HI SB364

Establishes a professional tour guide certification task force within the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to examine whether commercial users of state resources should be required to hold certification or meet minimum sustainability requirements.

Task force shall examine persons using Na Ala Hele trail system, state parks, small boat harbors, ocean recreation management areas, and holders of instructor/operator permits and commercial transportation permits.

Task force composition includes 14 government officials and representatives from Hawaii Ecotourism Association, Hawaii Transportation Association, and Activities and Attractions Association of Hawaii, with co-chairs from Hawaii Tourism Authority and State Sustainability Coordinator.

Task force must submit preliminary report to legislature by November 30, 2019, and final report with findings and recommendations no later than twenty days before the 2020 regular legislative session.

Appropriates unspecified funds from general revenues for fiscal year 2019-2020 to support task force operations; act takes effect July 1, 2019.