THE SENATE

S.C.R. NO.

152

TWENTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2005

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 
   


SENATE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

 

Requesting the governor to convene a working group to study the feasibility of an international and OLYMPIC standard equestrian facility to provide services and A training complex for local residents AND mainland and international visitors.

 

WHEREAS, the development of a multi-purpose equestrian facility would enhance the State's economy by stimulating tourism and attracting venture capital to Hawaii; and

WHEREAS, 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; and

WHEREAS, a state-of-the art equestrian facility for local, national, and international use should include an extensive stable and training complex with an Olympic-quality track, farrier training, veterinary medicine, animal husbandry, and medical care; and

WHEREAS, this world class facility could be used by international riders and trainers to achieve their Olympic and other competitive riding dreams; and

WHEREAS, residents and visitors alike could use the facility for boarding, horse and rider training, and competitions; other possibilities include day trips, summer camp, and other programs designed to benefit disabled children and at-risk youth by providing interaction with horses; and

WHEREAS, the facility would bring revenues into Hawaii as well as employment opportunities for residents and especially for the disabled, at-risk youth, and adults in transition; opportunities for local farmers to provide feed for horses; and numerous other benefits and opportunities for the State and its residents; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Twenty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2005, the House of Representatives concurring, that the Governor is requested to convene an international equestrian working group consisting of at least nine members that represent both public and private interests and concerns, provided that 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 Husbandry Division; and

(5) Each county;

with at least four private sector members who shall represent all stakeholders in the equestrian community of the State; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the chairperson of the working group be chosen from among the private sector members, and the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism provide staff and support services to the task force; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the working group is requested to 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 related issues not described in this resolution; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the working group is requested to report 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 2006; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Governor, the Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, the President and Chairperson of the Board of Regents of the University of Hawaii, the Chair of the Board of Land and Natural Resources, the Chair of the Board of Agriculture, and to each Mayor and Chair of each County Council.

 

 

 

OFFERED BY:

_____________________________

Report Title:

Feasibility of international equestrian facility