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HB546
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
H.B. NO.
546
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025
STATE OF HAWAII
A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating
to artificial intelligence
.
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 artificial
intelligence technologies are rapidly transforming industries and societies
worldwide by enabling computers and machines to simulate human learning,
comprehension, problem solving, decision making, creativity, and autonomy.
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Therefore, establishing an artificial
intelligence institute in Hawaii will:
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(1)
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Promote research and innovation in artificial
intelligence tailored to Hawaii's unique cultural, economic, and environmental
needs;
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(2)
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Advance workforce development and education to
prepare residents for the artificial intelligence-driven future;
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(3)
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Foster public-private partnerships to leverage
resources and drive economic growth;
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(4)
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Ensure that artificial intelligence
development aligns with ethical principles and benefits for all residents of
Hawaii; and
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(5)
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Provide access to advanced computing
infrastructure, artificial intelligence and data science expertise, immersive
visualization technologies, and collaborative workspaces to support research,
education, and creative projects.
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The
legislature further finds that
as
the sole institution of public higher education in the State, the university of
Hawaii has the unique capacity to draw upon its academic disciplines, research
strengths, and professional programs to serve as the hub for Hawaii artificial
intelligence development in areas such as renewable energy, climate resilience,
space sciences and engineering, health, sustainable agriculture, additive
manufacturing, creative media, and cultural preservation.
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The legislature also finds that activities of the artificial
intelligence institute could take place, in part, at the several campuses and
academic and professional programs across the university of Hawaii system.
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In turn, faculty associated with the artificial
intelligence institute could actively contribute to its vision by participating
in interdisciplinary research, community engagement, and student mentoring and
securing grants that align with the institute's mission and the State's
economic roadmap.
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Through this mutual
commitment, the artificial intelligence institute could serve as a model of
excellence for regional, place-based innovation, workforce development,
knowledge creation, cultural enrichment, and social good to serve Hawaii and
the nation.
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Additionally,
due to artificial intelligence's importance to the State, funding an institute
dedicated to research, governance and ethics, development, and applications of
artificial intelligence and related technologies is in the public interest and a
matter of statewide concern.
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The
purpose of this Act is to establish and appropriate funds for an artificial
intelligence institute within the university of Hawaii to develop, support, and
advance artificial intelligence initiatives statewide.
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SECTION
2.
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Chapter 304A, Hawaii Revised
Statutes, is amended by adding a new subpart to part IV to be appropriately
designated and to read as follows:
"
.
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aloha intelligence institute
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304A-
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Aloha intelligence institute; artificial
intelligence; established.
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(a)
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There is established the aloha intelligence
institute under the office of the vice president for research and innovation at
the university of Hawaii.
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(b)
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The institute shall:
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(1)
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Facilitate interdisciplinary research and
development in artificial intelligence with a focus on areas relevant to
Hawaii, including but not limited to:
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(A)
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Climate resilience and disaster management;
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(B)
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Sustainable agriculture, food security, and
marine resource management;
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(C)
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Health care advancements and equitable delivery
of patient care;
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(D)
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Renewable energy optimization;
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(E)
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Creative media and other emerging industries;
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(F)
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Advanced manufacturing and rapid prototyping;
and
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(G)
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Cultural and linguistic preservation;
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(2)
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Foster training and education programs,
including but not limited to:
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(A)
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Artificial intelligence-related undergraduate
and graduate degree programs;
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(B)
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Artificial intelligence-related training for
university faculty and staff;
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(C)
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Workforce development initiatives;
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(D)
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Community outreach and K-12 educational
programs; and
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(E)
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Creation of student pathways in artificial
intelligence-related fields that align with efforts from the department of
education;
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(3)
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Partner with public and private entities to
promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation in artificial
intelligence-related fields; and
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(4)
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Develop ethical guidelines and policies for
the use of artificial intelligence in Hawaii.
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(c)
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The institute shall be led by a director, who
shall convene an advisory board consisting of the following members:
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(1)
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Representatives from across the university of
Hawaii system and other academic institutions;
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(2)
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Representatives from relevant state agencies;
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(3)
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Global, national, and local leaders from
technology, business, and nonprofit sectors; and
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(4)
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Community leaders, including Native Hawaiian
and cultural experts.
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(d)
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Aside from general funding from the
legislature, the institute may seek additional funding through federal research
grants, partnerships with private sector organizations, and philanthropic
contributions.
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(e)
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The institute shall submit a biannual report
to the legislature and the governor.
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The
report shall include:
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(1)
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A summary of activities and achievements;
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(2)
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Financial statements and funding updates; and
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(3)
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Recommendations for future initiatives and
funding needs."
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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 $2,000,000 or so much
thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2025-2026 to establish faculty of
practice and administrative professional technical positions within the aloha
intelligence institute and to develop, support, and advance artificial
intelligence initiatives statewide pursuant to section 304A- ,
Hawaii Revised Statutes, as follows:
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(1)
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$1,500,000 for ten full-time equivalent (10.0
FTE) permanent positions; and
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(2)
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$500,000 for seven full-time equivalent (7.0
FTE) non-recurring positions and start-up expenses.
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The sum
appropriated shall be expended by the
university of Hawaii for the purposes of this Act.
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SECTION
4.
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There is appropriated out of the
general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $2,000,000 or so much
thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 to establish faculty of
practice and administrative professional technical positions within the aloha
intelligence institute and to develop, support, and advance artificial
intelligence initiatives statewide pursuant to section 304A- ,
Hawaii Revised Statutes, as follows:
����
(1)
�
$1,500,000 for ten full-time equivalent (10.0
FTE) permanent positions; and
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(2)
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$500,000 for non-recurring start-up expenses.
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The sum
appropriated shall be expended by the university
of Hawaii for the purposes of this Act.
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SECTION 5.
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This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2025.
INTRODUCED BY:
_____________________________
Report Title:
Aloha
Intelligence Institute; Artificial Intelligence; University of Hawaii;
Appropriation
Description:
Establishes
and appropriates funds to establish the aloha intelligence institute within the
university of Hawaii to develop, support, and advance artificial intelligence
initiatives statewide.
The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.