Report Title:

Tourism Emergency; Definition

 

Description:

Creates definition of "tourism emergency" and requires the board of the Hawaii tourism authority, when it determines a tourism emergency exists, to develop plans and programs to respond to the tourism emergency.  Removes requirement for governor to declare existence of a tourism emergency.

 

THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

276

TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2009

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

 

relating to the hawaii tourism authority.

 

 

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

 

     SECTION 1.  Section 201B-1, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new definition to be appropriately inserted and to read as follows:

     ""Tourism emergency" means the occurrence of an event or condition, regardless of when or where it occurs, that adversely affects Hawaii's tourism industry and results in a substantial interruption in the commerce of the State and which adversely affects the welfare of the people of the State."

     SECTION 2.  Section 201B-9, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

     "[[]§201B-9[]]  Tourism emergency.  [(a)  If] When the board determines that [the occurrence of a world conflict, terrorist threat, natural disaster, outbreak of disease, or other catastrophic event, regardless of when or where it occurs, adversely affects Hawaii's tourism industry by resulting in a substantial interruption in the commerce of the State and adversely affecting the welfare of its people, the board shall submit a request to the governor to declare that] a tourism emergency exists[.

     (b)  Upon declaration by the governor that a tourism emergency exists pursuant to subsection (a),] the authority shall develop [and implement measures] plans and programs to respond to the tourism emergency[, including providing assistance to tourists during the emergency; provided that any tourism emergency response measure implemented pursuant to this subsection shall not include any provision that would adversely affect the organized labor force in tourism-related industries.] by:

     (1)  Executing a strategy determined to be necessary to provide assistance to victims of the tourism emergency and to protect the health and safety of the victims;

     (2)  Coordinating the activities of public and private organizations that may be mobilized to provide assistance during the tourism emergency;

     (3)  Expediting the procurement of supplies, equipment, and services in light of the exigencies of the tourism emergency as part of a relief plan or program; and

     (4)  Executing a public information strategy as part of a relief plan or program."

     SECTION 3.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

 

INTRODUCED BY:

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