HI SR93

Hawaii Tourism Authority is requested to send a letter to the United States Olympic Committee, International Olympic Committee, and Tokyo Organizing Committee stating Hawaii is an ideal training location for 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics athletes.

Resolution highlights Hawaii's suitability for training the five new Olympic sports: baseball and softball, sports climbing, karate, skateboarding, and surfing, for which the state has appropriate facilities.

Notes Hawaii's geographic position between Asia and America, accessibility for athletes with disabilities, and existing sports tourism infrastructure including the Hawaii Convention Center and Aloha Stadium.

Certified copies of the resolution are to be transmitted to federal and state officials, including the U.S. Senate President, House Speaker, Hawaii's congressional delegation, Governor, and heads of relevant Olympic committees and organizations.

Resolution cites Hawaii's history hosting major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, IRONMAN World Championship, and Sony Open, which generated approximately $144 million in sports tourism revenue in 2016.