SB2763

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that tourism is uniquely critical to the economy of the State and a significant generator of government revenue. However, tourism is also a potential source of intrusion onto the daily lives of residents and creates strains on state and county infrastructure and services.

Accordingly, the legislature finds that the tourism industry requires the best possible system of governance and oversight, which should include coordination among state and county agencies, private industry, and community stakeholders to ensure a balance among visitor and resident interests, while guaranteeing that there is an ultimate emphasis on protecting resident prosperity and well-being. The legislature further finds that coordination among these groups will ensure effective and collaborative approaches to long-term planning, appropriate marketing, impact mitigation and other aspects of destination management, and regular analysis of tourism's costs and benefits to the state and its residents.

The legislature recognizes that the State's economy continues to experience negative impacts from the loss of tourism that began with the unprecedented statewide shutdown in April 2020 due to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. According to an October 2022 brief on tourism governance by the economic research organization at the university of Hawaii, "strong leadership from the incoming governor is essential".

Accordingly, the legislature finds that it is necessary and appropriate to establish a cabinet-level position that coordinates efforts among the tourism industry stakeholders, executive agencies, and the community. Therefore, the purpose of this Act is to establish the position of a tourism liaison officer within the office of the governor.

SECTION 2. Chapter 26, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§26- Tourism liaison officer. (a) There is established within the office of the governor a tourism liaison officer who shall be appointed by the governor without regard to section 26-34. The tourism liaison officer shall not be subject to chapters 76 and 89.

(b) The duties of the tourism liaison officer shall include but not be limited to:

(1) Serving as the liaison of the governor with the Hawaii tourism authority; department of business, economic development, and tourism; and other public and private parties on matters relating to tourism;

(2) Advising the governor on matters relating to the State's long-term tourism strategy;

(3) Developing the administration's legislative package on measures relating to tourism;

(4) Defining and implementing performance measures for the Hawaii tourism authority;

(5) Coordinating investments that serve the tourism industry and the community at large;

(6) Establishing international relationships and strengthening existing relationships with Asia-Pacific partners; and

(7) Performing other functions to facilitate the purpose of this section.

(1) May utilize the services of the State's tourism agencies, including those of the Hawaii tourism authority, as appropriate; and

(2) Shall seek and utilize any available funding sources, including grant moneys."

SECTION 3. In accordance with section 9 of article VII of the Hawaii State Constitution and sections 37-91 and 37-93, Hawaii Revised Statutes, the legislature has determined that the appropriations contained in Act 164, Regular Session of 2023, and this Act will cause the state general fund expenditure ceiling for fiscal year 2024-2025 to be exceeded by $ or per cent. This current declaration takes into account general fund appropriations authorized for fiscal year 2024-2025 in Act 164, Regular Session of 2023, and this Act only. The reasons for exceeding the general fund expenditure ceiling are that:

(1) The appropriation made in this Act is necessary to serve the public interest; and

(2) The appropriation made in this Act meets the needs addressed by this Act.

SECTION 4. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2024-2025 for the establishment of one full-time equivalent (1.00 FTE) tourism liaison officer position within the office of the governor.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the office of the governor for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 5. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2024.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

THE SENATE	S.B. NO.	2763
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024
STATE OF HAWAII