HB 2235: DBEDT; Military and Community Relations Office; Intergovernmental Coordination; Defense-related Workforce Development; Advanced Manufacturing and Sustainment; Appropriation

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO THE MILITARY AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICE.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that federal defense-related contracting represents a significant share of Hawaii's economy and provides substantial opportunities for local businesses and residents.  The legislature further finds that federal investment in military and defense activities has increased substantially in recent years, with congressional appropriations for defense growing by approximately $1,000,000,000 annually over the past few fiscal years.

     Consistent with the organization and purpose of the executive branch under chapter 26, Hawaii Revised Statutes, effective coordination among state agencies and between state, federal, and military partners is a core governmental function necessary for the efficient administration of public programs and services.  The military and community relations office serves as the State's central point of coordination on military and defense-related matters.  Strengthening the capacity and effectiveness of this office improves intergovernmental coordination; enhances communication and responsiveness; and supports the effective delivery of public services related to defense activities, workforce development, infrastructure, and community relations.

     Additionally, Hawaii's strategic location and military presence capture a meaningful portion of federal defense investment, and these defense-related expenditures constitute a significant share of the State's economy relative to other states.  Increasing Hawaii's ability to compete for and perform federal work requires coordinated investments in: local business readiness and compliance support; workforce education-to-career pathways that lead to job placement; and in-state advanced manufacturing, repair, and sustainment capacity that strengthens the State's industrial base and reduces long lead times for critical parts and services.

     The legislature additionally finds that effective workforce and industry development efforts would help align early career training with employer demand, connect individuals to internships and job placements, and track measurable outcomes through periodic reporting.  Strategic coordination is necessary to integrate student exposure, early college opportunities, internships, and direct-to-career pathways, and to align workforce development with Hawaii's evolving industrial and defense-related needs.

     The purpose of this Act is to appropriate funds for the military and community relations office to enhance the State's capacity for intergovernmental coordination and effective administration of defense-related programs, and to strengthen Hawaii's defense-related workforce pathways, local business readiness, and in-state manufacturing and sustainment capacity, thereby improving public service delivery, economic resilience, and the State's ability to capture and retain federal investment.

     SECTION 2.  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 military and community relations office to enhance the State's capacity for intergovernmental coordination, communication, and program administration responsibilities related to military and defense activities, workforce development, business readiness, and in-state manufacturing and sustainment capacity.

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

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

DBEDT; Military and Community Relations Office; Intergovernmental Coordination; Defense-related Workforce Development; Advanced Manufacturing and Sustainment; Appropriation

Description:

Appropriates funds to the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism for the Military and Community Relations Office to strengthen intergovernmental coordination for military and defense activities.  Effective 7/1/3000.  (HD2)

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 THE MILITARY AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICE.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that federal defense-related contracting represents a significant share of Hawaii's economy and provides substantial opportunities for local businesses and residents.  The legislature further finds that federal investment in military and defense activities has increased substantially in recent years, with congressional appropriations for defense growing by approximately one billion dollars annually over the past few fiscal years.

     Consistent with the organization and purpose of the executive branch under chapter 26, Hawaii Revised Statutes, effective coordination among state agencies and between state, federal, and military partners is a core governmental function necessary for the efficient administration of public programs and services.  The military and community relations office serves as the State's central point of coordination on military and defense-related matters.  Strengthening the capacity and effectiveness of this office improves intergovernmental coordination; enhances communication and responsiveness; and supports the effective delivery of public services related to defense activities, workforce development, infrastructure, and community relations.

     Additionally, Hawaii's strategic location and military presence capture a meaningful portion of federal defense investment, and these defense-related expenditures constitute a significant share of the State's economy relative to other states.  Increasing Hawaii's ability to compete for and perform federal work requires coordinated investments in:  (1) local business readiness and compliance support; (2) workforce education-to-career pathways that lead to job placement; and (3) in-state advanced manufacturing, repair, and sustainment capacity that strengthens the State's industrial base and reduces long lead times for critical parts and services.

     The legislature further finds that effective workforce and industry development efforts would help align early career training with employer demand, connect individuals to internships and job placements, and track measurable outcomes through periodic reporting.  Strategic coordination is necessary to integrate student exposure, early college opportunities, internships, and direct-to-career pathways, and to align workforce development with Hawaii's evolving industrial and defense-related needs.

     The purpose of this Act is to make an appropriation for the military and community relations office to enhance the State's capacity for intergovernmental coordination and effective administration of defense-related programs, and to strengthen Hawaii's defense-related workforce pathways, local business readiness, and in-state manufacturing and sustainment capacity, thereby improving public service delivery, economic resilience, and the State's ability to capture and retain federal investment.

     SECTION 2.  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 military and community relations office to enhance the State's capacity for intergovernmental coordination, communication, and program administration responsibilities related to military and defense activities, workforce development, business readiness, and in-state manufacturing and sustainment capacity.

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

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

DBEDT; Military and Community Relations Office; Intergovernmental Coordination; Defense-related Workforce Development; Advanced Manufacturing and Sustainment; Appropriation

Description:

Appropriates funds to the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism for the Military and Community Relations Office to strengthen intergovernmental coordination for military and defense activities.  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 the military and community relations office.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that federal defense-related contracting represents a significant share of Hawaii's economy and provides substantial opportunities for local businesses and residents.  The legislature further finds that federal investment in military and defense activities has increased substantially in recent years, with congressional appropriations for defense growing by approximately one billion dollars annually over the past few fiscal years.

     Consistent with the organization and purpose of the executive branch under chapter 26, Hawaii Revised Statutes, effective coordination among state agencies and between state, federal, and military partners is a core governmental function necessary for the efficient administration of public programs and services.  The military and community relations office serves as the State's central point of coordination on military and defense-related matters.  Strengthening the capacity and effectiveness of this office improves intergovernmental coordination, enhances communication and responsiveness, and supports the effective delivery of public services related to defense activities, workforce development, infrastructure, and community relations.

     Additionally, Hawaii's strategic location and military presence captures a meaningful portion of federal defense investment, and that defense-related expenditures constitute a significant share of the State's economy relative to other states.  Increasing Hawaii's ability to compete for and perform federal work requires coordinated investments in:  (1) local business readiness and compliance support; (2) workforce education-to-career pathways that lead to job placement; and (3) in-state advanced manufacturing, repair, and sustainment capacity that strengthens the State's industrial base and reduces long lead times for critical parts and services.

     The legislature further finds that effective workforce and industry development efforts would help align early career training with employer demand, connect individuals to internships and job placements, and track measurable outcomes through periodic reporting.  Strategic coordination is necessary to integrate –12 exposure, early college opportunities, internships, and direct-to-career pathways, and to align workforce development with Hawaii's evolving industrial and defense-related needs.

     The purpose of this Act is to make an appropriation for the military and community relations office to enhance the State's capacity for intergovernmental coordination and effective administration of defense-related programs, and to strengthen Hawaii's defense-related workforce pathways, local business readiness, and in-state manufacturing and sustainment capacity, thereby improving public service delivery, economic resilience, and the State's ability to capture and retain federal investment.

     SECTION 2.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $1,300,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the military and community relations office to enhance the State's capacity for intergovernmental coordination, communication, and program administration responsibilities related to military and defense activities, workforce development, business readiness, and in-state manufacturing and sustainment capacity.

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

     SECTION 3.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.

Report Title:

DBEDT; Military Affairs and Community Relations Office; Intergovernmental Coordination; Defense-Related Workforce Development; Advanced Manufacturing and Sustainment; Appropriation

Description:

Appropriates funds to the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism for the Military Affairs Community Relations Office to strengthen intergovernmental coordination for military and defense activities.

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.  622-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2026

RE:   H.B. No. 2235

      H.D. 2

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2026

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committee on Economic Development & Technology, to which was referred H.B. No. 2235, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE MILITARY AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to appropriate funds to the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism for the Military and Community Relations Office to strengthen intergovernmental coordination for military and defense activities.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Military and Community Relations Office; Hawaiʻi National Guard; Hawaii Military Affairs Council; and Chamber of Commerce Hawaii.

Your Committee finds that federal defense-related contracting represents a significant share of Hawaii's economy and provides substantial opportunities for local businesses.  Your Committee further finds increasing the State's ability to compete for and perform federal work would yield substantial economic benefits.  Your Committee recognizes that the Military Affairs and Community Relations Office is the State's central point of coordination on military and defense-related matters and that increasing the Office's funding would make the State more competitive for receiving federal contracts.  This measure therefore provides funding to the Military and Community Relations Office to expand its work statewide and ensure that Hawaii continues to benefit from its strategic role in the Indo-Pacific.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.

Your Committee respectfully requests your Committee on Finance, should it deliberate on this measure, to consider an appropriation amount of $1,300,000.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Economic Development & Technology that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2235, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2235, H.D. 2.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Economic Development & Technology,

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  196-26

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2026

RE:   H.B. No. 2235

      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 Public Safety, to which was referred H.B. No. 2235 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE MILITARY AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to appropriate funds for the Military and Community Relations Office within the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to enhance the State's capacity for intergovernmental coordination, communication, and program administration responsibilities related to military and defense activities, workforce development, business readiness, and in-state manufacturing and sustainment capacity.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaiʻi National Guard; Military and Community Relations Office; Chamber of Commerce Hawaii; and one individual.

     Your Committee finds that the Military and Community Relations Office serves as the State's day-to-day link between military commands, state and county agencies, schools, businesses, and community stakeholders, helping partners navigate issues that rarely fall within a single entity's purview.  Your Committee further finds that this measure supports the Military and Community Relations Office's efforts to connect local businesses with federal buyers and contracting pathways, align community college and training programs with shipyard and industrial workforce needs, coordinate with installations and state agencies to address infrastructure and community interface challenges, and convene cross-sector partners to streamline communication during high-impact projects.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Changing the appropriation to an unspecified amount;

     (2)  Changing its effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and

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

     Your Committee respectfully requests your Committee on Finance, should it deliberate on this measure, to consider appropriating $1,300,000 for the Military and Community Relations Office.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Public Safety that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2235, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2235, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Economic Development & Technology.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Public Safety,