HI HB2585

Amends Section 201B-11 of Hawaii Revised Statutes to require tourism special fund moneys support state and county ocean safety programs.

Establishes a new requirement that an unspecified percentage of tourism special fund moneys be allocated to ocean safety programs, including lifeguard towers, swim buoys, video cameras, staffing, operations, and visitor education.

Maintains existing allocations: no more than 3.5% for administrative expenses (including $15,000 protocol fund) and at least $1,000,000 for managing and protecting Hawaii's natural environment and visitor areas.

Cites high drowning rates at unmonitored beaches (compared to one death per 18 million swims at lifeguard-staffed beaches) and recent visitor drowning incidents as justification for expanding ocean safety resources.

Takes effect upon approval with specific percentage amount for ocean safety funding left blank in the bill text.