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Joint state Senate committees today unanimously moved forward a bill that would grant the University of Hawaii $3 million in travel assistance for its athletic teams.
Sen. Jill Tokuda said Senate Bill 83 bill is intended to benefit both Manoa and Hilo campuses.
The committees heard two hours of testimony on the measure, including comments in favor by football coach Nick Rolovich and opposition by the Hawaii Tourism Authority.
The measure would make the appropriation from the tourism special fund, which is funded by the hotel room tax.
Sen. J. Kalani English said he sees a “nexus” between UH athletics and tourism.
If the bill passes, it would authorize the assistance for this year but leave it up to Gov. David Ige in future years.
NOW WE’RE TALKING! This is a great thing for Hawai`i Athletics! With the turnaround (hopeful) of our Athletic Teams, this will definitely make the numbers look great! It’s your show Mr. Matlin! Make this work!
total waste of money…please fund the actual mission of our beloved UH: education, research and public service.
Athletics makes sure that over 400 students have little to no college debt when they are sent into the workforce. I believe it is much better than paying $5 million a year for a bunch of millionaires to play what now amounts to a two hand touch football game.
Big step forward hope it passes. As for HTA you all bragging about the money you’re making spend some of your own. Kamaaina’s have no hotel breaks so why do you need our help? Everyone remember to vote for those in favor of helping UH.
nop..it is a waste of money.
I don’t have faith in Gov Ige to renew the $3 million assistance after this year. Ige is not a fan of UH Athletics.
Neither is Allie
Poor, allie “cat”. She can play with herself, or go back home to North Dakota? No moe da kind kala, money, for play sports at the UHM college.
if this Bill is passed expect more of the same. government officials traveling to other States or countries will want to dip into the Hawaii Tourism Authority fund to pay their expenses. Pandora’s Box!
I’m sure that the UH Athletic Dept. needs these funds, but why use designated Visitor Industry – HTA funds? Our tourism industry is going to need all of the help they get, anticipating a possible slowing down of visitors to Hawaii.
Two non-priority branches of the local government that should just be abolished. That’s why we need another 2008 reccesion to clean house, again.
So what did HTA give in the anticipated upturn?
This bill will pass……..but only for this one year…….the Hawaii Tourism Authority will fight this tooth and nail next year….nobody wants poaching in their backyard.
So, what is the deal? To give or to aid. Aid as in repayment?
Hey! But, excuse me. With the current record amount of tourist, that should generate more revenues for the state. The tourism industry should be helping the college, instead.
You know why, allie, is fuming mad? Because Ige going to raise the tuition for the college and just give it to the tourist marketing department.
I like it. HTA gets way too much money for doing nothing.
“Sen. J. Kalani English said he sees a “nexus” between UH athletics and tourism.”
He also sees the legislature as a “nexus” between an 8 ball and a multi million dollar marijuana dispensary.
why not cut 5% from everyone making over 100,000$