Bill Text: HI SB364 | 2019 | Regular Session | Amended
Bill Title: Relating To Tourism.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 3-0)
Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2019-03-07 - Referred to TIA/WLH, FIN, referral sheet 27 [SB364 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2019-SB364-Amended.html
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
364 |
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THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE, 2019 |
S.D. 1 |
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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 the
tourism industry has a prominent 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 switching the focus of the State's tourism industry
from marketing Hawaii to helping to manage Hawaii's resources. The legislature additionally finds that
requiring sustainable practices and professional tour guide certification from
persons in the tourism industry may advance this goal, in addition to enhancing
visitor experiences and protecting Hawaii's brand.
The purpose of this Act is to convene a
professional tour guide certification task force to develop plans and a
schedule to implement professional tour guide certification programs.
SECTION 2.
(a) The professional tour guide
certification task force is established within the office of the lieutenant
governor for administrative purposes.
(b)
The task force shall:
(1) 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 minimum requirements to ensure that these persons understand principles of sustainable tourism and implement those principles into their commercial endeavors. 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;
(2) If the task force determines that it is appropriate to require persons who use various state resources for commercial purposes or apply for various commercial use permits, recommend existing certificates or certification programs that may be appropriate for this purpose; and
(3) Make recommendations and plans regarding any necessary certification and renewal.
(c) The task force shall consist of the following members, or their designated representatives:
(1) The lieutenant governor's chief of staff, who shall serve as chairperson;
(2) The comptroller;
(3) The director of finance;
(4) The president of the University of Hawaii system;
(5) The chief executive officer of the Hawaii health systems corporation;
(6) The superintendent of education;
(7) The chairperson of the board of land and natural resources;
(8) The director of transportation;
(9) A member of the house of representatives, appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives;
(10) A member of the senate, appointed by the president of the senate;
(11) A private sector representative, appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives; and
(12) A private sector representative, appointed by the president of the senate.
Task force members may recommend additional members with appropriate specialized expertise to join the task force, subject to approval by the chairperson.
(d)
The task force shall submit a preliminary report, including an update on
the task force's progress and any anticipated needs for completion, to the
legislature no later than October 31, 2020.
(e)
The task force shall submit a final report of its findings and
recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature 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 2019-2020 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2020-2021 for the professional tour guide certification task force to examine and plan, as necessary, professional tour guide certification programs and the necessity of certification, pursuant to section 2 of this Act.
The sums appropriated shall be expended by the office of the lieutenant governor for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2019.
Report Title:
Tourism; Tour Guides; Department of Land and Natural Resources; Commercial Use Permits; State Parks; Na Ala Hele Trails; Commercial Instructor and Operator Permits; Sustainable Tourism; Appropriation
Description:
Establishes a professional tour guide certification task force to determine 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 minimum requirements, recommend existing certificates or certification programs that may be appropriate for this purpose, and make recommendations and plans regarding any necessary certification and renewal. (SD1)
The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
