Two state agencies are looking to hire a consultant to conduct a comprehensive study of the impact of the cruise industry on Hawai'i.

The Hawai'i Tourism Authority and the Department of Transportation will pay for the study, working in collaboration with the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, and the Department of Land and Natural Resources.

"From 2001 through 2005, the cruise industry in Hawai'i has nearly doubled and it is important to understand what impacts, as well as benefits, this segment of the visitor industry has on our community," said Rex Johnson, president and chief executive officer of the Hawai'i Tourism Authority.

He said the study is expected to give policymakers "comprehensive, reliable and objective information when making decisions toward ensuring a sustainable tourism industry in Hawai'i for our residents and visitors."

Johnson said among the questions the study will attempt to answer: "Is the cruise industry paying its fair share, like say the hotel industry is?"

While the state has welcomed the boost in tourism and economic benefits, Johnson said, it hasn't been clear what the various effects of the industry have been.

State tourism liaison Marsha Wienert said the cruise industry merits special attention. The latest visitor arrivals for May showed a triple-digit increase in cruise visitors.

Of the total number of visitors who came in May 2007, 40,076 visitors either flew to the state to board cruise ships or came by cruise ships visiting Hawai'i. Cruise visitor days for the month rose 173.6 percent.

But that news is tempered somewhat by Norwegian Cruise Line's announcement that next year it will remove the largest of three cruise ships based here.

Johnson said the Legislature allocated $600,000 from the state Transportation Department budget, and will share costs with the Hawai'i Tourism Authority but it's not clear yet how much the bids will be.

One major component included in the study will be a cost-benefit analysis relating to economic welfare, physical environment, historical and cultural assets and practices, social welfare, harbor facilities, safety and security measures, environment and infrastructure, tax revenue and fees, and traffic, Johnson said.

He said the harbors may need more work to make the transition from working harbor to hosting cruise ships statewide.

Johnson said the proposal deadline is Aug. 3 with the state's intention to award the contract in September and order its completion by October 2008.

He said the consultant also will make a presentation to the Legislature about the findings.

Reach Robbie Dingeman at rdingeman@honoluluadvertiser.com.