Bill > SB1571

This bill makes several significant changes to the governance and operations of the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA). It exempts all positions within the HTA from state civil service requirements, allowing more flexibility in hiring. The bill redesignates the HTA Board of Directors as an advisory board and modifies its composition, removing the Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism as a board member and requiring at least one member to represent a tourism-impacted entity. The President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives will now each appoint a board member. The bill also changes the process for selecting the HTA's President and CEO, making it a board-nominated position subject to Senate confirmation, who will now report directly to the Governor. Additionally, the bill amends the definition of "convention center facility" to emphasize that such facilities must reflect a Hawaii sense of place. The legislation aims to improve the tourism industry's governance, cultural sensitivity, and alignment with local community needs, with a focus on creating a more regenerative and responsible approach to tourism in Hawaii.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry, Labor and Employment

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1571&year=2025