HI HB2229

Establishes the Hawaii Sports Task Force within the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to plan and coordinate efforts to attract and retain major sporting events in Hawaii.

Task force shall work to keep the Pro Bowl in Hawaii, secure NFL preseason games at Aloha Stadium, attract world-title soccer tournaments and UFC events to Aloha Stadium, and host other sporting events statewide.

Task force membership includes the Director of DBEDT (chair), Governor, all county mayors, Stadium Authority chair, Hawaii Tourism Authority leadership, legislative representatives, county economic development representatives, and a Hawaiian cultural specialist.

Task force members serve without compensation and shall meet quarterly, with the department providing administrative support and recording of minutes.

Task force is dissolved on January 5, 2017, and must submit a report with findings, recommendations, and proposed legislation to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the 2017 regular session.