Report Title:

Diamond Head Visitor Orientation Center; Appropriation; GO Bonds

Description:

Provides funding to establish a visitor orientation center for Diamond Head state monument.

THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

1544

TWENTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2005

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

relating to diamond head visitor orientation center.

 

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

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that as Hawaii's most famous landmark, Diamond Head state monument is known by visitors from across the world. Each year, approximately six hundred thousand to one million visitors come to see the world-famous Diamond Head.

The legislature further finds that, with the popularity of the Diamond Head monument among visitors and residents alike, the current, hut-like visitor information center with interpretive display panels at the beginning of the trail cannot accommodate the interest in this site and does not do justice to preserve the monument's history. With the visitor orientation center, visitors will be greeted with the following:

(1) A reception counter to collect entry fees, provide maps of the trail and points of interest, and provide tickets for a future people-mover tram;

(2) A gift shop with souvenirs and memorabilia of Diamond Head;

(3) Visitor amenities, including a snack shop, vending machines, and restrooms; and

(4) Support facilities, including an administrative office, storage, and a housekeeping area.

The single-story, two thousand square foot center will be nestled compatibly within the crater terrain to seamlessly integrate with the parking area that is shared with Kapiolani community college and to mutually support the college.

The purpose of this Act is to support the Diamond Head state monument by providing funding for a visitor orientation center to help visitors and residents enjoy and appreciate this historic state monument.

SECTION 2. The director of finance is authorized to issue general obligation bonds in the sum of $260,000, or so much thereof as may be necessary, and the same sum, or so much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated for fiscal year 2005-2006, for the purpose of planning and permitting for the construction of the Diamond Head visitor orientation center.

SECTION 3. The appropriation made for the capital improvement project authorized by this Act shall not lapse at the end of the fiscal biennium for which the appropriation is made; provided that all moneys from the appropriation unencumbered as of June 30, 2008, shall lapse as of that date.

SECTION 4. The sums appropriated for the capital project set forth in section 2 shall be expended by the department of land and natural resources for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2005.

INTRODUCED BY:

_____________________________