Bills

HB 546: UH; Aloha Intelligence Institute; Artificial Intelligence

Session Year: 2025-2026
House: House
Latest Version Date: 2025-03-20

Current Status:

Failed

(2025-12-08: Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.)

Introduced

In Committee

First Chamber

In Committee

Second Chamber

Final Decking

Enacted

Version:

Establishes the Aloha Intelligence Institute within the University of Hawaii to develop, support, and advance artificial intelligence initiatives statewide. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

Version:

HB546 SD1

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	546
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025		H.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII		S.D. 1

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE.

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

SECTION 1. The legislature finds that artificial intelligence technologies are rapidly transforming industries and societies worldwide by enabling computers and machines to simulate human learning, comprehension, problem solving, decision making, creativity, and autonomy. Therefore, establishing an artificial intelligence institute in Hawaii will:

(1) Promote research and innovation in artificial intelligence tailored to Hawaii's unique cultural, economic, and environmental needs;

(2) Advance workforce development and education to prepare residents for the artificial intelligence-driven future;

(3) Foster public-private partnerships to leverage resources and drive economic growth;

(4) Ensure that artificial intelligence development aligns with ethical principles and benefits for all residents of Hawaii; and

(5) Provide access to advanced computing infrastructure, artificial intelligence and data science expertise, immersive visualization technologies, and collaborative workspaces to support research, education, and creative projects.

The legislature further finds that as the sole institution of public higher education in the State, the university of Hawaii has the unique capacity to draw upon its academic disciplines, research strengths, and professional programs to serve as the hub for Hawaii artificial intelligence development in areas such as renewable energy, climate resilience, space sciences and engineering, health, sustainable agriculture, additive manufacturing, creative media, and cultural preservation.

The legislature also finds that activities of the artificial intelligence institute could take place, in part, at the several campuses and academic and professional programs across the university of Hawaii system. In turn, faculty associated with the artificial intelligence institute could actively contribute to its vision by participating in interdisciplinary research, community engagement, and student mentoring and securing grants that align with the institute's mission and the State's economic roadmap. Through this mutual commitment, the artificial intelligence institute could serve as a model of excellence for regional, place-based innovation, workforce development, knowledge creation, cultural enrichment, and social good to serve Hawaii and the nation.

Additionally, due to artificial intelligence's importance to the State, establishment of an institute dedicated to research, governance and ethics, development, and applications of artificial intelligence and related technologies is in the public interest and a matter of statewide concern pursuant to article X, sections 6, of the Hawaii State Constitution.

The purpose of this Act is to establish an artificial intelligence institute within the university of Hawaii to develop, support, and advance artificial intelligence initiatives statewide.

SECTION 2. Chapter 304A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new subpart to part IV to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

" . aloha intelligence institute

§304A- Aloha intelligence institute; artificial intelligence; established. (a) There is established the aloha intelligence institute under the office of the vice president for research and innovation at the university of Hawaii.

(b) The institute shall:

(1) Facilitate interdisciplinary research and development in artificial intelligence with a focus on areas relevant to the State, including but not limited to:

(A) Climate resilience and disaster management;

(B) Sustainable agriculture, food security, and marine resource management;

(D) Renewable energy optimization;

(E) Creative media and other emerging industries;

(F) Advanced manufacturing and rapid prototyping; and

(G) Cultural and linguistic preservation;

(2) Foster training and education programs, including but not limited to:

(A) Artificial intelligence-related undergraduate and graduate degree programs;

(B) Artificial intelligence-related training for university faculty and staff;

(D) Community outreach and K-12 educational programs; and

(E) Creation of student pathways in artificial intelligence-related fields that align with efforts from the department of education;

(3) Partner with public and private entities to promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation in artificial intelligence-related fields; and

(4) Develop ethical guidelines and policies for the use of artificial intelligence in the State.

(1) Representatives from across the university of Hawaii system and other academic institutions;

(2) Representatives from relevant state agencies;

(3) Global, national, and local leaders from technology, business, and nonprofit sectors; and

(4) Community leaders, including Native Hawaiian and cultural experts.

(d) Aside from any general funding from the legislature, the institute may seek additional funding through federal research grants, partnerships with private sector organizations, and philanthropic contributions.

(e) The institute shall submit a biannual report to the legislature and the governor. The report shall include:

(1) A summary of activities and achievements;

(2) Financial statements and funding updates; and

(3) Recommendations for future initiatives and funding needs."

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

Report Title:

UH; Aloha Intelligence Institute; Artificial Intelligence

Description:

Establishes the Aloha Intelligence Institute within the University of Hawaii to develop, support, and advance artificial intelligence initiatives statewide. Effective 7/1/3000. (SD1)

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

HB546 HD1

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	546
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025		H.D. 1
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE.

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

(1) Promote research and innovation in artificial intelligence tailored to Hawaii's unique cultural, economic, and environmental needs;

(2) Advance workforce development and education to prepare residents for the artificial intelligence-driven future;

(3) Foster public-private partnerships to leverage resources and drive economic growth;

(4) Ensure that artificial intelligence development aligns with ethical principles and benefits for all residents of Hawaii; and

Additionally, due to artificial intelligence's importance to the State, funding an institute dedicated to research, governance and ethics, development, and applications of artificial intelligence and related technologies is in the public interest and a matter of statewide concern.

The purpose of this Act is to establish and appropriate funds for an artificial intelligence institute within the university of Hawaii to develop, support, and advance artificial intelligence initiatives statewide.

SECTION 2. Chapter 304A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new subpart to part IV to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

" . aloha intelligence institute

(b) The institute shall:

(1) Facilitate interdisciplinary research and development in artificial intelligence with a focus on areas relevant to Hawaii, including but not limited to:

(A) Climate resilience and disaster management;

(B) Sustainable agriculture, food security, and marine resource management;

(D) Renewable energy optimization;

(E) Creative media and other emerging industries;

(F) Advanced manufacturing and rapid prototyping; and

(G) Cultural and linguistic preservation;

(2) Foster training and education programs, including but not limited to:

(A) Artificial intelligence-related undergraduate and graduate degree programs;

(B) Artificial intelligence-related training for university faculty and staff;

(D) Community outreach and K-12 educational programs; and

(E) Creation of student pathways in artificial intelligence-related fields that align with efforts from the department of education;

(3) Partner with public and private entities to promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation in artificial intelligence-related fields; and

(4) Develop ethical guidelines and policies for the use of artificial intelligence in Hawaii.

(1) Representatives from across the university of Hawaii system and other academic institutions;

(2) Representatives from relevant state agencies;

(3) Global, national, and local leaders from technology, business, and nonprofit sectors; and

(4) Community leaders, including Native Hawaiian and cultural experts.

(d) Aside from general funding from the legislature, the institute may seek additional funding through federal research grants, partnerships with private sector organizations, and philanthropic contributions.

(e) The institute shall submit a biannual report to the legislature and the governor. The report shall include:

(1) A summary of activities and achievements;

(2) Financial statements and funding updates; and

(3) Recommendations for future initiatives and funding needs."

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 to establish faculty of practice and administrative professional technical positions within the aloha intelligence institute and to develop, support, and advance artificial intelligence initiatives statewide pursuant to section 304A- , Hawaii Revised Statutes, as follows:

(1) $ for full-time equivalent ( FTE) permanent positions; and

(2) $ for full-time equivalent ( FTE) non-recurring positions and start-up expenses.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the university of Hawaii for the purposes of this Act.

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 to establish faculty of practice and administrative professional technical positions within the aloha intelligence institute and to develop, support, and advance artificial intelligence initiatives statewide pursuant to section 304A- , Hawaii Revised Statutes, as follows:

(1) $ for full-time equivalent ( FTE) permanent positions; and

(2) $ for non-recurring start-up expenses.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the university of Hawaii for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.

Report Title:

Aloha Intelligence Institute; Artificial Intelligence; University of Hawaii; Appropriation

Description:

Establishes and appropriates funds to establish the aloha intelligence institute within the university of Hawaii to develop, support, and advance artificial intelligence initiatives statewide. 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.

HB546

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	546
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to artificial intelligence.

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

(1) Promote research and innovation in artificial intelligence tailored to Hawaii's unique cultural, economic, and environmental needs;

(2) Advance workforce development and education to prepare residents for the artificial intelligence-driven future;

(3) Foster public-private partnerships to leverage resources and drive economic growth;

(4) Ensure that artificial intelligence development aligns with ethical principles and benefits for all residents of Hawaii; and

SECTION 2. Chapter 304A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new subpart to part IV to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

" . aloha intelligence institute

(b) The institute shall:

(1) Facilitate interdisciplinary research and development in artificial intelligence with a focus on areas relevant to Hawaii, including but not limited to:

(A) Climate resilience and disaster management;

(B) Sustainable agriculture, food security, and marine resource management;

(D) Renewable energy optimization;

(E) Creative media and other emerging industries;

(F) Advanced manufacturing and rapid prototyping; and

(G) Cultural and linguistic preservation;

(2) Foster training and education programs, including but not limited to:

(A) Artificial intelligence-related undergraduate and graduate degree programs;

(B) Artificial intelligence-related training for university faculty and staff;

(D) Community outreach and K-12 educational programs; and

(E) Creation of student pathways in artificial intelligence-related fields that align with efforts from the department of education;

(3) Partner with public and private entities to promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation in artificial intelligence-related fields; and

(4) Develop ethical guidelines and policies for the use of artificial intelligence in Hawaii.

(1) Representatives from across the university of Hawaii system and other academic institutions;

(2) Representatives from relevant state agencies;

(3) Global, national, and local leaders from technology, business, and nonprofit sectors; and

(4) Community leaders, including Native Hawaiian and cultural experts.

(e) The institute shall submit a biannual report to the legislature and the governor. The report shall include:

(1) A summary of activities and achievements;

(2) Financial statements and funding updates; and

(3) Recommendations for future initiatives and funding needs."

SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $2,000,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 to establish faculty of practice and administrative professional technical positions within the aloha intelligence institute and to develop, support, and advance artificial intelligence initiatives statewide pursuant to section 304A- , Hawaii Revised Statutes, as follows:

(1) $1,500,000 for ten full-time equivalent (10.0 FTE) permanent positions; and

(2) $500,000 for seven full-time equivalent (7.0 FTE) non-recurring positions and start-up expenses.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the university of Hawaii for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 4. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $2,000,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 to establish faculty of practice and administrative professional technical positions within the aloha intelligence institute and to develop, support, and advance artificial intelligence initiatives statewide pursuant to section 304A- , Hawaii Revised Statutes, as follows:

(1) $1,500,000 for ten full-time equivalent (10.0 FTE) permanent positions; and

(2) $500,000 for non-recurring start-up expenses.

The sum appropriated shall be expended by the university of Hawaii for the purposes of this Act.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2025.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________

Report Title:

Aloha Intelligence Institute; Artificial Intelligence; University of Hawaii; Appropriation

Description:

Establishes and appropriates funds to establish the aloha intelligence institute within the university of Hawaii to develop, support, and advance artificial intelligence initiatives statewide.

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

Date	Status
Dec 8, 2025	Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.
Mar 20, 2025	Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to WAM.
Mar 20, 2025	Reported from HRE/LBT (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1207) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to WAM.
Mar 18, 2025	The committee(s) on LBT recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in LBT were as follows: 5 Aye(s): Senator(s) Aquino, Lee, C., Ihara, Moriwaki, Fevella; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none.
Mar 18, 2025	The committee(s) on HRE recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in HRE were as follows: 4 Aye(s): Senator(s) Kim, Kidani, Hashimoto, Fevella; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Fukunaga.
Mar 14, 2025	The committee(s) on HRE/LBT has scheduled a public hearing on 03-18-25 3:25PM; Conference Room 229 & Videoconference.
Mar 4, 2025	Referred to HRE/LBT, WAM.
Mar 4, 2025	Passed First Reading.
Mar 4, 2025	Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 109).
Feb 28, 2025	Passed Third Reading with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Cochran, Pierick, Templo, Ward excused (4). Transmitted to Senate.
Feb 28, 2025	Reported from FIN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 916), recommending passage on Third Reading.
Feb 21, 2025	The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes were as follows: 12 Ayes: Representative(s) Yamashita, Takenouchi, Grandinetti, Holt, Hussey, Keohokapu-Lee Loy, Kitagawa, Kusch, Lamosao, Miyake, Templo, Reyes Oda; Ayes with reservations: none; 0 Noes: none; and 4 Excused: Representative(s) Lee, M., Morikawa, Alcos, Ward.
Feb 19, 2025	Bill scheduled to be heard by FIN on Friday, 02-21-25 10:00AM in House conference room 308 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE.
Feb 11, 2025	Report adopted; referred to the committee(s) on FIN with none voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Pierick voting no (1) and Representative(s) Cochran, Ward excused (2).
Feb 11, 2025	Reported from ECD (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 336), recommending referral to FIN.
Feb 7, 2025	The committee on ECD recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes were as follows: 7 Ayes: Representative(s) Ilagan, Hussey, Holt, Tam, Templo, Todd, Matsumoto; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and Excused: none.
Feb 4, 2025	Bill scheduled to be heard by ECD on Friday, 02-07-25 10:15AM in House conference room 423 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE.
Feb 4, 2025	Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on ECD with none voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Pierick voting no (1) and Representative(s) Cochran, Kong, Ward excused (3).
Feb 4, 2025	Reported from HED (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 148) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to ECD.
Jan 31, 2025	The committee on HED recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 11 Ayes: Representative(s) Garrett, Amato, Evslin, Kapela, Kila, La Chica, Olds, Sayama, Woodson, Muraoka, Souza; Ayes with reservations: none; 0 Noes: none; and 0 Excused: none.
Jan 28, 2025	Bill re-scheduled to be heard by HED on Friday, 01-31-25 2:15PM in conference room 309 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE.
Jan 28, 2025	Bill scheduled to be heard by HED on Friday, 01-31-25 2:00PM in House conference room 309 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE.
Jan 21, 2025	Referred to HED, ECD, FIN, referral sheet 2
Jan 21, 2025	Introduced and Pass First Reading.
Jan 17, 2025	Pending introduction.

Date	Description	Location	Votes
Mar 18, 2025	The committee(s) on LBT recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS	Senate Standing Committee on Labor and Technology	5 0 0 Passed
Mar 18, 2025	The committee(s) on HRE recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS	Senate Standing Committee on Higher Education	4 0 1 Passed
Feb 28, 2025	Third Reading	House Floor	47 0 4 Passed
Feb 21, 2025	The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED	House Standing Committee on Finance	12 0 4 Passed
Feb 7, 2025	The committee on ECD recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED	House Standing Committee on Economic Development & Technology	7 0 0 Passed
Jan 31, 2025	The committee on HED recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS	House Standing Committee on Higher Education	11 0 0 Passed

Key

Pro

Against

Did Not Vote

This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.

Positions by individuals are not included.

* Testimony in a hearing

** Position recorded in bill analysis

*** Position recorded in written testimony

Organization	Position	Date
Hawaiʻi Technology Development Corporation	** Support
Kingdom of The Hawaiian Islands	*** Support	Mar 18, 2025
Ohana Unity Parity	** Support
University of Hawaii Professional Assembly	** Support
University of Hawaiʻi System	** Support

* Testimony in a hearing

** Position recorded in bill analysis

*** Position recorded in written testimony

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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1207

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE: H.B. No. 546

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 Higher Education and Labor and Technology, to which was referred H.B. No. 546, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE,"

beg leave to report as follows:

The purpose and intent of this measure is to establish and appropriate funds for the Aloha Intelligence Institute within the University of Hawaii to develop, support, and advance artificial intelligence initiatives statewide.

Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the University of Hawaiʻi System, University of Hawaii Professional Assembly, Ohana Unity Parity, and three individuals.

Your Committees find that the unprecedented evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly revolutionizing most technologies and their impacts on daily life. Economies, societies, and regulations must develop parallel to this technology to capitalize on its advantages and minimize negative consequences. An institute dedicated to cultivating a unified approach for AI insertion will serve the State's interests by utilizing existing capacity to develop best practices and policy guidelines. This measure formalizes and integrates the efforts, expertise, activities, and approaches across the University of Hawaii's ten campuses to create one resource for the State to encourage economic development through AI use.

Your Committees have amended this measure by:

(1) Specifying that aside from any general funding from the Legislature, the Aloha Intelligence Institute may seek additional funding through federal research grants, partnerships with private sector organizations, and philanthropic contributions;

(2) Deleting language that would have appropriated funds for the establishment of faculty of practice and administrative professional technical positions within the Aloha Intelligence Institute and for the development, support, and advancement of artificial intelligence initiatives statewide; and

(3) 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 Higher Education and Labor and Technology that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 546, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommend that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 546, 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 Higher Education and Labor and Technology,

________________________________

HENRY J.C. AQUINO, Chair

________________________________

DONNA MERCADO KIM, Chair

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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 916

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2025

RE: H.B. No. 546

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. 546, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to establish and appropriate funds for the Aloha Intelligence Institute within the University of Hawaii.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the University of Hawaiʻi System and University of Hawaii Professional Assembly.

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. 546, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

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

____________________________

KYLE T. YAMASHITA, Chair

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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 336

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2025

RE: H.B. No. 546

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. 546, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to establish and appropriate funds for the Aloha Intelligence Institute within the University of Hawaii to develop, support, and advance artificial intelligence initiatives statewide.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the University of Hawaiʻi; Hawaiʻi Technology Development Corporation; and one individual.

Your Committee finds that artificial intelligence technologies are rapidly transforming industries and societies worldwide. Your Committee further finds that the State should ensure that it is properly positioned to take advantage of the many benefits of artificial intelligence. This measure addresses this need by establishing the Aloha Intelligence Institute to develop, support, and advance artificial intelligence initiatives statewide.

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. 546, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance.

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

____________________________

GREGGOR ILAGAN, Chair

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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 148

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2025

RE: H.B. No. 546

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 Higher Education, to which was referred H.B. No. 546 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to establish and appropriate funds for an artificial intelligence institute within the University of Hawaii to develop, support, and advance artificial intelligence initiatives statewide.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the University of Hawaiʻi System and University of Hawaii Professional Assembly. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from two individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from one individual.

Your Committee finds that artificial intelligence technologies are rapidly transforming industries and societies globally by enabling machines and computers to simulate human learning, comprehension, problem solving, decision making, creativity, and autonomy. Your Committee further finds that the University of Hawaii has the unique capacity to draw upon its academic disciplines, research strengths, and professional programs to serve as the hub for artificial intelligence development in the State. Your Committee recognizes the importance of artificial intelligence to the State and believes that funding an institute dedicated to research, governance and ethics, development, and applications of artificial intelligence and related technologies is in the public interest and will be of great benefit to Hawaii.

Your Committee has amended this measure by:

(1) Changing the amounts appropriated and amount of positions to be funded to unspecified amounts; and

(2) Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion.

Your Committee respectfully requests your Committee on Finance, should it choose to deliberate on this measure, to consider appropriating funds, as follows:

(1) $2,000,000 for fiscal year 2025-2026 to establish faculty of practice and administrative professional technical positions within the Aloha Intelligence Institute and to develop, support, and advance artificial intelligence initiatives statewide, as follows:

(A) $1,500,000 for ten full-time equivalent (10.0 FTE) permanent positions; and

(B) $500,000 for seven full-time equivalent (7.0 FTE) non-recurring positions and start-up expenses; and

(2) $2,000,000 for fiscal year 2026-2027 to establish faculty of practice and administrative professional technical positions within the Aloha Intelligence Institute and to develop, support, and advance artificial intelligence initiatives statewide, as follows:

(A) $1,500,000 for ten full-time equivalent (10.0 FTE) permanent positions; and

(B) $500,000 for non-recurring start-up expenses.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Higher Education that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 546, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 546, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Economic Development & Technology.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Higher Education,

____________________________

ANDREW TAKUYA GARRETT, Chair

Date	Testimony PDF
Mar 18, 2025	HB546_HD1_TESTIMONY_HRE-LBT_03-18-25_.PDF
Feb 20, 2025	HB546_HD1_TESTIMONY_FIN_02-21-25_.PDF
Feb 7, 2025	HB546_HD1_TESTIMONY_ECD_02-07-25_.PDF
Jan 31, 2025	HB546_TESTIMONY_HED_01-31-25_.PDF

Discussed in Hearing

3MIN

Authors shown for version:
HB546_SD1 (3/20/2025)

HB 546: UH; Aloha Intelligence Institute; Artificial Intelligence

Current Status:

Senate Standing Committee on Higher Education

Senate Standing Committee on Labor and Technology

Senate Standing Committee on Water and Land

House Standing Committee on Finance

House Standing Committee on Economic Development & Technology

House Standing Committee on Higher Education