Bill Text: HI SB1252 | 2018 | Regular Session | Amended
Bill Title: Relating To The University Of Hawaii.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 9-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2017-11-30 - Carried over to 2018 Regular Session. [SB1252 Detail]
Download: Hawaii-2018-SB1252-Amended.html
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
1252 |
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TWENTY-NINTH LEGISLATURE, 2017 |
S.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that intercollegiate athletics programs of the University of Hawaii are unique when compared to athletic programs at other institutions. The legislature further finds that the community places a high value on, and takes much pride in, the intercollegiate athletics programs of the University of Hawaii. All teams and individuals competing for the university have dedicated fans who enjoy the efforts of the athletes and entertainment of sports contests.
The legislature also finds that in contemporary society, intercollegiate athletics receive much publicity and media coverage, and the participation of the University of Hawaii in various sports increases the exposure of people on the mainland and in foreign countries to the State of Hawaii. University of Hawaii athletes are also "Ambassadors of Aloha" when they travel out-of-state, and athletes have an opportunity to uniquely and authentically represent Hawaii. Games and events that are televised nationally and internationally also are important marketing tools to attract visitors to the State and showcase a premier higher education institution. Family, friends, and supporters of visiting schools often accompany the teams and stay for an extended time.
The legislature finds that the costs for University of Hawaii at Manoa student athletes to travel to the mainland are high because of the distance traveled. Moreover, the university must subsidize the travel expenses of some visiting teams that come to Hawaii. Lastly, the scholarship costs are higher at the University of Hawaii at Manoa when compared to peer universities because its athletic program has a higher percentage of non-resident student-athletes. In total, University of Hawaii at Manoa athletic costs are $5,200,000 higher than its peer institutions. As a result, rather than competing in collegiate athletics on a level playing field, University of Hawaii at Manoa athletics is at a competitive disadvantage because a significant portion of its budget must be used to offset costs that other athletic programs do not have.
The legislature also finds that athletics at the University of Hawaii at Hilo is a source of great pride to the community of Hilo and the Big Island. There is a vibrant history of connection between the community and the university's "Vulcan" athletics. Vulcan athletics not only provides a source of community activity, but is a key component contributing to the overall student life experience for the diverse campus body. University of Hawaii at Hilo athletics is a significant economic driver to the island of Hawaii's economy, bringing in thousands of people from visiting teams and families each year. Such activity positively benefits the local businesses of hotels, restaurants, airlines, car rental agencies, and other small businesses. University of Hawaii at Hilo athletics is of great community and economic benefit to the Big Island, neighbor island communities, and the State.
The purpose of this Act is to address the intercollegiate athletics program of the University of Hawaii. Specifically, this Act requires that moneys from the tourism special fund be distributed to the University of Hawaii at Manoa and University of Hawaii at Hilo for the next two fiscal years to offset the higher and unique costs of the schools' athletic programs.
SECTION 2. Section 201B-11, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (c) to read as follows:
"(c) Moneys in the tourism special fund shall be used by the authority for the purposes of this chapter, provided that:
(1) Not more than 3.5 per cent of this amount shall
be used for administrative expenses, including $15,000 for a protocol fund to
be expended at the discretion of the president and chief executive officer; [and]
(2) At least $1,000,000 shall be made available to
support efforts to manage, improve, and protect Hawaii's natural environment and
areas frequented by visitors[.]; and
(3) Beginning on July 1, 2017, and each fiscal year thereafter, $3,000,000 shall be allocated to the University of Hawaii at Manoa intercollegiate athletics special fund and the University of Hawaii at Hilo intercollegiate athletics special fund established pursuant to section 304A-2176."
SECTION 3. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval; provided that on June 30, 2019, section 2 of this Act shall be repealed and section 201B-11, Hawaii Revised Statutes, shall be reenacted in the form in which it read on the day before the effective date of this Act.
Report Title:
University of Hawaii; Hawaii Tourism Authority; Tourism Special Fund; Intercollegiate Athletics Program
Description:
Allocates money from the tourism special fund to help fund the intercollegiate athletic programs at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and University of Hawaii at Hilo to offset the higher costs that the University of Hawaii must pay for athletics compared to peer institutions. Repeals 6/30/2019. (SD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
