HB 437: Filipino Caucus; DBEDT; Out-of-state Office; Republic of the Philippines; Appropriations

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO OUT-OF-STATE OFFICES.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that enhancing economic ties between Hawaii and the Republic of the Philippines (the Philippines) presents significant opportunities for strengthening mutual economic development.  Filipinos have emerged as the second-largest ethnic group in Hawaii, representing approximately twenty-five per cent of Hawaii's population, and play major roles in all sectors of Hawaii's economy.  In addition, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. has recently emphasized the potential for expanding trade cooperation between the Philippines and Hawaii.  Assisting small businesses in developing and marketing products, focusing on strengthening economic development, expanding and diversifying trade opportunities, promoting cultural exchanges, and leveraging the Filipino community in Hawaii can enhance the economic and cultural partnerships between Hawaii and the Philippines and lead to sustained growth and mutual benefits.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to require the department of business, economic development, and tourism to establish an out-of-state office in the Republic of the Philippines.

     SECTION 2.  The department of business, economic development, and tourism shall establish an out-of-state office in the Republic of the Philippines as authorized under section 201-81, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

     SECTION 3.  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 the department of business, economic development, and tourism to establish an out-of-state office in the Republic of the Philippines.

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

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.

Report Title:

Filipino Caucus; DBEDT; Out-of-state Office; Republic of the Philippines; Appropriations

Description:

Requires, and appropriates funds for, the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to establish an out‑of-state office in the Republic of the Philippines.  Effective 7/1/2050.  (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 OUT-OF-STATE OFFICES.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that enhancing economic ties between Hawaii and the Philippines presents significant opportunities for strengthening mutual economic development.  Filipinos have emerged as the second-largest ethnic group in Hawaii, representing approximately twenty-five per cent of Hawaii's population, and play major roles in all sectors of Hawaii's economy.  In addition, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. has recently emphasized the potential for expanding trade cooperation between the Philippines and Hawaii.  Assisting small businesses in developing and marketing products, focusing on strengthening economic development, expanding and diversifying trade opportunities, promoting cultural exchanges, and leveraging the Filipino community in Hawaii can enhance the economic and cultural partnerships between Hawaii and the Philippines and lead to sustained growth and mutual benefits.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to require the department of business, economic development, and tourism to establish an out-of-state office in the Philippines.

     SECTION 2.  The department of business, economic development, and tourism shall establish an out-of-state office in the Philippines as authorized under section 201-81, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

     SECTION 3.  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 the department of business, economic development, and tourism to establish an out-of-state office in the Philippines.

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

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

Filipino Caucus; DBEDT; Out-of-state Office; Philippines; Appropriation

Description:

Requires, and appropriates funds for, the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to establish an out-of-state office in the Philippines.  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 out-of-state offices.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that enhancing economic ties between Hawaii and the Philippines presents significant opportunities for strengthening mutual economic development.  Filipinos have emerged as the second-largest ethnic group in Hawaii, representing approximately twenty-five per cent of Hawaii's population, and play major roles in all sectors of Hawaii's economy.  In addition, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. has recently emphasized the potential for expanding trade cooperation between the Philippines and Hawaii.  Assisting small businesses in developing and marketing products, focusing on strengthening economic development, expanding and diversifying trade opportunities, promoting cultural exchanges, and leveraging the Filipino community in Hawaii can enhance the economic and cultural partnerships between Hawaii and the Philippines and lead to sustained growth and mutual benefits.

     Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to require the department of business, economic development, and tourism to establish an out-of-state office in the Philippines.

     SECTION 2.  The department of business, economic development, and tourism shall establish an out-of-state office in the Philippines as authorized under section 201-81, Hawaii Revised Statutes.

     SECTION 3.  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 the department of business, economic development, and tourism to establish an out-of-state office in the Philippines.

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

     SECTION 4.  This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2025.

Report Title:

Filipino Caucus; DBEDT; Out-of-state Office; Philippines; Appropriation

Description:

Requires, and appropriates funds for, the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to establish an out-of-state office in the Philippines.

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. 1773

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    H.B. No. 437

       H.D. 1

       S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 437, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO OUT-OF-STATE OFFICES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to appropriate moneys to the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism for the establishment of an out-of-state office in the Republic of the Philippines.

     Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism and Oahu Filipino Community Council.

Your Committee finds that establishing an out-of-state office of the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism in the Republic of the Philippines can enhance economic ties and strengthen mutual economic development, including assisting small businesses in developing and marketing products, expanding and diversifying trade opportunities, promoting cultural exchanges, and leveraging the large Filipino community in Hawaii.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 437, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1195

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    H.B. No. 437

       H.D. 1

       S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committees on Economic Development and Tourism and Transportation and Culture and the Arts, to which was referred H.B. No. 437, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO OUT-OF-STATE OFFICES,"

beg leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to require, and appropriate funds for, the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to establish an out-of-state office in the Republic of the Philippines.

     Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii; and one individual.

     Your Committees find that it is a goal of the State to create economic longevity, growth, and stability to facilitate sustainable development benefiting its residents.  Your Committees further find that Hawaii and the Republic of the Philippines share a long history of cultural and business ties.  Due to the major role Filipinos play in all sectors of the State's economy, expanded cooperation between the State and the Republic of the Philippines will have foreign and domestic benefits.  Out-of-state offices are an important component of promoting cultural and economic partnerships between the State and its foreign partners.  By requiring and funding the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism's establishment of an office in the Republic of the Philippines, this measure will further strengthen the trade, cultural exchange, and economic partnerships between the State and the Republic of the Philippines, thereby creating greater opportunities for mutual economic development.

     Your Committees have amended this measure by:

     (1)  Inserting an effective date of July 1, 2050, to encourage further discussion; and

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

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Economic Development and Tourism and Transportation and Culture and the Arts that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 437, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommend that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 437, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Economic Development and Tourism and Transportation and Culture and the Arts,

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  984

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

RE:   H.B. No. 437

      H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 437, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO OUT-OF-STATE OFFICES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to require and appropriate funds for the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to establish an out-of-state office in the Philippines.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Oahu Filipino Community Council; Hawai‘i Friends of Civil Rights; Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii; and two individuals.  Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from eleven individuals.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from 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. 437, 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.  331

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

RE:   H.B. No. 437

      H.D. 1

Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Madame:

     Your Committee on Economic Development & Technology, to which was referred H.B. No. 437 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO OUT-OF-STATE OFFICES,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to require the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to establish an out-of-state office in the Philippines.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Oahu Filipino Community Council; Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii; Hawaii Philippines Business & Economic Council; and three individuals.  Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism.

     Your Committee finds that enhancing economic ties between Hawaii and the Philippines presents significant opportunities for strengthening mutual economic development.  This measure is intended to help foster these economic benefits by requiring the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to establish an out-of-state office in the Philippines.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by changing its effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion.

     Your Committee respectfully requests your Committee on Finance, should it deliberate on this measure, to consider the following appropriation amounts for the establishment of an out-of-state office in the Philippines:

     (1)  $200,000 for fiscal year 2025-2026 for salaries, operating expenses, programmatic expenses, and start-up costs including a study as to where best to locate the office; and

     (2)  $175,000 for fiscal year 2026-2027 and thereafter on a recurring basis.

     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. 437, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 437, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Finance.

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