SB 1622: RELATING TO ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE.

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 the State'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 the State; 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 the State and the nation.

     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 pursuant to article X, section 6, of the Hawaii State Constitution.

     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

     §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;

          (C)  Health care advancements and equitable delivery of patient care;

          (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;

          (C)  Workforce development initiatives;

          (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.

     (c)  The institute shall be led by a director, who shall convene an advisory board consisting of the following members:

     (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 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 ten full-time equivalent (10.0 FTE) permanent positions; and

     (2)  $           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 $           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 ten full-time equivalent (10.0 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 31, 2050.

Report Title:

UH; Aloha Intelligence Institute; Artificial Intelligence; Appropriations

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.  Requires reports to the Legislature.  Effective 7/31/2050.  (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 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, 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

     §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 Hawaii, including but not limited to:

          (A)  Climate resilience and disaster management;

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

          (C)  Health care advancements and equitable delivery of patient care;

          (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;

          (C)  Workforce development initiatives;

          (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.

     (c)  The institute shall be led by a director, who shall convene an advisory board consisting of the following members:

     (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 $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.

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.

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 867

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.B. No. 1622

       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 S.B. No. 1622, S.D. 1, entitled:

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

begs 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 Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the University of Hawaii System, the University of Hawaii Professional Assembly, The Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, and one individual.

     Your Committee finds that artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming almost every aspect of daily life by enabling computers to simulate human learning, comprehension, problem solving, decision making, creativity, and autonomy.  Your Committee further finds that for the State to prosper in this dynamic future, the State must stay informed about and adapt to this unprecedented evolution in technology.

     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 S.B. No. 1622, 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. 518

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.B. No. 1622

       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 S.B. No. 1622 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 an 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, Chamber of Commerce Hawaii, and two individuals.

     Your Committees find that artificial intelligence technologies are revolutionizing industries and societies worldwide.  Your Committees further find that establishing an artificial intelligence institute within the University of Hawaii will maximize the potential benefit of artificial intelligence in service of the State and its residents.  Your Committees also find that the activities conducted by the proposed artificial intelligence institute could occur at the several campuses and academic and professional programs across the University of Hawaii System.  This measure establishes an artificial intelligence institute, named the Aloha Intelligence Institute, within the University of Hawaii to prepare the State and its residents for the artificial intelligence-driven future.

     Your Committees note that funding and positions will be distributed across University of Hawaii campuses, including the University of Hawaii, West Oahu campus which has the capacity to house staffing and programming related to the Aloha Intelligence Institute.  Your Committees further note that while the institute will initially be established under the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation at the University of Hawaii, as the institute expands, it should be placed under a more appropriate office.

     Your Committees have amended this measure by:

     (1)  Changing appropriations to unspecified amounts;

     (2)  Inserting an effective date of July 31, 2050, to encourage further discussion; 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 S.B. No. 1622, as amended herein, and recommend that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 1622, 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,