A bill working its way through the legislature would create a state commission on surfing to act, “… as a central clearinghouse and coordinating body for governmental activities and information” for the sport, according to the measure.

Under Senate Bill 1459, introduced by Sen. Donovan Dela Cruz (D, Mililani Mauka-Waipio Acres), an uncompensated 15-member panel would be selected to serve “in an advisory capacity to state agencies to promote the surfing industry and educate people about the cultural and historical significance of surfing. In addition, the commission may make recommendations on progress, services and contracts relating to surfing …”

The original proposal would have put the commission under the administration of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs.

But following opposition from the DCCA, which cited difficulty in using “existing staff expertise to oversee the proposed state commission” and costs involved, the bill was amended by the Senate Committee on Energy, Economic Development and Tourism on Monday to put oversight on the lieutenant governor’s office.

“I talked to the Lt. Gov (Josh Green) and he wants more work to do, so he said he would be happy to take on oversight of the commission,” chairman Sen. Glenn Wakai (D, Kalihi-Salt Lake) told the committee.

Another amendment would grant the Office of Hawaiian Affairs representatives two voting positions on the panel and permit the World Surf League an ex-officio, non-voting position.