Directs the department of business, economic development and tourism to convene a work group to establish an international Pacific Asian Little League baseball tournament in Hawaii.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that hosting sporting events in the State has a positive economic impact, generates good publicity and media coverage, and enhances the quality of life for Hawaii residents. Hosting an international Little League baseball tournament would have an affirmative impact on tourism and the state economy, and would promote a healthy, drug-free lifestyle for our youth. National and international media coverage would promote Hawaii as an attractive visitor destination.

Tournament games would be played on all of the islands, promoting tourism and bringing national and international media attention throughout the State. The tournament would host youth teams traveling to Hawaii from the west coast, as well as Japan, Korea, Taiwan, China, Philippines, and other countries. Coaches, family members, and fans would accompany the teams for the tournament, infusing money into the local economy.

The legislature further finds that Little League baseball teaches young people the advantages of teamwork and healthy competition and promotes exercise, physical well-being, and a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.

Little League baseball is the largest organized youth sports program in the world, with nearly three million youths ages five to eighteen playing Little League baseball world-wide each year. It was founded to assist youth in developing qualities of citizenship, discipline, teamwork, and physical well-being, with proper guidance and exemplary leadership. Each season, Little League players promise to play fair and, whether they win or lose, to strive to do their best.

The purpose of this Act is to promote tourism and a drug-free, healthy lifestyle by hosting an international Pacific Asian Little League baseball tournament in Hawaii.

SECTION 2. The department of business, economic development, and tourism and the Hawaii tourism authority shall convene a work group of interested parties to examine the feasibility of hosting an international Pacific Asian Little League baseball championship tournament in the State. The work group shall include representatives from the department of business, economic development, and tourism and the Hawaii tourism authority, representatives of Hawaii Little League, and anyone else deemed appropriate by the director of business, economic development, and tourism.

The work group shall first be convened no later than August 1, 2005. The director of business, economic development, and tourism or designee shall serve as chairperson.

The work group shall submit a report to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the 2006 legislature, with its findings, recommendations, and any necessary implementing legislation.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.