Dialogue will remain open as to whether or not the Honolulu City Council should ban commercial businesses from some Oahu beaches. Now, wedding photographers can now breathe a sigh of relief.
Small business owners flooded into Honolulu Hale in opposition of Bill 8 which could ban commercial activity at Waimanalo Beach Park.
"I can't stress enough how much having the flexibility and retaining the regulation we have now has helped the film industry really grow," said Honolulu Film Office Commissioner Walea Constantinau.
It's not the first time. The author of the bill, Ikaika Anderson has heard those concerns. It's why Bill 8 was amended from its original draft. All reference to wedding photography and weddings in general was removed from Bill 8.
"The reason we did that was because the Department of Land and Natural Resources actually issues permits for commercial activity on our state beaches," said Anderson.
Most who opposed the bill say the language of the city and state permits still needs clarification. Small business owners warn an outright ban could put a cap on how much money tourists spend in the islands.
"We used to just know that Hawaii was the best, and we were the top wedding destination. Now, everyone wants to know, 'Why Hawaii?' when I can go to Florida or Cuba for less than half the cost," said Lauren Carson, who opposes Bill 8.
The council will take Thursday's testimony under consideration before it makes its final decision.
Source: Wedding photography taken out of language for Bill 8
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