Report Title:

Agricultural Tourism Venues; Appropriation

 

Description:

Appropriates money to enhance agricultural tourism venues.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

2595

TWENTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2002

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

making an appropriation to enhance agricultural tourism venues.

 

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

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the agricultural industry has created innovative revenue partnerships following the events of September 11, 2001. In partnership with the Hawaii Tourism Authority, County of Hawaii, Farm Bureau, and Economic Development Board, the Department of Agriculture has the opportunity to enhance the existing agricultural tourism industry as a new revenue source within the market visitor industry, which is valued at $36 million and a potential of $75 million within two years.

The legislature finds that key sites and events, such as a five-day Mauna Loa Summit Trek or Keanakolu Trail Head, which generate millions per year in hiking revenues, overnight accommodations, ranches, farms, horse riding, and educational tours in agricultural areas should be identified and developed. Hawaii County's ordinances have provided specific encouragement to these endeavors and can be used to develop statewide opportunities.

The legislature further finds that marketing funds are essential to the success of these efforts. A public education effort must be undertaken to understand land uses, business training for ranchers and farmers, interpretive training for guides and community-based interpreters, collaborative marketing, and ensure "right to farm" regulations and good neighbor policies.

The purpose of this Act is to appropriate money for the enhancement of agricultural tourism venues.

SECTION 2. 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 2002-2003, for the enhancement of agricultural tourism venues.

SECTION 3. The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of agriculture for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2002.

INTRODUCED BY:

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