REQUESTING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE SPACE ECONOMY WORKING GROUP TO STUDY AND DEVELOP A STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK FOR ADVANCING HAWAII'S SPACE ECONOMY.

HCR71

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
i
dentify
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