STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1591

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2023

RE: S.B. No. 1522

S.D. 2

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2023

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Water & Land, to which was referred S.B. No. 1522, S.D. 2, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to:

(1) Establish the Office of Destination Management, including its powers, duties, and responsibilities;

(2) Repeal the Hawaii Tourism Authority; and

(3) Establish the Tourism Liaison Officer within the Office of the Governor.

Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from Fair Wind Cruises and one individual. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Department of Taxation; Hawai‘i Tourism Authority; Kohala Coast Resort Association; Maui Hotel & Lodging Association; and Grassroot Institute of Hawaii.

Your Committee finds that the success of the Hawaii Tourism Authority has brought a surplus of visitors to the State. While this has stimulated economic growth, your Committee notes that residents' concerns regarding the impacts of over tourism on the State's infrastructure and natural resources continue to grow. Your Committee emphasizes the importance of shifting efforts and resources away from marketing the State as a tourist destination and toward balanced destination management to address the concerns of residents while encouraging a high-quality experience for visitors as they enjoy the natural resources of the State.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Water & Land that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 1522, S.D. 2, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Water & Land,

____________________________

LINDA ICHIYAMA, Chair