HI HB1828

Amends Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 237D-6.5(b) to allocate transient accommodations tax revenues to na ala hele for improving and maintaining state-controlled recreational trails and developing a public awareness campaign promoting hiker safety and etiquette education.

Allocates transient accommodations tax revenues to the Hawaii Tourism Authority to support initiatives mitigating negative community impacts from tourism, requiring dollar-for-dollar matching funds from the private sector, counties, or both.

Appropriates general revenues to the fire departments of Maui, Kauai, Hawaii, and Honolulu counties in equal amounts to support search and rescue missions for stranded hikers on hiking trails during fiscal year 2018-2019.

Requires the Hawaii Tourism Authority to report to the legislature no later than twenty days before the 2019 regular session on expenditures, specific initiatives funded, and the mitigating impact of each initiative.

Effective July 1, 2018.