STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1958

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2007

RE:   H.R. No. 118

Honorable Calvin K.Y. Say

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Fourth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2007

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Tourism & Culture, to which was referred H.R. No. 118 entitled:

"HOUSE RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE HAWAII TOURISM AUTHORITY TO COORDINATE DEVELOPMENT AND DISTRIBUTION TO VISITORS OF INFORMATION ON RECREATION SAFETY AND CRIME PREVENTION,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this resolution is to improve visitor safety by requesting the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) to coordinate development and distribution of information on recreation safety and crime prevention to visitors.

     HTA supported the intent of this measure.

     Your Committee finds that safety and security is one of the nine strategic initiatives identified in the Hawaii Tourism Strategic Plan.  HTA has been involved in various measures over the past few years to support visitor safety and security, including funding for the Visitor Assistance Program and development of the "travelsmarthawaii" web site.  In addition, HTA has selected a contractor to develop a safety and security plan and is also working with other organizations to develop water safety materials.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Tourism & Culture that is attached to this report, your Committee concurs with the intent and purpose of H.R. No. 118 and recommends its adoption.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Tourism & Culture,

____________________________

RYAN I. YAMANE, Chair