HI HB446

Requires the Hawaii Tourism Authority and the School of Travel Industry Management at UH Manoa to jointly conduct a study on designing, constructing or purchasing, and operating a state-owned hotel

Study must evaluate staffing and financial resources needed to own, operate, and manage a state hotel, and determine whether building new or purchasing existing property is more cost-effective

Study findings must be submitted to the legislature no later than 20 days before the 2027 regular session convenes

Appropriates unspecified amounts from general revenues for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027, split between the Hawaii Tourism Authority and UH for conducting the study

State hotel intended to create workforce development opportunities, support local students in hospitality careers, accommodate university visitors, and potentially expand to multiple islands