STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2713

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.B. No. 2577

S.D. 2

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 2577, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO SPORTS TOURISM,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to require the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to conduct a study of the potential economic benefits and costs of sports tourism in the State.

Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Hawaii Tourism Authority; and two individuals.

Your Committee finds that there is significant growth potential in the State's sports tourism industry. The sports tourism sector has produced steady revenue streams and contributes to Hawaii's economic development. Further exploration of sports tourism may lead to new growth opportunities. Accordingly, your Committee finds that this measure will help inform the State about the benefits and costs of this under-recognized industry and facilitate better-informed policy and investment decisions.

Your Committee has amended this measure by allocating a portion of the Hawaii Tourism Authority's budget to study the potential benefits of sports tourism in the State.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2577, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2577, S.D. 2.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

________________________________

DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair