STAND. COM. REP. NO.  470

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2015

RE:   H.B. No. 1328

      H.D. 1

Honorable Joseph M. Souki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Twenty-Eighth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2015

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Transportation, to which was referred H.B. No. 1328 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND TOURISM,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to diversify Hawaii's economy and work toward establishing a safe venue for motorsports activities in Hawaii.  Specifically, this bill requires the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to study and analyze the feasibility of establishing a motorsports industry and developing a motorsports center in Hawaii.

Numerous concerned individuals testified in support of this measure.  The Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism provided comments.

     Motorsports, including racing, is a growing major worldwide industry.  While numerous racing fans and motorsports enthusiasts reside in Hawaii, there currently is a lack of a full-fledged, operating motorsports center in the State, particularly on the island of Oahu.  While Kauai, Maui, and the Island of Hawaii all have racing facilities, the closure of Hawaii Raceway Park and Kalaeloa Raceway Park has left Oahu without a dedicated venue at which motorsports and racing enthusiasts can perform and enjoy their hobby.  Without this alternative, some motorsports enthusiasts have taken to illegal street racing - an activity that creates a public safety issue.

     Your Committee finds that, according to the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, the cost for conducting a feasibility study would be approximately $100,000.  Accordingly, your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Appropriating an unspecified amount of funds for the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism to conduct the feasibility study;

     (2)  Changing its effective date to July 1, 2050, to encourage further discussion; and

     (3)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for clarity, consistency, and style.

     Should the Committee on Finance deliberate further on this measure, your Committee respectfully requests that it appropriate $100,000 for the feasibility study.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Transportation that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1328, as amended herein, and recommends that it be referred to the Committee on Finance in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1328, H.D. 1.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Transportation,

____________________________

HENRY J.C. AQUINO, Chair