Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2004

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Tourism and Transportation, Military Affairs, and Government Operations, to which was referred S.B. No. 3043 entitled:

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to authorize the county police departments to establish an Aloha Aina Patrol in their county.

This measure applies to counties having a population in excess of 500,000. The general purpose of the patrol is to provide security and assistance to tourists. The intended targeted area is Waikiki and other parts of Oahu.

Testimony in support was received from Ko Olina Resort and Marina. Comments were received from the Honolulu Police Department, Hawai`i Hotel and Lodging Association, the Waikiki Improvement Association, and the Tax Foundation of Hawaii. Testimony in opposition was received from the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism.

This measure proposes an innovative three-year pilot program that will address the crime problem and spread the message of the aloha spirit at the same time. The program would create additional security patrols geared toward parks and beaches where there have been too many incidents of crime against visitors and residents.

Your Committees find that the intent of this measure is to assure visitors to Hawaii, as well as local residents, that they will be safe from crimes against persons or property at the State's more popular and highly visited parks and beaches. The Hawaii Tourism Authority, in conjunction with county police departments, will determine the specific areas to be patrolled.

The unit is being called 'Aloha Aina Patrol,' and will not only provide additional security, but also serve as ambassadors of aloha. These patrols will consist of police cadets and police service officers. The plan is to have Aloha Aina Patrol officers in aloha attire versus police uniforms, thus emphasizing the aloha spirit.

Your Committees find that tourism is a vital part of the economy for the State of Hawaii, and the Aloha Aina Patrol will contribute greatly to the vitality of the visitor industry as it emphasizes the uniquely warm and friendly spirit of our island home.

Funds from the transient accommodations tax trust fund would be used to pay for the program, which would run from July 1, 2004 to June 30, 2007.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Tourism and Transportation, Military Affairs, and Government Operations that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 3043 and recommend that it pass Second Reading and be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.