HI HB1847

Establishes the Sports and Entertainment Authority as a public instrumentality of the State placed within the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to coordinate and develop the entertainment and sports industry in Hawaii.

Creates an 11-member board of directors appointed by the governor, with at least one representative each from the counties of Hawaii, Kauai, and Maui, and at-large members from the department, University of Hawaii, Hawaii Tourism Authority, Stadium Authority, tourism industry, and performing arts community.

Grants the authority powers to develop state policies for sports and entertainment activities, conduct market research, coordinate with agencies and private sector, market and promote events, and contract for sports promotion, marketing, and development services.

Requires the authority to create a long-range strategic plan for sports and entertainment industries, review annual expenditures of contracted organizations, and submit periodic reports on contracts to the governor and legislature.

Appropriates funds from general revenues for fiscal year 2016-2017 to cover administrative costs and operational expenses, with the Act taking effect on July 1, 2050.