Bill > HB197

This bill establishes the Hawaii Space Commission within the Department of Business, Economic Development, and Tourism to promote innovation in space exploration and commercial aerospace. The commission will be governed by a nine-member board, with three members appointed each by the governor, senate president, and house speaker, prioritizing individuals with experience in areas like commercial aerospace, civil aviation, military aerospace, and space-related research. The commission's key responsibilities include identifying research and funding opportunities to strengthen space flight infrastructure, enhance aerospace industries' integration into Hawaii's economy, and support workforce training in space exploration. The bill creates a Space Exploration and Aeronautics Research Special Fund to provide grants to eligible entities such as businesses, nonprofits, and governmental organizations involved in space exploration and research. The commission will develop an annual strategic plan, submit annual reports to the legislature, and have the power to solicit grants, acquire property, procure insurance, and make grants to promote space-related economic development. An executive director will be appointed to lead the commission's operations, who will be exempt from standard state hiring procedures. The bill includes appropriations for establishing and operating the commission, with the act set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Business and Industry

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=197&year=2026