HI HB1296

Establishes the Hawaii Tourism Task Force within the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to address 21st century concerns and needs of Hawaii's tourism industry.

Task force shall focus on tour guide certification programs, restroom facility access, public service announcements, and promotion of Aloha Spirit principles to tourists.

Task force shall evaluate tourist scenic areas, infrastructure maintenance needs, multi-lingual audio tour systems, Waikiki pick-up zones, and Hawaii tourism marketing strategies including social media monitoring.

Task force composition includes the DBEDT director (chair), Governor, Honolulu Mayor, Hawaii Tourism Authority CEO, Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association CEO, two Hawaiian cultural specialists, two tourism industry representatives, and a University of Hawaii travel industry management professor.

Task force shall submit findings and recommendations to the legislature no later than twenty days before the 2019 regular session convenes, and shall be dissolved on July 1, 2019.