HB 548 Summary

• Redirects transient accommodations tax (TAT) revenues from the special land and development fund directly to three dedicated funds: state parks special fund (55%), Na Ala Hele statewide trail and access program (30%), and beach restoration special fund (15%).

• Removes the $3,000,000 TAT allocation cap and leaves the specific amount blank, allowing the legislature to determine funding levels for these three programs.

• Requires the Department of Land and Natural Resources to submit an annual list of proposed projects to the Hawaii Tourism Authority by July 1st that relate to the HTA's strategic plan and are eligible for funding under this allocation.

• Authorizes TAT revenues to be expended for protection, preservation, maintenance, enhancement, planning, construction, repair, operation, maintenance, enforcement of state parks, beaches, and trails, plus costs for developing and supporting the strategic plan.

• Requires the Hawaii Tourism Authority to report annually to the legislature on all projects undertaken for these purposes beginning in 2021, including project descriptions, funding sources, and relation to the strategic plan.