STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1620

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    H.C.R. No. 162

Honorable Donna Mercado Kim

President of the Senate

Twenty-Eighth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2015

State of Hawaii

Madam:

     Your Committee on Tourism and International Affairs, to which was referred H.C.R. No. 162 entitled:

"HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE LEGISLATIVE REFERENCE BUREAU TO EXAMINE IF AND HOW OTHER STATES REGULATE TOUR OPERATORS WITHIN THEIR JURISDICTION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to request that the Legislative Reference Bureau examine if and how other states regulate tour operators within their jurisdiction and report its findings to the Legislature.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Legislative Reference Bureau.

     Your Committee finds that Hawaii does not regulate the activities of tour and excursion groups soliciting residents and visitors.  Your Committee further finds that there has been a rise in tour activity in state parks and, within the last six months, at least three tour guides have been charged with engaging in illegal commercial activities by trespassing into natural reserve areas that are closed to public entry.  Your Committee finds that this activity not only poses a threat to the environment of the natural reserve areas but also endangers the health and safety of those persons touring closed areas.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Tourism and International Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.C.R. No. 162, and recommends its adoption.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Tourism and International Affairs,

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GILBERT KAHELE, Chair