Creates an economic task force to develop clear goals and an implementation plan to improve Hawaii's economic diversity.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that Hawaii's economy has suffered in recent years due in part to the lack of economic diversity. While tourism will always be a top priority in economic policy, the seasonal nature of tourism and its vulnerabilities to international economic instability have shown that if Hawaii is to thrive, economic diversity is vital.

There are several efforts to develop other sectors of Hawaii's economy including high technology, agriculture, retail, electronic commerce, and communications. However, focus and cohesiveness of the State's efforts to diversify Hawaii's economy is required. The purpose of this Act is to bring together industry, government, and educational leaders to develop clear goals and an implementation plan to diversify Hawaii's economy.

SECTION 2. (a) There is created a joint legislative economic task force. The task force shall:

(b) By July 1, 2001, members of the task force shall be chosen by the respective chairs of the senate committee on economic development and technology and the house committee on economic development and business concerns. The task force shall consist of at least one representative from each of the following groups: retail businesses, restaurants, hotels, public unions, private unions, business educators, high technology businesses, marketing and advertising professionals, tourism, environmental organizations, and small business owners.

(c) The economic task force shall submit a report of findings and recommendations, including recommended legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2002.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval and shall be repealed on July 1, 2002.