SR 24: requesting the hawaii technology development corporation to increase its focus on advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity to allow local manufacturers to expand production, lower costs, and create new products.

SENATE RESOLUTION

requesting the hawaii technology development corporation to increase its focus on advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity to allow local manufacturers to expand production, lower costs, and create new products.

     WHEREAS, advanced manufacturing refers to the incorporation of various innovative technologies, such as artificial intelligence, 3D printing, and robotics, in the manufacturing process; and

     WHEREAS, advanced manufacturing can enhance efficiency, improve product quality, reduce manufacturing costs, and help promote sustainable production practices; and

     WHEREAS, increasing local manufacturing will lead to a reduction in the State's reliance on imports and help products get to consumers faster; and

     WHEREAS, cybersecurity is the practice of protecting networks, devices, and data from unauthorized access or criminal use and ensuring confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information; and

     WHEREAS, with a large military presence in Hawaii, the State has the opportunity to collaborate with the United States Department of Defense and other federal agencies on cybersecurity initiatives to help protect local businesses; and

     WHEREAS, the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation supports small- and medium-sized manufacturers through an array of programs and services; and

     WHEREAS, the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation is a vital resource for local manufacturers, providing them with the information and resources they need to improve productivity and infuse innovation into production processes and new products; now, therefore,

     BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2025, that the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation is requested to increase its focus on advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity to allow manufacturers to expand production, lower costs, and create new products; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation is requested to identify manufacturing programs, funding opportunities, and other resources to help local manufacturers develop innovative technologies and prepare the workforce for advanced manufacturing opportunities with the goal of lowering Hawaii's cost of living, increasing self-sufficiency, and ensuring long-term economic sustainability; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a certified copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the Executive Director of the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation.

Report Title: 

Hawaii Technology Development Corporation; Advanced Manufacturing; Cybersecurity

STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1445

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.R. No. 24

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.R. No. 24 entitled:

"SENATE RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE HAWAII TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION TO INCREASE ITS FOCUS ON ADVANCED MANUFACTURING AND CYBERSECURITY TO ALLOW LOCAL MANUFACTURERS TO EXPAND PRODUCTION, LOWER COSTS, AND CREATE NEW PRODUCTS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to request the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation to increase its focus on advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity to allow manufacturers to expand production, lower costs, and create new products.

     Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Military Affairs Council.

     Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism.

     Your Committee finds that innovative technologies, including artificial intelligence, 3D printing, and robotics, can enhance manufacturing efficiency.  Your Committee further finds that one cybersecurity technology is one such tool that can be implemented to further secure Hawaii's manufacturing industry to ensure confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information. Since the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation is the vital resource for local manufacturers, it can be a valuable support structure to improve advanced manufacturing practices, particularly in cybersecurity practices.  Your Committee concludes that the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation can reduce the State's reliance on imports and increase the efficiency of local supply chains by focusing on cybersecurity in the manufacturing industry.

     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 concurs with the intent and purpose of S.R. No. 24 and recommends its adoption.

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