SB 817: RELATING TO OUT-OF-STATE OFFICES.

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO OUT-OF-STATE OFFICES.

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

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

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

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

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the department of business, economic development, and tourism to establish an out-of-state office in the Philippines.

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

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

Report Title:

Filipino Caucus; DBEDT; Out-of-State Office; Philippines; Appropriations

Description:

Requires and appropriates funds for the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to establish an out-of-state office in the Philippines.  Effective 7/1/2050.  (SD1)

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

A BILL FOR AN ACT

relating to out-of-state offices.

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

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

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

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

     SECTION 3.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $           or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 for the department of business, economic development, and tourism to establish an out-of-state office in the Philippines.

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

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

Report Title:

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

Description:

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

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

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 659

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.B. No. 817

       S.D. 1

Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi

President of the Senate

Thirty-Third State Legislature

Regular Session of 2025

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committees on Economic Development and Tourism and Transportation and Culture and the Arts, to which was referred S.B. No. 817 entitled:

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

beg leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

     (1)  Require the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to establish an out-of-state office in the Philippines; and

     (2)  Appropriate funds.

     Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; Oahu Filipino Community Council; Hawaiʻi Friends of Civil Rights; and two individuals.

     Your Committees find that strengthening the economic ties between the State and the Philippines is a prime opportunity to fuel economic development.  As the second-largest ethnic group in the State, Filipinos play a significant role in the local economy.  President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. has also indicated his support for increased trade between the regions.  This measure allows the State to enhance the economic and cultural partnerships with the Philippines and promote growth and mutual benefits.

Your Committees have amended this measure by:

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

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

     As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Economic Development and Tourism and Transportation and Culture and the Arts that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 817, as amended herein, and recommend that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 817, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

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