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HR 47

URGING THE HAWAII TOURISM AUTHORITY TO ADD A STIPULATION TO ITS SIGNATURE EVENT PROGRAM TO REQUIRE THIRTY PERCENT OF FUNDS AWARDED THROUGH THE PROGRAM TO BE USED TO MARKET EVENTS TO OUT-OF-STATE MARKETS.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Gedeon and 2 co-sponsors

Hawaii urges its Tourism Authority to require 30% of Signature Event Program funds be spent marketing events to out-of-state audiences, prioritizing visitor attraction over local engagement.

To be offered.
#hta #out-of-statemarketing #signatureeventprogramgrants
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 47

Legislative bill overview

HR 47 is a non-binding resolution urging the Hawaii Tourism Authority to modify its Signature Event Program by mandating that 30% of awarded funds be dedicated to marketing events to out-of-state audiences. The bill does not create law but requests the tourism authority voluntarily adopt this spending requirement for promotional activities.

Why is this important

Hawaii's tourism industry is a major economic driver, and attracting out-of-state visitors directly impacts hotel occupancy, restaurant revenue, and local employment. By directing a portion of event marketing budgets toward external markets, the state aims to increase visitor volume and spending. However, this allocation could affect how much funding remains available for local community engagement and in-state event development.

Potential points of contention

  • Trade-off between local and external marketing: Requiring 30% for out-of-state marketing may reduce resources dedicated to building local audiences and community participation in signature events
  • Effectiveness and flexibility concerns: A fixed percentage mandate may not account for events with varying geographic demand or marketing efficiency; some events might benefit from different allocation strategies
  • Implementation ambiguity: The resolution doesn't specify how "out-of-state markets" marketing is defined or measured, potentially creating compliance interpretation issues for the tourism authority

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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