SB 2928: SPO; Small Business Procurement Program; Small Business Procurement Coordinator; Small Business Assistance Initiative; Repeal; Appropriation
- Session Year: 2025-2026
- House: Senate
- Latest Version Date: 2026-03-23
Current Status:
Failed
(2026-04-28: Received notice of Senate conferees (Sen. Com. No. 789).)
Introduced
In Committee
First Chamber
In Committee
Second Chamber
Final Decking
Enacted
What does this bill do?
Creates a permanent Small Business Procurement Program and a Small Business Procurement Coordinator in the State Procurement Office to help small businesses—including those owned by veterans, Native Hawaiians, and women—compete for and win state contracts. The coordinator will run the program, build a statewide small-business database and registration process, lead outreach, training, and policy work, handle disputes and fraud complaints, and collect and report data on small business contracting; the bill replaces the prior temporary small business assistance initiative and funds the coordinator position.
The summary is provided by generative AI which can make mistakes. For original language, please view the details in the table below.
Establishes the Small Business Procurement Program and Small Business Procurement Coordinator position permanently in the State Procurement Office. Repeals the Small Business Assistance Initiative established in Act 168, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022, effective 1/1/2525. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Establishes the Small Business Procurement Program and Small Business Procurement Coordinator position permanently in the State Procurement Office. Repeals the Small Business Assistance Initiative established in Act 168, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022, effective 1/1/2525. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2525. (SD1)
Establishes the Small Business Procurement Program and Small Business Procurement Coordinator position permanently in the State Procurement Office. Repeals the Small Business Assistance Initiative established in Act 168, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022. Appropriates funds.
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THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
2928 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
S.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
H.D. 1 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO PROCUREMENT.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that small businesses are the lifeblood of the State's economy. Act 50, Session Laws of Hawaii 2005, was enacted to promote the growth and development of small businesses in the State through the establishment of a small business preference program as part of the procurement process. Additionally, Act 213, Session Laws of Hawaii 2007, approved funding for a full-time position in the state procurement office with the purpose of implementing part IX of the Hawaii public procurement code, relating to assistance to small businesses. Unfortunately, due to funding and staffing cuts in 2008, the position was never filled and later eliminated. Therefore, although the interim rules establishing the procedures to implement the Hawaii small business preference program went into effect in 2007, there was no dedicated position to carry out the rules. In the absence of this dedicated position or a small business office, the interim rules failed to aid the small business community and expired in 2011. Act 42, Session Laws of Hawaii 2017, attempted to address this critical need by creating a small business assistance initiative. However, the three-year initiative did not receive funding in its second and third years and the enabling legislation sunset in 2020.
The legislature further finds that Act 168, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022, established a five-year small business assistance initiative within the state procurement office to facilitate the collection and development of relevant data and information to help small businesses. The initiative consisted of a small business procurement coordinator and small business office, funded through an appropriation. The intent of the initiative was to create, develop, and implement strategies to ensure that small businesses, including businesses owned by veterans, Native Hawaiians, and women, were able to effectively participate in small business contracting opportunities within the State.
A contract with the small business office was executed in 2023, and the position of small business procurement coordinator was filled in 2025. Since then, a statewide small business database has been established and is currently being expanded, a Hawaii small business office website was created to provide crucial information and tools for small businesses, and two statewide surveys were conducted to collect data from small business and procurement staff. The initiative has also conducted training workshops and outreach activities to foster direct engagement and educate small business owners on navigating state procurement processes. The initiative is currently developing draft administrative rules for small business assistance.
The legislature notes that previously drafted administrative rules relating to the development of small business contracts with the State were not effective due to insufficient business metrics and data to inform the creation of the rules.
The legislature additionally finds that as part of the State's incremental initiatives to assist small businesses in the state procurement process, the state procurement office is now addressing part IX of the Hawaii public procurement code and assisting self-identified small businesses to obtain state contracts. The legislature recognizes the importance of continuing this progress by expanding the small business assistance initiative into a permanent procurement program to collect and develop relevant data and information necessary for small businesses to compete for and obtain small business contracts, and to identify and resolve issues that must be addressed to develop an effective small business state contracting program within the state procurement process.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to permanently establish and appropriate funds for the small business procurement program and small business procurement coordinator position within the state procurement office.
SECTION 2. Chapter 103D, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding two new sections to part IX to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§103D- Small business procurement program; establishment. (a) There is established within the state procurement office a small business procurement program to ensure that small businesses, including businesses owned by veterans, Native Hawaiians, and women, are able to effectively participate in small business contracting opportunities in the State.
(b) The small business procurement program shall be administered by the small business procurement coordinator.
§103D- Small business procurement coordinator; appointment; duties. (a) The administrator of the state procurement office shall appoint a small business procurement coordinator for the proper administration, enforcement, and facilitation of this part who shall be exempt from chapter 76; provided that the coordinator shall be eligible for participation in state employee benefit plans. Notwithstanding section 76-16(b)(17), this exemption shall not expire.
(b) The small business procurement coordinator shall implement and administer programs and procedures necessary to assist small businesses to effectively participate in the State's public procurement processes. The coordinator shall:
(1) Administer the daily operations of the small business procurement program;
(2) Establish and maintain a statewide small business database;
(3) Establish processes for the registration, certification, and identification of small business in the State;
(4) Develop and implement outreach, engagement, and education initiatives, including:
(A) Serving as a liaison and advocate for small business interests within the state procurement system;
(B) Participating in outreach and engagement activities, including networking events, trade association meetings, local business expositions, and collaborating with organizations that support entrepreneurs, with a special focus on supporting underserved communities;
(C) Developing and disseminating outreach campaigns to promote small business initiatives and opportunities, including newsletters and electronic mail communications; and
(D) Creating, developing, advertising, and encouraging vendor participation in workshops, seminars, and trainings designed to promote and enhance small business participation in state contracts;
(5) Aggregate resources and advance accessibility, including:
(A) Aggregating all small business resources and materials across the State and presenting them in an easily accessible and understandable online format for potential vendor participants; and
(B) Coordinating with small business advocates in the public and private sectors to create a small business network that can be easily accessed by all small businesses;
(6) Develop policy, oversight, and training, including:
(A) Drafting policies and rules to support the implementation of this part;
(B) Producing, publishing, and disseminating training materials designed to inform procurement staff and small business vendors of policies and rules;
(C) Collaborating with state agencies to identify and promote contracting opportunities suitable for small businesses, including identifying potential contracts for set-asides or preferences; and
(D) Establishing mechanisms and implementing procedures for handling disputes and investigating allegations of fraud and other misappropriations of the small business procurement program and its benefits to small businesses; and
(7) Perform data collection and reporting, including:
(A) Establishing a system for collecting and analyzing data on small business participation in state contracts, including data on contract awards aggregated by industry, agency, and business demographic;
(B) Collecting data on existing and future small business vendor disputes, problems, difficulties, successes, recommendations, and any other metrics deemed important to the program by the state procurement office or legislature; and
(C) Producing an annual report of small business participation data and metrics to be submitted to the administrator of the state procurement office."
SECTION 3. Section 103D-902, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§103D-902
Small business assistance. [(a)] The policy board shall adopt rules to assist
small businesses in learning how to do business with the State.
[(b)
The state procurement office shall establish a small business initiative
program consistent with this chapter to ensure that small businesses, including
businesses owned by veterans, Native Hawaiians, and women, are able to
effectively participate in small business contracting opportunities in the
State.]"
SECTION 4. Act 168, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022, is amended by amending section 6 to read as follows:
"SECTION
6. This Act shall take effect upon its
approval; provided that section 4 shall take effect on July 1, 2022[.];
provided further that section 3 shall be repealed on January 1, 2525."
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 to establish permanent full-time equivalent ( FTE) small business procurement coordinator position within the state procurement office.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the state procurement office 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; provided that sections 2, 3, and 5 shall take effect on July 1, 2026.
Report Title:
SPO; Small Business Procurement Program; Small Business Procurement Coordinator; Small Business Assistance Initiative; Repeal; Appropriation
Description:
Establishes the Small Business Procurement Program and Small Business Procurement Coordinator position permanently in the State Procurement Office. Repeals the Small Business Assistance Initiative established in Act 168, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022, effective 1/1/2525. Appropriates funds. 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.
|
THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
2928 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
S.D. 1 |
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|
STATE OF HAWAII |
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|
|
|
|
||
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO PROCUREMENT.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that small businesses are the lifeblood of the State's economy. Act 50, Session Laws of Hawaii 2005, was enacted to promote the growth and development of small businesses in the State through the establishment of a small business preference program as part of the procurement process. Additionally, Act 213, Session Laws of Hawaii 2007, approved funding for a full-time position in the state procurement office with the purpose of implementing part IX of the Hawaii public procurement code, relating to assistance to small businesses. Unfortunately, due to funding and staffing cuts in 2008, the position was never filled and later eliminated. Therefore, although subchapter 9 of 3-124, Hawaii Administrative Rules, the interim rules establishing the procedures to implement the Hawaii small business preference program, went into effect in 2007, there was no dedicated position to carry out the rules. In the absence of this dedicated position or a small business office, the interim rules failed to aid the small business community and expired in 2011. Act 42, Session Laws of Hawaii 2017, attempted to address this critical need by creating a small business assistance initiative. However, the three-year initiative did not receive funding in its second and third years and the enabling legislation sunset in 2020.
The legislature further finds that Act 168, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022, established a five-year small business assistance initiative within the state procurement office to identify, quantify, and address the needs of small businesses and measure and track their participation in state small business contracts. The initiative consisted of a small business procurement coordinator and small business office, funded through an appropriation. The intent of the initiative was to create, develop, and implement strategies to ensure that small businesses, including businesses owned by veterans, Native Hawaiians, and women, were able to effectively participate in small business contracting opportunities within the State.
A contract with the small business office was executed in 2023, and the position of small business procurement coordinator was filled in 2025. Since then, a statewide small business database has been established and is currently being expanded; a Hawaii small business office website was created to provide crucial information and tools for small businesses; and two statewide surveys were conducted to collect data from small business and procurement staff. The initiative has also conducted training workshops and outreach activities to foster direct engagement and educate small business owners on navigating state procurement processes. The initiative is currently developing draft administrative rules for small business assistance.
The legislature notes that previously drafted administrative rules relating to the development of small business contracts with the State were not effective due to insufficient business metrics and data to inform the creation of the rules.
The legislature further finds that as part of the State's incremental initiatives to assist small businesses in the state procurement process, the state procurement office is now addressing part IX of the Hawaii public procurement code and assisting self-identified small businesses to obtain state contracts. The legislature recognizes the importance of continuing this progress by expanding the small business assistance initiative into a permanent procurement program to collect and develop relevant data and information necessary for small businesses to compete for and obtain small business contracts, and to identify and resolve issues that must be addressed to develop an effective small business state contracting program within the state procurement process.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to permanently establish and appropriate funds for the small business procurement program and small business procurement coordinator position within the state procurement office.
SECTION 2. Chapter 103D, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding two new sections to part IX to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§103D- Small business procurement program; establishment. (a) There is established within the state procurement office a small business procurement program to ensure that small businesses, including businesses owned by veterans, Native Hawaiians, and women, are able to effectively participate in small business contracting opportunities in the State.
(b) The small business procurement program shall be administered by the small business procurement coordinator.
§103D- Small business procurement coordinator; appointment; duties. (a) The administrator of the state procurement office shall appoint a small business procurement coordinator for the proper administration, enforcement, and facilitation of this part. The appointment shall be made without regard to chapter 76; provided that the coordinator shall be eligible for participation in state employee benefit plans. Notwithstanding section 76-16(b)(17), this exemption from chapter 76 shall not expire.
(b) The small business procurement coordinator shall implement and administer programs and procedures necessary to assist small businesses to effectively participate in the State's public procurement processes. The coordinator shall:
(1) Administer the daily operations of the small business procurement program;
(2) Establish and maintain a statewide small business database;
(3) Establish processes for the registration, certification, and identification of small business in the State;
(4) Develop and implement outreach, engagement, and education initiatives, including:
(A) Serving as a liaison and advocate for small business interests within the state procurement system;
(B) Participating in outreach and engagement activities, including networking events, trade association meetings, local business expositions, and collaborating with organizations that support entrepreneurs, with a special focus on supporting underserved communities;
(C) Developing and disseminating outreach campaigns to promote small business initiatives and opportunities, including newsletters and electronic mail communications; and
(D) Creating, developing, advertising, and encouraging vendor participation in workshops, seminars, and trainings designed to promote and enhance small business participation in state contracts;
(5) Aggregate resources and advance accessibility, including by:
(A) Aggregating all small business resources and materials from around the State and presenting them in an easily accessible and understandable online format for potential vendor participants; and
(B) Coordinating with small business advocates in the public and private sectors to create a small business network that can be easily accessed by all small businesses;
(6) Develop policy, oversight, and training, including:
(A) Drafting policies and rules to support the implementation of this part;
(B) Producing, publishing, and disseminating training materials designed to inform procurement staff and small business vendors of policies and rules;
(C) Collaborating with state agencies to identify and promote contracting opportunities suitable for small businesses, including identifying potential contracts for set-asides or preferences; and
(D) Establishing mechanisms and implementing procedures for handling disputes and investigating allegations of fraud and other misappropriations of the small business procurement program and its benefits to small businesses; and
(7) Perform data collection and reporting, including by:
(A) Establishing a system for collecting and analyzing data on small business participation in state contracts, including data on contract awards aggregated by industry, agency, and business demographic;
(B) Collecting data on existing and future small business vendor disputes, problems, difficulties, successes, recommendations, and any other metrics deemed important to the program by the state procurement office or legislature; and
(C) Producing an annual report of small business participation data and metrics to be submitted to the administrator of the state procurement office."
SECTION 3. Section 103D-902, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§103D-902
Small business assistance. [(a)] The policy board shall adopt rules to assist
small businesses in learning how to do business with the State.
[(b)
The state procurement office shall establish a small business initiative
program consistent with this chapter to ensure that small businesses, including
businesses owned by veterans, Native Hawaiians, and women, are able to
effectively participate in small business contracting opportunities in the
State.]"
SECTION 4. Act 168, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022, is amended by amending section 6 to read as follows:
"SECTION
6. This Act shall take effect upon its
approval; provided that section 4 shall take effect on July 1, 2022[.];
provided further that section 3 shall be repealed on January 1, 2525."
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 to establish permanent full-time equivalent ( FTE) small business procurement coordinator position within the state procurement office.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the state procurement office 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, 2525; provided that sections 2, 3, and 5 shall take effect on July 1, 2026.
Report Title:
SPO; Small Business Procurement Program; Small Business Procurement Coordinator; Small Business Assistance Initiative; Repeal; Appropriation
Description:
Establishes the Small Business Procurement Program and Small Business Procurement Coordinator position permanently in the State Procurement Office. Repeals the Small Business Assistance Initiative established in Act 168, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022, effective 1/1/2525. Appropriates funds. Effective 7/1/2525. (SD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
|
THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
2928 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
|
|
|
STATE OF HAWAII |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
A BILL FOR AN ACT
Relating to Procurement.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that small businesses are the lifeblood of the State's economy. Act 50, Session Laws of Hawaii 2005, was enacted to promote the growth and development of small businesses in Hawaii through the establishment of a small business preference program as part of the procurement process. Additionally, Act 213, Session Laws of Hawaii 2007, approved funding for a full-time position in the state procurement office with the purpose of implementing part IX of the Hawaii public procurement code, relating to assistance to small businesses. Unfortunately, due to funding and staffing cuts in 2008, the position was never filled and later eliminated. Therefore, although subchapter 9 of 3-124, Hawaii Administrative Rules, the interim rules establishing the procedures to implement the Hawaii small business preference program went into effect in 2007, there was no dedicated position to carry out those rules. In the absence of this dedicated position or a small business office, the interim rules failed to aid the small business community and expired in 2011. Act 42, Session Laws of Hawaii 2017, then attempted to address this critical need by creating a small business assistance initiative. However, the three-year initiative did not receive funding in its second and third years and the enabling legislation sunset in 2020.
The legislature further finds that Act 168, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022, established a five-year small business assistance initiative within the state procurement office to identify, quantify, and address the needs of small businesses and measure and track their participation in state small business contracts. The initiative consisted of a small business procurement coordinator and small business office, funded through an appropriation. The intent of the initiative was to create, develop, and implement strategies to ensure that small businesses, including businesses owned by veterans, Native Hawaiians, and women, were able to effectively participate in small business contracting opportunities within the State.
A contract with the small business office was executed in 2023 and the position of small business procurement coordinator was filled in 2025. Since then, a statewide small business database has been established and is currently being expanded; a Hawaii small business office website was created to provide crucial information and tools for small businesses; and two statewide surveys were conducted to collect data from small business and procurement staff. The initiative has also conducted training workshops and outreach activities to foster direct engagement and educate small business owners on navigating state procurement processes. The initiative is currently developing draft administrative rules for small business assistance.
The legislature notes that previously drafted administrative rules relating to the development of small business contracts with the State were not effective due to insufficient business metrics and data to inform the creation of the rules.
The legislature further finds that as part of the state's incremental initiatives to assist small businesses in the state procurement process, the state procurement office is now addressing part IX of the Hawaii public procurement code and assisting self-identified small businesses to obtain state contracts. The legislature recognizes the importance of continuing this progress by expanding the small business assistance initiative into a permanent procurement program to collect and develop relevant data and information necessary for small businesses to compete for and obtain small business contracts and identify and resolve issues that must be addressed to develop an effective small business state contracting program within the state procurement process.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to permanently establish and appropriate funds for the small business procurement program and small business procurement coordinator position within the state procurement office.
SECTION 2. Chapter 103D, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding two new sections to part IX to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§103D- Small business procurement program; establishment. (a) There is established within the state procurement office a small business procurement program to ensure that small businesses, including businesses owned by veterans, Native Hawaiians, and women, are able to effectively participate in small business contracting opportunities in the State.
(b) The small business procurement program shall be administered by the small business procurement coordinator.
§103D- Small business procurement coordinator; appointment; duties. (a) The administrator of the state procurement office shall appoint a small business coordinator for the proper administration, enforcement, and facilitation of this part. The appointment shall be made without regard to chapter 76; provided that the coordinator shall be eligible for participation in state employee benefit plans. Notwithstanding section 76-16(b)(17), this exemption from chapter 76 shall not expire.
(b) The coordinator shall implement and administer programs and procedures necessary to assist small businesses to effectively participate in the State's public procurement processes. The coordinator shall:
(1) Administer the daily operations of the small business procurement program;
(2) Establish and maintain a statewide small business database;
(3) Establish processes for the registration, certification, and identification of small business in the State;
(4) Develop and implement outreach, engagement, and education initiatives, including:
(A) Serving as a liaison and advocate for small business interests within the state procurement system;
(B) Participating in outreach and engagement activities, including networking events, trade association meetings, local business expositions, and collaborating with organizations that support entrepreneurs, with a special focus on supporting underserved communities;
(C) Developing and disseminating outreach campaigns to promote small business initiatives and opportunities, including newsletters and electronic mail communications; and
(D) Creating, developing, advertising, and encouraging vendor participation in workshops, seminars, and trainings designed to promote and enhance small business participation in state contracts;
(5) Aggregate resources and advance accessibility, including by:
(A) Aggregating all small business resources and materials from around the State and presenting them in an easily accessible and understandable online format for potential vendor participants; and
(B) Coordinating with small business advocates in the public and private sectors to create a small business network that can be easily accessed by all small businesses;
(6) Develop policy, oversight, and training, including:
(A) Drafting policies and rules to support the implementation of this part;
(B) Producing, publishing, and disseminating training materials designed to inform procurement staff and small business vendors of policies and rules;
(C) Collaborating with state agencies to identify and promote contracting opportunities suitable for small businesses, including identifying potential contracts for set-asides or preferences; and
(D) Establishing mechanisms and implementing procedures for handling disputes and investigating allegations of fraud and other misappropriations of the small business procurement program and its benefits to small businesses; and
(7) Perform data collection and reporting, including by:
(A) Establishing a system for collecting and analyzing data on small business participation in state contracts, including data on contract awards aggregated by industry, agency, and business demographic;
(B) Collecting data on existing and future small business vendor disputes, problems, difficulties, successes, recommendations, and any other metrics deemed important to the program by the state procurement office or legislature; and
(C) Producing an annual report of small business participation data and metrics to be submitted to the administrator of the state procurement office."
SECTION 3. Section 103D-902, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§103D-902
Small business assistance. [(a)] The policy board shall adopt rules to assist
small businesses in learning how to do business with the State.
[(b)
The state procurement office shall establish a small business initiative
program consistent with this chapter to ensure that small businesses, including
businesses owned by veterans, Native Hawaiians, and women, are able to
effectively participate in small business contracting opportunities in the
State.]"
SECTION 4. Act 168, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022, is amended by amending section 6 to read as follows:
"SECTION
6. This Act shall take effect upon its
approval; provided that section 4 shall take effect on July 1, 2022[.];
provided further that section 3 shall be repealed on June 30, 2026."
SECTION 5. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $126,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 to establish one permanent full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) small business procurement coordinator position within the state procurement office.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the state procurement office 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 upon its approval; provided that sections 2, 3, and 5 shall take effect on July 1, 2026.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
_____________________________ |
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Report Title:
SPO; Small Business Procurement Program; Small Business Procurement Coordinator; Appropriation
Description:
Establishes the Small Business Procurement Program and Small Business Procurement Coordinator position permanently in the State Procurement Office. Repeals the Small Business Assistance Initiative established in Act 168, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022. Appropriates funds.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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Date
|
Status
|
|---|---|
| Apr 28, 2026 | Received notice of Senate conferees (Sen. Com. No. 789). |
| Apr 28, 2026 | Senate Conferees Appointed: McKelvey Chair; Kanuha Co-Chair; Fevella. |
| Apr 10, 2026 | Received notice of disagreement (Sen. Com. No. 564). |
| Apr 10, 2026 | Senate disagrees with House amendments. |
| Apr 10, 2026 | Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 525). |
| Apr 9, 2026 | Passed Third Reading with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Cochran excused (1). Transmitted to Senate. |
| Apr 9, 2026 | Reported from FIN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 2004-26), recommending passage on Third Reading. |
| Apr 7, 2026 | The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes were as follows: 16 Ayes: Representative(s) Todd, Takenouchi, Hartsfield, Hussey, Keohokapu-Lee Loy, Kitagawa, Kusch, Lee, M., Miyake, Morikawa, Perruso, Templo, Yamashita, Alcos, Gedeon, Reyes Oda; Ayes with reservations: none; 0 Noes: none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Apr 2, 2026 | Bill scheduled for decision making on Tuesday, 04-07-26 10:10AM in conference room 308 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Apr 2, 2026 | The committee(s) on FIN recommend(s) that the measure be deferred until 04-07-26. |
| Mar 31, 2026 | Bill scheduled to be heard by FIN on Thursday, 04-02-26 2:00PM in House conference room 308 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Mar 24, 2026 | Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on FIN with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Garrett, Quinlan excused (2). |
| Mar 24, 2026 | Reported from ECD (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1329-26) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to FIN. |
| Mar 20, 2026 | The committee on ECD recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 6 Ayes: Representative(s) Ilagan, Hussey, Tam, Templo, Yamashita, Gedeon; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and Excused: none. |
| Mar 16, 2026 | Bill scheduled to be heard by ECD on Friday, 03-20-26 9:30AM in House conference room 423 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Mar 12, 2026 | This measure has been deleted from the meeting scheduled on Friday 03-13-26 10:00AM in conference room 423 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Mar 10, 2026 | Bill scheduled to be heard by ECD on Friday, 03-13-26 10:00AM in House conference room 423 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Mar 10, 2026 | Referred to ECD, FIN, referral sheet 16 |
| Mar 10, 2026 | Pass First Reading |
| Mar 6, 2026 | Received from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 88) in amended form (SD 1). |
| Mar 6, 2026 | Report Adopted; Passed Third Reading. Ayes, 24; Aye(s) with reservations: none. Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 1 (Senator(s) Ihara). Transmitted to House. |
| Mar 5, 2026 | One Day Notice 03-06-26. |
| Mar 5, 2026 | Reported from WAM (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 2754) with recommendation of passage on Third Reading. |
| Mar 3, 2026 | The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes in WAM were as follows: 12 Aye(s): Senator(s) Dela Cruz, Moriwaki, DeCoite, Elefante, Hashimoto, Inouye, Kanuha, Kidani, Kim, Lee, C., Richards, Wakai; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Fevella. |
| Feb 25, 2026 | The committee(s) on WAM deferred the measure until 03-03-26 10:15AM; Conference Room 211 & Videoconference. |
| Feb 23, 2026 | The committee(s) on WAM will hold a public decision making on 02-25-26 10:57AM; Conference Room 211 & Videoconference. |
| Feb 19, 2026 | Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to WAM. |
| Feb 19, 2026 | Reported from GVO (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 2413) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to WAM. |
| Feb 10, 2026 | The committee(s) on GVO recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in GVO were as follows: 5 Aye(s): Senator(s) McKelvey, Gabbard, Hashimoto, Moriwaki, Awa; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Feb 5, 2026 | The committee(s) on GVO deferred the measure until 02-10-26 3:00PM; Conference Room 225 & Videoconference. |
| Feb 2, 2026 | The committee(s) on GVO has scheduled a public hearing on 02-05-26 3:01PM; CR 225 & Videoconference. |
| Jan 30, 2026 | Referred to GVO, WAM. |
| Jan 26, 2026 | Passed First Reading. |
| Jan 23, 2026 | Introduced. |
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Date
|
Description
|
Location
|
Votes
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 7, 2026 | The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | House Standing Committee on Finance |
Passed |
|
| Mar 20, 2026 | The committee on ECD recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Economic Development & Technology |
Passed |
|
| Mar 6, 2026 | Third Reading | Senate Floor |
Passed |
|
| Mar 3, 2026 | The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | Senate Standing Committee on Ways and Means |
Passed |
|
| Feb 10, 2026 | The committee(s) on GVO recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Government Operations |
Passed |
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.
|
Organization
|
Position
|
Date
|
|---|---|---|
| Business Development & Support Division | *** Support | Apr 2, 2026 |
| Chamber of Commerce Hawaii | *** Support | Apr 2, 2026 |
| City and County of Honolulu | *** Support | Apr 2, 2026 |
| CivicNexus | *** Support | Feb 27, 2026 |
| CivicNexus | *** Support | Apr 2, 2026 |
| Department of Accounting and General Services | *** Support | Apr 2, 2026 |
| Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism | *** Support | Apr 2, 2026 |
| Department of Transportation | *** Support | Feb 5, 2026 |
| Department of Transportation | ** Support | |
| Hawaiʿi Farm Bureau | *** Support | Mar 20, 2026 |
| Hawai‘i Farm Bureau | *** Support | Apr 2, 2026 |
| Hello Momentum | *** Support | Apr 2, 2026 |
| Kapolei Chamber of Commerce | *** Support | Apr 2, 2026 |
| Legacy Visuals LLC | *** Support | Apr 2, 2026 |
| Maui Chamber of Commerce | *** Support | Apr 2, 2026 |
| Native Hawaiian Community Development Corporation | *** Support | Apr 2, 2026 |
| Office of Economic Revitalization | *** Support | Apr 2, 2026 |
| PACIFIC RESOURCE PARTNERSHIP | *** Support | Apr 2, 2026 |
| Retail Merchants of Hawaiʻi | *** Support | Apr 2, 2026 |
| Stanford Carr Development, LLC | *** Support | Apr 2, 2026 |
| State Procurement Office | *** Support | Apr 2, 2026 |
| State Procurement Office | *** Support | Feb 27, 2026 |
| Wahiawā Value-Added Product Development Center | *** Support | Apr 2, 2026 |
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2754
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: S.B. No. 2928
S.D. 1
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2026
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 2928, S.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO PROCUREMENT,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose and intent of this measure is to promote the growth and development of small businesses in the State.
Specifically, this measure permanently establishes and appropriates moneys for the small business procurement program and the small business procurement coordinator position within the State Procurement Office.
Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Department of Accounting and General Services; Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; State Procurement Office; Kapolei Chamber of Commerce; Chamber of Commerce Hawaii; Native Hawaiian Community Development Corporation; Wahiawa Value Added Product Development Center; Pacific Resource Partnership; Legacy Visuals LLC; CivicNexus; Hello Momentum; and two individuals.
Your Committee finds that although small businesses are critical to the State's economic development, they have historically faced structural barriers to participating effectively in public procurement. Your Committee further finds that the small business procurement program established by this measure will help to increase small business participation in state contracting, improve competition, strengthen local supply chains, and ensure that public procurement funds circulate within Hawaii's economy.
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. 2928, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,
|
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________________________________ DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair |
|
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|
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2413
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: S.B. No. 2928
S.D. 1
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2026
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committee on Government Operations, to which was referred S.B. No. 2928 entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO PROCUREMENT,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose and intent of this measure is to:
(1) Permanently establish the Small Business Procurement Program and the position of the Small Business Procurement Coordinator within the State Procurement Office;
(2) Repeal the Small Business Assistance Initiative established in Act 168, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022; and
(3) Appropriate funds.
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Department of Transportation; State Procurement Office; Office of Economic Revitalization of the City and County of Honolulu; Maui Chamber of Commerce; Kapolei Chamber of Commerce; CivicNexus; Native Hawaiian Community Development Corporation; and one individual.
Your Committee finds that small businesses in the State are a critical driver of the state economy, yet historically they have faced structural barriers to participating effectively in public procurement. Fortunately, Act 168, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022 (Act 168), marked a significant turning point for state small businesses by establishing a five-year Small Business Assistance Initiative within the State Procurement Office, which increased vendor registration, awarded contracts to small businesses, conducted surveys, developed databases, participated in outreach events, and made draft administrative rules to support small businesses. This measure ensures continuity, preserves institutional knowledge, and allows the State to fully realize the benefits of its initial investment under Act 168 by formalizing the Initiative through the establishment of the Small Business Procurement Program.
Your Committee notes that the establishment of a permanent Small Business Procurement Program within the State Procurement Office could assist the Office with carrying out its other legislative endeavors, such as local business preference.
Your Committee has amended this measure by:
(1) Changing the appropriation amount from $126,000 to an unspecified amount, and the number of full-time equivalent (FTE) positions from one to an unspecified number, to encourage further discussion on the measure;
(2) Changing the repeal date for Act 168, Session Laws of Hawaii 2022, to January 1, 2525, to encourage further discussion;
(3) Inserting an effective date of July 1, 2525, to encourage further discussion; and
(4) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity and consistency.
Your Committee notes that this measure, as amended, contains an unspecified appropriation amount and an unspecified number of full-time equivalent (FTE) positions. Should your Committee on Ways and Means choose to deliberate on this measure, your Committee respectfully requests that it consider inserting an appropriation amount of $126,000 for the establishment of one full time equivalent (1.0 FTE) Small Business Procurement Coordinator position within the State Procurement Office.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Government Operations that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2928, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 2928, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Government Operations,
|
|
|
________________________________ ANGUS L.K. MCKELVEY, Chair |
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|
|
|
Date
|
Testimony PDF
|
|---|---|
| Apr 2, 2026 | SB2928_HD1_TESTIMONY_FIN_04-02-26_.PDF |
| Mar 20, 2026 | SB2928_SD1_TESTIMONY_ECD_03-20-26_.PDF |
| Feb 27, 2026 | SB2928_SD1_TESTIMONY_WAM_02-25-26_.PDF |
| Feb 5, 2026 | SB2928_TESTIMONY_GVO_02-05-26_.PDF |
Discussed in Hearing
1MIN
House Standing Committee on Economic Development & Technology
37SEC
House Standing Committee on Economic Development & Technology
46SEC
Senate Standing Committee on Government Operations
46SEC
Senate Standing Committee on Energy and Intergovernmental Affairs
5MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Government Operations
Bill Author
Bill Co-Author(s):
