Report Title:

International equestrian facility

Description:

Authorizes the Hawaii tourism authority to convene a working group to study the feasibility of an international equestrian facility to provide facilities and services for local residents and mainland and international visitors. (HB2859 HD2)

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

2859

TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2004

H.D. 2

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

relating to the development of an international equestrian facility.

 

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

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the development of a multi-purpose equestrian facility would enhance the State's economy by stimulating tourism and attracting venture capital to Hawaii. The legislature envisions a state-of-the-art equestrian facility for local, national, and international use that will include an extensive stable and training complex with an Olympic-quality track, farrier training, veterinary medicine, animal husbandry, and medical care. This world-class facility could be used by international riders and trainers to achieve their Olympic and other competitive dreams.

In addition, residents and visitors alike could use the facility for boarding, horse and rider training, and competitions. Other possibilities include day trips, summer camps, and other programs designed to benefit disabled children and at-risk youth by providing interaction with horses. In addition to bringing revenues into Hawaii, the facility would provide employment opportunities, especially for the disabled, at-risk youth, and adults in transition, an opportunity for local farmers to provide feed for horses, and numerous other benefits and opportunities for the State and its residents. The legislature finds that our temperate climate and mid-Pacific location make Hawaii a logical and desirable location for a state-of-the-art equestrian facility for international use.

SECTION 2. (a) The Hawaii tourism authority shall convene an international equestrian facility working group of at least nine members that represent both public and private interests and concerns. The public members shall include representatives of:

(1) The department of business, economic development, and tourism;

(2) The University of Hawaii;

(3) The department of land and natural resources;

(4) The department of agriculture, animal industry division; and

(5) The city and county of Honolulu.

There shall be at least four private sector members who shall represent all stakeholders in the equestrian community of the State. The chairperson of the working group shall be chosen from among the private sector members, and the department of business, economic development, and tourism shall provide staff and support services to the working group.

(b) The working group shall consider:

(1) An examination of appropriate potential sites for the facility, including the status of lands and roads owned by the State or counties;

(2) An analysis of the most appropriate form of funding, ownership, management, maintenance, and operation of the facility, including a state, private, and joint public-private organization;

(3) An estimate of the total cost of construction, operation, maintenance, and management of the facility;

(4) Proposals for funding the facility, including public, private, and shared public-private financing;

(5) An estimate of the number of jobs that may be created or displaced;

(6) The extent of community support at potential sites; and

(7) Any other related issues not described in this Act.

(c) The working group shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the start of the regular session of 2005.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect on January 1, 2010.