§201B-7 Tourism-related activities. (a) The authority may enter into contracts and agreements that include the following:

(1) Tourism promotion, marketing, and development;

(2) Market development-related research;

(3) Product development and diversification issues;

(4) Promotion, development, and coordination of sports-related activities and events;

(5) Promotion of Hawaii, through a coordinated statewide effort, as a place to do high technology business;

(6) Reduction of barriers to travel;

(7) Tourism public information and educational programs;

(8) Programs to monitor and investigate complaints about the problems resulting from the tourism industry in the State; and

(9) Any and all other activities necessary to carry out the intent of this chapter;

provided that for the purposes of continuity, the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau shall be the designated agency to conduct the marketing and promotion of the State until the end of fiscal year 1998-1999 or until a date specified by the board.

(b) The authority staff shall be responsible for monitoring and facilitating any and all functions developed in accordance with subsection (a). [L 1998, c 156, pt of §2; am L 2000, c 297, §20]