SB 989: HTDC; Technology Enablement; Project Management Software; Portal; Facilitated Application Process; Small Businesses; Report; Appropriations

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that technology adoption is vital for small businesses in Hawaii to overcome a variety of critical technological challenges and remain competitive in an increasingly digital marketplace.  Leveraging technology can help small businesses optimize operations, reduce costs, and expand their reach beyond the islands.  Digital tools such as booking systems, online marketing platforms, and data analytics can help reduce costs, expand market reach, and help tourism-based businesses attract and retain customers while enhancing the overall visitor experience.

     The legislature further finds that technology mitigates the risks of geographic isolation by enabling remote work, virtual services, and e-commerce opportunities.  Supporting small businesses with technology adoption ensures their ability to innovate and adapt, bolstering their resilience and contributing to the long-term economic sustainability of Hawaii's communities.  At the same time, non-action would exacerbate the State's current and potential future economic vulnerabilities.

     The legislature additionally finds that the Hawaii technology development corporation was established to foster innovation and economic diversification by supporting the growth and development of the State's technology sector.  With decades of experience implementing technology-driven initiatives, the corporation has successfully facilitated numerous projects funded by the State and ensured effective use of state resources with a proven track record of fostering innovation and economic diversification through state-funded initiatives, demonstrating expertise in administering grants, supporting start‑ups, promoting public-private partnerships, empowering local businesses, and driving economic progress.  The Hawaii technology development corporation's expertise spans a wide range of industries, enabling the effective implementation of cutting-edge technologies tailored to Hawaii's unique challenges and opportunities, and the corporation's commitment to leveraging state funding for impactful tech projects underscores its role as a critical catalyst for innovation and competitiveness in Hawaii's economy.

     The legislature also finds that certain land and water use activities or construction projects may require permits issued by agencies and authorities through the facilitated application process, which is overseen by the department of business, economic development, and tourism.  The process to obtain these permits can be cumbersome, particularly for small businesses, and can subject applicants to lengthy waiting periods.  The legislature recognizes that there is a need to expedite these processes to ensure that economic activity is not stifled or unduly burdened by costly delays in permitting.

     Therefore, the purpose of this Act is to promote economic development by:

     (1)  Appropriating funds for technology enablement for small businesses and the development of project management software to simplify the facilitated application process for small businesses; and

     (2)  Requiring the Hawaii technology development corporation to submit a report on the status of assisting technology enablement for small businesses related to the tourism sector.

     SECTION 2.  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 to:

     (1)  Assist small businesses with technology enablement; and

     (2)  Develop project management software to simplify the facilitated application process for small businesses, including a portal for applicants to apply for permits and monitor applications.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the Hawaii technology development corporation for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 3.  The Hawaii technology development corporation shall submit a report on the status of assisting technology enablement for small businesses related to the tourism sector to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2026.

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

Report Title:

HTDC; Technology Enablement; Project Management Software; Portal; Facilitated Application Process; Small Businesses; Report; Appropriations

Description:

Appropriates funds to the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation to assist small businesses with technology enablement and develop project management software to simplify the facilitated application process for small businesses.  Requires a report to the Legislature.  Effective 7/1/3000.  (HD1)

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

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

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

     SECTION 1.  The legislature finds that technology adoption for small businesses in Hawaii is vital for them to overcome a variety of critical technological challenges and remain competitive in an increasingly digital marketplace.  Leveraging technology can help small businesses optimize operations, reduce costs, and expand their reach beyond the islands.  Digital tools such as booking systems, online marketing platforms, and data analytics can help reduce costs, expand market reach, and help tourism-based businesses attract and retain customers while enhancing the overall visitor experience.

     The legislature further finds that technology mitigates the risks of geographic isolation by enabling remote work, virtual services, and e-commerce opportunities.  Supporting small businesses with technology adoption ensures their ability to innovate and adapt, bolstering their resilience and contributing to the long-term economic sustainability of Hawaii's communities.  At the same time, non-action would exacerbate the State's current and potential future economic vulnerabilities.

     The legislature additionally finds that the Hawaii technology development corporation (HTDC) was established to foster innovation and economic diversification by supporting the growth and development of the State's technology sector.  With decades of experience implementing technology-driven initiatives, HTDC has successfully facilitated numerous projects funded by the State and ensured effective use of state resources with a proven track record of fostering innovation and economic diversification through state-funded initiatives, demonstrating expertise in administering grants, supporting start‑ups, promoting public-private partnerships, empowering local businesses, and driving economic progress.  HTDC's expertise spans a wide range of industries, enabling the effective implementation of cutting-edge technologies tailored to Hawaii's unique challenges and opportunities.  HTDC's commitment to leveraging state funding for impactful tech projects underscores its role as a critical catalyst for innovation and competitiveness in Hawaii's economy.

     Therefore, the purpose of this Act is to promote economic development by:

     (1)  Appropriating funds for technology enablement for small businesses; and

     (2)  Requiring the Hawaii technology development corporation to submit a report to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2026.

     SECTION 2.  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 to assist small businesses with technology enablement.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the Hawaii technology development corporation for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 3.  The Hawaii technology development corporation shall submit a report on the status of assisting technology enablement for small businesses related to the tourism sector to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2026.

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

Report Title:

HTDC; Technology Enablement; Small Businesses; Report; Appropriations

Description:

Appropriates funds to the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation to assist small businesses with technology enablement.  Requires a report to the Legislature.  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 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

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

     SECTION 1.  The Legislature finds that technology adoption for small businesses in Hawaii is vital for them to overcome a variety of critical technological challenges and remain competitive in an increasingly digital marketplace.  Leveraging technology can help small businesses optimize operations, reduce costs, and expand their reach beyond the islands.  Digital tools such as booking systems, online marketing platforms, and data analytics can help reduce costs, expand market reach, and help tourism-based businesses attract and retain customers while enhancing the overall visitor experience.

The legislature further finds that technology mitigates the risks of geographic isolation by enabling remote work, virtual services, and e-commerce opportunities.  Supporting small businesses with technology adoption ensures their ability to innovate and adapt, bolstering their resilience and contributing to the long-term economic sustainability of Hawaii's communities.  At the same time, non-action would exacerbate the State's current and potential future economic vulnerabilities.

     The legislature additionally finds that the Hawaii technology development corporation (HTDC) was established to foster innovation and economic diversification by supporting the growth and development of the State's technology sector.  With decades of experience implementing technology-driven initiatives, HTDC has successfully facilitated numerous projects funded by the State and ensured effective use of state resources with a proven track record of fostering innovation and economic diversification through state-funded initiatives, demonstrating expertise in administering grants, supporting start‑ups, promoting public-private partnerships, empowering local businesses, and driving economic progress.  HTDC's expertise spans a wide range of industries, enabling the effective implementation of cutting-edge technologies tailored to Hawaii's unique challenges and opportunities.  HTDC's commitment to leveraging state funding for impactful tech projects underscores its role as a critical catalyst for innovation and competitiveness in Hawaii's economy.

     Therefore, the purpose of this Act is to promote economic development by:

     (1)  Appropriating funds for technology enablement for small businesses; and

     (2)  Requiring the Hawaii technology development corporation to submit a report to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2026.

     SECTION 2.  There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $500,000 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 to assist small businesses with technology enablement.

     The sums appropriated shall be expended by the Hawaii technology development corporation for the purposes of this Act.

     SECTION 3.  the Hawaii technology development corporation shall submit a report on the status of assisting technology enablement for small businesses related to the tourism sector to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of the regular session of 2026.

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

Report Title:

HTDC; Technology Enablement; Small Businesses; Report; Appropriations

Description:

Appropriates funds to the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation to assist small businesses with technology enablement.  Requires a report to the Legislature.

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.  1956

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

RE:   S.B. No. 989

      S.D. 1

      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 S.B. No. 989, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to:

     (1)  Appropriate funds to assist small businesses with technology enablement and the development of project management software to simplify the facilitated application process for small businesses; and

     (2)  Require the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation to submit a report to the Legislature on the status of assisting technology enablement for small businesses related to the tourism sector.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaiʻi Technology Development Corporation; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; Chamber of Commerce Hawaii; Hawaii Food Industry Association; Maui Chamber of Commerce; Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce; and one individual.

     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 S.B. No. 989, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

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

STAND. COM. REP. NO.  1344

Honolulu, Hawaii

                , 2025

RE:   S.B. No. 989

      S.D. 1

      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 S.B. No. 989, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose of this measure is to:

     (1)  Appropriate funds to the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation to assist small businesses with technology enablement; and

     (2)  Require the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation to submit a report to the Legislature on the status of assisting technology enablement for small businesses related to the tourism sector.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation; Hawaii Food Industry Association; Maui Chamber of Commerce; Hawaiʻi Farm Bureau; Nalu Scientific, LLC; Chamber of Commerce Hawaii; SSFM International; KOʻOLAU Distillery; Ai.Fish; Ten Tomorrow; Blue Startups, LLC; Referentia Systems; and one individual.

     Your Committee finds that the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation is well-positioned to provide small businesses with access to modern digital tools and technology, helping businesses reduce costs and remain competitive.  Your Committee recognizes that small businesses in the State also need support navigating certain permitting processes, which can be cumbersome and can subject businesses to lengthy waiting periods.

     Accordingly, your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Requiring the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation to also use the appropriated funds to develop project management software to simplify the facilitated application process for small businesses;

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

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

     Your Committee respectfully requests your Committee on Finance, should it deliberate on this measure, to consider an appropriation amount of $600,000.

     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 S.B. No. 989, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 989, S.D. 1, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Finance.

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

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 944

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.B. No. 989

       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. 989, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to support small businesses in the State.

     Specifically, this measure:

     (1)  Appropriates moneys to the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation to assist small businesses with technology enablement; and

     (2)  Requires a report to the Legislature.

     Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation; Chamber of Commerce Hawaii; Hawaii Food Industry Association; Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce; Hawaii Farm Bureau; Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce; Maui Chamber of Commerce; Watanabe Floral, Inc.; and one individual.

     Your Committee finds that the adoption of technology is vital for small businesses to grow and compete.  Helping small businesses learn how to leverage technology can facilitate their ability to optimize operations, reduce costs, and expand their reach.

     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. 989, 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. 392

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.B. No. 989

       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 Economic Development and Tourism, to which was referred S.B. No. 989 entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to:

     (1)  Appropriate funds to the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation to assist small businesses with technology enablement; and

     (2)  Require the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation to submit a status report to the Legislature.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Hawaiʻi Technology Development Corporation; Hawaii Food Industry Association; Chamber of Commerce Hawaii; Piko Provisions; Ai.Fish; PacMar Technologies; Hidden Gears; Meadow Gold Dairies Hawaii; WaiHome LLC; Cymz Sweet Kre8tionz LLC; Hawaii Fish Company Inc.; XLR8HI; Sultan Ventures; Experiad; and two individuals.

     Your Committee finds that the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation (HTDC) was established to foster innovation and economic diversification and is dedicated to supporting the growth and development of the State's technology sector.  HTDC has had a visible impact on a wide variety of industries across the State, administering grants, promoting public-private partnerships, and empowering local businesses through the implementation of successful advancements in technology that are focused on the priorities of the State.  Your Committee notes that even with the success of HDTC's projects, more could be done for small businesses to equip them with the adequate materials to be successful in an increasingly technological economy.  This measure will expand funding for small businesses by appropriating funds to the HDTC to assist businesses with tech enablement.

     Your Committee has amended this measure by:

     (1)  Changing the appropriation to an unspecified amount;

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

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

     Your Committee notes that this measure, as amended, contains an unspecified appropriation amount.  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 $500,000.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Economic Development and Tourism that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 989, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as S.B. No. 989, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Economic Development and Tourism,