HI SB3164

Establishes the State Commission on Surfing within the Hawaii Tourism Authority to promote surfing and educate the public about its cultural and historical significance to Hawaii.

Commission membership includes 5 ex officio voting members (comptroller, director of commerce and consumer affairs, chairperson of board of land and natural resources, director of business/economic development/tourism, superintendent of education) plus 9 appointed members and designees from the Hawaii Lifeguard Association and Hawaii Surfing Association.

Appointed members must include representatives from Kauai, Maui, and Hawaii counties, with at least 2 native Hawaiian members demonstrating understanding of surfing culture and history, and gender parity across the commission.

Members serve 4-year terms without compensation, limited to 2 consecutive terms; chair and vice chair selected annually from non-governmental members.

Commission may serve as clearinghouse for surfing-related activities, identify best practices and obstacles, raise public awareness, recommend supportive policies, and promote surfing education and training programs.

Effective date: July 1, 2050.