Bill Text: HI SCR133 | 2020 | Regular Session | Introduced

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Bill Title: Urging The Department Of Land And Natural Resources To Convene A Task Force To Develop Plans For A Trail Fee Pilot Program And Commercial Tour Guide Certification Program To Support And Fund Ecologically Sustainable Tourism In The State.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 6-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2020-03-10 - Referred to WTL/EET. [SCR133 Detail]

Download: Hawaii-2020-SCR133-Introduced.html

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THE SENATE	S.C.R. NO.	133
THIRTIETH LEGISLATURE, 2020
STATE OF HAWAII

SENATE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

 

 

urging the department of land and natural resources to convene a task force to develop plans for a trail fee pilot program and commercial tour guide certification program to support and fund ecologically sustainable tourism in the state.

 

 

 

     WHEREAS, tourism is the largest private sector industry in Hawaii, a state known globally for its natural beauty, unique culture, and aloha spirit; and

 

     WHEREAS, the sustainability and continued success of Hawaii's tourism industry depends on the State's ability to protect natural and cultural resources, foster relationships between visitors and local communities, and balance residents' and visitors' respective needs; and

 

     WHEREAS, growing population and visitor numbers have created additional pollution, erosion, and safety hazards that affect the State's parks, trails, and waterways; and

 

     WHEREAS, public education and environmental management programs are critically needed to address and mitigate these issues; and

 

     WHEREAS, the development and implementation of a trail fee pilot program and professional tour guide certification program will help the State develop education and resource management approaches that are economically self-sustaining; now, therefore,

 

     BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirtieth Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2020, the House of Representatives concurring, that the Department of Land and Natural Resources is urged to convene a task force to develop plans for a trail fee pilot program and tour guide certification program to support and fund ecologically sustainable tourism in the State; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force comprise the following members or their representatives:

 

(1)  The Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources, to serve as co-chair;

 

(2)  The State Sustainability Coordinator, to also serve as co-chair;

 

(3)  The Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Tourism Authority;

 

(4)  The Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism;

 

(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; Chancellor of Kapiolani Community College;

 

(11) The Chancellor of Kauai Community College; and

 

(12) The Chancellor of the University of Hawaii Maui College;

 

provided that the Hawaii Ecotourism Association, Hawaii Transportation Association, and Activities and Attractions of Hawaii, Inc. are also requested to designate representatives of each of those organizations to serve as members of the task force; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force is urged to consider an exemption for residents of the State from any fees charged under the trail fee pilot program and the expenditure of collected fees for the maintenance and preservation of hiking trails, parks, and waterways; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force is also urged to consider whether it is advisable or feasible to require commercial tour guides to obtain permits, hold licenses, or to meet certain minimum requirements to ensure these persons understand the principles of ecologically sustainable tourism; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force is requested to submit to the Legislature a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the Regular Session of 2021; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Chairperson of the Board of Land and Natural Resources; State Sustainability Coordinator; Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Hawaii Tourism Authority; Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Administrator of the Division of State Parks of the Department of Land and Natural Resources; Program Manager of the Na Ala Hele Trail and Access Program; Administrator of the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation of the Department of Land and Natural Resources; Committee Chairperson of the Aha Moku Advisory Committee; Chancellor of the University of Hawaii at Hilo; Chancellor of Hawaii Community College; Chancellor of Kapiolani Community College; Chancellor of Kauai Community College; Chancellor of the University of Hawaii Maui College;

and representatives of the Hawaii Ecotourism Association; Hawaii Transportation Association; and Activities and Attractions of Hawaii, Inc.

 

 

 

OFFERED BY:

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Report Title: 

DLNR; Ecologically Sustainable Tourism; Trail Fee; Pilot Program