SB2674

Report Title:

State Parks Spec Fund; Transfers from Tourism Fund

 

Description:

Authorizes the annual transfer of up to $4 million in excess moneys in the tourism special fund into the state parks special fund. Appropriates moneys from the state parks special fund to support the operation and maintenance of the state parks system.

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2674
TWENTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2002
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

relating to state parks.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The legislature recognizes the connection between Hawaii's state park system and tourism. Over seven million tourists visit our islands each year to enjoy our great outdoors, including the natural beauty and the cultural treasures that comprise much of the state park system. In the past, the nexus between the state park system and the tourism sector was unclear, as most state parks are not in proximity with resort destinations. However, the allure of our islands to tourists depends heavily on ancillary facilities such as shopping and entertainment venues, cultural and natural attractions, as well as Hawaii's state parks.

The recent and prolonged economic malaise, as in most other government programs, has severely limited the ability of the state park system to properly maintain the heavily used and often aged state park facilities. This neglect has often led to complaints from visitors about the deteriorated condition of our state parks.

To better provide for the recreational needs of our visitors, the legislature believes that a portion of excess moneys in the tourism special fund which is primarily funded through the transient accommodations tax paid by tourists, should be earmarked to supplement the operating costs of the state park system. In this way, a link is created between the cost of maintaining the state park system and its use by visitors to our State.

SECTION 2. Section 184-3.4, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:

"(a) There is established within the state treasury a fund to be known as the state parks special fund. All proceeds collected by the state parks programs involving park user fees, any leases or concession agreements, the sale of any article purchased from the department to benefit the state parks programs, [or] any gifts or contributions, legislative appropriations, or moneys transferred from the tourism special fund established in section 201B-11, shall be deposited into this fund; provided that proceeds derived from the operation of Iolani Palace shall be used to supplement its educational and interpretive programs."

SECTION 3. Section 201B-11, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

"[[]§201B-11[]] Tourism special fund. (a) There is established in the state treasury the tourism special fund, into which shall be deposited:

(1) A portion of the revenues from any transient accommodations tax, as provided by section 237D-6.5; and

(2) Appropriations by the legislature to the tourism special fund; and

(3) Gifts, grants, and other funds accepted by the authority.

(b) Moneys in the tourism special fund may be placed in interest-bearing accounts or otherwise invested by the authority until such time as the moneys may be needed. All interest accruing from the investment of these moneys shall be credited to the tourism special fund.

(c) Moneys in the tourism special fund shall be used by the authority for the purposes of this chapter, provided that not more than three per cent of this amount shall be used for administrative expenses; provided further that of this amount the sum of $15,000 shall be made available for a protocol fund to be expended at the discretion of the executive director; provided further that moneys in the tourism special fund shall be used for the salaries and expenses of the office of tourism established in section 201-92[.]; and provided further that not more than $4,000,000 of moneys remaining in the fund after legislative appropriations made pursuant to this section shall be transferred annually into the state parks special fund for the purposes of that fund."

SECTION 4. There is appropriated out of the tourism special fund the sum of $          for deposit into the state parks special fund established in section 184-3.4, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

SECTION 5. There is appropriated out of the state parks special fund the sum of $         , or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2002-2003, for the purpose of the state parks special fund.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of land and natural resources for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 6. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 7. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2002.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________