Bill Text: HI SB2286 | 2020 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Relating To Tourism.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2020-01-21 - Referred to WTL/EET/HRE, WAM. [SB2286 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2020-SB2286-Introduced.html
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
2286 |
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THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE, 2020 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to tourism.
BE IT
ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The
legislature finds that tourism is the largest private sector industry in the
State and that Hawaii is known globally for stunning natural beauty, unique
culture, and the spirit of aloha. A
successful tourism industry in Hawaii depends on the health of natural and
cultural resources, communities, economy, and relationships with visitors.
The legislature further finds that an increase
in the State's local population and visitors has resulted in both overuse of and
degradation in the quality of the State's precious natural resources. Pollution, erosion, and safety have become increasingly
problematic in our State's favorite parks, trails, and waterways. The legislature finds that a potential solution
to these problems is proper resource management through increased education and
self-sustaining funding.
The legislature further finds that the
tourism industry has a role to play in protecting the State's natural
resources, perpetuating Hawaii's history, and preserving a high quality of life
for Hawaii's residents by supporting sustainable practices that are designed to
maintain and manage Hawaii's resources.
The legislature additionally finds that
requiring sustainable practices, including development and implementation of a trail
fee pilot program and requiring professional tour guide certification from
persons in the tourism industry, may advance this goal while also enhancing
visitor experiences and protecting Hawaii's brand.
The purpose of this Act is to convene a resource
management task force to develop plans and a schedule to implement a trail fee pilot
program and a commercial tour guide certification program.
SECTION 2.
(a) The resource management task
force is established within the department of land and natural resources for
administrative purposes.
(b)
The task force shall:
(1) No later than , develop and implement a trail fee pilot program; provided that no fee imposed pursuant to the trail fee pilot program shall be assessed against a resident of the State; provided further that any proceeds generated pursuant to the trail fee pilot program shall be expended for purposes of trail maintenance and preservation;
(2) Examine whether it is appropriate to require persons who use various state resources for commercial purposes or apply for various commercial use permits to hold and maintain certification or meet certain minimum requirements to ensure that these persons understand the principles of sustainable tourism and implement those principles in their commercial endeavors; provided that the types of state resources and commercial use permits that may be considered include but are not limited to the na ala hele trail system, state parks, small boat harbors, ocean recreation management areas, instructor/operator permits, and common carrier certificates and contract carrier permits covering the transportation of passengers;
(3) Recommend existing certificates or certification programs that may be appropriate, if the task force determines that it is appropriate to require the persons described in paragraph (1) to hold and maintain certification or meet certain minimum requirements; and
(4) Make recommendations and plans regarding any necessary certifications and certification renewals.
(c) The task force shall consist of the following members, or their designated representatives:
(1) The chairperson of the board of land and natural resources, who shall serve as co-chair;
(2) The state sustainability coordinator, who shall serve as co-chair;
(3) The chairperson of the board of directors of the Hawaii tourism authority;
(4) The director of business, economic development, and tourism;
(5) The administrator of the division of state parks of the department of land and natural resources;
(6) The program manager of the na ala hele trail and access program;
(7) The administrator of the division of boating and ocean recreation of the department of land and natural resources;
(8) The committee chairperson of the aha moku advisory committee
(9) The chancellor of the university of Hawaii at Hilo;
(10) The chancellor of Hawaii community college;
(11) The chancellor of Kapiolani community college;
(12) The chancellor of Kauai community college; and
(13) The chancellor of the university of Hawaii Maui college;
provided that the Hawaii Ecotourism Association, Hawaii Transportation Association, and Activities and Attractions Association of Hawaii, Inc., shall be requested to designate representatives of those organizations to serve as members on the task force.
Task force members may recommend additional members having appropriate specialized expertise to join the task force, subject to approval by the co-chairs.
(e)
The task force shall submit to the legislature a preliminary report,
including an update on the task force's progress and any anticipated needs for
completion, no later than November 30, 2020.
(f)
The task force shall submit to the legislature a final report of its
findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, no later than
twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2021.
SECTION 3. 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 2020-2021 for the resource management task force to examine the necessity of professional certification and, if applicable, make corresponding plans pursuant to section 2 of this Act.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of land and natural resources for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2020.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
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Report Title:
Department of Land and Natural Resources; Tourism; Resource Management Task Force; Trail Fee Pilot Program; Commercial Tour Guide Certification Program; Appropriation
Description:
Convenes a resource management task force to develop plans and a schedule to implement a trail fee pilot program and a commercial tour guide certification program. Appropriates funds.
The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
