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HB1615
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
H.B. NO.
1615
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026
STATE OF HAWAII
A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating
to the hawaii technology development corporation
.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
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SECTION
1.
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The legislature finds that
established ocean industries, including shipping and fishing, have evolved into
innovation-driven sectors such as ocean technology, marine robotics, offshore
energy, and ocean data systems.
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The
World Bank defines the "blue economy" as the sustainable use of ocean
resources to support economic growth, improve livelihoods, and create jobs,
while maintaining the long-term health of ocean ecosystems.
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The
legislature further finds that the blue economy represents one of the
fastest-growing economic opportunities globally, encompassing industries such
as marine construction, ship and boat building, marine transportation, energy,
tourism and recreation, fisheries and fishery-related businesses, aquaculture,
marine biotechnology, ocean and coastal management, and conservation.
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The blue economy is projected to double in
value to an estimated $3,000,000,000,000 by 2030, with growth increasingly
driven by technological innovation.
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The
legislature also finds that Hawaii is uniquely positioned to be a nationally
competitive leader in the blue economy.
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Located at the center of the Pacific Ocean, Hawaii serves as a strategic
crossroads for ocean-based industries, research, and innovation, building upon
the longstanding knowledge and stewardship Native Hawaiians have maintained
with the ocean.
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However,
the legislature finds that, to remain competitive with other coastal states and
international regions, the State must modernize its approach and more
strategically leverage its technological, infrastructure, and manufacturing
capabilities, including marine biotechnology, autonomous maritime systems,
maritime cybersecurity, shipping, ports and harbors, and ocean data and
observation systems.
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The
legislature additionally finds that numerous states, including Alaska,
California, Connecticut, Florida, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Oregon, Rhode
Island, and Washington, have advanced their participation in the blue economy
through strategic initiatives, legislation, and the development of ocean
technology hubs.
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The
legislature further finds that the Hawaii technology development corporation,
as the state agency supporting technology development and commercialization, is
an appropriate entity to coordinate efforts to advance the blue economy.
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The Hawaii technology development corporation
has existing relationships across public, private, academic, and federal
partners and has the capacity to support strategy development, facilitate
access to capital, support workforce development, and advance the
commercialization of ocean-related technologies.
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Accordingly,
the purpose of this Act is to require the Hawaii technology development corporation
to contract for the services of a consultant with technical expertise to
support the development, coordination, and implementation of the State's blue
economy strategy, including activities related to maritime, aquaculture,
coastal resiliency, and ocean observation and sensing technologies, and
appropriate funds for this purpose.
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SECTION 2.
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(a)
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The
Hawaii technology development corporation shall contract for the services of a
consultant to support the development, coordination, and implementation of
ocean technology and innovation initiatives.
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(b)
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The ocean technology and innovation
initiatives developed, coordinated, and implemented pursuant to this section shall
include but not be limited to:
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(1)
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Developing a statewide blue economy and ocean
technology and innovation strategy that supports the State's broader blue
economy objectives and provides a clear vision, implementation roadmap with
milestones, defined stakeholder roles, and actionable implementation steps;
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(2)
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Coordinating cross-agency collaboration with
missions that intersect with the blue economy, including but not limited to the
department of business, economic development, and tourism; department of land
and natural resources; department of transportation; department of agriculture;
Hawaii emergency management agency; office of Hawaiian affairs; university of
Hawaii; natural energy laboratory of Hawaii authority; and other relevant
entities;
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(3)
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Conducting research and analysis of
ocean-related industries, including regulatory and permitting frameworks,
capital needs, workforce requirements, infrastructure gaps, innovative
solutions, and opportunities for public�private partnerships and community
engagement;
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(4)
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Pursuing public, private, and federal funding
opportunities to support the development, deployment, and commercialization of
ocean technology and innovation;
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(5)
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Recommending legislation and policy actions to
strengthen Hawaii's competitiveness in the blue economy;
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(6)
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Providing technical, operational, and project
management support to the corporation to accelerate the corporation's ocean
innovation initiative during the interim period prior to the establishment of
permanent staff and sustained resources;
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(7)
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Preparing and submitting an annual report to
the legislature, in accordance with applicable statutory reporting
requirements, detailing the activities, outcomes, and progress achieved under
this contract;
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(8)
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Designing workforce development programs
aligned with maritime, coastal resiliency, and aquaculture sector needs; and
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(9)
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Supporting planning, feasibility analysis, and
the development of conceptual, architectural, and site plans necessary to
advance the establishment of a statewide ocean technology innovation hub to
support research, commercialization, workforce training, and public-private
collaboration in ocean and maritime technologies.
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SECTION 3.
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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 2026-2027 for the Hawaii technology development
corporation to procure the services of a consultant to support the development,
coordination, and implementation of ocean technology and innovation
initiatives, pursuant to section 2 of this Act.
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The sum
appropriated shall be expended by the Hawaii technology development corporation
for the purposes of this Act.
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SECTION 4.
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This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2026.
INTRODUCED BY:
_____________________________
Report Title:
Hawaii
Technology and Development Corporation; Blue Economy; Ocean Technology and
Innovation; Consultant; Appropriation
Description:
Requires
the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation to contract for the services of a
consultant to support the development, coordination, and implementation of certain
state ocean technology and innovation initiatives and appropriates funds for
this purpose.
The summary description
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not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.