STAND. COM. REP. NO. 180-20

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2020

RE: H.B. No. 2467

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2020

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Tourism & International Affairs, to which was referred H.B. No. 2467 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO TOURISM,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to require the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to study the need for a tourism information center in the State Capital District.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism.

Your Committee finds that the State Capital District is a vital tourist area in Hawaii located just minutes from Waikiki and surrounded by popular attractions such as Iolani Palace, Washington Place, and the State Capitol building. A tourism information center would provide tourists information and directions while in the State Capital District and enhance their vacation experiences.

Your Committee also notes that the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism does not have the adequate resources and expertise to conduct this study. Transferring the study to the Hawaii Tourism Authority will be more cost-efficient and practical since it already has a section dedicated to conducting surveys.

Your Committee has therefore amended this measure by:

(1) Directing the Hawaii Tourism Authority, rather than the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, to perform the study and changing the expending agency for the appropriation accordingly;

(2) Expanding the scope of the study to include an estimate of visitor services provided and visitor needs;

(3) Changing the effective date to July 1, 2099, to encourage further discussion; and

(4) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

As this measure progresses through the legislative process, your Committee recommends that $100,000 be appropriated out of the general revenues of the State to finance the study proposed by this measure.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Tourism & International Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2467, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2467, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Legislative Management.

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

____________________________

RICHARD H.K. ONISHI, Chair