Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Second State Legislature

Regular Session of 2004

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Economic Development and Tourism, to which was referred S.C.R. No. 68 entitled:

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to request a feasibility study regarding the establishment of a pilot program with the Hawaii Chamber of Commerce of Northern California in promoting Hawaii and its products.

Testimony in support of the measure was received from the University of Hawaii (UH), the Hawaii Chamber of Commerce of Northern California, Myers Development Company, Hawaii Food Industry Association, and one individual. Offering comments on the measure were the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT) and the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA).

Your Committees find that establishing cooperative ventures with mainland based organizations, such as the Hawaii Chamber of Commerce of Northern California, would be beneficial in promoting Hawaii, its products, and business opportunities in Hawaii. While tourism remains Hawaii's dominant industry, increasing competition from mainland and international locations has forced the State to develop new and innovative methods of marketing Hawaii, its products, and business opportunities in the State. A study to determine the feasibility and costs of establishing cooperative ventures with mainland organizations that are interested in promoting Hawaii, its products, and culture, will ensure that any future marketing strategy undertaken by the State is well-coordinated and targeted to the needs of a specific market. This will ensure that Hawaii gets the most return for its investment in the form of increased visitors and in attracting individuals interested in conducting business or making financial investments in Hawaii.

Your Committees have amended the measure by:

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Economic Development and Tourism that are attached to this report, your Committees concur with the intent and purpose of S.C.R. No. 68, as amended herein, recommend that it be referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, in the form attached hereto as S.C.R. No. 68, S.D. 1.