HCR 71: Requesting the establishment of the space economy working group to study and develop a strategic framework for advancing Hawaii's space economy.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.C.R. NO.	71
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII

HOUSE CONCURRENT

RESOLUTION

 

 

Requesting the establishment of the space economy working group to study and develop a strategic framework for advancing Hawaii's space economy.

 

 

 

     WHEREAS, the global space economy is experiencing rapid growth and diversification, encompassing satellite communications, earth observation, navigation services, launch and reentry operations, advanced manufacturing, space situational awareness, and emerging commercial space activities; and

 

     WHEREAS, space-based technologies support critical functions including disaster response, climate monitoring, environmental management, transportation safety, agriculture, telecommunications, and national and economic security; and

 

     WHEREAS, Hawaii's unique geographic location, existing research institutions, skilled workforce, military and civil space-related assets, and strong connections to the Pacific region position the State to participate meaningfully in the expanding space sector; and

 

     WHEREAS, the development of a responsible space economy in Hawaii presents opportunities to diversify the State's economic base, strengthen high-skilled career pathways for Hawaii residents, support science and technology education, and reduce economic reliance on a narrow set of industries; and

 

     WHEREAS, thoughtful planning is necessary to ensure that space-related activities are aligned with Hawaii's environmental stewardship values:  cultural considerations, land use priorities, and community interests; and

 

     WHEREAS, coordination among state agencies, academic institutions, private industry, workforce development entities, and community stakeholders is essential to identify opportunities, avoid duplication, and establish a clear strategic direction; and

 

     WHEREAS, a comprehensive assessment is needed to evaluate Hawaii's existing capabilities, infrastructure, regulatory environment, workforce readiness, research capacity, and potential market niches within the global space economy; now, therefore,

 

     BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Representatives of the Thirty-third Legislature of the State of Hawaii, Regular Session of 2026, the Senate concurring, that the Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism is requested to convene the  Space Economy Working Group, to study and develop a strategic framework for advancing Hawaii's participation in the space economy; and

 

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the working group is requested to comprise the following members:

      

     (1)  The Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism, or the Director's designee, who shall serve as the chairperson of the working group;

 

     (2)  The President of the University of Hawaii, or the President's designee;

 

     (3)  The Director of Labor and Industrial Relations, or the Director's designee;

 

     (4)  The Executive Director of the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation, or the Executive Director's designee;

 

     (5)  The Director of the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development, or the Director's designee; and

 

     (6)  Other individuals from relevant state agencies, private industries, research organizations, workforce development programs, Native Hawaiian organizations, environmental stakeholders, and community groups invited by the Chairperson to become members of the working group; and

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the working group is requested to examine and provide recommendations on:

 

     (1)  Existing space-related assets, capabilities, and ongoing activities within the State;

 

     (2)  Opportunities for economic diversification and high-quality job creation in space-related sectors;

 

     (3)  Workforce development, education, and training pathways to prepare local residents for space and advanced technology careers;

 

     (4)  Research, innovation, and technology commercialization opportunities;

 

     (5)  Infrastructure and facility needs, including communications, testing, data, and other supporting systems;

 

     (6)  Regulatory, policy, and permitting considerations affecting space-related activities;

 

     (7)  Environmental stewardship, cultural considerations, and community engagement principles to guide responsible development;

 

     (8)  Opportunities for public-private partnerships and regional or international collaboration; and

 

     (9)  Strategies to position Hawaii in niche areas such as Earth observation, climate and ocean monitoring, space situational awareness, small satellite operations, and other sectors aligned with the State's strengths; and

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the working group is requested to submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the Regular Session of 2027; and

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that certified copies of this Concurrent Resolution be transmitted to the Governor; Director of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; President of the University of Hawaii; Director of Labor and Industrial Relations; Chief Executive Officer of the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation; and Director of the Office of Planning and Sustainable Development.

 

 

 

	OFFERED BY:	_____________________________

Report Title:

Space Economy Working Group; DBEBT; UH; DLIR; HDTC; OPSD