THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2627
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026		S.D. 2
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TOURISM.

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

Section 1. The legislature finds that procurement and contracting activities conducted in accordance with the State's standard procurement process pursuant to chapter 103D, Hawaii Revised Statutes, typically require months to complete. These delays may result in missed opportunities, particularly when negotiating sponsorship and partnership agreements with national and international sports brands and teams and when executing marketing campaigns that are time-sensitive and tied to seasonal or global events.

The legislature further finds that allowing the Hawaii tourism authority to utilize a procurement exemption for sports events will enable the authority to:

(1) Act swiftly to secure sponsorships and partnerships that enhance the State's brand visibility;

(2) Maintain competitiveness against other destinations that can move faster in securing promotional opportunities; and

(3) Operate efficiently by reducing administrative and bureaucratic delays, allowing staff to focus on implementation.

Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to exempt the Hawaii tourism authority from the Hawaii Public Procurement Code and all other requirements of law for competitive bidding for contracts and agreements for sports events.

SECTION 2. Chapter 201B, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to part II to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§201B-   Exemption of authority from the Hawaii public procurement code. (a) The authority shall not be subject to chapter 103D and any and all other requirements of law for competitive bidding for contracts or agreements for sports events; provided that no later than thirty days after executing a contract pursuant to this section the authority shall notify the chief procurement officer of the contract details.

(b) The authority shall submit an annual report to the state procurement office no later than            each year detailing all contracts or agreements executed in the preceding year that were exempt from competitive bidding requirements pursuant to this section."

SECTION 3. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.

Report Title:

HTA; SPO; Hawaii Public Procurement Code; Competitive Bidding; Exemption; Sports Events; Contracts; Agreements; Reports

Description:

Exempts the Hawaii Tourism Authority's contracts or agreements for sports events from the Hawaii Public Procurement Code and all other requirements of law for competitive bidding. Requires HTA to notify the Chief Procurement Officer of exempt contracts executed. Requires an annual report to the State Procurement Office. Effective 7/1/2050. (SD2)

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