Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2004

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Tourism, to which was referred H.B. No. 2863, H.D. 1, entitled:

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to clarify the duties and responsibilities of the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA).

This measure, among other things, deletes references to developing and implementing the state tourism strategic marketing plan, and adds coordination and development of new products in wellness, technology, agriculture, and nature tourism to HTA's responsibilities.

Your Committee amended this measure prior to the hearing with a proposed S.D. 1, and made it available to the public. As amended, this measure adds representation of the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts (SFCA) to the Board of Directors of the HTA.

Testimony in support of the amended measure was received from the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, Hawaii Tourism Authority, State Foundation on Culture and the Arts, Hawaii Consortium on the Arts, Pulama IA Kona Heritage Preservation Council, Holualoa Foundation for Arts and Culture, Volcano Art Center, and one individual.

Your Committee believes that the addition of the SFCA provides a new dimension to the decision-making process of the HTA, with a view towards enhancing cultural tourism in Hawaii. Testimony indicated that many tourists are interested in Hawaii's rich cultural heritage and would partake in cultural arts and activities. Furthermore, the addition of the SFCA would make for increased communication and partnerships among local businesses, arts organizations, artists, and other professionals to develop projects in the arts and cultural tourism. More particularly, the SFCA is affiliated with arts agencies in other states and territories and has established a presence with national and regional arts service organizations. Your Committee finds that the end result is to strengthen the tourism market position of the State.

Your Committee further finds that the areas of wellness, technology, agriculture, and nature tourism are current trends in attracting visitors, and the State should be on the cutting edge of these trends. The HTA could provide invaluable assistance to develop these areas of tourism. Your Committee envisions that the HTA would engage itself in dialogue and collaboration with professionals in the areas of wellness, technology, agriculture, and nature, in order to gain insight and understanding to promote these areas of tourism, which in turn would enhance the development of these areas.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Tourism that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2863, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2863, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and be placed on the calendar for Third Reading.