Bill > HB446

This bill requires the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) and the School of Travel Industry Management at the University of Hawaii at Manoa to jointly conduct a comprehensive study about creating a state-owned hotel. The study will explore the feasibility, potential benefits, and operational considerations of establishing a hotel owned, operated, and managed by the state. Specifically, the researchers will examine the staffing and financial resources needed to run such a hotel and evaluate whether constructing a new hotel or purchasing an existing property would be more cost-effective. The bill highlights potential advantages of a state hotel, including workforce development opportunities for local residents, career development for university students, improved student recruitment for the University of Hawaii, and potential revenue generation. The HTA and university are required to submit their study to the legislature no later than twenty days before the 2027 regular legislative session. The bill also appropriates funds for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to support the study, with money allocated from the state's general revenues. While the bill's effective date is technically listed as July 1, 3000, the funding sections will take effect on July 1, 2025.

Business and Industry, Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=446&year=2026