HB 548 Summary

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

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

• Allocates funds to be expended by DLNR for protection, preservation, maintenance, and enhancement of natural resources; planning, construction, and repair of facilities; and operation, maintenance, and enforcement costs of public lands connected with visitor experience.

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

• Establishes that TAT revenue allocation addresses strain on state facilities from Hawaii's growing visitor numbers, which reached 9.4 million in 2017 and are projected to reach 10.1 million in 2019.