Report Title:

Hawaii Tourism Authority; Marketing

 

Description:

Requires the Hawaii Tourism Authority to set aside a percentage of its annual marketing budget for local marketing campaigns.  Allows the Authority to promote the tourism industry's interest and projects and positions within the state.  Adds workforce development to list of items for which the Authority may enter into contracts (HB991 HD1).

 


HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

991

TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2007

H.D. 1

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A BILL FOR AN ACT


 

 

relating to tourism.

 

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 


     SECTION 1.  Chapter 201B, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

     "§201B-     Marketing budget; local campaigns.  The authority shall set aside    per cent of its annual marketing budget to conduct marketing campaigns locally that may include but need not be limited to:

     (1)  Responses to ongoing resident satisfaction surveys;

     (2)  Market position statements for local awareness messages;

     (3)  An authority Internet website hub containing information on employment opportunities; and

     (4)  Local programs to develop an image acceptable to marketers and local residents."

     SECTION 2.  Section 201B-3, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:

     "(a)  Except as otherwise limited by this chapter, the authority may:

     (1)  Sue and be sued;

     (2)  Have a seal and alter the same at pleasure;

     (3)  Make and execute contracts and all other instruments necessary or convenient for the exercise of its powers and functions under this chapter; provided that the authority may enter into contracts and agreements for a period of up to five years, subject to the availability of funds; and provided further that the authority may enter into agreements for the use of the convention center facility for a period of up to ten years;

     (4)  Make and alter bylaws for its organization and internal management;

     (5)  Unless otherwise provided in this chapter, adopt rules in accordance with chapter 91 with respect to its projects, operations, properties, and facilities;

     (6)  Through its executive director represent the authority in communications with the governor and with the legislature;

     (7)  Through its executive director, provide for the appointment of officers, agents, and employees, subject to the approval of the board, prescribing their duties and qualifications, and fixing their salaries, without regard to chapters 76 and 78 if there is no anticipated revenue shortfall in the tourism special fund and funds have been appropriated by the legislature and allotted as provided by law;

     (8)  Through its executive director purchase supplies, equipment, or furniture;

     (9)  Through its executive director allocate the space or spaces [which] that are to be occupied by the authority and appropriate staff;

    (10)  Engage the services of qualified persons to implement the State's tourism marketing plan or portions thereof as determined by the authority;

    (11)  Engage the services of consultants on a contractual basis for rendering professional and technical assistance and advice;

    (12)  Procure insurance against any loss in connection with its property and other assets and operations in such amounts and from such insurers as it deems desirable;

    (13)  Contract for or accept revenues, compensation, proceeds, and gifts or grants in any form from any public agency or any other source, including any revenues or proceeds arising from the operation or use of the convention center;

    (14)  Develop, coordinate, and implement state policies and directions for tourism and related activities taking into account the economic, social, and physical impacts of tourism on the [State] state and its natural resources infrastructure; provided that the authority shall support the efforts of other state and county departments or agencies to manage, improve, and protect Hawaii's natural environment and areas frequented by visitors;

    (15)  Have a permanent, strong focus on marketing and promotion;

    (16)  Conduct market development-related research as necessary;

    (17)  Coordinate all agencies and advise the private sector in the development of tourism-related activities and resources;

    (18)  Work to eliminate or reduce barriers to travel in order to provide a positive and competitive business environment, including coordinating with the department of transportation on issues affecting airlines and air route development;

    (19)  Market and promote sports-related activities and events;

    (20)  Coordinate the development of new products with the counties and other public sectors and private sectors, including the development of sports, culture, health and wellness, education, technology, agriculture, and nature tourism;

    (21)  Establish a public information and educational program to inform the public of tourism and tourism-related problems;

    (22)  Encourage the development of tourism educational, training, and career counseling programs;

    (23)  Establish a program to monitor, investigate, and respond to complaints about problems resulting directly or indirectly from the tourism industry and taking appropriate action as necessary;

    (24)  Set and collect rents, fees, charges, or other payments for the lease, use, occupancy, or disposition of the convention center facility without regard to chapter 91;

    (25)  Notwithstanding the provisions of chapter 171, acquire, lease as lessee or lessor, own, rent, hold, and dispose of the convention center facility in the exercise of its powers and the performance of its duties under this chapter; [and]

    (26)  Acquire by purchase, lease, or otherwise, and develop, construct, operate, own, manage, repair, reconstruct, enlarge, or otherwise effectuate, either directly or through developers, a convention center facility[.]; and

    (27)  Promote the tourism industry's interest and positions and projects within the State."

     SECTION 3.  Section 201B-7, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:

     "(a)  The authority may enter into contracts and agreements that include the following:

     (1)  Tourism promotion, marketing, and development;

     (2)  Market development-related research;

     (3)  Product and workforce development and diversification issues focused on visitors;

     (4)  Promotion, development, and coordination of sports-related activities and events;

     (5)  Promotion of Hawaii, through a coordinated statewide effort, as a place to do business, including high technology business, and as a business destination;

     (6)  Reduction of barriers to travel;

[[](7)[]] Marketing, management, use, operation, or maintenance of the convention center facility, including the purchase or sale of goods or services, logo items, concessions, sponsorships, and license agreements, or any use of the convention center facility as a commercial enterprise; provided that effective January 1, 2003, and thereafter the contract for management of the convention center facility shall include marketing for all uses of the facility; and

[[](8)[]] Any and all other activities necessary to carry out the intent of this chapter;

provided that for any contract or agreement valued at $25,000 and over, the authority shall provide notice to the speaker of the house of representatives and the president of the senate on the same day that such notification is given to the governor."


     SECTION 4.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 5.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2025.