RELATING TO THE MILITARY AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICE.

SB3240

THE SENATE

S.B. NO.

3240

THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026

STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

RELATING
TO THE MILITARY AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICE
.

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 federal defense‑related contracting represents a
significant share of Hawaii's economy and provides substantial opportunities
for local businesses and residents.
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The
legislature further finds that federal investment in military and defense
activities has increased substantially in recent years, with congressional
appropriations for defense growing by approximately $1,000,000,000 annually
over the past few fiscal years.

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The legislature also finds that, consistent
with the organization and purpose of the executive branch under chapter 26,
Hawaii Revised Statutes, effective coordination among state agencies and
between state, federal, and military partners is a core governmental function
necessary for the efficient administration of public programs and services.
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The military and community relations office
serves as the State's central point of coordination on military and defense-related
matters.
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Strengthening the capacity and
effectiveness of this office will improve intergovernmental coordination,
enhance communication and responsiveness, and support the effective delivery of
public services related to defense activities, workforce development,
infrastructure, and community relations.

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Additionally, the legislature finds that
Hawaii, due to its strategic location and military presence, captures a
meaningful portion of federal defense investment, and that defense-related
expenditures constitute a significant share of the State's economy, relative to
other states.
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Increasing Hawaii's
ability to compete for and perform federal work requires coordinated
investments in:

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(1)
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Local
business readiness and compliance support;

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(2)
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Workforce
education-to-career pathways that lead to job placement; and

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(3)
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In-state
advanced manufacturing, repair, and sustainment capacity that strengthens the
State's industrial base and reduces long lead times for critical parts and
services.

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The legislature believes that effective
workforce and industry development efforts must align training with employer
demand, connect participants to internships and job placement, and track
measurable outcomes through periodic reporting.
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The legislature also believes that strategic
coordination is necessary to integrate the exposure of students in grades
kindergarten through twelve to early college opportunities, internships, and
direct-to-career pathways, and to align workforce development with Hawaii's
evolving industrial and defense-related needs.

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Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to strengthen
Hawaii's defense-related workforce pathways, local business readiness, and
in-state manufacturing and sustainment capacity and improve public service
delivery, economic resilience, and the State's ability to capture and retain
federal investment by making an appropriation to the military and community
affairs office to enhance the State's capacity for intergovernmental
coordination and effective administration of defense-related programs.

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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 $1,300,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year
2026-2027 to carry out intergovernmental coordination, communication, and
program administration responsibilities related to military and defense
activities, workforce development, business readiness, and in‑state
manufacturing and sustainment capacity.

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The sum appropriated shall be expended by
the military and community relations office of the department of business,
economic development, and tourism for the purposes of this Act.

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SECTION 3.
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The department of business, economic development, and tourism, through
the military and community relations office, may collaborate with other state
departments and agencies, federal and military partners, educational
institutions, and private-sector stakeholders, as appropriate, to carry out 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:

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Report Title:

DBEDT;
Military and Community Relations Office; Intergovernmental coordination;
Defense-related workforce development; Advanced manufacturing and sustainment;
Business readiness; Appropriation

Description:

Appropriates
moneys to the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism through
the Military Affairs Community Relations Office to strengthen intergovernmental
coordination for military and defense activities.

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