HI HB1517

Reestablishes the tourism special fund in the state treasury to be expended by the Hawaii Tourism Authority, funded by transient accommodations tax revenues, legislative appropriations, and gifts or grants.

Allocates $90,000,000 annually from transient accommodations tax revenues to the tourism special fund beginning July 1, 2025, with $1,000,000 designated for Hawaiian center and museum operations and 0.5% designated for a safety and security sub-account.

Limits administrative expenses from the tourism special fund to no more than 3.5% of available funds and requires at least a specified amount to support natural environment management and visitor area protection.

Requires remaining tourism special fund revenues (after allocations) to be deposited into the tourism emergency special fund to maintain a $5,000,000 minimum balance.

Effective July 1, 2024.