Bill Text: HI SB83 | 2016 | Regular Session | Amended
Bill Title: University of Hawaii Intercollegiate Athletics Program; Tourism Special Fund Appropriation ($)
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2016-03-18 - Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on HED with Representative(s) Choy, LoPresti, Morikawa, Tupola, Ward, Woodson voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Thielen voting no (1) and Representative(s) Cachola, Kawakami, Kong, Tokioka excused (4). [SB83 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2016-SB83-Amended.html
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
83 |
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TWENTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE, 2015 |
S.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
H.D. 1 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO APPROPRIATIONS.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The purpose of this Act is to address the intercollegiate athletics program of the University of Hawaii.
More specifically, this Act:
(1) Appropriates moneys from the tourism special fund for fiscal year 2016-2017 for travel expenses and subsidies incurred for the intercollegiate athletics program of the University of Hawaii; and
(2) Requires the governor to determine whether the funding from the tourism special fund for the travel expenses and subsidies of the intercollegiate athletics program of the University of Hawaii should continue beyond fiscal year 2016-2017. If the governor determines that the funding should continue, then the governor is required to take appropriate action to implement the funding.
The intercollegiate athletics program of the University of Hawaii is unique. The costs for University of Hawaii athletes to travel to the mainland are high. Moreover, the University must subsidize the travel expenses of some visiting teams that come to Hawaii.
The legislature finds that the community places a high value on and takes much pride in the intercollegiate athletics program of the University of Hawaii. All teams and individuals competing for the University of Hawaii have dedicated fans who enjoy the efforts of the athletes and entertainment of sports contests. In contemporary society, intercollegiate athletics receive much publicity and media coverage and the participation of the University of Hawaii in various sports increases the exposure of people on the mainland and in foreign countries to the State of Hawaii. University of Hawaii athletes are also ambassadors of Aloha when they travel out-of-state and athletes have an opportunity to uniquely and authentically represent Hawaii. University of Hawaii games and events that are televised nationally and internationally also are important marketing tools to attract visitors to the State and showcase its premier higher education institution. Family, friends, and supporters of visiting schools often accompany the teams and stay for an extended time after the games.
Consequently, the legislature finds that use of the tourism special fund, the proceeds of which are primarily derived from the transient accommodations tax, is justifiable for the travel expenses and subsidies incurred by the University of Hawaii for its intercollegiate athletics program.
The legislature further finds that the governor should determine whether the use of the tourism special fund for travel expenses and subsidies of the intercollegiate athletic program of the University of Hawaii should continue beyond fiscal year 2016-2017.
SECTION 2. There is appropriated out of the tourism special fund of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2016-2017 for the payment of travel expenses and travel subsidies incurred for the intercollegiate athletic program of the University of Hawaii.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the University of Hawaii for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 3. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in chapter 201B, Hawaii Revised Statutes, chapter 237D, Hawaii Revised Statutes, or any other law, the expenditure of the appropriation in section 2 for the purpose specified in that section for fiscal year 2016-2017 shall be authorized.
SECTION 4. (a) The governor shall determine whether the travel expenses and subsidies incurred for the intercollegiate athletics program of the University of Hawaii should continue to be funded from the tourism special fund beyond fiscal year 2016-2017.
(b) If the governor determines that funding from the tourism special fund for the intercollegiate athletics program of the University of Hawaii should continue, the governor:
(1) Shall include an appropriation request in the executive budget for fiscal biennium 2017-2019 to implement funding from the tourism special fund; and
(2) May recommend necessary amendments to chapter 201B or chapter 237D, Hawaii Revised Statutes.
SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2120.
Report Title:
University of Hawaii Intercollegiate Athletics Program; Tourism Special Fund Appropriation
Description:
Makes an appropriation from the tourism special fund for fiscal year 2016-2017 for travel expenses and subsidies incurred by the intercollegiate athletics program of the University of Hawaii. Requires the governor to determine whether such funding should continue beyond fiscal year 2016-2017 and take appropriate action to implement the determination. (SB83 HD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
