Report Title:

Economic Task Force

WHEREAS, Hawaii's economy has suffered in recent years due in part to the lack of economic diversity; and

WHEREAS, while tourism will always be a 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; and

WHEREAS, there are several efforts to develop other sectors of Hawaii's economy including high technology, agriculture, retail, electronic commerce, and communications; and

WHEREAS, focus and cohesiveness of the State's efforts to diversify Hawaii's economy is required; and

WHEREAS, industry, government, and educational leaders must come together to develop clear goals and an implementation plan to diversify Hawaii's economy; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-First Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2001, that there is created a Senate economic task force that shall establish short-term and long-term goals to diversify Hawaii's economy, and establish a specific implementation plan and timeline to accomplish the goals; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that by July 1, 2001, members of the task force shall be chosen by the chair of the Senate Committee on Economic Development and Technology; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that 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; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Senate 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; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the President of the Senate and the Senate Committee on Economic Development and Technology.