THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

364

THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE, 2019

S.D. 2

STATE OF HAWAII

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 department of business, economic development, and tourism 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 certain minimum requirements to ensure that these persons understand the principles of sustainable tourism and implement those principles into their commercial endeavors; provided that 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 the persons described in paragraph (1) to hold and maintain certification or meet certain minimum requirements, recommend existing certificates or certification programs that may be appropriate; and

     (3)  Make recommendations and plans regarding any necessary certifications and certification renewals.

     (c)  The task force shall consist of the following members, or their designated representatives:

     (1)  The chairperson of the board of directors of the Hawaii tourism authority, who shall serve as co-chair;

     (2)  The state sustainability coordinator, who shall serve as co-chair;

     (3)  The director of business, economic development and tourism;

     (4)  The chairperson of the public utilities commission;

     (5)  The administrator of the division of state parks of the department of land and natural resources;

     (6)  The program manager of the na ala hele trail and access program;

     (7)  The administrator of the division of boating and ocean recreation of the department of land and natural resources;

     (8)  The committee chairperson of the aha moku advisory committee

     (9)  The chancellor of the University of Hawaii at Hilo;

     (10) The chancellor of Hawaii community college;

     (11) The chancellor of Kapiolani community college;

     (12) The chancellor of Kauai community college;

     (13) The chancellor of the University of Hawaii Maui college; and

     (14) The program manager of the Hawaii green business program;

provided that the Hawaii Ecotourism Association, Hawaii Transportation Association, and Activities and Attractions Association of Hawaii, Inc., shall be requested to designate representatives of those organizations to serve as members on the task force.

     Task force members may recommend additional members with appropriate specialized expertise to join the task force, subject to approval by the co-chairs.

     (e)  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 November 30, 2019.

     (f)  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 2020.

     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 for the professional tour guide certification task force to examine the necessity of professional tour guide certification and, if applicable, make corresponding plans pursuant to section 2 of this Act.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of business, economic development, and tourism 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 certain minimum requirements, recommend existing certificates or certification programs that may be appropriate, and make recommendations and plans regarding any necessary certifications and certification renewals.  (SD2)

 

 

 

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