STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1600

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2005

RE: H.B. No. 471

H.D. 2

S.D. 2

 

 

Honorable Robert Bunda

President of the Senate

Twenty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2005

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 471, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE HAWAII TOURISM AUTHORITY,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the operation of the Hawaii Tourism Authority.

Specifically, this bill:

(1) Adds the Executive Director of the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts as an additional ex officio nonvoting member to the Hawaii Tourism Authority's Board of Directors;

(2) Clarifies that the appointment of officers, agents, and employees of the Authority are subject to approval by the Board of Directors; provided that funds have been appropriated and allotted;

(3) Adds to the Authority's powers the power to encourage collaboration between the visitor industry and law enforcement agencies, community organizations, and businesses; and

(4) Allows moneys in the Convention Center Enterprise Special Fund and the Tourism Special Fund to be put in interest-bearing accounts or be invested by the Authority under certain conditions.

Your Committee has amended this bill by:

(1) Correcting a reference to section "3" in section 7 of the bill to section "4";

(2) Changing the effective date of the bill to July 1, 2050, for purposes of stimulating further discussion; and

(3) Making technical nonsubstantive changes for purposes of clarity and consistency.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 471, H.D. 2, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 471, H.D. 2, S.D. 2.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

____________________________

BRIAN T. TANIGUCHI, Chair