HI HB2447

Establishes a tourism liaison officer position within the governor's office, appointed by the governor and exempt from civil service requirements under chapters 76 and 89.

Tourism liaison officer duties include advising the governor on long-term tourism strategy, serving as liaison with the Hawaii Tourism Authority and other agencies, and developing the governor's legislative package on tourism measures.

Requires development of a statewide strategic tourism management plan promoting destination management and regenerative tourism, along with separate destination management action plans for Oahu, Maui Nui, Hawaii Island, and Kauai.

Transfers destination management and regenerative tourism responsibilities from the Hawaii Tourism Authority to the new tourism liaison officer, while refocusing the authority on strategic tourism marketing.

Defines "destination management" as collaborative stakeholder processes to attract targeted visitors while protecting natural and cultural resources, and "regenerative tourism" as tourism designed to bring net benefits to local communities and the environment.