RELATING TO THE HAWAII TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION.

SB3166

THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

3166

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 the Hawaii technology development corporation's
statutory mandate under chapter 206M, Hawaii Revised Statutes, includes
facilitating the growth of the technology industry, supporting startups,
developing technology infrastructure, encouraging commercialization,
coordinating statewide innovation efforts, and promoting Hawaii as a location
for technology-based economic activity.

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In
2025, the legislature adopted S.C.R. No. 40 (2025) and H.C.R. No. 156
(2025) urging the Hawaii technology development corporation to increase its
focus on advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity.
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This direction reflects the legislature's
recognition that advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity are critical enablers
of economic resilience, supply-chain security, workforce development, and
national competitiveness.

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The
legislature also finds that the Hawaii technology development corporation
previously relied on federal funding through the National Institute of
Standards and Technology's Manufacturing Extension Partnership to support
advanced manufacturing initiatives statewide.
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With the termination of this funding, the
corporation currently lacks sufficient internal capacity to continue these
efforts, respond to legislative direction, and support Hawaii manufacturers,
defense-adjacent industries, and emerging technology companies.
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The legislature further finds that effective technology
and innovation ecosystem development also requires sustained investment in
marketing, branding, and outreach to increase awareness of Hawaii's technology
programs, attract talent and investment, and ensure participation across all
islands.

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Accordingly,
the purpose of this Act is to strengthen the State's technology and innovation
ecosystem by appropriating funds to the Hawaii technology development
corporation for the establishment of necessary positions.

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SECTION 2.
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There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii
the sum of $100,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year
2026-2027 for the establishment of one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) permanent
advance manufacturing and cybersecurity specialist position within the Hawaii
technology development corporation to lead statewide initiatives, including but
not limited to:

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(1)
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Supporting
activities formerly funded through the National Institute of Standards and
Technology's Manufacturing Extension Partnership;

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(2)
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Advancing legislative priorities related to
advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity, including ecosystem coordination and
industry support;

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(3)
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Providing technical assistance to Hawaii
manufacturers, suppliers, and technology companies to improve productivity,
security, and resilience; and

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(4)
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Supporting workforce development,
cybersecurity readiness, and federal grant competitiveness in advanced
manufacturing and related sectors.

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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 3.
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There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii
the sum of $100,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year
2026-2027 for the establishment of one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) permanent
marketing and branding specialist position with the Hawaii technology
development corporation to support the corporation's strategic plan, including
but not limited to:

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(1)
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Marketing technology programs, facilities, and funding
opportunities administered or supported by the corporation;

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(2)
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Developing and managing statewide branding
efforts to strengthen the State's technology and innovation ecosystem;

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(3)
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Managing public information, outreach,
communications, and stakeholder engagement;

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(4)
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Supporting conferences, events,
talent-attraction initiatives, and ecosystem convenings; and

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(5)
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Advancing the objectives of the corporation's
strategic plan and legislative priorities.

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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:

HTDC;
Advanced Manufacturing; Cybersecurity; Marketing and Branding; Positions;
Appropriation

Description:

Appropriates
funds to establish one full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) permanent Advanced
Manufacturing and Cybersecurity Specialist position and one full-time
equivalent (1.0 FTE) permanent Marketing and Branding Specialist position
within the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation.

The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.