Sponsors (2)
The bill creates a targeted federal grant program to help tribal and Native Hawaiian communities develop tourism, infrastructure, and cultural programs, but the modest $35M authorization and likely administrative/coordination burdens may limit how many communities truly benefit.
Tribal governments, Native Hawaiian organizations, and residents on tribal lands can receive federal grants to develop tourism projects and visitor services, which can increase local revenue and create jobs.
Coordinated federal grants can fund infrastructure and services (transportation, land management, visitor safety/access improvements) that make tribal and rural tourism areas safer and more accessible.
Native Hawaiian and tribal organizations can use federal grant support for cultural preservation and visitor-experience initiatives that help sustain cultural heritage and improve tourism offerings.
The total authorization ($35 million over five years) is relatively modest and may be insufficient to meet the scale of needs, leaving many tribes and projects underfunded.
Administration of grants across multiple federal agencies could create coordination burdens, inconsistent eligibility rules, and confusion for tribes seeking funds.
Grant matching requirements and compliance paperwork may impose administrative and financial costs that are particularly burdensome for smaller tribal organizations, limiting their ability to apply or manage awards.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Authorizes multiple federal agencies to make grants to tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations for tourism and visitor-experience activities and authorizes $35M for FY2025–2029.
Introduced February 18, 2025 by Brian Emanuel Schatz · Last progress December 17, 2025
Authorizes several federal agencies to make grants and enter into agreements with Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations to support Native American tourism and visitor experience activities. Provides authority to the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Office of Native Hawaiian Relations, and allows other agencies (including Commerce, Transportation, Agriculture, HHS, and Labor) to fund related projects, with $35 million authorized for fiscal years 2025–2029.