HI SCR121

Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) is requested to study the feasibility of establishing a "Tour de Hawaii" bike race with race segments on all major populated islands.

HTA must review models from other states with similar bike racing events, including Tour de Georgia (established 2003, generated $186 million in direct economic impact over six years) and Tour of Missouri (2008 event attracted 434,000 spectators with $30 million economic impact).

Study must examine infrastructure requirements, estimated costs, funding sources, years events were established, annual expenditures, economic benefits, and tourism increases from comparable events in other states and jurisdictions.

HTA is requested to consider best practices from other states and jurisdictions when determining feasibility of the proposed "Tour de Hawaii."

HTA must report findings, recommendations, benefits, costs, and implementation timetable to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2011 regular session convenes.