HI HR206

Requests the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism's Research and Economic Analysis Division to partner with the Office of State Planning and Hawaii Tourism Authority to conduct an updated Sustainable Tourism Project.

Directs the department to consider engaging the University of Hawaii as a partner in the research project.

Requires annual progress reports to the legislature 20 days prior to each Regular Session until the research project is complete.

Requires submission of a final report with updated recommendations upon completion of the project.

Cites need for updated research as visitor numbers have increased by 2.45 million since the last Sustainable Tourism Project conducted in 2005, and resident sentiment surveys show 40 percent of Hawaii residents view tourism negatively due to traffic, cost of living, overcrowding, and environmental damage.