SCR70

WHEREAS, the entertainment and sports industries comprise a large portion of the United States economy and are fast becoming areas of global prominence; and

WHEREAS, in 2004, the United States sports industry was estimated at $213 billion, which is more than double the size of the United States automobile industry and seven times the size of the film industry; and

WHEREAS, the sports and entertainment industries in Hawaii combine for an estimated $500 million and play a vital role in providing jobs, creating positive media exposure, and enhancing the quality of life for the community; and

WHEREAS, Hawaii's unique culture, picturesque setting, and supporting industries combine to establish the State as a premier destination for entertainment and sports productions and events; and

WHEREAS, the need for qualified individuals to support every aspect of these industries, particularly from a business standpoint, is of paramount importance within the State as well as throughout the nation and the world; and

WHEREAS, the State must take an active role in the development and promotion of these multi-million dollar industries as a means of utilizing our natural environment, assets, and resources in establishing a strong economy; and

WHEREAS, the development of a qualified workforce in the fields of sports and entertainment management will help to strengthen and grow Hawaii's sports and entertainment industries, thereby strengthening the State's economy through the promotion and development of productions, events, and other related activities in the State, including establishing Hawaii as a site for international sports and entertainment activities; and

WHEREAS, among others, the University of South Carolina has established a Sports and Entertainment Management Department, which prepares undergraduate and graduate students for positions in the sports and entertainment industry; and

WHEREAS, eighty-seven universities and colleges, such as the University of Tennessee and the University of Michigan, maintain separate programs for Sport Management, while others, such as Missouri State University, have established a separate program for Entertainment Management; and

WHEREAS, the University of Hawaii and the State could greatly benefit from the institution of a degree program for Sports and Entertainment Management within the University of Hawaii; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-fourth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2008, the House of Representatives concurring, that the Legislative Reference Bureau is requested to prepare a report on the advisability and feasibility of establishing certificate, undergraduate, and graduate degree programs within the University of Hawaii for the study of Sports and Entertainment Management, including possible changes in organization and staff, applicable funding estimates, organizational impacts, benefits to the University and the State, differences of opinions, potential problems or issues, and any other relevant information; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislative Reference Bureau examine the feasibility of incorporating continuing education programs, which may include seminars, workshops, and conferences, for professionals in the entertainment and sports industry, including athletic coaches, event promoters, and parks and recreation administrators, to study best practices in the sports and entertainment industry; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislative Reference Bureau analyze the economic and non-economic benefits of establishing sports and entertainment management programs within the University of Hawaii, including the potential impact upon the sports and entertainment industry within the State; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislative Reference Bureau examine similar programs of other colleges or universities, including but not limited to the University of South Carolina, in conducting its study and understanding the scope of the type of program that is most feasible and appropriate for the University of Hawaii; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the administration of the University of Hawaii system is requested to cooperate with the Legislative Reference Bureau by furnishing all pertinent data and information requested and submitting recommendations and opinions with respect to issues for which the Legislative Reference Bureau may seek input in relation to this measure; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislative Reference Bureau is requested to submit a report of its findings and recommendations to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2009; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Director of the Legislative Reference Bureau, the President of the University of Hawaii, and the Chair of the Board of Regents of the University of Hawaii.

	OFFERED BY:	_____________________________

Report Title:

UH; Sports & Entertainment Mgmt. Program; Feasibility Study; LRB

THE SENATE	S.C.R. NO.	70
TWENTY-FOURTH LEGISLATURE, 2008
STATE OF HAWAII