HI SB3081

Establishes an innovative business interaction program under the Hawaii Tourism Authority to increase opportunities for out-of-state and in-state investors and entrepreneurs to meet and network.

Authorizes the Hawaii Tourism Authority to contract with a single event organizer for a five-year term (beginning 2015) with an optional five-year extension to add an interaction component to an annual cultural, art, entertainment, culinary, or athletic event held in Hawaii.

Allocates $500,000 annually from transient accommodations tax revenues beginning July 1, 2014, to fund the innovative business interaction program through the tourism special fund.

Requires the contracted event organizer to have held an annual event in Hawaii from 2010-2014, attract both out-of-state visitors and Hawaii residents, run for at least three consecutive days, and market the event internationally, nationally, and locally.

Directs the Hawaii Tourism Authority to submit a report to the governor and legislature before 2020 evaluating the program's impact, benefits, and costs, and recommending whether to continue, modify, or repeal the program.