HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
H.B. NO.
449
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025
H.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII
S.D. 1
A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the INNOVATE Hawaii program has been a federal program of the Hawaii technology development corporation for over twenty years and is funded by the National Institute of Standards and Technology's manufacturing extension partnership, with a mission of supporting the reshoring of manufacturing United States federal initiatives while providing funding and technology to each local manufacturing extension program center in each state. INNOVATE Hawaii is part of a network of fifty-two manufacturing extension program centers supporting local manufacturers in each state. The legislature further finds that funding for INNOVATE Hawaii would be used to bring new, advanced technology to the State to assist small businesses with development, manufacturing, operations, and marketing of "Made in Hawaii" products.
Therefore, the purpose of this Act is to promote economic development by appropriating funds for assisting in the development and promotion of Hawaii-manufactured products through the INNOVATE Hawaii program.
SECTION 2. The Hawaii technology development corporation shall submit an annual report to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each regular session detailing:
(1) The number and types of businesses assisted though the INNOVATE Hawaii program;
(2) The amount of funding allocated to each business;
(3) Measurable economic impacts, including jobs created, revenue increases, and expansion of local manufacturing;
(4) Any challenges encountered in implementing the INNOVATE Hawaii program; and
(5) Recommendations for future funding adjustments.
SECTION 3. The Hawaii technology development corporation shall prioritize funding for Hawaii-based manufacturers that have fewer than one hundred employees and primarily focus on local product development, advanced manufacturing, and workforce training.
SECTION 4. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for assisting in the development and promotion of Hawaii-manufactured products through the INNOVATE Hawaii program; provided that the funds appropriated shall be expended exclusively for:
(1) Technological upgrades and equipment acquisition for local manufacturers;
(2) Workforce training and upskilling programs;
(3) Marketing and promotion of Hawaii-made products; and
(4) Research and development for new or improved manufacturing techniques.
The sums appropriated shall be expended by the Hawaii technology development corporation for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.
Report Title:
HTDC; Economic Development; Hawaii-Manufactured Products; Reports; Appropriations
Description:
Requires the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation to prioritize funding for certain Hawaii-based businesses. Appropriates funds to assist in the development and promotion of Hawaii-manufactured products through the INNOVATE Hawaii program. Requires reports to the Legislature. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)
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