HI HCR87

Request the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism (DBEDT) to conduct a comprehensive study of the economic impact of the tourism and recreation sector of Hawaii's ocean economy.

Require the study to identify types of ocean recreation activities and track annual visitor numbers, participation rates, expenditures by activity type, and the comparison between hotel-staying visitors and cruise ship passengers.

Require the study to collect annual data on aggregate revenues from ocean recreation businesses and revenues generated by each type of ocean recreation activity.

Direct DBEDT to engage stakeholders including county Chambers of Commerce, ocean recreation businesses, and activity booking agents before preparing the study to determine additional information to include.

Require DBEDT to submit study findings and recommendations to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the start of the 2018 Regular Session.