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SB3167
THE SENATE
S.B. NO.
3167
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 trillion 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 further 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, enacted
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 conduct a study supporting the
development and coordination of the State's blue economy strategy, including
activities related to maritime, aquaculture, coastal resiliency, and ocean
observation and sensing technologies.
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SECTION 2.
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(a)
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The Hawaii technology
development corporation shall procure the services of a third-party consultant to
develop a statewide blue economy and ocean technology and innovation strategy
that supports the State's blue economy objectives and the development,
coordination, and implementation of ocean technology and ocean initiatives, including
but not limited to:
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(1)
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Developing
a strategy that 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; 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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Providing
technical, operational, and project management support to the corporation to
accelerate its ocean innovation initiatives during the interim period before
the establishment of permanent staff and sustained resources;
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(6)
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Designing
workforce development programs aligned with maritime, coastal resiliency, and
aquaculture sector needs; and
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(7)
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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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(b)
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The Hawaii technology development corporation shall submit an annual
report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation,
to the legislature no later than twenty days prior to the convening of each
regular session for the duration of the third-party consultant's contract.
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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 a third-party
consultant to support the development, coordination, and implementation of
ocean technology and innovation initiatives.
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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:
Department
of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism; HTDC; Blue Economy; Ocean and
Maritime Technology; Workforce Development; Coastal Resiliency; Aquaculture;
Report; Appropriation
Description:
Requires the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation to procure
a third-party consultant to develop a statewide blue economy and ocean
technology and innovation strategy.
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Requires an annual report to the Legislature.
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Appropriates funds.
The summary description
of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is
not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.