REPORT TITLE:
Amusement and Theme Parks


DESCRIPTION:
Provides for the development of amusement and theme parks by the
department of business, economic development and tourism.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                        
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES                H.B. NO.873        
TWENTIETH LEGISLATURE, 1999                                
STATE OF HAWAII                                            
                                                             
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                   A  BILL  FOR  AN  ACT

RELATING TO AMUSEMENT AND THEME PARKS.



BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

 1      SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that there is a need for
 
 2 the development of new attractions that will revitalize the
 
 3 tourism sector of the economy.  Because of its year-round
 
 4 temperate climate and location in the center of the Pacific
 
 5 Basin, Hawaii is ideally situated to serve as the site for world-
 
 6 class amusement and theme parks.  Amusement and theme parks
 
 7 represent not only a significant source of enjoyment for state
 
 8 residents, but also can be an important component of economic
 
 9 development in the islands.  The encouragement of the amusement
 
10 and theme park industry in the State represents an important
 
11 niche in the diversification of tourism that can help to
 
12 distinguish the State from other rival tourist destinations and
 
13 encourage repeat visitors.  Amusement and theme parks can provide
 
14 a steady source of visitors to Hawaii with a sense of purpose
 
15 capable of surviving the fluctuations of a sensitive tourist
 
16 market.
 
17      The legislature finds that there may be many areas
 
18 throughout the State that could be possible sites for an
 
19 amusement or theme park.  The State should assist potential
 

 
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 1 amusement or theme park developers with negotiating leases for
 
 2 land, as well as provide various economic and tax incentives
 
 3 whenever feasible to encourage the development of amusement and
 
 4 theme parks. 
 
 5      The purpose of this Act is to provide for the development of
 
 6 amusement and theme parks.
 
 7      SECTION 2.  The director of business, economic development,
 
 8 and tourism, in cooperation with the Hawaii tourism authority,
 
 9 shall:
 
10      (1)  Assist with negotiations of private domestic or
 
11           international firms to develop amusement and theme
 
12           parks; as part of the negotiations, the State may lease
 
13           public lands for a nominal fee, agree to waive zoning
 
14           and land use district requirements, permitting fees,
 
15           and other state or county requirements as necessary,
 
16           and agree to waive taxation of revenues produced by the
 
17           facility;
 
18      (2)  Negotiate with private landowners in suitable locations
 
19           around the State to provide lands for an amusement or
 
20           theme park;
 
21      (3)  Review possible sites throughout the State for the best
 
22           possible locations for amusement or theme parks,
 
23           whether or not on public land, taking into
 

 
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 1           consideration such factors as accessibility, size and
 
 2           shape of site, industrial and agricultural nuisances,
 
 3           infrastructure considerations, soil suitability,
 
 4           weather, proximity to hotels or other housing,
 
 5           interference with institutions or other public
 
 6           facilities, proximity to commercial centers, aesthetic
 
 7           values, and other relevant factors; and
 
 8      (4)  Report annual progress in negotiations and any findings
 
 9           and recommendations, including any proposed
 
10           implementing legislation, to the legislature and
 
11           governor no later than twenty days before the convening
 
12           of the regular session of 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, and
 
13           2004.
 
14      SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
 
15 
 
16                           INTRODUCED BY:_________________________