Prohibits the installation of artificial turf on state-owned or -maintained playing fields.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the Aloha Stadium is showcased each year during the University of Hawaii football season, the Aloha and Oahu Bowls, and the Pro Bowl. Hawaii, as "paradise", should be placing special attention on green grass and trees within a pleasant, tropical atmosphere. Therefore, it is imperative that all playing fields controlled by the State have natural grass as a playing surface rather than artificial turf such as at the Aloha Stadium.

The legislature further finds that the National Football League has also stated concerns for players who are prone to more serious injuries due to artificial surfaces. Football players are also complaining about artificial surfaces out of concern for injuries. Therefore, for the health and welfare of athletes, artificial surfaces should be prohibited on state-owned playing fields.

SECTION 2. The Hawaii Revised Statutes is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§ - Artificial turf prohibited. (a) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, the installation of artificial turf in any state-owned or operated playing field is prohibited after December 31, 2001.

"Artificial turf" means a carpet-like covering made of vinyl, nylon, or other artificial substances to resemble natural grass.

"Playing field" means a field used for sporting events or practice.

(c) The department of accounting and general services shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 for the efficient implementation and enforcement of this section."

SECTION 3. Chapter 109, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§109- Artificial turf prohibited. (a) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, the installation of artificial turf in the stadium or any other recreational facility under the jurisdiction of the stadium authority is prohibited after December 31, 2001.

(b) As used in this section:

"Artificial turf" means a carpet-like covering made of vinyl, nylon, or other artificial substances to resemble natural grass.

"Playing field" means a field used for sporting events or practice.

(c) The stadium authority shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 for the efficient implementation and enforcement of this section."

SECTION 4. Chapter 304, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§304- Artificial turf prohibited. (a) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, the installation of artificial turf in any state-owned or operated playing field under the jurisdiction of the University of Hawaii is prohibited after December 31, 2000.

(b) As used in this section:

"Artificial turf" means a carpet-like covering made of vinyl, nylon, or other artificial substances to resemble natural grass.

"Playing field" means a field used for sporting events or practice.

(c) The University of Hawaii shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 91 for the efficient implementation and enforcement of this section."

SECTION 5. The stadium authority and the University of Hawaii, with respect to the playing fields within their respective jurisdictions, and the department of accounting and general services, with respect to the playing fields under the jurisdiction of all other state agencies, as appropriate, shall each:

SECTION 6. This Act shall not apply to any state-owned or -operated playing field for which the State has contracted out installation or maintenance of artificial turf to a private company; provided that no such contract shall be renewed upon its termination. The provisions of this Act shall not be applied so as to impair any contract existing as of the effective date of this Act or to otherwise be deemed to violate either the Hawaii Constitution or the United States Constitution.

SECTION 7. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 8. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.