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HI HB1947

Bill

Status

Introduced

1/26/2026

Primary Sponsor

Adrian Tam

Click for details

Origin

House of Representatives

2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Abolishes the Hawaii Tourism Authority (Chapter 201B) and transfers all tourism functions to a new Office of Tourism within the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism
  • Establishes a 12-member Advisory Board on Tourism with representatives from each county, including at least one member with Hawaiian cultural practices expertise and appointments by the governor, house speaker, and senate president
  • Creates a staffing structure exempt from civil service rules, including an Office of Tourism Manager, Chief Brand Officer, Chief Finance and Budget Officer, and approximately 16 total positions
  • Requires development of an annual strategic tourism management plan covering Hawaii brand management, destination marketing, regenerative tourism principles, and destination management action plans for each county (Oahu, Maui Nui, Hawaii Island, and Kauai)
  • Maintains the convention center enterprise special fund and tourism emergency special fund, with provisions for tourism emergency response measures upon gubernatorial declaration

Legislative Description

Relating To Tourism.

Appropriation ($)

Last Action

The committee(s) on JHA recommend(s) that the measure be deferred.

2/19/2026

Committee Referrals

Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs2/12/2026
Tourism1/28/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available