HB 1943: DBEDT; Out-of-State Offices; Purposes; Republic of Korea; Philippines; Establishment; Beijing; Taipei; Made in Hawaii Products; Appropriations

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The purpose of this Act is to promote products manufactured in Hawaii; expand the export of Hawaii-made goods; attract foreign and domestic investment and commercial activity to the State; foster sister-state, educational, athletic, and cultural exchanges; and advance initiatives that yield economic benefits for Hawaii by:

     (1)  Expanding the purposes of the establishment and operation of out-of-state offices to include collaboration with tourism agencies and stakeholders to execute tourism strategies;

     (2)  Requiring and appropriating funds for the department of business, economic development, and tourism to establish an out‑of-state office in Seoul, Republic of Korea;

     (3)  Requiring and appropriating funds for the department of business, economic development, and tourism to establish an out-of-state office in Laoag, Ilocos Norte, Republic of the Philippines; and

     (4)  Appropriating funds for the department of business, economic development, and tourism's Beijing and Taipei offices to promote "Made in Hawaii" branded products and increase the export of Hawaii products.

     SECTION 2.  Section 201-81, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

     "§201-81  Establishment of out-of-state offices; purposes.  The department of business, economic development, and tourism may establish and operate offices and facilities in out-of-state locations, including foreign nations, to effectuate the following purposes:

     (1)  Develop programs to reach targeted companies or industries in the respective area and surrounding regions;

     (2)  Monitor out-of-state government policies and regulations that have an impact on business, markets, sales, tourism, and related activities;

     (3)  Host government and business officials at conferences, meetings and social occasions, or other events on matters pertaining to business opportunities and attraction of investments for the State;

     (4)  Develop and conduct advertising efforts, promotional events, media coverage, and educational programs regarding commerce in the State;

     (5)  Conduct related operations as needed, including hiring or contracting for consultants;

     (6)  Support sister-state or province relationships, as defined in section 229-1, and other partnerships that promote and enrich the people, cultures, environments, and economies of the State and its international partners; [and]

     (7)  Collaborate with tourism agencies and stakeholders to execute tourism strategies; and

    [(7)] (8)  Generate revenue for the State."

     SECTION 3.  The department of business, economic development, and tourism shall establish an out-of-state office in Seoul, Republic of Korea, as authorized under section 201-81, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

     SECTION 4.  The department of business, economic development, and tourism shall establish an out-of-state office in Laoag, Ilocos Norte, Republic of the Philippines, as authorized under section 201-81, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

     SECTION 5.  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 2026-2027 for the department of business, economic development, and tourism to establish an out-of-state office in:

     (1)  Seoul, Republic of Korea; and

     (2)  Laoag, Ilocos Norte, Republic of the Philippines.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of business, economic development, and tourism for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 6.  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 2026-2027 for the department of business, economic development, and tourism's Beijing and Taipei offices to promote "Made in Hawaii" branded products and increase the export of Hawaii products.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of business, economic development, and tourism for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 7.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 8.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3050.

Report Title:

DBEDT; Out-of-State Offices; Purposes; Republic of Korea; Philippines; Establishment; Beijing; Taipei; Made in Hawaii Products; Appropriations

Description:

Expands the purposes of the establishment and operation of out-of-state offices to include collaboration with tourism agencies and stakeholders to execute tourism strategies.  Requires, and appropriates funds for, the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to establish out‑of-state offices in Seoul, Republic of Korea and Laoag, Ilocos Norte, Republic of the Philippines.  Appropriates funds for the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism's Beijing and Taipei offices to promote "Made in Hawaii" branded products and increase the export of Hawaii products.  Effective 7/1/3050.  (SD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The purpose of this Act is to promote products manufactured in Hawaii; expand the export of Hawaii-made goods; attract foreign and domestic investment and commercial activity to the State; foster sister-state, educational, athletic, and cultural exchanges; and advance initiatives that yield economic benefits for Hawaii by:

     (1)  Expanding the purposes of the establishment and operation of out-of-state offices to include collaboration with tourism agencies and stakeholders to execute tourism strategies;

     (2)  Requiring and appropriating funds for the department of business, economic development, and tourism to establish an out‑of-state office in Seoul, Republic of Korea; and

     (3)  Appropriating funds for the department of business, economic development, and tourism's Beijing, Philippines, and Taipei offices to promote "Made in Hawaii" branded products and increase the export of Hawaii products.

     SECTION 2.  Section 201-81, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

     "§201-81  Establishment of out-of-state offices; purposes.  The department of business, economic development, and tourism may establish and operate offices and facilities in out-of-state locations, including foreign nations, to effectuate the following purposes:

     (1)  Develop programs to reach targeted companies or industries in the respective area and surrounding regions;

     (2)  Monitor out-of-state government policies and regulations that have an impact on business, markets, sales, tourism, and related activities;

     (3)  Host government and business officials at conferences, meetings and social occasions, or other events on matters pertaining to business opportunities and attraction of investments for the State;

     (4)  Develop and conduct advertising efforts, promotional events, media coverage, and educational programs regarding commerce in the State;

     (5)  Conduct related operations as needed, including hiring or contracting for consultants;

     (6)  Support sister-state or province relationships, as defined in section 229-1, and other partnerships that promote and enrich the people, cultures, environments, and economies of the State and its international partners; [and]

     (7)  Collaborate with tourism agencies and stakeholders to execute tourism strategies; and

    [(7)] (8)  Generate revenue for the State."

     SECTION 3.  The department of business, economic development, and tourism shall establish an out-of-state office in Seoul, Republic of Korea, as authorized under section 201-81, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

     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 2026-2027 for the department of business, economic development, and tourism to establish an out-of-state office in Seoul, Republic of Korea.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of business, economic development, and tourism for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 5.  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 2026-2027 for the department of business, economic development, and tourism's Beijing, Philippines, and Taipei offices to promote "Made in Hawaii" branded products and increase the export of Hawaii products.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of business, economic development, and tourism for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 6.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 7.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Out-of-State Offices; Purposes; Republic of Korea; Establishment; Beijing; Philippines; Taipei; Made in Hawaii Products; Appropriation

Description:

Expands the purposes of the establishment and operation of out-of-state offices to include collaboration with tourism agencies and stakeholders to execute tourism strategies.  Requires, and appropriates funds for, the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to establish an out‑of-state office in Seoul, Republic of Korea.  Appropriates funds for the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism's Beijing, Philippines, and Taipei offices to promote "Made in Hawaii" branded products and increase the export of Hawaii products.  Effective 7/1/3000.  (HD1)

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

     SECTION 1.  The purpose of this Act is to promote products manufactured in Hawaii; expand the export of Hawaii-made goods; attract foreign and domestic investment and commercial activity to the State; foster sister-state, educational, athletic, and cultural exchanges; and advance initiatives that yield economic benefits for Hawaii by:

     (1)  Expanding the purposes of the establishment and operation of offices in out-of-state locations to include serving Hawaii's businesses through various initiatives;

     (2)  Requiring and appropriating funds for the department of business, economic development, and tourism to establish an out‑of-state office in Seoul, Republic of Korea; and

     (3)  Appropriating funds for the department of business, economic development, and tourism's Beijing office and Taipei office to promote "Made in Hawaii" branded products and increase the export of Hawaii products.

     SECTION 2.  Section 201-81, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:

     "§201-81  Establishment of out-of-state offices; purposes.  The department of business, economic development, and tourism may establish and operate offices and facilities in out-of-state locations, including foreign nations, to effectuate the following purposes:

     (1)  Develop programs to reach targeted companies or industries in the respective area and surrounding regions;

     (2)  Monitor out-of-state government policies and regulations that have an impact on business, markets, sales, tourism, and related activities;

     (3)  Host government and business officials at conferences, meetings and social occasions, or other events on matters pertaining to business opportunities and attraction of investments for the State;

     (4)  Develop and conduct advertising efforts, promotional events, media coverage, and educational programs regarding commerce in the State;

     (5)  Conduct related operations as needed, including hiring or contracting for consultants;

     (6)  Support sister-state or province relationships, as defined in section 229-1, and other partnerships that promote and enrich the people, cultures, environments, and economies of the State and its international partners; [and]

     (7)  Create stable linkages between Hawaii and their respective regions;

     (8)  Host and organize trade missions;

     (9)  Introduce and market hew products and services from Hawaii;

    (10)  Act as a conduit for economic and business-related information between Hawaii and their respective regions;

    (11)  Match businesses in Hawaii with opportunities in the respective area;

    (12)  Promote Hawaii tourism;

    (13)  Collaborate with tourism agencies and stakeholders to execute tourism strategies;

    (14)  Support and implement the department's programs; and

    [(7)] (15)  Generate revenue for the State."

     SECTION 3.  The department of business, economic development, and tourism shall establish an out-of-state office in Seoul, Republic of Korea, as authorized under section 201-81, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

     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 2026-2027 for the department of business, economic development, and tourism to establish an out-of-state office in Seoul, Republic of Korea.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of business, economic development, and tourism for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 5.  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 2026-2027 for the department of business, economic development, and tourism's Beijing office and Taipei office to promote "Made in Hawaii" branded products and increase the export of Hawaii products.

     The sum appropriated shall be expended by the department of business, economic development, and tourism for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 6.  Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken.  New statutory material is underscored.

     SECTION 7.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.

Report Title:

Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Out-of-state Offices; Purposes; Republic of Korea; Establishment; Beijing; Taipei; Made in Hawaii Products; Appropriation

Description:

Expands the purposes of the establishment and operation of offices in out-of-state locations to include serving Hawaii's businesses and tourism efforts through various initiatives.  Requires, and appropriates funds for, the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to establish an out‑of-state office in Seoul, Republic of Korea.  Appropriates funds for the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism's Beijing office and Taipei office to promote "Made in Hawaii" branded products and increase the export of Hawaii products.

The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  969-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2026

RE:   H.B. No. 1943

      H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 1943, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to:

     (1)  Expand the purposes of the establishment and operation of out-of-state offices to include collaboration with tourism agencies and stakeholders to execute tourism strategies;

     (2)  Require and appropriate funds for the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to establish an out‑of-state office in Seoul, Republic of Korea; and

     (3)  Appropriate funds for the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism's Beijing, Philippines, and Taipei offices to promote "Made in Hawaii" branded products and increase the export of Hawaii products.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Ala Moana-Kakaʻako Neighborhood Board No. 11; Chamber of Commerce Hawaii; The Maritime Group; Retail Merchants of Hawaiʻi; and two individuals.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Business Development and Support Division of the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1943, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Finance,

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  506-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2026

RE:   H.B. No. 1943

      H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committees on Economic Development & Technology and Tourism, to which was referred H.B. No. 1943 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT,"

beg leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to:

     (1)  Expand the purposes of the establishment and operation of out-of-state offices to include serving Hawaii's business and tourism efforts through various initiatives;

     (2)  Require, and appropriate funds for, the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to establish an out-of-state office in Seoul, South Korea; and

     (3)  Appropriate funds for the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism's Beijing office and Taipei office to promote "Made in Hawaii" branded products and increase the export of Hawaii products.

     Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Retail Merchants of Hawaiʻi; Chamber of Commerce Hawaii; and Maui Chamber of Commerce.

     Your Committees find that the number of visitors to Hawaii from South Korea and China are growing and these markets represent serious growth opportunities for tourism in Hawaii.  South Korea and China are strong locations to fund and deploy the physical presence of the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism.  Your Committees further find that there is significant potential for expanding trade cooperation between the Republic of the Philippines and the State, and that this measure should be amended to include the Philippines amongst the international locations where "Made in Hawaii" branded products can be promoted and exported.

     Accordingly, your Committees have amended this measure by:

     (1)  Narrowing the new initiatives added to the purposes of the establishment and operation of out-of-state offices to just collaboration with tourism agencies and stakeholders to execute tourism strategies;

     (2)  Expanding the uses of the appropriation to include providing funding for the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism's Philippines office to promote "Made in Hawaii" branded products and increase the export of Hawaii products;

     (3)  Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and

     (4)  Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

     Your Committees respectfully request your Committee on Finance, should it deliberate on this measure, to consider appropriation amounts of:

     (1)  $233,500 for the out-of-state office in Seoul, Republic of Korea; and

     (2)  $50,000 for the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism's Beijing, Philippines, and Taipei offices.

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Economic Development & Technology and Tourism that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1943, as amended herein, and recommend that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1943, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Economic Development & Technology and Tourism,