HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.R. NO.	138
TWENTY-FIFTH LEGISLATURE, 2009
STATE OF HAWAII

HOUSE RESOLUTION

requesting the department of business, economic development, and tourism to establish a working group to investigate the feasibility of creating a market in the tourism industry for riflery, archery, and hunting ACTIVITIES.

     WHEREAS, the potential for a niche market in the State's tourism industry for riflery, archery, and hunting exists because of the significant interest from Asian visitors, many who come from countries that prohibit these activities; and

     WHEREAS, in Florida, nearly six million adult residents enjoy some form of wildlife associated recreation, bringing in more than $11,000,000 in revenue to the state; and

     WHEREAS, the State's public and private riflery ranges, galleries, and private landowners that support and allow seasonal game hunting see the potential of developing and marketing the sport to visitors; and

     WHEREAS, feral boar and other feral animals are hunted to reduce populations capable of destroying native species, agricultural produce, and private property, an activity that can be promoted to hunting enthusiasts; and

     WHEREAS, hunting outfitters and hunting guide services have the ability to grow and expand, increasing the impact of riflery, archery, and hunting on the State's economy; and

     WHEREAS, an increase in the number of people paying licensing and user fees, permits, and other related charges and expenses would provide additional revenue to the State, grow a niche tourism industry, and promote the growth of businesses providing services to the sport; now, therefore,

     BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Twenty-fifth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2009, that the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism is requested to convene a working group to research and report on the viability of attracting tourists to Hawaii to participate in riflery, archery, and hunting activities; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department is requested to investigate and study the feasibility of creating a market in the tourism industry for riflery, archery, and hunting activities by:

     (1)  Identifying challenges, barriers, and opportunities to promote riflery, archery, and hunting as a niche market in the tourism industry;

     (2)  Reviewing existing laws and rules pertaining to riflery, archery, and hunting; and

     (3)  Recommending any changes to existing laws and rules to promote riflery, archery, and hunting as a niche market in the tourism industry; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, is requested to select fifteen members for the working group, to include representatives from the Department, the Division of Forestry and Wildlife, Division of Aquatic Resources, and hunter education program of the Department of Land and Natural Resources, state and county law enforcement agencies, industries related to riflery, archery, and hunting, community organizations, sports enthusiasts and suppliers, and organizations providing related transportation and equipment; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism and the Department of Land and Natural Resources are requested to provide any necessary administrative, professional, technical, and clerical support to the working group; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism is requested to present the findings and recommendations of the working group, including any proposed legislation, to the Legislature twenty days prior to the convening of the 2010 Regular Session; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Resolution be transmitted to the Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, the Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources, and the Administrators of the Division of Forestry and Wildlife, Division of Aquatic Resources, and hunter education program of the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title: 

Tourism Industry; Riflery; Archery; Hunting