along
Maui’s Kihei coast result in an annual loss of over $20
million to Hawaii’s economy. The impact of algal blooms
in Kihei has caused a decrease of hotel and rental income (about
$10.8 million) and depressed property value of $9.4 million
in 2002.
Maui County condominiums pay
$200,000 a year to clean up their beaches.
The aquarium fish industry
is one of the most economically valuable nearshore fisheries
in Hawaii. The industry’s gross annual sales are approximately
$3.2 million.
Cases involving coral reef
damage in Florida show restoration costs alone can range from
$550 to $10,000 per square meter.
Fish Replenishment Areas (FRAs)
along the Kona coast have decreased conflicts between aquarium
collectors and other reef users, and results show an increase
in aquarium fishes in both the FRAs and unprotected areas, benefiting
both the aquarium and snorkeling and diving industries.
Since 2000, when the FRAs were
established, the overall price per fish collected has steadily
grown.
Snorkeling and diving are one
of the top five activities for our visitors from the West.
Millions of visitors are attracted
to Hawaii’s famous sandy beaches that remain intact due
to the reef that disperses wave energy and lessens storm damage
to our shores.
Reefs, along with winds and
tides, generate waves that make Hawaii world renowned for great
surfing and a destination for many lucrative surf competitions.
Hanauma Bay’s educational
video, shown to visitors to the park, is directly responsible
for saving 10.4 acres of reef each year from being damaged throughout
the state.
The gain from environmental
awareness through the education at Hanauma Bay will generate
about $100 million in added value over the next 50 years.
To keep Hawaii’s economy
viable and to maintain our quality of life in Hawaii, adequate
funding must continue to be provided for the management and
education of Hawaii’s reefs.
Research
funded by Hawaii Coral Reach Initiative-Research Program
