STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1711

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: S.R. No. 124

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2019

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committees on Energy, Economic Development, and Tourism and Water and Land, to which was referred S.R. No. 124 entitled:

"SENATE RESOLUTION ENCOURAGING THE HAWAII TOURISM AUTHORITY AND THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES' STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION DIVISION TO WORK WITH COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS TO ASSIST IN THE ESTABLISHMENT OF HISTORICAL MARKERS AND TRAILS,"

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to encourage the Hawaii Tourism Authority and Department of Land and Natural Resources' State Historic Preservation Division to work with community organizations to assist in the establishment of historical markers and trails.

Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority; Democratic Party of Hawai‘i, Hawaiian Affairs Caucus; Oahu County Democrats; Ho‘omanapono Political Action Committee; and one individual. Your Committees received comments on this measure from the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Your Committees find that the Hawaii Tourism Authority was established to act as the lead agency for Hawaii's visitor industry and is charged with certain responsibilities. Your Committees also find that the Hawaii Tourism Authority recognizes that some visitors are interested in a more authentic experience, which has resulted in increased tourism in Hawaii's small rural communities. The Hawaii Tourism Authority currently provides support to cultural and heritage tourism events through its product enrichment program, and one of the principal objectives of cultural heritage tourism is collaboration with local organizations and the public to develop sustainable economies. Since historical trail and walking tours have been utilized by community stakeholders to identify historic individuals or landmarks for the purpose of creating cultural attractions, this measure encourages the Hawaii Tourism Authority and Department of Land and Natural Resources' State Historic Preservation Division to work with community organizations to establish historical markers and trails, thereby promoting cultural and heritage tourism.

As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Energy, Economic Development, and Tourism and Water and Land that are attached to this report, your Committees concur with the intent and purpose of S.R. No. 124 and recommend its adoption.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Energy, Economic Development, and Tourism and Water and Land,

________________________________ KAIALI'I KAHELE, Chair

________________________________ GLENN WAKAI, Chair